Omanobserver 8-12-17

FRIDAY | DECEMBER 8, 2017 | RABEE AL AWWAL 19, 1439 AH VOL. 37 NO. 24 | PAGES 20 | BAISAS 200

COMPANIES PREPARE FOR DISORDERLY BREXIT P15 FAB FOUR HIT 7 FOR LIVERPOOL P20 NEW ‘LAND AND SEA’ DINOSAUR DISCOVERED P14

Royal Decree to set up AL QUDS’ STATUS SHOULD BE DECIDED embassy in Switzerland BY NEGOTIATIONS: SULTANATE MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos on Thursday issued DEEP CONCERN: Clashes in Jerusalem, Gaza and West Bank as global outrage at Trump decision mounts a Royal Decree, No 46/2017, establishing an embassy for MUSCAT/ JERUSALEM: The with Israeli soldiers in Ramallah and Oman in Switzerland. Sultanate expresses its deep sorrow other places in the West Bank and Article (1) states that the over the decision made by the US Gaza Strip. The Palestinian Authority “Sultanate of Oman Embassy” President Donald Trump regarding called for a general strike. In Gaza, the shall be established in the Swiss Al Quds (Jerusalem). Hamas appealed for a mass uprising. Confederation. The Sultanate stresses that such Palestinian shops in east Jerusalem, Article (2) says that this a decision is valueless and that including the Old City, as well as in decree shall be published in the such issues should be left for the the West Bank were largely shut and Official Gazette and enforced on negotiations between the Palestinian schools were closed on Thursday. its date of issue. — ONA and Israeli parties within the At a checkpoint near Ramallah, framework of the final solution Israeli forces fired dozens of rounds of negotiations. tear gas and stun grenades at hundreds OMAN The Sultanate also urges the of protesters gathered to vent their international community to abide by anger over Trump’s announcement Support to civil the provisions of the international that has upset even Washington’s law and not to take any decisions or allies. aviation hailed procedures or measures that are in Trump’s decision was met with contradiction with the international global dismay, drawing criticism MUSCAT: Participants in the 11th ACI Airport Exchange 2017 Conference and legitimacy resolutions especially the from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, Exhibition sent a cable of thanks and Security Council Resolution No 242 Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, Malaysia, gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. which affirms that the lands occupied Indonesia and more. Western allies They expressed their sincere thanks and by Israel after 5th of June 1967 are of the US such as Britain, Germany, appreciation for the warm welcome and “occupied lands”. Canada and France refused to side generous hospitality which enabled the In a landmark speech in with Washington. China and Russia conference to achieve its goals. They Washington on Wednesday, Trump too expressed displeasure. also valued the Omani leading stances — AFP in supporting civil aviation sector in the reversed decades of US policy in Palestinians protest against US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The UN Security Council will region and the world. SEE PAGE 2 defiance of warnings that recognizing discuss the issue on Friday after Jerusalem as Israel’s capital will derail Department to begin preparations long-standing conflict. territories on Thursday as fears grew eight of the 15 nations called for an the fragile Israeli-Palestinian peace to move the US Embassy from Tel The announcement prompted of fresh bloodshed in the volatile emergency session. The Arab League Pact for RO 288m process and spark further unrest. Aviv to Jerusalem but that the US still a global diplomatic backlash and Middle East. will meet on Saturday. — Agencies Trump said he would tell the State supported a two-state solution to the sparked protests in Palestinian Palestinian protesters clashed SEE PAGE 4 ITC in Duqm MUSCAT: Yahya bin Said al Jabri, Chairman of the Special Economic GERMAN ANOTHER 17 KM OPENS FOR TRAFFIC Zone Authority in Duqm (SEZAD), on PARTY Thursday signed an agreement with an India company to establish an integrated tourism complex (ITC) in By 2025 EU must become Duqm. The new tourism project includes a 5-star hotel, resorts, yacht marina, various commercial complexes and an integrated residential complex with ‘United States of Europe’ beachfront villas and apartments. BERLIN: The head of Germany’s at a Berlin meeting of some 600 Social Democrats, Martin Schulz, a delegates. He suggested a target year INSIDESTORIES potential future governing partner of 2025, one century after the SPD of Chancellor Angela Merkel, called first spoke of a future “United States on Thursday for the creation of a of Europe”. “United States of Europe” by 2025. Schulz said only a more united Schulz delivered a passionate plea EU could meet challenges such for a more united and federal Europe as combating climate change or at an SPD party congress that was managing mass migration, forcing due to decide whether his centre-left Internet giants such as Google and NEPAL VOTES IN FINAL ROUND party will enter exploratory talks to Facebook to respect civil rights or OF HISTORIC POLLS P5 form a new coalition government stopping large companies from with Merkel. dodging taxes. “I want a European constitutional “Europe is our life insurance,” treaty that creates a federal Europe”, said Schulz. “It is the only chance we said Schulz, the former European have to keep up with the other great A 17 km stretch of the Al Batinah Expressway, from Al Hazm in the Wilayat of Al Rustaq in the Governorate of South Al Batinah parliament president, proposing a regions of the world.” to the Wilayat of Al Suwaiq in the Governorate of North Al Batinah, was opened for traffic on Thursday. SEE PAGE 2 written convention involving civil He also argued that only a society and citizens. strengthened EU would stop the US AND RUSSIA CLASH OVER The treaty would then be advance of right-wing nationalists, UKRAINE AS OSCE MEETS P6 presented to all member states citing gains they had made in for ratification, with those that Germany as well as Austria, Bitcoin climbs over $2,300 in reject it automatically leaving the Denmark, Finland, France and the bloc, Schulz proposed in a speech Netherlands. — AFP 12 hours, crosses $15,300 FESTIVAL OF LONDON: Bitcoin rocketed above They are now on the main stage,” PIZZA MAKING WINS WORLD $15,000 for the first time on Thursday, said Charles Hayter, founder of HERITAGE STATUS P10 FALCONRY after adding more than $2,000 to its cryptocurrency data analysis firm TAKES OFF price in fewer than 12 hours. Bitcoin, Cryptocompare. But some are WEATHER TODAY the world’s biggest and best-known warning that the launch of bitcoin cryptocurrency, has seen a more than futures, which will allow investors to MUSCAT SALALAH NIZWA fifteen-fold surge in its value since the take speculative “short” positions on MAX: 250C MAX: 290C MAX: 250C start of the year. the cryptoccurrency, as well as “long” MIN: 140C MIN: 210C MIN: 80C It climbed to as high as $15,344 positions, could cause even greater Bitcoin has risen from $752 in mid- volatility. SUNRISE 06.37 AM on the Luxembourg-based Bitstamp January to dramatically surge exchange, leaving it up more than 12 past $15,000. — AFP “Aggressive traders, such as hedge PRAYER TIMINGS per cent on the day, having traded just funds and algorithm-driven funds, above $13,000 12 hours earlier. it would draw more investors to the (will be able) to use this futures FAJR: 05:16 Many market-watchers said the market. market to enter bitcoin trading with DHUHR: 12:03 launch this weekend of bitcoin futures “Futures trading will mean more high levels of liquidity for aggressive ASR: 15:05 by CBoE, one of the world’s biggest demand... and is a form of ratification short-selling and knock the prices A falcon enthusiast trains a falcon during the 4th International Festival of MAGHRIB: 17:25 derivatives exchanges, was helping of the underlying tech — bitcoin and really low,” said Think Markets analyst ISHA: 18:41 Falconry in the Ramah Area of Al Ain on Thursday. The festival celebrates the passing on of falconry knowledge to the next generation. — AFP drive up the price on expectations cryptocurrencies in general. Naeem Aslam. — Reuters insideoman OMANDAILYOBSERVER 2 FRIDAY l DECEMBER 8 l 2017

Airport Exchange Conference participants thank HM

MUSCAT: Participants of the 11th ACI Airport Exchange 2017 Conference and Exhibition have sent a cable of thanks and gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. They expressed their sincere thanks and appreciation for the warm welcome and generous hospitality, facilities and potentials, which enabled the conference to achieve its goals, represented in finding solutions for the challenges facing airports management sector, developing Sultanate and China to mechanisms to strengthen ties of investment and economic partnership among airports around the world. They also valued the Omani leading stances in supporting civil strengthen cooperation aviation sector in the region and the world. They appreciated His Majesty’s stances in enhancing bonds of global FRIENDLY TIES: Strategic Consultations Team holds session peace, upon which the Airport well-being on His Majesty the Sultan, focusing on the conference’s sub- Council International (ACI) is based. and the Sultanate further progress and themes, namely ‘Security and Crisis MUSCAT: Yusuf bin Alawi bin achieve goals of sustainable economic During the session, the two sides ACI includes membership of more prosperity. Management Summit, Airport Abdallah, Minister Responsible for development for all. reviewed bilateral relations and than 1,800 airports around the world. The two-day conference was Operations Conference, Digital Foreign Affairs, received in his office Also on Thursday, the 11th round existing cooperation between the two The participants of the conference hosted by the Sultanate, represented Innovation and Big Data, Airport on Thursday Chen Xiaodong, Assistant of the Strategic Consultations Team friendly countries in all diplomatic, also expressed their happiness to view by Oman Airports Management Development Conference’. Minister of Foreign Affairs of China. between the Foreign Ministry of the economic, investment, trade and the development renaissance made in Company (OAMC) at Oman The conference and its associating The two sides exchanged Sultanate and the Ministry of Foreign cultural fields, as well as means to the Sultanate under the prosperous Convention and Exhibition Centre exhibition witnessed a large presence viewpoints on a range of regional Affairs of China was held at the promote them. reign of His Majesty. They affirmed with the participation of 48 countries. of over 1,500 participants from 48 and international issues of common Foreign Ministry. The talks session was attended by that such achievements make the The 11th ACI Airport Exchange countries around the world. concern. The Omani side was chaired by Mohammed bin Ahmed al Balushi, Sultanate of Oman a new regional 2017 Conference and Exhibition Fifty local and international They also stressed the importance Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, Head of East Asia Department, officials centre to host major international concluded on Thursday. A series of exhibitors took part in the exhibition. of supporting, sustaining and Secretary-General of the Foreign at the Foreign Ministry, Yu Fulong, events and activities. specialised workshops and discussion They reviewed the latest technologies strengthening pillars of regional and Ministry, while the Chinese side was Chinese Ambassador to the Sultanate The participants concluded their sessions were held on the concluding in the world of civil aviation and international security and stability, in headed by Chen Xiaodong, Assistant and the delegation accompanying the cable by praying to Allah the Almighty day, during which more than 120 management of airports and related addition to supporting all efforts to Minister of Foreign Affairs of China. guest. — ONA to perpetuate blessings of health and speakers submitted a range of papers sectors. — ONA Part of Al Batinah Expressway opens ROP arrests

RUSTAQ: The Ministry of Transport and 70 infiltrators, Communications on Thursday opened part of Al Batinah Expressway project (17 deports 26 km) starting from Al Hazm in the Wilayat of Al Rustaq in the Governorate of South MUSCAT: The Royal Oman Police, Al Batinah to the Wilayat of Al Suwaiq in collaboration with military and in the Governorate of North Al Batinah. security departments, last week This part of the project was opened arrested 70 infiltrators of different during a visit of Salim bin Mohammed al nationalities in a number of Nuaimi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry wilayats for entering the Sultanate of Transport and Communications for illegally. Transport and the ministry officials. The ROP also deported 26 Opening of the Al Hazm-Al Suwaiq infiltrators after taking the necessary part is an extension to the previously legal actions, in coordination with opened part (Halban-Al Hazm). Now their respective embassies. — ONA the total length of the opened parts has reached 178.7 km out of 272 km, which is the total length of the road, of which completion rate exceeded 65 per cent. Kalabhavan’s — ONA winter camp from Dec 12 MUSCAT: Kalabhavan School FFF debates future of cities and governance of Music and Arts, the Muscat Franchisee of Kochin Kalabhavan, will conduct a winter camp from MUSCAT: The Future Foresight Forum (FFF) proportion of the mature population, as well as Planning (SCP), showed a presentation on the December 12 to January 9 during concluded at Oman Convention and Exhibition increasing dependency rates. Royal Decrees, which stipulated the preparation the vacation of the Indian schools in Centre on Thursday. The forum is part of the On the future of cities, the forum discussed the of the future vision of Oman 2040. He explained Oman. project for preparing the future vision, Oman growing importance of urban living in particular that the average number of participants in the The timing will be from 10 am to 2040, complementing the stages that included in developing countries, with 64 to 70 per cent forum reached 300 participants and contributed 1 pm. the diagnosis of the current situation in the of the world’s population living in urban areas by to the presentation of ideas and visions of Introductory lessons in Sultanate and identification of the main issues 2040, where the Sultanate has begun to prepare the opportunity to turn the Sultanate into an keyboard, drawing, classical of the reality of socioeconomic development, a national strategy for urban development international logistics hub for its geo-strategic dance, cinematic dance, guitar and which will be addressed by the vision, the consistent with the vision of Oman 2040. location and its competitive and relative percussion instruments will be benchmark comparisons and identification of As for the government, the forum reviewed advantages. offered. The institution will also the best opportunities that can be adopted and the development needs that include health, social He affirmed that the participants in the forum arrange transportation for those implemented. security, pension systems, transport, housing believe that the Sultanate has the opportunity to who require. The last day of the forum included seminars, and other necessities that require to know what attract foreign investments and internal financing Kalabhavan has three branches in namely ‘The Future of Oman: Society, Future kind of subsidy that citizens can expect from to convert to clean energy and can stimulate Oman and the camp will be held in of Cities and Governance,’ which dealt with the their government to provide a suitable life and private sector participation in the transition to a all its three branches at Al Hail, Al demographic structure in the world and the familiarise with the new public services they sustainable economy. Ghoubra and Ruwi. Sultanate in particular in the next 30 to 40 years, need in the future. He also reviewed the steps and stages of Admission will be given on first accompanied by improved healthcare and an Talal bin Sulaiman al Rahbi, Deputy the committees and task forces to prepare and come, first served basis, and the increase in the age of older persons to a growing Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of formulate this vision. — ONA minimum age will be 5 years. discoveroman OMANDAILYOBSERVER FRIDAY l DECEMBER 8 l 2017 3

AL KAMIL ocated in the Sharqiyah Governorate, Al Kamil W’al Wafi W’AL WAFI is bordered by the wilayats of Wadi Bani Khalid and Sur in the L north and west, and the Wilayat of Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan in the south. It has two main cities which are Al Kamil and Al Wafi. AL KAMIL W’AL The wilayat has beautiful sandy hills and golden dunes WAFI IS BLESSED plains and nature reserves, most notably Al Saleel and WITH ABUNDANT Hasina Reserves, a series of high WATER mountains surround it from the north and east, as well as the RESOURCES, large and beautiful water pools WHERE in the villages of Seeq, Sabt and BELIEVED TO BE Tahwa. The wilayat’s emblem consists REPLENISHED BY of two towers and a tree; the two towers represent the vital SUBTERRANEAN and significant role played by inhabitants to protect the STREAMS AND city and village, while the tree HORSE AQUIFERS FED represents Al Sidr tree where people gathered to exchange BY THE REGION’S ideas and opinions. The wilayat is reputed for BREEDING MOST FAMOUS its archaeological mosques and fortresses, amongst is Al WADI — WADI Jame’ which is situated in Al Wafi and Al Sharia’ in Al Kamil. BANI KHALID Archaeological tombs and muddy houses exist as well in the RACING& wilayat. Apparently, camel and horse breeding are important pursuits that also contribute a great deal to the local economy. Wadi Al Batha, situated in the west of the wilayat, is where much of these traditional activities are based. The Bedouins train thoroughbred Arabian camels on these wind-blown plains, RULES and test their prowess at races staged quite close to training grounds. Hasinah is another well-known camel-breeding centre, lying in the shadow of the enchanting Wahiba Sands. This atmospheric Bedu village, dotted by scores of ghaf trees, is within easy reach of Al Kamil W’al Wafi. A visitor can explore the picturesque environs of this traditional village which, despite the surrounding aridity, enjoys a year-round supply of fresh water thanks to wells drilled in the area. The people of the wilayat are indulged in some authentic professions and occupations like textile, dagger and sword making and livestock breeding. The citizens obtain amazing skills in wooden and pottery industries. Among the prominent traditional arts is horse races which are an authentic part of the Omani heritage. Al Kamil W’al Wafi is blessed with abundant water resources, believed to be replenished by subterranean streams and aquifers fed by the region’s most famous wadi — Wadi Bani Khalid. A network of aflaj, which tap these sources, nurture many date palm and fruit gardens located mainly in the south of the wilayat. Falaj al Kamil and Falaj al Wafi are among the eight important aflaj coursing through various parts in the wilayat. The government has paid attention to important services required by the wilayat’s people. Schools spread across the wilayat in addition to government services and centres that are committed to provide essential services to the people. The most notable tourist attraction in the wilayat is Al Saleel Natural Reserve. It is located in Wilayat Al Kamil W’al Wafi in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate, and lies 57 kilometres from Wilayat of Sur. It extends over an area of 220 square kilometres, and is predominantly covered by forests of acacia trees. It is home to a number of rare species such as the Arabian gazelle, the Omani wild cat (“Al Senmar”) and other animals which have made this environment their home, including the red fox, the Egyptian Eagle and others. region OMANDAILYOBSERVER 4 FRIDAY l DECEMBER 8 l 2017

Palestinian protesters run from tear gas fired by Israeli troops near the Jewish settlement of Beit El, near Ramallah. — Reuters

Palestinian women shout slogans near Israeli policemen during a protest near Damascus Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City. (Below) Israeli forces disperse Palestinians outside Damascus Gate. — Reuters/AFP

Palestinians protest in West Bank, Gaza Strip RESENTMENT: Hamas calls for uprising; at least 31 hurt, hit by Israeli army gunﬁre; UN Council expected to meet today

JERUSALEM/GAZA: The Hamas were wounded by Israeli army Western allies alike. US decision on Friday, calling it a disrupt reconciliation efforts between portion of his domestic support. group urged Palestinians on gunfire when Palestinian protests The status of Jerusalem — home “day of rage”. Hamas and Fatah, Palestinian Prime In Lebanon, Hizbullah lawmakers Thursday to abandon peace efforts erupted in the West Bank and Gaza to sites holy to the Muslim, Jewish Naser al Qidwa, an aide to Minister Rami al Hamdallah and said the US recognition of Jerusalem and launch a new uprising against Strip on Thursday. They said 11 were and Christian religions — is one of Western-backed Palestinian other Fatah delegates arrived in Gaza as Israel’s capital constituted Israel in response to US President hit by live bullets and 20 by rubber the biggest obstacles to reaching a President Mahmud Abbas and senior on Thursday to meet Hamas. aggression against Palestinians Donald Trump’s recognition of bullets. One person was in a critical peace agreement between Israel and official in his Fatah party, urged The international community and resistance was the only way to Jerusalem as its capital. condition. Some protesters threw the Palestinians. Palestinians to stage protests but said does not recognise Israeli sovereignty recover lost rights. Hizbullah and The Israeli military said it was rocks at soldiers and others chanted: “We should call for and we should they should be peaceful. over the whole of Jerusalem, Israel fought a war in 2006. reinforcing troops in the occupied “Death to America! Death to the fool work on launching an intifadha Asked on Israel Radio whether believing its status should be resolved Protests broke out in areas of West Bank, deploying several new Trump!”. (Palestinian uprising) in the face of there might be another intifadha, in negotiations. No other country has Jordan’s capital, Amman, inhabited army battalions and putting other Trump reversed decades of US the Zionist enemy,” Hamas leader Intelligence Minister Israel Katz said: its embassy in Jerusalem. by Palestinian refugees, and several forces on standby, describing the policy on Wednesday by recognising Ismail Haniyeh said in a speech in “In my estimate Abu Mazen (Abbas) Trump’s decision fulfils a hundred protesters gathered measures as part of its “readiness for Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, Gaza. will not wreck matters. It would not campaign promise and will please outside the US consulate in Istanbul possible developments”. imperilling Middle East peace efforts He urged Palestinians, Muslims be helpful to him.” Republican conservatives and on Wednesday after Trump’s Medics said at least 31 people and upsetting the Arab world and and Arabs to hold rallies against the Fearing recrimination could evangelicals who make up a sizeable announcement. —Reuters

Palestinian students protest in Lebanese port city of Sidon; demonstrators hold Turkish and Palestinian flags as they shout slogans, near the US Embassy in Ankara, Turkey; and people stage a protest in Lahore, Pakistan. — AFP/Reuters Coalition fighters capture coastal area in Yemen Syrian govt to rejoin Geneva talks GENEVA: Syrian government negotiators that “there will be no progress” if the will return to Geneva this weekend to opposition maintained its stance. DUBAI: A Western-backed Saudi- Ansar Allah fighters on Thursday attend the funeral of led coalition scored its first major their fellow men who were killed during the recent rejoin United Nations-backed peace talks, For several days, government sources gains in Yemen since former clashes in Sanaa. — Reuters after leaving the city in protest last week, had said officials were still deliberating the UN envoy said on Thursday. whether they would come back to President Ali Abdullah Saleh was “The government has informed us Geneva. killed on Monday when local fighters that they would fly back to Geneva De Mistura has met with the captured an area on the Red Sea coast on Sunday the 10th of December”, UN opposition’s delegation in the meantime. from Ansar Allah fighters, residents mediator Staffan de Mistura told reporters, De Mistura said he expected both sides said on Thursday. confirming information reported by the to “seriously engage” in negotiations next Local fighters loyal to Saleh, who Syrian state news agency SANA. week, which will be focused on shaping was killed by the Ansar Allah fighters The government delegation is a new Syrian constitution and organising scheduled to stay until December 15, UN-supervised elections. after switching sides in the civil war, when the eighth round of the faltering RUSSIA CLAIM: Russia’s defence captured Al Khoukha district about UN-brokered talks is due to wrap up. ministry on Thursday said its mission 350 km south-west of the capital The negotiations aimed at ending to oust IS militants from Syria had Sanaa after heavy fighting over nearly seven years of bloodshed in Syria been “accomplished” with the country Wednesday night which also involved reopened last week. “completely liberated” from the extremist coalition forces. The talks were halted over the group. “The Russian armed forces’ goal Ansar Allah forces control weekend before resuming on Tuesday, but to defeat armed groups of the ISIL without the government team headed by terrorist organisation in Syria has been Sanaa and much of the rest of the Syria’s UN Ambassador Bashar al Jaafari. accomplished,” said senior military officer impoverished country, where three Jaafari had criticised the talks before Sergei Rudskoi, using an alternative years of war has killed more than his departure, saying there were “big acronym for the group. 10,000 people and brought it to the him dead in an attack on his convoy Allah and fighters known as the movement could not be immediately problems in this round”, a reference to “There is not a single village or district verge of famine. on December 4. Southern Resistance, together with reached for comment. the opposition’s insistence on President in Syria under the control of ISIL. The Saleh had helped the Ansar Allah The US and UK-backed Saudi-led other local militia, launched attacks The Ansar Allah-run Saba news Bashar al Assad’s removal. territory of Syria has been completely win control of Sanaa and much of the coalition has stepped up air strikes on Al Khoukha on Wednesday. agency has reported heavy air strikes The opposition, united in one liberated from fighters of this terrorist delegation for the first time, has so far organisation,” he told reporters. by the coalition on Sanaa and in the north and his decision to abandon on Yemen since then as Ansar Allah At least 25 people from both sides defied calls to give up its demand that There has been an “unprecedented” them had major implications on the forces have tightened their grip on were killed in the fighting before Saada province in northern Yemen, Assad step down before any peace deal involvement by Russia’s airforce in recent battlefield. the capital. Yemeni fighters captured the town of but made no mention of any ground can be reached. days, he said, with warplanes making 100 The Ansar Allah crushed a pro- Residents said Saleh’s killing Al Khoukha and a small fishing port. offensive in Al Khoukha area. Jaafari described that position as sorties and staging up to 250 strikes daily. Saleh uprising in the capital and shot spurred opposition to the Ansar A spokesman for the Ansar Allah — Reuters “provocative” and “irresponsible”, warning — AFP asia OMANDAILYOBSERVER FRIDAY l DECEMBER 8 l 2017 5 N Korea says US threats make war unavoidable CHINA URGES CALM: Beijing calls for restraint; 2 US B-1B bombers join air drills; UN ofﬁcial visits North amid hopes for diplomatic solution

SEOUL: Two American B-1B heavy That prompted NorthK orea’s bombers joined large-scale combat Foreign Minister, Ri Yong-Ho, to warn drills over South Korea on Thursday that the North could shoot down the amid warnings from North Korea that US bombers even if they did not enter the exercises and US threats have made North Korean airspace. the outbreak of war “an established fact”. “B1-B bombers have been regularly The annual US-South Korean dispatched to the Korean peninsula over “Vigilant Ace” exercises feature 230 the past years; however, it seems that aircraft, including a range of the US the US Air Force might have enhanced military’s most advanced stealth its training to better prepare for actual warplanes, and come a week after warfare,” said Yang Uk, a senior fellow at North Korea tested its most powerful the Korea Defence and Security Forum. intercontinental ballistic missile While B-1Bs are no longer equipped (ICBM) to date which it says can reach to carry nuclear weapons of their own, the mainland United States. they would be key to any strike targeting A spokesman for the North’s major North Korean facilities, he said. foreign ministry blamed the drills and “That’s why NorthK orea has been “confrontational warmongering” by US North Korea’s Foreign Minister Ri Yong-Ho meets with Jeffrey Feltman, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, in Pyongyang on Thursday. (Right) US Air Force making such a big deal when B1-B officials for making war inevitable. B-1B bomber flies during a joint aerial drill called ‘Vigilant Ace’ between US and South Korea, South Korea on Wednesday. — Reuters bombers are flying overhead.” “The remaining question now is: Both sides insist they don’t want war, when will the war break out?” the said war was not the answer. side’s interest. The ones that will suffer On Wednesday, a US B-1B bomber North Korea to abandon its weapons but blame each other for provocations spokesman said late on Wednesday in “We hope all relevant parties can the most are ordinary people.” flew from the Pacific US-administered programmes. while saying they will act to defend a statement carried by North Korea’s maintain calm and restraint and take Tensions on the Korean peninsula territory of Guam to join the exercises, In September, B-1Bs were among a themselves. officialK CNA news agency. steps to alleviate tensions and not have risen markedly in recent months which will run until Friday. formation of US military aircraft that White House national security “We do not wish for a war but shall provoke each other,” Chinese Foreign after NorthK orea’s latest missile and The flights by the B-1B, one of flew further north up NorthK orea’s adviser H R McMaster said over the not hide from it.” Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said nuclear tests, conducted in defiance of America’s largest strike aircraft, have coast than at any time in the past 17 weekend that the possibility of war with China, North Korea’s neighbour and in a statement. U.N. Security Council resolutions and played a leading role in Washington’s years, according to the US Pacific North Korea was “increasing every day”. lone major ally, again urged calm and “The outbreak of war is not in any international condemnation. attempts to increase pressure on Command. — Reuters

‘TECHNICAL PROBLEM’ Nepal votes in final round of historic polls China says Indian drone KATHMANDU: Nepal voted on Thursday in the final round of historic parliamentary elections aimed at crashed near border drawing a line under years of conflict and political turmoil in the Himalayan BEIJING: China on Thursday said an and crossed over the Line of Actual country. Indian drone “invaded” its airspace Control”. Thousands of police and soldiers and crashed in the Sikkim section of The Ministry standard protocol were deployed in the capital the border where the two countries was followed and Indian border Kathmandu and the volatile southern were locked in a 73-day military security personnel immediately lowlands for the vote after pre-election stand-off. New Delhi said the drone alerted their Chinese counterparts to violence that left one dead and dozens crossed the border by mistake. locate the UAV. injured. The Foreign Ministry said China Asked if the drone was found in It is the second phase of a watershed lodged a protest with India over the the Sikkim region, Geng said he did election for national and provincial development and warned New Delhi not have information about that. parliaments under a new constitution not to use such devices near the “The Chinese border troops took that represents the culmination of the border area any more. professional and responsible attitude transition from feudal monarchy to “Recently an Indian unmanned and verified the device,” he said. federal democracy following a brutal aircraft invaded China’s airspace “I want to point out that the civil war that ended 11 years ago. and crashed in the Sikkim section Sikkim section of China-India “I’m feeling very happy to cast a of China-India border,” Ministry border has been delimited and vote because it can change the future of spokesperson Geng Shuang said. Chinese side along the borderline is our country, which we are expecting,” Chinese and Indian militaries China’s territory. said Kathmandu voter Samita Joshi. had over a two-month stand-off at “The action of the Indian side “As a young person I think that it Doklam in the Sikkim section of violated China’s sovereignty and will bring hope and opportunities.” their border. The Indian Army had it’s not conducive to the peace and More than 12.2 million people are A woman casts her ballot at a polling station during the final round of parliamentary elections at Ramgadhawa village, some objected to road building by China’s tranquility in the border area. eligible to vote in the elections, the first 140 kms south of Kathmandu on Thursday. — AFP PLA in Doklam, which is also “China is dissatisfied with this phase of which passed off peacefully claimed by Bhutan. and lodged a solemn representation last month. bloody protests in recent years. federal system. The vote will establish the country’s The Indian Defence Ministry said with the Indian side. But the south is home to a mosaic Political analyst Chandra Kishor “If they cannot fulfil their promises first provincial assemblies, devolving the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) “China asked the Indian side to of ethnic minorities who say the Jha said violence could return if the then the groups that have been part of power away from a top-heavy central was on a regular training mission stop the activities of the devices near constitution leaves them politically promises of a fairer distribution of the struggle will not stay quiet. There government that has cycled through inside Indian territory when it lost the border and work with China to marginalised, a cause that has sparked power were not met under the new is possibility of conflict again,” he said. 10 leaders in the last 11 years. — AFP control with the ground control maintain peace and tranquility of the due to “some technical problems border areas,” Geng added. — IANS Germany expels 27 Rohingya refugee crisis a ‘grave Afghans despite protests security risk’, warns ICG BERLIN: Germany said on Thursday including with Turkey, to dissuade that it had expelled 27 Afghan men, would-be migrants from trying to YANGON: Prolonged displacement despite fierce protests from opponents reach Germany. of Rohingya refugees in squalid who say it is not safe to return them to Last year, Germany signed a deal Bangladeshi camps poses a “grave ARSA “appears war-torn Afghanistan. with Kabul to repatriate Afghans security risk”, conflict analysts ICG determined to “This morning, 27 people were who had failed to obtain asylum, and warned on Thursday, raising the regroup and remain returned to Afghanistan,” the interior began expelling people in December spectre of militants recruiting among ministry announced on Twitter. 2016. the displaced and launching cross- relevant” and may They include 17 who have been The government maintains that border attacks on Myanmar. draw on desperate convicted of crimes, two who are certain areas of Afghanistan are “safe” Raids by the Arakan Rohingya Rohingya refugees deemed “dangerous individuals” and for repatriations, though it suspended Salvation Army (ARSA) on August 25 languishing in eight who have “stubbornly refused to deportations for a few months sparked the vicious Myanmar army give their real identities,” it said. after a truck bomb ripped through response which has forced more than camps for future The men left Germany late on the diplomatic district in Kabul in 620,000 Rohingya to flee Rakhine operations, the ICG Wednesday from Frankfurt airport, May, killing an Afghan guard at the state for Bangladesh. International Crisis where around 600 people had German embassy and wounding two ARSA “appears determined to gathered to demonstrate against the employees. But it has since resumed regroup and remain relevant” and Group said in the expulsions. Despite the criticism, the expulsions despite meeting with may draw on desperate Rohingya report German Interior Minister Thomas strong public resistance. refugees languishing in camps de Maiziere vowed to press on with Around 200 students staged a sit- for future operations, the ICG sending back “dangerous individuals, in in May at a vocational school in International Crisis Group said in the straining Myanmar-Bangladesh hardened since ARSA’s emergence. other global militant groups calling for criminals and those who refuse to Nuremberg and clashed with police report. relations and worsening contempt Myanmar does not recognise the attacks on Myanmar. give their real identities”. who came to detain for deportation The group may “shift to cross- for the Rohingya “that would further Rohingya as a distinct ethnic group Myanmar’s military has repeatedly After more than a million asylum a 20-year-old Afghan student who border attacks” using Bangladesh as diminish prospects of an eventual eligible for citizenship, instead calling used the terror threat to justify its seekers arrived in Germany since had been in the country for over four a base for recruitment and training, refugee return”. them “Bengali”, suggesting they are campaign in northern Rakhine state. 2015, Chancellor Angela Merkel’s years. In the first nine months of the the study said, cautioning the risk of Global outcry over the refugee illegal immigrants. ARSA has distanced itself from government came under pressure to year, 222 expulsion bids had to be an ever-deepening cycle of violence is crisis, one of the worst in recent In another serious looming risk, any wider global cause for militancy, halt the influx. scrapped because pilots refused to fly all too real. history, has triggered a hyper- ICG warned that Rohingya’s plight saying it is only fighting to protect With public unease mounting over the planes, German news agency DPA “Such attacks would have defensive response inside the country, has become a “cause celebre of the Rohingya rights. the new arrivals, Berlin struck deals, reported. — AFP profoundly negative consequences,” where anti-Rohingya attitudes have Muslim world” with Al Qaeda, IS and — AFP europe Metro station renamed after Hallyday OMANDAILYOBSERVER Paris transport bosses have renamed a metro station after the legendary French rock star Johnny Hallyday. The RATP transport authority paid its FRIDAY l DECEMBER 8 l 2017 own homage by temporarily changing the name of the Duroc station near 6 Invalides where Napoleon is buried to “DuRock Johnny”.

EU takes Hungary to court over US warns Russia over Ukraine at OSCE meet ‘anti-Soros’ laws CRUCIAL GATHERING: The Vienna-based body monitors conﬂicts, elections, media freedom and human rights BRUSSELS: The EU took Hungary VIENNA: The United States warned to the bloc’s top court on Thursday over a crackdown on Russia on Thursday that its ties with education and foreign-backed the West can never recover until it civil society groups that critics pulls its forces out of Ukraine, as OSCE We’ve reached an absolute say targets US billionaire George foreign ministers met in Vienna. low point regarding Soros. Diplomats had hoped that meetings The move underscores on the sidelines of the 57-nation body confidence between the the EU’s toughening stance would make progress on agreeing towards both the government of main players Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor terms for a UN peacekeeping force for Orban and his right-wing allies in war-torn Ukraine. Poland over the bloc’s democracy But the major powers in the dispute THOMAS GREMINGER norms and migration. are still far apart, and Secretary of State OSCE Secretary-General Brussels warned Budapest Rex Tillerson went so far as to declare in October that it would take that the stand-off over Ukraine was the case to the European Court the single most important obstacle to of Justice, the top court in the 28-nation EU, if it did not take the warmer US relations with Moscow. necessary measures to comply. Tillerson was to meet Foreign The European Commission Minister Sergei Lavrov later in the General, admitted as talks began. — the executive arm of the EU day, but there appeared little room for Western powers fear that a limited —said Hungary had repeatedly compromise after the veteran Moscow United Nations mission would serve to failed to answer its concerns over envoy branded the idea of a robust UN create a frozen conflict that would lock both cases. It said in a statement mission a bid to resolve the conflict in Russian gains from its intervention that it was suing Hungary as the education law “disproportionally “by force”. in Ukraine. restricts EU and non-EU At a news conference with OSCE But Lavrov, in his opening remarks universities in their operations host Austria’s Foreign Minister to the OSCE ministerial council, and needs to be brought back in Sebastian Kurz, Tillerson recalled that argued that the bigger mission idea line with EU law.” US President Donald Trump had been could become “an occupational Hungary has introduced an clear during his campaign last year (Front row L-R) Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, OSCE Secretary-General Thomas Greminger, Austrian Foreign Minister administration” and be tantamount to education law that could shut the that he wanted better relations with and current OSCE Chairman Sebastian Kurz and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson pose for a family picture before the start attempting “to solve this problem by Soros-founded Central University of the 24th OSCE Ministerial Council in Vienna on Thursday. — AFP in Budapest, which has long Russia. force”. been seen as a hostile bastion of “But the issue that stands in the “A n d we’ve made this clear to Russian-backed separatists in the east in mind a much more robust UN Tillerson did not directly address liberalism by Orban’s right-wing way is Ukraine,” he stressed, after a Russia from the very beginning: That of the country. mission that would police ceasefire the peacekeeping issue in his remarks government. morning ministerial meeting at which we must address Ukraine, it stands as But Russia envisions a limited lines and investigate ceasefire breaches but was strident in his condemnation In June, Hungary approved a he and Lavrov had expressed starkly the single most difficult obstacle to us force to simply protect the existing across eastern Ukraine, building the of the threat he said Russia poses to law aimed at forcing civil society different views. renormalising relations.” 600-strong group of unarmed OSCE conditions for lasting peace. the existing unarmed mission. groups receiving more than “We can have difference in other In principle, both Moscow and observers, who are struggling to “We’ve reached an absolute low “Of all the challenges confronting 24,000 euros ($26,000) annually in overseas funding to register as a arenas... but when one country invades Washington have now expressed monitor a shaky ceasefire in a conflict point regarding confidence between the OSCE today, none is more “foreign-supported organisation”, another that is a difference that is support for the idea of a UN that has already left 10,000 dead since the main players,” Thomas Greminger, challenging nor vexing than the or face closure. — AFP hard to look past or to reconcile,” he peacekeeping mission to end the war 2014. the Organization for Security and situation in Ukraine,” he warned. warned. between Kiev’s government forces and Washington, in contrast, has Co-operation in Europe’s Secretary- — AFP Corruption law shelved after donor pressure

KIEV: Ukrainian lawmakers on persuade MPs to drop the law, which allies even as Kiev pushes for closer Thursday shelved a draft law that would have given parliament the EU integration and more foreign critics say would have undermined power to dismiss the heads of anti- Reformists welcomed investment. the independence of anti-corruption corruption institutions, lawmaker the removal of the “We are deeply concerned by recent institutions, which Ukraine’s foreign Mustafa Nayyem said. bill from parliament’s events in Ukraine that could roll back backers this week said were under “They have retreated,” he said. “The agenda as a win at a time progress that has been made in setting attack from vested interests. clear heads of individual politicians, up independent institutions to tackle Reformists welcomed the removal the reaction of the public, the media when Ukraine’s Western- high-level corruption,” IMF chief of the bill from parliament’s agenda and personal contacts of many backed corruption Christine Lagarde said in a statement. as a win at a time when Ukraine’s activists in international organisations fight faces pushback on “We urge the Ukrainian authorities Western-backed corruption fight faces played an important role in this story.” and parliament to safeguard the pushback on several fronts. “Attacks on anti-corruption bodies several fronts independence of NABU and SAPO The International Monetary Fund will continue,” he said in a post on (anti-corruption prosecutor),” and the World Bank earlier said the Facebook. Lagarde said. This file photo taken on December 4, 2017 shows Alexei Ulyukayev — AFP authorities must protect the anti-graft The United States, EU and Canada backed President Viktor Yanukovich. Parliament’s failure to pass attending a hearing at the Zamoskvoretsky district court in Moscow. bureau known as NABU, following have thrown financial and diplomatic But perceived backsliding on legislation to set up such a court has similar warnings from the United support behind the leadership that reform commitments has delayed delayed the disbursement of an IMF States and European Union. took power in Kiev after the 2014 billions of dollars in IMF loans and loan tranche under a $17.5 billion aid- Putin’s ex-minister, The chorus of criticism helped Maidan protests ousted the Kremlin- tested the patience of Ukraine’s for-reforms programme. — Reuters facing 10 years in jail, SPD chief to ask members to back talks asks forgiveness MOSCOW: Alexei Ulyukayev, a misfortune that you come to realise BERLIN: The leader of Germany’s former Russian economy minister how hard people’s lives are, what Social Democrats (SPD) was who faces 10 years in prison on injustices they encounter.” seeking on Thursday to convince his bribery charges, insisted on his “But when everything is good reluctant party that it has a duty to innocence on Thursday while you shamefully turn away from discuss forming a government under asking Russians to forgive him for people’s grief. Forgive me for that, conservative Chancellor Angela ignoring the injustices of Russia’s people. I am to blame towards you.” Merkel, for the sake of German and political system. He appeared calm but regularly European stability. Giving his final speech in court wiped his forehead with a Germany, Europe’s political and on Thursday, he reiterated his claim handkerchief. economic powerhouse, has been that the case was “absurd” and a Prosecutor Boris Neporozhny struggling to build a new government “monstrous and cruel provocation”. called earlier this week for since a September 24 national election A top cabinet member in Putin’s Ulyukayev to serve a 10-year in which Merkel’s conservative bloc government, Ulyukayev is the sentence in a “harsh regime” penal and the SPD both lost support, while highest-ranking official arrested colony and pay a fine of 500 million the anti-immigrant AfD party surged during Vladimir Putin’s 18 years in roubles ($8.5 million). It would be into parliament, complicating the power. the harshest punishment ever for a potential coalition combinations. He is accused of receiving a $2 top official in modern Russia. Merkel, her own political future on million bribe from Igor Sechin, Ulyukayev, 61, said that he might the line after 12 years at the helm, has chief executive of the state oil not survive a decade in prison but Leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), Martin Schulz (front, L) is applauded after delivering a speech during a party made overtures to the centre-left SPD giant Rosneft, who is considered said that “history will vindicate me”. congress of Germany’s Social Democrats in Berlin on Thursday. — AFP — her partner in government over the the second most powerful man He was arrested last year while past four years — after her bid to form Schulz was due to speak later GERMANY HAS BEEN the congress, faces particular pressure in Russia. A judge is expected to still a minister, allegedly caught a coalition with two smaller parties and members are then set to debate STRUGGLING TO BUILD from the youth wing of the party, deliver the verdict in his trial on red-handed in a sting operation failed. motions on what kind of negotiating which opposes a repeat of the grand December 15. supervised by the FSB security SPD leader Martin Schulz, who mandate the party should have for the A NEW GOVERNMENT coalition. Ulyukayev, who is under house service in which Sechin handed him initially said the party would go into talks, with many expected to demand SINCE A SEPT 24 In a motion for the congress, arrest, voiced his regret that he had a bag of dollars. opposition after seeing its time in a high price in return for supporting NATIONAL ELECTION the youth wing said the SPD had not paid enough attention to the According to the prosecution, the last Merkel-led “grand coalition” Merkel. a “historical responsibility” not to plight of ordinary Russians while in Ulyukayev asked for a $2 million rewarded with bruising losses at the “We don’t know if this coalition enter government since the far-right office. bribe to approve Rosneft’s polls, must now convince his party to will happen. One thing is certain — Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, “I am guilty of too often agreeing acquisition of a stake in Bashneft, reverse that decision. we can’t just carry on as before,” SPD discuss continuing the grand coalition, which came third in September’s to compromise, of choosing the easy another state-run oil company. He will ask party members for their parliamentary leader Andrea Nahles, then the whole leadership of the SPD election, would then become the way, and all too often preferred my Ulyukayev’s arrest stunned support to start talks with Merkel’s told the Bild newspaper. “There are would be up for debate, Carsten official opposition. career and prosperity to standing up the country’s elites, with Putin conservatives next week, although good reasons against and some in Schneider, party whip in parliament, Outside the congress centre, for principles,” he said. eventually sacking him from the negotiations are expected to last well favour.” told German radio. activists handed out red cards reading “It’s only when you yourself face post he had held since 2013. — AFP into the New Year. If Schulz fails to get support to Schulz, himself up for re-election at “No grand coalition”. — Reuters india OMANDAILYOBSERVER FRIDAY l DECEMBER 8 l 2017 7 Aiyar stokes trouble for Cong, DARING ACT Modi says jibe insult to Gujarat WAR OF WORDS: PM refers to Aiyar’s remarks and attacks the Congress leader SURAT/NEW DELHI: Mani Shankar mean what low caste means when eve- Aiyar on Thursday triggered another ryone votes for the BJP. ” storm calling Narendra Modi a “neech As the row became an embarrass- aadmi”, while the prime minister said ment for the Congress, Rahul Gandhi describing him as “neech jaati” was an took to Twitter to disapprove of Aiyar’s insult to Gujaratis who will vote out the language. Congress in the state assembly elections. “The BJP and the prime minister In a quick damage control exercise, routinely use filthy language to attack Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi the Congress party. The Congress has a deprecated Aiyar’s language against the different culture and heritage. I do not prime minister and asked him to apolo- appreciate the tone and language used gize which the former union minister by Mani Shankar Aiyar to address the prime minister. Both the Congress and did, claiming his knowledge of Hindi Narendra Modi Mani Shankar Aiyar was not good. I expect him to apologize for what he He also maintained that he never ture. They can keep their language, we The Congress leaders are speaking said,” Gandhi said. called Modi a “low born”. As Aiyar’s re- will do our work,” Modi told an election in a language that is not acceptable in Reporters got around to Aiyar at a marks that Modi was a “neech aadmi” rally here. democracy. function in Delhi’s WWF Auditorium (low man) in the context of his criticism Modi said Aiyar came from a good “We have seen enough insults from Hall and asked him about Modi’s at- of the Congress vis-a-vis B R Ambedkar family, has a number of university de- them. They insulted me when I was the tack and Gandhi’s suggestion to him to snowballed, the prime minister referred grees, was a diplomat for a number of chief minister. But our value system apologize. to it in an election meeting in Surat and years and remained a minister in the is strong. We have nothing to say to “Yes, I used the word ‘neech’. Now, I attacked the Congress leader, saying he Manmohan Singh government, but was such elements. Our answer will come am not a Hindi speaker and I translate called him a “neech jaati” (low caste). resorting to such insults. through the ballot box. from English to Hindi. So I used ‘low “They can call me ‘neech jaati’. Yes, “This is an insult to Gujarat. Not just “I appeal to all BJP activists not to person’, I translated ‘low’ in my mind. I am from the poor section of society to Gujarat but to the entire nation.” retort. But answer them on December 9 If it happened to mean something else. and will spend every moment of my He said Aiyar was speaking out of and 14 (voting days). My people should I apologize.’ Neech’ as I understand is a A member from Indian Army’s Military Police performs a daredevil stunt during a life to work for the poor, Dalits, tribals the “Mughlai mindset” that “sees every- not lower their standards. We will teach direct translation of ‘low’. military literature festival in Chandigarh on Thursday. — Reuters and backward classes. That is my cul- one as ‘neech’”. them a lesson. Voting results would “I never meant ‘low born’. — IANS

PAGEANT CONTESTANT IN MANILA Google, Central Kumbh Mela Railway showcase Kerala cyclone toll country’s heritage on Unseco list NEW DELHI: Kumbh Mela, the 36; 96 still missing mass Hindu pilgrimage of faith, MUMBAI: In an unique initiative, has been inscribed on the Unesco’s the Central Railway and Google have joined hands to put up video installa- THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: ing. Representative List of Intangible tions at the famed Chhatrapati Shivaji Three more bodies were recovered in “Then what’s the use of calling Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) showcas- Kerala on Thursday, taking the death an all-party meeting? We are, how- The Intergovernmental Com- ing the rich Indian cultural heritage toll in cyclone Ockhi to 36 while 96 ever, taking part in it,” he said. “The mittee for the Safeguarding of for commuters and passengers who fishermen are still missing, official compensation package is too low. We the Intangible Cultural Heritage use it daily. figures said. want it to be increased.” under Unesco inscribed Kumbh Built in 1887, the iconic CSMT is a Two bodies was recovered off Vijayan had on Wednesday an- Mela at its 12th session at Jeju in Unesco World Heritage site. The videos will be onsite for Kozhikode by a joint search team and nounced a compensation of Rs 20 South Korea, the External Affairs the next two months, catching the another one was found in the deep lakh to the kin of those who died and Ministry said on Thursday. attention of lakhs of daily Mumbai sea offAlappuzha. Rs 5 lakh to the permanently disa- This inscription is the third in commuters and thousands of long- Also, 15 fishermen were rescued bled. two years for India following the distance passengers from all over by an Indian Air Force aircraft offthe On Thursday, DNA tests began inscriptions of yoga and Nouroz. India as they wait for their trains. Kozhikode coast while 209 others are on 10 bodies kept at the state-run The Unesco Convention for The videos are from the Google in various hospitals. Medical College here. One body was Safeguarding the Intangible Cul- Arts & Culture, which is its online platform for global culture, and the Meanwhile, the Congress-led op- handed over to relatives on Wednes- tural Heritage, adopted in 2003, videos enable the commuters to position is bracing to take on the state day after the DNA test. defines intangible cultural herit- explore Indian culture, heritage, its government for what it says has been Meanwhile, Congress leader age as the practices, represen- beauty and treasures, artworks, mini- a callous attitude in handling the No- Rahul Gandhi will on December tations, expressions as well as atures paintings and bronze sculp- vember 30 cyclone and its aftermath. 14 visit the coastal villages near the knowledge and skills that commu- tures from the National Museum, The Congress will make its views Kerala capital that faced the brunt nities, groups and, in some cases, Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s known at Friday’s all-party meeting of Cyclone Ockhi, in his first visit to individuals recognise as part of paintings from the Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata, and many rare digital called by the government. south India after taking over as the their cultural heritage. exhibits from museums in India and Addressing reporters here, Con- party chief. According to the ministry, abroad. gress leader Ramesh Chennithala He was slated to be here on De- the Intergovernmental Com- The installations were inaugu- said the government had made an cember 1 to take part in the valedic- mittee observed that Kumbh rated on Thursday by C R General “absolute mess” right from ignoring tory function of leader of opposition Mela is the largest peaceful con- Manager D K Sharma, Railway Board the series of cyclone warnings to ex- Ramesh Chennithala’s state-wide gregation of pilgrims on earth. Secretary R K Verma, Google Vice- ecuting a bad relief and rescue opera- yatra, but his visit was postponed due The festival, held in Allahabad, President (Search) Ben Gomes and other senior officials. tion. to bad weather due to the cyclone. Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik, Some other important presenta- “It’s really strange that an all-party Gandhi will first visit the coastal villag- represents a syncretic set of ritu- India’s Miss Universe contestant Shraddha Shashidhar walks with a child from an tions are a view from atop one of the meeting has been called tomorrow es at Vizhinjam and Poovar and then als related to worship and ritual orphanage during a visit to a popular fast food restaurant in Manila on Thursday. four minars of the Taj Mahal, glimpses while the compensation measures address a public meeting at the Central cleansing in holy rivers in India, Miss Universe Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters of South Africa and other pageant of the Ajanta Caves, the Red Fort and have already been announced at yes- Stadium here, Chennithala told report- Unesco said. — IANS — AFP — IANS contestants are in Manila for a visit after the contest in Las Vegas last month. other prominent sites. terday’s (Wednesday) cabinet meet- ers here on Thursday. — IANS

NOVEL CAMPAIGN Gujarat student youngest Indian chosen for Antarctica Expedition

NEW DELHI: A 13-year-old student “I will come back being a mascot from Ahmedabad is the youngest In- of 2041 Foundation and create aware- dian to be selected for the prestigious Aanya is among the ness to build a better world. I want to annual Antarctica Expedition organ- 80 people from across promote sustainability as part of our ised to spread awareness about the ef- the globe to be chosen lives,” Aanya added. fects of climate change. for the “Climate In her efforts to participate in the Aanya is among the 80 people from event, Aanya has started crowdfund- across the globe to be chosen for the Force: Antarctica 2018 ing through Fueladream — a Ben- “Climate Force: Antarctica 2018 Ex- Expedition” scheduled galuru-based platform that allows for pedition” scheduled to be held from to be held from pooling of funds for a cause. February 27 to March 12, 2018 led by She has already raised Rs 9,89,127 Sir Robert Swan — a polar explorer. February 27 to from 135 funders. Aanya, a Class 8 student, is pres- March 12, 2018 “It’s not every day that a 13-year- ently studying in Sahyadri School, old gets such an invitation and the Pune. crowd recognises that. We are thrilled The expedition would help Aanya that the campaign has already gar- make a change at a community and time observations of climate change to nered much needed attention and that corporate level and spread awareness build effective solutions to combat the the funding will make Aanya fulfil her about the effects of climate change. effects in our communities in India,” ambition to become a change maker,” “I plan to bring back learning, a said Aanya in a statement on Thurs- said Ranganath Thota, Founder at A woman gets an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) painted in her hair at a parlour to promote voting ahead of Gujarat strong narrative, knowledge and real- day. Fueladream.com. — IANS assembly election in Ahmedabad on Thursday. — Reuters woorldd Queen inaugurates new aircraft carrier OMANDAILYOBSERVER Queen Elizabeth II formally commissioned into the British navy the UK’s newest and biggest aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, at a ceremony on Thursday. FRIDAY l DECEMBER 8 l 2017 The warship, which cost £3.0 billion (3.4 billion euros, $4.0 billion) to build, was 8 hailed as “a true flagship for the 21st century”. Winds whip up wildﬁres, forcing Study finds politics is mass evacuations in California bad for young Kenyans NAIROBI: Months of electoral RAZED TO ASHES: In the San Fernando Valley, the Creek Fire destroyed at least 30 homes upheaval, sporadic unrest and economic slowdown have hit Nearly two-thirds of LOS ANGELES: Hot, dry Santa Ana young Kenyans hard, a nationwide young Kenyans are winds are expected to fan several re- youth survey found on Thursday. struggling to pay for lentless wildfires in southern Califor- The struggle to make ends meet nia on Thursday, where hundreds of has left them disillusioned, apa- daily basics such as houses have burned and tens of thou- thetic and angry, according to the food and transport, sands have fled their homes around annual survey of nearly 3,000 Ken- up from around a Los Angeles, the second-largest US yans aged 15-24 years conducted city. by Well Told Story, a communi- half last year, and The winds, which blow westward cations, research and production saving for the future from the California desert, were fore- company in Nairobi. is impossible for all cast to reach 75 mph on Thursday. “Economic crisis does not but a very few That could stoke several blazes burn- spare anyone,” said Anastasia Mir- ing in the Los Angeles area that have zoyants-McKnight, the company’s already caused, according to local me- head of knowledge and learning. dia, about 200,000 people to evacuate. Compared with 2016, “young “Strong winds over night creating people are unhappier, taking more season that has paralysed the extreme fire danger,” said an alert sent risks and have less money,” the re- country since August. by the countrywide emergency system search found. Well Told Story publishes a in Los Angeles. Nearly two-thirds of young comic called Shujaaz — “Heroes” Video and photographs on social Kenyans are struggling to pay in Swahili — and runs radio shows media showed flame-covered hillsides for daily basics such as food and and websites aimed at helping along busy roadways as commut- transport, up from around a half young Kenyans find ways to make ers slowly made their way to work or last year, and saving for the future their lives better. home, rows of houses reduced to ash is impossible for all but a very few. This year’s Shujaaz360 survey and firefighters spraying water on walls The proportion of young peo- found that one group of young- of fire as they tried to save houses. ple describing themselves as “dis- sters, dubbed “hustlas”, were “We are in the beginning of a pro- engaged” from politics and “dis- weathering the economic and tracted wind event,” Ken Pimlott, di- gruntled” or angry has also grown political storms better by being Members of the Reinhardt family sort through the remains of their family home after the Thomas wildfire swept through rector of the California Department of significantly this year. At the same entrepreneurial and preparing for Ventura, California. — AFP Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), time, feelings of loneliness have trouble. told the Los Angeles Times. “There will Another fire, known as the Rye Fire, multi-million dollar homes in the were injured and hospitalized in stable increased, with only a third saying “When they expect a pinch, be no ability to fight fire in these kinds threatened more than 5,000 homes and path of the flames. condition, the Los Angeles Fire De- they find adequate support in their hustlas plan for it and set aside of winds.” structures northwest of Los Angeles. “These are days that break your partment said. communities. more money than they would nor- In the San Fernando Valley north of The Skirball Fire, which erupted heart,” Los Angeles Mayor Eric The largest blaze, the Thomas Fire, The survey points to a worry- mally do, they save more. Their Los Angeles, the Creek Fire destroyed early on Wednesday had burned Garcetti said during a news confer- burned more than 90,000 acres after it ing unravelling of Kenya’s social volatility is less than everyone at least 30 homes, blackened more about 500 acres near large estates in ence. “These are also days that show destroyed more than 150 homes and fabric after a divisive, sometimes else,” said Mirzoyants-McKnight. than 12,000 acres (4,800 hectares) and the Bel-Air neighbourhood of Los the resilience of our city.” threatened thousands more in Ven- deadly, and protracted electoral — AFP forced the evacuation of 2,500 homes Angeles, was only 5 per cent con- No civilian casualties or fatalities tura, about 80 km northwest on Los and a convalescent centre. tained. Firefighters battled to save have been reported. Three firefighters Angeles. — Reuters US House passes bill to loosen gun restrictions

WASHINGTON: US lawmakers vot- Senate passage if it is to become law. House Speaker Paul Ryan framed it as an anti-gun-violence activist, said in ed on Wednesday to allow gun own- The Concealed Carry Reciprocity a vote “to protect our citizens’ Second a statement. About one month after ers to carry concealed firearms across Act would essentially allow anyone Amendment rights” and one that will the Las Vegas attack, a man who once state lines, a controversial bill that crit- with a permit to carry hidden weap- save lives. escaped from a mental hospital shot ics say is aimed at undermining na- ons into any state, including those like But Gabby Giffords, a former con- dead 26 people in a Texas church. tional gun control efforts. New York and California, and the US gresswoman critically wounded by a Prospects for the measure are less The move came two months after capital Washington, DC, which have gunshot to the head in a 2011 assassi- clear in the Senate, where such legis- the worst mass shooting in modern some of the toughest restrictions on nation attempt, sounded an alarm im- lation would need some Democratic US history, when a gunman who had carrying loaded guns in public. mediately following the bill’s passage. support in order to pass. taken a vast arsenal into a Las Vegas It would also allow people to “A ft e r two of our nation’s worst Most Democrats are opposed. hotel fired down on concert-goers and carry concealed weapons into feder- mass shootings, Congress took direct But in order to sweeten the deal, the killed 58. ally owned lands, including national instruction from the gun lobby and House Republican leadership attached It passed the House of Representa- parks. The nation’s top pro-gun lobby passed a bill that will override existing the measure to a bipartisan effort tives 231 to 198, after six Democrats group, the National Rifle Association, state laws and allow dangerous, un- to strengthen the existing system of joined all but 14 Republicans in sup- declared the concealed carry bill its trained people to carry guns in every background checks on gun buyers. Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez delivers a press message in porting the bill, which will also need “highest legislative priority,” while state and every city,” Giffords, now — AFP Tegucigalpa. — AFP Oppn wants foreign help in Honduras Catalan separatists march in Brussels BRUSSELS: Nearly 50,000 people marched through Brussels’ European quarter on Thursday in support of vote recount Catalan independence and the region’s president, who has avoided arrest in TEGUCIGALPA: Supporters of Pres- rans to “peacefully await” the results. Spain by taking refuge in Belgium. ident Juan Orlando Hernandez were In the first hours after the late No- Before Carles Puigdemont ad- preparing for a public show of support vember vote Nasralla seemed heading dressed the crowd, many draped in on Thursday, as his rival Salvador Nas- for a comfortable win. Catalan flags, police estimated its size ralla called for foreign help in a presi- But then ballot counting was de- at 45,000. dential vote recount amid widespread layed multiple times, with election There were chants of “Puigdemont, claims of rigging. authorities speaking of computer mal- President” from a generally good- The Central American nation of 10 functions, before results trickled out natured throng, many of whom had million has plunged into uncertainty that credited Hernandez with a slight travelled from Spain for the occasion. punctuated with clashes since the No- lead. Some carried placards criticising vember 26 election pitting Hernandez The Supreme Electoral Authority the European Union for not pres- against leftwing former TV presenter said Hernandez won 42.98 per cent, suring Madrid. One sign showed Nasralla, with both sides claiming vic- against 41.39 per cent for Nasralla — the face of European Commission tory. but refused to name a winner, saying President Jean-Claude Juncker with Hernandez ordered a state of emer- appeals might challenge the result. the question: “Democracy? Some de- gency last Friday to curb protests and After days of unrest the capital fend it when it suits them. Shame on pillaging, but at least three deaths have Tegucigalpa was slowly returning to them.” been reported in clashes since election normal, with schools and universities Gloria Cot, a clerk from Barcelona Pro-independence Catalans from all over Europe take part in a rally showing their support to ousted Catalan leader Carles day. opening their doors again on Wednes- who had just arrived in by coach, said: Puigdemont and his government in Brussels on Thursday. — Reuters The president said he welcomed an day. “Brussels is a kind of a loudspeaker for opposition demand to re-open ballot Clashes however may break out us. who faces jail if he returns. But, the former Dutch foreign tutional ban on secession rather than boxes. when the president’s supporters march “It is a loudspeaker so that people A short distance away in the EU ex- minister said, there was no change trying to change the constitution, However the opposition has not Thursday in support of his re-election, can know that we really don’t have a ecutive’s headquarters, Juncker’s depu- to Commission policy that the dis- Timmermans said they were jeopard- filed a formal request — and Nasralla a demonstration that follows days of 100 per cent democracy in Spain and ty Frans Timmermans told reporters pute with the Barcelona authorities, ising basic freedoms and noted there on Wednesday, showing deep mistrust anti-government protests. that Catalonia has always been sub- he welcomed the “very positive atmos- now removed from office, remains had been big rallies in Spain on both for local authorities, called on inter- A violinist in a threadbare suit jected to problems with Spain.” phere” of the demonstration, which an internal one in which the EU has sides of the debate. national observers to carry out the playing Christmas music in the busy Nuria Salvat, a student from Tarra- took place as campaigning has got un- no need to intervene because Spain’s “If you do not agree with law, you review. downtown area had a strong opinion gona in Catalonia, said she had come der way for a Catalan election which democratic constitution is function- can organise yourselves to change Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and about the election. “Everyone knows to demand freedom for “political pris- Madrid hopes can end the deadlock ing in line with EU values. the law or the constitution,” he said. five other Latin American countries that there was fraud,” he said, com- oners” — members of Puigdemont’s created by its refusal to recognise an Accusing Puigdemont and his al- “What is not permissible under the said they would support the review. In plaining that the Electoral Authority administration held in jail in Spain — independence vote Puigdemont held lies of undermining the rule of law by rule of law is to just ignore the law.” a joint statement they urged Hondu- “has the country upside down.”— AFP and to support Puigdemont himself, in September. choosing to ignore a Spanish consti- — Reuters aaayssnalysis OMANDAILYOBSERVER FRIDAY l DECEMBER 8 l 2017 9 The new Western politics: Blame Russia, but not too much

PETER APPS campaign “EU Disinfo” says it has tracked more However, compared to the sheer volume of issed a train? Lost a vote? Blame us!” reads one than 1,300 examples of pro-Kremlin interference other election-related material published during the of the many posters recently posted on London’s this year. campaign, the Russian contribution is unlikely to underground transport system for RT, the Russian- Moscow’s hand is seen as trying to drive support Politicians need to find have been the only factor. based satellite broadcaster formerly known as Russia for the far right across the continent as well as a host ways to address their The same is true when it comes to the rise of “ Today. of disparate causes like Brexit and independence for Europe’s far right. There’s no doubt that Russia has The ads are yet another sign of just how overtly Catalonia. Particularly in its most recent campaigns, concerns and reduce pushed some very divisive storylines, including Moscow and its outlets have been reveling in social media analysts believe Russia has been using political polarisation, around the alleged rape of a 13-year-old Russian- M their newfound reputation for driving events in an army of automated social media feeds, dubbed speaking girl in Germany — an incident authorities Western politics. But it also points to a growing and “bots,” to get its message across. not look for excuses say was later proven never to have happened. increasingly difficult dynamic. But it also has more traditional media arms such about why voters Those who monitor far-right chat rooms closely, As the United States, Britain and other European as the website “Sputnik” and the RT network. Both however, say that Russia-related content remains nations obsess ever more deeply about potential Sputnik and RT have their own considerable web turned against them only a very small proportion of the traffic. Russian interference within their borders, they presence. Google last month announced it would Most simply remains homegrown, according to ironically risk playing further into the Kremlin’s “derank” both to give them less prominence on a report by the UK’s Royal Institute of International hands. Google News and other platforms. Putin is deliberately doing whatever he can generate Affairs. That doesn’t mean Russian involvement isn’t President Donald Trump might remain Their stories, however, continue to be widely discord and chaos within the West. real. unconvinced, but outside the White House there spread on other social media. Even directly Russian Even more than the intensity of Russia’s activity, Russia clearly did what it could to exploit those remains little doubt that President Vladimir Putin’s government-linked social media outlets such the level of attention now paid to it has increased. feelings and trends, but it did not create them. government has deliberately attempted to drive as the Russian Embassy Twitter feed in London Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May recently Politicians need to find ways to address their political events in Europe and the United States. have been openly “trolling” western governments devoted an entire speech to the topic, saying such concerns and reduce political polarisation, not look US intelligence agencies are united in their and institutions, mocking them with jokes and actions “threaten the international order.” for excuses about why voters turned against them. conclusion that Moscow interfered directly during sometimes ungrammatical rants. On the surface, the volume of potential Russian That is obviously easier said than done — every the 2016 presidential election, primarily through None of this behaviour is entirely new — but it interference on social media can seem massive. Western government has been desperately searching hacking Democratic Party e-mails and disseminating has increased substantially in the last two years. According to one estimate, Russian-related for policy solutions since the 2008 financial crisis, their content to discredit Hillary Clinton. Ever since Russia annexed Crimea and began Twitter feeds were responsible for more than 1.5 with often relatively little to show for it. In Europe the evidence is even more widespread. a wider war in eastern Ukraine in 2014, a growing million election-related tweets during the 2016 But that doesn’t mean it’s not vital that The European Union’s counter-disinformation number of Western analysts have believed that campaign. policymakers continue to try. — Reuters Litmus test for Modi

RUPAM JAIN ndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in the final phase of campaigning on Thursday to retain power in his home state and stave ffo the most serious challenge yet from a combined opposition. The election for a new legislature in the western state of Gujarat this weekend is turning out to be a greater challenge for Modi than anticipated, the polls show, as rival parties seize on discontent caused by a slowing I economy. Gujarat is where Modi earned his spurs as a business-friendly chief minister who cut red tape and graft and turned it into an economic powerhouse. But an unpopular national tax and a shock move last year to withdraw most currency in a fight against graft has hurt Gujarat, like the rest of the country, and its businessmen are making loud complaints. Three big polls carried out in the run-up to the vote on Saturday and next week have predicted a victory for Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) but with a greatly reduced majority. An ABP-CDS poll this week gave the BJP 91-99 seats in the 182-member state house and the main opposition Congress 78-86, suggesting a close fight. To win a party needs 92 seats. The surveys have often gone wrong, though, and Modi himself remains far more popular across the country than his rivals including Rahul Gandhi who is leading the Congress charge to weaken Modi in his home base. Modi has thrown himself into the campaign, addressing dozens of rallies over the past month, saying he alone could deliver on development. On Thursday, he addressed party colleagues on their mobile phones to A Palestinian man reads a newspaper with a headline condemning US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. — AFP ensure a strong voter turnout. Amit Shah, the president of the BJP, said the party had full confidence in Modi’s ability to deliver an emphatic victory. “He knows that only an absolute majority in Gujarat polls will legitimise his reforms and silence critics,” Shah said. Is the ME peace still possible? Gujarati businesses — who form the core of Modi’s support base — have complained about the new Goods and Services Tax as aggravating tough economic conditions. MIKE SMITH & SHATHA YAISH for not only Palestinians, but also Muslims “But it is certain that the recognition of Jagdip Desai, a sanitary ware manufacturer, said the complex tax S President Donald Trump’s recognition worldwide as the location of the Al Aqsa Jerusalem as capital of Israel is detrimental procedures had come on top of slowing demand and he had to fire 3,000 of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital may bring mosque compound. to the process.” workers. “Modi will have to pay a political price for our financial distress.” little immediate concrete change but risks Jerusalem’s status is perhaps the Whether unrest would eventually — Reuters sparking another round of violence in a most difficult issue to resolve in Israeli- spiral, either in the Palestinian territories conflict that has lasted decades. Palestinian peace efforts, with both sides or the wider region, was being closely While Trump waded deep into the claiming it as their capital. watched, while questions were also being U Israeli-Palestinian conflict with declaration “Nothing is ever sure in the Middle East, raised over whether a peace process is still on Jerusalem, many analysts said his main so it’s unclear whether he is completely possible. audience was the president’s right-wing Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas Christian political base in the United said Trump had disqualified the United States. States from its role as traditional peace Still, the recognition, though it came The Palestinians broker in the Middle East conflict, while with pledges of pursuing peace, risks others went further. igniting yet another round of violence in might despair and Saeb Erekat, Secretary-General of the region. the Palestine Liberation Organisation ESTABLISHED ON 15 NOVEMBER 1981 A series of clashes and protests erupted resort to violence; the and longtime chief negotiator for the Abdullah bin Salim al Shueili in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east right-wing parties Palestinians, said he had destroyed the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Jerusalem in the wake of the decision on two-state solution — the focus of years of Thursday, while Hamas called for a new in Israel might international peace efforts. intifadha, or uprising. seek to accelerate Nahum Barnea, a columnist for Israeli HEAD OFFICE ADVERTISING Ghassan Khatib, a former Palestinian newspaper Yedioth Aharonot, said “it Tel: 24649444, 24649450, AL OMANEYA ADVERTISING & PUBLIC RELATIONS, P.O. Box 3303, Authority minister, said he did not believe annexation (of the would be ill-advised to overstate the 24649451, 24604563, 24699437 P.C. 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman a full-blown intifadha would result, but importance” of Trump’s speech since it was Fax: 24699643 Tel: SWITCHBOARD: 24649444 it was too early to know to what degree done for domestic political reasons. DIRECT: 24649430/24649437/24649401 West Bank)... Trump, SALALAH OFFICE unrest will occur. But he noted, like many others, that Fax: 24649434 “I think there will be a wave of popular they might think, has reactions to it could spin out of control, Tel: 23292633 protests,” he said. “I don’t know for given them licence to with extremists on both sides encouraged. Fax: 23293909 DISTRIBUTION AGENT how long. It depends on several factors, “The impact of the speech won’t lie in NIZWA OFFICE Al OMANEYA for Distribution & Marketing, P.O. Box 974, including how Israel responds to it.” the words comprising it, but in the way P.C. 100, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman run amok Tel: 25411099 Trump’s move also drew global that the parties interpret it,” he wrote. Tel: 24649351/24649360 P.O. Box 955, P.C. 611 condemnation, including from traditional “The Palestinians might despair and Fax: 24649379 US allies who insisted on what has been the resort to violence; the right-wing parties in Website: omanobserver.om e-mail: [email protected] consensus in the international community: discrediting himself as mediator in Israel might seek to accelerate annexation Jerusalem’s status must be negotiated by the peace process between Israelis and (of the West Bank)... Trump, they might PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY: Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising Israel and the Palestinians. Palestinians,” said Yossi Alpher, an adviser think, has given them licence to run amok.” P.O. Box 974, Postal Code 100, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman [email protected] Jerusalem remains a strong rallying cry to former Israeli premier Ehud Barak. — AFP

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this page are solely those of the authors and do not reﬂect the opinion of the Observer. panorama OMANDAILYOBSERVER 10 FRIDAY l DECEMBER 8 l 2017 Pizza making wins world heritage status

JEJU: The art of Neapolitan pizza making won world heritage status on Thursday, joining a horse-riding game PIPEDREAM from Iran and Dutch wind mills on Unesco’s culture list. COME TRUE Unesco accepted the art of BERLIN: German organ- Neapolitan “pizzaiuolo” on the world makers rejoiced on Thursday body’s list of the Intangible Cultural after a special Unesco meeting recognized their craft and organ Heritage of Humanity. music as an ”intangible cultural “Congratulations #Italy!” it said in heritage of humanity.” a tweet after a meeting in Jeju, South “Organ music is a universal Korea where the decision was made. language that fosters inter- Italy had argued the practice of religious understanding,” the pizzaiuolo — from preparing and UN’s cultural body said during flipping the pizza dough to baking it a meeting on the South Korean resort island of Jeju. in a wood-fired oven — was part of Unesco pointed to the unique the country’s cultural and gastronomic community of organ-makers tradition. Members of the Pizzaioli Acrobats Coldiretti perform “twirling” pizza to celebrate Pizza makers pose with a pizza outside the Pizzeria Brandi in Naples. — AFP in Germany who pass their Traditional Neapolitan pizza has a the Unesco decision to make the art of Neapolitan “Pizzaiuolo” an “intangible knowledge and skills on from — AFP relatively thin crust with the exception heritage” on in Naples. generation to generation. There of the rim, which, when baked, bloats Margherita (tomato, mozzarella, oil red, white and green colours of the the Netherlands. Food culture already on the Unesco are some 50,000 pipe organs like a tiny bicycle tyre. and basil). Italian flag. Unesco also accepted Traditional boat making on the list includes Turkish coffee culture in the country, found chiefly in churches and concert halls, played It is rigorously made in a wood- Tradition holds the Margherita Chogan, an Iranian horse-riding Indonesian island of South Sulawesi, and tradition, the gingerbread craft of by both full-time professionals burning brick oven and has two classic pizza was created in 1889 by a local game accompanied by music and and Nsima, a maize-based culinary northern Croatia and the traditional and part-timers. — dpa versions: Marinara (tomato, garlic, chef in honour of Queen Margherita, storytelling, and the craft of millers tradition from the African country of ancient Georgian method of Qvevri oregano and oil) and, the most famous, who was visiting the city. It has the operating windmills and watermills in Malawi, also joined the list. wine-making. — Reuters

ANTIQUE: An employee poses with “The Exeter Salt” made around 1630 by Johan Hass from silver-gilt and studded with precious stones that forms part of the exhibition “Charles II: Art and Power” at The Queen’s Gallery in Buckingham Palace TRADITION AND HERITAGE: Men of Miao ethnic group play lusheng as they celebrate the Lusheng (reed-pipe wind instrument) festival in Congjiang, Guizhou province, in London on Thursday. — Reuters China. — Reuters

IN HARMONY: Humanoid robots developed by UBTECH perform a synchronised dance at the World Intelligent Manufacturing EARNING LIVELIHOOD: A man gets his boots shined on a street in Mexico City. — AFP Summit in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, China. — Reuters ‘Go home’ drone seeks to stop Japan overtime binge

TOKYO: A drone that hovers over and hear ‘Auld Lang Syne’ along with surveillance flight on a pre-set path and studying the possibility of giving the security companies for this task, but hours are blamed for dozens of deaths Japanese employees and blares music to the buzz,” said Norihiro Kato, a director then returns autonomously. drone facial recognition technology to they have struggled to provide enough due to strokes, heart attacks and force them to go home was unveiled on at Taisei, an office security and cleaning Taisei plans to start the T-Frend tell who is in the office after hours or staff given a nationwide labour shortage suicides. Thursday, as the country tries to reduce firm that co-developed the system. service in April in collaboration whether there is an intruder. in Japan. T-Frend therefore serves the In February, the country launched its notoriously long work hours. The drone is equipped with a with drone system developer Blue Administrative officials at many twin function of reducing overtime and the “Premium Friday” programme, The “T-Frend” buzzes over those camera, which stores footage on an Innovation and telecoms operator NTT companies push overtimers out of the making up for this labour shortage, the urging employees to knock off early on trying to work late, blasting out the SD card. Office scenes can also be East. door but this has ironically resulted firms claimed. the last Friday of the month with the strains of “Auld Lang Syne”, a Scottish monitored almost in real time from a The fee for the service is yet to be in these officials working overtime Japan’s government has been trying aim of both reducing work hours and tune typically used in Japan to remote location. officially set but “the target price” is themselves, to say nothing of “causing to change a culture in which working invigorating spending. announce that a store is closing. The machine recognises its location around 50,000 yen ($450) a month, friction between employees”, the long hours is perceived as proof of But the plan fell flat with many “You can’t really work when you on a building floor without GPS. said Kato. companies said in a statement. loyalty and dedication. claiming the last Friday of the month is think ‘it’s coming over any time now’ It takes off from its port, makes a T-Frend’s developers are also Firms have therefore turned to Every year in Japan, long working one of their busiest days. — AFP FRIDAY | DECEMBER 8, 2017 | RABEE AL AWWAL 19, 1439 AH

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Can the Sultanate Reinvent Itself as an Innovative Solar Super-Power?

Solar-powered vehicles present unique entrepreneurial, ecological and economic opportunities. Is it possible for Oman to design, manufacture and market solar vehicles? Can it develop the requisite institutional framework for solar powered automobile initiatives?.... 13

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SHEIKH JACKSON POETS AND SUNRISES (EGYPTIAN) Nature can definitely bring out the poet in a person. In this Genre: Drama photo taken from Sifah Beach, Running Time: 100 min Instagrammer @ahmed_ aljaabri shared, “Someday, you Starring: Ahmed El Fishawy, will find the one who will watch Ahmed Malek, Maged El Kedwany every sunrise with you until the sunset of your life.” Have you Language: Arabic wrote your own poem inspired by the great wonderful views of Back in 2009 when Michael Oman? Don’t forget to share Jackson died, there was a sheikh NEW ‘LAND AND SEA’ them with us. who people called Jackson. VELOCIRAPTOR-LIKE For your photos to be Sheikh Jackson was shocked featured on this section, don’t more than everyone else when DINOSAUR DISCOVERED he heard about the death of forget to follow and tag us when Michael Jackson. But what does A new species of semi-aquatic you upload your photos on the king of American music and dinosaurs that could kill prey on land Instagram. Make sure to also a Sheikh in Egypt have in and in water has been discovered by use #BeanObserver and common? scientists, researchers said on #OmanObserver so we can Wednesday p25 easily locate your submissions. oman/world We know you have your own story to tell. Get a OMANDAILYOBSERVER chance for your photos to be our Instagram Share your story on ‘Photo of the Day’ by following and tagging us on FRIDAY l DECEMBER 8 l 2017 INSTAGRAM features12 instagram.com/omanobserver/ TRAVEL TALES

FRANCE

A man prepares freshly cut tree to serve as holiday decor in Sacquenville. — AFP

Life as it happens around Tunisian women pick tomatoes in a field in Menzel Mheri on July 13, 2017, in the governorate of Kairouan. — AFP the world “The main thing is to create working conditions for them as soon as possible,” he said. The harissa makers are paid “slightly more than the agricultural wage, around 15 dinars” (five euros) per working day, said Ben Salah. Women in Others work from home, performing essential tasks for the project and generating some income by cleaning and drying peppers on the 5 roofs of their houses. Dhiflaoui is full of enthusiasm. “This work rural Tunisia allows women a certain financial autonomy,” she said, boosting their confidence and enabling them “to move forward”.

‘HER OWN MONTHLY SALARY’ - Since the launch of the cooperative, the mix hot sauce farmers “have encouraged each other to make their mark. No longer do you have to be a teacher or doctor, now they too can work and feel they have a place in society.” Women in rural Tunisia are particularly with business affected by gender discrimination and lack of job security. While female unemployment is 22.5 per cent at a national level, the rate exceeds 35 per hese Tunisian women have some omething said. cent in rural provinces, according to a 2015 RUSSIA sauce, pooling their resources The women were able to take advantage of an report by the National Institute of Statistics. and a seasoned culinary exper- official project to support local produce and Dhiflaoui said that many of the women who A woman sells a hot fruit drink at a stand at Izmailovo tise handed down the centuries were given training in the technical, hygienic now work at Tahadi used to labour in the fields flea market in Moscow. — AFP from mother to daughter. and commercial aspects of their venture. in “terrible conditions” or “waited until their T Their secret? Harissa — the For the past two years, they have marketed husbands brought money home”. spicy hot pepper paste used to their harissa under the “Errim” trade name. Their new role has “made them bloom” and add zing to dishes traditionally prepared in That’s Arabic for small gazelle, also a symbol of given them “liberty”, she added. North Africa’s Maghreb region. feminine beauty. “There’s a big difference between a woman These days, when Najoua Dhiflaoui prepares REAL CONFIDENCE BOOSTER - with her own monthly salary and a woman harissa, it is no longer just for her family. She who relies on a husband,” said Chelbia and another 150 women are now making money “It’s a way of representing the Tunisian Dhiflaoui, Najoua’s cousin who also works at by producing and even exporting their ancestral woman — hard-working, authentic and fiery,” Tahadi. savoir faire. said Dhiflaoui with a smile, her forehead beaded “She feels a sense of responsibility, she sets Harissa, made from sun-dried chilli peppers, with sweat from both the heat and the peppers. goals she can reach — and she’s working to freshly prepared spices and olive oil to both pre- Tahadi now has 164 people working for it, and improve her living conditions.” serve and soften its heat, is added to most dish- is one of the first firms in Tunisia to work exclu- Ben Salah said PAMPAT could help Tahadi es in restaurants in Tunisia, and is also popular sively with local rural women under a rotational diversify its production to give the cooperative abroad. system — its members work according to a flex- more opportunities to employ women who live In 2013, a group of women farmers in Menzel ible schedule. in rural areas. Mhiri near Kerouan in rural central Tunisia In a spotless white laboratory lined with Errim Harissa is already making a name banded together to form a cooperative they machinery that grinds, kneads and fills, the for itself. dubbed “Tahadi” — Arabic for “challenge”. gloved women wash and prepare locally har- Sold in gourmet food stores nationally, it Dhiflaoui and her co-workers certainly rose vested ingredients to make the red paste. can also be found in Switzerland and Germany, to it. Women play a key role in the Tunisian econo- and orders have been dispatched to France They went “door-to-door to convince others my, said Farouk Ben Salah of PAMPAT, a UN, and Italy. to join them, to combine their knowledge and sell Swiss and Tunisian project aimed at getting Talks are also underway to export the deli- their products together”, the dynamic fortys- rural products such as harissa onto the market. — AFP SAUDI cacy to Canada. Saudis looks at sweets being cut at the International ARABIA Coffee and Chocolate Exhibition held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre (RICEC) in Riyadh. — AFP THE OPERA The Moth Princess to delight SPAIN Muscat

The supermoon sets over the church People gather in the city centre crowd of Nuestra Senora de la Encarnacion of Ljubljana to look at holiday at dawn in Olvera, near Cadiz. — lights. — AFP Reuters his coming Saturday, the Royal Opera House Muscat will present The Moth Princess, a delightful SLOVENIA Tinteractive opera specially designed for families and children. Currently on a world tour, this charming opera continues to be showered with acco- lades as a highly entertaining cultural expe- urges him to be wary out of love for his son from the audience, school children will use rience. The Moth Princess was inspired by and his faithful servant, Liù, sacrifices her handmade props and sing in Italian, Arabic the opera Turandot, Giacomo Puccini’s last own interests to save him as she too loves and English. great masterpiece and features many won- him. Good triumphs over evil, and the Moth This is an exciting show designed to derful selections from his score. Princess emerges as a beautiful butterfly engage everyone. Puccini’s score for As the opera opens, the Moth Princess, is with a loving heart. Turandot continues to thrill and inspire imprisoned in her cocoon. Though the story The Moth Princess will be performed by audiences around the world, featuring a is faithful to Turandot in many ways, the Teatro Sociale di Como, AsLiCo, the compa- soaring rendition of one of the world’s great- scene is set in a world of insects and takes ny that in April 2015 brought to the Royal est arias, Nessun Dorma. place in a wood. Love, loyalty and kindness Opera House Muscat the tremendously suc- The Moth Princess will undoubtedly be are the central themes: the Moth Princess is cessful interactive operatic show, Magic one of the most heart-warming shows of the trapped by her inability to love and cannot Flute for Children or Defeating the Monsters. season. Be sure to catch this performance see a way out. Calaf, the prince, sees her and Puccini’s dramatic and distinctly atmos- at the Royal Opera House Muscat on falls in love with her, he believes the power of pheric music is played by Teatro Sociale di Saturday, December 9 at 4:00 pm. For more his love can save her. Timur, his father, Como’s illustrious Orchestra 1813 conduct- information and booking consult the ROHM ed by Alessandro Palumbo. Participating website: www.rohmuscat.org.om insideoman Join the discussion on React on topics that affect you the most. Share your views, analysis and opinions and get a chance to see OMANDAILYOBSERVER TWITTER them featured here. Follow and tweet us on FRIDAY l DECEMBER 8 l 2017 twitter.com/omanobserver/ features13

STUTI SAXENA & Ralph Nader explained that the only reason RAYMOND J PETERSEN solar power hasn’t been researched further, is” because the oil companies don’t own the Sun.” Oman is currently promoting entrepreneurial uto giant, General Motors drive among its young academics, with (GM), suggests that self-driven StartupOman.om, the SME Development Fund, automobiles has the greatest and the recent Riyada initiative at the forefront. business potential since the Solar vehicle development is certainly an Internet. That may well be, area where academic programmes in auto Ahowever the evaluation of Can the Sultanate engineering and the associated technical and previously introduced modes technological skills domains offer an opportunity of transport, electric and solar powered, is far from to drive home the significance of solar-powered complete, or ‘done and dusted, as they say vehicles to these students. They could be the Noxious greenhouse gas emissions over the Reinvent Itself catalyst in spearheading inclusive innovation last hundred years, have undoubtedly created which would benefit the Omani drive towards environmental issues and some countries and cities. economic diversity immensely. The enthusiasm Delhi the capital of India, which this week recorded with which young Omanis have embraced the pollution levels a massive 30 times the acceptable level as an Innovative ‘new-age’ technologies, their acknowledged love according to the World Health Organization (WHO) is of cars, and their boundless enthusiasm could among those facing significant difficulties with rising, allow them to carve their niche in the annals of and debilitating air pollution levels. Fossil fuels are in history if the government here could embrace, decline with continuously depleting petroleum and Solar Super- substantially, the concept of solar powered motor gas reserves which, in a definition of irony, currently vehicle development. require higher global production to make up for the The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), says global price shortfall. This is an issue, of course, not Professor Klaus Schwab, Executive Chairman lost on Oman. Power? of the World Economic Forum, is underway. Rising global temperatures can no longer be An environmental revolution of sorts may also ignored and NASA recently announced that 16 of the 17 continue to develop, so it is incumbent upon us warmest years in the 136 year of temperature records to move quickly, to ensure and retain our right have all occurred since 2001, with 2016 ranking as the to harvest solar power as one of the lynchpins warmest on record. This threat to our environmental of our ongoing sustainability. Information sustainability, therefore presents a powerful technology solutions may also complement the argument for the auto industry to adopt cleaner, more This article projects the entrepreneurial solar powered automobile sector in multifarious sustainable vehicular options. As someone said, “If opportunities, in the region, for solar-powered ways. For instance, Artificial Intelligence (AI) you have a huge solar energy spill, it’s just called a nice vehicles. While the electric vehicles appear to and Augmented Reality (AR) solutions may offer diverse possibilities in the ongoing development be at the forefront of the current automobile of solar powered autos. revolution the ‘learning curve’ should underline The Internet of Things (IoT) might find favour the entrepreneurial role in progressing the with “solar-powered” automobile sector by solar option as a more cost-effective and drawing statistical inferences from the Big Data environment-friendly automobile ecosystem generated in various processes of automobile segments. The readiness of the Sultanate to November 20 to 26 was embrace this higher level of communication was celebrated by 120 countries recently signposted by Fadi Nasser, ICT Business all over the world as the Manager of Oman communications giant, Italian Cuisine in the World Omantel. Therefore, entrepreneurs might find Week — a time when the such cross-fertilisation of applications appealing. spotlight is placed on the Air pollution would be substantially reduced to a substantial extent and as affordable culinary traditions of this transportation solutions for commuters, solar Mediterranean country. powered” alternatives may preempt the dent on government coffers. In Oman, for instance, in line with its Vision 2040, under the Chairmanship of HH Sayyid Haitham bin Tareq al Said, Minister of Heritage and Culture, the tourism sector could receive a major boost from the launch of a vigorous solar powered automobile industry. day, and there’s no mess to clean up!” It’s not difficult to imagine an Omani designed, Of course, as Oman has a fossil fuel economic base, manufactured, and marketed solar vehicle the promotion of alternatives may seem irreverent, utilised as the genesis of a vibrant auto/eco however there is valid opinion to suggest that tourist initiative with its myriad of associative harnessing the renewable solar energy, also here in entrepreneurial and employment opportunities. abundance, and retaining oil and gas as collateral Omani inventor Duhi bin Jamal bin Hilal al for future generations, has significant long-term Barwani, an engineer, has invented a hydro- possibilities. In this vein, solar-powered automobiles powered welding machine which has been may be conceived as viable alternatives which hold globally recognised for its innovation, and in ample possibilities for the technology, manufacturing, terms of the possibilities for Oman, this is really and even education sectors, while it would certainly the tip of the iceberg. also prove fertile ground for entrepreneurs and Further, with backward and forward innovators. Environmental sustainability via the integration, the automobile sector might lead to launch of locally inspired solar-powered vehicles value creation at different points in the supply could prove a massive boost to the Sultanate, which is chain. For instance, the logistics sector might seeking diversity of opportunity, and investment today witness value addition with the launch of solar- could well be the catalyst for economic sustainability powered automobiles in the sense that the freight tomorrow. charges would be kept in control. Entrepreneurial The technologies surrounding solar power are fervour may also be sparked as for instance, still at an emerging stage and require meaningful engine capacities might witness adjustments in investment research and innovation, and the line with the vehicle size and tonnage. opportunity exists for the involvement of schools, It can be argued that, as the solar-powered colleges, universities, and research institutions to automobile sector witnesses further growth become involved at this early stage, to tap into the over the coming years, its dependence on oil and minds of an increasingly confident, intelligent and gas based hybrid options would reduce and bio- articulate, youth. Research as to the use of photovoltaic fuels might be juxtaposed with the solar power (PV) cells and solar propulsion systems should be given to run the automobiles. Bio-fuels are affordable impetus in to develop and promote affordable, efficient alternatives, yet seemingly unfashionable and safe solar alternatives, and where better to do so? alternatives to gasoline-based derivatives but Current challenges to PV cell mass production, their potential is yet to be realised. Perhaps bio- and global acceptance, are mostly in the areas of fuels offer an alternative as viable complements the availability of materials, production costs, and to solar power for automobile propulsion? life-cycle assessment. These are major issues, and Finally, as the Omani government, among preclude the simplistic opinion that, “we should use others, is driving ‘smart’ government initiatives the sun’s power because it’s sunny every day.” That with a sustainable edifice, solar powered autos view is hardly incorrect, but there is more to any may be conceived as potent ‘smart’, and innovative energy discussion than an assessment on face value, solutions in the provision of better public services as the nuclear energy industry is finding out belatedly. to their constituents. An innovative, progressive The implication of minimal maintenance is nation such as Oman may, by developing the something of a two-edged sword where employment requisite institutional framework for solar opportunities in the service and maintenance powered automobile initiatives, create for sectors may not be extravagant, however, this itself another remarkable harvest of natural implies affordability and reliability for the consumers resources, but this time, a sustainable energy and profitability for the entrepreneurs. Besides, source. Could we be looking at a solar currency employment creation would take place concomitantly concept where we lead the world? The answer is and the solar powered automobile sector could of course yes, if we are bold enough. witness a burgeoning growth rate over time as further innovations and entrepreneurial contributions take effect. This article projects the entrepreneurial opportunities, in the region, for solar-powered vehicles. While the electric vehicles appear to be at Co-authors of this article are Stuti Saxena, the forefront of the current automobile revolution the Researcher at the Central University of Haryana ‘learning curve’ should underline the entrepreneurial (CUH) and Member, American Political Science Association, and Raymond J Petersen, Lecturer role in progressing the solar option as a more cost- in Literature, and Communications, in the College effective and environment-friendly automobile of Arts and Sciences, at the University of Nizwa ecosystem. Actually, American consumer advocate (UoN), Oman. international We know you have your own story to tell. Get a OMANDAILYOBSERVER chance for your photos to be our Instagram Share your story on ‘Photo of the Day’ by following and tagging us on FRIDAY l DECEMBER 8 l 2017 INSTAGRAM features14 instagram.com/omanobserver/ DISCOVERY IN FOCUS

New ‘land From Libya’s and sea’ migrant hell to velociraptor- Italy’s handbag like dinosaur discovered fashion world

ANGUS MACKINNON

rom forced labour in Libya to a job as a founding member of an Italian fashion start-up, Bassirou has come a long way in two years, thanks to his Fskills with scissors. The 26-year-old Burkina Faso native is the star student of a novel project aimed at training asylum seekers in new species of semi-aquatic dinosaurs that one of Italy’s most emblematic crafts: mak- could kill prey on land and in water has been ing leather handbags discovered by scientists, researchers said on And after a 15-month apprenticeship, AWednesday. Bassirou has just become the first employee The swan-necked and flipper-forelimbed of a small company set up with the aim of creature was related to velociraptors — made famous by turning the project into a self-sustaining ven- the “Jurassic Park” films — and lived about 75 million years ture. ago, in what is now Mongolia. “It is a great opportunity,” he says of his “You have to imagine a mix between a velociraptor, an new career move. “I had done a bit of cutting ostrich and a swan, with a nose of a crocodile and the wings and sewing back home but that was with of a penguin,” said Paul Tafforeau, a paleontologist at the cloth, not leather. European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in “It wasn’t easy at the start, every little Grenoble, France, and co-author of the study. thing seemed difficult, but after a certain “It’s a little extraterrestrial,” he said. point, you get the hang of it.” Scientists made the discovery after studying a fossil, Bassirou left Burkina Faso in west Africa, are still there in slave camps,” Issa says. nicknamed “Halszka” for Halszkaraptor escuilliei, which and a partner then pregnant with his now Having made it to Italy, he is now relieved was found at Ukhaa Tolgod in southern Mongolia, a well- two-year-old daughter, in 2015. to have escaped the frustrated boredom that known spot for dinosaur enthusiasts searching for the He says he fled because he feared for his is the lot of many asylum seekers. skeletal remains of the long-lost creatures. life in the tumultuous aftermath of yet anoth- “Before I came here, I was in another The well-preserved fossil had an unexpected mix of fea- er military coup in the impoverished former house, just sleeping all the time, doing noth- tures which indicate that some bird-like dinosaurs walked French colony. ing,” he says. on land and adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle, the scien- Now he is awaiting the outcome of his “Now I feel much more relaxed. I have tists said in a study published in Nature, noting this was the application for asylum in Italy and is one of After a 15-month contact with (local) people and I’m beginning first such discovery. some 400 recently-arrived immigrants being apprenticeship, to learn the language.” “Halszka was able to run and hunt on land and capable looked after by Lai-Momo, a social coopera- Bassirou has just Not all the apprentices can realistically of swimming and fishing in the water,” Tafforeau said. tive that runs the EU-funded leather skills become the first aspire to the proficiency Bassirou has project in the small town of Lama Di Reno attained. ‘UNEXPECTED MIX’ near Bologna. employee of a As some have limited literacy and numer- Parts of the skeleton were shared with carnivorous The decision to leave home was not an small company acy, lessons in cutting have to be preceded dinosaurs such as velociraptors; it had “killer claws” on its easy one, Bassirou says, and it is one he set up with the by an introduction to basic concepts of feet; stood about 1.2 metres (3.9 feet) high; had flipper-style might have reconsidered had he known of aim of turning the measuring and geometry. forelimbs to manoeuvre in water like penguins; and a long the horrors that awaited him in Libya, the project into a self- “The objective is to provide people with the neck for hunting, similar to a swan. jumping off point for most Africans trying to ability and skills they need to enter the “The first time I examined the specimen, I even ques- get to Europe. sustaining venture labour market here in Italy, but also in the tioned whether it was a genuine fossil,” said Andrea Cau, event of a possible return to their country of from the Capellini Geological Museum in Bologna, Italy. ‘IT’S SLAVERY’ origin,” said Lai-Momo’s president, Andrea “This unexpected mix of traits makes it difficult to place Shocking recent images of slave auctions Marchesini Reggiani. Halszka within traditional classifications.” in the troubled north African state came as The Lama Di Reno project is part of a Adding to the scientists’ scepticism over whether they no surprise. wider programme overseen by the Ethical had discovered a new species was the convoluted journey “These are things that are really happen- Now he dreams of being able to open his Fashion Initiative run by the United Nations the fossil had made after being discovered. ing in Libya,” Bassirou said. own shop, but the future path of his life and WTO-backed International Trade Centre “(It was) illegally exported from Mongolia. Halszka resid- “I had a bit of a taste of it. They put us in a remains uncertain, as is the case for tens of with the aim of creating new economic ed in private collections around the world before it was prison. At any time they could come and get thousands like him in overcrowded recep- opportunities in developing countries to help acquired in 2015 and offered to palaeontologists for study us to do forced labour, all sorts of jobs. They tion centres across Italy. curb irregular migration. and to prepare its return to Mongolia,” said Pascal Godefroit, never gave us enough to eat. Few of them will benefit from the kind of People like Bassirou say going home is not from the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in “All that, it’s slavery,” he said. support that has helped Bassirou pursue his an option they can contemplate, for now. And Brussels. Bassirou endured these conditions for education to Italian high school level, or the Marchesini Reggiani admits that the empha- “Illicit fossil trade presents a great challenge to modern four months before the traffickers control- distraction from the stress that comes with sis on voluntary repatriations can be prob- palaeontology,” he added. ling his fate finally put him onto an inflatable living in limbo. lematic, given the risks, sacrifices and strug- Detailed analysis of the fossil was made possible by tech- dinghy packed with over 100 others. “Doing this (working), you are going to gles involved in many migrants’ journeys to nological developments at the ESRF. Scientists used a form After many fraught hours at sea, mostly have positive rather than negative thoughts, Europe. of X-ray micro-tomography to reveal a virtual 3D model of spent praying it would not sink, the over- you’re thinking that when you’re finished, “For sure, it is not an easy thing to address parts of the skeleton still partially buried in the rock. crowded dinghy was spotted by a British you’ll have a trade,” he says. the issue of return,” he says. “For us the The discovery will now be part of a new dinosaur sub- ship. important thing is to give people skills. family, the Halszkaraptorinae. “At the moment we were rescued there ‘RETURN ISSUE NOT EASY’ Whether they can use them here or whether “We knew of dinosaurs which eat fish, notably the was a bit of a stampede to get off and the boat A total of 15 migrants have completed the they are refused the right to stay, they are Spinosaurus (which killed the Tyrannosaurus in “Jurassic started taking on water. In the end they got first round of training and another 18 have being given an opportunity, let’s say a plus. Park 3”), but we did not think they could swim!” Tafforeau everyone off.” just started, including Bassirou’s compatriot, “It is clear though that, after the journeys said. — AFP The date, March 20, 2016, is etched per- Issa. they have made, the ideal solution is to stay manently in his memory. “These are things The 21-year-old recounts a similar tale here and that’s why we believe giving people you don’t forget easily,” he says. about his time in Libya. “I have friends who the skills to work and integrate is so important.” — AFP FRIDAY | DECEMBER 8, 2017 | RABEE AL AWWAL 19, 1439 AH

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CHINA’S OFO JOINS CROWDED PARIS BIKE-SHARE MARKET P14 UNITEDHEALTH TO BUY DAVITA FOR $4.9 BN P14 HSBC HAS 3-YEAR HEAD START ON FOREIGN RIVALS IN CHINA P14

BIZ BUZZ Companies prepare for Bitcoin to start futures UK house prices trading, stoking Wild increase in Nov disorderly Brexit West worries

NEW YORK: Bitcoin fans are of JPMorgan Chase & Co Chief salivating over the potential of Executive Officer Jamie Dimon, long-awaited legitimacy for the who called it “a fraud” that will cyptocurrency when futures eventually blow up. Others, like trading launches this weekend, but Wall Street adviser Tom Lee, LONDON: British house prices rose by experts worry the risks associated expect bitcoin to top $100,000. more than expected in November and for a fifth month in a row, mortgage with bitcoin’s Wild West-like On Wednesday, its lender Halifax said on Thursday. nature could overshadow the hypervolatility was on full display House prices rose 0.5 per cent debut. as it broke through $13,000 for month-on-month after a 0.3 per cent The first bitcoin future trades the first time on the Luxembourg- rise in October, Halifax said, topping kick off on Sunday at 6 pm EST based Bitstamp exchange, jumping the consensus in a Reuters poll of (23:00 GMT) on Cboe Global more than 11 per cent on the day.. economists for a 0.2 per cent rise. Markets Inc’s Cboe Futures Since August 2011, bitcoin has But house price growth slowed on an annual basis to 3.9 per cent in the three Exchange, followed a week later by averaged a daily price change of months to November, following a 4.5 CME Group Inc’s CME. nearly 3 per cent, up or down, per cent rise in October. “The imbalance Nasdaq Inc plans to get into the compared with a daily average between supply and demand continues mix next year. change in the US dollar-euro cross to support house prices, which doesn’t While Cboe, CME and Nasdaq rate of less than 0.5 per cent since look like changing in the near future,” offer strictly policed trading the euro’s debut in 1999. Russell Galley, managing director of environments, the underlying “Maybe it’s just the most Halifax Community Bank, said. — Reuters bitcoin market is riddled with unique market that is going to crypto-exchanges lacking even continue to go up forever and ever Barclays, and HSBC banks are seen at dusk in the Canary Wharf financial district in London. — Reuters basic oversight. That has stoked and so everybody on the long side Alibaba, Ford seek LONDON: Big companies are to waste. In the immediate term, fears of market manipulation, is going to make money and it’s a stepping up their plans in case Britain business needs to know the details of inaccurate pricing, and systemic great thing, but I’ve been around retail opportunities crashes out of the European Union any transition deal - Rome is burning risk to clearing houses. long enough to know that’s not without a deal as Prime Minister * Transition deal comes on that issue.” “I‘m kind of taken aback by going to work out so well,” said Theresa May struggles to get talks back too late for banks Britain and the EU are working to what’s happened in the last three John Lothian, CEO of advisory on track after a major setback. get talks back on track this week but months,” said Richard Johnson, an firm John J Lothian and Company. Britain is aiming to agree with * Retailers identifying the chairman of one large international analyst at Greenwich Associates As a virtual currency, bitcoin the EU on Dec. 14 to move the Brexit alternative suppliers bank said its executives had decided to who owns digital currencies and can be used to move money talks on to the second phase. This plan for the worst at a conference call considers himself a bitcoin bull. around the world without the would focus on trade and a two- * Manufacturers strug- on Tuesday. “I‘m concerned things are moving need for a central authority, such year transition deal to smooth the gling to plan “The question is no longer whether a bit too quickly.” as a bank or government, which is departure after March 2019. But we are moving (operations to the EU), Bitcoin’s more than 10-fold a double-edged sword, said Steve BEIJING/SHANGHAI: Alibaba Group the timetable has been thrown into it is a question of how big those moves upsurge this year has led to Grob, director of group strategy at Holding Ltd has signed a deal with Ford Motor Co to explore cooperation in areas doubt after discussions broke down in are?,” he said. warnings of a bubble by the likes Fidessa. — Reuters such as cloud computing, connectivity Brussels on Monday. to restructure unless it is essential. Like other executives, he had been and retail which could involve the sale Senior executives in the financial They have been holding off on asked by his board and the government of Ford cars on Alibaba’s online retail services sector, which accounts for investment but are preparing for new not to divulge their thinking. platform Tmall. about 12 per cent of the economy, said certification that would allow them to The chairman said the bank has Alibaba in a statement on Thursday May’s efforts to secure a transition deal sell in Europe if there is no deal. started discussions with customers said digital marketing-focused Alimama had come too late and they had no “The delay is so great and the about rerouting client activity to and operating system firm AliOS would be among subsidiaries working with choice but to start restructuring. uncertainty is so great that companies European hubs, including rewriting Ford under the 3-year pact. One avenue Big supermarkets such as Tesco have no choice but to start triggering thousands of contracts. under consideration is the sale of Ford and Sainsbury’s have been working their plans,” the head of one of Britain’s Senior employees were told last cars on Tmall, an Alibaba spokeswoman with suppliers to identify potential largest companies said. Paul Drechsler, month if they had to relocate to said. Reuters on Wednesday reported delays, shortages or price rises. They the president of the blue-chip business Europe, he said. Another senior that Ford was planning to sign such a have lined up alternative providers, lobby group the CBI, said businesses executive at a large US bank said that deal as it overhauls its China strategy to according to suppliers and sources in were now having to plan for the worst he was increasingly concerned that stimulate growth. — Reuters the industry. while hoping for the best. May’s government could collapse after A man feeds money into a Bitcoin ATM at the Bitcoin Center NYC in New The uncertainty is particularly “No company wants to move jobs the Brussels talks broke down over a York. — Reuters painful for the manufacturing sector or shift production - but business will dispute about the Irish border, adding GE to cut 4,500 as low margins make it risky for them if it has to,” he said. “There’s no time to the uncertainty. — Reuters jobs in Europe LAS VEGAS: General Electric Co plans European Investment Bank planning 7-8 bn euro subsidiary * Focus initially on countries fuelling EU migrant crisis to cut as many as 4,500 jobs in Europe as the US industrial conglomerate shrinks its troubled power generation business, a labour union source EIB initiates internationally-focused offshoot said. The cuts, which are linked to businesses GE bought from France’s Alstom in 2015, will affect employees LONDON/BRUSSELS: Europe’s to make it more efficient than it is Britain’s departure from the EU is in Switzerland, Germany and Britain, largest development bank, the EIB, today.” expected to see it take its 16 per cent Les Echos said French newspaper , has laid out plans for a new subsidiary Two other sources confirmed the stake in EIB leaving a hole of up to 9 which first reported the news on focused solely on non-EU projects proposals and the plan to mainly work billion euros in its finances. Tuesday. that it hopes could also keep some - initially at least - in countries at the The complex web of long-term The union source confirmed the layoffnumbers to Reuters on of Britain’s billions in the bank after source of the recent EU immigration projects means Britain might have to Wednesday and said an official Brexit, European Union sources said. flood. Build better infrastructure and wait decades to get all its EIB money announcement was expected later. The outline of the new offshoot, creating jobs should help to boost the back. However the sources said the new GE did not confirm the numbers which would initially focus on appeal of staying put. “Consensus in subsidiary may be a way for the UK to but said it was “reviewing its countries fuelling Europe’s migrant EU countries is that one of the most keep at least some of its money in. operations to ensure the business crisis and lend around 7-8 billion effective ways to tackle the migration “It could be a way for the UK to is best positioned to respond to euros a year, was given to EU finance issues is to deal with it at the point continue engaging in development our market realities and for long- ministers at their meeting in Brussels of origin,” said a second EU source. projects together with the EIB after term success.” The company had on Tuesday, the sources said. Another crucial element to the plan’s Brexit,” one source said pointing to presented a proposal to the European body representing legacy Alstom It aims to bring more of the EU’s chances of success could also be the model could be the European employees, it added. international development spending Brexit negotiations. Investment Fund (EIF) which is Last month, GE Power Chief into a streamlined and market-savvy The European Investment Bank already open to non-EU members. Flags are seen behind the logo of the European Investment Bank pictured in the unit that would also be able to work currently invests between 70 - 80 Britain’s finance minister Philip Executive Russell Stokes said the city of Luxembourg. — Reuters company could reduce its global hand-in-hand with the EU’s various billion euros a year, with around 10 Hammond, was in Brussels for footprint by 30 per cent. GE acquired national development banks. 7-year spending cycle which starts in discussion,” said one source who per cent or 7-8 billion of that spent the ECOFIN meeting where the about 65,000 Alstom employees, $20 A working group will now be 2021. spoke on the condition of anonymity. outside of the EU from central Africa proposals were laid out. In a speech billion in annual revenue and dozens formed to provide a more thorough “Nearly two-thirds of (EU) “It is at the very early stage so they to Argentina in Latin America. in June he said it may be “mutually of field offices and manufacturing examination by early next year, so member states spoke in the meeting asked for more information... but the This is the money that would beneficial” to maintain a post-Brexit sites around the world when it bought the power assets of the that it can be factored into the first and in principle the reaction was idea is that it will be a way to bundle be redirected into the new EIB relationship between the UK and the French company in 2015. — Reuters round of discussions on the EU’s next positive, i.e. let’s go on with the Europe’s external development policy subsidiary but there could be a snag. EIB. — Reuters international OMANDAILYOBSERVER business16 FRIDAY l DECEMBER 8 l 2017 China’s Ofo joins crowded Sinopec sues Venezuela in sign of fraying relations

Paris bike-share market BEIJING: Sinopec USA, a subsidiary of Chinese oil and gears - unlike the gearless Gobee and gas conglomerate Sinopec, oBike bikes - but will be slightly more has sued Venezuela’s state expensive at 0.50 euros ($0.6) per 20 oil company PDVSA in a minutes, compared to 0.50 euros for US court, claiming it never 30 minutes for the other two Asian received full payment for an operators. Ofo’s bikes will be free for order of steel rebar. the first 40 minutes until the end of the The lawsuit asks for year. Velib is free the first half hour for $23.7 million for breach of users with a subscription. contract and conspiracy to Kennel said Ofo operate more defraud. The legal action signals a split with another of Venezuela’s biggest than 10 million bikes in 200 cities backers as the cash-strapped country seeks to restructure some $60 billion worldwide, the vast majority in in debt in a landscape of low oil prices and production. China, and a few thousand in Europe, The complaint suggests “patience is getting really thin at this point,” including in Milan, Madrid, Vienna, said Mark Weidemaier, law professor at the University of North Carolina at Prague, London and Cambridge. Chapel Hill and an expert on international debt disputes. “This is a further Ofo, which has raised more than sign of frostiness in the Chinese-Venezuelan relations.” $1 billion from Chinese venture PDVSA declined to comment. capitalists, including Alibaba Group China, which has loaned Venezuela more than $50 billion over the Holding Ltd , will cooperate with Paris past decade, recently has been reluctant to involve itself more deeply in the city authorities, which have said they South American country’s debt crisis. It has curtailed its credit to Venezuela want to regulate the dockless bike in the last 22 months because of chronic payment delays, troubles with schemes to prevent chaos on Paris joint venture projects, and crime faced by Chinese firms operating in the sidewalks. country. Ofo France general manager Laurent Kennel poses with city bike-sharing service Ofo bicycles at Autonomy and the Urban The dockless bikes can be found In its lawsuit, filed in US District Court in Houston on November 27, mobility summit in Paris. — Reuters and unlocked with a mobile phone Sinopec said PDVSA paid half of a 2012 purchase order for 45,000 tonnes app, and after use they can be left of steel rebar, which is used in oil rigs, by its fully owned subsidiary Bariven. PARIS: China’s Ofo launched its Ofo comes hot on the wheels fixed docking stations of which there anywhere. So far there have been no It accused the Venezuelan oil company of using Bariven “as a sham dockless bicycles in Paris, becoming of Hong Kong-owned Gobee.bike, are some 1,800 in Paris, but which are pile-ups as have been seen on Chinese to perpetrate fraud against Sinopec”, and called the PDVSA subsidiary an the fourth bike-sharing scheme which launched in October and whose often full in popular parts of the city. roads. “undercapitalised shell with the sole purpose of preventing Sinopec from operator in a city set to banish all bright green bikes, estimated at a few “We want to be leader in free- The new Asian bike share having a remedy”. combustion-engine cars by 2030. thousand, can be seen on every Paris floating bikes in Paris and France,” operators’ entry into the Paris market China’s foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a regular news Ofo France general-manager street. A third Asian player, Singapore- Kennel said. is well timed, as longtime Velib briefing on Thursday that the legal action is a “common commercial Laurent Kennel said the firm, one of owned oBike, has a few hundred bikes He added that to cover Paris well, operator JCDecaux is replaced by the dispute” that should not be over-interpreted. two bike-sharing giants in China, had on Paris streets, and will also compete the firm plans to put several thousand Smoovengo consortium, which won “We are willing to continue exploring cooperation with Venezuela put just over 100 of its bright yellow with the city’s long-established Velib bikes on the road, although there are a 600-700 million euro ($700-$825 in various sectors following a principle of mutual benefit and shared bicycles on Paris roads on Wednesday scheme. no immediate plans to match Velib’s million) contract to run the Paris city development,” he said. — Reuters and plans to ramp that up to 1,000 Unlike the dockless Asian bikes, 24,000 bicycles. bike-sharing system from 2018 to bikes by year-end. the Velib bikes must be parked in Like Velib, the Ofo bikes have three 2032. — Reuters

UnitedHealth to buy DaVita for $4.9 bn BIZ BRIEF Brazil cuts interest rate to record low 7pc

NEW YORK: The largest US health unit is not included in the deal. RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil’s central bank cut the key interest rate to a record low of insurer UnitedHealth Group Inc will Leerink analyst Ana Gupte said seven per cent, about half of what it was a year ago. buy DaVita Inc’s primary and urgent the purchase is likely to add to The 0.5 percentage point drop in the Selic rate reflected the strong fall in inflation care services for $4.9 billion in its UnitedHealth earnings per share by 1 as Brazil emerges from a two-year recession. second acquisition this year to expand per cent to 4 per cent in 2018 and 5 per Back in October 2016, when the country’s economy was still firmly in negative territory, the Selic was at 14.25 per cent, with the bank fighting to tamp down any its fast-growing medical group, it said. cent to 7 per cent in 2019, the first full inflationary pressure. From then, however, the bank embarked on the first of what are Health insurers are trying to cut year after the deal closes. now 10 consecutive rate cuts, dropping under the 10 per cent barrier in July for the medical costs by playing a more direct EvercoreISI analyst Michael first time in nearly four years. role in medical services, arguing they Newshal said he thought near- Inflation is now considered a low risk. Prices were rising at 10.6 per cent in 2015 can save money by shifting patients Denver-based DaVita operates term earnings additions would be and 6.2 per cent in 2016, but only hit 2.7 per cent over 12 months last October. to cheaper, more accessible locations medical groups in six states that serve close to neutral given the price that With that, the government hopes to see the start of a recovery in spending to help for routine or non life-threatening 1.7 million patients through about UnitedHealth was paying was on the nudge the economy further into growth. President Michel Temer hailed the rate drop, in a video posted on social media. emergency medical services. 300 clinics, adding to UnitedHealth’s high side. VW executive “With lower interest rates, clearly it is easier to live, work, buy and find housing,” he On Sunday, No. 3 health insurer 250 MedExpress urgent care centres UnitedHealth did not provide any said. Aetna Inc agreed to be bought by CVS and its 200 surgical centres that are details on the financial impact of the sentenced to “This lowers rates throughout the whole banking system,” he added. Health as part of a drive to expand part of recently acquired Surgical Care purchase. Its shares gained less than But the consultancy Gradual Investimentos insisted that “compared to other medical services at CVS pharmacies to Affiliates. It was reported last month 1 per cent to $220.48 on Wednesday, seven years for US emerging economies, our rate is still quite high.” — AFP include more preventative screenings that DaVita was exploring a sale of its lifting its market capitalisation to more such as for vision and hearing. medical unit. DaVita’s kidney dialysis than $212 billion. — Reuters emissions fraud

DETROIT: A US-based Volkswagen AG executive who oversaw emissions issues was sentenced to seven years in prison and fined $400,000 by a judge for his role in a diesel emissions HSBC has 3-year head start on scandal that has cost the German automaker as much as $30 billion. The prison sentence and fine for the executive, Oliver Schmidt, foreign rivals in China: Gulliver (pictured) were the maximum possible under a plea deal in August the German national made with HONG KONG: HSBC has a prosecutors after admitting to charges three-year head start on its foreign of conspiring to mislead US regulators investment banking rivals in China and violate clean-air laws. because of the British bank’s unique “It is my opinion that you are a key conspirator in this scheme to A Home Depot store is seen in Long Beach, California. Home Depot Inc position of having management defraud the United States,” US District announced a $15 billion share buyback plan and said it would invest in improving its stores to hit a $120 billion annual sales target in the next three control of its securities venture there, Judge Sean Cox of Detroit told chief executive Stuart Gulliver said on years. The largest US home improvement store chain said it expects to buy Schmidt in court. “You saw this as your back $12.5 billion over the next three years, compared with the $8 billion it Thursday. opportunity to shine ... and climb the plans to buy for the year ending January 2018. — Reuters Gulliver’s comments come after corporate ladder at VW.” Beijing, in a surprise move last month, Schmidt read a written statement announced it will allow foreigners in court acknowledging his guilt and broke down when discussing his to control their onshore operations. family’s sacrifices on his behalf since German industrial output sees surprise dip Currently non-Chinese groups are his arrest in January. limited to 49 per cent stakes in joint “I made bad decisions and for that FRANKFURT AM MAIN: German industrial production unexpectedly slipped for the ventures in the fast-growing market. I am sorry,” he said. second month in a row in October, official data showed on Thursday, but the rare blip HSBC’s 51 per cent control of HSBC US Department of Justice trial is unlikely to throw Europe’s humming top economy off ourse.c Qianhai Securities is unique because Man walks past a logo of HSBC outside a branch at the financial Central district in attorney Benjamin Singer argued Output from industrial firms fell 1.4 per cent month-on-month, federal statistics — Reuters office Destatis said, whereas analysts had predicted a rise of 0.8 per cent. it was able to use its long-established Hong Kong. in court that Schmidt was “part of the decision making process” The drop however was mainly down to public holidays and extended weekends Hong Kong unit to take advantage of a at VW to hide a scheme to fake in October, the economy ministry said in a statement, adding that it expected the rule favouring banks based in the city. “The regulations will come in two a strategy launched in 2015 that aimed vehicle emissions results and had positive growth momentum to continue in Germany. Many international banks are keen years time. Then you have to pick your to capitalise on its strong links in the opportunities tell regulators the truth. “All soft and hard indicators actually point to a strong surge in industrial production to launch new Chinese ventures with partner and you’ve got to hire people region and the closeness of China’s “Every time he chose to lie,” Singer in November,” agreed economist Carsten Brzeski of ING Diba bank. majority control or to boost their - we think we’ve got a three-year head Cantonese-speaking Pearl River said. “There is no reason to get worried,” he added. “Simply keep your seat belts stakes in existing partnerships to help start,” Gulliver told a media briefing Delta region to HSBC’s Hong Kong In March, Volkswagen pleaded fastened. The fast ride of the German economy is set to continue.” The October drop was led by falls in the manufacturing and construction sectors, integrate those operations with their at the launch of its securities joint stronghold. The venture’s license guilty to three felony counts under a plea agreement to resolve US charges while energy production was up 5.1 per cent. global networks and to better manage venture in Shenzhen. allows HSBC to underwrite bond and that it installed secret software in Destatis also corrected its September figure from an earlier announced month-on- reputational risk, bankers have said. The joint venture, with Qianhai equity sales in the mainland and to act vehicles in order to elude emissions month fall of 1.6 per cent to a smaller 0.9 per cent slide. But it will be some years before Financial Holding Company, an as a broker for shares listed in Shanghai tests. The German economy has been firing on all cylinders in recent months, powered things fall into place for foreign investment unit controlled by local and Shenzhen. It can also publish US prosecutors have charged by strong domestic and foreign demand. The good times look set to continue with majority-owned ventures to kick off, government, is part of the UK- research on Chinese companies to eight current and former Volkswagen data released on Wednesday showing a surprise jump in industrial orders, and surveys — AFP according to HSBC’s CEO. headquartered bank’s “pivot to Asia” - local clients. — Reuters executives. — Reuters suggesting business confidence is at an all-time high. nba/olympics OMANDAILYOBSERVER FRIDAYsport l DECEMBER 8 l 2017 17 LOS ANGELES: Kevin Durant finished with 35 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for his ninth career triple double on Wednesday as the DURANT powers Warriors, under-manned Golden State Warriors defeated the Charlotte Hornets 101- 87. The Warriors won their fifth straight and the seventh in their last JAMES eight games despite playing without superstar Stephen Curry and forward Louis Oosthuizen Draymond Green. Durant had 16 points in the first Oosthuizen forced quarter, quickly setting the tone for the dominates game at the Spectrum Center arena. out of Joburg He finished 13 of 28 from the field and hit three three-pointers. Open after Durant said his team-mates did a Kings good job of picking up the slack with freak injury Curry and Green out. “I think everybody just rallied JOHANNESBURG: Local favourite around each other, from the coaches to Louis Oosthuizen has pulled out of the players to the trainers, everybody,” the Johannesburg Open starting on Durant said. “The defence was on Thursday after a freak accident that point tonight and we got off to a good will go down as one of sport’s more start.” unusual injuries. Golden State coach Steve Kerr The 2010 British Open champion was impressed with the way Durant hurt his fingers when they were carried the team to victory. caught between two airport trollies “What a luxury to be able to just as he returned to South Africa from throw him the ball, especially with competing at the Mauritius Open this Steph out,” Kerr said. “He took over. past weekend. It wasn’t really scripted, it was just a Oosthuizen, who is in severe pain natural product of Steph being out, and unable to grip his clubs, said Draymond being out. he did not want to risk starting a “He was attacking from the start. It tournament he could not finish and was like a ‘I’ve got this’.” deny another player the chance to The Warriors cruised to a 48-22 compete. lead in the second quarter and never “This morning is even worse than trailed, improving to 20-6 on the it was yesterday, so I tried to grip a season. golf club but there’s no way I can go Charlotte pulled to within seven to my grip position,” he said in a news points halfway through the fourth conference on Wednesday. quarter, but the Warriors built the lead “It’s a bit of an unfortunate one, back up to 16. Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) looks to pass against Charlotte Hornets guard forward Nicolas Batum (5) during the second half at the Spectrum Center. but I don’t want to tee off Thursday The Warriors also got 22 points The Warriors won 101-87. — USA Today Sports and play one hole or a few shots and from Klay Thompson and 10 points then withdraw after taking someone’s from Nick Young. Elsewhere, LeBron James nailed a but James wanted “Chicago,” a play Orleans Pelicans to a 123-114 win over The Pelicans put the game out spot. You know, I just can’t do that. So, Curry sat out the contest after clutch three-pointer with 16 seconds named for James’ turnaround jumper the Denver Nuggets. of reach with a 13-0 run in a three- I’m going to have to withdraw from suffering a sprained ankle in New left as Cleveland won a record-tying at the buzzer in game four of the 2015 The Pelicans, who were playing minute span in the fourth quarter to this one.” Orleans two nights ago. Green was 13th straight game with a 101-95 conference semifinals against the without forward Anthony Davis, take a 114-96 lead with 6:38 left. Cody Martin of the United States a late scratch because of a shoulder win over the Sacramento Kings on Chicago Bulls. erased an early 10-point deficit by — AFP has been drafted into Oosthuizen’s injury. Wednesday. “So I said, ‘OK,’” Lue said. “We got getting the ball inside to Cousins. NBA RESULTS three-ball that also includes last Charlotte was without their coach James finished with 32 points, 11 it to him, and he made a big shot. That Davis missed his third straight week’s winner in Mauritius, Dylan Steve Clifford, who missed his second rebounds and nine assists as the win was a huge play for us to put us up game with a strained adductor. Minnesota bt LA Clippers 113-107 San Antonio bt Miami 117-105 Frittelli, and Jazz Janewattananond of game with an illness. equalled a Cleveland franchise record. five.” Cousins finished just short of his Golden State bt Charlotte 101-87 Thailand. Kemba Walker had a team-high 24 There were about five seconds left The Cavaliers can set a franchise season high with 41 points and 23 Milwaukee bt Detroit 104-100 The Joburg Open at the Royal points for the Hornets, who dropped on the shot clock when time was called record win streak on Friday against rebounds he recorded in a 114-106 New Orleans bt Denver 123-114 Boston bt Dallas 97-90 Johannesburg & Kensington Golf to 9-14. Nicolas Batum scored 15 and with 20 seconds left and Cleveland the Indiana Pacers. road victory over Sacramento on NY Knicks bt Memphis 99-88 Club is part of the European Tour’s Dwight Howard had 14. clinging to a two-point lead. In New Orleans, DeMarcus October 26. Cleveland bt Sacramento 101-95 International Schedule, co-sanctioned Golden State led 26-18 after one CHICAGO PLAY Cousins had 40 points and 22 The Nuggets were led by Gary Indiana bt Chicago 98-96 Orlando bt Atlanta 110-106 (OT) by the Asian Tour and South Africa’s quarter, 53-38 at half-time, and 79-68 Coach Tyronn Lue said he intended rebounds and Jrue Holiday tallied 27 Harris with 24 points, but they Sunshine Tour. — Reuters after three quarters. to call a different play in the huddle, points and seven assists to lift the New dropped to 3-9 on the road. Russia won’t prevent athletes LOCAL FLAVOUR OOC launches diploma course in sports management from competing in Pyeongchang MUSCAT: Oman Olympic Committee standard expertise in the management programme of study includes (OOC) will start on Sunday at its of facilities and sports events as several important stages of sports MOSCOW: Russian President premises the first ever professional well as to promoting the concepts management, including but not Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday sports management diploma course to of distinguished performance and limited to methods of sports planning, that Russia would not prevent its be held in the Sultanate. effective management. sports governance and its rules, Being part of the International The course will be attended by leadership of sports organisations, athletes from competing at the 2018 Olympic Solidarity Programme, the 25 Omani cadres involved in the concepts of communication, human Pyeongchang Winter Olympics if course is organised in cooperation management of sports organisations resources management, quality, they wanted to, damping down calls with the International Gulf Institute who are basically employees of the operational mechanism of Olympic from some Russians for a boycott of for Administration and Technology Ministry of Sports Affairs, Oman committees and Olympic cultural the Games. with due accreditation by the Training Olympic Committee and sports legacy. The IOC on Tuesday banned Research Centre of the Universiti associations. It consists of six scientific Oman Olympic Committee this the Russian team from the Sains Malaysia (USM) (i.e. Malaysian modules specifically dealing with sports year organised a number of courses University of Science). management conducted over a period on sports management in North Al Olympics after evidence emerged The diploma course comes in of ten training days, i.e. fifty training Sharqiyah Governorate (Wilayat Sur) of an “unprecedented systematic the light of the OOC’s plans aimed hours. At the end of the course, the and North Al Batinah (Wilayat Suhar) manipulation” of the anti-doping at upgrading the level of Omani participants will receive a professional in order to provide an opportunity for system but left the door open for cadres working in the field of sports diploma that is certified by the Training sports management cadres in various some Russians to compete as neutrals organisation and administration. Research Center of the USM. governorates of the Sultanate to if they demonstrate they have a International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach arrives to a press OOC has ambitious plans intended to Supervised by specialised benefit from such international high- doping-free background. conference closing an IOC executive meeting in Lausanne. Analysts praised the contribute to the creating Omani high consultants and instructors, the level courses. “Without any doubt, we will IOC for being “brave” and “strong” in banning Russia from the 2018 Winter — AFP not declare a blockade, we will Games in South Korea. HIRALAL STARS IN TAURUS WIN not prevent our Olympians from Putin said that Russia bore a share the IOC ban would be made at taking part (in the Games), if one of blame for the IOC decision for a meeting of Russian Olympic of them wants to participate in a having given international Olympic authorities in the coming days. personal capacity,” Putin said on state authorities a pretext for banning the South Korea’s sports ministry said television. country. on Thursday that the ban on Russia In his first comments since the “I think that this excuse was not participation is “regrettable”, and ban, Putin took aim at Grigory used in an honest way, to put it mildly,” urged Russian athletes to take part. Rodchenkov, the former head of Putin said without elaborating. “If we will be able to see the Moscow’s anti-doping laboratory He did not budge on Russia’s excellent performance that Russian whose allegations of state-sponsored insistence that there was no state- athletes demonstrated in previous doping and a cover-up at the Sochi sponsored doping system in the winter games, that will make a huge 2014 Winter Olympics triggered country. “Why are our Olympians contribution to the success of the investigations that ultimately led to being banned from competing 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics,” the the IOC decision. under the Russian flag and national ministry said in a statement. Without identifying Rodchenkov symbols, if there is no state support In the weeks ahead of Tuesday’s by name, Putin said the IOC’s for doping? Then punish those who IOC decision, more than 20 Russian decision had been “mainly based are guilty,” Putin said. athletes who competed at the 2014 on the testimonies of a person Putin, who announced on Sochi Games were banned for whose moral and ethical attitudes Wednesday he would run in a Russian life from the Olympics for having and psychological state raise many presidential election next year, said allegedly violated anti-doping rules. Superb all-round performance by Hiralal Thanki helped Taurus XI trounce Danmark by seven wickets in an I Division questions.” he had not instructed officials to Russia’s athletics federation, game at OAC III ground. Batting first, Danmark was dismissed for 157 in the 20th over. Abhimanyu Bhatti (33), Doresh “Most of the accusations are based deliver victory for the Russian team Paralympic Committee and anti- Devender (28) and Javed Iqbal (24) were the notable contributors. Bori Amin, Harilal Thanks and Mujahid Surve all took on facts that have not been proven at the Sochi Games. doping agency Rusada remain two wickets each. Taurus eased past the target, scoring 158 for 3 in the 18th over. Hiralal Thanki topscored with 49 off and are largely unfounded,” Putin The Kremlin leader said a final suspended over doping scandals. 31, while Faraz Ismail remained unbeaten on 41 off just 19 balls. said. decision on Russia’s stance regarding — Reuters hockey/cricket OMANDAILYOBSERVER sport18 FRIDAY l DECEMBER 8 l 2017 IPL spend could hit $96m as wage cap rises 20pc

NEW DELHI: The Indian Premier League, one of the world’s richest sports competitions, will let teams splurge up to $12 million each on player salaries in 2018, an increase of 20 per cent. After a meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday, the IPL governing council also said teams will have to spend a minimum of 75 per cent of the salary cap each season. The decision means the eight IPL teams are likely to spend anywhere between $72 million and $96 million on players alone for just eight weeks of cricketing action in 2018. “Whatever changes we have come up with are all in the interest of the players,” IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla said. “We are also looking to increase the prize money for the players in future.” While most of India’s big name players are already attached to franchises, several Indian players celebrate with goalkeeper Akash Chikte players bagged lucrative deals after they beat Belgium in the penalty shoot-out. in the IPL auction in February. England all-rounder Ben Stokes set a new record for a foreigner by joining the Rising INDIA EDGE BELGIUM TO ENTER HWL SEMIS Pune Supergiants for more than $2 million. BHUBANESWAR: Goalkeeper Akash Sjoerd Marijne-coached India, who minute. Gurjant, hovering in front to revive India’s lead, firing to the right England pace bowler Chikte put up a superlative show ended the pool phase with two defeats of the Berlian goal-post, drove a ball corner of the goal-post. Tymal Mills went to the Royal as India edged past Olympic silver and a draw, brought out their best home after a defensive error in dealing India’s lead stood only for more Challengers Bangalore for $1.8 medallists Belgium 3-2 via penalty game in the quarterfinal. with a pass from SK Uthappa. than five minutes as Charlier pounced million, even though he had shootout to enter the semifinals of the The first 30 minutes was goalless Three minutes later, Harmanpreet on a rebound inside the box to roll the only played four Twenty20 FIH Hockey World League (HWL) and the teams dished out pulsating drag-flicked past Belgin goalkeeper ball in, bringing Belgium level on 3-3. internationals before that. Final here on Wednesday. hockey in the final two quarters. Vincent Vanasch to make it 2-0. Chikte saved attempts from The attractions of last-ball After a six-goal regulation play India could have fallen behind in But Belgium reacted quickly, Gauthier Boccard, Emmanuel winning sixes, extravagant thriller, Chikte blocked four Belgian the 10th minute had they not take Luypaert converting a penalty stockbroex, Victor Wegnez and Arthur switch-hitting and rapid- attackers during the shootout, while a review on Thomas Briels’ cross — corner in the 38th minute to take his van Doren. The latter had scored in fire centuries have made IPL Lalit Upadhyay, Rupinder Pal Singh which later was seen to have come tournament’s goal tally to seven. the Belgium’s fourth attempt before a favourite of the masses, and Harmanpreet Singh were on the from the back-stick — that set-up an With Belgium sending many of failing in their sixth which proved to especially the younger mark for India. unmarked John-John Dohmen to tap their men forward, India got many be the sudden death for the European generation. Gurjant Singh (31st minute), it in. opportunities but they failed to outfit. Florent van Aubel had made it The IPL’s 60 games are Harmanpreet (34th) and Rupinder India took 18 minutes to show capitalise on them. Instead, Belgium 2-2 during the shootout. “It’s a positive valued at roughly $8.5 million (46th) scored in the regulation time for their intent when a Gurjant Singh got what they desired. Luypaert was start. We played quite well against each, not far off the estimated India at the packed Kalinga Stadium. cross from right flank to the far post right on the money again in the 46th Belgium, one of the world’s best $9.6 million per English Loick Luypaert (38th and 46th) was nicely positioned for a tap in for a minute as his drag-flick went through team. We did better than the previous Premier League match — and converted two penalty corners to lead running SV Sunil but the ball bounced the legs of Indian goalkeeper Suraj games,” said Indian coach Marijne. well over the $6.2 million the Belgian fightback before Cedric of the latter’s stick and went away. Karkera. The goal silenced the noisy Earlier in the day, Australia beat price tag attached to home Charlier (52nd) scored the equaliser India stepped up after the crowd in the Odisha capital. Spain 4-1 to enter the last four stage. internationals in India. — AFP after Rupinder’s goal. 10-minute break and struck in the first Rupinder struck few seconds later — IANS Afghanistan wicketkeeper Shahzad gets 12-month doping ban Stokes gets call to England ODI squad

SYDNEY: Suspended all-rounder they receive formal confirmation on Ben Stokes was included on Thursday whether Stokes has been charged or in England’s squad for their one-day not, they would meet within 48 hours series against Australia, with coach to decide the next step. Trevor Bayliss bracing for “a circus” if Hales, an opener who has not he is cleared to play. played any professional cricket since Stokes is currently banned the September nightclub incident, from international cricket while learned this week that he will face no British authorities probe his alleged criminal charges, opening the door for involvement in a late-night fight his trip to Australia. outside a Bristol nightclub, and it In addition to Stokes and Hales, remained in doubt whether he would Kent batsman Sam Billings and play. Durham seamer Mark Wood were Batsman Alex Hales, who was added to the squad that beat the West caught up in the same fracas, was Indies 4-0 in the one-day series held also named in the 16-man squad in England at the end of the British for the five-game series, starting in summer. Melbourne on January 14. “With around 18 months to the Selectors said in a statement they start of the 2019 World Cup, our ODI BENGALURU: Afghanistan sample collection on January 17, 2017 were advised to name their strongest side continues to make solid progress wicketkeeper Mohammad Shahzad and he can return to cricket on January squad, and picked the pair accordingly. with series wins over the West Indies has been banned for 12 months after 17, 2018. “Both Alex Hales and Ben Stokes and South Africa last summer and inadvertently ingesting a prohibited “Today’s announcement... reminds all are included, though their involvement a semifinal berth in the Champions England’s Ben Stokes during nets in Manchester, Britain. —- Reuters substance, the International Cricket international cricketers that they remain remains subject to any relevant legal Trophy,” said selector James Whitaker. Council (ICC) said on Thursday. personally responsible for ensuring that or disciplinary developments in that at some stage.” on Wednesday, hitting 34 from 41 “The forthcoming series against The 29-year-old underwent an out- anything they eat, drink or put into their relation to the incident in Bristol in New Zealand-born Stokes did not deliveries as he shakes off the rust. Australia presents another significant of-competition test in Dubai in January bodies does not result in an anti-doping and his sample was found to contain rule violation,” ICC General Manager — September,” they said. travel to Australia with the rest of the ‘NO IDEA’ opportunity for this group to showcase clenbuterol, classified as a non-specified Cricket, Geoff Allardice said. Bayliss admitted Stokes’ potential squad for the Ashes Test series, and Stokes could yet return mid-series their skills and talent against a quality substance under the World Anti-Doping “It further serves as a reminder appearance in Australia could be a has missed the first two in Brisbane to the Ashes if police decide not to side away from home.” — AFP Agency’s (Wada) Prohibited List. to all international cricketers of the distraction for the team. and Adelaide, with England losing charge him. ENGLAND ONE-DAY SQUAD: Eoin Morgan (capt), Clenbuterol, used by sufferers of dangers and risks associated with taking “Whenever he comes back that’s both. British detectives late last month Moeen Ali, Jonathan Bairstow, Jake Ball, Sam breathing disorders such as asthma, is supplements. going to be a bit of a circus for sure,” But speculation that he is preparing passed a file to the Crown Prosecution Billings, Jos Buttler, Tom Curran, Alex Hales, Liam banned in and out-of-competition. “Before thinking about taking a he told reporters after England for a dramatic call-up was fuelled by Service for a decision, but there has Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Shahzad pleaded guilty to the supplement, cricketers should weigh up Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood lost the second Test in Adelaide on his decision to sign with New Zealand been no word since. violation and the ICC accepted he had the risks and dangers of doing so and SCHEDULE: Wednesday. provincial side Canterbury as their “I’ve got absolutely no idea. Still 1st ODI - Sunday, January 14, Melbourne Cricket “inadvertently ingested the substance should fully research the supplement in Ground as a contaminant of a weight loss question so they can make an informed “Whether it’s any more of a circus overseas player in late November. waiting for the police report,” said 2nd ODI - Friday, January 19, Gabba, Brisbane product he was taking, Hydroxycut”, the decision.” than it’s already been, it’s hard to say. If In his first limited overs match for Bayliss when asked if he expected 3rd ODI - Sunday, January 21, Sydney Cricket governing body said in a statement on Shahzad has played 58 one- it happens, let’s just get on with it and his birth province against Otago, he Stokes to play in the Ashes. Ground 4th ODI - Friday, January 26, Adelaide Oval its website. (www.icc-cricket.com) day internationals and 58 T20s for take it on the chin.” was bowled for two. The England Cricket Board said in 5th ODI - Sunday, January 28, Optus Stadium, The ban has been backdated to his Afghanistan. — Reuters He added: “We’ve got to adjust to He did better against Auckland their statement on Thursday that once Perth football OMANDAILYOBSERVER FRIDAYsport l DECEMBER 8 l 2017 19 Brazilians ﬁre Shakhtar into last 16 ABRUPT END

Shakhtar Donetsk’s Bernard scores their first goal past Manchester City’s Ederson. — Reuters

KHARKIV, Ukraine: Inspired by Although City dominated poked the ball past the stranded Brazilians Bernard and Ismaily, possession — enjoying more goalkeeper before passing it into Shakhtar Donetsk qualified for than two thirds of that — Pep an empty net. Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann (L) heads the ball — AFP the Champions League last 16 Guardiola’s side were totally out of Foden created City’s best past Chelsea’s Andreas Christensen. with a 2-1 victory over a much- sorts and slumped to a first defeat chance of the half just before the changed and subdued Manchester this season. break when he slipped Gabriel City on Wednesday. Having already won the group Jesus in behind the home defence, What next for First-half goals from Shakhtar’s and with one eye on Sunday’s but the 20-year-old Brazilian Brazilian pair, both created Manchester derby at Old Trafford, seemed unable to make up his by Brazilian-born Ukraine Guardiola had rung the changes mind how to take on Andriy international Marlos, proved to his starting line-up giving Pyatov and the goalkeeper Atletico Madrid enough to ensure the Ukraine precocious teenage starlet Phil smothered the ball. champions would go into the Foden a first senior start. The second half was short on draw on Monday with a plum Foden was the star of England’s clear-cut chances but it was yet after CL exit tie against the likes of Barcelona, Under-17 World Cup victory in another Brazilian, winger Taison Manchester United and Paris India in October but was largely a — more than familiar on the OSC MADRID: Twice finalists in the last four seasons, Shakhtar’ Bernard celebrates scoring a goal with team-mates. — Reuters Saint-Germain on the cards. spectator as the hosts dominated in Metalist pitch having spent three Atletico Madrid’s Champions League campaign came Shakhtar needed only a point their temporary home in Kharkiv. with a spectacular goal from curled a sumptuous shot into the seasons at Metalist Kharkiv — to an abrupt end this time round as they failed to reach to secure their progress as Group Only three players kept their places Bernard on 26 minutes. top corner. who twice sent thumping right- the last 16 for the first time in five seasons. F runners-up behind City from from the side Guardiola picked to Marlos, the orchestrator of RECKLESS EDERSON footed efforts sizzling past the Diego Simeone admitted his side were a match that, including Marlos, face West Ham last Sunday but it so much of Shakhtar’s attacking If there was nothing Ederson post. “condemned” by their inability to beat Azerbaijani featured nine Brazilians from the was partly thanks to one of those thrusts, drove at the heart of could do about that, he was largely And the Brazilian won the Champions League debutants Qarabag over two start. In the end, the Ukrainians — Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson — a back-pedalling City defence at fault for another compatriot stoppage time penalty, falling games as despite taking four points from a possible could even have afforded to lose that City found themselves trailing before feeding Bernard to his left. finding the net six minutes later. theatrically under negligible six off group winners Roma, they finished third also as Napoli lost 2-1 to 10-man 2-0 at the break. The midfielder’s first touch Ismaily beat the offside trap contact from Bohdan Butko, behind Chelsea in Group C. Having just moved into Feyenoord in Rotterdam thanks to Shakhtar had created a few was poor and took him wide, but to run onto Marlos’s dink over that Argentine substitute Sergio a new 310 million euro ($367 million) stadium at the an injury time goal from Jeremiah half chances without overly taxing as the City defence stood off, he the top and, as Ederson charged Aguero rammed into the roof of Wanda Metropolitano, which will host next season’s St Juste. Ederson before taking the lead cut inside onto his right foot and recklessly from his area, toe- the net. — AFP Champions League final, and broken the club’s transfer record to bring Diego Costa back to the Spanish capital in January, an early Champions League exit is also an SHORT PASSES untimely financial blow. FINANCIAL FALLOUT Klinsmann’s son to Messi lobbies for UAE’s Al Jazira win in In six years in charge Simeone has transformed Higuain return to Club World Cup opener Atletico from perennial underachievers on the field debut with Hertha which has in turn dragged the economic power of the ABU DHABI: BERLIN: Jonathan Klinsmann, the son Argentina side Romarinho’s goal allowed Al Jazira of the club into Europe’s elite. United Arab Emirates to beat Auckland City 1-0 in the According to Deloitte’s Football Money League, of Germany great Jurgen Klinsmann, BUENOS AIRES: Lionel Messi has given his opening game of the Club World Cup on Wednesday, Atletico had the 13th highest income in world football will make his professional debut in goal backing to out-of-favour Argentina team-mate for Hertha Berlin in their Europa League keeping them on course to meet Real Madrid. in the 2015/16 season and revenue is expected to Gonzalo Higuain and said the Juventus forward Al Jazira were making their debut at the tournament match against Ostersund, coach Pal increase in the long run thanks to the greater capacity should be recalled to the national side in time for as champions of the host nation, and the Brazilian’s Dardai said. “Our goalkeeping coach Zsolt next year’s World Cup finals. of the Wanda Metropolitano. However, Atletico made Petry convinced me we could play him,” rasping drive from 25 yards in the first half was enough Although coach Jorge Sampaoli selected him to take them through to the second round. 69.6 million euros in prize money and TV revenue Dardai said, quoted by German daily in his first game in charge in June, he has left him Bild on Thursday. “(Reserve goalkeeper) The side coached by the former Barcelona assistant from the Champions League alone in 2015/16. out of all seven matches since. Henk ten Cate will now play the Japanese side Even with an extended run in the Europa League, Thomas Kraft is in bed with the flu, and But Messi believes he should be recalled in Urawa Red Diamonds, the Asian champions, in the Madrid sports daily AS reported on Wednesday we don’t want to risk an injury for (first time for the World Cup in Russia. “He has to be choice) Rune Jarstein.” quarterfinals in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. Atletico are likely to pick up just 30 million euros from there because he is key. He is one of the best The winners of that will face Madrid, the European Hertha are already eliminated from a failed European campaign. strikers in the world and he has shown that every champions who are looking to retain the Club World the competition going into their final week at Juventus,” the Barcelona player told PLAYER EXODUS? match in Group J, with Swedish club Cup title they won in Japan last year. That semifinal is Argentina broadcaster TyC on Wednesday. scheduled for next Wednesday, December 13. — AFP Atletico will be able to register new players for Ostersund battling for top spot alongside Although Higuain is a regular scorer at club Athletic Bilbao. The 20-year-old Klinsmann, the first time in 81 months from January 1 after a level, he has rarely reproduced that same form Fifa imposed transfer ban with nearly 100 million whose father won the 1990 World Cup on the international stage, particularly in big euros already committed to the signings of Costa and and coached Germany at the 2006 matches. But Messi believes the enforced lay-off tournament, joined Hertha in July but has had a positive effect on the striker, who turns Spanish international Vitolo. has so far only played for 30 on Sunday. “I think this time away from the The club also made a huge financialff e ort to put key the reserve team in the national side has done him good and judging by players Antoine Griezmann, Koke and Saul Niguez on third division. “Jonathan the times we spoke, it has made him see things improved contracts during the transfer ban. deserves to differently,” Messi said. have his chance. Spanish media reported on Wednesday that at least Argentina, who have not won a major two and possibly three players will need to be sold in He must also international trophy since lifting the Copa January to help Atletico balance the books. prove that he can America in 1993, were last week drawn in Group handle his famous D for next year’s World Cup finals in Russia, Atletico’s fear remains that Griezmann, the club’s name,” added top scorer for the past three seasons, will be lured — AFP alongside Nigeria, Croatia and Iceland. Dardai. Al Jazira’s Romarinho celebrates scoring their first away come the summer with his 100 million euro They won the tournament in 1978 and 1986. — Reuters — Reuters goal against Auckland City. buyout clause easily attainable for interested giants like Manchester United, Barcelona or Real Madrid. — AFP

LONDON: Liverpool playmaker League as a significant moment. Philippe Coutinho has refused to commit “It was a special night due to the result his future to the Premier League club, Speculation has and because I had the armband in such Coutinho saying he does not know whether he will continued to swirl an important game playing for a club be the subject of a transfer bid in January. like Liverpool,” added the player, who Liverpool’s over the future of Barcelona made repeated efforts captained the side at Anfield. Senegalese the 25-year-old with midfielder during the summer window to land the “For sure this is my most important Sadio Mane Brazil international but were rebuffed Barca reportedly hat-trick. In the Champions League it refuses to (R) celebrates each time, leaving him frustrated. was my first one. I scored one for Brazil ready to make scoring their Since then speculation has continued but this was more important.” sixth goal another approach with team- to swirl over the future of the 25-year- Defender Joe Gomez said Europe’s top mate old, who scored a hat-trick in Liverpool’s clubs have every reason to fear Liverpool. Philippe 7-0 demolition of Spartak Moscow on They finished the group stage with 23 rule out Coutinho Wednesday, with his Catalan suitors we will know it in January. I do not know goals — second-highest in the all-time during the reportedly ready to make another if there will be an offer. list behind Paris Saint-Germain’s 25 from Champions League approach. “Last summer there was a job offer the current campaign — and although Group E “I am at Liverpool and I always do my in the same way that happens with any they avoided the likes of PSG and match best when I have the opportunity to play, employee and I was interested in it. Barcelona, potential last-16 opponents January against respecting the jersey and the supporters,” Since I stayed I have played with will and include Bayern Munich, Juventus and Spartak said Coutinho, who has scored nine goals desire.” Real Madrid. Moscow at Anfield in in 13 appearances this season. Coutinho’s hat-trick was his first for “We believe we can beat anyone and Liverpool. “I do not know how the future is the club and he hailed the achievement of we have to have that mentality,” said move — AFP going to be. What will happen in January, making the latter stages of the Champions Gomez. — AFP FRIDAY | DECEMBER 8, 2017 | RABEE AL AWWAL 19, 1439 AH

follow us @observersportz www.omanobserver.om sport [email protected] FAB FOUR HIT 7 FOR LIVERPOOL PARIS: Philippe Coutinho’s hat-trick in- to already-eliminated Feyenoord through spired Liverpool to score seven in their Piotr Zielinski, but Nicolai Jorgensen win over Spartak Moscow on Wednesday equalised. Jeremiah St Juste then made it as they joined Sevilla, Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 at the death for the Dutch champions and Porto in qualifying for the Champi- after they had Tonny Vilhena sent ffo . ons League last 16. “Now we want to go as far as possible That quartet completed the line-up on in the Europa League,” Napoli captain the final night of group-stage action that Marek Hamsik told Mediaset Premium. was also notable for another Cristiano Porto also knew a win would take Ronaldo goals record in the competition. them through in Group G and the two- The Portuguese superstar scored his time European champions ran riot ninth in the competition this season in against a hapless Monaco, hammering reigning champions Real Madrid’s 3-2 last season’s semifinalists 5-2. win at home to Borussia Dortmund. Vincent Aboubakar scored twice for In doing so, he became the first play- the Portuguese club, with Yacine Bra- er to score in all six Champions League himi, Alex Telles and Francisco Soares group-stage matches in a season while also netting. Monaco replied through a also equalling his Barcelona rival Lionel Kamil Glik effort and a Radamel Falcao RONALDO Messi’s record of 60 group-stage goals in header against his old club, while Porto’s total. Felipe and Rachid Ghezzal for the visitors CLAIMS Liverpool have also been prolific this were sent off after an altercation in the season, and their demolition of Spartak first half. was the second time they had won 7-0 en RB Leipzig were forced to settle for a NEW route to finishing top of Group E — they Europa League spot in their debut Euro- beat Maribor 7-0 in October. pean campaign. They lost 2-1 at home to Jurgen Klopp’s side were 3-0 up inside group winners Besiktas, for whom Talis- RECORD; 19 minutes on a night that saw their ‘Fab ca scored a last-minute winner after Naby Four’ run riot — Coutinho got his first Keita had cancelled out Alvaro Negredo’s SEVILLA, hat-trick for the club, Sadio Mane scored early penalty opener. Leipzig had Stefan twice and there was one each for Roberto Ilsanker sent off. Firmino and Mohamed Salah. Real Madrid were already through SHAKHTAR “It’s really difficult when we go to the before beating Dortmund in a Bernabeu next gear and use the space. It was nice to thriller in Group H. AND PORTO watch tonight,” Klopp told BT Sport after Borja Mayoral put the holders in front guiding the Reds into the last 16 for the and Ronaldo’s stunning, record-setting first time in nine years. strike came after just 12 minutes. IN LAST 16 As a result, there will be a record five Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a English clubs in next Monday’s draw, and brace to haul Dortmund level, but Lucas they will not be able to face each other. Vazquez won it for the hosts as the Ger- Spartak’s defeat meant Sevilla were mans drop into the Europa League. through regardless of their 1-1 draw with “The Champions League is a competi- Maribor in Slovenia. tion that I love to play and score in, as you Maribor captain Marcos Tavares can see,” Ronaldo told Uefa.com. scored the opener, with Paulo Henrique Group H winners Tottenham Hotspur Ganso coming off the bench to equalise eased to a 3-0 win at home to APOEL, for the Spaniards. Spartak go into the Eu- with Fernando Llorente, Son Heung-min ropa League. and Georges-Kevin N’Koudou scoring at NAPOLI OUT Wembley. — AFP Ukrainian giants Shakhtar are through to the last 16 in Group F at the expense UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LAST-16 LINE-UP of Napoli after beating Pep Guardiola’s Group winners Manchester United (ENG), Paris Saint-Germain (FRA), Manchester City — who had already won Roma (ITA), Barcelona (ESP), Liverpool (ENG), the section — 2-1 in Kharkiv. Manchester City (ENG), Besiktas (TUR), Tottenham Shakhtar only needed a draw, but took Hotspur (ENG) all three points, with Brazilian duo Ber- Runners-up: Basel (SUI), Bayern Munich (GER), nard and Ismaily getting their goals. Chelsea (ENG), Juventus (ITA), Sevilla (ESP), Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR), FC Porto (POR), Real Madrid (ESP) Bernard’s opener was a beauty, but it Qualiﬁed for Europa League last 32 was a mistake by City goalkeeper Eder- CSKA Moscow (RUS), Celtic (SCO), Atletico Madrid (ESP) son that allowed Ismaily to make it 2-0. Sporting Lisbon (POR), Spartak Moscow (RUS), Napoli Sergio Aguero’s stoppage-time penalty (ITA), RB Leipzig (GER), Borussia Dortmund (GER) handed a consolation to City, but this was their first defeat of the season and they Draw for last 16 takes place on December 11 at 1100 GMT; Teams from same country cannot play each other. have the Manchester derby this weekend. Group winners will be at home in second legs. Napoli had gone in front early on away

Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho scores their second goal in the 7-0 win against Spartak Moscow in the Champions League group match in Liverpool. — Reuters