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INDEX 2-0 win over DOW JONES QE NYMEX QATAR 2-6, 20 COMMENT 18, 19 REGION 7 BUSINESS 1–7, 11-16 Doha Bank achieves Turkmenistan 21,640.75 9,502.36 47.10 ARAB WORLD 7 CLASSIFIED 8-11 +66.02 +108.63 +0.70 INTERNATIONAL 8–17 SPORTS 1–8 QR716mn profi t in H1 +0.31% +1.16% +1.51% Latest Figures published in QATAR since 1978

THURSDAY Vol. XXXVIII No. 10520 July 20, 2017 Shawwal 26, 1438 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals ‘Skate Girls’ show opens US intelligence In brief offi cials confi rm QATAR | Crisis NHRC: Separate rights and political diff erences The Chairman of the National UAE hand in Human Rights Committee (NHRC), Dr Ali bin Smaikh al-Marri, has underlined the importance of separating the file of human rights and political differences as well as Qatar Museums (QM) chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa avoiding its politicisation in dealing al-Thani at the opening of the ‘Skate Girls of Kabul’ exhibition at QM Gallery in Katara with the Gulf crisis, which the yesterday. Being held until October 21, the exhibition features the works of renowned QNA hacking NHRC had warned of and which has British photographer Jessica Fulford-Dobson and marks its first appearance in the also been emphasised by French Middle East. Page 4 Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian Q Fake news played major role in Gulf crisis, says US during his visit to Doha last week. In a press conference yesterday, ake news designed to harm Qa- Dr al-Marri called for justice for the tar’s relations with the US played O US overheard UAE off icials discussing hack plan on May 23 victims of the illegal siege imposed Fa major role in the diplomatic split O American off icials confirm Washington Post report by Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and between the Gulf nation and its neigh- O US sees UAE as ultimately responsible for the cyberattack Egypt on Qatar since June 5, and bours, say both American offi cials and Qatar full partner O for reparation of the their rights. the Qatari government according to an NBC News finds Qatar was target of another fake story Page 20 NBC News report. A US intelligence offi cial said that the QATAR | Siege quotes attributed to His Highness the the idea that Al Qaeda received any in anti-terrorism MoI briefi ng on money. Instead, the ransom was given Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Tha- Chamber initiative to ni were phony and part of a campaign to hacking today to the Iraqi government, which had se- identify losses of fi rms hurt Qatar. Several offi cials confi rmed The Ministry of Interior (MoI) will hold cured the captives’ release. The Iraqis Qatar Chamber (QC) has launched the report in the Washington Post that the fi rst press conference in Doha kept the money instead of giving it to an initiative aimed at identifying fi ght, says US someone working for the United Arab the kidnappers, according to one of the today to give an update of the Qatar losses sustained by Qatari Emirates (UAE) government hacked into News Agency (QNA) hack and the false offi cials. companies from the economic O Annual Country Report on statement by Qatar’s Foreign Minister Qatari news sites and social media on statements published in May. The MoI None of the three offi cials were will- blockade imposed by Saudi Arabia Terrorism 2016 says UAE uses HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman May 24 to plant the false comments at- investigation team will share detailed ing to portray the fake ransom story as and its allies, it was announced laws to pursue cases against al-Thani: “Neglecting education means tributed to the Emir. technical information and discuss the work of the UAE or any of the other yesterday. In a statement, QC said political dissidents, activists that whole generations would become The intelligence offi cial said the op- the timeline of activity leading up to countries besieging Qatar, but didn’t it recently published an online more vulnerable to human traffi cking or eratives who carried out the hack may the hack, HE Sheikh Saif bin Ahmed dispute it could be part of a broader ef- questionnaire on its website to n its annual Country Report on Ter- falling prey to terrorism”. have been private contractors, but US al-Thani, Director of the Government fort to discredit the country. monitor and identify the extent rorism 2016, the US Department of The report added that “the Govern- authorities see the UAE as ultimately Communications Offi ce said. Regarding the money paid to free the of the damage caused by the IState has praised the “full partner- ment of Qatar has made progress on responsible. hostages, Al Jazeera, quoting an offi cial economic blockade to Qatari ship” between the US and Qatar in the countering the fi nancing of terrorism The Post reported that the US had statement had said: “Qatar has provid- companies. Page 2 fi ght against terrorism, highlighting (CFT), but terrorist fi nanciers within overheard UAE offi cials discussing the as much as $1bn, to Al Qaeda-linked ter- ed funds to Iraq in an offi cial, clear and the public role of Doha in the Global the country are still able to exploit Qa- plan on May 23. The next day, the Emir’s rorists and an Iranian-linked militia in public manner. Qatar did not deal with QATAR | Telecoms Coalition to defeat ISIS. tar’s informal fi nancial system.” purported remarks spread via social April to gain the release of a group of roy- armed groups outside the authority of The report stressed that Qatar co- On the UAE, the report stated that media after the hacking of Qatar News als who had been kidnapped on a hunting the Iraqi state.” Vodafone restores operated and worked to strengthen the country “remained a regional and Agency’s website, leading the UAE and trip to southern Iraq in late 2015. Both the stories (the QNA website 2G, 3G networks regional and international co-opera- global fi nancial and transportation hub, three other countries to break relations The purported ransom, according to comments attributed to the Emir and Vodafone Qatar announced tion against terrorism and supported and terrorist organisations exploited it with Qatar, and then block air, truck regional news media, was highlighted the ransom report) are false and appar- yesterday that it had recovered the signifi cantly in facilitating US military to send and receive fi nancial support.” and ship traffi c to the country. The siege as another example of how Qatar was ently planted, say senior US offi cials. company’s network on 2G and 3G operations in the region. The report The report also referred to the inter- has now been in place for more than a supporting and fi nancing terrorism. NBC News said that logs of traffi c to voice calls to Vodafone numbers also pointed out that the US security national human rights non-govern- month. The media cited “militant groups” and the QNA’s website “show a spike in vis- and international calls, as well as agencies and their Qatari counterparts mental organisations’ and activists’ NBC News quoted Qatari offi cials as “government offi cials in the region” as its from the UAE during the hour before data capability. The company said it have a strong and constructive rela- “claim[s] that the UAE uses the coun- saying that the Qatari government sent sources for the ransom tale. At least one the hacking incident occurred, which was continuing to work towards full tionship, especially in the exchange of ter-terrorism and cyber crime laws as notices to all regional broadcasters and major international publication picked suggests that people in the UAE were restoration of all services as soon as terrorist-related information. cover to pursue cases against political media outlets within 45 minutes say- up the story. clearly anticipating the appearance of possible. In an infographic posted With regard to the Saudi-led Islamic dissidents and activists.” ing that the news agency’s site had been According to three US intelligence the hacked material. Once the fabricat- on Vodafone Qatar’s social media alliance, the report said that Qatar sup- With regard to Saudi Arabia, the re- hacked. offi cials, the ransom story is simply not ed quotes appeared, they immediately accounts around 7pm, the telecoms ported this alliance in its war against ter- port said that despite the measures “These corrections were promptly true. In the words of one, “Hardly any- became big news in the UAE and Saudi service provider said calls and text rorism. The report also referred to Doha’s Riyadh maintained to stop fi nancing acknowledged everywhere except the thing about the Qatari (ransom) story in Arabia.” messages to/from Vodafone Qatar, basic strategy to counter violent extrem- of terrorism, “funds are allegedly col- UAE and Saudi Arabia, where media the news media is correct.” The UAE embassy in Washington has 3G data services, international calls ism through its investment in educa- lected in secret and illicitly transferred outlets continued to cite the fake quotes. Two other US offi cials told NBC News denied the allegations in a statement and roaming services had been tion. In this regard, the report quoted a out of the country in cash”. “The fake quotes and tweets were that they would “steer you away” from Pages 2, 20 restored. Page 2 then used as a pretext for the launch- ing of an economic, political and so- REGION | Confl ict FT : Siege jeopardises Gulf’s position as business haven cial blockade of Qatar on June 5, and Qatar faults ‘disorganised’ conduct by Saudi-led group the contents of the fabricated quotes A government offi cial in Qatar yesterday He said there has been no offi cial Aid fl ight carrying The siege imposed on Qatar has cargo destined for Qatar, including provided the source material for the 13 said the four Arab states blockading the communication made to Qatar directly journalists barred jeopardised the Gulf’s hard-won position shipments via a third country, the report ‘non-negotiable’ demands that were country have acted dangerously and in a or via the US or Kuwait, which have tried as a haven of business stability within said. UAE offi cials have threatened A Saudi-led coalition fighting lodged against Qatar on June 23.” “disorganised manner” aft er apparently to mediate in the crisis. the restive Middle East, a Financial Times further restrictions against businesses in Yemen has barred a United The Qatari offi cials also said that changing their demands. “These latest comments are another report said yesterday. The private sector that carry on doing business with Qatar. Nations aid flight from heading prior to the hack, Qatar had received lit- Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain example of the dangerous and has been left reeling by the move from Multinationals operating out of the to the country’s rebel-held capital tle coverage in the US. “That changed in said on Tuesday that Qatar should disorganised manner in which the illegal the siege that broke business ties, dealt regional business hub of Dubai are with journalists on board, the late April when a series of 13 anti-Qatar commit to six principles on combating blockade has been conducted,” he said in a blow to cross-border investments, and already having to decide whether their UN and Yemen’s government op-eds appeared over a six-week period terrorism and negotiate a plan to an e-mailed response to questions from caused uncertainty and confusion and Qatar business is lucrative enough to said yesterday. “The coalition in a variety of mainstream and on-line implement them. The four countries had the Associated Press. pushed up costs. The regional trans- risk censure in Saudi Arabia, the UAE suspended the UN flight leaving print publications.” initially made 13 sweeping demands. “At fi rst there were no demands, but shipment hub of Jebel Ali has barred and Egypt. “The crisis has encouraged Djibouti for Sanaa on Tuesday as Separately, NBC News has found, Qa- Sheikh Saif bin Ahmed al-Thani, director following pressure from mediating Qatar-bound vessels until further notice. companies to think about restructuring there were three BBC journalists on tar was the target of another fake news of Qatar’s Government Communications countries, the blockaders leaked a list of UAE authorities have also notifi ed to keep UAE and Qatar operations board,” Saleh Humeidi, a top official story a week after the May hack. In this Offi ce, said the four countries have demands that was quickly deemed neither freight-forwarders not to handle any separate,”. with Yemen’s information ministry, case, there were reports that the Qatari “regularly issued confl icting statements”. reasonable nor actionable,” he added. said. Page 7 government had paid a ransom, perhaps From 13 demands Saudi bloc climbs down to six ‘principles’ Q Qatar has rejected any demand that threatens its sovereignty or violate international law

Agencies extremism and to end acts of provoca- dullah al-Mouallimi said their foreign ones aired by its conservative neigh- ping incitement to hatred and violence, ment to violence and hate speech was New York tion and incitement. ministers had agreed the six principles bours. Hence one of the reasons why and refraining from interfering in the essential. “If the only way to achieve Qatar has vehemently denied any at a meeting in Cairo on July 5 and that Qatar’s Al Jazeera network has been such internal aff airs of other countries. that is by closing down Al Jazeera, fi ne,” support to terrorists and refused to they “should be easy for the Qataris to a thorn in their sides,” BBC added. Mouallimi stressed that there would he was quoted by the Associated Press fter fi nding there are no takers agree to any measures that threaten accept”. “Qatar considers the Muslim Broth- be “no compromise” on the principles, as saying. “If we can achieve that with- for the 13-point list of demands its sovereignty or violate international “This latest development does, on the erhood a peaceful, political force. But but added that both sides would be able out closing down Al Jazeera, that’s also Asubmitted by the four Arab na- law, and denounced the “siege” im- surface, hint at a possible way out of the Qatar’s opponents in the region con- to discuss how to implement them. fi ne. The important thing is the objec- tions blockading Qatar, they are now posed by its neighbours. current standoff between Qatar and its sider the Brotherhood to be a terrorist The list of 13 demands handed to Qa- tive and the principle involved.” asking Doha to accept “six broad prin- According to the BBC, at a briefi ng neighbours. But it is unlikely to provide organisation that is an existential threat tar on June 22 included shutting down UAE permanent representative Lana ciples” to end the Gulf crisis. for a group of UN correspondents in a permanent solution,” the BBC said. to their rule. These diff erences have yet the Al Jazeera news network, closing a Nusseibeh said if Qatar was “unwilling Diplomats from Saudi Arabia, the New York on Tuesday, diplomats from “The problem comes down to how to be resolved.” Turkish military base, cutting ties with to accept core principles around what UAE, Bahrain and Egypt told reporters the four countries – Saudi Arabia, the countries choose to interpret ‘extrem- According to the New York Times, the Muslim Brotherhood and down- defi nes terrorism or extremism in our re- at the UN they now wanted Qatar to ac- UAE, Bahrain and Egypt – said they ism and terrorism’. Qatar has long prided Qatar has been combating terrorism grading relations with Iran. gion, it will be very diffi cult” for it to re- cept “six broad principles” including wanted to resolve the crisis amicably. itself on giving voice to alternative views and extremism, denying fi nancing and Mouallimi said closing Al Jazeera main in the GCC. Qatar has denied aid- commitments to combat terrorism and Saudi permanent representative Ab- to the edited, government-approved safe havens to terrorist groups, stop- might not be needed but stopping incite- ing jihadist groups or Islamic State (IS). Gulf Times 2 Thursday, July 20, 2017 QATAR

First batch of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft arrives in Doha

he fi rst batch of the Paki- stani primary trainer air- Tcraft (Super Mushshak) has arrived in Doha, the moral guidance directorate of the De- fence Ministry announced yes- terday. On this occasion, Qatar Armed Forces held a launch event at Al Zaeem Mohamed Bin Abdullah Al Atiyyah Air College under the patronage of HE the Chief of Staff , Major General Ghanim bin Shaheen al-Ghanim, Major-General Ahmed bin Ibrahim al-Malki, Deputy Commander of the Emiri Air Force and a high-level delegation from Pakistan which included Offi cers from the Pa- kistan Air Force, several mem- bers of the embassy and the Pa- Emiri Air Force and Pakistani Air Force personnel examining the Super Mushshak trainer aircraft. Personnel belonging to the Emiri and Pakistani air forces pose in front of a Mushshak trainer plane. kistani military attache. During the event, they re- is considered a unique and qual- development wouldn’t have Shaheen al-Ghanim. The MFI-17 Mushshak is tion toured the facilities of the The purchase agreement was viewed the college’s training pro- ity addition to the training air- happened if it weren’t for the The Pakistani Super Mush- produced by Pakistan Aeronau- college, training rooms, simu- signed in June 2016. grammes and its future plans. craft fl eet in the college. direct support it receives from shak aircraft will provide train- tical Complex and consists of lation systems and airfi elds. Al Zaeem Mohamed Bin Ab- Brigadier Salem Hamad Aqeel He added the development His Highness the Emir Sheikh ing support to the pilot can- two or three seats, with a wing- The aircraft which are used dullah Al Atiyyah Air College is al-Nabit, Commander of Al Za- plans pursued by the college are Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, HE didates of the college as these span of 8.85 meters, length 7.15 for vertical training will im- the fi rst military college in the eem Mohamed Bin Abdullah Al proceeding according to plan in Minister of State for Defence turbofan engine planes are used meters and a maximum speed of prove the college’s pilot candi- region to receive ISO 9001 qual- Atiyyah Air College, expressed line with the development in all Aff airs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed in primary and fundamental 268 km per hour. dates training and will substi- ity system certifi cation. The his pride at the arrival of the fi rst the other armed forces sectors. al-Attiyah and HE the Chief of military air training, in addition After exchanging souvenirs tute the Gazelle aircraft used college recently graduated the batch of Super Mushshak which Al-Nabit said the college’s Staff Major General Ghanim bin to parades and night fl ying. between both sides, the delega- currently. fourth batch of combat pilots. Qatar Chamber to Work on 3rd phase of Hamad identify losses of bin Khalifa City begins in Gaza QNA QFD has also completed the Doha work on His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani Hospital for Rehabilitation and he Qatar Fund for Devel- Prostheses. Installation of appli- fi rms from siege opment (QFD) has an- ances, equipment and hospital Tnounced start of the third furniture is currently being car- phase of His Highness Sheikh ried out at a total cost of about atar Chamber (QC) has Hamad bin Khalifa City, the big- $16mn. launched an initia- zQC has published online gest residential project in Khan Director of development Qtive aimed at identify- questionnaire to monitor Yunis governorate in southern projects in QFD, Mesfi r al- ing losses sustained by Qatari and identify the damage Gaza Strip. Shahwani said that these companies from the economic caused by economic Some 700 apartments at a projects come within the frame- blockade imposed by Saudi blockade total cost of $43mn will be con- work of Qatar’s contribution to Arabia and its allies, it was an- zCompanies aff ected by structed in the third phase of the the reconstruction of Gaza Strip. nounced yesterday. the economic blockade project. He pointed out that His High- In a statement, QC said it re- must attach all required QFD said in a statement that Some 700 apartments at a total cost of $43mn will be constructed in ness the Father Emir Sheikh cently published an online ques- documents under the fi rst and second phas- the third phase of the project. Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani had tionnaire on its website to moni- Saif bin Yousef al-Kuwari es 2,324 apartments were built at off ered $407mn grant which is tor and identify the extent of the a total cost of $113,895,600. completed in co-operation with of Salah Al Din Street was com- being spent on infrastructure, damage caused by the economic identifying damage caused by and offi cials of Qatari companies The statement pointed out that Gaza Reconstruction Commit- pleted and the third and fourth housing, health, education and blockade to Qatari companies. the blockade. to fi ll out the questionnaire and 68.6km of main roads project at a tee. Meanwhile, the second phase phases of the project in Khan Yu- agriculture projects in Gaza The questionnaire will aid the Al-Kuwari said the question- provide “accurate and correct cost of $117,517,900 is due to be of the project of rehabilitation nis governorate have started. Strip. Compensation Claims Com- naire aims to pinpoint the ac- information”. mittee in addressing the claims tual volume of transactions and He said companies aff ected made not only by Qatari compa- damage so that the “appropriate by the economic blockade must nies but also government bodies, legal measures” would be taken attach all required documents, OFFICIAL authorities, ministries, private “according to accurate and doc- which would be submitted later companies, public institutions umented information”. to the Compensation Claims and individuals, according to a “We have launched an online Committee. He noted that Blockade won’t stop Qatar from statement. questionnaire via the Chamber’s claims with unsupported docu- “The chamber is very inter- website through http://qatar- ments “would be dismissed”. ested in collecting accurate and chamber.com/?lang=en Al-Kuwari also praised the true information on the extent “The questionnaire shall be directives of QC chairman HE pursuing sustainable growth of the actual damage Qatari completed for each activity Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al- companies have sustained due separately. The actual damage Thani “for attempting to iden- Health Minister to the unfair blockade,” said (not the expected) shall be men- tify the damage to local com- QNA spreading education and em- meets British Saif bin Yousef al-Kuwari, who tioned during the period from panies due to the unfair siege, New York ployment around the world and heads the Committees & Busi- June 5, 2017 until the date of fi ll- and addressing all results to the its response for humanitarian ambassador ness Councils Department and ing of the questionnaire,” said Compensation Claims Com- emergencies that people face, the Economic Committee for al-Kuwari, who called on owners mittee”. he unilateral illegal land, the Minister added. sea and air siege imposed Such eff ort represents an au- HE the Minister of Public Health Ton Qatar by the Saudi- thentic component of Qatar’s Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari led bloc will not deviate it from culture, morals and ethics that met UK ambassador to Qatar Turkish troops begin joint exercises achieving sustainable develop- it has followed for years, and it Ajay Sharma in Doha yesterday. ment, prosperity and growth, refl ects its commitment to ef- During the meeting, they HE the Minister of Development fectively contribute to interna- discussed aspects of co- Planning and Statistics, Dr Saleh tional development, the Minis- operation between the two Mohamed Salem al-Nabit said ter said. countries in the fields of health yesterday. Qatar will host a high-level and means of enhancing and Speaking at the meeting of the HE Dr Saleh Mohamed Salem meeting of Economical and developing them. 2017 high-level political forum al-Nabit Social (ECOSOC) Forum on Fi- on sustainable development at nancing for Development for Qatar-British the United Nations (UN) head- tional Vision 2030, represented 2018 in November, the Minis- quarters in New York, the Min- in achieving sustainable devel- ter said, adding it falls in line ties reviewed ister said after the contrived cri- opment. with Qatar’s commitment to sis, Qatar is addressing the siege The Minister referred to the meet the challenges of devel- Alistair Burt, Minister of State with the power of truth, logic international indicators and opment financing in a spirit for the Middle East and North and transparency, along with the comparisons that refl ect Qatar’s of global partnership and soli- Africa and Minister of State for support of its friends in the re- continuous and steady progress darity. International Development of the gion and the world. in all the diff erent economic de- The Minister presented the United Kingdom, yesterday met The Minister stressed Qatar’s velopment indicators as well as achievements of Qatar in dif- Qatar’s ambassador to UK Yousef commitment to the UN charter the social, human, safety indica- ferent fields including social bin Ali al-Khater. The complementary group of the sixth batch of Turkish troops yesterday began joint exercises and and relevant international con- tors and peace in the world. security, health, education, They discussed bilateral relations manoeuvres with Qatari armed forces. The Turkish forces are in Qatar under a defence co-operation ventions in every step it takes, Qatar continues to meet its infrastructure, energy, envi- between Qatar and the UK and agreement between the governments of Qatar and Turkey aimed at maintaining security and reiterating that nothing would moral, ethical and religious ronmental protection, global means of developing them in combating terrorism and extremism in the region. deviate it from the path it chose commitments with regard to partnership and developmen- addition to issues of common and set for itself in Qatar Na- helping people in need through tal and humanitarian aids. concern. Vodafone Qatar restores 2G, 3G network service

odafone Qatar announced vider said calls and SMSes to/ all services as soon as possible,” network back-up and redun- aff ected by this incident and yesterday that it had re- from Vodafone Qatar, 3G data the company said in a statement. dancy systems. thank them for their patience. Vcovered the company’s services, international calls and Vodafone Qatar experienced a Vodafone said it had deployed We also want to assure custom- network on 2G and 3G voice calls roaming services had been re- major network outage with their all available resource to restore ers that the whole Vodafone to Vodafone numbers and in- stored. Home Location Register (HLR), full connectivity across the net- organisation is committed to ternational calls, as well as data Work on restoring services a key hardware component of work with the support of global regaining their trust and satis- capability. such as calls and SMSes to/from their core network, at 3.30am on network experts who fl ew into faction.” The company said it was con- other networks in Qatar and 4G Monday. Qatar on Tuesday morning. Once full service has been re- tinuing to work towards full res- data was in progress, the info- HLR failure directly im- Vodafone Qatar CEO Ian stored, Vodafone Qatar said it toration of all services as soon as graphic revealed. pacts the ability to make and Gray said, “The network out- will address the issue of recog- possible. According to Vodafone, cus- receive calls and data ses- age is extremely disappointing nising the customer inconven- In an infographic posted on tomers need to manually select sions, said Vodafone, adding and unprecedented. Our team ience that has arisen as a conse- Vodafone Qatar’s social media Vodafone’s 3G network in set- that the equipment failure is working around the clock to quence of the event “through an accounts around 7pm, the tel- tings. “Vodafone is continuing to took place during a network resolve the issue. We apologise appropriate means of compen- ecommunications service pro- work towards full restoration of upgrade and extended to the to all customers who have been sation”.

Gulf Times 4 Thursday, July 20, 2017 QATAR ‘Skate Girls of Kabul’ exhibition debuts in the Middle East

By Joey Aguilar Staff Reporter

he highly anticipated ‘Skate Girls of Kabul’ exhibition by renowned TBritish photographer Jessica Ful- ford-Dobson offi cially opened yesterday at the QM Gallery in Katara, marking its fi rst appearance in the Middle East. The exhibition runs until October 21. A major show presented by Qatar Mu- seums (QM) under the leadership of its chairperson, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, ‘Skate Girls of Kabul’ features 40 stunning im- ages of Afghani girls between the ages of five and 25 who use skateboards as a unique means of transportation to at- tend school. Skateistan, an award-winning interna- tional nonprofi t organisation empowering youth and children through skateboard- ing and education, is supporting the pro- gramme. It provides skate parks as a hook to get children from disadvantaged families back into the educational system. According to QM, the “hopeful and te- nacious spirit” of the exhibition is meant to resonate with the local community and echo its mission of inspiring education through creative approaches. “The Skate Girls of Kabul opening night event was a true refl ection of the spirit of Jessica Fulford-Dobson speaks to reporters at the exhibition yesterday. PICTURE: Joey Aguilar the show. The photographs emitted a sense of they created a skating culture entirely She hopes the photo series captures the camps, school visits and a series of com- hopefulness and perseverance, reaching their own. children’s joy of skating, individuality and munity workshops that will allow partici- out into the audience to grab the guests’ “That kept me coming back to the skate the unique community they built around pants to engage in art making in new and attention with their subjects’ determined park day after day to capture this pocket of their shared experiences. unexpected ways. gazes,” QM’s chief strategic planning of- hope. Alongside the exhibition, QM has con- A community workshop will allow fi cer Khalid al-Ibrahim said. It’s hard to put into words how captivat- structed a skating ramp that is located in- participants to use skateboards as paint He added that the “powerful show is yet ing this young skateboarding community side the gallery space. brushes to create beautiful imagery, while another example of QM’s focus on bring- was to be around but I hope that’s precisely Exhibition guests will be able to try another will allow guests to design and ing high-profi le exhibitions to Qatar with what the photographs will show,” she said. their hand at skateboarding by using decorate their own skateboard. the aim of inspiring an indigenous culture “That’s why I chose to work with natural skateboards and helmets that will be made QM added that a more in-depth work- of creativity and innovation”. Fulford-Do- light and in the original setting of the skate available to visitors. shop will ask participants to build char- bson fi rst met the girls in 2012 and knew park, letting these girls’ personalities A robust education programme was also acters out of clay based on the exhibited One of the Skate Girls of Kabul. Supplied picture — Copyright © their story had to be told, citing their de- shine through the images,” the photogra- launched to complement the Skate Girls ‘Skate Girls of Kabul’ photographs, which Jessica Fulford-Dobson. termination and the unique way in which pher noted. of Kabul exhibition, including summer will be used to create a short animation.

HMC uses new device in spinal procedure

QNA The team inserted state-of-the-art Hamad General Hospital. Doha MAGEC growing rods along the child’s Opened in 2016, the facility has sig- spine to correct the abnormal align- nifi cantly expanded HMC’s surgical ment. services capacity and provides a be- team of surgeons from Ha- “The MAGEC rods provide a highly spoke complex in which expert surgi- mad Medical Corp (HMC) per- advanced treatment technology for cal teams can treat patients using the Aformed an advanced procedure correcting spinal deformities in pae- most technologically advanced equip- for the fi rst time in Qatar to correct the diatric patients,” explained Dr al-Ku- ment. abnormal spinal curvature of a nine- wari. One such technology used in the year-old boy. “Prior to this recent procedure, scoliosis surgical procedure was an ad- The surgical team led by consultant standard treatment plans would have vanced spinal navigation system avail- orthopaedic surgeon Dr Abdulaziz al- involved inserting two small rods along able only in the new surgical facility. Kuwari included associate consultant the patient’s spine and numerous sub- “The navigation system enables our Dr Alaa Zakout, Dr Omar al-Noori and sequent surgical procedures every six surgeons to track the location of surgi- Dr Nasser Khan, both spine fellows, months to manually extend the rods to cal instruments throughout a proce- performed the surgery on a young pa- correct the spinal curvature. dure more precisely than ever before. tient who suff ers from severe scoliosis, The introduction of MAGEC rods The system provides highly-ad- a condition where the spine twists and now eliminates the need for follow-up vanced images of the areas surround- curves to the side, caused by a genetic surgeries,” Dr al-Kuwari stated. The ing the spine and off ers a very detailed condition, scoliosis gradually weakens surgical procedure was performed in view of the nerves and tissues in rela- the muscles around the spine. HMC’s new surgical services facility at tion to the instruments.

Katara, Al Shabhana Association sign pact

atara - the Cultural Village The MoU will allow small-business In this regard, a campaign on the na- Foundation yesterday signed a owners to benefi t from Katara’s facili- tional ‘black tree’ has been launched at Kmemorandum of understanding ties such as theatres, halls and others a time when the country is under siege, (MoU) with Al Shabhana Association for hosting lectures, seminars, exhibi- with the association trying to off er to enhance the cultural scene and en- tions and other activities to spread en- something to the homeland. vironmental sector, and spread knowl- vironmental awareness within the Qa- The tree has been chosen as a symbol edge about planting and the environ- tari society, QNA reports. of strength, stability and co-existence ment. Al Shabhana Association is an In addition, the agreement will help with diff erent environmental condi- environmental group. The agreement in introducing the activities of Al Shab- tions. The campaign has received wide was signed in the presence of Katara hana Association and its goals such as acclaim in the Qatari society among general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim increasing green areas in Qatar, com- artists, writers and painters. The ‘black al-Sulaiti and Al Shabhana Association bating desertifi cation by planting local tree’ will also be planted on the Katara co-founder Abdullah Khalid al-Khater. trees and promoting ecotourism. premises.

Road closure on Al Wajbah Street

he Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced it will close entry and exit from and to Al Wajbah TStreet at the Al Wajbah Junction, connecting to Al Rayyan Al Jadeed Street, to enable the completion of road and utility upgrade works on Al Wajbah and Al Hamd streets. The proposed road closure has been organised in co-ordi- nation with the General Directorate of Traffi c. It comes into eff ect today and will be in place until the fi rst week of Octo- ber, Ashghal has said in a press statement. As shown on the attached map, access to and from Al Rayyan Al Jadeed Street from Al Wajbah Street will now be diverted via Al Hamd Street and Al Shafi Street. The upgrade works include the installation of a new sig- nallised junction to control traffi c fl ow between Al Wajbah Street and Al Rayyan Al Jadeed Street, road paving works to upgrade Al Wajbah Street and double-lane capacity on Al Hamd Street from two to four lanes in each direction. In parallel, the existing drainage systems will also be improved. Ashghal has said there will be no reduction in the number of lanes on Al Rayyan Al Jadeed Street and requested all road low the newly implemented traffi c road signs to ensure their users to abide by the speed limit, which is 50kph, and fol- safety. Gulf Times Thursday, July 20, 2017 5 QATAR

Kadim AlSahir, al-Kubaisi to perform live at QSF

he Qatar Summer Festival ism festivals, showcasing the latest The concert forms part of QSF’s (QSF) organisers have said in the Qatari pop music scene. live entertainment schedule, of- TArabic music sensation Tickets for the QSF concert are fering an array of cultural shows, Kadim AlSahir and Qatari singer now on sale at all branches of Vir- performances and family-friendly Fahad al-Kubaisi will perform live gin Megastores in Qatar and can entertainment. Organisers have next month as part of the enter- be purchased online through the also revealed that details for more tainment schedule of the longest- store’s website. entertainment in August will be running edition of the country’s Tickets start at QR45 in the sil- announced soon. summer festival. ver category and are available at Held under the theme ‘Colour Both artistes are set to take to QR99, QR149, QR199 and QR395 Your Summer’, QSF is a nationwide the stage on August 17 at the Qatar in the gold, platinum, VIP and roy- festival that celebrates the coun- National Convention Centre thea- al categories, respectively, accord- try’s family entertainment, retail tre to serenade fans with a selec- ing to a press statement. and hospitality off erings. tion of their best-known hits. Mashal Shahbik, director of In its fourth edition, this year’s The internationally renowned Tourism Events and Festivals at QSF stretches beyond the usual Iraqi artist AlSahir, dubbed the Qatar Tourism Authority, said: month-long period, to run from ‘Ceasar of Arabic Song’, has been “We are pleased to present music Eid al-Fitr through to Eid al-Adha. entertaining fans from across the fans with the opportunity to enjoy Those who wish to stay up to Arab world and beyond for over a special entertainment experience date with QSF activities can fol- three decades, selling over 100mn that celebrates our Arab culture. low the Qatar Events Calendar’s albums. “The live concerts by these two dis- dedicated social media accounts The evening’s events will kick off tinguished artistes enrich Qatar Sum- on Twitter and Instagram (@Qa- with a performance by Qatari ce- mer Festival’s entertainment off ering tarCalendar), Facebook (Facebook. lebrity al-Kubaisi, who has regular- while presenting Qatar’s visitors with com/QatarCalendar) and Snap- Kadim AlSahir ly performed during Qatar’s tour- an authentic tourism experience.” chat (QatarCalendar). Fahad al-Kubaisi

Qatar Airways increases frequency to Moscow with an additional daily fl ight

atar Airways has an- The Russian capital is a cul- have the opportunity to taste the viding all passengers with the nounced that it has added tural treasure trove, famous for delights of the Russian capital, as next-generation, interactive on Qadditional fl ights to its its symphonies, classical music, well as experience our renowned board entertainment system, Moscow route, bringing the total theatre and ballet, off ering visi- world-class service.” Oryx One, featuring a choice of frequency to 21 fl ights per week tors a vast array of enriching ac- The airline, which in August more than 3,000 entertainment between Doha and the Russian tivities to choose from. will celebrate 14 years of direct options. capital. Qatar Airways Group chief ex- service to Moscow, fi rst began fl y- The 2017 Airline of the Year, as Commencing on August 2, the ecutive Akbar al-Baker said: “In ing to the Russian capital in 2003. awarded by Skytrax, has a host of airline will introduce an extra celebration of going to Moscow The launch of the additional new destinations planned for the daily fl ight on the Doha-Moscow together for 14 years, and as part frequency to Moscow comes at a remainder of this year and 2018, route to “meet growing demand of Qatar Airways’ ongoing eff orts time when Qatar Airways is ex- including Canberra, Australia; to Moscow”, a destination popu- to expand our presence in East- pediting its expansion plans in Chiang Mai, Thailand; Rio de Ja- lar with both business and leisure ern Europe, we are very pleased Eastern Europe, with service to neiro, Brazil; San Francisco, US; travellers, the Doha-based car- to off er an additional frequency Skopje, Macedonia and Prague, and Santiago, Chile; to name a few. rier has said in a statement. to this iconic city. Czech Republic set to commence A total of 25 new destination The additional frequency will “Passengers from the Russian by the end of August. launches will take place through- be served by an Airbus A320 air- capital will have even more fl ex- The additional frequency will out 2017-2018. craft. ibility in travelling seamlessly be served by an Airbus A320 air- The Doha-Moscow fl ight Moscow is renowned for its through our Doha hub, Hamad craft, featuring 12 seats in Busi- schedule (daily) is as follows: stunning architecture and iconic International Airport, to any ness Class and 132 seats in Econ- QR213 departs Doha at 2.40am and historical landmarks such as of our destinations across our omy. arrives in Moscow at 7.50am, and the Kremlin and Red Square, a growing network, while travellers The aircraft off ers individual QR214 departs Moscow at 9.50am Unesco World Heritage Site. from all over the world will now The onion-shaped domes of the Kremlin. seatback television screens pro- and arrives in Doha at 2.55pm. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, July 20, 2017 QATAR

Sheraton Grand Doha appoints new general manager

Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention “I am delighted with the opportunity to join Hotel has announced the appointment of Saeid this landmark hotel. My focus will be to further Heidari (pictured), a veteran hospitality profes- strengthen its brand appeal, and to ensure the sional, as its new general manager. highest standards of guest service,” he said. He will be responsible for Heidari is not new to Doha and has earlier “strengthening the premier posi- served as general manager of Doha Marriott tion of Doha’s iconic hotel and Hotel, where he played an instrumental role in driving its growth in regional and redefining the hotel’s food & beverage off ering, international markets”, accord- and establishing it as preferred destination for ing to a press statement. Heidari food lovers. He launched the brunch and JW has 28 years of experience in Steakhouse, which won the F&B Awards of luxury hospitality, and brings Excellence (Best F&B Marriott International) in-depth insights on key industry trends, which in 2008. From Doha, he moved to Mumbai to will enable Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & manage the Renaissance Convention Centre Convention Hotel to identify new opportunities, Hotel & Marriott Executive Apartment, the larg- expand its brand reach, and ensure enhanced est hotel complex in India with 777 rooms. Born and memorable experiences for guests, the in Iran, Heidari grew up in Germany where he statement noted. studied chemistry and law.

Clarification try’s first two shipments of 330 Holstein cows from Europe, and not 230 as was reported yesterday, on a Qatar Airways Cargo has clarified Boeing 777 freighter. These initial shipments are part of a that it has transported the coun- 4,000-head herd.

Nasreddin Hakim (centre), Algerian resident community leader in Qatar, says signing the MoU with SC has helped the community. Algerians want to play key role in Qatar 2022 success

asreddin Hakim is one of big and it has given me as much joy 5,000 Algerian nationals as watching my two boys, Zacharia Nliving in Doha. Like many and Mehdi, become men.” of his compatriots he is crazy about The 2022 FIFA World Cup won’t football, passionate about his coun- be Hakim’s first experience of the try and proud of its contribution to tournament. Three years ago, he football. travelled to Brazil for the 2014 FIFA Keen to get involved with the 2022 World Cup to follow his national FIFA World Cup from the outset, team’s heroics in the second round Hakim was provided with the “per- defeat in extra-time against even- fect opportunity” in 2015 – when tual champions Germany. the Supreme Committee for Deliv- During his visit, he was inter- ery & Legacy (SC) signed a memo- viewed by a leading sports broad- randum of understanding (MoU) caster wearing Algerian colours with 27 local communities residing and waving a Qatar national flag. in Qatar, sc.qa reported. A declaration of pride for his two The MoU was part of an SC-ini- homes – past and present. tiative to strengthen partnerships “Qatar and Algeria have strong with local residents and increase football ties, which was my mes- community participation in the sage to Brazil,” he said. “Algeria’s 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar. Rabah Madjer, who won the Eu- And Hakim says it has done just ropean Cup in 1986-87 with Porto that, allowing him – and many oth- and scored in our 1982 FIFA World ers – to be integrated into the activi- Cup win against West Germany, ties of the SC. had two coaching spells here with “Following the signature of the Al Wakrah and Al Rayyan. MoU, the frequency of community Hakim travelled to Brazil in 2014, where he wore the Algerian colours and flew “Former Algerian international activities has increased,” he said. the Qatar flag in recognition of his two homes. Nadir Belhadj scored the winning “We have benefi ted from the profes- penalty for Al Sadd in the 2011 AFC sional expertise and exposure pro- processes at Qatar Petroleum, has port given to the community by the Champions League final. I hope it vided by the workshops arranged by had an eventful time since arriv- Qatar Olympic Committee – those is now the turn of Riyad Mahrez to the SC. However, the Algerian resi- ing in Doha in 1998. He has seen the were the times which pre-dated the do something special in Qatar in dent community has always been country develop rapidly, with the SC.”Hakim also recalls the times 2022.” associated with the World Cup right crowning glory for him and his com- when he first moved to Qatar with However, Leicester City’s Pre- from the early days of the bid. munity being the historic bid win of his dentist wife and two sons aged mier League-winning playmaker “We were with Qatar right from December 2, 2010. four and two, respectively. will not be the only Algerian hop- the beginning of the historic jour- “We had only about 2,000 mem- “Doha had very few landmarks ing to do something special in Qa- ney and will be there till its success- bers in our community at the time of then and the Sheraton was the tar in 2022. “I would hopefully be ful end. We have always been proud the bid win,” recalled Hakim. “How- most prominent among the few. retired then and will have all the participants in the process of a larg- ever, the enthusiasm with which we The new Khalifa International time in the world to ensure that er Arab history being written here in participated was a sight to behold. Stadium and its state-of-the-art our countrymen who come from Qatar.” We were all driven towards the goal cooling technology is an illustra- across the world are made at home. Hakim, who is president of the Al of securing rights to host the fi rst tion of the progress the country “There were about 7,000 Algeri- Khor-based division of the Algerian ever World Cup in the Arab world. has made. ans in Brazil and the number would community and head of engineering “I recall with gratitude the sup- “I have seen this country grow be much higher here.” 27 violations detected in ministry inspection drive

QNA the markets and commercial activities in Doha the country, and to ascertain the extent to which suppliers (shops) comply with their obligations under the laws and regulations nspection campaigns carried out by the governing the conduct of commercial ac- Ministry of Economy and Commerce tivities. Ion commercial complexes resulted in The ministry stressed the necessity of the detection of 27 violations, varying from initiating without delay the adoption of non-announcement of prices, lack of adver- designs and models of the (shopping with tising in Arabic as well as the announcement confidence) mark in all the advertisements of unauthorised promotional off ers. of sales and promotions. A statement issued by the ministry said The ministry also wanted placing them that fi nes imposed on one violation ranged on the invoices delivered to customers, add- between QR5,000 and QR6,000, for violat- ing that this indicates that the shop has a li- ing the provisions of Law No (8) of 2008 on cense to off er discounts from the competent consumer protection and ministerial deci- authorities in the Ministry of Economy and sion No (5) of 1984, regarding public sales. Commerce, and that these off ers and dis- These inspections are carried out by the counts are in accordance with the legislation Ministry of Economy and Commerce in in force and conforming to all the standards the framework of its keenness to monitor and legal measures.

Inspection campaigns were conducted by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce. Gulf Times Thursday, July 20, 2017 7 REGION/ARAB WORLD

JUSTICE Teachers face trial for alleged spying, pipeline plot 20 civilians dead Two men have gone on trial in Saudi Arabia charged with spying for another country and plot- ting to attack a major oil pipeline, two Saudi newspapers reported yesterday. In a rare espionage case, after coalition the Saudi teachers face charges of gathering information on the East-West Pipeline of the world’s top oil exporter and plotting to blow it up, the Makkah and Al Weeam newspapers said. Riyadh’s Public air raid in Yemen Prosecutor has asked the judge in the case to issue a verdict, but the AFP Taiz. “This latest incident once again demonstrates judge has given the two men three Aden the extreme dangers facing civilians in Yemen, par- weeks to defend themselves in ticularly those attempting to fl ee violence, as they another hearing, Makkah reported. disproportionately bear the brunt of confl ict,” the The 5mn barrel per day Petroline n air raid in Yemen has killed at least 20 peo- statement said. mainly transports crude from fields ple mostly from the same family, the UN and The coalition launched a military operation in the kingdom’s oil-producing east Awitnesses said yesterday, the latest in a se- against the rebels in March 2015 as insurgents A girl walks past the rubble of a destroyed building down a street in the rebel-held Syrian town of to the Red Sea port of Yanbu for ex- ries of suspected strikes on civilians by a Saudi-led closed in on Hadi in his southern refuge in Aden Ayn Tarma, in the Ghouta area. port to Europe and North America coalition. forcing him to fl ee to Riyadh. and can handle around 60% of The attack on Tuesday afternoon hit a group of The World Health Organisation estimates that the kingdom’s total oil exports. The civilians in the Mawza district of the southwestern more than 8,000 people have been killed in Yem- prosecutor presented the charges, province of Taiz, a statement by the UN refugee en’s confl ict, most of them civilians, since the in- which include spying for a regional agency said. tervention. The Saudi-led coalition has faced re- rival and providing secret informa- Residents said the attack was carried out by a peated criticism over civilian casualties in Yemen. tion about the oil pipeline. warplane from the Saudi-led coalition fi ghting It accuses the rebels of using civilians as hu- 30 killed in anti-IS rebels in support of Yemen’s internationally recog- man shields. Last month, an air raid on a market in nised government. rebel-controlled Saada province, in north Yemen, LEGAL At least seven women and four children were killed 24 civilians. ‘Model in skirt’ freed among those killed, they said. Another suspected coalition raid in Taiz province strikes in Syria without charge The UNHCR said it was “deeply shocked and in May was reported to have killed more than 20 ci- saddened at reports of the deaths and injuries of a vilians. Saudi police have released without number of internally displaced persons in an aerial The coalition has admitted responsibility for AFP said Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman. charge a woman who was filmed attack” on the area. some strikes that killed civilians, including a raid Beirut “The victims included three children and in a miniskirt at a historic site in The statement said the civilians had fl ed fi ghting on the rebel-held capital Sanaa in October 2016 four women,” he added. The US-led coalition the kingdom, the government in the nearby Mokha district, on the Red Sea coast. that killed more than 140 people at a funeral cer- is providing air support to fi ghters battling to said yesterday. The ministry of Coalition-backed forces loyal to President Abd- emony. t least 30 civilians were killed yesterday oust IS from Raqqa and the wider province. information said police had released Rabbu Mansour Hadi recaptured the port of Mokha The UNHCR statement said appealed for parties in separate bombing raids by the US-led To the southeast, Syrian government forces the woman Tuesday night and the in February as part of a major ongoing off ensive to to the confl ict to do “their utmost in the protection Acoalition and pro-regime warplanes on backed by their Russian allies are fi ghting IS in prosector had closed the case. drive rebels from Yemen’s lengthy coastline. of civilians and the mitigation of suff ering.” militant-held territory in Syria, a monitor said. the oil-rich province of Deir Ezzor. Police said Tuesday they were The UNHCR statement said more than half a mil- “A peaceful political solution to resolve the con- Fifteen of the victims died in coalition air Suspected Russian air strikes yesterday questioning the woman after she lion civilians, 27% of Yemen’s internally displaced fl ict in Yemen is urgently needed to end civilian strikes on a village near the Islamic State killed another 15 civilians — mostly children appeared in a series of videos, people (IDPs), originate from the governorate of suff ering,” it said. group’s stronghold of Raqqa, according to the — in an IS-held village in that province, the initially posted to messaging app Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. “The Observatory said. The dead were two families, Snapchat, wearing a crop top and strikes this morning hit the village of Zur Abdel Rahman said, “a man, his two wives, and a high-waisted miniskirt. She had JUDICIARY Shammar, about 30 kilometres from Raqqa their seven children, and a second family of two been filmed walking through the Human rights activist charged with ‘terrorism’: Amnesty on the southern banks of the Euphrates River,” parents and three children.” historic fort of Ushaiqer, north of Riyadh, and playing with sand in the Bahrain has slapped terrorism Al Karama foundation, and of ment. A statement carried on dunes. The videos were uploaded charges on an activist who undermining Bahrain’s “status the state-run BNA news agency CRIME over the weekend to the “Model tweeted criticism of the govern- abroad”, Amnesty reported. She said four people were facing “ter- Lebanon police arrest alleged abusers of refugee Khulood” Snapchat account. The ment’s treatment of women, was detained after retweeting a rorism charges”, without naming ministry said in a statement that the Amnesty International said series of posts on July 3 critical them. Lebanese police yesterday arrested several Lebanese men who had appeared in an online video abusing woman had confessed to walking yesterday. Ebtisam al-Saegh was of the king and National Security A group of UN special rappor- a Syrian refugee, Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq said. The video shows a group of men kicking and through the site in a skirt with her accused of “using human rights Agency. Representatives of Bah- teurs on Tuesday warned Saegh insulting a young man as he cowers on the ground. The minister did not say how many people had been hair uncovered but that the footage work as a cover” to commu- rain’s justice ministry were not may be subjected to “acts of arrested, or what measures would be taken against them. The footage has sparked outrage among Syrians had been uploaded without her nicate with the Geneva-based immediately reachable for com- torture” in detention. in several parts of the world. Lebanon is home to more than 1.2mn Syrian refugees. knowledge. Gulf Times 8 Thursday, July 20, 2017 AFRICA

LAND ROW SECURITY ARRESTED DISEASE SECOND LOOK 36 dead as farmers and Police protection for Zuma Ex-agriculture minister Cholera hits Kenya capital, Judges to review whether herders clash in Nigeria critic after death threats charged over Malawi graft government shuts hotels to release Gbagbo

Thirty-six people have been killed in north- South Africa’s parliament will provide police Malawi’s former agriculture minister was arrested A cholera outbreak in the Kenyan capital Appeal judges yesterday struck down a decision western Nigeria in clashes between farmers protection to a legislator from the governing and charged yesterday with graft for allegedly has killed four people since May and the denying former Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo and cattle herders, police said yesterday. The African National Congress (ANC) who has profiting in a $35mn maize import deal from government has shut down a three-star hotel interim release during his trial for crimes against cycle of reprisals started on July 11 when a boy received death threats after criticising President neighbouring Zambia, off icials said. George and a popular restaurant there to control its humanity, and ordered the court to review his herder and his father belonging to the Fulani Jacob Zuma, broadcaster eNCA reported Chaponda has been battling against graft spread, the health minister said yesterday. situation. Gbagbo, the first ex-head of state to ethnic group were killed by youths belonging yesterday. Makhosi Khoza, who is known as a allegations following the controversial purchase At least 79 people with confirmed cases of be tried by the International Criminal Court, has to a farming community in Kajuru in Kaduna fierce critic of Zuma and of corruption within of 100,000 tonnes of maize in July 2016. Malawi’s cholera were being treated in various Nairobi appealed a March decision that he must stay state, local police chief Agyole Abeh said in a the party, had reported threats saying she only Anti-Corruption Bureau spokeswoman Egrita hospitals and authorities were setting up behind bars in a UN detention centre until the end statement. The reason for the killings was not had 21 days left to live. It is not known who Ndala said that Chaponda had been charged with 10 more treatment centres to cope with the of his trial. In a small initial victory for the former known. The herders retaliated on Monday, killing was behind the threats. A security assessment “misuse of public off ice and possession of foreign outbreak, Cleopa Mailu, the minister, told a Ivory Coast strongman, five appeals judges six people. Youths from the area then attacked confirmed the existence of a threat and currency”. He was fired in February after police news conference. “We have so far closed two agreed the judges in his trial had “erred” on Fulani settlements, killing 28 people and torching parliament would work with police to protect found $223,000 in cash in his house during a hotels... and we shall continue to do so if there several key points when they refused to release houses. Clashes between farmers and herders Khoza, eNCA quoted a parliamentary statement raid. Malawi was last year forced to import food is evidence there is risk to the public,” Mailu him for the duration of his trial. The trial opened in competing for land are frequent in the area. as saying. following a regional drought. said, after visiting some of the patients. January 2016 and could last three to four years. DR Congo may Distinguished visitor have had hand in the murder of UN experts

By Carole Landry, AFP Catalan had been decapi- according to the report. United Nations tated. More than 80 mass graves The report sent to the council have been identifi ed in the Ka- in late June says the two experts sai, the UN said last week. N experts say they are were “executed by a heteroclite Two men were put on trial for not ruling out the pos- group of individuals not yet the murders of Sharp and Cata- Usible involvement of identifi ed at the time of writ- lan and there have been arrests, Democratic Republic of Congo ing.” but the group of experts said Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai visits the kitchen of the Yerwa Girls school in Maiduguri, Nigeria. state security forces in the mur- But it goes on to describe “other key suspects” have not der of two of their colleagues. the murder as a “premeditated been detained despite available In a confi dential report seen setup” after the pair set out on a evidence. by AFP, the group of experts fi eld investigation from Kanan- The experts said they spoke says it has conducted prelimi- ga on March 12. to a senior police offi cer who nary analysis of phone records, On the eve of the fi eld trip, “denounced the lack of coop- a video and interviews on the the pair spoke to members of eration of the government se- W Africa sets date for work on key rail line March 12 murder of American the clan leader’s family, ac- curity services involved in the Michael Sharp and Swedish- cording to an audio tape of the investigation.” Chilean Zaida Catalan. meeting obtained by the group. The murders of Sharp and AFP ted to modernising the route, After many interruptions, the lapsed as a goods train was pass- “The preliminary evidence Sharp and Catalan had been Catalan were an “attack on the Ouagadougou Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister line began operation in 1954. ing over, although without caus- does not yet allow the group to tracking the “alarming levels” United Nations Security Coun- Alpha Barry said. After an economic crisis in the ing casualties. attribute responsibility for the of violence since August 2016 cil,” the group said, urging the The fi rst phase, costing 130mn 1990s, management of the rail- “Economic growth between murder,” reads the report by the when Congolese troops killed top UN body to establish an ork to rehabilitate a euros, will last four years, Barry ways was handed to Sitarail. Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast experts to the Security Council. Jean-Pierre Mpandi, the tra- international independent in- 1,260km railway that is said, without giving a comple- The line plays a key role for is dynamic and there are lots of “However, the available evi- ditional chief of the Kamwina vestigation to identify the mur- Wa vital link between the tion date for the overall project. landlocked Burkina Faso in goods which have to be trans- dence does not preclude the Nsapu clan, says the report. derers. Sahel and Atlantic coast will be- “The work will start on Sep- transporting cotton and manga- ported by rail,” Melet said. involvement of diff erent actors, In response, the militia The experts receive their gin on September 15, the govern- tember 15, there will also be or- nese exports to the coast, and in By rehabilitating the north- such as pro- or anti-govern- launched attacks targeting state mandate from the Security ments of Burkina Faso and Ivory ders for new material, new loco- importing oil, cement and ferti- ern branch of the line to the ment Kamwina Nsapu factions, agents and symbols, prompting Council whose resolutions call Coast have said. motives,” said Eric Melet, chief liser. mining town of Kaya, 100km other armed groups as well as the army to launch off ensives for regular reporting on possi- The two governments, along executive for development at But it suff ers from poor track north of Ouagadougou, “a mil- members of state security serv- against the insurgents “often ble violations by the panels. with the track’s operating com- Bollore Transport and Logistics. and ageing rolling stock, limiting lion tonnes of minerals could be ices.” using disproportionate vio- Sweden and the United States pany Sitarail, signed an agree- “It will go ahead very quickly.” train speed. transported over the next four The bodies of Sharp, the lence,” it adds. have sent investigators to the ment setting the date at a meet- The unelectrifi ed single-line Rehabilitation of the line had years,” he said. group’s coordinator and arms Throughout 2017, the in- DR Congo to fi nd those respon- ing in the Burkinabe capital. track traces its origins back to the been announced in September Bollore has a 67% stake in Si- expert, and Catalan, a humani- surrection grew into a “larger sible for the murders, while the Under a deal reached with late 19th century, when France 2015 but work did not advance. tarail, Burkina Faso and Ivory tarian expert, were found in a upheaval” involving many fac- United Nations has established Sitarail’s parent company, the was looking for ways to link the In September 2016, all traffi c Coast each have 15%, and the shallow grave by peacekeepers tions hostile to Kinshasa but a board of inquiry expected to French group Bollore, 400mn colonised Sahel to its trading was stopped for two weeks after remaining 3% is owned by the weeks after they disappeared. also “pro-government militias,” present its fi ndings this month. euros ($462mn) will be commit- posts on the Atlantic. a bridge on the Ivorian side col- workforce.

Abidjan waterside boom spurs a Rwanda’s essential oils off er new demand: crocodile removal big profi ts from little land By Stephanie Aglietti, AFP as there is no winter, it is possi- National Agricultural Export De- By Joe Bavier, Reuters Gahara, Rwanda ble to get up to four crops a year,” velopment Board. Abidjan says Hitimana, whose company Rwanda is also cultivating py- Ikirezi Natural Products has rethrum, used in natural insecti- nside a metal shed in south- since grown and diversifi ed. cides. It’s not my fi rst time,” fi reman Patrick eastern Rwanda, Nicholas With 25 hectares of plan- According to the India-based Obite said with an air of confi dence as, IHitimana brandished a plas- tations, it produces 1,000kg fi rm Market Research Future “kneeling, he straddled a metre-long tic container holding a green of essential oils derived from (MRFR), essential oils are in- crocodile in the carpark of a building site in liquid: geranium essential oil, patchouli, lemon grass and euca- creasingly in demand in richer Ivory Coast’s main city Abidjan. freshly distilled and ready for ex- lyptus as well as geraniums. countries for use in cosmetics, “There was a fi rst session yesterday at the port at more than $200 a kilo. The oils are exported to Can- food and pharmaceuticals. zoo when we got used to them,” he added, The pioneer of essential oils ada, South Africa, the US and The world market is forecast smiling. in Rwanda, Hitimana said he elsewhere for use in the perfume to grow by 7% between 2017 and Africa’s fastest growing economy, Ivory understood over a decade ago industry. 2022, says MRFR. Coast, is now in the midst of a construction “the need to develop high-value The company employs 70 To get its share of the cake, boom that is changing the face of the la- crops” in his hilly nation of just farmers. “At fi rst, it was not easy Rwanda opened an essential oil goon-side city, bringing new hotels, offi ces 2.6mn hectares. to convince them to abandon laboratory three years ago, the and homes ever closer to the water’s edge. Agriculture accounts for near- subsistence for commercial ag- fi rst of its kind in the region, al- But Abidjan’s 5mn human residents are ly a third of GDP and employs riculture,” he says, adding the lowing quality control. not the only ones experiencing an urban four-fi fths of the population work is more precise than grow- “One of the main challenges renaissance and rapid growth risks setting and, as a result, there is “little ar- ing beans. facing Rwanda is a growing trade them on a collision course with the area’s able land” remaining. “We need to plant on time, defi cit and a limited number of oldest inhabitants, said American conserva- “On a hectare, if we grow manure on time, hoe, turn the competitive companies that can tion biologist Matt Shirley. beans, we earn about $2,000 a soil, irrigate and harvest on time”, meet regional and international “As the city has become bigger and big- year, whereas on the same land, or risk a “drastically” reduced export standards,” says Patience ger and the people here become less depend- if we grow geranium, the in- yield, Hitimana says, noting Mutesi, Rwanda director for ent upon fi shing and hunting, crocodiles have come can reach $6,000 or even that it takes between 600kg and TradeMark East Africa, which found the lagoon system to be a tranquil retreat A crocodile captured from a lagoon being transported to be released in a national park in $8,000,” Hitimana says. 1,000kg of geraniums to produce promotes regional trade and and they’re repopulating the area,” he said. Abidjan. The trained agronomist em- a single kilo of oil. helped fund the lab project. In an eff ort to head off the risk of con- bodies Rwanda’s ambition of A few years on, and the em- The laboratory will “enable frontation, Shirley is leading a government- red-orange orbs shining on the surface of There’s a fear that kind of reaction could diversifying its agriculture and ployees seem convinced. Rwandan companies to access backed programme teaching rescue work- the black water. provoke a violent backlash against the croc- increasing the value of exports by “Since I’ve been working here, new and lucrative markets...by ers and forestry agents how to humanely There hasn’t been a crocodile attack on a odiles. getting into the lucrative global I’ve been able to build a house strengthening consumer confi - capture and relocate the reptiles, which are human recorded in Abidjan in decades, and At the end of the 10-day training pro- market for essential oils. with a tin roof, I can pay for my dence in the quality of Rwandan protected under Ivorian law. Shirley views the risk to the city’s residents gramme, the team, which will go on to teach To this end, Hitimana has been son’s schooling and buy every- products,” she says. On a recent moonlit night, he and a half as largely psychological. their colleagues across the country, released importing geraniums from South thing I need,” says 55-year-old Sitting in front of a brand dozen of his team slowly cruised the shore- But rescue worker Fabrice Boko, among 17 crocodiles in a national park an hour out- Africa since 2004. Stephanie Mukamana, bus- new chromatogram in the Kigali line in a corner of the lagoon that a half bil- those who have dealt with crocodiles in the side the city. At the time the fl ower was vir- ily weeding around a geranium laboratory, Antoine Mukunzi, a lion dollar development project plans to past, witnessed fi rst-hand the eff ect they “When there’s a confl ict between man tually unknown in Rwanda, but plant. Rwanda Standards Authority of- transform into high-end real estate com- can have when he was called in to remove and the crocodiles, they’re going to call us,” Hitimana was convinced of the Last year, Rwanda exported fi cial, is satisfi ed with his small plete with a marina for luxury yachts. one from a storm drain. Boko said. “great potential” of the essential around 14 tonnes of essen- country’s progress: “We cannot “You see him. He’s over there. You can “They were going crazy. They were pan- “I’m not going to say I’ll never be afraid, oil sector. tial oils — geranium, moringa, compete in terms of exported see his eyes,” one of the men said, aiming a icking,” he said of the residents living in but I’ll be able to get over it. No matter the “In South Africa there can only patchouli and tagetes — bring- volumes, but we can in terms of high-powered torch across the bay at two the area. “People aren’t used to crocodiles.” crocodile, I’ll go.” be two harvests a year, but here, ing in $473,000, according to the quality.” Gulf Times Thursday, July 20, 2017 9 AMERICAS

Man at Trump Rioting in Caracas Jr meet named for laundering $1.4bn into US

Guardian News and Media concerns over what US intel- New York ligence services say was a con- certed campaign by Russia to sway the 2016 election. Emails Russian American busi- released by Trump Jr last week nessman once accused gave the fi rst confi rmation that Aof laundering more than the campaign at least tried to $1.4bn into the US from eastern collude with that eff ort. Europe attended the meeting In the days before the meet- where Donald Trump’s son ex- ing, Donald Jr sent an email pected to receive secret infor- eagerly welcoming the off er of mation from Moscow. damaging information on Clin- Irakly “Ike” Kaveladze was ton, which was described as the eighth participant in the no- “part of Russia and its govern- torious get-together at Trump ment’s support for Mr Trump” Tower in Manhattan on 9 June by a go-between operating on 2016, his attorney Scott Balber behalf of Agalarov, the Russian confi rmed to the Guardian on real estate tycoon. Tuesday. Kaveladze’s attend- Aras Agalarov and his pop ance was fi rst reported by CNN. singer son Emin have known Kaveladze, 52, is an executive the Trumps for years. Now the at a Moscow-based property Donald Jr email scandal has put fi rm owned by Aras Agalarov, them in an unwanted spotlight. a business associate of Trump That go-between was Rob Opposition activists clash with the police during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas. Venezuela’s government on Tuesday defiantly brushed who is also enmeshed in the Goldstone, a British music pub- aside US President Donald Trump’s threat of economic sanctions by saying it will go ahead with the election of a body to rewrite the country’s constitution. controversy over the meeting licist who represents Agalarov’s during last year’s presidential son Emin, a well-known pop election campaign. singer in Russia. Goldstone, Trump’s son Donald Jr agreed Kaveladze, Akhmetshin, Vesel- to the meeting after being told nitskaya and a translator were by e-mail that he would be given joined by Trump Jr; the then damaging information about Trump campaign chairman, Hillary Clinton, their Demo- Paul Manafort; and Jared Kush- cratic opponent, as part of an ner, Trump’s son-in-law and eff ort by the Russian govern- adviser. ment to support Trump. All are likely to come under The meeting brought togeth- the scrutiny of simultaneous Remain focused on er Donald Jr and two other sen- inquiries into the Russian cam- ior campaign aides with Natalia paign that are being conducted Veselnitskaya, a Russian lawyer by two congressional com- with ties to the Kremlin, and mittees and Robert Mueller, a Rinat Akhmetshin, a Russian former FBI director who is serv- American political operative ing as a special counsel on the and former military offi cer. subject. Kushner, now a senior Kaveladze was in 2000 named White House offi cial, originally healthcare: Trump by the New York Times as re- failed to note the meeting in sponsible for using about 2,000 paperwork submitted when he President Trump said Republicans are Cornyn, told reporters it was “unfortu- shell companies in the US to took his government job, which very close to repealing or overhauling nate” that he expected bipartisan talks to launder $1.4bn from Russia and was illegal. Obamacare begin. eastern Europe into accounts at Donald Trump Sr and his “Democrats are strongly committed Citibank and the Commercial supporters have tried to paint Reuters to Obamacare and are unwilling to ad- Bank of San Francisco. the meeting as an unremarkable Washington mit structural problems, which create the A report by the US Govern- attempt to glean some useful problems we are having in the individual ment Accountability Offi ce “opposition research” for the market today,” Cornyn said. “But we’ll do (GAO) on the alleged scheme did rough-and-tumble of national resident Donald Trump pushed Sen- the best we can with the hand we’ve been not identify Kaveladze by name politics. Numerous veterans of ate Republicans yesterday to take dealt.” but confi rmed the involvement presidential campaigns for both Panother stab at repealing or over- If senators try to shore up Obamacare, of his company, International parties reject this, insisting that hauling Obamacare, calling all 52 Repub- an initial hurdle in coming weeks will be Business Creations. “It is pos- the appropriate response would lican senators to the White House to urge boosting faltering state insurance markets sible that these transfers were have been for the Trump team to them to keep their campaign promises and by ensuring that insurers keep receiving used to launder money,” the re- report the Russians to the FBI. fi nd a new healthcare approach. subsidies that help lower the cost of insur- port said of the transactions. Akhmetshin, the Russian “We’re close. We’re very close,” Trump ance for low-income individuals. Kaveladze and Balber, his American political operative, said at the start of the lunch meeting, a The Trump administration will contin- attorney, did not respond to has said Veselnitskaya, the Rus- day after the seven-year Republican quest ue making the subsidy payments through questions on Tuesday about his sian attorney, gave the Trump to repeal and replace Democratic former August while a related Republican lawsuit alleged involvement in money campaign aides a plastic sheath President Barack Obama’s signature is pending. The uncertainty beyond that laundering. Charles Young, a of documents during the meet- healthcare law collapsed in the Senate. President Donald Trump with US Vice President Mike Pence during the first meeting of the has rattled insurers. spokesman for the GAO, said he ing, calling into question claims Trump urged senators to stay in Wash- Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity. Republican senators have acknowledged could not independently con- by Trump Jr that she off ered ington and not leave town for a planned the need to address the unstable markets fi rm reports of Kaveladze’s in- “no meaningful information” August recess until they reach agreement With Democrats united in opposition to insurance for millions of low-income but resisted Democratic calls to fund the volvement. and that the meeting concerned on a healthcare plan that can pass Con- repeal, McConnell can only lose two votes Americans and conservatives who want to subsidies without accompanying reforms, Disclosures about the Trump Russia’s ban on children being gress. from his 52-48 majority in the 100-seat see even deeper cuts to Obamacare, which calling it a “bailout” for insurance compa- Tower meeting have intensifi ed adopted by Americans. “For seven years you promised the Senate to pass healthcare legislation. boosted the number of Americans with nies. American people you would repeal Capito, speaking to reporters ahead of health insurance through mandates on Funding for the Children’s Health In- Obamacare. People are hurting and frankly the meeting yesterday, expressed some individuals and employers, and income- surance Program, a part of the Medicaid inaction is not an option,” Trump told the doubts the Senate vote on a repeal-only based subsidies. government health insurance program for senators. “We can repeal, but we should healthcare bill would actually occur next “We have to honor our promise,” Re- the poor and disabled, known as CHIP, repeal and replace and we shouldn’t leave week. “It’s changing so quickly,” she said. publican Senator Ted Cruz told report- expires on September 30 and will require town until this is complete.” “I think we’re probably going to air what ers. “For seven years Republicans have reauthorisation. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McCon- our diff erences are again. The president told the voters, if you elect us, we’ll repeal Bills to address the subsidy payments nell has vowed to go ahead with a vote ear- has taken a lot of time to try to call us all Obamacare. I think we will look like fools if and CHIP would likely require 60 votes ly next week on a repeal of the Aff ordable individually,” said Capito. “I don’t think we can’t deliver on that promise.” for passage, acting as a barometer of how Care Act, popularly known as Obamacare, anyone’s mind is going to get changed sit- Republican Senator Orrin Hatch said it inclined Republicans and Democrats are to despite indications it will fail after the de- ting right there, but it gives us a chance to was a tough issue for Trump, but “I sus- work together, industry lobbyists and ex- fections on Tuesday of at least three Re- frame it where we have our diff erences.” pect he could be a little bit more forceful perts said. publican senators. Repealing and replacing Obamacare was and I hope he will be. I think he needs to.” Trump suggested on Tuesday that Re- Moderate Republican senators Susan a top campaign promise for Trump and Democrats, clearly delighted with the publicans should allow the insurance mar- Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alas- Republicans in Congress, who say it is a turn of events, have welcomed the Repub- kets to fail before working with Democrats. ka and Shelley Moore Capito of West Vir- costly intrusion into the healthcare sys- licans’ failure to replace Obamacare as an But Republican Senator Lamar Alexan- ginia have said they oppose McConnell’s tem. opportunity to work together. Republicans der, the head of the Senate Committee on plan for a repeal that would take eff ect in But the reality has been diffi cult for a conceded their other options may be ex- Health, Labor and Pensions, said he would two years, giving Congress time to develop party divided between moderates con- hausted. begin holding hearings on the issue in the Irakly Kaveladze Trump Jr a replacement. cerned the Senate bill would eliminate The No 2 Senate Republican, John next few weeks. Bid to include grandparents in ban rejected

Reuters the 90-day travel ban on people from families apart from each other,” Chin been blocked by lower courts. Washington the six countries who want to enter the said. The Supreme Court said then that the United States. The Supreme Court also announced bans could take eff ect, but that people The court’s action on refugees could yesterday that it has scheduled oral ar- with a “bona fi de relationship” to a US he US Supreme Court rejected block entry of up to 24,000 refugees who guments on broad questions on the law- person or entity could not be barred. yesterday a bid by President Don- have a connection to a US resettlement fulness of the ban for October 10. The administration had narrowly in- Tald Trump to include grandpar- agency, according to court papers. The Trump administration last Friday terpreted that language, saying the ban ents and other relatives in his travel ban The brief order said the court’s deci- asked the high court to overturn a deci- would apply to grandparents and other on people from six Muslim-majority sion is temporary while the San Francis- sion on Thursday by a US district judge family members, prompting the state of countries. co-based 9th US Circuit Court of Ap- in Hawaii, which limited the scope of the Hawaii to ask Hawaii-based US District But in a partial win for Trump, the peals considers a separate appeal on the administration’s temporary ban on trav- Judge Derrick Watson to expand the def- court gave the government more leeway same issue. ellers from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, inition of who could be admitted. to enforce a separate ban on refugees Three of the conservatives on the Syria and Yemen and the 120-day ban on He ruled for the state late on Thursday. that was included in a March 6 executive court of nine justices noted that they refugees. In his decision, Watson harshly criti- order the president said was necessary would have granted Trump’s request in Naureen Shah, senior director of cam- cised the government’s defi nition of for national security. full. paigns at Amnesty International USA, close family relations as “the antithesis A federal judge had ruled against the In a statement, Hawaii Attorney Gen- said in a statement that the court’s deci- of common sense”. government on the scope of both bans eral Douglas Chin, who challenged the sion on refugees “jeopardises the safety Watson also ruled that the assurance last Thursday, prompting the adminis- bans in court, said his offi ce is preparing of thousands of people across the world by a resettlement agency to provide ba- tration to seek Supreme Court interven- arguments for the 9th Circuit on the ref- including vulnerable families fl eeing war sic services to a newly arrived refugee tion. ugee issue, and said the Supreme Court and violence”. constitutes an adequate connection to The high court’s decision means that, ruling validated Hawaii’s position. The latest round in the fi ght over the United States because it is a suffi - for now, grandparents, grandchildren, “This confi rms we were right to say Trump’s executive order began after the ciently formal and documented agree- aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, that the Trump administration over- Supreme Court intervened last month to ment that triggers responsibilities and and siblings-in-law are not covered by reached in trying to unilaterally keep partially revive the two bans. Both had compensation. Gulf Times 10 Thursday, July 20, 2017 AUSTRALASIA/EAST ASIA

CURBED CONSERVATION REMEMBERED CONTAINED ASSESSMENT Indonesia govt bans local Australia marks rare birth Hong Kong holds memorial Snails in the mail pose Robot sent into damaged branch of Hizb ut-Tahrir of endangered wombat for Nobel laureate Liu biosecurity threat Fukushima reactor

Indonesia’s government yesterday banned the The population of one of the world’s rarest species Hundreds turned out in Hong Kong yesterday Australian biosecurity off icials have intercepted A remote-controlled robot was yesterday sent local branch of Islamic group Hizb ut-Tahrir, has been boosted with the birth of a northern hairy- night to pay their respects to late Nobel laureate 13 live snails that were sent in two packages of inside a crippled reactor at the Fukushima Daiichi rejecting criticism from rights groups that the nosed wombat joey, Australian wildlife off icials Liu Xiaobo, the pro-democracy Chinese dissident mail from Ukraine, which had been misdeclared nuclear plant, the operator said, more than six years move was undemocratic. The government said said yesterday. The arrival of the furry marsupial whose death in custody shocked the world. by the exporter as ‘decorations’. While there after Japan’s worst atomic accident. Tokyo Electric it revoked the licence of Hizb ut-Tahrir Indonesia comes as a conservation programme to save the Liu died last week aged 61 after losing a battle are some native Australian snail species, the Power deployed the 30cm long underwater robot, (HTI) because the group conducted activities that animal — which numbers just 250 in the wild — with cancer, more than a month after he was one ordered by mail, Helix pomatia, commonly equipped with two cameras, into the containment were against the state ideology. Hizb ut-Tahrir, gathers steam. The joey emerged from its mother’s transferred to a hospital from prison on the known as Roman snails or escargot, “is certainly vessel of Reactor 3 for the first time to study which calls for Islamic law and wants to unify all pouch at the Richard Underwood Nature Refuge mainland. Supporters yesterday laid white flowers not one of them and represents significant the extent of the damage and to locate melted Muslims into a caliphate, has been operating for in Queensland state. Queensland Environment next to Liu’s portrait at another memorial event biosecurity threat,” a spokesman for the fuels believed to have fallen to the bottom of the decades in Indonesia and has tens of thousands Minister Steven Miles said wildlife off icers had at a waterfront park in the city centre to mark the Department of Agriculture told DPA. “The bill chamber, the operator said. Tokyo Electric hasn’t of followers. HTI said it would challenge the been closely observing the mother for the past seventh day of his passing — an important date for an exotic meal like this one could ultimately been able to locate nuclear debris at the three decision. “This is a true form of abuse by the 10 months. “It’s been a long wait for the wombat in Chinese tradition for those who have died. “We be footed by the whole nation,” said Robyn reactors, as extremely high levels of radiation have government against its own citizens,” HTI specialist team, but finally it’s confirmed that the should not forget him,” Yanki Lee, 45, who took Cleland, the acting head of compliance at the hampered the decommissioning process that is spokesman Ismail Yusanto told AFP. joey has successfully left the pouch,” he said. part in a minute’s silence, told AFP. Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. expected to take about four decades.

Park refuses to testify in Top Thai general found Samsung heir’s trial

AFP guilty in traffi cking trial Seoul Reuters outh Korea’s disgraced former Bangkok president Park Geun-hye yes- Sterday again refused to testify in the corruption trial of the heir to the n army general, two provincial Samsung business empire, citing poor politicians and police offi cers health. Awere among 62 people out of For the second time in a fortnight a total of 103 defendants found guilty Park rejected a court order to give evi- yesterday by a judge in Thailand’s big- dence in the case of Lee Jae-Yong, the gest human traffi cking trial. vice-chairman of Samsung Electron- The trial, which began in 2015, had ics. been marred by allegations of intimi- Lee is accused of bribery, corruption, dation of witnesses, interpreters and perjury and other off ences stemming police investigators. from a wide-ranging scandal that saw Some of those guilty of traffi cking Park herself impeached and arrested. were also convicted of taking part in Four other Samsung executives have organised transnational crime, for- also been charged. cible detention leading to death, and Park, now in the Seoul detention rape. centre and on trial separately, has been A Bangkok court took more than 12 complaining of exhaustion and a toe hours to deliver its ruling which rights injury that has left her limping slightly. groups said showed the government Defence lawyers say her hectic trial was serious about convicting perpe- schedule — which forces her to appear trators. in court four days per week for up to “The court has sentenced 62 de- 10 hours — coupled with confi nement fendants on 13 diff erent charges,” the during sultry weather, have taken a toll criminal court said in a statement yes- on her health. terday. “We visited the accused in the Seoul In the harshest sentence given by detention centre this morning to have the court, Soe Naing, widely known her testify in court but she, again citing as Anwar, a Rohingya man who police health reasons, refused to comply with said was a key fi gure behind a brutal the summons,” a prosecutor was quot- traffi cking network that ran a jungle ed as saying by Yonhap news agency. camp where dozens died, was sen- Senior Judge Kim Jin-Dong said tenced to 94 years in prison. Tuesday he planned to fi nish Lee’s trial The defendants, among them My- next month. anmar nationals, were accused of He denies the charges. smuggling and traffi cking migrants on Prosecutors will make their sentence the Thai-Malaysia border. demand on August 4 and a verdict is Thailand has historically been a Lieutenant General Manas Kongpan is escorted by off icers at the criminal court in Bangkok. likely two weeks after that, a court source, destination and transit coun- spokesman told AFP. try for men, women and children who “There are many people in this hu- tenced to 75 years and 78 years in jail Muslim minority from Myanmar’s er for Human Rights Watch, said the The corruption scandal centres on are often smuggled and traffi cked man traffi cking network,” Prayuth told respectively. troubled Rakhine State — although death penalty could be the heaviest Choi Soon-Sil, a former close confi - from poorer, neighbouring countries, reporters. “Don’t group all soldiers in The trial began in 2015 after a Thai Thailand has yet to release a full report sentence for those convicted of traf- dante of Park who is accused of using including Cambodia, Laos and My- the country as one.” crackdown on traffi cking gangs follow- on the graves and the results of post- fi cking. her close presidential ties to force local anmar, to work in Thailand or further Manas was sentenced to 27 years in ing the gruesome discovery of dozens mortem forensic testing. “The fact that there are very sen- fi rms to “donate” nearly $70mn to two afi eld in Malaysia, often as labourers prison. of shallow graves near the Thai-Malay- Rights groups say traffi cking net- ior offi cials charged with this crime dubious foundations. and sex workers. The two convicted politicians, from sia border that authorities said was part works were largely left intact by the will help deter criminals in traffi cking Choi, who allegedly used some of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, provinces in the south, Patchuban of a jungle camp where traffi ckers held 2015 crackdown and trial. networks in the future,” Sunai, who the funds for personal gain, was jailed head of the ruling junta, asked Thais Angchotipan — a former offi cial in the migrants as hostages until relatives “We believe the crackdown is only a observed the court proceedings, told for three years last month for obstruc- not to blame the traffi cking on military Satun provincial government better were able to pay for their release. disruption of a traffi cking network but Reuters. tion of business in connection with her fi gures, a reference to the army gen- known as “Big Brother Tong” — and Many never made it out. that network is still very much well in Thailand denies that traffi cking syn- daughter’s illicit admission to a Seoul eral on trial, Manas Kongpan, the most Bannakong Pongphol — ex-mayor of Some of the dead are thought to place,” said Smith. dicates still fl ourish, saying it has large- university. senior of the offi cials arrested in 2015. Padang Besar in Songkhla — were sen- have been Rohingya — a persecuted Sunai Phasuk, senior Thai research- ly stamped out human traffi cking. She also faces other cases.

Seoul probes celebrity who ‘returned home’ New Zealander’s death turns spotlight

AFP “Everything I said on TV was script- on mental patients’ restraint in Japan Seoul ed...to make North Koreans look bar- baric, ignorant and stupid,” she said, describing herself as “human trash” for Reuters outh Korea is investigating the defaming her motherland. Tokyo case of a North Korean defec- Other defectors who have reappeared Stor who became a celebrity refu- in the North have been displayed on gee in Seoul, but recently appeared on similar programmes, prompting specu- Japanese campaign group Pyongyang television to claim she had lation they had been kidnapped or co- whose members include law- returned home from the “hell” of the erced into returning by threats to their Ayers and academics yester- capitalist South. An undated screen grab from a video families to serve Pyongyang’s propa- day called for a change in psychi- Lim Ji-Hyun, a female defector in her of North Korean defector Lim Ji-Hyun ganda. atric hospitals’ practice of putting 20s, arrived in Seoul in 2014 and soon speaking on North Korean propaganda Many defectors who reach the South patients under prolonged restraint became a public fi gure after starring in television at an unknown location in the hire brokers to take their remaining after the death of a New Zealand several South Korean TV shows featur- North. family out of the North through the bor- man. ing escapees from the North. der with China, and some even visit the Kelly Savage, 27-year-old English But on Sunday, Lim abruptly ap- Seoul’s spy agency declined to com- Chinese border areas themselves — a teacher working in Japan, was sent to peared in a video on the North’s propa- ment. dangerous move in a region monitored a psychiatric hospital near Tokyo on ganda network, describing how her In the video, Lim identifi ed herself as and frequented by North Korean agents. April 30 after showing signs of losing “fantasy” about the wealthy South had Chon Hae-Song, which she said was her More than 30,000 North Koreans touch with reality such as screaming been shattered. real name in the North. have fl ed poverty and repression in the and running around, his older broth- In the video, posted on the North’s Wearing a traditional silk hanbok isolated homeland and settled in the er Pat Savage said. Uriminzokkiri website, Lim says she had and red badge bearing the images of the South. Pat, who was with his brother “returned home” last month and was North’s two former leaders, Kim Il-sung But many complain of lack of oppor- when Kelly was hospitalised, said he Martha Savage of New Zealand, mother of Kelly Savage (pictured) speaks now living with her family in the west- and Kim Jong-il, Lim tearfully detailed tunities, discrimination and diffi culty in was strapped to the bed by the legs, during a press conference at the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in ern city of Anju. her “miserable” life in the capital- adjusting to the cutthroat, ultra-com- wrists and waist although he had Tokyo yesterday. It is unclear whether Lim returned ist neighbour where “money is all that petitive society. calmed down. voluntarily, with South Korean media matters.” A recent survey showed more than He was under restraint for most of age told a Tokyo news conference. restraint, the duration of restraint speculating that she might have been “I went to South Korea harbouring 60% of defectors consider themselves the time until a nurse found him in a He said he was not considering averaged 96 days, Toshio Hasegawa, kidnapped at the Chinese border with this fantasy that I would able to eat and “low-class citizens,” with the average state of cardiac arrest 10 days later. taking legal action against the hospi- professor at Kyorin University told the North while trying to reunite with live well and make a lot of money there, suicide rate among them at 15% — nearly He died at another hospital on May tal, but the campaigners nonetheless the same news conference. her family. but the South was not the place I imag- three times the South’s national average, 17. The autopsy result was inconclu- urged a change in practice. This compares with several hours Police sources who probed Lim’s ined,” she said, adding she had wanted which is already the world’s highest. sive, but a doctor at the second hos- The number of hospitalised psy- to several tens of hours in many other home and fi nancial accounts in Seoul to become an actress in Seoul. Lee So-Yool, another North Korean pital said there was a possibility that chiatric patients that are put under countries, said Hasegawa, who yes- told the South’s JoongAng Ilbo daily “Every single day in the South was defector and TV celebrity in Seoul, how- the extended physical restraint led to physical restraint in Japan totalled terday launched the group of psy- there was little sign of her trying to wrap like hell. Every night...I cried thinking ever said Lim would have been broad- cardiac arrest, Pat said. 10,682 as of June 30, 2014, the lat- chiatric patients as well as professors up her life in the country and move else- about my motherland and my parents cast criticising the South regardless of An offi cial at the fi rst medical in- est date for which data is available, and lawyers to raise awareness of where. in the North,” she told her interview- whether she had returned to the North stitution, Yamato Hospital, declined a twofold rise from a decade ago, ac- such restraint and reduce the prac- “Relevant authorities are investi- ers. voluntarily or forcibly. to comment on the case. cording to the Health Ministry. tice. gating the North Korean defector Lim Lim also accused a South Korean TV “She has to do it once she is back in “We thought the restraint was in- During the same period, the “What I would like to ask you fi rst Ji-Hyun,” said Lee Yoo-Jin, deputy station of pushing her to lie about her the North. She has no choice in order to humane and unnecessary in Kelly’s number of overall hospitalised psy- is to think about the feelings of those spokeswoman of Seoul’s unifi cation life in the North to make it sound more survive,” Lee said during a live Youtube case, but we had no idea it could chiatric patients fell 11% to 290,406. who are dying while under physical ministry handling North Korea aff airs. miserable than it actually was. broadcast on Monday. cause Kelly’s cardiac arrest,” Pat Sav- Among those who are put under restraint,” Hasegawa said. Gulf Times Thursday, July 20, 2017 11 BRITAIN

DECISION PEOPLE INDUSTRIAL ACTION CELEBRITY SHOCKING Government to scrap Actor trapped in jungle British Airways’ mixed fleet Emma Watson off ers Costa Coff ee bars customer credit card charges for three days after fall crew to strike for 14 days reward for missing rings from feeding homeless man

The government said it would ban companies from Former EastEnders star Paul Nicholls said he is Some British Airways cabin crew are to strike Actress Emma Watson is off ering a reward “for A Costa Coff ee customer has criticised the chain charging consumers for paying by debit and credit “lucky to be alive” after breaking his leg and being for a further 14 days as part of an ongoing information leading to the return” of three missing after it refused to serve him because he was cards. “This is about fairness and transparency, trapped in a pool of water for three days when dispute over pay, the Unite trade union said silver rings. Watson put the rings in a safe inside buying food for a homeless man. Adrian Pinsent and so from next year, there will be no more nasty he fell down a waterfall in Thailand. The actor, yesterday. The additional industrial action a locker at a London spa on Sunday, then realised attempted to buy a sandwich and a drink for the surprises for people at the check-out just for 38, who played Joe Wicks in the hit BBC soap extends a previously announced walkout after leaving the spa that she’d forgotten them, she man at the coff ee shop in Waterloo station at about using a card,” economic secretary to the treasury, 20 years ago, was saved when a villager saw his which began yesterday and means that British said on Facebook. “Security checked the safe,” she midnight on Monday after he met him outside. Stephen Barclay, said in a statement. Consumers motorbike and contacted police. Rescuers finally Airways “mixed fleet” cabin crew will eff ectively said, but the rings weren’t there. “Were these just In video footage, filmed by Pinsent, the barista making purchases in Britain are being asked to pay found the actor at the bottom of Khun Si falls on be on strike for the next four weeks. The mixed any rings I could accept this, but one of them was a can be heard saying: “I’m really sorry, sir. I’m really, up to 20% more on their bills, such as for flights, the island of Koh Samui. He was semi-conscious fleet serve both short and long-haul routes. The gift from my Mum,” Watson said in her post. “I wear really sorry.” He then says: “If we do that we will get for using a card rather than cash, the Treasury said. and had hypothermia, as well as an infection newly announced action will run from August this ring every day, it is my most meaningful and prosecuted... it’s not our policy, it’s from the security “With many feeling the squeeze in the cost of living, picked up from his injuries. Dramatic video of the 2 and August 15. The mixed fleet has been on special possession,” she said. The post included of the station and the police.” Pinsent said: “I was people shouldn’t be hit with unexpected fees,” said star’s rescue shows him apparently delirious and strike on several occasions already this year, pictures of the rings. Watson did not specify the amazed by the whole incident. The idea that the Guy Anker, managing editor at consumer website, crying out in pain as emergency teams stretcher including a 16 day walkout at the beginning of amount of the reward, but she did off er an e-mail police or station security would prosecute Costa as MoneySavingExpert.com. him to safety. July. address for anyone with information to use. the barista said is unbelievable, and just not true.”

Premier Royals meet Merkel fends off Govt brings jokes on future forward AFP London

eleaguered Prime Minis- ter Theresa May yesterday Bbatted off jokes about her rise in state weakened government during her fi nal parliamentary grilling before escaping for the summer recess. After a string of terror attacks and an electoral humiliation last month, the Conservative leader opened prime minister’s questions pension age in the House of Commons by not- ing the “particularly challenging Guardian News and Media long before they reached 68. is that the change announced will year”. Amid Cabinet in-fi ghting London Labour said in its manifesto it have a real impact on them later in and reports of plots to oust her, would not implement the Crid- life.” opposition Labour leader Jeremy land proposals, and would instead Graham Vidler, the director of Corbyn took the opportunity to ritons born between 1970 consult on varying retirement external aff airs at the Pensions condemn her “divided” govern- and 1978 will have to wait an ages. and Lifetime Savings Association, ment while another MP mocked Bextra year, until they are 68, A number of MPs also expressed a group representing pensions her as the “interim prime minister”. to claim their state pension, the disappointment that Gauke had schemes, raised concerns about A third MP made fun of May for government has announced. chosen to raise the pensions age whether those aff ected will be having a “new-found empathy for David Gauke, the work and rather than take the opportunity properly prepared. those in insecure work”. pensions secretary, announced to reverse the government’s pol- “This proposal will aff ect more “I look along that front bench the controversial rise for about icy for so-called Waspi women – than 7mn people in their late 30s opposite, Mr Speaker, and I see a 7mn people in their late 30s and those born in the 1950s who have and 40s – the sandwich genera- Cabinet bickering and backbiting, early 40s just before the House of seen their pension age rise faster tion,” he said. “This group are also while the economy gets weaker Commons breaks up for its sum- than expected. those most at risk of inadequate and people are pushed further into mer recess. private saving – they have not debt,” Corbyn said, to cheers from The move implements the fi nd- The decision means had the same access to fi nal salary his MPs sitting behind him. ings of a review by the former the state pension age pension schemes as their parents “This divided government is CBI director general John Crid- increasing from 67 to 68 and are too old to enjoy the full unable to give this country the land, published in March, which between 2037 and 2039 – benefi ts of automatic enrolment leadership it so desperately needs recommended accelerating the seven years earlier than that their children will see. now to deal with these issues.” planned increase in the pension previously planned “We call on the government But he failed to land any serious age to prevent the costs of the to follow up on one of Cridland’s blows, while exchanges between state pension becoming unsus- Age UK was even more critical other recommendations and pro- the two leaders over stalled public tainable. The decision means the of the plans, saying the govern- vide access to ‘midlife fi nancial sector pay and rising living costs state pension age increasing from ment was “picking the pockets MOTs’. This will help those people were well-rehearsed. 67 to 68 between 2037 and 2039 – of everyone in their late 40s and who need to work longer before May hit back with a defence of seven years earlier than previously younger, despite there being no they receive their state pension to the government’s economic record planned – to refl ect increasing objective case in Age UK’s view to make smarter fi nancial choices to that drew an enthusiastic response longevity. support it at this point in time”. boost their savings.” The govern- from her own backbenchers. Gauke said implementing the The charity for older people ment committed in 2013 to con- Parliament holds its last session proposals would create “fair- also pointed out that the an- tinue increasing the state pension today before a six-week summer ness across the generations, and nouncement came just days after age in line with life expectancy, to break, returning in September. the certainty which people need Sir Michael Marmot, a former prevent the costs swallowing up a May was forced to “remind” to plan for old age”, and insisted government adviser, warned that growing share of public spending. ministers in her Cabinet to keep he wanted Britain to be “the best the trend towards longer lives was Gauke said the government was their discussions private this week country in the world to grow old”. “pretty close to having ground to a “aiming at the proportion of life after a string of damaging leaks He said failing to act “would halt” since 2010 after rising con- spent in receipt of state pension exposing splits over Brexit. be irresponsible and place an ex- stantly since World War II. to be 32%”. And he added that the The second round of formal ne- tremely unfair burden on younger Caroline Abrahams, char- government would be carrying gotiations on Britain’s withdrawal generations”. ity director at Age UK, said it out a further review before legis- from the European Union is un- However, Labour and chari- was “astonishing that this is be- lating to implement the plans. derway in Brussels. ties were quick to condemn the ing announced the day after new The DUP indicated it supported “There is a need to show plans, with the shadow work authoritative research suggested May’s position. Sammy Wilson, strength and unity as a country and pensions secretary, Debbie that the long-term improvement the MP for East Antrim, said it was and that starts around the Cabi- Abrahams, describing them as in life expectancy is stalling”. an “an inevitable consequence of net table,” May told colleagues at Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, meet German Chancellor “anything but fair”, and argu- “For people in midlife and increased life expectancy and im- their weekly Cabinet meeting on Angela Merkel in Berlin, Germany, yesterday. ing that many pensioners faced younger their state pension may provements in the general health Tuesday. a “toxic cocktail” of ill-health seem a lifetime away but the fact of the population”. BBC fl ayed for gender pay Anniversary Cornish village begins clean-up after fl oods gap as salaries revealed Guardian News and Media front window one at a time and London dropped us in the fi eld next door,” she said. London Evening Standard BBC Breakfast host Naga ers while Holby City’s Hugh The cost of repairs and insur- London Munchetty was paid between Quarshie is in the same pay band. azed residents in a Cornish ance in Coverack is already esti- £150,000 and £199,999 but But EastEnders’ highest-earners fi shing village have begun mated at more than £1mn, with co-presenter Dan Walker took are Danny Dyer, who plays Queen Da huge clean-up operation structural damage to roads and he BBC was engulfed in a home between £200,000 and Vic landlord Mick Carter, and the following a fl ash fl ood that saw a buildings in the area. Cornwall’s huge gender pay gap storm £249,999. ever-present Adam Woodyatt. torrent of water more than a metre council leader, Adam Paynter, Tyesterday after it emerged Radio 4 Today show pre- Both earned between £200,000 deep rip up roads and damage 50 said there were fi nancial reserves that the top-paid male star raked senter Mishal Husain’s pay and £249,999. properties. to deal with the emergency. “It’s in more than four times the salary packet of £200,000 to £249,999 Among the other “multi- The scene at Coverack on the been absolutely unbelievable to of the highest-earning woman. was dwarfed by that of her genre” BBC presenters on large Lizard peninsula was described as see. I think it’s going to take a lit- Chris Evans was paid between co-host John Humphrys, who salaries were Jeremy Vine, devastating. tle while to get this sorted out and £2.2mn and £2,249,999 dur- also presents Mastermind. He of quiz show Eggheads, on Several people had to be rescued tidied up but obviously the main ing 2016-17 for his work for the earned between £600,000 and £700,000 to £749,999, BBC on Tuesday, including a couple in thing is that nobody’s been injured corporation, which included Top £649,999. News anchor Huw Edwards on their seventies who were winched and everybody is OK in the vil- Gear and Radio 2. Labour MP Jess Phillips, who £550,000 to £599,999, and Radio to safety as fl oodwater coursed lage.” The bumper sum far exceeded sat on the women and equalities 2’s Steve Wright on £500,000 to through narrow lanes after torren- Witnesses described the torrent the £450,000 to £499,999 for committee, said: “There is clear- £549,999. tial rain and thunderstorms. of water turning the harbour front Claudia Winkleman, of Strictly ly a fundamental problem in how The BBC annual report and ac- Christopher and Penny Ham- into a waterfall and the main road Come Dancing, who also works women are valued by the corpo- counts for 2016-17 also showed mill were airlifted by coastguard into a river. on radio. Six other men also re- ration. It’s diffi cult to see how the overall wage and salary bill helicopter after the water came A schoolbus driver and his sole ceived pay above Winkleman’s. this wasn’t picked up sooner.” at the corporation rising above downstream on both sides of their passenger had to be rescued. “The They included Match Of Some of the BBC’s highest- £1bn, with a blackhole in its pen- home, measuring more than a boulders from people’s gardens The Day presenter Gary Linek- earning BAME talent are among sion scheme of similar size. metre-and-a-half deep in places, were pummelling the bus,” said er, on between £1.75mn and the casts of primetime shows in- The BBC has been forced by before bursting through the door. Thomas Duffi eld, 33. “They were £1,799,999, and chat show host cluding Casualty and EastEnders the government to publish the Now in borrowed clothes, about the size of a wheel and kept and radio presenter Graham Nor- — but even here white men top salaries of all of its top talent and staying with friends, Penny whacking the vehicle.” Stranded ton, on £850,000 to £899,999. the charts for high-earners. paid at least £150,000, which is Queen Elizabeth II is welcomed by Canadian governor Hammill said it had been an “ab- because of abandoned cars, Duff - BBC director-general Tony On-screen sisters Tameka as much as the prime minister. General, David Johnston on her arrival at Canada House solute nightmare” that had left ield tried to calm nerves by joking Hall yesterday said it needed to Empson and Diane Parish earn Overall, about two thirds of the in London yesterday to mark the 150th anniversary of the couple devastated. They had with his schoolboy passenger that go “further and faster on issues between £150,000 and £199,999 96 top-earners were men, spark- Canadian Confederation. to fl ee upstairs until the helicop- “it was a good way to get out of do- of gender and diversity”. for their roles in EastEnd- ing the gender pay gap row. ter arrived. “It took us out of the ing his homework”. Gulf Times 12 Thursday, July 20, 2017 EUROPE Poland put Bubbly boy on notice by EU over judiciary

Reuters new laws passed in Poland Brussels are in line with the country’s constitution. The chairman of the largest he European Union faction in the European Par- yesterday gave Warsaw liament, Germany’s Manfred Ta week to halt judicial Weber, said yesterday: “It reforms it said would put goes beyond doubt now: PiS courts under direct govern- government is trying to abol- ment control, or face pun- ish rule of law in Poland. ishment for undermining This has to be stopped.” democracy in the largest ex- On Tuesday, the French communist member of the Foreign Ministry said it was bloc. concerned by the court laws, Since being elected in 2015, and backed eff orts by the the nationalist Law and Jus- bloc’s executive European tice (PiS) party has tightened Commission to convince government control over Warsaw to change tack. courts and prosecutors, as Increasingly worried with well as state media. how PiS — which combines Political opponents, rights a staunchly conservative groups and the EU say it un- world view with a left-wing dermines separation of power economic agenda — is cen- between the executive and tralising power, the Eu- the judiciary. ropean Commission has While the PiS remains opened a raft of proceedings broadly popular among Poles, against Warsaw, including thousands have protested an unprecedented probe into against the plans in the big threats to the rule of law. cities and more protests are Timmermans said Brus- expected today. sels would open a fresh legal “These laws considerably case next week over the court A boy chases soap-bubbles at the Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure in Moscow yesterday. increase the systemic threats laws, as well as giving War- to the rule of law,” the EU ex- saw more recommendations ecutive arm’s deputy head, on how to rein in the changes. Frans Timmermans, told a He mentioned the “nu- briefi ng in Brussels. clear option” of triggering a “They would abolish any punishment procedure that remaining judicial independ- could theoretically lead to ence and put the judiciary suspending Poland’s voting under full political control of rights in the bloc. the government,” he said. “We are coming very close Poland said it could take to triggering Article 7,” Tim- its own action at Europe’s mermans said, although he French army chief highest court if any EU case signalled this was less likely was initiated. “If other pro- to happen next week. cedures are triggered, we will It would mean that, while defend our position, includ- the Commission has long said ing before the Court of Jus- PiS government policies put tice,” Polish PAP news agency the rule of law in the country cited Konrad Szymanski, of 38mn people under sys- deputy foreign minister in temic threat, it would now quits in budget row charge of European aff airs, as ask member states to offi cial- saying. ly confi rm that assessment. The French army chief resigned after a dent’s style of governing while paying The separation of pow- A majority of EU states public dressing down tribute to the general. ers between executive and would have to agree and then His resignation was “the consequence judiciary is a fundamental tell Poland how they think DPA of unkept commitments to our armed democratic principle in the it should act to address the Paris forces and of a form of humiliation of the EU, though in many member concerns. military institution that betrays a febril- states the eff ectiveness of Only if and when they de- ity at the highest level of the state”, said separation can be as much a cide Warsaw did not heed rench President Emmanuel Macron Bernerd Accoyer, general secretary of the matter of political culture as their calls could they move to suff ered his fi rst major political set- centre-right Les Republicains party. of formal structures. imposing sanctions. Fback yesterday when the head of the The Socialist Party’s leader in the Na- PiS says the judicial re- This would need the una- armed forces, General Pierre de Villiers, tional Assembly, Olivier Faure, accused forms are needed to make nimity of all other EU states. resigned in a row over cuts to the defence Macron of provoking a “democratic crisis” the courts accountable and Warsaw’s eurosceptic, na- budget. with a “humiliation” of de Villiers after ensure that state institutions tionalist ally Hungary has De Villiers’ resignation — the fi rst by a the general’s initial criticism of the cuts, serve all Poles, not just the made clear it would block French joint chief of staff since 1961, ac- which was made during a closed session “elites” that it portrays as the such a move. cording to newspaper Le Monde — came of the assembly’s defence committee but support base for the opposi- Legal cases could eventual- less than a week after Macron issued him widely leaked. tion. ly lead to hefty fi nes, although with a fi erce public reprimand in front of French President Emmanuel Macron with General de Villiers. Faure took aim at what the media, in Poland’s parliament held a they are usually a lengthy and troops, albeit without mentioning him by reference to the supreme god of ancient second day of debate yester- slow-brewing process. name. sure the durability of the model of army the military: “I am your chief. I know how Rome, has dubbed Macron’s “Jupiterian” day on a proposed law to give The bloc’s EU aff airs min- De Villiers will be replaced by General I believe in to guarantee the protection of to keep my commitments to our fellow approach to the presidency. the government more direct isters are due to discuss the Francois Lecointre, who headed an EU France and the French people”. citizens and our armed forces. I don’t need “Even Jupiter should be able to dis- control over the Supreme matter at their next meeting, military training mission in Mali in 2013 The French military is deployed in Mali any pressure or commentaries.” tinguish between laudable authority and Court, whose tasks include now scheduled on Septem- and also served in Rwanda, Gabon and and Chad to aid local forces against jihad- Macron has played up his position as an indecent authoritarianism that takes validating elections in the ex- ber19. Bosnia, government spokesman Christo- ists and has also been engaged in an inten- commander in chief of the military since pleasure in personal power,” he charged. communist state. Despite the pressure, PiS phe Castaner announced. sive domestic security deployment since his election in May, visiting troops in Mali Castaner, who insisted that de Villier’s That bill follows a law has off ered no concessions, The joint chief of staff — reappointed terrorist attacks in Paris in January 2015. and military installations in France. comments at the National Assembly last passed last week which ends instead presenting the criti- for an additional year only weeks earlier In a column in Le Figaro on Friday, de But he has also been insistent on his own Wednesday were not a factor in his resig- the terms of current members cism as unacceptable foreign — had objected strongly to a government Villiers wrote that the combination of authority and on the need to reduce the nation, asked journalists to “consider that of the National Council of the meddling in domestic aff airs decision that the military should bear 30,000 soldiers “in operational posture budget defi cit to the general EU target of 3 our army is in very good hands”. Judiciary, one of the main ju- of the country, which over- the brunt of one-off cuts aimed at meet- day and night” and “a complicated budg- per cent of gross domestic product. Lecointre, the incoming joint chief of dicial bodies, and gives par- threw communism in 1989 ing defi cit reduction targets in the 2017 etary context” was “not tenable”. “The head of the armed forces has the staff , was “a recognised hero in the army”, liament powers to choose 15 and joined the EU in 2004. budget. Macron mounted a vigorous response authority to be head of the armed forces,” Castaner said, noting that during his serv- of its 25 members. Its popularity also stems The military budget was targeted for in the president’s traditional pre-Bastille Castaner said, referring to the president’s ice with UN forces in Bosnia in 1995, when This came after PiS brought from record-low unemploy- 850mn euros out of a total of 4.5bn euros day address to top offi cers and troops, constitutional position as the head of the he was a young captain, he “was able to in allied judges to another top ment, a robust economy and of budgetary savings announced last week. while repeating his pledge to raise defence military. liberate [captured] soldiers” when he led court, which checks that any increased social spending. De Villiers said in his resignation state- spending from next year. But the departure of de Villiers led op- a bayonet charge to recapture a bridge in ment that he was “no longer able to en- With de Villiers in attendance, he told ponents of Macron to castigate the presi- Sarajevo from Bosnian Serb forces. Merkel widens lead ahead of poll

DPA Union (CSU) allies climbed to now below the 25.7% of the vote political uncertainty globally. CDU-CSU’s traditional coali- Berlin 40% this week, Forsa said. it scored at the last election in Merkel also enjoys a big lead tion allies — returning to the Backing for the CDU-CSU September 2013. over SPD chief Martin Schulz Bundestag with 8% of the vote now stands at its highest level Forsa chief Manfred Guellner in terms of personal popularity after being wiped out of parlia- hancellor Angela Mer- since Merkel’s contentious de- warned in a newspaper inter- ratings. ment in 2013. kel’s conservatives have cision in September 2015 to view that the SPD was unlikely If Germans could elect their That could be enough to con- Cwidened their lead above open Germany’s borders to al- to be able to close the 18-per- chancellor directly, 52% would vince Merkel to dump the SPD their political rivals according low about 890,000 refugees to centage-point gap enjoyed by back Merkel, while just 22% in favour of forging a new coali- to an opinion poll released yes- travel into the country. the CDU-CSU before voters would support Schulz. tion with the FDP. terday, just over two months CDU-CSU support rose one cast their ballots on September The Forsa poll also points On the other hand, an SPD- ahead of September’s election. percentage point over the last 24. to the coalition options facing led coalition compromising Mounted in the days follow- week despite the extensive cov- “A rapid recovery is not to Merkel should she be successful the hard-left Die Linke and the ing this month’s Group of 20 erage in Germany of the vio- be expected,” Guellner told the in winning a fourth term in of- Greens would be unable to piece summit in Hamburg, the sur- lence that overshadowed the daily Bild. fi ce in September. together a parliamentary ma- vey from Berlin pollsters Forsa G20 summit, which Merkel In the meantime, the CDU- A continuation of Merkel’s jority to oust Merkel and her showed the violent protests chaired. CSU is edging back towards current coalition with the SPD conservative political bloc, ac- surrounding the meeting of the The Forsa poll, which sur- the 41.5 per cent it garnered in would command a solid major- cording to the Forsa poll. world’s major economies as veyed participants from July 10- the 2013 ballot. Backing for the ity in the lower house of parlia- Yesterday’s Forsa poll also having failed to impact on Mer- 14, showed support for Merkel’s CDU-CSU highlights Merkel’s ment, the Bundestag. forecast that the right-wing kel’s standing among voters. main rivals, the centre-left So- success in promoting her image But in line with other surveys, populist Alternative for Ger- Support for her Christian cial Democrats (SDP), as con- as a safe pair of hands following the Forsa poll also raises the many (AfD) will enter national Democrats (CDU) and their Ba- tinuing to slide. a series of terrorist attacks in prospect of the pro-business parliament for the fi rst time, varian-based Christian Social At 22 per cent, the SPD was the nation and concerns about Free Democrats (FDP) — the with support currently at 7%. Gulf Times Thursday, July 20, 2017 13 INDIA

LEGAL POLITICS CRIME BLUNDER PEOPLE Right to privacy amorphous Congress plan to corner Bihar BJP leader murdered, Doctors operate patient’s Kamal Haasan’s tweet and not absolute: top court Adityanath leaked body thrown into well right kidney instead of left hints at entry into politics

As lawyers challenging the Aadhaar scheme put The leaked 32-page Congress document that A leader of the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party In a shocking incident, a patient’s right kidney was Actor Kamal Haasan set his Twitter followers and up a strong defence of the right to privacy, a judge detailed key issues the opposition party planned (BJP) was murdered and his body thrown into operated upon instead of the left at a hospital in others wracking their minds with a Tamil poem of the nine-judge constitution bench raised several to raise in Parliament indicated its strategy a well in Bihar’s Gopalganj district, police said Ranchi. Gudia Bai’s operation on the right kidney that sounded like signalling entry into politics. The questions, observing that it was an amorphous to take Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi yesterday. Krishna Shahi, who was head of the took place at the Rajendra Institute of Medical actor is facing the ire of several ministers in Tamil right and not absolute. Justice D Y Chandrachud Adityanath to task for Saharanpur violence. The BJP’s commercial cell in Bihar, had been missing Sciences (RIMS) while stones had been detected Nadu for his recent comment that there is corruption also felt that everything that falls under liberty BJP yesterday dubbed the 32-page dossier on since late Tuesday night when he failed to return in her left kidney, her husband Pradeep Kumar in all the state government departments. Some need not necessarily fall under privacy, which is cow vigilante lynchings and attacks on Dalits home after attending a social function. His body said. “A private hospital asked us to pay Rs40,000 fringe outfits are also against the television reality a very small part of liberty. The lawyers for the and other issues as a “dossier of disruption” was recovered from a well in Manjha village under for surgery. I am a driver and can’t aff ord the show Bigg Boss, hosted by the actor. Reacting to petitioners challenging the Aadhaar scheme aimed to divide the country on communal lines Phulwaria Police Station in Gopalganj, a district amount. So I got her admitted in the RIMS. After the controversy surrounding Kamal’s views and pointed out that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had and disrupt the ongoing monsoon session police off icial Mohamed Imtiaz Ahmad said. Police the operation I found stitches on her right side the reality show, former AIADMK parliamentarian in the Rajya Sabha in March last year described of Parliament. A section in the document is have detained a man and five women after Shahi’s instead of the left. When I brought it to notice of K C Palaniswamy said: “The attack by ministers privacy as a fundamental right. Petitioners have headlined: “BJP MP Raghav Lakhanpal and family suspected their involvement in the murder. the doctors, I was assured further treatment but on him is a sort of a diversionary tactic from other challenged the validity of the Aadhaar scheme on CM Yogi’s roles in caste and communal riots in Angry over the killing, Shahi’s supporters attacked nothing has happened,” Pradeep said. The hospital issues like special facilities given to V K Sasikala in grounds of it violative of the right to privacy. Saharanpur.” the house of suspected accused Aditya Rai. blamed junior doctors for the blunder. the Bengaluru prison and others.”

Gandhi addresses rally Song mocking Mumbai civic body angers Shiv Sena

IANS “It’s become a fashion to lam- Mumbai bast the BMC for anything that goes wrong in the city, roads, railways, traffi c. We may be at parody song by a well- fault at times but this is a blan- known radio jockey (RJ) ket blame to the civic body for all Amocking the pathetic problems confronting Mumbai, condition of roads and unend- which is not correct,” he said. ing traffi c jams in Mumbai has Sarwankar, however, admitted gone viral and unsettled the civic there was no explicit mention of body, which has threatened ac- either the BMC or Shiv Sena in tion against the RJ for breeding the runaway hit number but said mosquitoes at her home. his chief grouse was “they are Two corporators of the ruling maligning Mumbai’s image for Shiv Sena have also demanded TRPs”. that the Brihanmumbai Mu- However, Mendonca has been nicipal Corporation (BMC) slap getting support on social media. a Rs5bn defamation suit against Several private FM channels have FM radio and the RJ. started running their own inde- Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi addresses the ‘Kisan Akrosh Rally’ in Banswara, Rajasthan, yesterday. The Marathi song Sonu, Tula pendent campaigns on various Mumbai Var Bharosa Nai Ka? issues concerning Mumbai. (Sonu, you have no faith in Interestingly, the ruling ally Mumbai?) was released recently Bharatiya Janata Party has also and is sung in a spontaneous and extended its support to Men- foot-tapping style by radio jock- donca. Endorsing the song, BJP ey Malishka Mendonca and her city president Ashish Shelar said team on 93.5 Red FM. the song is “protected under After the song went viral, the freedom of speech.” BMC on Tuesday carried out a “It is brave of (RJ) Malishka to survey of RJ Malishka’s house come out (of) comfort zone and Modi urged to pass in posh Bandra West and said it apply her creativity to express found a “dengue mosquito colo- Mumbai’s problems,” Shelar ny”. A report has been submitted tweeted yesterday. to higher authorities. The song has become a hit “We have detected Aedes with the people of Mumbai and mosquitoes breeding (which can be heard in offi ce canteens, spreads dengue) in a clay bowl trains and bus stops, while many bill against lynching kept under a plant pot. Indoor versions of it have come up on breeding is also detected in plant social media and in diff erent IANS the crime, was prepared by lantes) so that they can ‘correct’ Leaders said that lynchings ernment does not take up the pots kept in the window,” the re- languages on radios across the New Delhi ‘National Campaign Against people who kill cows,” he said. happen not just in the name of Bill in the current session, then port said. country, albeit with a local fl a- Mob Lynching’ – a committee “They’re playing it together.” cow, but against Dalits, Muslims, “10,000 people with their cattle The BMC has threatened that vour. of social activists and student The Congress leader said that Africans and even Hindus. A and victims will go and stay at the Mendonca’s family could face Meanwhile, Sena president eaders of diff erent politi- leaders – of which social activ- Sangh and its 150-odd organisa- pledge to not remain mute spec- PM’s residence”. action under Section 381B of Uddhav Thackeray came out cal parties yesterday ex- ist Tehseen Poonawalla is a core tions plant seeds of hatred in the tators to lynching and not allow “Not at Jantar Mantar, but at the Bombay Municipal Act for with a self-patting statement Ltended their support to a member. minds of children at a very early lynchings was also taken at the the PM’s house as it’s the only allowing dengue mosquitoes to saying this year “Mumbai did draft bill against lynching pre- Speaking to media, senior age and now with fake news and 100-people strong gathering. safe place in the country,” he breed. not drown” despite the heavy pared by a civil society organi- Congress leader Digvijaya Singh social media, this has increased Poonawalla said that the said. Demanding a defamation suit downpour and complimented sation and urged Prime Minister said that the Sangh Parivar’s fi ve-fold. government is trying to make CPI-M MP M B Rajesh said against the radio jockey, Sena cor- the BMC for doing a good job. Narendra Modi to get it passed line of thought is responsible for Congress MP Shashi Tha- lynching a Hindu-Muslim issue even though the situation was porator Sarwankar said: “They Mendonca is a celebrity in her in the ongoing monsoon session the recent lynchings and that it roor said that the government and added that it goes beyond it. not as grave in Kerala as in other lack knowledge and imagination... own right. She had trained Vidya of parliament. works in “a two-faced manner”. has failed to take up the issue. “We condemn the lynching of parts of the country, he’ll take All the civic issues they claim to Balan when the Bollywood ac- The Manav Suraksha Kanoon “On one side, they are “Lynchings are rampant and Ayub Pandith as we do the lynch- up the issue with the Kerala have raised through the song don’t tress enacted the role of an RJ in (MASUKA), which defi nes the (Sangh) saying that lynchings are happening with impunity. I ing of Junaid or Pehlu Khan. To- Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. concern the BMC. However, the the 2006 blockbuster Lage Raho words ‘lynching’ and ‘mob’ and in the name of cow protection hope the government, the prime day its minorities, tomorrow it DMK MP T K S Elangovan said BMC is a globally renowned civic Munnabhai and has made ap- lists the measures that should is wrong, while (VHP leader) minister and home minister will would be women for the clothes that “states run by BJP are sup- body and this is tarnishing its rep- pearances on Bigg Boss and other be taken, including making it a Praveen Togadia asks for train- adopt it (Bill) or come up with a they wear or transgenders,” he porting mobs who violate laws utation worldwide. television shows. non-bailable off ence, to curb ing for gaurakshaks (cow vigi- law of their own.” said. Poonawalla said if the gov- and take law into their hands”.

BJP protest China ‘bigger threat to Zeliang sworn in as India than Pakistan’

Nagaland chief minister IANS discussion on the issue of farm- New Delhi ers’ plight. The SP leader said that the IANS as chief minister following Ze- tors besides seven Independent Chinese army and their weapons Kohima liang’s resignation. members. escribing China as a have been seen in Kashmir. Chi- Acharya dismissed the gov- “No time (for the fl oor test) “bigger threat to India na is even constructing a road in ernment under Clause (I) of was given to us. How can we at- Dthan Pakistan”, Sama- Pakistan-administered Kashmir. enior Naga People’s Front Article 164 of the Constitution tend the Assembly session when jwadi Party leader Mulayam “We should diplomatically (NPF) legislator T R Ze- after receiving a letter from As- most of us are not even in Ko- Singh Yadav yesterday sought protest against it. Pakistan with Sliang was sworn in as sembly Speaker Imtiwapang Aier hima, and that too the Assembly the government’s response on China has adopted a strategy to Nagaland’s 19th chief minister on Liezietsu’s failure to prove his session was summoned at mid- the military stand-off at Dok- infi ltrate Kashmir, which is very yesterday, hours after Gov- majority in the Assembly. night (Tuesday night),” said Yi- lam. dangerous,” he claimed. ernor P B Acharya dismissed Liezietsu did not attend the tachu, a spokesperson for Liezi- Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Yadav said India has accept- Shurhozelie Liezietsu after he Assembly session convened at etsu’s group. the former defence minister also ed China’s authority on Tibet, failed to prove his majority in 9.30am for the purpose of testing “We don’t understand the ur- accused China of conspiring which was a “blunder”. the Assembly. his legislative majority. gency of summoning the Assem- against India and urged the gov- “Now, India should openly Acharya administered the “Forty-eight legislators (in- bly session since the ongoing po- ernment to openly support the support Tibet for its independ- oath of offi ce and secrecy to the cluding Speaker) attended the litical development is an internal independence of Tibet and ban ence. India should also help Ti- 65-year-old Zeliang in a ceremo- session. Therefore, it is clear that matter within the NPF party and Chinese products in the country. betan religious leader the Dalai ny at the Raj Bhavan here. Zeliang Liezietsu has failed to obtain the the matter should be resolved “China is a bigger threat to Lama as much as it can. This will will have to prove his majority in vote of confi dence despite re- outside the House,” Yitachu said. India than Pakistan. Pakistan be a befi tting reply to China,” the House on or before July 22. peated opportunities given for However, Tokheho Yeptho- cannot do anything to India. I he said. The veteran leader also The new chief minister will the same,” the governor said. mi, spokesperson for Zeliang’s have been saying this since the demanded a “ban on Chinese announce his council of minis- The governor had on July 11 and group, told IANS that Liezietsu last 20 years. Now, it’s clear that products in India in the nation’s ters after the fl oor test. 13 told Liezietsu to seek a vote of should have gracefully stepped China is conspiring against us. interest”. This is the second time Zeliang confi dence on or before July 15. down rather than refusing to In Kashmir, China is support- “If China continues to help will be the chief minister after he Liezietsu, a non-elected mem- prove his majority in the House. ing Pakistan even with arms and Pakistan and interferes in Kash- resigned following violent pro- ber to the 60-member House, had In the 60-member Assembly, ammunition. This should be mir, India should ban Chinese test by tribal groups opposed to the support of 10 NPF legislators one seat is vacant. The ruling BJP Mahila Morcha workers led by B S Yeddyurappa strongly protested,” Mulayam products. If need be, we should his move to hold civic polls with and an Independent member. Democratic Alliance of Nagaland stage a demonstration against the transfer of Indian Yadav claimed during Zero Hour. have a rethink on diplomatic re- 33% seats reserved for women. Zeliang, who staked claim to coalition has 47 NPF legisla- Police Service off icer D Roopa and the murder of Mulayam Yadav’s remarks lations,” Yadav said. Liezietsu, 80, was made to form a new government, was in tors, four Bharatiya Janata Party Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh worker Sharath Madiwala came after the opposition par- He also demanded a complete come out of retirement from the House with his supporters members and eight Independ- in Bengaluru yesterday. ties staged a walk out of the Lok review of India’s relations with electoral politics to take over – 35 NPF and four BJP legisla- ents. Sabha demanding immediate China. Gulf Times 14 Thursday, July 20, 2017 INDIA

DISCLOSURE CONTROVERSY ANNOUNCEMENT POLITICS EVENT 11,400 farmers committed IndiGo, other airlines Tamil Nadu legislators Mayawati urged to take Congress leader Vaghela suicide in 2016: minister lift ban on MP Reddy get 100% hike in salaries back resignation decision to hold show of strength

Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan IndiGo airlines yesterday revoked the The Tamil Nadu government yesterday Rajya Sabha deputy chairman P J Kurien Senior Gujarat Congress leader Shankersinh Singh yesterday said as many as 11,400 ban on Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP J more than doubled the salaries of legislators yesterday urged Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Vaghela continues to keep the party high farmers committed suicide in 2016. C Diwakar Reddy from its flights after he to Rs 105,000 per month even as farmers Mayawati to take back her decision to resign command on tenterhooks over his next “According to National Crime Records Bureau expressed regret over his unruly behaviour from the state protest in Delhi demanding from the house. Mayawati had resigned after move. He has announced a public gathering data for 2016, which is yet to be published, last month. Following IndiGo’s decision, loan waivers. Legislators currently draw being barred by Kurien from speaking beyond of his supporters and legislators on his 77th 11,400 farmers committed suicide. In 2015, the all major domestic airlines - Air India, Jet a monthly salary of Rs 50,000 and this the stipulated three minutes in the Rajya Sabha birthday on Friday. The July 21 event is poised number was 12,602,” he said in his reply after Airways, SpiceJet and Vistara - also revoked will almost double due to the hike in basic on Tuesday. Kurien said it was not just his to be a show of strength where MLAs of the a discussion in the Lok Sabha on the agrarian the ban. On its part, IndiGo said: “Senior salary and other allowances, Chief Minister urging but the “sentiment of the entire house” Congress and Nationalist Congress Party crisis. He said farmers suicides could be IndiGo officials yesterday met Reddy Edappadi K Palaniswami told the assembly. that the BSP leader reconsiders her decision. and Janata Dal-United, who both have one checked only by increasing their income and at a lunch hosted by senior member of The monthly pension for former legislators Since Mayawati was not present in the house member in the state Assembly, have been the government was taking necessary steps, parliament Y S Chaudhary, to resolve the has also been increased to Rs20,000 per at that time, Kurien asked BSP leader Satish invited. The birthday event was scheduled including increase in budgetary allocations issue of Reddy’s ban on IndiGo flights. The month from Rs12,000. The changes will be Chandra Mishra to convey his message to the to be held at Mahatma Mandir, the sprawling to the agriculture sector. Earlier, Congress issue is amicably resolved and IndiGo has effective July 1 2017. The chief minister also party chief. Leader of opposition in the Rajya and plush auditorium complex set up by member Jyotiraditya Scindia criticised the decided to lift the said ban with immediate announced a hike of Rs25,000 per month Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad seconded Kurien’s Narendra Modi as chief minister. It is now to government for failing to ensure remunerative effect and Reddy is withdrawing the case he in the allowances for the chief minister, appeal and urged Mayawati to take back her be held at the public lawns near the Town prices to farmers. has filed.” ministers and the speaker. resignation. Hall.

Suffi cient Flooded street proof to Kerala unveils link Dileep to kidnap plot: police plan to build

IANS Kochi new airport on he Kerala Police yesterday voiced confi dence that it Thas enough evidence to nail superstar Dileep in the al- leged abduction and molestation of a popular actress in February disputed land this year. A V George, superintendent By Ashraf Padanna what their terms and condi- whims and fancies of so-called of police and offi cial behind the Thiruvananthapuram tions are. We are always open environmental activists and probe, refused to reveal much to discussions.” scrap infrastructure projects about the probe, but pointed out The message from the chief at will,” the Congress party that they would not have arrested he Kerala government minister’s offi ce states the leader added. the actor without evidence. yesterday announced government has decided to The Aranmula airport The police chief appeared con- Tits decision to build the build the airport on 2,263 acres project had faced stiff resist- fi dent that he has all the evidence state’s fi fth international air- of the estate as recommended ance from both the Commu- against Dileep. port on a church-held disput- by a committee headed by ad- nist Party of India (Marxist), However, the actor’s manager ed property. ditional chief secretary P H now in power in the state, Appunny, who is currently on the A WhatsApp message from Kurien. The estate is close to and Prime Minister Narendra run, in his anticipatory bail plea the offi ce of Chief Minister two national highways and fi ve Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party fi led yesterday said that police Pinarayi Vijayan said the air- state highways. (BJP), which also argued that has no evidence against the actor. port would come up in the The government message it would defi le a temple nearby. Appunny alleged that police “Cheruvally estate of Harrison said the airport was being “Being the representative was trying to put pressure on ac- Plantations”, the agricultural built to benefi t visitors to the of the district, I fully support tor-turned-director Nadir Shah business arm of industrial Sabarimala temple. the airport project wherever and himself to turn approver in conglomerate RPG Group. It was not immediately it comes up,” said Congress the case. The Believers Church of K P known if the government leader Anto Antony. “How- Dileep is presently housed at Yohannan, the founder presi- would reach an out-of-court ever, the government owes an the Angamaly sub-jail near his dent of Gospel for Asia, one of settlement with the church explanation to the people on home town Aluva as a remand the largest and richest Chris- and give them a stake in the why they opposed an airport prisoner. Today a single bench tian evangelical NGOs in the project, which is coming up in Aranmula and cancelled of the Kerala High Court is to world, purchased the rubber under a public-private part- its clearance granted by their take up his bail application. Last estate from the group a decade nership like the Cochin Inter- predecessors when they re- week, the trial court denied bail ago. national Airport and the Kan- turned to power. They sabo- to the actor. However, two years ago M nur International Airport. taged it on baseless grounds.” In a related development, rev- G Rajamanickam, a special of- “We’ll think about it when Antony said his party would enue offi cials have found that fi cer the government appoint- the government comes up with not oppose the airport on “the the theatre complex owned by ed to review plantations on its terms and conditions. If government land” but was Dileep near here has been built long-term leasehold, ordered they are agreeable, we will part against granting compensa- on encroached land. They have the confi scation of the rubber with the amount of land the tion or concessions to the started to initiate legal proceed- estate. The church appealed airport requires,” Palliyil said. church. The BJP too said it ings against the actor. the order and the high court Sabarimala is 48km away would oppose any such deal. Giving the developments a granted a stay. from the estate, and the “If the government reaches political colour, state Congress A church spokesman claimed Cochin International Airport an agreement altering its sta- president M M Hassan blamed they had legally purchased the 113km away. The government tus, which is now before the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan land and were still holding it as had earlier cancelled clearance court, it would mean allowing for the actor usurping govern- allowed by the court. He said to a private fi rm to build an the church rights to the rest of ment land in two places. the government had not ap- airport in Aranmula. the land,” said BJP general sec- “The closeness the actor proached them nor had they “They scrapped the Aran- retary M T Ramesh. shared with Vijayan and the received any proposal for a set- mula airport citing damage to “The government went CPI-M is well known. It is the tlement prior to the announce- the ecology to help somebody. for this deal as part of a big- CPI-M which helped Dileep ment on the airport plans. The new site is also ecologi- ger strategy to reap pecuniary encroach on government land. “We heard about it from cally fragile,” claimed K Si- benefi ts.” The revenue department is now Rickshaw pullers transport people to higher grounds along a flooded street at Dhobinala in the media,” said Fr Sijo Pan- vadasan Nair, a former legisla- Pathanamthitta district looking into the matter,” Hassan Dimapur, Nagaland, yesterday. tha Palliyil of the Believer’s tor representing Aranmula. is home to a large number of told reporters in Kasargode. Church. “We do not know “You cannot go by the wealthy NRIs.

Telugu fi lm director Rape case suspect kills grilled in drugs case co-accused in prison IANS whether he is addicted to drugs or Hyderabad has any links with the drug ped- dlers arrested in the case. IANS their lapses which resulted in “We demand justice for our “Investigation is going on at Shimla the death of one of the six ac- sister. Our protests will con- he Special Investigation good pace,” a brief statement cused in the girl’s gang-rape tinue till the real culprits are Team (SIT) probing the from the SIT stated. and murder. apprehended,” she added. Tdrug racket in Hydera- Enforcement director Akun n a twist to the sensational The mob ransacked the po- The police claim the 16-year- bad yesterday questioned well- Sabharwal, who is heading the gang-rape and murder of lice station and didn’t allow the old girl was off ered a ride in a known Telugu fi lm director Puri probe, said Jagannadh co-operat- Ia schoolgirl in Himachal critically injured policemen to vehicle driven by the accused on Jagannadh for nearly 10 hours and ed during the questioning. Pradesh, the prime suspect al- be taken to hospital for treat- July 4 when she was returning collected his blood sample. SIT offi cials are learnt to have legedly murdered a fellow ac- ment. Massive protests have home from school. On the way, The sample was collected from questioned him about his links cused in the case in the police continued in Shimla ever since she was raped and murdered in the actor following his consent, with Calvin Mascarenhas, the lock-up yesterday. the schoolgirl’s murder. a nearby forest. Her body was SIT offi cial Srinivas Rao told re- racket kingpin. When he denied Rajinder Singh allegedly The girl’s family suspect that found two days later. porters. any links, the offi cials confronted killed Nepali Surat Singh by the “real culprits”, who they Those arrested in the case are The offi cial said they got some him with the evidence including smashing his head on the fl oor, claim belong to high-profi le prime accused Rajinder Singh, clues during the questioning and photographs of the release func- a police offi cial said. The rea- families, have gotten away scot- who off ered to drop the victim based on these clues further in- tion of his movie Jyothi Lakshmi in son for Rajinder killing Surat is free. home, Ashish Chauhan, Sub- vestigations would be carried out. which he was seen with Calvin. yet to be ascertained, the offi cer Last week, the state govern- hash Bisht, Deepak Kumar, Su- After day-long suspense, the Jagannadh told offi cials he added. ment agreed to recommend a rat Singh and Lokjan. director came out of Abkari Bha- knew Calvin only as an event “Both the accused had a scuf- Central Bureau of Investigation The police say the prime ac- van, the offi ce of the prohibition manager but denied any fi nancial fl e over some issue and Surat probe into the case. cused was known to the victim & excise department at around dealings with him. was seriously injured. He was “Earlier, we were told that as he had earlier too dropped 9.30pm and returned home with The questioning continued taken to a nearby hospital where the accused belonged to high- her home in his vehicle. his family members without after lunch break, causing anxi- he was declared brought dead,” profile families and were on Meanwhile, the victim’s fa- speaking to waiting media per- ety among the fi lmmaker’s fam- the offi cer said. the run,” the girl’s eldest sis- ther questioned the delay in sons. ily members. As he did not come As the incident within the ter told reporters in Kotkhai handing over the case to the Jagannadh was the fi rst among out till late in the evening, his wife Kotkhai police lock-up, around town. CBI. the 12 Telugu fi lm industry per- and other family members rushed 54km from the state capital, “Then suddenly, the po- “We were told the case has sonalities summoned by the SIT to the SIT offi ce. There were came to light, a large number lice arrested six people, four been handed over to the CBI. for questioning in connection speculations on whether the di- of locals gathered and forcibly of whom were labourers - two But no CBI offi cial has so far with the sensational racket. rector will be taken into custody. entered the police station, as- from Uttarakhand and two from started investigation in the A mob sets fire to a police station in Kotkhai, around 62km from A four-member team of SIT of- However, the offi cials clarifi ed saulting police personnel for Nepal,” she said. case,” he said. Shimla, yesterday. fi cials questioned the director on that he will not be arrested. Gulf Times Thursday, July 20 , 2017 15 PAKISTAN

SIGHTSEEING COMMERCE COMMODITY TRANSPORTATION HONOUR Islamabad to have Chinese firm interested to Price of packaged milk Govt plans to introduce Pak student wins bronze city tour buses invest in transport sector increased in Pakistan higher grade of diesel medal in science Olympiads

Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation The China Harbour Engineering Company, based In the midst of a challenge to increase sales, The government of Pakistan has decided to Maaha Ayub, a student from Pakistan’s Karachi, (PTDC) is going to inaugurate city tour buses in Pakistan, has shown its interest to invest packaged milk marketing firms seemed to have introduce better quality of High Speed Diesel won a bronze medal in the 49th International in twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi after in the transport sector of the Sindh province. made their task even more challenging after (HSD) under the deregulated regime of oil Chemistry Olympiad held in Bangkok, Thailand, Independence Day with an aim to promote A delegation of the company led by its Chief increasing prices by Rs10 per litre. With social marketing companies (OMCs) and dealer over 75 countries, including the United tourism. An off icial of PTDC said, “PTDC will launch Executive Wong Xiaoping called on Sindh media targeting these products over claims of margins, which will improve eff iciency of States, China and Russia participated in the nine buses and route will be Lok Virsa Museum Minister for Transport, Mass Transit, Labour, adulteration and loose milk providing intense vehicles’ engines. At present, low quality HSD is competition. Maaha Ayub has made the whole Shakarpariyan, National Monument, Lake View Human Resources and Information Syed Nasir competition, company off icials say the decision being used in Pakistan, whereas other countries Pakistani nation proud by winning the bronze Park and Faisal Mosque. He said initially the Hussain Shah at his off ice, said a statement was “not an easy one”. “Packaged [UHT] milk have moved on to Euro3, 4, and 5. Earlier, the medal in a global competition of chemistry. service will be started in Islamabad, adding that issued here yesterday. The call on was also price has gone up by Rs10 to Rs130 per litre in government introduced Research Octane International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) is an the inauguration of the service will be held at attended by the Secretary Transport Abdul retail. The increase is simply the pass-on of the Number (RON) 92 for petrol, replacing the annual competition for the world’s most talented Pak-China Centre, Islamabad. In this connection Raheem Soomro and Director General Mass price-hike made by multinational companies earlier RON 87. RON87 had been abandoned by chemistry students at the secondary school meetings were held with representatives of the Transit M Athar. On the occasion, they discussed and nothing else,” Karachi Retail Grocers Group a majority of the countries. Now, the Pakistan level, students from more than 70 countries diff erent schools and colleges who appreciated the Bus Rapid Transport and Circular Railway General Secretary Fareed Qurashi confirmed government has also planned to introduce participated in that global competition, its launch of the service. Revitalization Project etc. yesterday. higher grades of diesel in the country. website says. Indian envoy summoned over civilians’ killing zForeign Ministry summons incidents of ceasefi re violations. ought to consider.” Indian diplomat He said the Indian side should It said the casualties on the zTwo people were killed in permit UN Military Observer Pakistani side due to Indian fi r- unprovoked Indian shelling Group in India and Pakistan to ing and shelling “suggest a dis- play its mandated role as per proportionate escalation in vio- Agencies the UN Security Council resolu- lence by India”. Islamabad tions. It quoted Pakistani Director Pakistan military spokesman General of Military Operations Major General Asif Ghafoor Major General Sahir Mirza as akistan summoned the told the media on Sunday that warning his Indian counterpart Indian Deputy High Com- Indian forces had committed that Pakistan could consider Pmissioner and lodged a 580 ceasefire violations this choking Indian security forces’ formal protest yesterday over year, which he described as the supply lines across the Line of ceasefi re violations in Jammu “highest in any year”. Pakistan Control (LoC). and Kashmir resulting in the and India had declared a cease- “The unusual Pakistani warn- killing of two civilians. fire along the LoC, the de facto ing is likely an attempt to signal The Director General of South border which divides Kashmir to India that it has drifted per- Men from the ethnic Hazara community carry the coff ins of their relatives who were killed after gunmen opened fire on a car, during a Asian at the Foreign Ministry, between them. ilously close to red lines in the funeral ceremony in Quetta, yesterday. who summoned the Indian dip- range of violence that has be- lomat, condemned the “unpro- “The deliberate targeting come a worrying norm along the voked ceasefi re violations” by of civilians is indeed LoC this year.” the Indian Army in Baroh and deplorable and contrary The Dawn accused Indian Tandar sectors along the Line of to human dignity and Prime Minister Narendra Modi US gives Control (LoC) on Tuesday, the international human rights of looking to blame external fac- Gunmen kill four Foreign Ministry said. and humanitarian laws” tors for the continuing unrest in Two people, including one Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan 50 woman in Barho and a man in With China and the US mired “The sensible approach would Tandar, were killed, a Foreign in their own issues, India and be for high-level political and Ministry statement said. Pakistan must have a dialogue diplomatic contact between the people in Baluchistan explosives “The deliberate targeting of to de-escalate escalating ten- two countries,” it said. civilians is indeed deplorable sions along the LoC in Jammu “It is apparent that the over- and contrary to human dignity and Kashmir, a leading Pakistani all poor state of the bilateral re- Reuters Sarfraz Bugti said three men Factions of the Islamist Pa- detectors and international human rights newspaper said yesterday. lationship has allowed security Quetta and a woman from the Hazara kistani Taliban group and the and humanitarian laws,” the Pa- Meanwhile, the Dawn said problems to fester. community were travelling to Islamic State have claimed two kistani offi cial told the Indian in an editorial yesterday: “Ul- “A bold political statement the southern port city of Ka- of the four attacks, including Reuters diplomat. timately, the Pakistan-India between the two countries could unmen yesterday shot rachi when armed men on two two in which six police offi cers Quetta The Director General also conundrum will have to be ad- go some way towards ending the dead four people in Pa- motorcycles attacked their car were killed. urged the Indian side to respect dressed by the two countries recent cycle of violence and help Gkistan’s southwestern on a highway close to Quetta, Last week Pakistani army the 2003 ceasefi re arrangement themselves. Dialogue is the put the two sides back on the province of Baluchistan, offi - the provincial capital. chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa he US embassy here an- and investigate this and other only path that the two sides path to dialogue.” cials said, in what police sus- “They were targeted because visited the resource-rich prov- nounced the provision of pect was a sectarian attack. of their faith,” added Ghazanfar ince, long plagued by separa- Tover 50 “world class” Fido Recent violence in Balu- Ali, police chief in the town of tist insurgencies, and said the X3 explosive device detectors to chistan has fuelled concern Mastung, about 50km south of militants, frustrated by defeats, the Pakistan Army yesterday, lo- about security for projects in Quetta. were attacking soft targets and cal media reported. the $57-bn China Pakistan No group has so far claimed police. The Fido — a hand-held device Panamagate case: Sharif didn’t Economic Corridor, a trans- responsibility. Early in June, the Pakistani allowing Pakistani soldiers to de- port and energy link planned to If claimed by militants, the army said it dismantled a net- termine in less than 10 seconds if run from western China to Pa- latest killing would be fourth work of Islamic State militants an item contains explosive mate- conceal any assets, lawyer tells SC kistan’s southern deep-water such attack in recent weeks and their affi liates who were rial — was delivered to the army port of Gwadar. in volatile Baluchistan, which trying to establish bases in by the US embassy’s Offi ce of the Provincial Home Minister borders Afghanistan and Iran. rough terrain near Mastung. Defence Representative Pakistan Agencies sive in answering the JIT’s ques- ing the questions put for- (ODRP), Dawn reported, citing Islamabad tions, Harris said the team had ward by the JIT, it added. an embassy release. not inquired about any other The apex bench had also asked The new Fido devices are part properties, maintaining that his counsel whether the judges of an ongoing $128mn initiative day after Pakistan’s Su- client had not concealed any as- should form their own opinion funded by the US government to preme Court inquired sets, nor did he own any benami on the concealment of facts or LNG being promoted as alternative fuel help the Pakistani Army counter A about Prime Minister properties. refer the matter to an account- illegal explosives. Nawaz Sharif’s money trail, Harris argued that according ability court. “These Fidos will be added to his counsel said details of all to the laws of the National Ac- Harris had argued that the Internews Northern Gas Pipeline Limited LNG terminal becomes oper- those previously provided to the his assets had been presented countability Bureau (NAB), “an JIT had exceeded its mandate Lahore offi cial said the energy situa- ational in August this year,” Pakistan Army currently used in to the Joint Investigation Team individual cannot be held ac- by recommending the Supreme tion has taken a positive turn he added. various counter-terrorism oper- (JIT). countable for the properties and Court to reopen 15 cases against since the arrival of LNG as it The LCCI president urged ations throughout the country,” Sharif had provided details assets that are in the name of his Sharif. iquefi ed Natural Gas has brought down the produc- the SNGPL chief to expedite the statement said. of all assets and sources of wife and children”. He main- He also questioned authentic- (LNG) has become an in- tion cost of power generation the issuance of new gas con- ODRP chief Brigadier Gen- income in the form of tax re- tained that the prime minister’s ity of the documents obtained Ltegrated part of energy units. nection to the industry. eral Kenneth Ekman said the turns that was mandated to relatives had also not concealed from Britain and the UAE that consumption and is being pro- The gas losses have come “Industrial connections “advanced system improves on probe allegations of money any assets. were included in the JIT’s report. moted as an alternative fuel in down to 8% from 12% while should be re-shifted from previous versions used to great laundering against the Sharif During Tuesday’s hearing, the The bench had resumed the the country, SNGPL Managing further improvement would be temporary RLNG to indig- eff ect by the Pakistan Army”. He family, Dawn online quoted court had asked about Sharif’s Panamagate case on Monday, Director Amjad Latif said yes- witnessed with the passage of enous gas as it has increased added: “A primary way to stop a senior counsel Khawaja Harris money trail, saying: “We’ve been nearly three months after or- terday. time, Latif said. the industrial input cost,” he bomb is to catch the bomb maker as telling the three-member waiting for it since day one.” dering the formation of a JIT to Meeting with a delegation of “The SNGPL has also said. or attacker before he puts the apex bench. The prime minister and investigate the allegations of Lahore Chamber of Commerce started giving new gas con- Old tariff s should be applied device in position. Keeping ex- On the court’s observation his family members had re- money laundering against the and Industry (LCCI), led by its nections. This process will on revival of disconnected gas plosives out of the wrong hands that Sharif had remained eva- mained evasive in answer- Sharif family. president Abdul Basit, the Sui be expedited once the second connections, he added. helps everyone.” Pakistan likely to have another rain spell in last week of July

Internews sity are likely in fi rst two weeks was observed with compara- fi nancial and technical assist- Islamabad of August whereas less rains are tively less rains in second half of ance of Government of Japan, likely in last quarter of August monsoon. two new radars has been in- irector General of Pa- followed by September this year. Replying to a query he in- stalled in Karachi and Islama- kistan Meteorological Changes in weather patterns formed that there was a need to bad which would expected to be DDepartment (PMD), Dr are part of climate change which update our existing forecasting completed in six month, besides Ghulam Rasool yesterday said is rapidly changing Pakistan’s equipment for accuracy in pre- another radar to be installed in after three good rain spells in the weather shifting summer and dictions. Multan. current month of July, another winter weather. Currently, the PMD is working It would bring positive change shower is likely in last of this In past normally fl ash fl ood- with seven radars, among which in our weather forecasting sys- month. ing was reported in September, four were installed in 1990 tem he stated and added that He said this year the monsoon but due to El-Nino signifi cant which have almost completed better prediction of fl ash fl ood- currents are more active in its changes has been occurred in their life and needed mainte- ing would help relevant depart- fi rst half as compared to second weather of this region, he said nance and repair. ments to take appropriate steps An elderly man rides a bicycle past fishing boats with monsoon clouds behind him, in Karachi, yesterday. as more rains with less inten- adding, last year same pattern However, he added with the to reduce life and land losses. Gulf Times 16 Thursday, July 20, 2017 PHILIPPINES

Large transactions at casinos to be monitored to curb money-laundering Govt cancels talks with rebels The Philippines said yesterday it would monitor large transactions at casinos to curb money- laundering, after proceeds from an $81mn theft were funnelled through several gambling estab- after attack on Duterte guards lishments last year. President Rodrigo Duterte zGovernment scraps signed a law this week adding informal talks in the the gaming sector to monitored Netherlands institutions. z Armed forces stretched Casinos must now report to the across Mindanao central bank’s Anti-Money Laun- z Military chief says rebels dering Council all transactions exploiting Mindanao crisis exceeding 5mn pesos (around $99,000). Reuters The law authorises the council to Manila obtain court orders freezing these funds for up to six months if it is suspected they were “in any way he Philippines yester- related to an unlawful activity”. day cancelled talks with Funds proven in a court trial to be TMaoist-led rebels due related to crime will be forfeited on the weekend in the Nether- to the state. lands after guerrillas attacked The Philippines passed its first a convoy of President Rodrigo anti-money laundering law in Duterte’s security men, kill- 2001 to avoid being blacklisted by ing a paramilitary guard and the Financial Action Task Force, a wounding six. group of countries dedicated to Duterte was not in the area keeping the international financial on the southern island of system off -limits to criminals. Mindanao when the clash be- The task force had since been tween the presidential guards calling on Manila to expand the and New People’s Army (NPA) institutions required to report sus- rebels erupted early yesterday. picious transactions, in line with But the incident was basis other task force members. enough for peace adviser Je- The original law only covered sus Dureza to call off informal, banks, trust entities, insurance “back channel” talks with ex- companies, investment houses, iled leaders of the Communist securities dealers, moneychang- Party of the Philippines aimed ers and money remittance firms. at restarting a stalled peace Hackers stole $81mn from a process. US account of the Bangladesh “The situation on the central bank last year. ground necessary to provide Most of the funds disappeared the desired enabling envi- after being funnelled in February ronment for the conduct of People stand next to the bullet-riddled vehicle in which some members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) were on board, after they were ambushed by gunmen in Aracan town, 2016 through a Philippine bank peace negotiations are still north Cotabato province, in the southern island of Mindanao, yesterday. and several casinos not present,” Dureza said in a statement. has been fraught with break- attacks on troops. beset by separate communist inspired rebels who have oc- now an increase in the intensi- Maoist-led rebels have been downs, with both sides aban- He also called the political and other insurgencies in vari- cupied the heart of the island’s ty of encounters nationwide,” waging a guerrilla war for doning unilateral ceasefires in leadership to keep its fighters ous parts of the country for Marawi City for 58 days, while he said, adding two marines nearly 50 years to overthrow February, blaming each other under control. decades. operations continue on is- were also killed by rebels on the government. for launching attacks while The clash at a checkpoint Communist and other rebels lands to the west of Mindanao Palawan island. The conflict has killed talks were going on. came a day after Duterte asked both operate on Mindanao, against Abu Sayyaf rebels be- Documents obtained by the 45 members more than 40,000 people and Duterte on Tuesday met his Congress to extend martial stretching the military on hind kidnappings and piracy. army showed Maoist rebel stunted growth in poor but re- negotiators dealing with the law until the end of the year multiple fronts on the island Military chief Eduardo Ano leaders had ordered guerrillas source-rich rural regions. communists, and told them to tackle rising Islamist mili- of 22mn people. said the Maoist rebels were to step up attacks after martial of kidnap The peace process, an im- not to agree to a bilateral tancy. Government forces are bat- exploiting the security crisis. law was imposed in Mindanao portant initiative of Duterte, ceasefire until the NPA ceased The Philippines has been tling to defeat Islamic State- “That’s why you are seeing on May 23, Ano said. gang arrested

DPA Singapore off ers Manila drones Manila orty-fi ve Chinese and Malaysian nationals sus- Fpected of being part of a and urban warfare training kidnapping syndicate targeting casino-goers have been arrested in the Philippines, police said AFP did in parts of Iraq and Syria. in-principle acceptance of the yesterday. Singapore More than 550 people, includ- off er from Singapore”, the state- Police raided a unit at a con- ing 413 militants and 98 govern- ment said. dominium in Manila after a tip- ment forces, have been killed in Philippine troops, long used off from a resident and a secu- ingapore said yesterday it the Marawi fi ghting, which en- to fi ghting in the jungle against rity guard, who reported seeing has off ered surveillance ters its third month this week- communist and other insur- someone’s feet dangling from a Sdrones and urban warfare end. gents, have struggled against the terrace. training to Philippine troops Singapore’s defence ministry militants in bloody street-to- It emerged later that a Singa- battling fi ghters, to prevent the said its off er includes the use by street combat. porean woman, identifi ed as Wu militants becoming entrenched Filipino troops of its urban war- Singapore’s off er is the first Yan, was trying to escape from and threatening the rest of fare training facilities and a de- from a fellow member of the her captors, who dragged her Southeast Asia. tachment of drones. Association of Southeast Asian back to the unit. Philippine troops have been It also off ered a C-130 trans- Nations (Asean) apart from joint The raid led to Wu’s rescue battling to dislodge militants port plane to deliver humanitar- maritime patrols involving the and the capture of 26 sus- loyal to the Islamic State group ian supplies to evacuees from Philippines, Indonesia and Ma- This handout photo released by the Philippine Department of National Defence (DND) yesterday pects, while 19 others were who seized parts of the south- Marawi, the ministry said in a laysia. shows Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (right) holding a meeting with his Singaporean arrested in a follow-up opera- ern city of Marawi on May 23 in statement issued after a visit to Australia and the United counterpart Ng Eng Hen in Manila. tion. a bid to establish a base in the Manila by Defence Minister Ng States provided spy planes, and Criminal charges have been Mindanao region, which shares Eng Hen on Tuesday and yester- China sent some guns and am- fi dent of liberating Marawi, but Philippines as this would cause Philippines and Asean, and urge fi led, a police report said. sea borders with Malaysia and day. munition to help troops in Ma- “further concerted eff orts are instability to the rest of Asean”. their cells to attack targets in The syndicate had been tar- Indonesia. Ng on Tuesday met his coun- rawi. required to ensure that other IS could use bases like Ma- Indonesia, Malaysia and Singa- geting foreign casino players in IS has said it plans to establish terpart Delfi n Lorenzana, who Singapore’s defence ministry terrorist cells do not entrench rawi to “launch further attacks pore”, added defence chief Ng in recent months, according to the a caliphate in Southeast Asia as it “expressed his appreciation and said Philippine forces were con- themselves in the southern against other cities within the a Facebook post. report. European lawmakers visit ‘Rule of law’ issues cloud detained critic of president nation’s prospects: Albright AFP vent the Philippines from be- Manila coming a narco-state. DPA Since then police have said at Manila least 3,200 people were killed ormer US secretary of during their anti-drug opera- state Madeleine Albright tions. awmakers from the Eu- Fwarned yesterday that Thousands more people, ropean Union yesterday “rule-of-law” issues could some of them described by the Lvisited Philippine Presi- harm investments in the Philip- authorities as drug users, have dent Rodrigo Duterte’s most pines after her nation and rights been killed by unknown attack- outspoken critic, who has been groups criticised President Ro- ers. detained on illegal drugs charg- drigo Duterte’s deadly war on Rights groups have warned es for the past fi ve months. drugs. that Duterte and the police may Soraya Post, head of the The United States — along be overseeing a crime against 12-member delegation from with the United Nations, the Eu- humanity. the European Parliament, said ropean Union and international A defi ant Duterte insists his Senator Leila De Lima appeared watchdogs — has expressed con- pronouncements to kill crimi- to be “very good and strong” cern about alleged extrajudicial nals and his security forces’ during the visit at her detention killings and rights violations in Albright: warning on investments actions are within the law and cell in the police headquarters the campaign. meant to save generations of in Manila. Acting European Union (EU) ambassador to the Philippines Mattias Lentz (second right) and Swedish Albright, who served under ment fi rm. “Therefore govern- Filipinos from the drug menace. “The delegation’s purpose parliamentarian Soraya Post (right) gather in front of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Centre then-president Bill Clinton, was ment institutions and the rule of Duterte has been prickly about of the visit is to express our after a European Parliament Sub-Committee for Human Rights delegation visited detained Senator Leila asked at a forum in Manila or- law are very important because US criticism, and used expletives concerns as parliamentarians De Lima at the PNP headquarters in Manila yesterday. ganised by ABS-CBN network despite the fact that investing in against then-president Barack in Europe about the case of De about her advice to investors. its nature is risky, it is better for Obama and the previous US am- Lima,” she added. She has denied the charges In March, the European Par- De Lima thanked the Euro- “One of the things that I think countries themselves to make it bassador to Manila. De Lima has been detained against her and alleged they liament called for De Lima’s pean lawmakers for the visit, people need to understand in the less risky as possible,” she said, Duterte also verbally abused since February on allegations were trumped up and fi led to release, saying that the charges which she said was an indica- Philippines (is) that investors do without directly commenting on the State Department. of taking bribes from drug con- stop her opposition of Duterte’s against her were politically mo- tion that “the world is watch- not want to go into a place where Duterte’s policies. However on Tuesday, new US victs at the national peniten- anti-drug campaign, tivated, and asked the govern- ing closely what is happening in the rule of law is under ques- Duterte, 72, won elections last ambassador Sung Kim said ties tiary to allow them to continue which has left thousands of ment to ensure her safety and our country under the Duterte tion,” said Albright, 80, who runs year on a promise to kill tens of between the two nations have their trade. suspects dead without a trial. fair trial. regime.” an eponymous private invest- thousands of criminals to pre- become “much more positive”. Gulf Times Thursday, July 20, 2017 17 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL

Free trade pact to be fi nalised Australia helps Lanka as

IANS Colombo

ri Lanka and Singapore dengue death toll hits 250 are to fi nalise a free trade Sagreement (FTA) this AFP isation’s dengue prevention and year, Foreign Minister Ravi Colombo control measures in Sri Lanka. Karunanayake said yesterday. It would also fund an AS$1mn Karunanayake said that during research partnership between his discussions with visiting Sin- ustralia will join Sri Lan- Australia’s Monash University gapore Foreign Minister Vivian ka in its war on dengue and Sri Lanka’s health ministry. Balakrishnan, particular atten- Afever, Foreign Minister She said Sri Lanka could ben- tion was paid to ways and means Julie Bishop said yesterday, as efi t from Monash University’s of further strengthening bilateral the virus has claimed a record groundbreaking research to trade and investment. 250 lives and infected nearly trial the introduction of natu- The proposed Sri Lanka- 100,000 people in the South rally occurring Wolbachia bac- Singapore FTA is expected to be Asian country this year. teria to Sri Lanka’s mosquito fi nalised during the later part of Sri Lanka has deployed hun- populations. 2017, Xinhua reported. dreds of troops to destroy mos- “It prevents the dengue virus Speaking to reporters, the Sri quito breeding grounds as it from being transmitted between Lankan foreign minister said that battles to control the spread people,” she said. “It also has the Sri Lanka and Singapore enjoy of the mosquito-borne virus, ability to block other mosquito- strong and robust bilateral rela- which has been unprecedent- borne diseases such as zika and tions that have been built on mu- ed and caught authorities off chikumgunya.” tual understanding and respect guard. Bishop made the announce- as well as through people-to- Humid monsoon weather, ment after talks with her Sri people contacts. stagnant water from recent Lankan counterpart Ravi He said the offi cial visit by fl ooding, as well as mounting Karunanayake. the prime minister of Sri Lan- piles of rotting garbage accumu- Authorities have blamed a ka to Singapore last July has lating in the capital, have com- garbage disposal crisis in Co- opened a new chapter in further bined to create abundant areas lombo for the unusually large enhancing bilateral relations. for mosquitoes to multiply. infections. “I expressed my deep apprecia- Offi cial fi gures show about The country’s main rubbish tion for the training opportunities 250 deaths so far this year com- tip collapsed in April, crushing off ered by Singapore to Sri Lankan pared to 78 for the whole of last dozens of homes and killing 32 public sector offi cials. We dis- year, when only about 55,000 people. cussed ways of further strengthen- infections were reported. Stagnant water left behind ing training and educational col- Bishop said Canberra would after last month’s fl ooding was laboration between two countries,” provide A$500,000 ($400,000) also seen as contributing to the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake shakes hands with his Australian counterpart Julie Bishop during their meeting in Colombo Karunanayake added. to fund the World Health Organ- spread of dengue. yesterday.

Sven arrested for drug smuggling ADB pushes for infrastructure in Nepal Seven persons, including four Indian nationals, were yesterday arrested from Nepal’s Makwanpur district for projects to empower women smuggling 30kg contraband hashish, police said, IANS reports from Kathmandu. IANS mond, director general of Inde- down and bottom-up” approach heighten the risk of women to The four Indians and three Dhaka pendent Evaluation at ADB, said to strengthening gender equal- the eff ects of vulnerability to Nepalis were staying in a in a statement yesterday. ity by working with government shocks. hotel at Hetauda and were “Women need to be part of the ministries, local governments, “Because of high levels of in- carrying bags filled with the nfrastructure projects have decision-making in all phases of and communities was eff ective. equality in livelihood opportuni- contraband when security signifi cant potential to in- infrastructure projects, and giv- The evaluation also found that ties and economic assets, wom- personnel launched a search Icrease the economic empow- ing them a voice in such crucial signifi cant strides have been en have far less resilience than operation in the district President Abdulla Yameen ... facing challenge erment of women in Bangladesh driver of economic growth will made in reducing gender dispar- men to various shocks, such as headquarters of Makwanpur, and contribute to the govern- go a long way toward reducing ities in education and health in natural disasters, climate risks, about 90km south of ment’s eff orts to promote gender Bangladesh’s still high levels of Bangladesh, where the status of and economic downturns,” said Kathmandu, Xinhua news equality, reveals an evaluation gender inequality.” women has generally improved the evaluation report’s main au- agency reported. of the Asian Development Bank ADB’s Independent Evalua- over the last decade. thor, Hyun Son. The arrested persons were (ADB). tion Department assessed ADB’s But women continue to face An important conclusion from taken into custody for The Manila-based lender’s support for gender and devel- high levels of inequality in liveli- the evaluation is that there was further investigation, Deputy MP held in little focus in operations to get evaluation makes clear, how- opment in its Bangladeshi op- hood opportunities and access to Superintendent of Police ever, that building new roads, erations during 2005-2015. The economic assets, it said. men to support gender equal- Tribhuwan Bista told local media. expanding electricity grids and period saw a marked increase in In rural Bangladesh, according ity. Gender issues are not just Police seized 30kg of hashish, improving water supply serv- infrastructure projects in ADB’s to the ADB, women own only 8% women’s issues. a vehicle bearing an Indian ices, the mainstay of ADB’s $9bn portfolio for the country, of of productive assets, according Asian Development Bank’s In- registration number, six sets Maldives dependent Evaluation, reporting support for Bangladesh over which infrastructure accounted to the latest available estimate. of mobile phones and 33,000 the past decade, do not auto- for $5bn, it said. Women’s participation in the to the board of directors through Indian rupees from those matically lead to better liveli- Both the Bangladeshi govern- workforce, though improving the development eff ectiveness arrested. hood opportunities for women ment, in its seventh fi ve-year thanks to the garment industry, committee, contributes to de- In the past six years, a high or other gender-equitable plan (2012-2016), and ADB are labour migration and microfi - velopment eff ectiveness by pro- number of Indian nationals amid power viding feedback on ADB’s poli- results. committed to promoting gender nance programs, remains low, at were detained in drug trade “Women must be given a seat equality, it added. an estimated 34%. cies, strategies, operations, and in the Himalayan nation, at the table in infrastructure- The evaluation found that this The evaluation raises the special concerns in Asia and the according to statistics from the struggle building,” Marvin-Taylor Dor- collaboration and ADB’s “top- concern that these factors will Pacifi c. Nepal police.

AFP Faris Maumoon, son Colombo of former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, was taken into PM Deuba assures about he nephew of Mal- custody aft er police dives president Abdulla searched his home in TYameen has been ar- the capital Male on rested for allegedly bribing Tuesday introducing amendment politicians to challenge the ruling regime, the opposition The latest arrests come a said yesterday, warning of fur- week before parliament is due Agencies forge consensus for the required Madhesi-based parties through ther reprisals in the troubled to vote on the impeachment Kathmandu two-third majority delayed vot- constitution amendment would honeymoon islands. proceedings. ing of the motion,” Kathmandu be his priority as Madhesi par- Faris Maumoon, a mem- “The opposition fears the Post quoted Deuba, as saying. ties are demanding more repre- ber of parliament and son of imminent arrest of more epal Prime Minister Sher However, Prime Minister Deu- sentation and re-demarcation of former president Maumoon members of parliament who Bahadur Deuba held talks ba did not guarantee to garner state boundaries. Abdul Gayoom, was taken into signed the impeachment mo- Nwith leaders of the Ras- the required majority but lead- Deuba, CPN (Maoist Center) custody after police searched tion,” the opposition said in its triya Janata Party-Nepal (RJP-N) ers of RJP-Nepal, formed after chairman Pushpa Kamal Da- his home in the capital Male statement. and assured them that he would the merger of six Madhesi-based hal and leader Narayan Kaji on Tuesday. The fi rst attempt to impeach introduce an amendment mo- parties had expressed their dis- Shrestha, NC leaders Ram Chan- Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba The passport of another key the speaker sparked chaos when tion for voting in parliament, satisfaction saying the govern- dra Poudel, Sita Devi Yadav and opposition fi gure Qasim Ibra- Yameen ordered troops to enter according to local media. ment had not addressed any of Bimalendra Nidhi were present September 2015 and February Deuba pledged the leaders to ad- him, a former ally of strong- parliament and remove dis- The constitution amendment their demands. They also urged in the meeting. RJP-N chairman 2016 against the implementation dress other demands of the RJP- man Yameen, was also seized senting opponents by force. bill was delayed for voting due the government not to put the Mahantha Thakur, leaders Ra- of the new constitution which N including withdrawal of cases, by authorities. That move attracted inter- to attempts to forge consen- motion to vote if its endorsement jendra Mahato, Anil Jha, among they felt marginalised the Terai treatment of injured, providing Opposition parties aligned national condemnation, with sus for the required two-thirds could not be guaranteed. others, were also present. community. martyr’s status to the deceased against Yameen issued a joint the United States urging the majority. Deuba had claimed that ad- Indian-origin Madhesi had Meanwhile, the prime minis- and compensation to the family statement condemning the Maldives to restore faith in de- “Government’s attempt to dressing the concerns of the launched an agitation between ter secretariat has informed that members. arrests. mocracy. Ibrahim had helped Yameen The political unrest has win a controversial 2013 run- raised fears over stability in off election against Mohamed the islands and tarnished its Nasheed, the head of the main image as a tourist paradise. opposition Maldivian Demo- Nasheed became the Mal- Nepal vows to step up eff orts towards realising UN goals cratic Party (MDP). dives’ fi rst democratically- But after a fallout, Ibrahim elected president in 2008, but IANS eff orts towards realizing the nomic front in the past few dec- community that in collaboration While talking about Nepal’s joined the growing ranks uni- he was narrowly defeated by Kathmandu SDGs. This objective perfectly ades, noting that achievements with key development stake- achievements in gender equality, fying behind Nasheed and the Yameen fi ve years later in a fi ts into Nepal’s aspiration particularly in the education holders, Nepal has set the coun- Shrestha said the constitution MDP to topple Yameen. controversial run-off election. to become a middle income and health sectors have been try-specifi c SDG-related targets guarantees at least one-third The opposition this month In 2015 Nasheed was sen- epal has vowed to step up country by 2030,” Min Baha- impressive. to be achieved by 2030. representation of women in the secured enough support from tenced to 13 years in prison on its eff orts towards realis- dur Shrestha, vice chairman “After a gap of several years, “Three high-level commit- federal parliament as well as the government defectors to be- terrorism charges that were Ning the UN Sustainable of Nepal’s Planning Commis- the country’s economy is ex- tees have been formed to help provincial assemblies. gin impeachment proceedings widely seen as politically mo- Development Goals (SDGs). sion, said in New York at a UN pected to grow by 7% in the implement them. At the apex is Shrestha said Nepal has against the speaker, in a bid to tivated. He lives in exile in “Nepal desires to swiftly forum. Fiscal Year 2016-17. This could the steering committee chaired halved extreme poverty in the wrest control of parliament Britain after being granted complete the unfi nished agen- Shrestha said Nepal’s devel- mark the beginning of a key by the prime minister himself past 15 years, and is on track from Yameen before presiden- leave to go there for medical da of the Millennium Devel- opment endeavour has yielded turnaround for Nepal,” he said. which demonstrates the highest to confi ne it to less than 5% by tial elections next year. treatment. opment Goals, and step up its some progress in socio-eco- He informed the international political commitment,” he said. 2030, he said. Gulf Times 18 Thursday, July 20, 2017 COMMENT

Chairman: Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah Editor-in-Chief: Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor: K T Chacko Is productivity growth

P.O.Box 2888 Doha, Qatar [email protected] becoming irrelevant? Telephone 44350478 (news), 44466404 (sport), 44466636 (home delivery) Automation has or whatever. Overall productivity cyber crime and the army of experts of consumer time previously spent Fax 44350474 doubles, and can double again, as defending organisations against it; fi lling in forms, making telephone eliminated many jobs. both agriculture and manufacturing fi nancial regulators trying to stop calls, and queuing are eliminated by Robots and artifi cial become still more productive, mis-selling and the growing ranks Internet-based shopping and search with some workers then shifting to of compliance offi cers employed in services. Valuable information and intelligence now seem to restaurants or healthcare services. response; the huge resources devoted entertainment services are provided promise (or threaten) yet We assume an endlessly repeatable to US election campaigns; real-estate for free. process. services that facilitate the exchange Contrary to what some right-wing GULF TIMES more radical change But two other developments are of already-existing assets; and much economists argue, such free services possible. Suppose the more productive fi nancial trading. cannot make increasing income By Adair Turner farmers have no desire for washing Much design, branding, and inequality irrelevant. If rents and London machines or cars, but instead employ advertising activity is also essentially commuting costs are driven up by the 50 surplus workers either as low- zero-sum. It is certainly good that intense competition for attractively England hand paid domestic servants or higher- new fashions can continually compete located property, you can’t pay for s the Nobel laureate paid artists, providing face-to-face for our attention; choice and human them out of freely arising “consumer economist Robert Solow and diffi cult-to-automate services. creativity are valuable per se. But we surplus.” But the essential insight is noted in 1987, computers Then, as the late William Baumol, have no reason to believe that 2050’s still important: much that delivers over momentum Aare “everywhere but in a professor at Princeton University, designs and brands will make us any human welfare benefi ts is not refl ected the productivity statistics.” Since argued in 1966, overall productivity happier than those of 2017. in GDP. then, the so-called productivity growth will slowly decline to zero, Such zero-sum activities have Indeed, measured GDP and gains paradox has become ever more even if productivity growth within always been signifi cant. But they in human welfare eventually may striking. Automation has eliminated agriculture never slows. grow in importance as we approach become entirely divorced. Imagine in to SA in Test series many jobs. Robots and artifi cial Or suppose that 25 of the surplus satiation in many basic goods and 2100 a world in which solar-powered intelligence now seem to promise (or farmers become criminals, and the services. In the US, “fi nancial and robots, manufactured by robots and threaten) yet more radical change. Yet other 25 police. Then the benefi t to business services” now account for controlled by artifi cial intelligence England’s frustrating inconsistency is becoming a productivity growth has slowed across human welfare is nil, even though 18% of employment, up from 13.2% systems, deliver most of the goods and major concern for their cricket fans. After a resounding the advanced economies; in Britain, measured productivity rises if public in 1992. services that support human welfare. 211-run thrashing of South Africa in the fi rst Test of the labour is no more productive today services are valued, as per standard The impact on measured GDP All that activity would account for a than it was in 2007. convention, at input cost. and productivity refl ects national trivial proportion of measured GDP, current series at Lord’s, they collapsed like a pack of cards Some economists see low business The growth of diffi cult-to- accounting conventions. If people simply because it would be so cheap. on Monday at Trent Bridge in the second to hand over the investment, poor skills, outdated automate service activities may devote more of their income to Conversely, almost all measured momentum to the visitors. infrastructure, or excessive regulation explain some of the productivity competing for scarce housing, driving GDP would refl ect zero-sum and/or holding back potential growth. Others slowdown. Britain’s fl at productivity up property prices and rents, GDP impossible-to-automate activities – The 340-run rout was least expected of a team that has note wide disparities in productivity refl ects a combination of rapid and “productivity” increase, because housing rents, sports prizes, artistic traditionally done well in home conditions, with their between leaders and laggards among automation in some sectors and rapid housing rent is included in GDP, even performance fees, brand royalties, and seam and swing bowlers usually getting the better of industrial manufacturers. Still others growth of low-productivity, low- if the aggregate supply of housing administrative, legal, and political their rivals. But as it turned out it was the South African question whether information wage jobs – such as Deliveroo drivers services is unchanged. Since 1985, the system costs. Measured productivity technology is really so distinctively riding around on plain old-fashioned share of rents in the UK economy has growth would be close to nil, but also attack that excelled with the pace bowlers sharing seven powerful. bicycles. In the United States, the doubled, from 6% of GDP to 12%. irrelevant to improvement in human second innings wickets, while the remaining three were But the explanation may lie deeper Bureau of Labor Statistics reports Likewise, more and better-paid welfare. accounted for by spinner Keshav Maharaj. still. As we get richer, measured that eight of the ten fastest-growing divorce lawyers increase GDP, We are far from there yet. But productivity may inevitably slow, and job categories are low-wage services because end consumers pay them. the trend in that direction may well England, set a mammoth 474 runs for victory, collapsed measured GDP per capita may tell such as personal care and home health But more and better-paid commercial help explain the recent productivity to 133 all out 40 minutes before tea on the fourth day. us ever less about trends in human aides. lawyers don’t raise output, because slowdown. The computers are not in Vernon Philander, who took three wickets and also posted welfare. The growth of “zero-sum” companies’ legal expenditures are the productivity statistics precisely scores of 54 and 42, was declared the man of the match, Our standard mental model of activities may, however, be even more an intermediate cost. Measured because they are so powerful. – productivity growth refl ects the important. Look around the economy, productivity slows as intermediate Project Syndicate while former captain Alastair Cook top scored for the transition from agriculture to and it’s striking how much high-talent zero-sum activities proliferate, while hosts with 42. industry. We start with 100 farmers manpower is devoted to activities other zero-sum activities swell GDP zAdair Turner is Chairman of the It was also England’s sixth defeat in their last eight producing 100 units of food: that cannot possibly increase human but deliver no welfare benefi t. Institute for New Economic Thinking technological progress enables 50 to welfare, but entail competition for Potentially off setting this eff ect, and former Chairman of the UK Tests and understandably evoked scathing criticism from produce the same amount, and the the available economic pie. Such information technology may improve Financial Services Authority. His several former England captains. other 50 to move to factories that activities have become ubiquitous: human welfare in ways not captured latest book is Between Debt and the Michael Vaughan said the way Bayliss’s men batted produce washing machines or cars legal services, policing, and prisons; in measured output. Billions of hours Devil. betrayed a “lack of respect” for the demands of the fi ve- day game. England are now 1-1 with two to play ahead of next week’s third Test at The Oval, with a revitalised South Africa keen to maintain an impressive away record that has seen them lose just one of their previous 19 series on foreign soil. It leaves Bayliss and England with a mountain to climb as they know they must fi nd a way to be consistent if they are to avoid a rollercoaster defence of the Ashes ‘Down Under’ later this year. “We’ve had a fairly honest discussion (in England, set a the changing room). It is a concern,” said Bayliss. mammoth 474 “We’ll go away over runs for victory, the next few days but when we get together collapsed to 133 again I’m sure we’ll sit all out at Trent down and have another Bridge discussion about it.” Keaton Jennings, Productivity growth has slowed across the advanced economies. Alastair Cook’s 11th opening partner at the top of the England order since former captain Andrew Strauss retired, has struggled against his native South Africa so far this series. In-form Surrey batsman Mark Stoneman could be Dark days for China’s democracy dream given a debut on his Oval home ground in the next Test, with Jennings dropping down to three and Gary Ballance, A day after Liu died, Hong Xi warned any challenge to Beijing’s if fi t following a fi nger injury, moving from three to fi ve. AFP Veteran China specialist Willy Lam Beijing/Hong Kong said most of Liu’s friends were already Kong’s High Court disqualifi ed control over Hong Kong crossed a With South Africa having deployed four quicks and just under 24-hour surveillance and that four pro-democracy lawmakers “red line” earlier this month when he the one spinner, Maharaj, to good eff ect at Trent Bridge, the dissident community in general from parliament following an visited the city to mark 20 years since England may follow a similar path by omitting left-armer he death of Liu Xiaobo was “highly demoralised”. unprecedented intervention from the handover. deprives China’s dissident “They realise they are going through Beijing over the way they incorporated Jonathan Sullivan, director of Liam Dawson and retaining off -spinner Moeen Ali. movement of a crucial a long winter with no light at the end protests into their oaths of offi ce last the China Policy Institute at the Former captain Nasser Hussain is of the opinion has Tfi gurehead at a time when of the tunnel,” said Lam, a politics year. University of Nottingham, described said England selection should be about more than looking political activism on the mainland is professor at the Chinese University of Two lawmakers who advocate the current political environment as being forced ever deeper underground, Hong Kong. complete independence for Hong “increasingly circumscribed”. at county fi gures, citing Ballance’s struggles since his and pro-democracy forces in Hong The fact that support from Kong – a concept that infuriates China “It remains to be seen if (the latest Test recall as a case in point. Kong are under threat. the international community is – had already been ousted from the democracy movement) feels it can But Bayliss has little else to go on, apart from the The world had not heard from outweighed by the desire of foreign legislature. advance its agenda through the opinions of his fellow selectors regarding Stoneman – Nobel laureate Liu since he was governments to keep Beijing onside Hong Kong still enjoys freedoms ‘legitimate’ political process. And if jailed in 2009 for writing a petition has also hit hard, said Teng Biao, a unseen on the mainland – thousands not will there be a resurgence of street who as with several players prior to their England debuts calling for political reform, but he human rights lawyer and visiting gathered for a memorial march to Liu politics?” asked Sullivan. during his time in charge – he has yet to see play. remained an infl uential heavyweight scholar at Princeton University. on Saturday, while over the border The movement itself is struggling But it is not just about team selection. One just gets the of China’s democracy movement and “If the West is reluctant to anger even online tributes to him were for direction, having splintered an inspiration for opponents of the China, there will be no hope,” Teng removed. between veteran activists calling for feeling that England just cave in to pressure far too easily. Communist-ruled system. told AFP. But a string of incidents, including change across China and younger They need to work on this aspect of the game too. His death in custody from However, some say they will brave the disappearance of a city bookseller Hong Kong-centric “localists” who cancer last week triggered rage and it out. and a reclusive mainland tycoon, say the city must just fi ght for itself. frustration among the dissident One of the country’s most have heightened concerns of Beijing’s Analysts agree that by-elections community but also a sense of prominent social activists Hu Jia, 43, political overreach. for the seats of the ousted lawmakers To Advertise hopelessness as they face hardened has vowed not to leave China despite When it was handed back to China will prove whether or not the pro- repression under China’s President Xi being under police surveillance since by Britain in 1997 under a semi- democracy message is alive and [email protected] Jinping. his release from prison six years ago. autonomous “one country, two kicking. Display “When the Chinese authorities can “I want to stay and make an impact systems” deal, some hoped Hong Lawmaker Chu says the movement Telephone 44466621 Fax 44418811 so easily control life and death, people on the country,” he told AFP. Kong’s colonial institutions, such as needs a clearer vision, but must also are more afraid to fi ght,” said activist Liu’s death prompted an outpouring an independent judiciary and partially accept that change will not come Classified Su Yutong, who fl ed to Germany of grief in semi-autonomous elected legislature, would lead to quickly. Telephone 44466609 Fax 44418811 after being repeatedly detained and Hong Kong, where pro-democracy liberalisation over the border. “Liu Xiaobo persevered, sacrifi cing questioned over her work at an NGO. forces must also contend with an However, as China’s wealth and even his life, not because he knew Subscription “They see that even a Nobel Peace increasingly assertive Beijing. global clout skyrocketed, Hong he would succeed but because he [email protected] Prize winner can die in jail.” “We have to face the same political Kong’s influence waned. Now it saw himself as part of a long-term There are fears that Liu’s supporters system and oppression,” said pro- is seen by Beijing as a hotbed of process,” Chu told AFP. will now be targeted, particularly his democracy lawmaker Eddie Chu. subversion, particularly since mass “Maybe Hong Kong is like this too. 2017 Gulf Times. All rights reserved wife Liu Xia, who has been under “There used to be some distance, protests calling for more democratic It’s not about setting a goal for victory house arrest since 2010. but now it’s more intimately felt.” reform in 2014. at a certain time.” Gulf Times Thursday, July 20, 2017 19 COMMENT A ‘Macroneconomic’ revolution? Since the early 1980s, government policies to maintain globalisation and technology, and full employment were “manifestly creates overwhelming problems politics has been unsound” was Milton Friedman. And in sequencing economic reforms. dominated by the dogma the market-fundamentalist revolution To succeed, monetary, fi scal, that he helped to lead against and structural policies must be that markets are always Keynesian economics lasted for 30 implemented together, in a logical right and government years. But, just as Keynesianism was and mutually reinforcing order. But discredited by the infl ationary crises if market fundamentalism blocks economic intervention is of the 1970s, market fundamentalism expansionary macroeconomic succumbed to its own internal policies and prevents redistributive almost always wrong contradictions in the defl ationary taxation or public spending, populist crisis of 2007. resistance to trade, labour-market By Anatole Kaletsky A specific contradiction of market deregulation, and pension reform London fundamentalism suggests another is bound to intensify. Conversely, reason for income stagnation and if populist opposition makes the recent upsurge of populist structural reforms impossible, this ext month will mark the sentiment. Economists believe encourages conservative resistance to tenth anniversary of the that policies that increase national expansionary macroeconomics. global fi nancial crisis, income, such as free trade and Suppose, on the other hand, that Nwhich began on August deregulation, are always socially the “progressive” economics of full 9, 2007, when Banque National de beneficial, regardless of how these employment and redistribution could Paris announced that the value of higher incomes are distributed. This be combined with the “conservative” several of its funds, containing what belief is based on a principle called economics of free trade and were supposedly the safest possible “Pareto optimality,” which assumes labour-market liberalisation. Both US mortgage bonds, had evaporated. that the people who gain higher macroeconomic and structural From that fateful day, the advanced incomes can always compensate the policies would then be easier to justify capitalist world has experienced its Emmanuel Macron based his election campaign on a synthesis of “right-wing” labour reforms and a “left-wing” easing of losers. Therefore, any policy that politically – and much more likely to longest period of economic stagnation fiscal and monetary conditions – and his ideas are gaining support in Germany and among European Union policymakers. increases aggregate income must be succeed. since the decade that began with the good for society, because it can make Could this be about to happen 1929 Wall Street crash and ended with The fi rst obstacle has been the only legitimate role of fi scal inventor of Keynesian economics (and some people richer without leaving in Europe? France’s new president, the outbreak of World War II 10 years ideology of market fundamentalism. policy is to balance budgets, not a distant relative of mine), predicted anyone worse off. Emmanuel Macron, based his later. Since the early 1980s, politics has stabilise economic growth. Even this politically motivated ideological But what if the compensation election campaign on a synthesis of A few weeks ago, at the Rencontres been dominated by the dogma as these fallacies blew up market- reversal with uncanny accuracy back assumed by economists in theory “right-wing” labour reforms and Economiques conference in Aix-en- that markets are always right and fundamentalist economics after in 1943: does not happen in practice? What a “left-wing” easing of fi scal and Provence, I was asked if anything government economic intervention is 2007, market-fundamentalist politics “The assumption that a government if market-fundamentalist politics monetary conditions – and his ideas could have been done to avert almost always wrong. This doctrine survived, preventing an adequate will maintain full employment in a specifi cally prohibits the income are gaining support in Germany and the “lost decade” of economic took hold with the monetarist policy response to the crisis. capitalist economy if it knows how redistribution or regional, industrial, among European Union policymakers. underperformance since the crisis. counter-revolution against Keynesian That should not be surprising. to do it is fallacious. Under a regime and education subsidies that could If “Macroneconomics” – the At a session entitled “Have we run economics that resulted from the Market fundamentalism was not of permanent full employment, ‘the compensate those who suff er from free attempt to combine conservative out of economic policies?” my co- infl ationary crises of the 1970s. It just an intellectual fashion. Powerful sack’ would cease to play its role as trade and labour-market “fl exibility”? structural policies with progressive panellists showed that we have not. inspired the Thatcher-Reagan political political interests motivated the a disciplinary measure, leading to In that case, Pareto optimality is macroeconomics – succeeds in They provided many examples of revolution, which in turn helped to revolution in economic thinking of government-induced pre-election not socially optimal at all. Instead, replacing the market fundamentalism policies that could have improved propel a 25-year economic boom from the 1970s. The supposedly scientifi c booms. The workers would get out policies that intensify competition, that failed in 2007, the lost decade of output growth, employment, fi nancial 1982 onward. evidence that government economic of hand and the captains of industry whether in trade, labour markets, or economic stagnation could soon be stability, and income distribution. But market fundamentalism also intervention is almost always counter- would be anxious ‘to teach them domestic production, may be socially over – at least for Europe. – Project That allowed me to address the inspired dangerous intellectual productive legitimised an enormous a lesson.’ A powerful bloc is likely destructive and politically explosive. Syndicate question I fi nd most interesting: Given fallacies: that fi nancial markets shift in the distribution of wealth, to be formed between big business This highlights yet another reason the abundance of useful ideas, why are always rational and effi cient; from industrial workers to the owners and rentier interests, and they for the failure of economic policy zAnatole Kaletsky is Chief Economist have so few of the policies that might that central banks must simply and managers of fi nancial capital, would probably fi nd more than one since 2007. The dominant ideology and Co-Chairman of Gavekal have ameliorated economic conditions target infl ation and not concern and of power, from organised labour economist to declare that the situation of government non-intervention Dragonomics and the author of and alleviated public resentment been themselves with fi nancial stability to business interests. The Polish was manifestly unsound.” naturally intensifi es resistance Capitalism 4.0, The Birth of a New implemented since the crisis? and unemployment; that the economist Michal Kalecki, a co- The economist who declared that to change among the losers from Economy. Weather report More abuse for victims of violence Three-day forecast TODAY High: 40 C I’ve witnessed how mandatory mandate or encourage medical doctors and nurses off er supportive Low : 34 C By Jane K Stoever Inshore: Hazy at places at first By Los Angeles Times reporting laws, which were meant professionals to report certain injuries and ongoing access to medical care, becomes hot daytime with some to increase documentation of to law enforcement, and some states protect patient confi dentiality, clouds and humid by night. domestic violence injuries and specifi cally require them to report address safety concerns and provide hen Elena attempted hold abusers accountable, have domestic violence. For example, patients with a range of options while FRIDAY to break up with her had the unintended consequence California, Colorado and Kentucky allowing patients to control decision High: 41 C abusive boyfriend, he of discouraging immigrants here require medical professionals to making. Low: 32 C Wbeat her horribly, saying illegally from seeking treatment. notify police about injuries caused by Ideally, the Trump administration Sunny he would leave her with scars by which States can and should repeal these physical abuse or sexual assault. In would explicitly agree not to send to remember him. Although badly laws as they apply to domestic such states, at a minimum, a medical immigration agents to courtrooms, injured, she did not contact the police violence; they simply do more harm provider who suspects domestic and would vow not to use domestic SATURDAY to report the domestic violence. Nor than good. violence must report to police the violence reporting against vulnerable High: 42 C did she seek medical care for her open Immigrant women and girls are patient’s name, location and injuries abuse victims. But that’s obviously Low: 32 C wounds or the ringing in her ear. She highly vulnerable to abuse and are and the name of the suspected not the direction the administration Sunny had heard news of President Donald statistically twice as likely as non- abuser. A health practitioner can face is going. Trump’s expanded immigration immigrant females to experience misdemeanour charges for failing to It is therefore up to the medical, enforcement policies and stories of domestic violence. Many of my relay this information. legal and social service communities Fishermen’s forecast to protect abuse survivors who immigration agents arresting domestic clients’ US citizen spouses refuse Despite their ubiquity, the American OFFSHORE DOHA violence and human traffi cking to sponsor them for citizenship, Medical Association believes that come to them in need and to shield Wind: NE-SE 08-18/20 KT victims inside courthouses. She had instead threatening deportation if such laws “violate the basic tenets of them from fears of deportation. We Waves: 2-4/6 Feet also learned that her state, California, the victimised individual calls the medical ethics and are of unproven must recognise that individuals in INSHORE DOHA Wind: NE-SE 05-15/18 KT requires medical professionals to police. Rampant sexual abuse and value.” In a California study of more abusive relationships may need and Waves: 1-3/4 Feet report domestic violence and sexual traffi cking also occur, with citizen than 500 physicians, a majority of want medical care without police assault to the police, and she feared spouses telling non-citizens that it doctors indicated that domestic involvement. – Tribune News Service Around the region deportation more than she desired is an immigrant’s duty to sexually violence mandatory reporting laws Weather Weather medical care. submit. Unsurprisingly, abuse often create barriers to healthcare, can zJane K Stoever is a clinical professor today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Elena’s case is hardly unusual. causes extensive physical harm as well escalate abuse and violate patient of law at the University of California Abu Dhabi Sunny 43/34 Sunny 43/34 In the domestic violence clinic as mental anguish. confi dentiality and autonomy. at Irvine School of Law and director Baghdad Sunny 45/29 Sunny 48/32 Dubai I direct at the University of Forty-fi ve states and the District Research shows, moreover, that of UCI’s domestic violence clinic. She Sunny 44/32 Sunny 43/32 Kuwait City Sunny 45/33 Sunny 44/33 California at Irvine School of Law, of Columbia have statutes that abuse survivors are best served when wrote this for the Los Angeles Times. Manama Sunny 41/32 M Sunny 41/32 Muscat Sunny 33/29 P Cloudy 33/29 Riyadh P Cloudy 45/31 Sunny 44/29 Tehran Sunny 36/23 Sunny 37/24 Live issues Blood sugar tied to depression in elderly diabetics

By Will Boggs “This study is ongoing,” Ravona- Reuters Health Springer said. “We thus expect to have even better understanding of the directional relationships of glycemic reater ups and downs of control and other diabetes-related haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a characteristics with depression as we marker of long-term blood start analysing longitudinal data,” she Gsugar levels, are associated said in an email. with a higher number of symptoms of “The study hints at the depression in elderly individuals with importance of achieving stable type 2 diabetes, a recent Israeli study A1c values at a certain age/point fi nds. in a patient‘s diabetes history in Around the world “The results suggest that contrast to trying to reduce A1c,” Weather Weather maintaining stability in glycemic said Dr Dominic Ehrmann from the today Max/min tomorrow Max/min (‘blood sugar’) control may be Research Institute of the Diabetes Athens Sunny 32/22 Sunny 33/23 important for prevention of depressive Academy Mergentheim (FIDAM) in Beirut Sunny 28/26 Sunny 29/26 T Storms 31/25 symptoms in elderly diabetic Bad Mergentheim, Germany, who Bangkok 31/26 T Storms Berlin S T Storms 28/17 P Cloudy 24/16 patients,” Dr Ramit Ravona-Springer has also studied the link between Cairo Sunny 35/24 Sunny 36/25 from Sheba Medical Centre, Ramat people with type 2 diabetes whose variability was true regardless of depression and diabetes. Cape Town S Showers 15/08 P Cloudy 15/10 Gan, and Tel-Aviv University told average age was nearly 73 years. The HbA1c level, but it was strongest “But (and this is a big but) this must Colombo P Cloudy 30/26 S T Storms 29/26 Reuters Health. information included around 18 among people whose HbA1c was above be weighed against other clinical and Dhaka Rain 30/26 T Storms 31/26 Hong Kong I T Storms 31/28 S T Storms 31/28 People with type 2 diabetes are HbA1c measurements over the years 7%, a common target for blood sugar medical objectives (eg, complications, Istanbul P Cloudy 27/21 Sunny 28/21 twice as likely as people without for each participant, and results from control. comorbidities, cognitive Jakarta S T Storms 32/24 M Sunny 32/24 diabetes to develop depression, a depression assessment at the start of The researchers admit that the functioning),” he said by e-mail. Karachi P Cloudy 33/28 M Sunny 32/27 which aff ects as many as a third the study period. results just show an association and “Depression/depressive symptoms London Rain 21/14 S Showers 22/14 Manila T Storms T Storms 32/26 of individuals 65 years and older. Average HbA1c was not associated don’t necessarily mean that blood should be an important factor in 31/26 Moscow P Cloudy 22/13 S T Storms 21/11 Variability in HbA1c has been with depressive symptoms, but the sugar variability causes symptoms of clinical decision making in elderly New Delhi S T Storms 34/28 T Storms 32/27 associated with complications of variability of HbA1c measurements depression. patients,” concluded Ehrmann, who New York M Sunny 34/24 M Sunny 33/23 diabetes, but there is little information was, such that each 1% increase Nevertheless, they conclude that wasn’t involved in the current study. Paris S Showers 23/14 P Cloudy 27/16 about its relationship with depression, in variability was associated with better long-term stability of HbA1c – “That is, the impact of therapy Sao Paulo P Cloudy 22/11 Sunny 25/12 Seoul P Cloudy 33/24 M Cloudy 32/25 the study team writes in Diabetes a 29% increase in the number of in other words, more consistent blood adjustments or changing treatment Singapore I T Storms 30/26 P Cloudy 31/26 Care. depressive symptoms, researchers sugar control – might help to prevent goals on depressive symptoms Sydney Cloudy 16/06 Sunny 17/04 Ravona-Springer’s team analysed found. depression in elderly people with type should be considered in clinical Tokyo Clear 32/25 Cloudy 33/25 about nine years’ worth of data on 837 The relationship between HbA1c 2 diabetes. practice.” Gulf Times 20 Thursday, July 20, 2017 QATAR Hamad Port breaks siege with new lines QNA dia, Izmir in Turkey and other High points supply chain platform for the lo- world, the largest of its kind in Doha ports served by these interna- cal market and the Qatari econ- the Middle East, and has the ca- tional companies from all over z Expansion aims to connect omy over the long term, Captain pacity to accommodate the larg- the world. Hamad Port to other ports al-Yafei said. est vessels of all types and ves- amad Port has succeed- He pointed out that Qatar Ports around the world In order to ensure that the sels of various sizes and weights. ed in breaking the siege Management Company (Mwani z Phase one of the project will growing needs of the local mar- Located in the southern city Himposed on Qatar since Qatar) received in the fi rst half of be completed after 26 months ket are met on the one hand, of Mesaieed, it covers an area of June 5 with the opening of fi ve this year up to 470,000 tonnes of z The port facility will provide and to establish Hamad Port as 26sq km, with a capacity of 6mn new shipping lines under the di- general cargo and about 407,000 food for 3mn people over two a vital commercial centre in the containers per year. rection of the Ministry of Trans- heads of livestock, in addition to and a half years region on the other hand, the The port consists of several port and Communications and 449,000 tonnes of gabbro and company seeks to build strong terminals with a diff erent capac- in co-operation with partners building materials. partnerships with all shipping ity, including a general cargo and such as Mediterranean Ship- He added that Mwani Qatar Phase one of the project will companies around the world. a grain terminal, a car receiv- ping Company (MSC), Maersk is currently working to expand be completed after 26 months Hamad Port currently ac- ing station, a cattle station, a Company and Qatar Naviga- the direct maritime lines and and will consist of specialised counts for 20% of the trade in coastal security ship station and tion Company – Milaha, said connect Hamad Port to other facilities for the processing, the Middle East. The port re- a marine support and support Captain Abdul Aziz al-Yafei, ports around the world, which manufacturing, and refi ning of ceives all kinds of commercial station. director, Hamad Port. will contribute to the provision rice, raw sugar, and edible oils. vessels such as container ships, It also includes a customs in- In a statement to Qatar News of stocks of materials and com- These products will be available car ships, grain and steel carri- spection area, a control tower Agency (QNA), Captain al-Yafei modities, especially after the for local, regional and global use ers and rolling ships, including with a length of 110m, vessel in- said that Hamad Port’s new lines New Port Project (NPP) steer- and will provide food for 3mn livestock vessels in addition to spection platform and multiple connect directly to several ports ing committee signed a contract people over two and a half years. general cargo ships of all kinds. naval facilities, warehouses and strooms, medical facilities and ment-friendly project in the re- in the region and beyond such for designing and construct- Mwani Qatar, as the operator Hamad Port was opened in administrative buildings neces- mosques. gion” award at the Seatrade Mid- as Sohar and Salalah in Oman, ing food security facilities and of Hamad Port, is working on a December 2016. It is the vital sary to operate the port, as well In 2016, the port received dle East, Indian Subcontinent Mundra and Nhava Sheva in In- warehouses at Hamad Port strategic plan to provide a stable nerve of Qatar’s trade with the as other facilities such as re- “largest smart and environ- and Africa Awards 2016. Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels UK-Qatar ties strong: envoy installs ‘Tamim Al Majd’ murals luncheon event held by the Qatar-British Busi- Aness Forum (QBBF) in ouq Waqif Boutique Hotels Doha recently “was an oppor- has unveiled two “Tamim tunity to reassure businesses SAl Majd” murals in front that the UK-Qatar relationship of Al Mirqab Boutique Hotel and remains as strong as ever”, Brit- Arumaila Boutique Hotel. ish ambassador to Qatar Ajay The initiative is meant to “dem- Sharma has said. onstrate the support of Souq Waqif At the event, ambassador Boutique Hotels’ management and Sharma addressed more than staff for Qatar and the leadership 140 QBBF members. of His Highness the Emir Sheikh The QBBF luncheon events Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and to encourage businesses to meet, express the unity of its family in the collaborate and share ideas on face of the unjust siege against the supporting trade between Qatar country, its people and residents”, and the UK. Ambassador Ajay Sharma addressing a luncheon event of the Qatar-British Business Forum. according to a statement. Following the recent visit to The murals were inaugurated Doha of Boris Johnson, Secretary Sharma said, “This was an the signifi cant opportunities munity living in Qatar for more by Hafi dh al-Busaidy, cluster of State for Foreign and Com- important event given the in Qatar.” than 20 years. Therefore, it is general manager of Souq Waqif monwealth Aff airs in the UK, current situation in the re- Emad Turkman, chairman of in the community’s interest to Boutique Hotels, in the pres- Sharma updated business lead- gion. It was an opportunity QBBF, added: “Qatar and the safeguard their business interest ence of employees from diff erent ers on the current situation in to reassure businesses that UK share a long history, and the and increase the co-operation nationalities who signed on the the region. Members of the Brit- the UK-Qatar relationship British community in Qatar is between the two countries to murals, writing messages ex- ish embassy’s Department for remains as strong as ever, and the largest European commu- try and overcome the diffi culties pressing unequivocal support for International Trade (DIT) also that British businesses should nity living and working in Qatar created by the unjust action of Qatar and His Highness the Emir. Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels off icials and staff in front of the mural. attended the luncheon event. continue to make the most of with many members of the com- the few regional countries.” Rights bodies in siege nations ‘rebuff NHRC plea to ease humanitarian impact’

ational Human Rights or have been attacked by our stance with regards to permit- human rights groups. “There the blockading countries for Qa- Committee (NHRC) colleagues working on human ting Qataris to perform the Haj was great interest and positive tari citizens who have paid a high Nchairman Dr Ali bin rights issues in the blockading in Makkah this year without any responses in the Western capi- social and economic cost. Smaikh al-Marri has said his ef- nations,” he said, adding that hindrance,” he said. tals we visited,” he noted. Meanwhile, the offi cial called Dr Ali bin Smaikh al-Marri speaking at a press conference in Doha forts to ease the humanitarian the human rights sections in the Qatari pilgrims faced hurdles He also said legal action would on the relevant entities in the yesterday. PICTURE: Thajudheen impact of the blockade on Qatari Arab League, the Organisation and harassment during Umrah, be taken against the blockading country to approach the Inter- and other citizens have been “re- of Islamic Co-operation, Arab the offi cial observed, with some countries on behalf of citizens national Court of Justice for its blockade and prepare a report on issue and seek a resolution. The buff ed by human rights groups in Parliament and Gulf Co-oper- of them being expelled from dif- who fi led offi cial complaints advisory opinion on the illegal- human rights violations. Besides, Qatari employers were not able to neighbouring Arab Gulf states”. ation Council have also ignored ferent places in Makkah in addi- seeking fi nancial and economic ity of the blockade and human a delegation from the Offi ce of transfer their salaries, he noted. The NHRC chairman dis- his plea. tion to the cancellation of their redress. rights violations. The court had the UN High Commissioner for Dr al-Marri explained that as closed in Doha yesterday that Further, Dr al-Marri said the bookings. He said companies The NHRC estimated that earlier given a similar opinion Human Rights is also expected to the Qatari employers were una- he had sent letters to his coun- Saudi government was putting managing Haj tours have also 8,254 Saudi, 784 Emirati, and on the illegality of the barrier arrive in Doha on Sunday, in ad- ble to help the workers due to the terparts in Saudi Arabia, the obstacles for Qatari citizens confi rmed that they were facing 2,349 Bahraini citizens lived in in Palestine. Such an opinion dition to a visit by a delegation of blockade, he asked the ambas- UAE and Bahrain asking them who wished to perform the Haj diffi culties. Qatar. All of them were forced to would help ease procedures for European parliamentarians. sadors to help resolve the issue in to appeal to their governments pilgrimage this year despite its The NHRC chairman outlined leave their jobs or face punish- Qatar in international courts Regarding expatriates who co-ordination with the envoys of to spare Gulf citizens the hu- statement to the contrary. “The his international eff orts to ex- ment and legal consequences by against the blockade, he added. worked for Qataris and are now their countries in Saudi Arabia. manitarian, social and economic Saudi government is inciting plain the humanitarian impact their governments, he said. He said an international del- stranded in Saudi Arabia, the The NHRC has received some consequences of the dispute, Al its citizens against Qataris. The of the blockade to various United Dr al-Marri urged the Qatari egation of writers and lawyers is offi cial said he has met with the 446 complaints from Qataris Jazeera said. government of Saudi Arabia Nations (UN), European and government to work on securing scheduled to visit Doha on Sat- ambassadors of India, Pakistan who have workers and property “We either got no response should have a clear and open American parliamentarian and adequate compensation from urday to meet the victims of the and Bangladesh to discuss the in Saudi Arabia, he added. Blockade fails to aff ect supply of fruits and vegetables

By Ayman Adly ing in Doha from places around ties. These are mostly from Iran, pines cost QR20-30 for a box Staff Reporter the world, including countries packed in boxes of diff erent siz- of eight pieces depending on in Europe, Iran, Turkey, Algeria, es – weighing from around 5kg the quality, while banana from Lebanon, Jordan, India, Pakistan to 15kg. Prices start at QR10 for the same country was priced n a clear sign that the block- other nations in Asia as well as the small boxes with vendors at QR30-50 for a box of around ade has failed to have any ad- Latin America, New Zealand and willing to further reduce the 15kg. Grapes, meanwhile, cost Iverse eff ect on normal life in Australia. rates when two or more boxes QR9-30 depending on the va- the country, both the wholesale In addition, local products of are bought. riety and quantity, with Iranian and retail sections at the cen- diff erent types are available in “It appears that the supply of cherries priced at QR50 for a tral fruit and vegetable market the market at reasonable prices, tomatoes exceeds the demand,” box of eight packets of around in Abu Hamour are packed with such as sweet melons, vegeta- said another customer. 250gm each. Each packet cost fresh produce of diff erent varie- bles and dates, among others. In the adjacent retail section, QR8 separately. ties. “The prices are quite reason- tomatoes were being sold at In other items, red cabbage These items are coming by able for most types of imported QR6 per kg. was being sold for QR10 for a both air and sea cargo and sold at farm produce,” said a customer Similarly, various types of Jor- box of around nine pieces, while reasonable prices, especially for at the market. “There is a lot danian and Iranian cucumber, all a box of coriander weighing Buyers throng the central fruit and vegetable market in Abu Hamour. this time of the year. of good-quality, fresh stuff to fresh and of high quality, were around 2kg cost QR20-30. Also, The market is not lacking ei- choose from now.” seen at the market in good quan- eggplants were available for for some 6-7 pieces and Iranian also on off er and the same ap- down further depending on ther in variety or quantity, and A visit to the wholesale mar- tities with prices starting from QR15 for a box of 5kg. melons cost less than QR10 per plied to diff erent types of apple. negotiations with sellers. the supply is good enough to ket yesterday revealed that the less than QR25 for a box of 7kg. Plumes were priced at QR20- piece (of average size). The market is open to the pub- Vendors are expecting more meet the demand, Gulf Times price of tomatoes is particularly For Iranian lettuce, a big box was 30 depending on the quantity, Oranges of diff erent types and lic daily from the early morning fresh supplies to arrive on a reg- has learnt. A wide variety of low, with high-quality varieties being sold for QR15. while sweet melons (both local origins – including Lebanon, until around 11am with its fresh ular basis, which would reduce fruits and vegetables are arriv- available there in large quanti- Pineapple from the Philip- and imported) started at QR15 Turkey and other places – were supply. Prices can be brought prices further.