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MONDAY Vol. XXXX No. 11105 February 25, 2019 Jumada II 20, 1440 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir meets Sheikh Nasser al-Sabah Qatar launches Corridor road project named after Kuwait Amir

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met yesterday with Sheikh Nasser al-Mohamed al-Ahmad al-Sabah, representative of Kuwait’s Amir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah at the launch ceremony of Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor. z Amir issues directive to name the road Sabah Al Ahmed Corridor At the outset of the meeting at the Amiri Diwan, Sheikh Nasser conveyed the Kuwaiti leader’s greetings to His Highness the Amir, expressing thanks for naming the Corridor road project after his name. He also conveyed the wishes of good health and QNA happiness to the Amir and for continued progress and prosperity for the Qatari people. His Highness the Amir reciprocated Doha his greetings to Sheikh Sabah, wishing him good health and further progress and prosperity to the Kuwaiti people. The meeting reviewed bilateral relations. The Amir held a luncheon banquet in honour of the Kuwaiti off icial and the accompanying delegation. The meeting and the banquet were attended by His Highness the Personal Representative of the Amir Sheikh Jassim pon the directives of His High- bin Hamad al-Thani, and HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani. ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim Ubin Hamad al-Thani, the Cor- ridor road project has been named after z The Sabah Al Ahmed Corridor project is to be completed in 2021 Kuwait’s Amir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah. The project was z The road, the first in Qatar to be called a Corridor, will have the first launched by HE the Prime Minister and Cable-Stayed Bridge in Qatar Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, in the z The road will also have the largest intersection, longest bridge, presence of Sheikh Nasser al-Moham- ed al-Ahmad al-Sabah, Representative deepest and longest bi-directional tunnel of the Kuwaiti Amir, at a ceremony at the Sheraton Hotel yesterday. z The Corridor will provide access to more than 25 residential areas HE the Prime Minister and the Ku- and facilitate access to five 2022 FIFA World Cup stadiums waiti offi cial were briefed on the key features of the new road, which will be HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa built in accordance with world-class al-Thani and Sheikh Nasser al-Mohamed al-Ahmad al-Sabah launching the Sabah Al technology. Ahmad Corridor project in Doha yesterday. The ceremony also included a doc- umentary showing the importance and a total works of 37km, the road will ruary Street and reduce the travel time of the project in terms of linking all have the fi rst Cable-Stayed Bridge in by up to 70%, and provide double the parts of the country, and how it serves Qatar as well as the largest intersection, vehicular capacity of Doha Expressway. Qatar National Vision 2030. longest bridge, deepest and longest bi- “It will also provide a direct connec- The event was attended by a number directional tunnel. tion to Hamad International Airport as of their excellencies ministers, ranking The road will increase the impor- well as a link to approximately 15 ma- state offi cials and representatives from tance of the Corridor that will include jor expressways and ring roads to serve the companies that will carry out the the upgrade of seven main roads to many economic, commercial, health project. become not only the “Doha traffi c re- and education facilities across Doha.” The Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor lief” by providing an alternative route HE the Minister of Transport and project, the new vital artery of Qatar’s to the busy 22 February Street and a Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed road network, will enhance north- double traffi c capacity, but also will al-Sulaiti said the launch of Sabah Al south connectivity and provide access link another traffi c from the south of Ahmad Corridor is a gesture to cel- to more than 25 residential areas. the country to the north via Doha by ebrate Kuwait’s 58th National Day and The launching of the Corridor coin- linking the Doha Expressway with the 28th liberation anniversary on Febru- cides with the celebrations of Kuwait’s southern part of it (Al Wakrah Bypass). ary 25 and share the festivities with the National Day and to recognise the Ku- The new Corridor, which includes brothers in Kuwait. waiti Amir’s support to strengthen several multi-level interchanges, will “Like every year we celebrate with bonds of solidarity and brotherhood signifi cantly relieve traffi c on 22 Feb- our brothers in Kuwait these two great between Qatar and Kuwait. occasions, hoping to intensify aff ection The diplomatic relationship is grow- Double celebration and brotherhood between the two sis- ing stronger under the guidance of the terly countries. countries’ two leaders – His Highness HE the Minister of Transport and HE the Minister of Municipality Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed and Environment engineer Abdullah and Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sulaiti stressed yesterday that the bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie said al-Sabah. inauguration of Sabah Al Ahmad naming “Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor” Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor is the fi rst Corridor project is part of Qatar’s after the Amir of Kuwait is a token of in Qatar to be called the “Corridor” in- celebration of Kuwait’s 58th national appreciation for Kuwait’s consistent stead of a road due to its great impor- day and 28th liberation anniversary. support of Qatar both politically and tance and specifi cations of its unique He added that Qatar celebrates economically. construction. those two events with Kuwait just as “This is the least that Qatar could do With the completion of the new they do every year. Page 10 to honour this bond,” he added. Corridor in 2021 with a length of 25km Pages 10, 11

Fortune 500 fi rms roped in to set up bases in Qatar’s free zone

By Santhosh V Perumal Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) nership with Qatar Petroleum as part from access to reliable air transpor- isting) companies from investments Business Reporter chief executive officer Lim Meng Hui of efforts to diversify economy and tation services. Suitable industries in point of view but wanted them to be told Gulf Times in an interview. create new jobs. the zone include logistics, consumer part of value/supply chain. He said QFZA is in talks with sever- Highlighting that QFZA has already products, light manufacturing, tech- “We want them to grow here and atar has roped in global For- al companies and they are at different made roadshows in Japan, South Ko- nology and applications, services and from here to the wider region. This tune 500 companies, par- stages with some discussing business rea, China and recently in Germany, pharmaceuticals. message has resonated well in all the Qticularly within logistics and plans. Some have large investment Hui said the response so far has been Um Alhoul Free Zone is directly places we have gone,” he said, add- downstream chemicals sectors, to plans, hence requiring more time to “overwhelming”. adjacent to Hamad Port, the world’s ing there is a need for Qatar to link up set up their base in the country’s free study. Asked whether the unjust econom- largest Greenfield port, providing an more with global community and for zones, indicating the growing confi- Qatar’s free zones, which are a new ic blockade, which has been imposed optimal location for industries that the foreign firms to partner with the dence among international investors and highly attractive proposition for on Qatar by Saudi Arabia-led quartet require access to sea freight and ship- local entities. amidst almost two-year economic companies looking to invest to grow since June 2017, has had any effects ping routes. Suitable industries in the Qatar’s free zones offer not only blockade. their business globally, is particu- on the talks; he said “it appears to me zone include maritime, heavy manu- potential access to a $3bn govern- “For logistics and downstream larly interested in certain sectors such that it is not an issue for the compa- facturing, industrials, emerging tech- ment-backed fund specially dedi- chemicals, we have a very good pipe- as logistics, downstream chemicals, nies.” nologies and logistics. cated to promote growth and 100% line; some of them are Fortune 500 emerging technologies, food technol- Qatar has two zones in Ras Bufon- “The location (of the zones), which ownership with full capital repatria- companies. We have already signed ogy and healthcare, according to him. tas and Um Alhoul. Given its prox- is very near airport and seaport, is tion but also 20 years corporate tax up some of them and those are putting QFZA has already identified some imity to Hamad Airport, industries Lim Meng Hui optimistic on Qatar’s very rare,” he said, adding Qatar is not holidays and zero customs duties on factories or warehouses in the zones,” 69 investment opportunities in part- based in Ras Bufontas will benefit free zones just looking at the (potential and ex- imports. Gulf Times 2 Monday, February 25, 2019 QATAR

Qatar-Somalia relations reviewed

HE the Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Aff airs, Yousef bin Mohamed al-Othman Fakhroo met Somalia’s Minister of Women and Human Rights Development, Deqa Yasin Hagi, and the accompanying delegation currently visiting Qatar. During the meeting, they discussed aspects of co-operation between the two sides and means of developing them.

Supreme Judicial Council takes measures to speed up verdicts

QNA and personnel. trate courts of fi rst instances ment bodies concerned to Doha Only the judge has the increased to not more that implement the civil judg- authority to settle any dis- QR500,000, compared to ments. putes. QR30,000 in the previous The link is expected to he Supreme Judicial The law states that gov- version of the law. be established with the Council (SJC) has up- ernment entities must As for courts of fi rst in- Department of Real Estate Tdated its procedures present the documents re- stance with a full bench, Registration and associated for speeding up rulings and quired by the judge within the quorum was lifted also with the Ministry of Justice to limit red tape in court. a week, and that a certain to QR500,000 compared to to implement the verdicts The council established a case can not be adjourned QR100,000 in the previous regarding real estate, Qatar new authority in the frame- more than once for the same version of the law. Central Bank to implement work of Law No 3 of 2019. reason, with no adjourn- The Supreme Judicial verdicts related to sums The new authority will be ment lasting more than two Council is currently work- deposited in banks, in ad- chaired by one of the judges weeks. ing on the adoption of an dition to ministries such as of the court of appeals, aid- The council also updated electronic link for the im- the Ministry of Finance and ed by a number of judges. a new mechanism on ex- plementation of sentences, the Ministry of Municipality It will also have a suitable perts related to technology. by linking the new depart- and Environment as well as number of police offi cers The quorum for magis- ment with the govern- others. Gulf Times Monday, February 25, 2019 3 QATAR

Attorney General meets Rwandan president Students and teachers showcase artistic talent at ‘Haweyati’ expo

QNA al-Khater said that the two sides Doha have been working together for a long time. Their co-operation included tudents and teachers pre- hosting workshops based on the sented yesterday their ministry’s curriculum, as well as Swork in a visual arts exhi- many other extracurricular ac- bition organised by the Ministry tivities. of Education and Higher Edu- She noted that students in cation entitled “Haweyati” (my grades 12 and 13 will have elec- identity). tive subjects that will include a Assistant Undersecretary for variety of arts courses. education aff airs at the Ministry, Meanwhile, student Nouf President of Rwanda Paul Kagame met HE Dr Ali bin Fetais Fawziya al-Khater, stressed on al-Shibani told QNA that the al-Marri, Attorney General and the United Nations Advocate for the importance of the picture, exhibition allowed her the op- the Prevention of Corruption, who is currently visiting Rwanda. and the impact it has in shaping portunity to nurture her talent During the meeting, they discussed a number of joint the minds of young people. and express herself uniquely. anti-corruption projects to strengthen the international eff ort She praised the works pre- The total number of schools to consolidate the rule of law in the African continent. HE sented in today’s exhibition, that participated in the visual al-Marri also met Rwandan Foreign Minister Richard and added that organising such arts exhibitions of the Ministry Sezibera. They discussed the prospects for joint action in the events refl ects the ministry’s in- in 2017 were 79, with only nine fight against corruption. terest in teaching the visual arts of them being private and inter- subject. national schools. Responding to a question by The 2018 edition saw 84 pub- Qatar News Agency (QNA) on lic schools participate and 19 Minister receives envoy’s credentials co-operation between the Min- other private and international istry of Education and Higher schools take part. HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi Education and Qatar Museums, A view of the “Haweyati” (my identity) exhibition. received yesterday the copies of the credentials of the non-resident ambassador of the Slovak Republic to Qatar Igor Hajdusek. HE al-Muraikhi wished the ambassador success in his mission, assuring him of all support to promote bilateral relations between Qatar and Slovak Republic. Environment Day to be marked tomorrow QU concludes 16th conference on research and innovation

Qatar will celebrate tomorrow the National Environment Day, which falls QNA research experience by working from Um Hakeem Independent generation, more aware of the ulating learning environment on February 26 every year. This year’s event is celebrated under the Doha on research projects with Qatar Secondary School for Girls won importance of scientifi c research that encourages them to join fu- slogan “Our Environment is our Future”. The Ministry of Municipality University professors in many the second place, and Wadi Abu and its eff ective role in commu- ture faculties of science and en- and Environment will organise three days of activities during which the disciplines, as well as receiving Samra group from Zubaida In- nity development. gineering in all their disciplines. departments of the environmental aff airs will hold events highlighting atar University (QU) Al training to build their research dependent Secondary School for Dr Noora Jabor al-Thani add- She pointed out that the larg- environmental protection, in addition to other educational activities, Bairaq programme con- and scientifi c capacities. Girls secured the third place. ed that Qatar University has suc- est evidence of the success of Al awareness competitions and recycling workshops. Qcluded the sixteenth Four schools competed under The Director of the Centre ceeded in creating an innovative Bairaq programme is the win- conference on research and in- Al Bairaq programme: Jassim for Advanced Materials at Qatar learning environment for high ning of “Cultivating Curiosity Survey for competitiveness ranking begins novation (I am a researcher bin Hamad Secondary School University and Team Leader of school students, and this success 2019” award off ered through the track), by announcing the win- for Boys, Zubaida Independent Al Bairaq programme Dr Noora can be shared today by what stu- competition “Reimagine Educa- The Planning and Statistics Authority began a survey on ning schools under the supervi- Secondary School for Girls, Um Jabor al-Thani, expressed pride dents presented at this research tion” held in the US. competitiveness in co-operation with International Institute for sion of experts and specialists Hakeem Independent Secondary in the level of research presented conference. Al Bairaq is a non-traditional Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland, which will run from the university. School for Girls and Al Arqam by the students, saying that “I She noted that Al Bairaq of- educational programme aimed during February and March this year. The survey will assess the The conference is part of an Academy for Girls. am a Researcher Track”, which fers a unique experience in in- at supporting Qatar’s commit- views of corporate executives on the various systems and aspects eff ort to encourage young peo- Wadi Al Ghosn group from Al is presented for the ninth year novative learning methods and ment to a knowledge-based of the business environment that aff ect Qatar’s ranking and ple to innovate, and conduct re- Arqam Academy for Girls won in a row, in addition to other is always seeking to be a unique economy, enriching human cap- global competitiveness, which will be reflected in the 2019 World searches. I am a Researcher track the fi rst place for the best pres- tracks provided by Al Bairaq platform to involve Qatari youth ital, and improving competitive- Competitiveness Ranking, due for release in June. provides students hands-on entation, and Wadi Mani group programme has created a new from secondary school in a stim- ness through innovation. Gulf Times 4 Monday, February 25, 2019 QATAR

Qatar, Sudan hold defence talks Qatar Armed Forces take part in Turkish winter exercise

he Qatar Armed Forces have con- Tcluded their par- ticipation in the Turkish joint winter land exercise, held in the Turkish city of Kars from February 8 to 21, in presence of Turkey’s Minister of Defense Hulusi Akar. Qatar and Sudan held talks yesterday dealing with the aspects of co-operation between the two countries in the The Directorate of De- defence and military fields. Holding training courses and joint military exercises in both countries were also fence Communication in discussed during the talks. The Qatari side was led by Chairman of the Colleges and Institutes Authority Major the Ministry of Defence General Hamad bin Ahmed al-Nuaimi. explained that this is the fi rst time the Qatar Armed Forces are taking part in these winter exercises. The Personnel of Qatar Armed Forces who took part in the Turkish joint winter land exercise. exercise witnessed the par- ticipation of 15 countries in- corps participated in the by landing from C17 and Force, a number of senior cluding Kuwait, the United drills. C130 aircraft of the Qatar offi cers in the Qatar Armed Kingdom, Germany, Italy, The exercise included Amiri Air Force. Forces and offi cers and mili- and Pakistan. fi ghting in built-up ar- HE Major General (Pilot) tary offi cials from partici- The Qatar Armed Forces’ eas, commando landing in Ahmed bin Ibrahim al-Mal- pating countries attended land forces, air force, joint snowy areas, sniper shoot- ki, Assistant of the Com- the conclusion of the exer- special forces, and signal ing, and logistical support mander of the Amiri Air cise. - QNA

Joint Special Forces celebrate graduation of new trainees

he Joint Special Forces celebrated the graduation of the 59th Foundational TThunderbolt course, which lasted for eight weeks and graduated 199 trainees. The course included a number of exercis- es, such as; physical fi tness, fi ghting with bayonets, sparring, map, compass, naviga- tional devices, guerrilla warfare, infi ltration and battle intelligence, signalling and the use of wireless devices, explosives, patrols, and ambushes. The Joint Special Forces also celebrated the graduation the 14th batch of parachute course, which lasted fi ve weeks. The course focused on training and pre- paring paratroopers theoretically and prac- tically through organising seminars and training on the ground, which aim to help the students gain confi dence in diffi cult circumstances and enables them to operate behind enemy lines. - QNA Joint Special Forces personnel taking part in Thunderbolt course. Gulf Times Monday, February 25, 2019 5 QATAR DJWE 2019 exhibits ‘worth QR7.76bn’

he value of items exhibited providing the necessary Customs passage through the temporary and Gulf companies, the offi- The exhibited items enter the at the 16th Doha Jewel- facilities to traders and exhibitors clearance system, right up to the cial Qatar News Agency (QNA) country through Hamad Inter- Tlery and Watches Exhibi- in order to guarantee the speedy re-export process, the statement reports. national Airport and air cargo, tion (DJWE) amounts to some entry of exhibits in accordance notes. Further, al-Khanji explained where a specialised team of GAC QR7.76bn, a senior General Au- with Customs procedures and He said the event witnesses an that Customs duties on the sold offi cers carries out the neces- thority of Customs (GAC) offi - regulations. annual increase in the number of items are collected only at the sary procedures to guarantee the cial has said, noting that DJWE is Ahmed Yousef al-Khanji, di- visitors and exhibitors. There are end of the exhibition, in order to smooth fl ow of goods. among the top three such exhibi- rector of the Air Cargo and Pri- 77 exhibition halls this year along save time and eff ort for the Cus- Al-Khanji said the GAC pro- tions in the world after the Basel- vate Airports Customs Depart- with 549 commercial brands and toms authorities as well as ex- vides Customs clearance serv- world and Hong Kong jewellery ment and head of the Customs 12 stands dedicated to Qatari de- hibitors, QNA adds. ices through the single-window shows in terms of luxury, organi- work team for the exhibition, signers. Also, there is a special In order to further ease the system (Al Nadeeb), which helps sation, management and the size said the GAC had formed a spe- pavilion for exhibits from India. process, the GAC collects a let- companies carry out the tempo- and value of exhibits. cialised team to facilitate the en- He noted that the number ter of guarantee enclosed with rary entry procedures smoothly. In a statement yesterday, the try of exhibits. The process starts of companies participating in an open cheque from the exhib- DJWE 2019 concludes at the A specialised team of GAC off icers carries out the necessary GAC said it played a vital role from the arrival of such goods at the exhibition has reached 157, iting company at the entry port, Doha Exhibition and Convention procedures to guarantee the smooth entry of goods for the exhibition. in the success of DJWE 2019 by the country’s entry points and including international, Arab he said. Centre today. Nurturing innovators WITR aiming to reach global market: CEO

By Peter Alagos through Young Qatari Business Reporter

ove and beauty are at the core of the man- agement philosophy of fi ne jewellery brand, LWITR, which, according to its founder and chief executive offi cer Reem al-Shamari, aims to Designers initiative further represent Qatar in the international market. “Teamwork creates wonders. When team mem- bers of one company work side by side, they all go atari youth are showcas- al-Ghanim (AlGhla Jewellery). and were displayed to the public young Qatari designers to this forward and bring the brand with them. In WITR’s ing their creations at the Designers taking part for throughout the day. event is a worthy example for organisational chart, there are no bosses – there are QYoung Qatari Designers the fi rst time include Abdulla The auction, which was suc- all our youth, one that we hope only creative directors driven by creativity and in- (YQD) initiative at the 2019 edi- Yussif Fakhroo of Midad Jew- cessfully held for the second will raise awareness of the role spiration. This is how WITR is managed – by love tion of the Doha Jewellery and ellery, Noora and Mariam al- time, attracted prominent dig- they have as advocates to em- and beauty,” al-Shamari told Gulf Times. Watches Exhibition (DJWE). Meadadi (Thameen Jewellery), nitaries and businessmen, who power marginalised children and Since it was established in 2015, WITR has been Under the patronage of the HE and Sameera al-Mulla (Hessa were keen to support the YQD youth.” a regular participant of the Doha Jewellery and the Prime Minister and Interior Jewels). initiative. The proceeds of this The benefi ciary of this year’s Watches Exhibition (DJWE) and has worked tire- Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Since the opening of DJWE, year’s auction will go to Edu- auction, EAA, is committed to lessly to build its name as a jewellery representative Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, the the YQD’s selection of fi ne jew- cation Above All (EAA) Foun- equipping children, and youth for Qatar. YQD initiative is part of DJWE’s ellery and unique statement dation, a global movement with the tools to learn. Their “The most unique identity that we had estab- Reem al-Shamari, founder and CEO, WITR. commitment to nurturing crea- pieces has been attracting keen founded in 2012 by Her High- vision is to bring hope and op- lished in 2015 was the beginning of the story – the tivity and artistic expression interest from visitors and local ness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, portunities that will improve ‘Eye Print’. What also distinguishes WITR is its fi ne among young people, and has and international media, eager which contributes to human, so- the lives of marginalised chil- quality that cannot be compensated. The stones attracted visitors, dignitaries, to learn about each of the pieces cial, and economic development dren, and youth, particularly and precious metals have been held to the fi nest of and jewellers to the pavilion ex- and the stories that inspired the through the provision of quality those living in areas aff ected by qualities that responds to the trust and desire of our hibiting their designs alongside designers to create each one. education. poverty, confl ict and disaster. high-end customers. world-class brands. The exhibition is an impor- The 11 Qatari-designed pieces Al-Zahrani added, “The sup- “Qatar is an important market for WITR, but The YQD initiative is a unique tant platform for young creators were at the centre stage during port received by the Education we also aspire to be in other markets abroad as the platform for the emerging local to showcase these designs and the auction. The collections are Foundation Above All from the quality and concepts WITR off er have surpassed talents, and is twice as large this share their creative visions with diverse. Each piece touches on Doha Jewellery and Watches bigger names in a short amount of time. So, repre- year, featuring 12 talented de- local and international audienc- styles with various infl uences, Exhibition will be an important senting Qatar abroad as a Qatari brand will be our signers. The nine returning Qa- es, as well as the world’s leading refl ecting a mix of traditional contribution to building future next target goal,” she said. tari designers are: Fajr al-Attiya brands. and modern designs, Eastern generations, which will lead a Al-Shamari said WITR has been shipping to of Trifoglio, Ghada Albuainain Ten Qatari women designers and Western infl uences, for safer future and will help the Kuwait since 2015, but it also aims to reach the (Ghada Albuainain Jewellery), who are part of the YQD initia- some, the infl uence of modern institution to create real oppor- European market in the future. Aside from me- Hissa and Jawaher al-Mannai tive, as well as designers Mariam art, and for others national pride tunities to improve the lives of dia coverage and social media channels, she noted (Ghand Jewellery), Leila Abu al-Khalaf and Noora al-Ansari, and Oriental femininity. children and young people by that participating in the DJWE helps to expose the A WITR’s bespoke piece on display at the Doha Issa (Leila Issam Fine Jewel- participated in the charity auc- EAA representative Fatima providing them with appropri- brand’s pieces and collections. Jewellery and Watches Exhibition. lery), Nada al-Sulaiti (Hairaat tion held by DJWE yesterday, al-Zahrani said: “The Education ate knowledge through educa- Asked to describe the Qatari woman and what Fine Jewellery), Nouf al-Meer which was moderated by Habib Above All Foundation believes tion. Finally, we thank Qatar Na- distinguishes her from other clients, al-Shamari certainly inherited that love from her ancestors, so (Nouf Jewellery), Sarah al- al-Tamimi. All the pieces dis- that youth are agents in bring- tional Tourism Council and the said: “The Qatari woman has a soul that is in end- she’ll always seek fashionable jewellery to wear. Qa- Hammadi (Sarah’s & Co), Noor played at the auction were de- ing positive change to the world. young Qatari designers for their less search for beauty and elegance. tari women are distinguished by their taste of trendy Alfardan (Noudar), and Shaikha signed specifi cally for DJWE, The contribution of the talented support.” “Her love for jewellery is born with her and she jewellery, but ones that have a story behind it.” Amiri Gems introduces UK-based jewellery house fi nds several iconic brands strong customer base in Qatar

By Joseph Varghese By Peter Alagos Staff Reporter Business Reporter

he Amiri Gems pavil- hile UK-based jewellery house ion at Doha Jewellery Annoushka is among the several Tand Watches Exhibition Wnew companies participating in (DJWE) has introduced sev- this year’s Doha Jewellery and Watches Ex- eral new brands including some hibition (DJWE), it is quite familiar to many high-end jewellery brands such Qataris because the brand, founded by jewel- as James Ganh and Ananya. lery designer Annoushka Ducas, is located at The 2019 edition of DJWE, Harrods in London. being held at Doha Exhibition “It made a lot of sense for me to come to and Convention Centre, closes Qatar because I know I have a lot of custom- today. ers here, and luckily people like my work… I James Ganh is a celebrated actually have a very good relationship with jewellery engineer, ingenious Qatari customers. and constantly striking a care- “That is probably the best way to describe ful balance in jewelled creations why I am here because Qatari people like the which demonstrate both senti- narrative, there’s lots of stories in what I do,” mentality and versatility. Intro- Ducas told Gulf Times on the sidelines of the duced for the fi rst time at DJWE, exhibition, which concludes today at the the brand has showcased some Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. Jewellery designer Annoushka Ducas. PICTURE: Thajudheen of the fi nest and exquisite col- A special jewellery item from the Ananya brand. Below: A model with As a woman designing jewellery for wom- lections at the exhibition. an exquisite James Ganh collection. en, Ducas pointed out that she is very con- fused with “We get some fantastic re- scious of how things feel and how jewellery is Qatari culture views from our customers here luxury houses. Most signifi - worn by her clients, “85% of which are wom- and heritage. in Doha. The initial response cantly, Ganh worked for Fab- en buying jewellery for themselves.” “I believe from them is ‘wow’ and ‘I never ergé and the iconic brand and Asked about her impression of the Qatari that Qatar will expected this here’. Most of the longstanding artisan history woman, Ducas said: “I see my clients (Qa- be a strong jewellery items are very distinct proved to have a key infl u- tari women whom I’ve already met back in market for An- and versatile,” Ganh told Gulf ence on his approach to fi ne Harrods) as incredibly sophisticated, very noushka and Times. jewellery. well-educated and well-informed, and very that there is a “Our prices range from Another exciting brand at beautiful. big opportunity QR50,000 to QR10mn for our the pavilion is Ananya that “They are very interested in the stories … to do some- various products. Some of them showcases some exquisite, and I found that they are very appreciative Beetle Ring in 18 carat rose thing, which even cost higher than the given stunning and elegant items. of just talking to them about my jewellery gold, blue topaz, is more about price,” Ganh added. “We have some of the and some of the reasons why I do things, and freshwater pearl and the narrative be- Ganh designs jewellery that fi nest diamond jewellery quite often they have a similar story from a diamond mythology topaz. hind the piece, can serve as a collectors’ item which are beyond compari- Qatari cultural point of view.” Dreamcatcher bracelet in 18 carat rose gold, the story, and the as well as wearable as he is per- son. They are very unique Ducas said a lot of her jewellery is infl u- mother of pearl, diamond. way I design … I hope this is the beginning fectly attuned to the needs of and stylish. We also have enced by childhood memories, travel, or na- of a very long journey. We would come often, his client base. His desirable other dailywear as well as ture. One collection, ‘Seeds’, was infl uenced tion, and so many things,” Ducas said. specifi cally to see clients,” she said. designs have a unique apprecia- partywear. Out items range by ‘conkers’, a traditional children’s game For the 16th edition of the exhibition the On Annoushka’s partnership with Alfardan tion for detail and craftsman- between QR50,000 and Ducas used play as a child using the seeds of white gold and diamonds of Annoushka’s Jewellery, Ducas said: “I feel very honoured ship, ideals which are imbued in QR2mn. We are very ex- horse chestnut trees. ‘Dreamcatcher’ collection and the added that they’ve asked me to be part of this exhi- all of the collections and in the cited to introduce these to “Details such as this and the backstory diamond to the ‘Beatle’ collection are among bition because to sit with all these wonderful manner of working as a luxury the Qatar market as we are puts a lot of sentimentality to my collec- the exclusive pieces that were brought in for brands is fantastic. It’s been very early in the engineer. training at Central St Martins, getting very positive response tions … jewellery is about that; it is very the Qatari lady, according to Ducas. relationship but they’ve been enormously Ganh’s unique creations are as well as from his work at vari- from the visitors,” said an personal. It is very intimate and it has a lot She said the future collection for the Qa- supportive … and they clearly look after their inspired by his time and formal ous internationally recognised offi cial. of personality. It is about memories, emo- tari market would include exclusive designs partners very well.” Gulf Times 6 Monday, February 25, 2019 QATAR 1,200 mothers benefi t from postnatal home care

ore than 1,200 new wives conducts an average of duced incidence of postpartum mothers and their ba- 200 visits per month, with eight infections by providing reas- Mbies have benefi ted to 10 visits each day,” said Sister sessment of C-section wounds from a pilot postnatal midwifery Haila Swaid Salim, executive di- and follow-up instruction on home care launched at Hamad rector of Nursing, WWRC. wound care. Medical Corporation’s Women’s Salim said during the post- According to Salim, the pro- Wellness and Research Center partum period new mothers and gramme has been well received last year. their newborns are vulnerable, by patients, with one Qatari The programme, the “fi rst of both physically and emotionally. mother who was struggling to its kind” in Qatar, is based on She said providing support dur- breastfeed and who had a new- international best practice and ing this time can help in the early born with infant jaundice prais- adapted to support the local detection and diagnosis of post- ing the knowledge of the mid- community, HMC has said in a natal complications. wives. statement. “The early detection of post- Another new mother who It aims to provide postpartum natal complications has resulted used the service said it alleviated care to women and their babies in improved patient outcomes. many of her concerns and gave within the comfort of their own We have been able to assist her more confi dence in her own home in the days or weeks fol- women who were experiencing abilities. lowing the birth of their baby. post-delivery complications to The topic of ‘Understanding While there are plans to expand get timely and appropriate re- Sister Haila Swaid Salim with the postnatal midwifery care team. and Advancing Patient Safety the service, it is currently only ferrals to specialist care and we at Home’ will be featured in a available to new mothers who have also helped new mothers common maternal and newborn mon issues encountered during the World Health Organisation said the programme has helped learning session at the upcom- have a high-risk pregnancy or navigate the various care serv- health issues. She said the home the early postpartum period by and the UK-based NICE pro- reduce hospital readmission ing Middle East Forum on Qual- caesarean delivery. ices available to them,” Sister visits can also help boost new tailoring the care to each pa- gramme (National Institute of rates through the early identi- ity and Safety in Healthcare. The “A key feature of the service Salim said. moms’ confi dence, especially tient. The use of a postnatal Clinical Excellence),” said Sis- fi cation of complications and session will be jointly presented is providing important informa- She said the midwives are with fi rst-time mothers. care pathway has been shown ter Salim. prompt referral of patients to on March 24 by Dr Tejal Gan- tion to new mothers, identify- supporting mothers and their “The programme is doing to be the best way of providing In addition to increasing pa- appropriate community health dhi, Dr Hanadi al-Hamad and ing when additional support is newborns to safely transition exactly what it was intended to individualised care for moth- tient satisfaction and supporting service providers, including mo- Nadya al-Anzi. More details can needed, and intervening when from hospital to home by iden- do, which is helping new moth- ers and babies, according to the safe early discharge of new bile doctors. She said the pro- be found online at MEF2019.ha- required. Our team of four mid- tifying and preventing many ers address many of the com- international guidelines by mothers and their babies, Salim gramme has also resulted in re- mad.qa. QIB takes part in 13th Qatar University Career Fair

atar Islamic Bank “By participating in such (QIB) participated events, it creates an op- Qin the 13th edition portunity to introduce the of the Qatar University Ca- bank, banking activities reer Fair, which was held and professional advice last week at QU. to students, which serves The annual fair is organ- the objectives of the bank- ised by the QU Career Cen- ing sector and our goal of tre as part of the univer- building a national work- sity’s eff orts to enrich and force capable of leading the diversify the experience of Bank’s business today and its students and graduates in the future.” and connect them with the Al-Mesalam noted that world of business. QIB has a special relation- QIB’s participation in ship with QU, with the the annual QU career fair bank welcoming a group “refl ects its strategy of co- of students from the uni- operation with educational versity’s College of Busi- institutions in the country ness and Economics every and attracting local talents summer for training and to work in the bank”, it said internships. Addition- in a statement. The career ally, the bank sponsors a fair provides an opportuni- number of students who ty for QIB’s Human Capital are currently studying in team to meet with students the university. “Recently, and alumni for four days we have also started of- and introduce them to Is- fering Qatar University lamic banking activities students the opportunity and the promising jobs the to attend the programme, bank off ers. ‘How Money works?’, Khalefa al-Mesalam, which is delivered by QIB QIB’s head of Human in partnership with Injaz Capital Group, said: “QIB Qatar,” he added. is committed to investing The ‘How Money in local talents, and it has works?’ programme is a succeeded in achieving fi ve-hour training with its goals over the past few interactive and engaging years. The bank managed sessions, tailored specifi - to recruit a large number cally to educate second- of Qataris, especially uni- ary school and university versity graduates. We will freshmen students aged continue to pursue this 15 to 19 years on managing strategy and to develop their fi nances. The pro- the skills of our Qatari em- gramme explores ways to ployees through constant earn money and manage training and professional it prudently by budgeting, development. saving and investing.

QIB’s participation in the annual QU career fair reflects its strategy of co-operation with educational institutions in the country.

Council to attend Luxor event

The Advisory Council will participate in a regional conference in Luxor, Egypt starting today on the topic “The role of parliamentarians in confronting the threat of foreign terrorists and related challenges”. The conference, which is co-organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Arab Inter- Parliamentary Union and the United Nations, is concerned with countries of the Middle East and North Africa. Advisory Coulcil member Dahlan Jaman al-Hamad is leading Qatar’s delegation. The Maison Chopard at the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition hopard is exhibiting an array of delicate High Jewellery, jewellery and distinctive timepieces at the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, the annual five-day luxury exhibition held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre Cin Qatar. Chopard’s exquisite jewellery and unique timepieces Visitors are able to discover a unique selection of High Jewellery creations from the “Red Carpet” and “Temptations” collections. The iconic Happy Diamonds collection is also on display with delicate jewellery from the Happy Hearts and Hap- py Dreams lines along with the latest novelties from the Happy Sport line. Also presented are the limited editions of l’Heure du Diamant timepieces designed exclusively for Qatar market with exceptional dials of coral, chalcedony (onyx), malachite, turquoise and other. A variety of watches for gentleman are also showcased including some exceptional L.U.C and models from the Classic Racing Collection: Mille Miglia, GPMH and Superfast. The Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition The Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition is a precious journey to the very heart of glamour where exclusivity, beauty, art, legacy and unique craftsmanship strive and combine to tell the unforgettable story behind each jewel. More than four hundred international luxury brands are displaying their finest work, special editions and unique pieces. An independent and vertically integrated Maison Chopard is a family-owned company with a resolute emphasis on optimally integrated production. The stages involved in crafting L.U.C watches and High Jewellery models are all performed in Chopard’s various production sites in Geneva, Fleurier and Pforzheim. Movement decoration, product design, gold smelting, stamping and machining of cases, movement components and bracelets, as well as traditional hand-crafted decoration, surface treatment, gemsetting, polishing, assem- bly, adjustment and quality control, are all mastered by Chopard in-house and play a role in the making of each watch, jewel- lery (the fine jewelry is produced mainly in Pforzheim) or High Jewellery creation.

Chopard – the Artisan of Emotions since 1860 Since its founding in 1860, Chopard has perpetuated a heritage of artisanal skills and traditional crafts by shaping con- temporary creations synonymous with emotions. Guided by a resolutely positive vision of life, the Maison celebrates the pre- cious moments of accomplished men and women around the world for whom watches and jewellery are a perpetual extension of their own joie de vivre. In line with its vision, Chopard acts through the prism of three central elements: craftsmanship, ensured by the work of passionate Artisans who are experts in their respective fields; abundant and generous creativity, that enables each and every individual to find the precious objects most attuned to their own nature; and finally, ethics. Strongly involved in the strategic choices of the Maison, the Scheufele family believes that grand contemporary luxury must necessarily be ethical and responsible. It was for this reason that in 2013 Caroline and Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, co-presidents, launched the Journey to Sustainable Luxury, leading in 2018 to an announcement of the Maison to commit to use 100% ethical gold in producing all its watches and jewellery. Today, the family Maison employs more than 2,000 people worldwide. It is independent and highly vertically integrated, controlling the entire process from design to distribution through 15 subsidiaries, 1,200 points of sale and more than 160 dedicated boutiques. Over 50 different crafts are practised in three manufacturing sites with a strong emphasis on in-house training and trans- mission. Chopard’s expertise in Fine Watchmaking is acknowledged in the L.U.C collection, a line of exceptional timepieces crafted for contemporary gentlemen. The company is highly recognized for Haute Joaillerie creations such as its Red Carpet Collection, Green Carpet Collection and the exceptional Garden of Kalahari Collection. Chopard has also built its reputation on iconic collections of watch and jewellery like “Happy Diamonds”, “Happy Sport” and “Mille Miglia”. Nurtured by the emotions of the Scheufele family members who have led, and continue to lead Chopard, the Maison has been a faithful partner to the Cannes Film Festival since 1998 as well as classic racing events, such as the Mille Miglia in Italy and the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique. Chopard is also Porsche Motorsport’s official timing partner. L’Heure Du Diamant Happy Sport Happy Sport Oval

Happy Dreams Happy Hearts LUC Quattro Mille Miglia Racing Colors Gulf Times 8 Monday, February 25, 2019 QATAR

‘World’s Fastest 5G Foldable phone’ steals the show

By Kamran Rehmat When folded, the device is a huge dis- The expansive viewing area takes on Barcelona play smartphone with a 6.6-inch screen, both productivity and entertainment and when opened, it turns into a slim scenarios – everything from editing a tablet with an 8-inch screen. Huawei document to reading feels better on a n one of the year’s most awaited says the multi-form factor revolutionis- larger screen. events, Huawei Consumer Business es both productivity and entertainment The device will have internal storage IGroup launched the world’s fi rst 5G experiences on a mobile device. of 512GB and 8GB RAM. Foldable Phone in a glittering ceremony Before an awed audience, a Huawei It will have a generous 4,500mAh bat- yesterday evening. spokesperson folded and unfolded the tery and support 55-watt charging: this Huawei Mate X stole the thunder on screen to ring in the cutting edge of the could charge up to 85% in half an hour. an otherwise quiet afternoon, a day world’s mobile powerhouse. At approximately $2,600, the Mate X, ahead of the annual World Mobile Con- Huawei claims the 5G modem is so maybe a touch expensive, but it is seen gress. fast and it’s quad 5G antenna so ahead to be edging its rivals swiftly as it sets As the race heats up for foldable mo- of the competition that the Mate X is pace to lead the charge for the future. biles, the Chinese giant went so far as to capable of download speeds of up to A delighted Richard Yu, CEO of Hua- call it “the world’s fastest Foldable 5G 4.6GBPS – 10 times faster than most wei CBG, said: “The HUAWEI Mate X’s phone”. 4G modems. This could mean with 5G revolutionary form represents a voyage The Mate X boasts the Falcon Wing connectivity, consumers will be able to into the uncharted. As a new breed of Mechanical Hinge, 7nm multi-mode download a 1GB movie in 3 seconds fl at! smartphones, it combines 5G, foldable modem chipset Balong 5000, a high- The Mate X also comes with an inte- screen, AI and an all-new mode of in- capacity 4500mAh battery supporting grated Fingerprint Power Button that terfacing to provide consumers with an the world’s fastest 55W HUAWEI Super- enables users to power up the device unprecedented user experience. It will Charge and the brand new Interstellar with one tap, off ering a secure and con- be the fi rst key for consumers to open The Huawei Mate X seen folded. Blue fi nish. venient experience. the door to 5G smart living.” The Huawei Mate X fully open. QMED brings together healthcare professionals

he ‘Qatar Internation- Khalifa al-Mohannadi, man- played by QMED in supporting to enhance Qatar’s medical sys- al Medical Devices & ager of Sogha Exhibitions & Con- the development of the health- tem and reach global standards THealthcare Exhibition and ferences, said: “QMED attracts care sector in Qatar. in healthcare. We look forward Conference’ (QMED) will host a number of VIP’s and leading He said the second edition of to deliver the most advanced more than 70 exhibitors and names in the Qatari healthcare QMED was able to attract a dis- healthcare by leveraging our seven countries from March 25 sector, which emphasises on its tinctive number of participants strengths in this venture, North- to March 27 at the Qatar National foremost role as an ideal com- worldwide, such as the US, the western Medicine, and their ex- and Convention Centre (QNCC). municative platform to enhance UK, China, Turkey, and Poland. pertise in medical services, com- The event, under the Patron- the communication among those Omar Hussain Alfardan, presi- bined with the Alfardan Group’s age of Ministry of Public Health, concerned with healthcare in dent & CEO of Alfardan Group, renowned capacity for service will provide a specialised and Qatar. said: “This is Alfardan Medical excellence.” integrated platform to boost the “The event is also widely wel- with Northwestern Medicine’s QMED is held under the pa- communication among the lo- comed by experts, suppliers, and (AMNM) fi rst participation as tronage of the Ministry of Pub- cal, regional, and international those specialised in health sector a strategic partner in QMED, lic Health and supported by the players, and highlight the latest worldwide who are attending to alongside PHCC and HMC. Qatar Tourism Authority, Qatar trends and newest developments discuss the latest developments, “Our presence as AMNM at Diabetes Association, and Qatar in and for the Qatari healthcare visions, and trends prevailing the exhibition is highly crucial Chamber. sector. in healthcare market, as well as as we discuss our medical serv- Major sponsors are Alfardan The event, which will take highlighting the latest technical ices for the first time with the Medical with Northwestern place on a 5,000sq m area, is innovations and best practices Major sponsors for the ‘Qatar International Medical Devices & Healthcare Exhibition and Conference’ public. Medicine and Ooredoo, who planned to organise three con- which aim at developing the level (QMED) attend a press conference yesterday. PICTURE: Thajudheen “In addition to our interactive are the Main Strategic Spon- ferences and workshops, where of healthcare services. booth at QMED, we have experts sors; Nufar Hospital and Sharq more than 700 doctors are ex- “We have faith that the event prove the quality of health serv- in Qatar to benefi t from this ex- Al-Mohannadi expressed his in the fi eld from Northwest- Medical Supply as a Diamond pected to attend these confer- will be undoubtedly a platform ices in Qatar. clusive opportunity that allows deep gratitude for the local, re- ern Medicine, who are going to Sponsors; and Qatar Free Zone ences and workshops, and also to to support the development of “We call the competent com- them to directly communicate gional, and international com- shed light on important topics in Authority, Qatar Red Cres- be part of the latest innovations, the Qatari healthcare sector in panies to off er healthcare servic- and interact with healthcare panies participating in the ex- medicine that AMNM will launch cent as Silver Sponsors, along technologies, services, and solu- the frame of the relentless eff orts es and all the investors and those leaders in the region and world- hibition. Such participation is later this year. with Boom Waste Treatment as tions. by the Qatari Government to im- concerned with the health sector wide.” an appreciation of the vital role “Our main ambition today is Bronze Sponsor.

Sidra Medicine to host Qatar’s fi rst perinatal mental health symposium

idra Medicine is hosting Qatar’s mental health enables and empowers fi rst perinatal mental health parents to observe and respond to their Ssymposium on March 2 in col- babies needs so that they can form se- laboration with the Ministry of Public cure emotional bonds, develop cog- Health, Hamad Medical Corp and the nitively, and to learn to regulate and Primary Health Care Corp. soothe emotions. We are pleased to The event will serve as a platform bring this important topic to the fore to contribute to the development of a – for discussion and engagement with perinatal model of care sensitive to the our partners and the community.” social, cultural and geographical needs The symposium is open to health- of Qatar. care providers interested in the mental Perinatal mental health refers to the health and wellbeing of pregnant and emotional and psychological wellbe- postpartum women, their infants and ing of parents during the period before families, and to community members childbirth and the fi rst month after a who may have experienced, or sup- baby is born. ported those experiencing challenges The conference is being hosted in Dr Felice Watt to their emotional wellbeing during line with Qatar’s Mental Health Strat- this period. egy 2018-2022, and Mental Health and mental health services in Qatar. Sidra Medicine’s perinatal mental Wellbeing fi ve year action plan, which Dr Felice Watt, division chief, Peri- health services is a free national serv- have recognised Perinatal mental natal Mental Health at Sidra Medicine ice available to all women whose ob- health as a key work stream. and conference chair said: “Approxi- stetric condition is having an impact The symposium will provide a fo- mately one in ten women experience on their mental health and emotional rum for international and local speak- signifi cant depression and anxiety wellbeing, or whose pre-existing ers as well as community input re- during pregnancy and in the fi rst year mental health issues may be aff ecting garding the development of perinatal of their baby’s life. Good perinatal their pregnancy and postnatal period.

Evening shift plans ‘on hold’ in Indian schools

ome of the Indian schools However, Ideal Indian School has A Shantiniketan Indian School offi - that had planned to launch an now said in a notifi cation on its web- cial also said that they were waiting for Sevening shift now say they have site that the “evening shift is on hold further instructions from the ministry put the process on hold and are await- until further confi rmation from the regarding the shift system. ing instructions from the authorities Ministry of Education. Registration Meanwhile, a parent of a student concerned. and admission tests are being can- said in MES Indian School yesterday A total of four Indian schools – Ideal celled”. posted on Twitter that the school had Indian School, Shantiniketan Indian An offi cial from Olive International been advised to suspend the admission School, MES Indian School and Olive School had told Gulf Times that the process for the evening shift, advising International School – had earlier an- Ministry of Education and Higher Ed- parents to wait for further instruc- nounced the launch of the second shift ucation will provide further guidelines tions. However, the tweet could not be from the 2019-20 academic year. on the process and it is expected soon. found later, according to sources.

Difi forum to discuss family wellbeing

he Doha International Family In- cus of the second day, Difi has said. to eff ectively infl uence the policy cycle stitute (Difi ), a member of Qatar The forum will discuss and debate in Qatar is to not only produce empiri- TFoundation, is set to host its re- the key fi ndings and recommenda- cal evidence related to eff ective policy- search forum titled ‘Family Wellbeing: tions proposed by Difi ’s recent research making, but also to bring policy owners, Towards evidence-based family policies’. projects that relate to the two priority the authorities concerned and relevant The two-day event, which aims to en- areas: address the contextual challenges stakeholders together to facilitate dis- sure that family issues are a key priority facing the development and implemen- cussion within an integrated platform. for policymakers in Qatar, is open to pub- tation of policies, highlight national, “The aim of the forum is to go beyond lic and will be held at the Qatar National regional and international policies, and the mere dissemination of research out- Convention Centre from tomorrow. relevant best practices; and propose re- comes and enter into the wider sphere of The fi rst day of the event will cen- alistic and eff ective policy options and policy impact, specifi cally with regards tre around the topic of ‘The Wellbeing programme interventions. to the two themes of the conference – of Families Living with Autism’, while Dr Sharifa al-Emadi, executive di- ‘The Wellbeing of Families Living with ‘Work-Family Balance’ will be the fo- rector of Difi , said: “One of Difi ’s tools Autism’ and ‘Work-Family Balance’.” Gulf Times Monday, February 25, 2019 9 QATAR Launching E-link between Qatar Charity Gate and Thomson Reuters - World Check

atar Charity (QC) launched the the E-link process between QC GATE system Mr. Saleh Ali AlKhaldi, director of the Legal Affairs Unit at RACA, said, “RACA pays and the World-Check system, one of the Thomson Reuters’ systems specialized special attention to systems that facilitate due diligence measures to protect charitable Qin information management and international databases. work and the reputation of Qatari charitable organizations around the world according The launch of the mechanism comes as part of Qatar Charity’s efforts to continu- to international norms and standards. He added that charitable and humanitarian orga- ously apply the best practices and systems and boost its adherence to internationally nizations and donor institutions in Qatar are working alongside with UN humanitarian recognized standards in the field of humanitarian and development work. agencies and the world’s leading NGOs. On this occasion, a press conference was held in the presence of Mohammed Ali Al Mr. Al-Khaldi said that Qatar Charity’s achievement of databases linking with in- Ghamdi, Chief Governance Officer at Qatar Charity, Mohammed Al Yazidi, executive -di ternational world check systems would contribute to reducing the risks that threaten rector of Information Technology Department at Qatar Charity, and Saleh Ali Al Khaldi, charity work, in addition to increasing the efficiency and accuracy of the decisions taken director of the Legal Affairs Unit at the Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities in this area. (RACA), and Ahmed Hafez, country manager for Qatar at Thomson Reuters He also noted that RACA encourages other charities to keep abreast of these de- The E-link process, which does not require any human intervention and is charac- velopments in order to increase the effectiveness of risk management and shift from terized by the strictest standards of compliance , is the first of its kind in the Arab world. reliance on independent systems towards building unified and interconnected systems.

He added that Qatar Charity, due to its membership in many international plat- forms, has to respond to requirements related to charitable work. Over the past five years, Qatar Charity has invested in its systems. He also noted that such systems always place Qatar Charity at the forefront of hu- manitarian organizations and provide opportunities of partnership and cooperation with many sister organizations working in the same goals. Al-Ghamdi pointed out that Qatar Charity has been using the World-Check system since 2015, but today’s decision is an advanced step.

Mohammed Al Yazidi, executive director of the Information Technology Depart- The World-Check system unifies international databases and links them to the ment at Qatar Charity, reviewed QC’s use of technology at all stages of work. He point- World Check systems. This contributes to minimizing risks, in addition to increasing ed out to the qualitative leap by Qatar Charity in the use of technology in its fields of the efficiency and accuracy of decisions. It also facilitates the process of verification of work through various systems such as collection systems, project management, donor partners, to achieve a high level of transparency and accountability. reports, sponsorship system, and financial system in addition to mobile applications. This step comes to achieve the Qatar National Vision 2030 and responds to the RA- Al Yazidi added that the size of considerable revenues, the number of implement- CA’s goals of developing organizations operating in the charity sector and learn from the ing partners, the number of beneficiaries, the improvement in the quality of projects, best experiences worldwide. the provision of resources, the quick delivery of services to beneficiaries, and the com- Qatar Charity is the first charitable organization in the Middle East to apply this pliance with international standards and controls have motivated Qatar Charity to use system in the humanitarian field in order to improve its performance and achieve the technology significantly. best practices and the highest standards of transparency. This means that Qatar Charity He also noted that the system would have an additional value in terms of gaining leads the change in the field of charitable work, This will enables QC to reach the largest time, accuracy of information, reduction of cost, minimization of human error and number of beneficiaries and perform its humanitarian mission effectively and accu- quick delivery, indicating that the use of the World-check system is one of the best ways rately. This system is used in banking systems and financial institutions. to choose partners for Qatar Charity. This system is one of the innovative solutions used by Qatar Charity to enhance the Ahmed Hafez, expressed his appreciation for the cooperation with Qatar Charity, capabilities and mechanisms of its work carried out globally through its field offices. pointing out to adopting and applying the latest advanced technologies and global solu- Qatar Charity has 27 field offices and implements projects in 70 countries. tions by Qatar Charity. This affirms its pioneering vision to modernize and develop the Qatar Charity recently introduced the governance sector within its administrative charity work structure locally and regionally. and organizational structure and adopted a set of policies that govern the work at Qatar He also applauded the role played by Qatar Charity in charitable and humanitarian Charity. A very advanced phase of these policies, mechanisms and work methodologies work, which was evident through many partnerships and strategic agreements with a have been achieved and applied within Qatar Charity’s different department. number of significant international and regional organizations in this field. Mohammed Ali Al Ghamdi, Chief Governance Officer at Qatar Charity, said, “Qatar It is worth mentioning that Qatar Charity is the first of its kind in the Middle East Charity is one of the first organizations to utilize electronic techniques in the field of do- to use these modern systems, which are applied by international organizations to carry nation tracking , systems and mobile Apps. This aims to reduce cost, increase efficiency out their work, and employ them for development and humanitarian work. This shows and minimize human errors. Qatar Charity’s big investment in using technology in the field of charitable work. Gulf Times 10 Monday, February 25, 2019 QATAR Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor refl ects the strength of ties between Qatar, Kuwait

QNA perfect alternative for February it took, which will never be for- He noted that the new project The new corridor road ex- Doha 22 Street. Al-Sulaiti noted that gotten by the people of Qatar. He will be the country’s fi rst ever tends from Hamad International the new project will decrease the added that giving the name of corridor road, due to its strategic Airport to the Landmark Inter- time of a trip from the north to the Amir of Kuwait to the corridor importance in decreasing traffi c section. It will involve the de- E the Minister of Trans- south of Qatar by 70%, due to the was the least they could in return congestion by providing an alter- velopment of fi ve main roads, port and Communica- many bridges and intersections it for Kuwait’s political, economic, native to February 22 Street. Al- bringing the total amount of road Htions Jassim Seif Ahmed has and said that one of the key and humanitarian support to Qa- Muhannadi also noted that the construction to 37km. Upon its al-Sulaiti stressed yesterday that features of the project was that it tar. On the importance of the road, road’s capacity will be twice that completion at the end of 2021, the inauguration of Sabah Al Ah- has 15 main roads, adding that it the minister said that it will be the of February 22 Street. He added the road will act as a new lung for mad Corridor project is part of will directly lead to Hamad Inter- main link between the North and that the new project was divided Doha by providing an alternative Qatar’s celebration of Kuwait’s national Airport as well as many South of Doha, connecting more into four contracts and will in- to February 22 road. 58th national day and 28th liber- other facilities. than 25 high-density neighbour- clude the development of ring A total of 17 intersections, 32 ation anniversary. He added that For his part, HE the Minister hoods together. road E and D, Mesaimeer road, as bridges, and 12 tunnels will be Qatar celebrates those two events of Municipality and Environment President of Public Works Au- well as the North and South Bus- built as part of the project. It will with Kuwait just as they do every Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki thority, Ashghal, Dr Saad bin Ah- tan road. He noted that the project also have Qatar’s fi rst ever sus- year. al-Subaie expressed his happiness mad al-Muhannadi said that the serves as an important link be- pension bridge that will span The minister said that the new with the inauguration of Sabah project will help strengthen ties tween the stadiums hosting the 1,200m from Meaimeer to Al Bus- corridor will lead to an improved Al Ahmad corridor project, say- between the people of Qatar and World Cup 2022, as it will serve tan road. The project will also have traffi c fl ow between the North and ing it refl ects Qatar’s gratitude Kuwait, adding that it was also to fi ve of the stadiums hosting World the country’s longest bridge, cov- South of Doha, given it will be a to Kuwait for the historic stances pay tribute to the Amir of Kuwait. Cup matches. ering a distance of 2.6km.

HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani with Sheikh Nasser al-Mohamed al-Ahmad al-Sabah, representative of Kuwait Amir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah. Earlier the Prime Minister welcomed Sheikh Nasser on his arrival in Doha. The Kuwaiti delegation later left Doha. They were seen off upon departure at Doha International Airport by HE the Minister of Municipality and Environment Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie. Sabah Corridor to reduce north-south HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, Sheikh Nasser al-Mohamed al-Ahmad al-Sabah, representative of Kuwait Amir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad travel time by 70% al-Jaber al-Sabah, and other dignitaries attend a presentation on the road project.

he Sabah Al Ahmad Corri- The current road layout holds ridor will facilitate access to fi ve of saimeer Road to Al Bustan Street cently opened Al Rayyan Road, dor project, once complet- up to three lanes in each direc- the 2022 FIFA World Cup stadiums and crosses over Halul Intersec- which is the longest and deepest Ted in 2021, will signifi cantly tion, which will be upgraded to – Ras Bu Abboud, Al Thumama, Al tion on Mesaimeer Road and Faleh bi-directional tunnel in Qatar. It contribute to relieve the traffi c between four and fi ve lanes in Wakrah, Khalifa International and Bin Nasser Intersection on Salwa sits 25m below ground level and congestion on Doha Expressway in each direction. This expansion Qatar Foundation Stadiums.” Road. extends for 2.1km connecting Bu particular, 22 February Street, Dr will accommodate approximately Erayyen Street and Lebday Street. Saad bin Ahmad al-Muhannadi, 20,000 vehicles per hour in both president of the Public Works Au- directions on the Corridor while Overview of Sabah Longest bridge thority, Ashghal, said yesterday. Doha Expressway currently ac- Al Ahmad Corridor Residential areas The new Corridor will be a vital commodates 12,000 vehicles per The Corridor will be the home and main Roads alternative and parallel route that hour, which will signifi cantly im- Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor will to the longest fl yover in the coun- will serve thousands of daily com- prove traffi c movements in the extend for approximately 25km try, which spans 2.6km extending The new Corridor is a major link muters from the north to the south surrounding areas. from Hamad International Air- from Al Bustan Street to Bu Erayy- facilitating connections to 15 main of Doha. The project will convert all port to Umm Lekhba Interchange en Street and crossing over Al roads namely Al Wakrah Road, Ras People travelling from Hamad roundabouts to more effi cient and (known as Landmark Interchange) Waab Street and Rasheeda Street. Bu Abboud Road, E-Ring Road, International Airport will be able safer signalised junctions as well as on Doha Expressway. Its scope F-Ring Road, Industrial Road, to reach Umm Lekhba Intersec- build and upgrade 17 interchanges. includes the upgrade of seven Salwa Road, Al Rayyan Road, Al tion in approximately 18 minutes These interchanges will deliver 32 main roads namely, E-Ring, F- Largest interchange Waab Street, Al Luqta Street, Al compared to the current 50 min- bridges and 12 vehicular under- Ring, Mesaimeer, Al Bustan, Bu Markhiya Street, Doha Highway utes via Doha Expressway and 22 passes to enhance connectivity Erayyen, Lebday and sections of Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor will and Khalifa Avenue. It will serve 25 February Street reducing traffi c and provide smooth traffi c move- Al Markhiya Street. In addition, include the largest interchange in densely populated residential are- time by 70%. ments in addition to 12 pedestrian Ashghal will enhance 12km of lo- Qatar. The impressively complex as such as Al Thumama, Al Nuaija, The new Corridor will also form bridges. A total of 65km of pedes- cal and peripheral roads intersect- Umm Lekhba (Landmark) Inter- Bu Hamour, Al Waab, Al Rayyan, a vital link between the north and trian and cycle paths along with ing with the Corridor. The total change has nine bridges providing Al Luqta, Al Gharrafa, etc. the south of Doha through Al Wati- 1.5mn sqm of landscaping will also road works of the project is ap- a free traffi c fl ow in all directions yyat Interchange, at F-Ring Road, be delivered as part of the project’s proximately 37km. highlighting its signifi cance as a which will constitute a key point to scope of works. key access point on Doha Express- World Cup stadiums accommodate traffi c to both Sabah The Ashghal president point- way for local residential areas and Al Ahmad Corridor and Doha Ex- ed out that the Corridor project First cable-stayed malls. Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor will pressway. This interchange will also launched in 2018, includes four bridge in Qatar facilitate access to most of the create a vital connection between contracts, which will upgrade World Cup FIFA 2022 stadiums Doha Expressway and Southern E-Ring Road, F-Ring Road, Me- Sabah Al Ahmed Corridor in- Longest, deepest including Ras Bu Abboud, Al Thu- Part of Doha Express Highway (Al saimeer Road, Al Bustan Street cludes the fi rst cable-stayed bi-directional tunnel mama, Al Wakrah, Khalifa Inter- Wakrah Bypass) as well as to Me- South and Al Bustan Street North. bridge in Qatar with a length of national and Qatar Foundation saieed Road further south. He added: “Sabah Al Ahmad Cor- 1,200m. It extends from Me- The project consists of the re- Stadiums. To Page 11

Recall of C-Class models

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, has announced the recall of Mercedes-Benz C-Class model of 2018 because the active brake assist (ABA) control unit software does not correspond to the manufacturer’s specification. The recall campaign comes within the framework of the Ministry’s continuous eff orts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs. The Ministry said that it will co-ordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out. The Ministry urges all customers to report any violation to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquires and suggestions through the following channels: Call centre: 16001, e-mail: info@moci. gov.qa, Twitter: @MOCIQATAR, Instagram: MOCIQATAR, Ministry of Commerce and Industry mobile app for android and IOS: MOCIQATAR

Indian embassy Open House

The Indian ambassador will hold Open House on Thursday (February 28) in the embassy premises from 3pm to 4pm to listen/redress any urgent labour and consular issues of the Indian nationals in Qatar. Gulf Times Monday, February 25, 2019 11 QATAR Sabah Corridor to reduce north-south travel time by 70% The new Corridor will be a vital alternative and parallel route that will serve thousands of daily commuters from the north to south of Doha

From Page 10 Qatar Rail

The Corridor provides easy access to some of Doha Metro stations such as the Economic Zone, Al Waab and Old Rayyan. Drive through Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor project

Once completed, road us- ers coming from Hamad Inter- national Airport and southern Doha and heading north will be able to use the new Corridor via F-Ring Road then continue on the existing Mesaimeer fl yo- ver to use the new 900m bridge crossing over Al Shehaimiya In- terchange (formerly known as Bu Hamour Interchange). The new cable-stayed Bridge will al- low road users to drive towards fi c between Al Waab Street and hicles per hour and improve the the north avoiding Halul Inter- Al Bustan Street, reducing traffi c road safety. section and Faleh Bin Nasser congestion at Al Waab intersec- The project consists of four Intersection on Salwa Road to tion. interchanges with 13 vehicular smoothly reach Al Bustan Street. zSnay Bu Hasa/Al Bustan In- bridges and underpasses, in ad- From there, road users will be terchange dition to pedestrian and cycle able to continue their journey A two-level signalised junc- paths of 16km will be parallel using the 2.6km bridge. This will tion. This interchange will im- service roads to serve the sur- allow them to avoid the Snay Bu prove traffi c fl ow along Snay Bu rounding areas such as Madinat Hasa Intersection and Al Waab Hasa and provide access to Al Khalifa, Duhail and Al Gharrafa. Intersection as well as Lekhwiya Waab area. Al Bustan Street works as a Roundabout, which will be con- zAl Rasheeda Interchange/Al main link between Umm Le- verted to a signalised junction. Bustan Interchange khba, Al Gharrafa, Al Luqta and At this stage, road users would A two-level signalised junc- Madinat Khalifa north to con- have reached Bu Erayyen Street tion. This junction will provide nect many commercial facilities where they will be able to drive a free fl ow connectivity to Al and residential areas. It also links through the recently opened Rasheeda Street, Al Khufoos, a number of important roads, tunnel at Lebday Interchange and Al Sadd Street and improve such as Al Shamal Road, Al Lu- in Al Rayyan, which connects to the accessibility to residential qta Street, Mekkah Street and Al Lebday Street. Two additional areas including Fereej Al Emir Rayyan Road. bridges will deliver a free traf- and Luaib. fi c fl ow to alleviate the traffi c at Mekkah and Al Luqta Intersec- Contract 4 – Al Bustan Main Interchanges tions and deliver connectivity to Street North Upgrade zUmm Lekhba Interchange: Thani Bin Jassim tunnel to con- will be the largest interchange tinue their journey to the north, Located at the northern far in Qatar, as it comprises nine road users will be able to drive end of Sabah Al Ahmad Cor- bridges providing free fl ow con- through Al Markhiya Street in Al ridor, Al Bustan Street North nectivity in all directions. It links Gharrafa and reach Umm Lekhba Upgrade will provide a link be- Al Markhiya Street to Doha Ex- Interchange (known as Land- tween Sabah Al Ahmad Corri- pressway and Sabah Al Ahmad mark Interchange). dor and 22 February Street; it is Corridor. The Corridor project is com- also considered one of the iconic zThani Bin Jassim Inter- posed of four contracts: E-Ring architectural icons because the change: A multi-level bridge and F-Ring Road Upgrade, Me- project is located in a densely connecting Al Ittihad Street to saimeer Road Upgrade, Al Bus- populated areas in the heart of Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor, facili- tan Street South Upgrade and Al Doha. The project will upgrade tating traffi c movements to road Bustan Street North which will Street and the Wholesale Mar- 3.6km of roads from east of Al users from Al Bustan Street and deliver new interchanges and ket Street, Al Sidr Street parallel Luqta Roundabout to Sabah Al Al Luqta to Al Gharrafa Area. connections: to Mesaimeer Road to enhance Ahmad Corridor with Mekkah zSabah Al Ahmad Corridor/ capacity and deliver a smooth Street. The project includes the Khalifa Avenue: A multi-level Contract 1 – E-Ring & traffi c fl ow in the surrounding upgrade of main roads intersect- intersection that includes a tun- F-Ring Road Upgrade areas such as Bu Hamour and ing the Corridor, such as 1.7km nel providing a free traffi c fl ow Project Al Waab while the construction of Al Shamal Road, Khalifa Av- along Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor works being conducted on Me- enue and Al Ittihad Street, as linking Al Gharrafa to Al Luqta The E-Ring Road project will saimeer Road and Al Waab will well as parallel service roads. area and a ground-level traffi c construct and upgrade 8.5km of enhance traffi c fl ow in the sur- The project includes the upgrade signals providing traffi c fl ow in roads to create strategic links be- rounding areas. of Al Bustan Street to four lanes all directions. tween eight expressways and ma- in each direction instead of three zSabah Al Ahmad Corridor/ jor ring roads, which will further Contract 3 – Al Bustan lanes to increase the capacity to Mekkah Street: A multi-level in- strengthen north-south connec- Street South Upgrade about 8,000 vehicles per hour tersection that includes a tunnel tivity in Qatar. It will enable the Al Bustan South Road project and improve the level of traffi c which provides a smooth traffi c connectivity between the south- is the natural extension of the safety. along Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor ern part of Doha Expressway and Mesaimeer Road upgrade project The main carriageway on Al linking Al Gharrafa to Al Luqta the Doha Expressway, in addi- with a length of 3.1km and four Bustan Street will be upgraded areas to the southern part of Al tion to creating a vital connec- lanes in each direction. Senay from three to four lanes in each Rayyan project. Traffi c signals at tion between D-Ring Road, E- Bu Hasa intersection will also direction to increase the vehicu- a ground-level will provide traf- Ring Road, F-Ring Road, G-Ring be upgraded as well as Al Waab lar capacity by up to 8,000 ve- fi c control in all directions. Road, Rawdat Al Khail Street and intersection and Lekhwiya Industrial Area Road. Roundabout, 10 bridges will be Apart from enhancing the constructed to provide 18.2km of connectivity, the E-Ring Road pedestrian and cycle paths. upgrade project will relieve traf- The project includes the long- fi c congestion on the adjacent est bridge in Qatar with a length roads such as Doha Expressway, of 2.6km over Snay Bu Hasa, Al Najma Street, Airport Road and throughout Doha. Upon completion, this in- 8.4km of pedestrian and cycle Waab Street and Al Rasheeda Al Wakrah main road and signifi - In line with 2022 FIFA World terchange will allow road us- paths spanning the whole length Street. cantly reduce the travel time by Cup readiness, Al Watiyyat In- ers to avoid the traffi c conges- of the main carriageway in both up to 60% by using the new road terchange will facilitate the tion on the surrounding roads directions in addition to the Main Interchanges to reach their destinations commute between the stadiums to facilitate access to Nuaija, Al construction of three pedestrian zAl Waab / Al Bustan Inter- As part of the E-Ring Road up- of Al Wakrah, Ras Bu Abboud Mamoura, Al Thumama and In- bridges. change grade project, there will be two and Al Thumama allowing fans dustrial areas. Upon the project completion, A three-level interchange be- vital multi-level interchanges, to travel in a record time to at- The E-Ring and F-Ring Road the road capacity is expected to tween Al Waab Street and South Al Watiyyat and formally known tend the games. It directly con- upgrade project will improve ac- accommodate 10,000 vehicles of Al Bustan Street. This inter- Al Khamees Al Obaidly Inter- nects to Al Thumama Stadium, cess to economic and public fa- per hour in both direction, which change includes a bridge provid- change, In addition to a fi ve-lane this achievement comes as part cilities such as Hamad Interna- will signifi cantly reduce travel ing a free traffi c fl ow along Sabah on each side connecting both in- of the infrastructural readiness tional Airport and the Industrial time up to 65%. Al Ahmad Corridor as well as terchanges. to host this major worldwide Area among others. Mesaimeer Road Upgrade two Flyovers to connect the traf- Ashghal has opened up to event. The new interchange will project will deliver connectivity 90% of Al Watiyyat Interchange facilitate new paths to the sta- Contract 2 – Mesaimeer to several main roads such as F- to traffi c via Doha Expressway, dium goers where it consists of Road Upgrade Project Ring Road, Industrial Area Road, Rawdat Al Khail Road, Indus- two bridges and six pedestrian Bu Hamour Street, Halul Street trial Area Road and E-Ring Road and cycle underpasses that will The Mesaimeer Road Upgrade and Salwa Road which will serve heading towards Hamad Inter- provide an easy and safe journey extends 4km along Mesaimeer as the connection to users head- national Airport, Bu Hamour to the stadiums. Bridge via Mesaimeer south ing from north to south and link and Mesaimeer via F-Ring Road; Formerly known Khamees Al intersection (Bu Hamour Junc- many densely residential areas or towards Al Wakrah and Al Obaidly Interchange will be re- tion) to South of Al Waab inter- such as Bu Hamour, Mesaimeer, Wukair via the Southern Part of placed by another three-level section. The project will include Al Mamoura and Al Waab. The Doha Expressway. interchange composed of three the upgrade of Mesaimeer Road project will also serve multi- Al Watiyyat Interchange once levels, consisting two bridges and part of Al Bustan Street to ple public amenities such as the completed at the F-Ring inter- and nine vehicle underpasses to four lanes instead of three lanes Wholesale Market in addition change and the southern part of form a strategic free fl ow con- in each direction, as well as up- to businesses areas along Salwa Doha Expressway, Al Watiyyat nection between Rawdat Al grading three main interchanges Road and health and education Interchange includes three main Khail Street, Industrial Area to include Shehaniyah Intersec- facilities surrounding the area as bridges and four vehicular un- Road in both directions and E- tion and Halul Roundbaout and well as close by residential com- derpasses to facilitate access to Ring Road on the southern part Faleh Bin Nasser Intersection pounds. the surrounding residential areas of Doha Expressway. and the construction of two The Public Works Author- such as Al Thumama, Mesaimeer, Road users can also use tun- bridges with four lanes in each ity ‘Ashghal’ upgraded the Bu Hamour, Nuaija, Al Wakrah nels that provide free traffi c fl ow direction. The fi rst bridge is surrounding areas and also in- and Al Wukair. It will also provide between the southern part of the 900m long and crosses over Bu cluded lanes expansion and a free fl ow traffi c for road users Doha Expressway, as well as the Hamour Street at Al Shehaniya conversion of all roundabouts to coming from these areas heading E-Ring and F-Ring Road, Raw- Interchange while the second signalised junctions such as Bu to Hamad International Airport, dat Al Khail Street and Industrial cable-stayed bridge is 1.2km Hamour Street, Halul Street, Al southern areas or northern areas Area Road. long. The project consists of an Jassasiya Street, Snay Bu Hasa A cultural event being held as part of the project inauguration ceremony. Gulf Times 12 Monday, February 25, 2019 QATAR/REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA

RIGHTS DEFENCE TENSION DEMONSTRATION UNREST Erdogan lashes out at Sisi Iran claims successful Sudan protesters rally Algerian cops use tear gas Burkina forces kill nearly over Egypt executions submarine missile launch against emergency as rare protests continue 30 ‘terrorists’ in operation

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sharply Iran successfully tested a cruise missile yesterday Hundreds of protesters rallied yesterday against Algerian police fired tear gas to disperse hundreds Burkina Faso’s armed forces killed around 30 criticised his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah during naval exercises near the Strait of Hormuz, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir’s decision to of demonstrators on a third straight day of rare suspected militants last week in an land and air al-Sisi after the recent execution of nine people in state media reported, at a time of heightened impose a nationwide state of emergency, as the political protests against plans for rarely seen operation against militant groups operating in Egypt, saying he refused to talk to “someone like tensions with the United States. Tehran has in the longtime leader swore in a new prime minister. President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to extend his 20-year the east of the country, the military said yester- him”. “They killed nine young people recently. This past threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, a Yesterday demonstrators rallied against his latest rule by seeking a fifth term. Thousands have taken day. Burkina Faso, part of a joint French-led mili- is not something we can accept,” Erdogan said major oil shipping route at the mouth of the Gulf, measures and confronted riot police in the capital to the streets of the capital and other cities since tary campaign against militants in the Sahel, is Saturday in an interview with Turkish TV channels in retaliation for any hostile US action, includ- Khartoum, its twin city of Omdurman, and in the Friday calling on the authorities to abandon plans on the frontline of the militant insurgency that CNN-Turk and Kanal D, referring to the execution ing attempts to halt Iranian oil exports through town of Madani, witnesses said. Even as protests for Bouteflika, 81, to stand in a presidential election has gripped parts of west and central Africa. Wednesday of nine men sentenced for the mur- sanctions. In August, Washington said Iran had continued, Bashir swore in a new premier, vice presi- scheduled to be held on April 18. Bouteflika, in off ice During last week’s operations, special forces, der of the Egyptian prosecutor general in 2015. test-fired a short-range anti-ship missile in the dent and governors for the country’s 18 provinces since 1999, suff ered a stroke in 2013. He has since army and air force units hit militants in Kom- “Of course, we are going to be told that it is a deci- strait during naval drills it believed were intended yesterday. Former governor of the agricultural state been seen in public only a handful of times and has bienbiga, Kabonga and other eastern regions sion of the judiciary, but there, justice, elections, all as a warning after US President Donald Trump’s of Jazeera, Mohamed Tahir Ayala, was sworn in as given no public speeches in years. His opponents between Tuesday and Wednesday, an army that, are codswallop,” Erdogan added. decision to reimpose sanctions on Tehran. the new prime minister at a ceremony. say there is no evidence he is in fit health. statement said.

Exodus EU sees fi rst Arab summit from last IS enclave as response to Russia, China overwhelms Syria force AFP Sharm el Sheikh AFP Omar Oil Field uropean and Arab lead- ers yesterday opened Etheir fi rst summit in a S-backed Syrian forces bid to bolster co-operation as warned yesterday they EU President Donald Tusk said Uwere struggling to cope neighbours “should not leave it with an outpouring of foreigners to powers far from our region”, from the Islamic State group’s alluding to China and Russia. imploding “caliphate”, urging European Union countries governments to take responsi- view the summit as a way to bility for their citizens. protect their traditional diplo- The Kurdish-led Syrian Dem- matic, economic and security ocratic Forces have evacuated interests while China and Rus- nearly 5,000 men, women and sia move to fi ll a vacuum left by children from the militant re- the United States. doubt since Wednesday, moving Tusk, the president of the closer to retaking the last sliver European Council who organ- of territory under IS control. ises summits for EU countries, Qatar delegation attends summit “The numbers of foreign acknowledged “there are dif- fi ghters and their relatives that ferences between us” but said The State of Qatar participated in the first Arab-European summit held we are holding is increasing neighbours had more at stake yesterday in Sharm El Sheikh with a delegation chaired by HE Qatar’s drastically,” Kurdish foreign af- than distant powers. Permanent Representative to the Arab League Ambassador Ibrahim bin fairs offi cial Abdel Karim Omar “We need to co-operate and Abdulaziz al-Sahlawi, QNA reported. said. “Our current infrastructure not leave it to global powers far can’t handle the mass infl ux”, he from our region,” the former said. Polish premier told leaders from being able to speak in one voice. agreement with the EU. Syria’s Kurds have repeatedly about 40 countries. British Prime Minister Theresa Most of the leaders of the called on foreign countries to re- He did not name those pow- May held one-to-one talks with 22-member Arab League at- patriate their citizens, but most ers but an EU source confi rmed Tusk and was due to hold further tended, except for Assad, whose have been reluctant to allow he meant China and Russia. Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel talks with Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah during bilateral meetings with EU lead- country was suspended from the battle-hardened militants and China is increasing trade with the first joint European Union and Arab League summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, yesterday. ers as she tries to break the stale- League over the civil war, and their relatives back home due to the region and has established a mate at home over her divorce Sudan’s Omar al-Bashir. security concerns. military base in Djibouti. migration that has sharply di- MINE BLAST KILLS Russia militarily backs Syria’s vided the 28-nation bloc. MORE THAN 20 President Bashar al-Assad in his But checking migration is just British PM to seek end to Yemen fi ghting Meanwhile, more than 20 ci- civil war. part of Europe’s broader strat- vilians were killed yesterday in EU sources said the fi rst EU- egy to forge a new alliance with British Prime Minister Theresa to reiterate to King Salman the central Syria when a landmine Arab summit is all the more its southern neighbours. May will call on Saudi Arabia’s importance of Saudi Arabia left behind by militants explod- important as the United States A UN offi cial warned that Eu- King Salman to use his influence continuing to use their influence ed under a van, the state news “disengages” from the region rope’s failure to bridge divisions to encourage Yemeni parties to encourage the Yemeni parties agency SANA said. while Russia and China make on migration “risks blocking all towards peace, telling a summit towards peace, as they did so The ordnance left behind by inroads. the other discussions” at the that governments must redouble pivotally in Stockholm. And I the Islamic State group in the “We don’t want to see this summit. eff orts to secure a political settle- will underline the UK’s ongoing town of Salamiyeh killed farm- vacuum soaked up by Russia The EU has struck aid-for- ment to the crisis. commitment to the security of workers who were heading to a and China,” one of the sources co-operation agreements with “My message in Sharm el-Sheikh Saudi Arabia and the region.” region in the Hama province to said President of the European Council Donald Tusk attends the first Turkey and Libya’s UN-backed is clear: let us now redouble our The war in Yemen has largely pick truffl es, SANA said, citing The summit in the southern joint European Union and Arab League summit at the International government in Tripoli, which eff orts to build on the progress been stalemated for years, with a local police. Sinai desert is heavily guarded Congress Centre in Sharm el-Sheikh, yesterday. has sharply cut the fl ow of mi- made and get the Stockholm Saudi-led coalition and Yemeni al- It was the second such in- by Egyptian security forces who grants since a 2015 peak. agreements implemented in full,” lies unable to dislodge the Houthi cident since February 8 when are fi ghting a bloody militant both Arabs and Europeans to European leaders fi rst men- But the UN offi cial said May said on the way to the EU- movement that controls the a landmine that had been insurgency a short distance to “break the business model” of tioned the Arab summit in Aus- broader co-operation with the League of Arab states summit in capital and most major popula- planted by IS in rural Hama ex- the north. smugglers taking migrants to tria in September amid eff orts Arab League, which includes Egypt. “I will also use this summit tion centres. ploded killing seven civilians, Tusk issued an appeal for Europe. to agree ways to curb the illegal Libya, is limited without the EU SANA said.

Qatar takes part in Peninsula Shield exercise

The joint Dir Al-Jazeera (Peninsula Shield) 10th exercise kicked off in Dammam yesterday, with the participa- Polls close in Senegal with tion of Qatari forces along with other GCC countries’ forces of land, sea and air, QNA reported. The two-week exercise aims to enhance joint co-operation and exchange of expertise among the GCC forces to raise the level of training for the joint armed forces, QNA reported. president tipped to win

Reuters ways and a swanky conference Dakar/Fatick centre will benefi t average citi- Observers say dozens killed zens in the former French colony of 15mn people where the aver- enegal voted yesterday age income is less than $200 a in an election President month. Many people do not have in Nigeria election violence SMacky Sall is expected reliable water or power supplies. to win after strong economic University professor Bakary growth in his fi rst term, although Manga, 43, said he would vote Reuters The Situation Room — which represents more rights groups criticised him for for opposition candidate Ous- Abuja than 70 civil society groups — gave yesterday’s squeezing out rivals. mane Sonko as he was disap- fi gure of 39 deaths, citing data from Lagos-based Supporters chanted “Ole, pointed in Sall’s fi rst term. consultancy SBM Intelligence. Ole,” and fl ashed “V” for victory “It was a big nonsense with s many as 39 people were killed in elec- A spreadsheet provided by SBM Intelligence signs as Sall cast his vote in his him. The cost of his projects is tion violence so far in Nigeria, civil soci- showed that in one incident, seven people were hometown of Fatick. excessive, we can do much bet- Aety groups said yesterday, as the country killed in a shoot-out between Nigerian army “The elected president will ter with much less,” he said as awaits the results of voting in what is forecast to troops and a gang in Abonnema, around 14km have to be the president of all he queued at a polling station in be its tightest election since the end of military west of the main oil industry city of Port Har- Senegal. I hope this president Dakar. rule in 1999. court in the oil hub of Rivers state. will be me,” he said. Incumbent President Macky Sall casts his vote for Senegal’s presidential Rights groups have criticised The number of deaths reported by yesterday A lieutenant was killed and six gunmen Polling stations in Dakar elections in a ballot box at a polling station in Fatick, yesterday. the exclusion of two popular was below the fi nal death tolls in previous elec- died in the firefight, which broke out when closed on schedule at 6pm (1800 candidates. Former mayor of tions in Africa’s most populous country, but in the attackers barricaded a major road into GMT) after a largely incident- 57-year-old president promised There are hopes of an oil and Dakar, Khalifa Sall and Karim the past most unrest has taken place after results the town and laid an ambush on the troops, free election day. to deliver universal healthcare gas boom in Senegal as energy Wade, son of former president were announced. the acting director of army public relations, It was not immediately clear and better access to education. majors develop previously un- Abdoulaye Wade who was in Voting took place on Saturday, with some poll- Colonel Sagir Musa, said. how many of the country’s After voting in Fatick, pen- tapped fi elds off its Atlantic power from 2000 to 2012, were ing stations staying open on Sunday and results Abdulmajid Ali, Deputy Inspector General 6.5mn registered voters turned sioner Adama Sakho, 81, said he coast. barred from running due to cor- not expected for several more days. of Police said the highest number of instanc- out. believed Sall would win in the Opinion polls are banned in ruption convictions. The former A credible and relatively calm poll would open es where there was reported violence were Offi cial results are due on Fri- fi rst round, praising his social the run-up to the vote, but a sur- president said the vote was being a new chapter in the chequered political history in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, both in the day with a run-off for the top spending policies. vey by a Senegalese data com- rigged and told supporters of his of Nigeria, where nearly six decades of independ- south. two on March 24 if no one se- “I’m retired, and now in pany in November gave Sall 45% son to boycott the poll. ence have been tarnished by military coups, en- “We are still collating the incidents that cures a majority. one month I receive the same support. The government has dis- demic corruption and secessionist movements. happened. We received a lot of reports and Senegal’s small fi sh-exporting amount of money I used to make Of his four rivals now lined missed the criticism, promising The death toll during and after the last election are investigating,” he said. economy expanded more than in three months,” he said. “He up in the smallest fi eld of candi- a free and fair vote. in 2015 was around 100 people, according to the Mahmood Yakubu, chairman of the In- 6% last year, one of the highest has the hand of God. dates since 1988, none had more The West African nation has International Crisis Group. dependent National Electoral Commission rates in Africa, driven by an am- Everything he touches gets than 16%. long been viewed as the region’s Four years before that, in the religiously mixed (INEC), told election observers and reporters bitious reform and development realised. And he brings luck, be- Despite Sall’s popularity, some most stable democracy, with northern city of Kaduna, 800 people were killed that an electoral official had been shot dead plan that included the con- cause it’s during his reign that Senegalese question whether a peaceful transitions of power in election violence. by unknown people in Rivers state. struction of a new railway. The we found oil and gas.” high-speed train, new motor- since independence in 1960. Gulf Times Monday, February 25, 2019 13 AMERICAS

TRAGEDY ‘HOLD THE DATE’ CAUSE UNKNOWN CHANGE 7 Syrian siblings killed in Parade foiled, Trump eyes 3 feared dead as cargo jet KKK outrage paper gets Canada fire mourned ‘one of biggest’ July 4 events crashes near Houston black female editor

Around 2,000 mourners attended the funeral After giving up his idea for a huge military A Boeing 767 cargo jetliner with three people on A small town Alabama newspaper that drew on Saturday of seven children from a Syrian parade in Washington, President Donald Trump board crashed into a bay near Houston’s George condemnation for an editorial this month calling refugee family who died earlier this week in a yesterday announced a July 4 “Salute to America” Bush Intercontinental Airport on Saturday, police for the Ku Klux Klan to “ride again” has named house fire in Halifax, eastern Canada. Ahmad that he predicted would be “one of the biggest and off icials said. Atlas Air Flight 3591 was en an African-American woman as its new editor Barho and siblings Rola, Mohamed, Ola, Hala, gatherings” in the city’s history. “HOLD THE route to Houston from Miami when radar and and publisher, the paper said in a statement. Rana and Abdullah — whose ages ranged from DATE” Trump said on Twitter yesterday. He said radio contact with the plane was lost about Elecia R Dexter on Friday took the reins of the four months to 15 years — all perished in the the event would be held at the Lincoln Memorial 48km southeast of the airport, the Federal weekly Democrat-Reporter in Linden, Alabama, as-yet unexplained blaze at their home on and would feature a “major fireworks display, Aviation Administration said in a statement. from Goodloe Sutton, 79, the longtime owner Tuesday. Their father, Ebraheim Barho, suff ered entertainment and an address by your favorite Authorities told media they did not believe there of the paper who wrote the incendiary editorial serious burns and remains in a medically President, me!” The Lincoln Memorial site was were any survivors. FAA investigators were on that brought sharp rebukes from elected off icials induced coma in hospital, according to Mourners attend a funeral service on Saturday the scene of one of the largest gatherings in the their way to the crash site. The Chambers County in the state and the public. “Ms Dexter is coming Canadian media. Their mother, Kawthar Barho, for a Syrian refugee family that lost seven history of the US capital — the celebrated “I Have Sheriff ’s off ice said the plane had been located in at a pivotal time for the newspaper,” the was less seriously injured. She was present at children in a February 19 house fire in Halifax, a Dream” speech by civil rights leader Martin in Jack’s Pocket, at the north end of Trinity Bay statement said. It is unclear whether Sutton the funeral. Nova Scotia. Luther King Jr on August 28, 1963. near the small city of Anahuac. remains the owner of the paper. $21mn settlement Silent protest for man wrongly jailed for murder

DPA But he always maintained his inno- Los Angeles cence. A retired Simi Valley detective named Mike Bender was instrumental in pushing he southern California city of Simi law enforcement agencies to re-examine Valley has reached a $21mn settle- the case. Tment with a man who spent more Bender has said that in 2015, he caught than 38 years wrongfully incarcerated in the right ear in Brown’s offi ce. the brutal 1978 murders of a woman and A year later, Simi Valley Police chief her 4-year-old son. David Livingstone also launched an inves- Craig Coley, 71, was released from pris- tigation, just as he was taking the helm of on in 2017 after he was pardoned by then- the department. governor Jerry Brown, who said that DNA In Coley’s claim for compensation and evidence and a painstaking re-investiga- other court fi lings, his attorneys and pros- tion of the Simi Valley murders proved his ecutors detailed troubling inconsistencies innocence. in the evidence against him. The city said on Saturday that the The neighbour who heard noises from agreement would mitigate long, costly and downstairs fi rst told police, hours after the unnecessary legal proceedings. murders, that he heard the commotion not Simi Valley will be on the hook for at 5.30am, roughly $4.9mn of the settlement, while but an hour earlier, exactly when Coley, the rest is expected to be paid by insurance who worked as a night manager at a res- Demonstrators take part in the ‘Silent March’ in El Paso, Texas, to reject President Donald Trump’s national emergency declaration. and other sources, offi cials said. taurant, was out socialising with former “While no amount of money can make co-workers. up for what happened to Mr Coley, settling Coley dropped one off at 4.45am. this case is the right thing to do for Mr The new investigation also raised ques- Coley and our community,” city manager tions about Wicht’s next-door neigh- Eric Levitt said in a statement. bour’s claim that she had seen a man “The monetary cost of going to trial matching Coley’s description drive away would be astronomical and it would be ir- the morning of the killings. responsible for us to move forward in that Exactly 39 years after Wicht’s murder, direction.” detectives returned to the neighbour’s Mueller recommends ‘no The state approved a separate, much apartment to peer out her window. smaller payout last year. There was no way, they concluded, that Brown approved a $1.95mn payment for she could have seen from her window Coley — $140 for each day he was wrong- whoever was inside a truck parked outside. fully behind bars — that marked the largest But the most indisputable fi nding that payout by the state’s Victim Compensa- offi cials said supported Coley’s innocence leniency’ for Manafort tion Board for an erroneous conviction. came when detectives located DNA evi- The victims were discovered by a rela- dence once thought destroyed. Reuters years for each count, for a statutory work as the campaign chairman and, Trump says his team did not collude tive who grew concerned when Rhonda A piece of Wicht’s bedsheet the night Washington maximum of 10 years. later, while he was out on bail from with Moscow. Wicht didn’t show up for a family get- she was found dead contained another While Mueller did not recommend this Court.” A senior US Justice Department together. man’s sperm, along with a man’s epithelial a specifi c sentence he portrayed Manafort, a 69-year old veteran offi cial said on Friday that Mueller The 24-year-old had been strangled cells. Coley’s DNA was not found on the pecial Counsel Robert Muel- Manafort as a “hardened” criminal Republican political consultant who will not deliver a long-awaited fi nal with an 11ft macrame rope; her son, Don- sheet. ler’s team told a US judge on who was at risk of repeating criminal earned millions of dollars work- report next week, amid expectations ald, smothered in his bed. Investigators also tested stains, blood SSaturday that President Don- behaviour if released from prison. ing for pro-Russian politicians in that the document was imminent. Coley, a Vietnam War veteran who was and semen on a child’s Mickey Mouse T- ald Trump’s former campaign chair- As part of an earlier plea deal with Ukraine, faces up to 25 years in pris- Judge T S Ellis, who oversaw Man- going through a breakup with Wicht, was shirt that police at the time said they dis- man Paul Manafort “repeatedly and Mueller, the special counsel dropped on under federal sentencing guide- afort’s trial in Alexandria, Virginia, held for questioning that day and ulti- covered in a pile of dirty clothes during a brazenly” broke the law, and argued fi ve other charges and Manafort lines in a second case in Virginia in will sentence him on March 8. mately charged with the two murders. search of Coley’s apartment after the mur- he did not deserve leniency at sen- agreed to cooperate with prosecu- which he was convicted last year of He will be followed by Judge Amy He did not have a prior criminal record. ders. tencing. tors. fi nancial crimes. Berman Jackson, who will decide on A key witness against Coley was Wicht’s New tests on the shirt revealed the boy’s The recommendation from Muel- But Mueller’s team in Novem- Trump has not ruled out issuing March 13 how much of the 10-year next-door neighbour, who said she heard DNA, as well as the sperm of several indi- ler, who is investigating Russia’s role ber accused Manafort of violating a pardon for Manafort, who worked statutory maximum to give Manafort banging noises and saw Coley’s truck viduals. in the 2016 US election and whether the agreement by repeatedly lying for the campaign during fi ve pivotal in the Washington case and whether parked outside the apartment complex the None of them matched Coley. Trump’s campaign conspired with to prosecutors on subjects includ- months in the middle of 2016 in- her sentence will run concurrent or morning of the murders. Soon after Coley was pardoned, a judge Moscow, increases the likelihood ing his interactions with a business cluding during the party’s national consecutive to his punishment in She testifi ed that someone with medi- declared him factually innocent. that Manafort will spend the rest of partner they have said has ties to convention. Virginia. um-length hair drove it away. Simi Valley police have not arrested an- his life behind bars. Russian intelligence. But the Manhattan district at- Renato Mariotti, a former federal Another neighbour who lived down- yone else in the killings. Manafort pleaded guilty in a fed- The judge this month ruled Mana- torney’s offi ce is pursuing criminal prosecutor in Chicago, said he ex- stairs told jurors that he heard noises from Ron Kaye, an attorney representing eral court in Washington last Sep- fort had breached the deal. charges against Manafort which pected Jackson to take her cue from Wicht’s apartment at 5.30am. Coley, said the settlement off ers some clo- tember to conspiracy against the “For over a decade, Manafort re- would be outside of Trump’s pardon Ellis. At Coley’s fi rst trial, jurors spent four sure and vindication for his client, though United States — a charge that in- peatedly and brazenly violated the power for federal crimes. If Ellis goes easy on Manafort, weeks deliberating before announcing they no amount of money can compensate him cludes a range of conduct from mon- law,” Mueller’s offi ce said in a sen- So far, 34 people and three com- Jackson will likely run her sentence were deadlocked 10 to 2 in favour of guilt. for the life he missed while imprisoned. ey laundering to unregistered lob- tencing memorandum released by panies have pleaded guilty, been in- consecutively to ensure a lengthy A second jury convicted him of two “He now can live the rest of his life, bying — and conspiracy to obstruct the court on Saturday. dicted or otherwise been swept up prison term, he said. counts of fi rst-degree murder in 1980, and which we hope will be really well into the justice for attempts to tamper with “His criminal actions were bold, into Mueller’s inquiry. “I don’t have any doubt she is he was sentenced to life in prison without future, with the security he deserves,” witnesses. some of which were committed Russia denies trying to interfere going to give him a signifi cant sen- the possibility of parole. Kaye said. He can be sentenced up to fi ve while under a spotlight due to his in the 2016 presidential election and tence,” Mariotti said. Tech connection boosts vertical farmers in New Jersey

By Juliette Michel, AFP United States until recent techno- and operated by AeroFarms. developing the best algorithm. Gordon-Smith. “It is one out of Kearny, New Jersey logical leaps made it viable. The company, founded in The company produces wa- the possible solutions.” A key component has been 2004 and considered a pioneer tercress that reminded a reporter Critics of vertical farming say LED bulbs, which have enabled in the sector, remains privately- of her grandmother’s soup, kale it has a large carbon footprint orkers at Bowery indoor farmers to drastically cut held and does not disclose fi nan- as tender as spinach and arugula due to heavy use of lighting and Farming’s warehouse electricity costs. cial data. with a hint of spice. ventilation. Wnear New York have But Bowery is also making But the company says it is now Basil from Bowery Farming But defenders say that this swapped out a farmer’s hoe for a heavy use of robotics and arti- profi table after a series of fum- was tinged with the fl avour of negative impact is more than off - computer tablet that takes real- fi cial intelligence to keep prices bles. lemon. set from the benefi ts of lower wa- time readings of light and water under control. David Chang, founder of the But it can take a while for ver- ter use, the location near popula- conditions. The combination of these noodle restaurant brand Momo- tical farms to fi nd solutions that tion centres and the non-use of Launched in 2015, Bowery is newer tools “is how we really re- fuku, is an investor. are viable. pesticides. part of the fast-growing vertical think what agriculture will look AeroFarms exclusively uses “The big, big vertical farms A bigger issue may be the limi- farming movement, which em- like in the next century and be- company-made technology that are having a diffi cult time be- tations of the output itself, at ploys technology in a controlled, yond,” Fain said. has now made its way to China, ing profi table because they are least in terms of nutrition. man-made setting to grow fresh The company has also ben- the Middle East and Europe, said so capital-intensive at the be- “You can’t feed the world vegetables indoors all year long. efi ted from more than $120mn in its co-founder Marc Oshima. ginning,” said Henry Gordon- with salad alone,” said Princeton Champions of the practice see funding from tech titans includ- In a warehouse that was once Smith, founder of Agritecture, a University plant researcher Paul vertical farming as a key tool to ing Google Ventures and Uber a steel mill with 12m ceilings, consultancy. Gauthier, who says vertical farm- meet the world’s food needs at a AeroFarms co-founder and chief marketing officer Marc Oshima Chief Executive Dara Khosrow- the company is growing kale and Large farms typically need ers will need to develop more time when the population is ris- poses in front of a vertical grow tower in Newark, New Jersey. shahi. arugula leaves set in rows of 12 seven or eight years before they protein-rich off erings. ing and the climate is changing. The Silicon Valley connection metal racks each. are profi table, with smaller farms Gauthier — who grew spicier The company’s chief execu- able to solve not only hard prob- entists. The company says its use has also boosted San Francisco- The roots are suspended in the requiring perhaps half as long. peppers in his own lab by sub- tive and co-founder, Irving Fain, lems, but also important prob- of algorithms enables it to be 100 based Plenty, another prominent air as they are intermittently irri- But entrepreneurs in the busi- tly increasing potassium levels said his company’s Kearny, New lems,” said Fain, who previously times more productive per area vertical farming company, which gated while the leaves bask under ness are confi dent in their pros- — said vertical farming could Jersey site uses fewer resources ran a company that provides data compared with a traditional farm has garnered more than $200mn LED lights. pects as more young people in supply fresh food to so-called than traditional farms and does analysis for big companies on and to use 95% less water. from Amazon chief executive Jeff AeroFarms experiments regu- cities express worry about cli- food “deserts” where it is absent not employ pesticides. their loyalty programs. Vertical farming has long been Bezos, Softbank and others. larly with lighting and nutrients mate change and pesticides. and could in the long-term meet “I have been a big believer my Bowery employs more pro- practised in Japan and some other The world’s biggest vertical with an eye towards fi nding the “Vertical farming is not THE growing food demand as the cli- entire life in technology as being grammers than agricultural sci- places but it did not take off in the farm is in Newark, New Jersey optimal recipe for each plant and solution to food security,” said mate changes. Gulf Times 14 Monday, February 25, 2019 ASIA

Lanka seizes 300 Suspected Bangladesh kilos of heroin

AFP plane hijacker shot dead Colombo AFP “From the talks and dialogue ri Lanka’s police seized Chittagong we have with him, it seems he nearly 300kg (660 pounds) is psychologically deranged,” Sof heroin worth $17mn, the Hasan said after the man was island’s biggest haul of the nar- angladesh commandos arrested. cotic, and arrested two people, stormed a passenger jet Another army spokesman, spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera Bin the country’s south- Abdullah Ibne Zaid, said Chit- said yesterday. east yesterday and shot dead tagong’s Shah Amanat Interna- Anti-narcotics agents and an armed man who allegedly tional Airport was “very much police Special Task Force com- tried to hijack the Dubai-bound under control of the Bangladesh mandos raided a mall car park in fl ight, an army offi cial said. Army”. the capital Colombo Saturday The suspect, described by of- “The army’s special forces evening and found the drugs hid- fi cials as a Bangladeshi man in conducted the operation and den in two vans, Gunasekera said. his mid-20s, was shot as special the armed man has been neu- “The heroin was packed in forces rushed the Boeing 737- tralised,” he said. 272 plastic bags and ready for 800 plane after it landed safely Rahman said an investigation distribution,” Gunasekera said. in Chittagong. would be conducted into how “We are now investigating how The 134 passengers and 14 the man “passed airport secu- this consignment got into the crew aboard the Bangladesh Bi- rity details with a gun”. country.” man fl ight BG147, were all res- “It will take some time,” he He said the narcotics weighing cued unharmed, offi cials said. said. 294.4 kilos had a street value of But the suspected hijacker Bangladesh, a nation of about Rs3bn ($17mn). – identifi ed by the name “Ma- 165mn, has struggled to grap- In 2013, police seized 260 ki- hadi” and described as being ple with homegrown extremism los of heroin brought into the 25 or 26 years old – was injured in recent years, including the country hidden inside tractors and died shortly after being ar- murder of atheist bloggers and imported from Pakistan. rested, said army spokesman progressive activists by Islamist Sri Lanka’s biggest drug haul, Major General Motiur Rahman. outfi ts. by weight, was in December 2016 “Our commando team asked Security personnel stand guard near a Dubai-bound Bangladesh Biman plane on the tarmac of the Shah Amanat International Airport in In a deadly attack claimed by when police seized 800 kilos of the hijacker to surrender, but he Chittagong yesterday, following an emergency landing after a man apparently attempted to hijack the aircraft. the Islamic State group in 2016, cocaine. rejected it by being aggressive, militants killed 22 people in- Authorities believe the Indian and was shot,” Rahman told “Just 10 minutes after the “He demanded to speak to plane ... If you don’t open fl ight steward hostage. cluding 18 foreigners at an up- Ocean island is also being used as reporters. plane took off (from Dhaka) he our Prime Minister (Sheikh the cockpit, I will blow up The operation took less than market cafe in Dhaka popular a transit point by traffi ckers. “Later on we learnt he had fi red twice,” one passenger told Hasina),” Mofi d said. the plane,’” the crew member 10 minutes and the plane has with Westerners. In 2014, anti-narcotics au- died ... We found a pistol from reporters in Chittagong. “He claimed he had a pistol, told Bangladeshi newspaper been searched and declared That attack prompted a thorities seized 90 kilos of him and nothing else.” Air Vice Marshall Mofi d, who but we are not sure yet whether Prothom Alo. worthy to fl y again, Rahman swift crackdown by Prime cocaine concealed in sugar The airport was sealed off by goes by one name, said he kept it is an actual gun or a fake.” Other crew members said said. Minister Hasina, with hun- containers from Brazil. army, navy and elite police after the accused man busy talking on An unnamed member of the passengers were evacuated The country’s civil aviation dreds of suspected militants In the same year, police de- landing to collect more passen- the phone while special forces crew said the man was carrying through four emergency gates chief, Nayeem Hasan, earlier and their sympathisers ar- tained 14 foreigners after seizing gers from Dhaka on its journey units prepared for the dramatic a bomb-like object. of the plane. said the suspect had claimed to rested or killed in raids across 110 kilos of heroin worth $7.5mn to Dubai. raid. “(He) said, ‘I’ll hijack this The hijacker also held a have a bomb aboard the fl ight. the country. from an Iranian fi shing trawler. Vietnam relishes Hanoi prepares for Trump-Kim summit peacemaker role Reuters etnamese soldiers in camou- Hanoi fl aged fatigues sweeping the area around the Metropole with a metal detector. Its potted plants as it seeks to ozens of North Korean were thoroughly checked. security men with iden- Teams of soldiers were also Dtical haircuts and suits seen busy on nearby rooftops, marched off an aircraft at Hanoi installing radio devices and balance ties airport yesterday, as Vietnam- equipment under camoufl aged ese soldiers searched through webbing. shrubbery outside a posh hotel Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan By Mai Nguyen and Kham “city for peace”, Trung said. in the city centre days before a Phuc has ordered that security Nguyen, Reuters “Vietnam is a nation that is North Korea-US summit. should be a top priority for the Hanoi really fond of peace but also North Korean leader Kim summit, the government said in had to suff er wars, and usu- Jong-un and US President Don- a post on its website. ally the wars ended with peace ald Trump will meet in Hanoi on The Southeast Asian country hile the leaders of negotiations,” he said. Wednesday and Thursday, hop- is relishing its role as peace mak- North Korea and the Vietnam seems to be taking to ing to build on a commitment er, seeing it as an opportunity to WUnited States debate its role of mediator with gusto. they made at their fi rst meet- burnish its international stand- banishing nuclear bombs from The government has pushed the ing, in Singapore in June, to rid ing and balance it foreign ties. the Korean peninsula, the host US and North Korean security the Korean peninsula of nuclear Vietnam has pushed US and of their summit this week, Viet- services to work closely to pre- bombs. North Korean security services nam, long almost synonymous pare for the summit, a senior Vi- They are expected to meet for to work closely to prepare for the with war, is relishing its role as a etnamese security offi cial said. their second summit in Hanoi’s summit, a senior Vietnamese promoter of peace. Vietnam would also love to Government Guesthouse, an security offi cial told Reuters. US President Donald Trump see the United States and North elegant, colonial-era building in Media published photographs and North Korean leader Kim Korea sign a declaration of peace the city centre, or at the nearby taken at Hanoi’s Noi Bai In- Jong-un will meet on Wednes- to offi cially end the 1950-53 Ko- Metropole Hotel, sources have ternational Airport showing a day and Thursday in Hanoi, rean War, said the offi cial, who told Reuters. North Korean cargo plane with A Vietnamese soldier uses a mine-sweeper while patrolling on the road between Hanoi and the Dong Dang hoping to build on their historic declined to be identifi ed. Vietnam has confi rmed that its loading door open and the railway station near the Chinese border, in Bac Giang yesterday, ahead of the second Trump-Kim summit. summit in Singapore in June, the The war ended with an armi- Kim will arrive for an offi cial security men fi ling off onto the fi rst between a sitting US presi- stice not a treaty, and North Ko- goodwill visit as well as the tarmac. North Korean, Vietnamese and Motorists have been warned Chinese border where Kim is ex- dent and a North Korean leader. rea is keen to sign a treaty, though summit with Trump, but has re- Some banners proclaiming US fl ags fl uttering above a hand- to expect road closures when the pected arrive by train, has also Vietnam’s hosting of the the United States has demanded leased no further details regard- the summit have gone up along shake design, but apart from leaders are in town. been stepped up. high-stakes talks marks its denuclearisation fi rst. ing the location of meetings. Hanoi’s tree-lined streets and that, for now at least, life goes on Security at the train station in Vietnamese soldiers were seen emergence as a trust-worthy, Vietnam would also be keen A Reuters witness saw Vi- some lamp posts are decked with as normal. the town of Dang Dong, on the patrolling its streets yesterday. responsible member of the in- to host a third meeting between ternational community that has the leaders, the offi cial said. forged peace with old enemies, A successful summit would and can now help others to do enhance Vietnam’s standing, so, Vietnamese offi cials say. said Nguyen Quy Binh, a former Since emerging from decades ambassador and permanent Chef fl ips special burgers for summit Myanmar army warns of diplomatic isolation in the representative of Vietnam to the early 1990s, Vietnam has been United Nations in Geneva. eager to improve ties with large “Vietnam’s voice will have Reuters against charter change powers and the region to help more weight. A country that Hanoi balance its historically thorny acts responsibly and reputably, a AFP to form a cross-party committee relations with giant neighbour, country that is trust-worthy, will Yangon to look at reforms of the charter, China, which confronts Viet- have a diff erent voice,” Binh said. n Irish chef in Hanoi is a key campaign pledge. nam over claims to the resource- Binh mentioned the South serving a cheeky menu spe- The party will be allocated rich South China Sea. China Sea dispute as a fl ash- Acially tailored to mark this yanmar’s military 18 out of 45 seats on the panel, The boost to Vietnam’s inter- point and said the United States week’s summit between US Presi- has said they would the military will have eight national status that the summit could help to balance regional dent Donald Trump and North Mthwart attempts by and the remainder will be di- should confer would support powers and ensure stability. Korean leader Kim Jong-un. leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s vided between other parties. that strategy. “If Vietnam can do this well, Two new burgers – the “Durty party to alter the “essence” There has been no detail Deputy Foreign Minister Le its voice and reputation in its re- Donald” and “Kim Jong Yum” – of the country’s controversial about the specifi c reforms, but Hoai Trung said the United lations with other countries will will be on sale at the Durty Bird constitution, putting the army military MPs stood up in protest States and North Korea were benefi t.” restaurant from today, as Viet- and civilian administration when the idea was fi rst mooted. both keen to hold their summit Western and Asian diplomats nam’s capital prepares to greet on a collision course over the Major General Tun Tun Nyi in Vietnam. said they expected Vietnam to the two leaders and, hopefully, politically-charged issue. told reporters in Yangon that “It shows that Vietnam is a try to support any reforms in help them agree on peace. Suu Kyi’s National League for 45 people is not enough to re- responsible and active member North Korea that the summit The restaurant’s co-owner Chef Collin Kelly shows his new burgers Durty Donald, left, and Kim Democracy (NLD) dominated view the charter and the proc- of the international commu- bring. and head chef, Collin Kelly, said Jong Yum at his restaurant promoting for upcoming USA-DPRK 2015 elections ending decades ess “would not be fair”. nity, wanting to contribute to Those eff orts would be en- the two burgers were designed summit in Hanoi yesterday. of military-backed rule. Tun Tun Nyi said the army is the peace process and that Viet- hanced by Vietnam’s turn as to capture the likeness of the But because of a 2008 char- not opposed to amendments but nam’s policy is to raise the level chair of Southeast Asia’s Asean leaders. The “Kim Jong Yum” burger is burger and learn more about ter scripted by the military, the “we are rejecting trying to change of multi-lateral foreign policy,” grouping next year, and a pos- Kelly said the “Durty Don- made of smoked pork belly, wild North Korea. NLD was forced into an uneasy the constitution this way”. Trung told reporters last week. sible spell as a non-permanent ald” was like Trump himself – boar meat, kimchi mayonnaise “This burger makes me curi- power-sharing agreement. Brigadier General and mili- Vietnam was at war almost con- member of the UN Secretary “so extravagant” – with double and crispy fried kimchi. ous about its ingredients and I The constitution grants the tary MP Than Soe said they tinuously for some 45 years, from Council in 2021. beef, double bacon, topped with He’s been trying out his crea- want to eat more, just like North armed services control of secu- would take part in the panel the end of World War Two through “Hosting such a sensitive strands of yellow chicken fl oss. tions on a few customers to get Korea,” she said. rity ministries and a quarter of but would oppose changes to to the early 1990s, battling France, event is a step up for Hanoi. In “To match some of the contro- some feedback before they go Kelly said he had been sur- unelected parliamentary seats. the “essence of the constitu- the United States, China and Cam- private, Vietnamese offi cials versy that surrounds him, we’ve on sale. prised by the interest in the That hands the military an tion”, echoing rare comments bodia’s Khmer Rouge. are pretty happy with the way put Russian dressing on it. So a Hanoi resident Truong Trang burgers. He was even visited by eff ective veto over constitu- by commander-in-chief Min Far off Geneva and Paris things are going... it’s a sweet bit tongue and cheek, but I think said the Kim burger, was “mys- two North Korean journalists tional change. Aung Hlaing in an interview hosted negotiations to end those spot for them,” said a senior he’d see the funny side,” Kelly terious” like North Korea, and who wanted his “opinion on the But the NLD-dominated par- this month with Japanese wars, but this time Hanoi is the Western diplomat. told Reuters yesterday. she was left wanting to eat more burgers and the summit”. liament voted earlier this month paper Asahi Shimbun. Gulf Times Monday, February 25, 2019 15 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

South Koreans fearful of US troop withdrawal after Vietnam summit

AFP But with talks between the of Seoul. “It’s a nightmare sce- rise to 43,000 people by 2022. “It uniform had become a “hallmark rea and the US,” Moon said. But reducing US forces in the South Pyeongtaek North Korean and US leaders in nario.” does worry me that they could of the city’s character”. If the war Seoul has “no reasons to believe” “was not one of the things on Hanoi just days away, specu- Camp Humphreys, in the city leave the country,” said Choi were to be offi cially declared over Kim Jong-un’s quoted assurance the table” at the summit – but lation is building that the pair of Pyeongtaek, is the US’ largest Eun-hee, who has run a Turkish at the Hanoi summit — the sec- at face value, Kim Sung-han, he has repeatedly complained ales at Kim Chang-bae’s could agree to a treaty in return overseas military base, stretch- restaurant just a few steps from ond between Trump and Kim af- professor of international rela- about the expense of keeping hardware shop in South Ko- for denuclearisation measures ing across 14.7sq km to accom- Camp Humphreys for a decade. ter the two met in Singapore last tions at Korea University, told them there. Srea rise every year thanks to from Pyongyang — and that the modate 32,000 people — soldiers “At least 80% of our customers year — and a peace treaty subse- AFP. Seoul agreed earlier this month Camp Humphreys, an enormous withdrawal of US troops might and their families. are US soldiers”. quently signed, Pyongyang could “North Korea is expected to to hike its payment for maintain- US military base he is frightened follow. The camp — home to almost Choi, 43, attended a rally last raise objections over the pres- say the US military presence in ing the troops on its soil, but since will close in the wake of the sum- For South Koreans dependent all of the US troops in South Ko- month, where dozens from the ence of US troops in the South, the South poses a serious threat the new deal is only valid for one mit between Kim Jong-un and on US troops to make a living — rea — boasts a fl eet of Blackhawk community demanded US troops analysts say. to its security ... It could claim year, the two sides may soon have Donald Trump. like Kim Chang-bae— that is a and Apache helicopters, a bowl- remain. When AFP visited, ban- South Korean President Moon true peace is only possible when to return to the negotiating table. More than 28,000 US troops worrisome prospect. ing alley, an 18-hole golf course, ners reading “Anti-Americans, Jae-in has tried to quell con- US troops are out of here.” Song Wol-sook, 46, who runs a are stationed in the South to “Without the presence of US multiple schools, churches and Get Out” and “We Go Together” cerns, saying in January that the Even if a peace treaty is not se- nail salon, said US withdrawal guard against nuclear-armed soldiers, many business, includ- cinemas. Hundreds of restau- were strung up among a cluster North Korean leader had told him cured in Hanoi, there is no guar- would leave South Koreans feel- North Korea, part of a Seoul- ing mine, will lose their main rants and shops ranging from nail of American and South Korean the end of war declaration had antee US troops will remain with ing isolated and alone in their Washington security alliance in source of income,” said Kim, salons to tattoo parlours have set fl ags. Shop owner Kim, 57, who is “nothing to do” with US forces in a highly unpredictable president own city, with a bleak future. place since the Korean war ended who sells bolts and screwdriv- up around the base, which is in head of the local merchants’ as- the South. “Kim Jong-un under- at the helm who has fl ip-fl opped “It will leave pretty much eve- with an armistice instead of a ers to Americans stationed at the fi nal stages of an expansion sociation representing 230 busi- stands that the issue is entirely on the issue of their long-term ry business here in ruins, includ- peace treaty. Camp Humphreys, 60km south project that will see its capacity ness owners, said Americans in up to the decision of South Ko- stay. Trump said on Friday that ing mine.” N Korea warns US sceptics as Kim heads for summit

Reuters three Democratic chairmen of Hanoi key committees in the House of Representatives accused the administration of withholding orth Korea warned Presi- information on the negotiations North Korean leader Kim Jong-un departing Pyongyang Station for the second North Korea-US summit dent Donald Trump yes- with North Korea. meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam. Nterday not to listen to US “There are ample reasons to critics who were disrupting ef- be sceptical that Chairman Kim Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho and forts to improve ties, as its lead- is committed to a nuclear-free defence chief No Kwang-chol. N Korea could become ‘great economic er, Kim Jong-un, made his way North Korea,” the lawmakers Other senior offi cials, such as power’ without nukes: President Trump across China by train to a second wrote. his de facto chief of staff , Kim summit with Trump in Vietnam. US intelligence offi cials re- Chang-son, and Kim Hyok-chol, US President Donald Trump Trump said he and Kim “both The two leaders will meet in cently testifi ed to Congress that negotiations counterpart to US yesterday said North Korea could expect a continuation of the Hanoi on Wednesday and Thurs- North Korea was unlikely to ever envoy Stephen Biegun, were al- become one of the world’s “great progress made at first Summit in day, eight months after their his- give up its entire nuclear arsenal. ready in Hanoi to prepare for the economic powers” if it relin- Singapore. Denuclearisation?” toric summit in Singapore, the KCNA, referring to US fears of summit. quished its nuclear arsenal, ahead Their groundbreaking summit fi rst between a sitting US presi- the North’s weapons, said if this Both sides are under pressure of his summit with Kim Jong-un. in June produced only a vague dent and a North Korean leader, A worker places a North Korean flag outside a media centre ahead of week’s talks ended without re- to forge more specifi c agreements In a series of tweets on the eve of statement on the denuclearisation where they pledged to work to- the North Korea-US summit in Hanoi, Vietnam. sults, “the US people will never than were reached in Singapore. his departure for this week’s sum- of the Korean peninsula. Kim is ward the complete denuclearisa- be cleared of the security threats The two leaders are likely to try mit in Hanoi, Trump also praised demanding the lifting of punishing tion of the Korean peninsula. The Trump administration Trump said yesterday that he that threw them into panic”. to build on their personal con- China and Russia for enforcing sanctions while Washington insists But their vaguely worded has pressed the North to give up and Kim expect to make further Few details of Kim’s trip to nection to push things forward sanctions on North Korea while that the measures must remain in agreement has produced few re- its nuclear weapons programme, progress at this week’s summit Vietnam were announced until in Hanoi, even if only incremen- insisting he had a “great relation- place until North Korea gives up sults and US Democratic sena- which, combined with its missile and again held out the promise early yesterday, when North Ko- tally, analysts said. “They will ship with Chairman Kim.” its nuclear arsenal. tors and US security offi cials have capabilities, pose a threat to the that denuclearisation would help rean state media confi rmed he not make an agreement which “Chairman Kim realises, perhaps In his tweets, Trump spoke highly warned Trump against cutting a United States, before it can ex- North Korea develop its econ- had left Pyongyang by train, ac- breaks up the current fl ow of better than anyone else, that with- of China’s President Xi Jinping, deal that would do little to curb pect any concessions. omy. “Chairman Kim realises, companied by senior offi cials as diplomacy. (President Trump) out nuclear weapons, his country saying he had been “very helpful” North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. But in recent days Trump has perhaps better than anyone else, well as his infl uential sister, Kim has mentioned that they’ll meet could fast become one of the in his support for the summit. The North’s KCNA state news signalled a possible softening, that without nuclear weapons, Yo-jong. In rare, revealing cover- again; even if there is a low-level great economic powers anywhere “The last thing China wants are agency said such opposition saying he would love to be able his country could fast become age of Kim’s travel, the North’s agreement, they will seek to keep in the world. Because of its loca- large scale nuclear weapons right was aimed at derailing the talks. to remove sanctions if there is one of the great economic pow- Rodong Sinmun newspaper fea- things moving,” said Shin Beom- tion and people (and him), it has next door. Sanctions placed on the “If the present US administra- meaningful progress on denu- ers anywhere in the world. Be- tured photographs of the leader chul, a senior fellow at the Asan more potential for rapid growth border by China and Russia have tion reads others’ faces, lending clearisation. cause of its location and people getting a red-carpet send-off on Institute for Policy Studies. than any other nation!” he wrote. been very helpful.” an ear to others, it may face the Trump also said he was in no (and him), it has more potential Saturday afternoon and waving Train Spotting shattered dream of the improve- rush and had no pressing sched- for rapid growth than any other from a train door while holding a Few details of summit ar- ment of the relations with the ule for North Korea’s denucleari- nation!” Trump said in a tweet. cigarette. rangements have been released. or where the leaders might stay. Kim’s train had passed through DPRK and world peace and miss sation, hinting at a more gradual, He also said Chinese President He was joined by top offi cials Some lamp posts on Hanoi’s It could take Kim at least 2-1/2 a station in China’s port city of the rare historic opportunity,” the reciprocal approach, long fa- Xi Jinping has been supportive of also involved in the Singapore tree-lined streets are decked days to travel to Vietnam by train. Tianjin, southeast of Beijing, at news agency said in a commen- voured by Pyongyang. Trump’s meeting with Kim. “The summit, including Kim Yong- with North Korean, US and Vi- Some carriages of a green train around 1pm local time. tary, referring to North Korea by The North also wants security last thing China wants are large chol, a former spy chief and etnamese fl ags fl uttering above were spotted at Beijing’s station China has given no details of the initials of its offi cial name, guarantees and a formal end of scale nuclear weapons right next Kim’s top envoy in negotiations a handshake design, and security yesterday, but there was no con- his trip. Its foreign ministry did the Democratic People’s Repub- the 1950-1953 Korean War, which door.” with the United States, as well has been stepped up at locations fi rmation that it was Kim’s. South not immediately respond to a re- lic of Korea. ended in a truce, not a treaty. In a letter to Trump last week, as senior party aide Ri Su-yong, that could be the summit venue, Korea’s Yonhap news agency said quest for comment.

Okinawa votes against US base move: exit polls Vanuatu announces

AFP vote for one of the three options: lot of tax money and manpower plans to do away with Nago for or against relocation or a third for this referendum, even though choice of “neither.” In any case, the result will not have any legal the vote is non-binding on the power. So we thought that we disposable diapers oters on the Japanese is- central government and turn- should take this opportunity and land of Okinawa have re- out was just above 50%, raising think very carefully about this is- Vjected the relocation of a questions about what eff ect the sue.” AFP Disposable diapers pose an controversial US military base, referendum will have. “We usually shout no to the Wellington environmental nuisance as according to offi cial results from The government of Prime new base construction. This is a they are lined with non-bio- a non-binding referendum yes- Minister Shinzo Abe has vowed good opportunity to tell the gov- degradable plastic and use the terday. to press on with moving the base ernment directly with concrete he Pacifi c nation of Van- chemical sodium polyacrylate With 99% of ballots counted, and the relocation is also backed numbers: ‘No’. This is an impor- uatu has announced as an absorbent. some 72% had voted against the by Washington. tant vote,” 32-year-old Narumi Tplans to ban disposable The human waste they move with 19% in favour, ac- The relocation of the Futenma Haine told AFP. diapers in a move it says will contain also leaches harm- cording to the local government. base to Nago, 50km away, was “The referendum has un- signifi cantly reduce pollution. ful chemicals into the envi- Opponents of the relocation — fi rst agreed in 1996 as the US derlined once again Okinawa’s Foreign Minister Ralph Re- ronment, rather than going some 434,000 — had turned out sought to calm local anger after A Japanese resident casts his ballot at a polling station in Ginowan. strong opposition to the relo- genvanu announced the ban through the sewerage system in suffi cient numbers to meet the US servicemen gang raped a local cation,” Yoshinobu Yamamoto, at a conference in Port Vila to minimise its impact. Critics threshold required for Okinawa schoolgirl. But the plan has long ma from its current location boycott the vote. Polls opened professor of politics at the Uni- this week, saying plastic cut- say in addition to being a waste Governor Denny Tamaki to “re- been stalled in part over local op- in a heavily populated part of early yesterday morning, with versity of Niigata prefecture, told lery, polystyrene cups, plastic problem, the nappy manufac- spect” the result of the symbolic position. Okinawa. It was initially planned about 1.15mn Okinawans eligible AFP. “The result could be a nego- drinks stirrers and types of turing process also contributes referendum, it said. The ballot asked residents as a yes-no vote, but a “neither” to vote. tiating card for the governor, but food packaging would also be to global warming. For this to happen, one quar- whether they supported a plan to option was added after several Speaking after casting her bal- it’s unlikely to have an immediate outlawed. However, parents find ter of the eligible electorate – or reclaim land at a remote coastal cities with close ties to the cen- lot at a local school, voter Yuki impact,” he added. “The dispute He said research showed them far more convenient around 290,000 people – had to site for the relocation of Futen- tral government threatened to Miyagaki said: “They are using a is far from its resolution.” disposable diapers — or nap- than old-fashioned cloth pies as they are known outside nappies, which have to be North America — were the washed and dried. Brit- largest single item of house- ain’s Environment Secretary hold waste in the capital. Michael Gove was forced to “Eliminating this item alone rule out a nappy ban last year Emperor Akihito urges Japan to build “sincere” ties with world will disproportionately reduce after making off-the-cuff re- plastic waste,” he tweeted. marks seen as paving the way Vanuatu is one of several Pa- for prohibiting their use. Reuters country to open up and forge sin- try...is being asked now to open terday’s ceremony was attended Relations with Seoul, in par- cifi c nations severely aff ected Parents groups described Tokyo cere ties with the world. up further to the outside in a by Empress Michiko, Prime Min- ticular, have been chilled by by climate change and prides the potential ban as a backward The 85-year-old monarch, globalised world, to establish its ister Shinzo Abe and other digni- feuds over wartime memories itself on showing environmen- step for women, who were who became a symbol of peace own position with wisdom and taries. and military squabbling. tal leadership. Last year it be- most likely to have to shoulder apan’s Emperor Akihito, who and reconciliation after the death to build relations with other Japan’s ties with neighbouring The emperor, whose father came one of the fi rst countries the labour-intensive process of will abdicate at the end of of his father Hirohito, in whose countries with sincerity,” Aki- China and the two Koreas have was once considered a living god, in the world to ban single-use cleaning reusable diapers. JApril in the fi rst such event in name Japan fought World War II, hito said. long been plagued by the bit- is defi ned by the post-war con- plastic bags. The nappy ban, The environmental group two centuries, marked the 30th also stressed the desire of his fel- He will step down on April 30, ter wartime legacy and Tokyo’s stitution as a symbol of unity, which still needs fi nal approv- Worldwatch Institute estimat- anniversary of his enthrone- low Japanese for peace. to be succeeded the next day by 1910-1945 colonisation of the without political power, but is al, is scheduled to begin on De- ed in 2007 that 450bn nappies ment yesterday with a call for the “I think that our island coun- Crown Prince Naruhito, 59. Yes- Korean peninsula. widely respected. cember 1 this year. were used globally every year. Gulf Times 16 Monday, February 25, 2019 BRITAIN Shamima Begum regrets publicising desire to return to UK

Guardian News and Media in 2015 while still a schoolgirl, had stayed low and found a dif- The Home Offi ce confi rmed and Dhaka has insisted it will not vile comments” Begum made, his home in Bangladesh, Ahmed London faces being stripped of her Brit- ferent way to contact my family. last year that about 400 Britons allow her to enter the country. but that it planned to help her Ali, 60, said: “I am on the side of ish citizenship in what some have That’s why I spoke.” had returned to the UK from the In a letter to Javid written by challenge the decision to strip the government. described as a populist move by Begum’s case has been the sub- Middle East having fought with her eldest sister Renu, Begum’s her of her British citizenship “I can’t say whether it is right hamima Begum believes the Home Secretary, Sajid Javid. ject fi erce debate since she fi rst groups such as IS. family pleaded for help in bring- because she had been exploited or wrong, but if the law of the she may have inadvertent- In an interview with the Sun- spoke about her desire to return International law is clear that ing her newborn son back to and “fundamentally damaged” land says that it is correct to Sly harmed her prospects of day Telegraph, Begum, who to the UK earlier this month at the a person’s citizenship cannot Britain. The home secretary has during her time with IS. cancel her citizenship, then I returning to the UK by drawing wants to return from Syria with al-Hol refugee camp in Syria. be revoked if doing so would indicated that the baby’s citizen- Her father, however, told the agree … If she at least admitted public attention to her situation. her newborn son, who she says Some argue that she is a secu- make them stateless. Begum is ship is unaff ected by the move to Mail yesterday he did not have she made a mistake then I would The British-born 19-year-old, is unwell, said: “They are mak- rity risk and has shown little re- of Bangladeshi heritage, but she deprive Begum of her rights. a problem with the government feel sorry for her and other peo- who travelled from east London ing an example of me. I regret morse, but others say that she is says she has never held or ap- The family said it had been forfeiting his daughter’s right to ple would feel sorry for her. But to Syria to join Islamic State (Isis) speaking to the media. I wish I being unfairly singled out. plied for Bangladeshi citizenship “shocked and appalled at the return to the UK. Speaking from she does not accept her wrong.” Police guilty of discrimination against white male: court

Daily Mail chief offi cers at Cheshire Police London launched an ‘action plan’ to re- cruit more black, Asian and female offi cers. he son of a police chief who This followed a government tried to join his father’s review which revealed the force Tforce was rejected for being had no black offi cers, just fi ve ‘a white, heterosexual male with- from Asian backgrounds and four out disability’. of mixed race, compared to more Matthew Furlong, 25, had ap- than 1,400 white offi cers. plied for his ‘dream job’ as a con- The force started holding re- stable with Cheshire Police, where cruitment and advertising days his father, Liam, 52, is a detective at pride events, faith centres and inspector. Sikh temples. It also appointed a He performed well in tests and lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans- at interview but the force was so gender “positive action adviser” to desperate for more recruits from drive recruitment on social media. ethnic minorities or who were gay The force’s then acting chief Prime Minister Theresa May poses with European Council president Donald Tusk during a summit between Arab League and European Union member states, in Sharm or transgender that it refused to constable Janette McCormick, el-Sheikh, Egypt, yesterday. hire him. who now works at the College of Furlong, who has a degree in Policing, believed “passionately particle physics from Lancaster about positive action and ... a di- University, lodged a discrimina- verse police force,” the tribunal tion claim against Cheshire Police was told. Judge Clare Grundy under equality legislation, and noted: “She is clearly a trailblazer won. who feels strongly that the force It is believed to be the fi rst suc- requires some signifi cant change.” cessful case of its kind. Although offi cer numbers from Prime minister delays In a ruling last week a judge minority groups rose by 2017, the criticised the force for treating plan was having only “a small ef- candidates with “protected char- fect”. Furlong was among about acteristics” – including those who 675 candidates who applied to join were gay, transgender, disabled, Cheshire Police in September 2017 black or from other ethnic mi- and was shortlisted a month later. norities – more favourably than He passed challenging tests and vote on fi nal Brexit deal Furlong, who was “a white, het- was invited for an interview, along erosexual male without disability”. with 182 others, in November. Guardian News and Media drawal agreement to bring back deal is agreed by mid-March. “People are talking about the ministers who have threatened Furlong, of Frodsham, Cheshire, Although the interview went London to MPs, she had promised to ta- Rudd published a public extension of Article 50 as if it to resign, she said: “I have rec- declined to comment, but his father well, with an inspector on the ble an amendable motion, which statement on Saturday with solves the issue when of course ognised and others have recog- said: “I’ve tried not to get involved. panel telling Furlong he had been would have allowed backbench- David Gauke, the justice secre- it won’t. It defers the point of nised that there are strong views It is such a political hot potato. The “refreshingly well-prepared”, he MPs may have to wait until ers another chance to try to tary, and the Business Secretary, decision. There comes a point that are held on this issue. What chief constable is big on diversity, was rejected six days later. He was March 12 for a meaningful vote block a no-deal Brexit. Greg Clark, warning about the when we must make that deci- we are collectively doing as a which is quite right, but it has to be among 34 white male non-disa- on the government’s fi nal Brexit May said: “My team will be risks of a no-deal Brexit. sion.” government and as a Cabinet is applied within the letter of the law bled candidates who were unsuc- deal, Theresa May has said in an back in Brussels tomorrow. As a May has imposed a March Asked what she would do if working to get that deal. and they didn’t do that.” cessful. All the black candidates intervention that will deepen result of that, we won’t bring a 12 deadline for a vote because she lost the meaningful vote, she “Parliament wants to see The case came as the leader were off ered roles. splits in her Cabinet. meaningful vote to parliament it should be held before the said: “Why is it that people are changes to the backstop. We of Britain’s police chiefs called In feedback Furlong was told The prime minister con- this week, but we will ensure that chancellor’s spring statement always trying to look for the next have been working with the EU for radical laws to allow police to there were not enough vacancies fi rmed yesterday that she would that happens by March 12. But on March 13, Downing Street thing after the next thing after on that. Our focus is on leaving positively discriminate in favour of for all the 127 candidates who had not hold the vote this week as it’s still within our grasp to leave sources said. the next thing? with a deal. My intention is to ethnic minority candidates. passed the interview stage. she arrived in Sharm El Sheikh the EU by March 29 and that is May brushed off calls to “It is pointless, we should fo- work with a deal.” Sara Thornton, chairman of the But judge Grundy found the Egypt, where she discussed what we are planning to do.” change course. “What we see cus on what we are doing now, In a separate development, National Police Chiefs’ Council, force had set the interview pass Brexit on the margins of an EU Amber Rudd, the work and around the Cabinet table are which is working to get a deal May pledged £200mn to help said unless changes were made, threshold ‘artifi cially low’ and summit with Arab leaders. pensions secretary, is among strong views on the issue of and bring that deal to a mean- victims of the war in Yemen. the rank and fi le would remain candidates were awarded a simple It is a critical week for May, three Cabinet ministers who Europe. What we are doing as a ingful vote, which I want to see “We are playing our part and overwhelmingly white for decades pass or fail, which meant substan- with many in the House of Com- have publicly threatened to defy government is ensuring we are passed by the House of Com- will continue to do so but there to come. tial numbers were ‘deemed equal’ mons having been expecting to the prime minister by backing doing everything we can to leave mons and leave on March 29.” is still more that we as an inter- Furlong’s employment tribunal when in reality some were much vote on her deal. an eff ort to force the govern- the Europe Union with a deal,” Asked about the open defi - national community can do,” in Liverpool was told that in 2015 better than others. Without a reworked with- ment to extend Article 50 if no she said. ance from the three Cabinet she said. Royal Mail sorry for Royals in Morocco Holiday prices drop 50% over Brexit fears stamp price blunder Daily Mail in place, fi rms are off ering heavy London discounts to entice holidaymak- ers who could be nervous over Daily Mail dren, which helps disadvantaged like idiots.” In the changes an- the implications for fl ights, vi- London children across the UK.” nounced yesterday, fi rst class amilies can now grab an sas, currency, car hire and health It is the second major blunder stamps rise by 4.5% and second Easter getaway bargain as cover. by Royal Mail in two months. In class by 5.2%. They follow a dra- Fholiday prices have been Coulthurst said Brexit uncer- oyal Mail posted a major late December bosses were forced matic fall in the number of letters slashed amid Brexit fears. tainty “is clearly having an eff ect blunder as it announced a to apologise over a stamp design being sent as Britons opt instead The cost of a sunshine break is on some people’s decision” to Rround of stamp price in- planned to commemorate the for e-mail and instant messag- being cut by up to 50% the week travel to Europe and added that creases. D-Day landings which actually ing. immediately following Britain’s the current discounts are “really It said fi rst class stamps will showed US troops on a beach in They are also paying bills on- withdrawal from the European unheard of.” rise by 3p to 70p and second class Asia. line rather than sending cheques Union on March 29. Among the most aff ordable will go up by the same amount to The stamp was intended to through the post. The number of Holidaymakers happy to de- Easter holiday deals is a seven- 61p on March 25. represent British troops landing letters sent fell by 8% in the nine part on that date can go to the day trip to the Algarve for a fam- However, shortly after unveil- in France and was labelled ‘D- months to December 23 com- Algarve in Portugal for up to 47% ily of four at £432. ing the changes, Royal Mail had Day Allied soldiers and medics pared to the same period the year less than a fortnight earlier, or to This is more than £200 cheap- to apologise for breaking the of- wade ashore’. It was part of the before. Costa Blanca in south-east Spain er – a 23% drop – than last year’s fi cial second class price cap. The 2019 Special Stamp programme Income from stamp sales was for 48% less. best deal, which was a week in 60p cap, set by regulator Ofcom, showcasing the ‘Best of British’ down 6%. Royal Mail claimed Emma Coulthurst, of com- Benidorm at £668. should stand until April 1. The and was due to be released in that UK stamp prices were parison site TravelSupermarket. Another bargain is a seven- increase to 61p comes into eff ect June to mark the 75th anniver- among the best value in Europe. com, said: “In all of the time night stay on the Costa Brava in one week early. sary of the Normandy landings It said the European average I have worked in travel, I have north-east Spain, also for a fam- Royal Mail apologised and said in 1944. In a humiliating U-turn, for fi rst class letters up to 100g is never ever seen prices like this ily of four, for £444 – a 24% dis- it would give the extra money it Royal Mail said the image would 99p while second class is 77p. across so many destinations.” count on last year’s price. expects to receive – estimated at no longer be part of the fi nal col- The company is trying to boost She said there had also been And a similar trip to Corfu £60,000 – to a children’s charity. lection. its relevance to younger peo- a rise in searches for long-haul in Greece should cost a family A spokesman said: “We apologise Historian Paul Woodadge had ple – including some who have package holidays such as the £496, which is 17% less than the for this mistake. We are putting warned post chiefs: “The im- never posted a letter – with a set Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, pose Caribbean and Africa. previous year. this right by donating the revenue age chosen actually depicts US of superhero stamps featuring for a photo during the investiture of Michael McHugo, Ordinarily, holiday fi rms hike Meanwhile, many Britons are that we expect to collect from the troops disembarking at Dutch Spider-Man, Hulk, Thor, Iron founder of the Moroccan NGO ‘Education for All’, in Asni, their prices at this time of year as considering destinations as far error – around £60,000 – to our New Guinea in May 1944. Please Man, Black Panther and Captain Morocco, yesterday. the weather warms up. But ex- away as Bali, Zanzibar and Ja- chosen charity Action for Chil- correct this or you will look Britain. perts say with ‘no deal’ currently maica. Gulf Times Monday, February 25, 2019 17 EUROPE Child sex abuse akin to

A woman involves her child to cast her vote yesterday at a ‘human sacrifi ce’: Pope polling station in Chisinau. DPA/AFP/Reuters Pope, Father Federico Lombardi, sharing of lewd images or vid- heard before,” she said in a state- Vatican City a summit organiser, told report- eos of children under 14, should ment. ers. be expanded to punish material “Especially distressing was The Pope will issue “a new concerning older minors. the Pope’s familiar rationalisa- Moldova he Catholic Church will Motu Proprio” on the “protec- But on Saturday, Ending Cler- tion that abuse happens in all stop covering up the tion of minors and vulnerable gy Abuse (ECA), a global advo- sectors of society ... we needed Tcrimes of paedophile persons”, he said after the Pope’s cacy group for abuse survivors, him to off er a bold and decisive holds priests “as was usual in the speech. had other priorities as it called plan. He gave us instead defen- past”, Pope Francis said yester- Motu Proprios are legal docu- for the automatic expulsion sive, recycled rhetoric,” Barrett- day at the end of the Vatican’s ments issued under the Pope’s from the clergy of all predator Doyle said. election anti-child abuse summit, but his personal authority, and this one priests and bishops who cover Italian abuse survivor Ales- much-anticipated speech was will “strengthen prevention and up for them. sandro Battaglia cried in Saint short on concrete measures. the fi ght against abuse on the The ECA sees that as real Peter’s Square along with other AFP The unprecedented summit part of the Roman Curia and “zero tolerance” against abuse. victims. Chisinau was called in response to a new Vatican City State”, Lombardi It also called for the publica- “I did not hear a ‘sorry’ ... I spate of clergy sex abuse and said. tion of a “global registry of cred- Pope Francis is seen yesterday, during the last day of the four-day didn’t hear anything, anything cover-up allegations, including Francis also wants to create ibly accused clergy” and for the meeting on the global sexual abuse crisis, at the Vatican in this concrete, nothing that was fair,” iny ex-Soviet Moldova in the US, Chile, Germany and “task forces” to help local par- Catholic Church to “provide screen grab taken from video. he said. “It is they who destroyed held a chaotic parliamen- Australia, which exacerbated the ishes fi ght clerical paedophilia reparation for victims world- us. This isn’t enough, we are not Ttary vote yesterday, with Catholic Church’s decades-old and the Vatican will draw up wide”. and in other areas ... for we are “From a child protection point satisfi ed.” both pro-Russian and pro-EU sex abuse crisis. guidelines for bishops on deal- Francis did not directly re- dealing with abominable crimes of view it’s been a waste of time. Archbishop Charles Sciclu- forces accusing the ruling party “No abuse must ever be cov- ing with abuse cases, he added. spond to those demands. that must be erased from the From keeping the world’s eyes on na, one of the organisers of the of massive election fraud. ered up, as was usual in the past, There will also be a new Vati- His speech framed child sex face of the earth,” the Pope said. this institution and its failure to summit, told journalists that he They said the Democratic par- or overlooked, as covering up can-issued code of conduct for abuse as part of a wider societal Children must be “protected protect children, it’s been a great understood the “frustration” of ty led by powerful oligarch Vlad abuses favours the spread of evil bishops handling abuse cases, problem, noting that perpetra- from ravenous wolves”, he said, success,” he said. survivors, insisting “the expec- Plahotniuc had bussed in voters and adds a further layer of scan- and “task forces” deployed to tors are “primarily parents, rela- adding: “We stand face to face Writing on Twitter, German tations of victims should also be from the country’s separatist dal,” the Pope said in a closing national Catholic Church or- tives, husbands of child brides, with the mystery of evil.” child abuse survivor and ECA our expectations, and they are”. breakaway region Transnistria speech to the four-day confer- ganisations that are further be- coaches and teachers”, rather The Pope rejected contrast- spokesman Matthias Katsch said The Vatican has in the past and told them how to vote. ence. hind on anti-abuse measures, than priests. ing solutions to the crisis off ered “the Pope’s speech is a shame- refused to hand over internal Moldova’s pro-Moscow Pres- Addressing an audience of Lombardi said. However, such conduct is “all by Catholic progressives and less attempt to put himself at documents about abuse cases to ident Igor Dodon and pro-Brus- nearly 200, including 114 bish- Opening the summit on the more grave and scandalous conservatives, consisting, on the forefront of the movement police investigating paedophilia. sels opposition leader Andrei ops from around the world and Thursday, Francis presented in the church, for it is utterly one hand, of an end to the celi- [against child abuse], without German Cardinal Reinhard Nastase both alleged the party a handful of nuns, he reaffi rmed a 21-point reform road map incompatible with her moral au- bacy rule for priests, and, on the confronting the guilt and failure, Marx admitted on Saturday that conspired with Transnistrian that “even a single case of abuse against child abuse. thority and ethical credibility”, other, involving tougher policing or tackling real changes”. “fi les that could have docu- separatist authorities to organise – which already in itself repre- However, his speech yesterday and clergy who engage in it “be- against homosexual behaviour Francesco Zanardi, survivor mented the terrible deeds and the fraud. sents an atrocity – [...] will be did not include specifi c com- come tools of Satan”. within the clergy. and head of Italian victims’ as- named those responsible were Videos and reports about un- tackled with the utmost seri- mitments, except for a pledge The sexual abuse of minors, The 82-year-old Pontiff had sociation Rete Abuso, said the destroyed, or not even created”. known men off ering transport ousness.” to toughen Vatican laws against Francis insisted, “is always the warned victims to lower their Vatican had “lost credibility”. Yesterday Archbishop Mark and money to voters circulated “We have heard these com- online child pornography. result of an abuse of power”, expectations, saying much of “We wanted to see measures, Coleridge of Australia delivered on social media. mitments to ‘confront abuse’ Thomas Schueller, a canon and church leaders must take the work would be done post- to see the bishops (guilty of a homily in the Mass that pre- Authorities in Transnistria – many times before. When and law expert at the University of responsibility for it, rather than summit. protecting paedophile priests) ceded Francis’s speech, in which which broke away from Moldova how is what we need to hear – in Muenster in Germany, called “fall into the trap of blaming Swiss victim Jean-Marie Fur- named. Start by opening the he said leaders of the church after the fall of the USSR but is detail,” Marie Collins, an abuse Francis’s remarks as “a missed others, which is a step towards bringer said: “Honestly it’s a Vatican archives, not by de- have been their “own worst en- not recognised internationally – survivor who resigned from a opportunity”. the ‘alibi’ that separates us from pastoral ‘blabla’, saying it’s the stroying documents. Start emy” as they turned a blind eye did not allow polling stations to Vatican anti-sex abuse panel in “Instead of forcefully stating reality”. fault of the devil”. handing documents over to the to clergy child sex abuse. be opened in the region. 2017, commented on Twitter. the church’s responsibility from “I am reminded too of the “It talks about the devil, it civil authorities,” he said. Speaking from the Sala Regia, However, around 220,000 The Vatican announced “con- the perspective of the victims, cruel religious practice, once talks about evil ... there is no talk Anne Barrett-Doyle of the a grand hall that serves as an an- people living in the narrow crete initiatives” in a separate there was the routine and unin- widespread in certain cultures, about permanently excluding US-based clergy abuse tracking tichamber to the Sistine Chapel, stretch of land hold Moldovan statement. spiring roll-out of statements of of sacrifi cing human beings – child rapists and abusers who group bishopaccountability.org, Coleridge called for a “Coper- citizenship and are eligible to These include new child pro- the obvious,” he told DPA. frequently children – in pagan are employees of the church,” called it a “stunning letdown”. nican revolution” consisting in vote on the opposite side of the tection rules for the Vatican City Francis said that a Vatican rites,” he said. said Britain’s Peter Saunders, “As the world’s Catholics “the discovery that those who Dniester River that separates State and the Roman Curia, the law introduced by his predeces- “I make a heartfelt appeal a victim who resigned from a cry out for concrete change, have been abused do not re- the rebel republic from govern- Vatican’s central administra- sor Benedict XVI in 2010, which for an all-out battle against the Vatican advisory commission on the Pope instead provides tepid volve around the church, but the ment-controlled territory. tion, to soon be published by the criminalised the possession and abuse of minors both sexually combating abuse. promises, all of which we’ve church around them”. Vladimir Chebotar, deputy chairman of the Democratic Party, acknowledged yesterday that there had been “violations” during the election but shrugged them off as a minor issue, saying Winds fan they would “not aff ect the voting process”. He said the vote was taking forest fi res place in largely “normal” con- ditions, with only “small inci- dents” reported. in Corsica Polls opened at 7am (0500 GMT) and were due to close at 9pm, with results expected this AFP morning. Ajaccio, France No party is likely to gain the majority needed to form a gov- ernment in this country of 3.5mn irefi ghters battled a series people, and analysts are con- of forest fi res yesterday on cerned the vote will be followed Fthe French Mediterranean by a period of instability. island of Corsica that were being While many people want to driven by strong winds across maintain close ties with Mos- hard-to-access mountain rang- cow, others are looking towards es, authorities said. the European Union, seeking to One of the biggest blazes be- follow the example of Romania, gan overnight in Calenzana, a with which Moldova shares a village near the northern coastal language and long history. Erika Chia performs as the ‘Angel of the new Carnival’ yesterday in Venice. city of Calvi, burning nearly Victoria Chetrean, 40, who 1,300 hectares (3,200 acres) by works in a private company, told afternoon yesterday. AFP that she voted for the pro- “There’s a lot of wind so we’re European alliance that favours focusing on trying to keep it joining the EU and the North ‘Flying angels’ mark the start from spreading,” the govern- Atlantic Treaty Organisation ment’s regional offi cial Gerard (Nato). Gavory told AFP. “My husband has worked in to Venice Carnival festivities Planes were dumping fi re re- Italy for over 10 years for us to tardants on the area, and so far have a bare minimum standard no homes or farms had been de- of living,” she said. “We should AFP (325’) bell-tower of the Basilica from above, it’s the most beau- stroyed, Gavory said. work towards European living Venice to a stage below. tiful city in the world,” Rossi “Despite repeated warn- standards.” As she soars overhead, the told AFPTV. “I did this for the ings by the authorities, stubble Moldova’s economy is angel tosses confetti over on- many people who are suff ering burnings that got out of con- propped up by remittances from enice Carnival kicked lookers below, many wear- from an illness right now, and trol, along with the very strong workers abroad, which has seen off yesterday with not ing costumes and disguised in I have been thinking of them in winds, started the fi res,” Gavory the caused the working-age Vone but two traditional masks. their hospital rooms.” said. “We had 20 break out yes- population to fall sharply. “fl ight of the angel” ceremo- Erika Chia, 20, descended The centuries-old Venice terday and eight today.” “People are disillusioned nies, a highlight of the festival to music from David Bowie’s Carnival, rooted in Christian However, while Calenzana with the state, a million people before thousands of onlookers Space Oddity. festivities ahead of the fasting Mayor Pierre Guidonia also de- have left,” said Ion Vasilache, a in the Italian Renaissance city’s In an exception this year, she period of Lent, attracts crowds nounced a “cowardly and crimi- 42-year-old university lecturer Saint Mark’s Square. was preceded by “warrior an- of foreign and Italian tourists to nal act”, state prosecutor Caro- who supports Moldova join- Each fi rst Sunday of the car- gel” Micol Rossi, 27, who was its masked balls and theatrical line Tharot said investigations ing the EU. “I am ready to leave nival, a young woman chosen chosen as a symbol of hope performances. into the cause of the fi res were tomorrow. If the same corrupt as “Marie” has the honour of and tenacity for her battle with The carnival, which lasts un- still underway. authorities stay in power after performing the stunt, gliding Crohn’s disease. til March 5, was created in Ven- Around 170 people were fi ght- the election, I will leave for Ro- ‘Warrior angel’ Micol Rossi performs as the ‘Angel of the new through the air on a harness at- “It has been so emotional ice in 1162, the day after a mili- ing blazes in northern Corsica mania.” Carnival’ yesterday in Venice. tached to a cable from the 99m to see the whole city of Venice tary victory. yesterday afternoon, often on rocky terrain where fi re trucks could not reach. Germany fails to deport nearly every Thousands march in Moscow in memory Drunk driver mows down pedestrians In the southern part of the island the biggest fi re was at second failed asylum-seeker: minister of murdered Kremlin critic Nemtsov in Saint Petersburg, killing two Tolla to the east of Ajaccio, with around 80 hectares burned, Germany failed to deport 27,000 rejected asylum-seekers last year, Several thousand Russians took part in a march in memory of Kremlin Two people have died after a drunk man without a driver’s licence Colonel Christophe Magny of nearly half of the total 57,000 cases, Interior Minister Horst Seehofer critic Boris Nemtsov yesterday, four years after he was gunned down. ran over multiple pedestrians on a boulevard frequented by tourists the regional fi re service said. said yesterday, adding that the government would step up eff orts to get Ordinary Muscovites and prominent opposition figures, including in Saint Petersburg. In nearby fi re Sampolo some those migrants out of the country. politician Alexei Navalny, marched through the centre of the city. A 40-year-old US citizen and a 39-year-old woman from Moscow 50 acres had burned, Magny Seehofer, a member of the Bavarian sister party of Chancellor Angela Pro-opposition monitors estimated the turnout at 10,000. died overnight, local media reported yesterday. said. Merkel’s conservatives, is one of the sharpest critics of her decision in In Saint Petersburg, around 800 people gathered to mark the Three others were injured, police said. “There’s scrub but also chest- 2015 to open Germany’s borders to more than 1mn refugees. anniversary outside the Finland train station. The driver had been without a licence since November 2018. nut groves that have been hit, Seehofer told Bild am Sonntag newspaper that the 27,000 rejected Nemtsov, one of the most vocal Putin critics, was gunned down shortly He was taken into police custody. and with the steep terrain and asylum-seekers could not be deported because they had no travel before midnight on February 27, 2015, walking across a bridge a short A video of the incident published by Russian media showed a the wind, this could be a major documents or police could not find them. distance from the Kremlin. vehicle driving along the footpath and hitting multiple people. fi re,” he said. Gulf Times 18 Monday, February 25, 2019 INDIA

ACCIDENT INFRASTRUCTURE APPEAL CRIME EXPLOSION 174 cars destroyed Gadkari launches Jamia teachers urge Gold worth Rs2mn seized, Compensation for in Chennai fire HP highway projects Kejriwal to set up hospital woman arrested families of victims

At least 174 cars were destroyed in a fire that Minister of Road, Transport and Highways Nitin The Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) teachers’ The Border Security Force (BSF) seized gold The West Bengal government yesterday gave engulfed a parking lot in Porur area of Chennai Gadkari yesterday laid the foundation stones organisation has urged Delhi Chief Minister worth Rs2.1mn from West Bengal’s Nadia district compensation cheques of Rs200,000 each to yesterday afternoon, officials said. The cars for Rs4,459.24 crore highway projects at Gaggal Arvind Kejriwal to set up of a 500-bed hospital and arrested a woman, an off icial said yesterday. the families of labourers from the state who were were parked near the Sri Ramachandra town in Himachal Pradesh. State Chief Minister in the university to cater to the training needs Acting on a tip-off , the BSF troopers intercepted killed in an explosion at an illegal firecrackers Medical Centre, a Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Jai Ram Thakur was present on the occasion. of dentistry students. The Jamia Teachers’ a woman near the Indo-Bangladesh international factory in Uttar Pradesh’s Bhadohi on Saturday. Services official said. “We got information at During his day-long visit to the hill state, Gadkari Association (JTA) raised the demand for the border in Nadia district’s Haritalapara village on Of the 13 dead, nine hailed from West Bengal’s 2.05pm and six fire tenders were sent to douse laid the foundation stone for widening a 37.05 km hospital with Kejriwal on Saturday, when the chief Saturday afternoon and seized gold ornaments Malda district. A dozen others were injured in the flames. The fire has been extinguished,” stretch from Punjab-Himachal border to Sihuni, minister met a few “locality intellectuals” at Okhla, weighing around 650g. “Lalita Mondal, 30, a the blast that occurred at Rothaan village, 30km district officer P Saravanan said. Thirty-two of National Highway 154 to be completed at a which included the university teachers. “Although resident of Haritalapara village, was arrested from Bhadohi district headquarters. State Urban cars were saved. The cause of the fire is not cost of Rs1572.90 crore, a government statement we are running the bachelor’s degree course in with 136 pieces of gold rings and 20 pieces of Development Minister Firhad Hakim handed over known. In a similar incident on Saturday, at said. He also laid the foundation stone for the dentistry the JMI is forced to send students to gold bracelets, from near the border road at the cheques to some of the bereaved families at least 300 cars were gutted in a massive fire 104.60km Paonta Sahib-Gumma-Feduzpul other hospitals as we do not have our own facility,” 2.40pm on Saturday,” a release issued by the Enayetpur in Malda and said eligible members of that broke out in the parking lot opposite section of the National Highway 707, to be JTA secretary Majid Jamil told Kejriwal. “The BSF’s south Bengal frontier said. Interrogation each family would be given a job under the state’s the Indian Air Force’s Yelahanka air base in constructed at a cost of Rs1,356 crore. The other university is situated in a densely populated area, revealed that she received the consignment Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS). He Karnataka where the Aero India Show was highway projects included 109.75km Hamirpur- where many underprivileged people desperately from a local named Sammer Paul to be delivered also promised old age pension to the widows and underway. Mandi section of the National Highway 70. need quality medical facilities,” Jamil said. in Bangladesh’s Kalpur. mothers of the deceased persons.

Modi to unveil war GST on new memorial in Delhi homes cut to IANS New Delhi

rime Minister Narendra Modi will today inaugurate Pthe National War Memo- 5% ahead of rial near India Gate that has been built to commemorate the val- our and sacrifi ce of armed forces personnel who laid down their lives in the service of the nation after independence. Since independence, more crucial polls than 25,000 personnel have been martyred during the Indo-China Reuters, IANS in some cases, commit fraud. the PM-KISAN (Pradhan Mantri War in 1962, the Indo-Pakistan New Delhi The GST Council has revised Kisan Samman Nidhi) scheme will wars in 1947, 1965 and 1971, the down tax on hundreds of goods be electronically transferred to the Indian Peace Keeping Force op- and services in the past 18 months. bank accounts of benefi ciaries. erations in Sri Lanka and the ndia yesterday announced a The council also altered the Launching the scheme in confl ict in Kargil in 1999. cut in the Goods and Services defi nition of aff ordable housing Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, the The National War Memo- ITax (GST) charged on sales for India’s secondary and small- prime minister said previous rial also commemorates the of residential properties under er cities. governments had drafted similar soldiers who participated and construction as the government For non-metro cities, any home schemes but never empowered made supreme sacrifi ces in UN looks to stimulate the economy built on an area of 90sq m and the farmers. peace-keeping missions, Hu- by driving up consumption. below would be categorised as af- “They did not have the will to manitarian Assistance Disaster The GST Council, comprising fordable, up from the current 60sq empower the farmer community Relief (HADR) operations, coun- state and federal fi nance minis- m cap, according to the fi nance but to keep them dependant.” ter insurgency operations and ters, announced that the new rate ministry. The 60sq m ceiling re- This is why people voted for a Low Intensity Confl ict Opera- will be 5%, down from 12%, on all mains for homes in metro cities. single-party majority govern- tions (LICO). new housing projects except those The property also has to be ment in 2014, he said. “It is a tribute to our fallen he- that are classifi ed as aff ordable Rs4.5mn ($63,360) or below to “We are working to ensure roes and the bravest of the brave. housing, according to a statement qualify as aff ordable. that you get everything and that It epitomises a rich saga of cour- from the fi nance ministry. The statement specifi ed that by 2022 you income is doubled.” age, valour and selfl ess sacrifi ce The council also decided to the council would classify New Modi said states like Bihar and made by our heroes in the rich slash the tax rate on aff ordable Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chen- Uttar Pradesh had done their bit military tradition,” Lt Gen P S housing projects to 1% from 8%, nai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad as and warned governments of the Rajeshwar, Chief of Integrated the statement said after a meet- its metro cities. states “doing politics on this is- Defence Staff , said at a special ing in New Delhi yesterday. The GST Council, the state- sue” not to do so or they will face media briefi ng. “This will give boost to hous- ment said, specifi ed that builders, the wrath of the farmers. The prime minister will in- ing for all,” Finance Ministr Arun who utilise the lower rate will not “We may be on two sides of augurate the memorial by light- Jaitley said in a Twitter post. be able to get a refund of input tax. politics but why make farmers ing the eternal fl ame and lay- Prime Minister Narendra Mo- The new rates will be applica- suff er?” he asked. ing wreaths. All the traditional di’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party ble from April 1. The prime minister cautioned wreath laying will be done at has been seeking to stimulate the Home buyers had complained farmers to be careful about ca- the National War Memorial economy as he faces a general that builders were not passing on nards being spread about the now though the Amar Jawan election by May. Concerns about the benefi ts from the refunds of scheme by the opposition parties. Jyoti would still remain there, low farm incomes and weak jobs input tax credit to them. However, Bahujan Samaj chief Rajeshwar said. growth have undermined his Input tax is essentially credit Mayawati trashed the scheme as “I am sure the future gen- standing with voters. received by the builders on pay- “inadequate and humiliating”. eration will be inspired by the Last month, the government ment of taxes on building mate- “Giving @ Rs17 per day to few National War Memorial and it announced a change in national rials such as cement. farmers just before Lok Sabha will help inculcate a sense of be- sales tax rules that would ex- “This decision ahead of the elections is pure hoodwinking,” longing and national pride,” he empt about 2mn small business- elections could provide some the former Uttar Pradesh chief added. es from payment of tax. relief to home buyers,” said Ab- minister tweeted. Built at a cost of Rs171 crore, The residential sector in some hishek Kumar, president of a “The Rs500 a month to poor the memorial has a 15.5m tall parts of the country has been in homebuyers association. farmers under PM Kisan Sam- obelisk with an eternal fl ame a torpor following the failure of Earlier in the day, Prime Min- man Nidhi is an insult to the and 16 circular walls of honour some property developers. ister Modi inaugurated a scheme farmers. Farmers believe in their on which the names of 25,942 In and around the capital New for farmers which promises to labour and want remunera- martyrs have been carved on Delhi, for example, there are many give a Rs6,000 handout to farm- tive price of their produce but granite tablets. The pattern of half-completed properties. ers annually, which his govern- BJP mentality to give them little the walls symbolises the ancient Home buyers put deposits ment announced during an in- monetary help is atrocious and Indian war formation “Chakra- A labourer walks past the National War Memorial near India Gate in New Delhi yesterday. Prime down on many of the apartments terim budget on February 1. arrogant. BJP has failed to fulfi l vyuh”. Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the memorial today. only to see the developers fail or, Offi cials said the money under their promise,” she added.

Fire damage Toxic alcohol death toll Hunger strike last rises to 143: Assam police resort: Kejriwal IANS willing to suff er any more injus- New Delhi tice on this issue”. AFP missioner of the neighbouring an inquiry into the deaths. The chief minister said the Guwahati Jorhat district, said that the Apart from the arrests, two lame excuse that since Delhi was death toll in the district had excise department offi cials hief Minister Arvind Ke- the capital of India therefore reached 58. were suspended for failing to jriwal yesterday said he it cannot be granted statehood t least 45 more workers At least 160 people were take adequate precautions over Cdecided to go on an in- does not work. have died in Assam af- undergoing treatment at local the sale of the alcohol. defi nite hunger strike demand- “Delhi is India’s capital, so Ater drinking toxic liquor, hospitals and “16 of them are Assam Health Minister ing full statehood for Delhi after let the Centre keep the entire police said yesterday, taking the critical”, Korati added. Himanta Biswa Sarma vowed all other eff orts failed. NDMC area under its complete death toll from the latest mass Police said people started those responsible for the taint- Kejriwal said his decision to control. How can the rest of Del- alcohol poisoning beyond 143. falling sick after consuming a ed liquor would be brought to go on fast from March 1 had been hi, in which Delhiites elect their The deaths in the northeast- batch of illegally produced liq- justice. taken after all possible eff orts own government, be kept sub- ern state came less than two uor late Thursday. Hundreds of mainly poor to persuade the central govern- servient to the Centre? No more weeks after tainted liquor killed The victims, who include people die each year in India ment to allow the elected Delhi injustice can be tolerated.” around 100 people in Uttar many women, worked at local from tainted liquor. government to function without He accused the Modi govern- Pradesh and Uttarakhand. tea estates in the region. Cheap, locally made booze unjustifi ed interference and ob- ment of creating hurdles in all At least 200 others were still Doctors said those rushed is common in rural parts and stacles failed. major decisions of public welfare hospitalised across Assam. to hospital in a critical condi- bootleggers often add metha- He said in a statement that in taken by the Delhi government. “A total of 85 people have tion were suff ering from severe nol – a highly toxic form of the last four years, Prime Minis- “From the installation of died in Golaghat district due vomiting, extreme chest pain alcohol sometimes used as an ter Narendra Modi’s government CCTVs for residents’ safety to to consumption (of toxic alco- and breathlessness. antifreeze – to their product to deliberately passed orders to construction of schools, hos- hol),” Dhiren Hazarika, deputy “A total of ten people have increase its strength. snatch the powers of the elect- pitals, Mohalla Clinics, hurdles commissioner of the worst af- been arrested. We have sent If ingested in large quanti- Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inspects the public ed Delhi government and “this were created in the implementa- fected region, said. the samples of the liquor to a ties, methanol can cause blind- parking lot of the Aero India 2019 show, a day after at treachery will now be placed tion of each and every decision at “Another 100 are undergoing forensic laboratory. The report ness, liver damage and death. least 300 cars caught fire, at the Yelahanka Air Force before the court of the people, every step. We tried everything treatment in the district. The is awaited,” Mukesh Agarwala, Many drinkers in Uttar Station in Bengaluru yesterday. The 12th edition of the which is supreme in a democ- from fervent appeals to dharnas rush of new patients has (only) additional director general of Pradesh and Uttarakhand were five-day air show went on unaffected by the fire incident, racy”. and even knocked at the doors of slowed down today afternoon,” state police, said. taken to hospital earlier this which came four days after two IAF jets crashed, killing He said Modi lied to the people courts. Finally, we are left with he added. Assam Chief Minister Sar- month in writhing pain after a pilot. on granting statehood for Delhi, no option. So we are going on an Roshni Korati, deputy com- bananda Sonowal has ordered drinking illicit alcohol. and “Delhiites are now no longer indefi nite fast,” said Kejriwal. Gulf Times Monday, February 25, 2019 19 LATIN AMERICA

Dengue ‘may have protected Brazil favela residents from Zika’

Guardian News and Media caused by mothers catching the port’s authors, said: “It is the fi rst vious exposure to dengue pro- infectious aetiologies” had been until an outbreak on the island of and garbage is left uncollected. Brasilia virus during pregnancy. (study) to really give a clue as to tected people against Zika infec- confi rmed by Brazil’s health min- Yap in 2007. Brazilian authorities “There has been disordered Federico Costa, a professor what happened when Zika came tion, and now believe that those istry, including 2,079 in the north- fi rst confi rmed the virus in the growth, so people build on any of epidemiology at the Federal into the region in Brazil, which who catch the virus – many of east. Numbers later faded away. north-eastern states of Rio Grande land they can fi nd,” said Laiara cientists studying the 2015 University of Bahia, one of the was hardest hit months later by whom show no symptoms – sub- With a population of roughly do Norte and Bahia in May 2015. dos Santos, 34, a nurse living in Zika outbreak in Brazil have authors of the study in the favela microcephaly.” sequently become immune to it. 57mn people, Brazil’s impover- Doctors in the region began notic- the community. “Pau da Lima Sdiscovered that people pre- in Bahia’s state capital Salvador, Led by the Yale School of Public Before 2015, Zika had been un- ished north-east was completely ing an increase in newborns with has areas with no sanitation … viously exposed to dengue may published in Science magazine, Health, the research team found known in Brazil and was often unprotected against Zika. “(The microcephaly – until then, a rare they end up with open sewers.” have been protected from the said it was the fi rst time scientists that 73% of residents of the Pau misdiagnosed as dengue. Less region) has all the perfect condi- condition. Cases mushroomed Ko said blood tests of favela virus. had been able to conduct tests on da Lima favela in Salvador caught than a year after the epidemic, tions to have a huge epidemic,” and, in December 2015, the Pan- residents dating from before the Three-quarters of the inhabit- one specifi c population before Zika between March and October a wave of newborn babies with said Isabel Rodriguez-Barraquer, American Health Organisation is- 2015 outbreak helped research- ants of a favela in the country’s and after an outbreak. Costa said 2015. Researchers examined 1,453 abnormally small heads caused assistant professor of medicine sued an epidemiological alert. ers discriminate between den- north-east caught the mosqui- it was the most accurate research residents and found infection panic among Brazilians. at the University of California in The Aedes aegypti mosquito, gue and Zika, which can be hard to-borne Zika virus during the of this kind done to date. rates varied from 29% in some As of November 2018, 3,279 San Francisco, the lead author. which spreads Zika and related to tell apart. “People who were epidemic. The outbreak left more Albert Ko, a professor of medi- areas of the densely-populated cases of “growth and development First identifi ed in monkeys in viruses like dengue and Chikun- exposed to dengue before had than 3,000 babies across Brazil cine at the Yale School of Public favela to 83%in others. alterations possibly related to in- Uganda in 1947, Zika circulated for gunya, thrives in areas like Pau antibodies and those antibodies with microcephaly, a birth defect Health and another of the re- They also discovered that pre- fection by the Zika virus and other decades but was virtually ignored da Lima, where sanitation is poor protected them from Zika.”

Crackdown on dissent threatens Condemnation Nicaragua talks: UN of Maduro

AFP Geneva govt grows as he “criminalisation of dissent” in Nicaragua Twill undermine eff orts to restart negotiations to resolve a long-running political crisis, the United Nations human rights troops block aid chief said. President Daniel Ortega Reuters is today scheduled to join a that country’s authorities, the and Nicaragua’s opposition Pacaraima, Brazil meeting of the Lima Group of National Guard at the frontier have agreed to meet as early as Latin American nations, which crossings held fi rm. Wednesday for talks on easing has been opposing Maduro for Two additional members of tensions that began in April nternational condemna- months, to discuss new ways to Venezuela’s National Guard de- with protests over the govern- tion of Venezuelan President pressure Maduro. fected to Brazil late on Saturday, ment’s now-ditched pension INicolas Maduro grew yester- “There’s more sanctions to be a Brazilian army colonel said yes- reform. day after he deployed troops to had. There’s more humanitar- terday. “If the arrests and convictions block foreign aid convoys, with ian assistance I think that we “They were in uniform; they of people expressing dissenting Brazil branding it criminal and can provide,” Pompeo told CNN. are sergeants,” Army Colonel opinions continue in Nicaragua, urging allies to join a “liberation “The Venezuelan people will George Kanaan told reporters, current eff orts to start dialogue eff ort” of the South American ultimately... hold accountable adding that Brazilian military of- to solve the political and so- nation. those who have done so much fi cials had not had a chance to ask cial unrest in the country could Troops loyal to Maduro vio- harm to the fundamental basic them why they deserted. “They be seriously undermined,” UN lently drove back aid convoys rights.” entered and asked for refuge.” High Commissioner for Human seeking to enter Venezuela on China and Russia, which both The Brazilian border state of Rights, Michelle Bachelet, said Saturday, leaving dozens wound- have major energy sector invest- Roraima said the number of Ven- in a statement. ed in clashes with security forces ments in Venezuela, have sup- ezuelans being treated for gun- Bachelet, the former presi- and at least two protesters dead ported Maduro’s government shot wounds rose to 18 from fi ve dent of Chile, raised specifi c near the Brazilian border. and condemned US sanctions. in the past 24 hours. concern over the several hun- Juan Guaido, recognised by Meanwhile, Colombian Presi- That was the result of con- dred government critics — in- most Western nations as Ven- dent Ivan Duque, in a tweet, de- stant gun battles, which included cluding journalists and civil so- ezuela’s legitimate leader, urged nounced the “barbarity and vio- armed men without uniform, ciety leaders — who have been foreign powers to consider “all lence” and said today’s summit throughout Saturday in Ven- arrested or held in pre-trial de- options” in ousting Maduro, would discuss “how to tighten ezuelan the town of Santa Elena, tention. ahead of a meeting of regional the diplomatic siege of the dicta- near the border. “The arrest and jailing of governments in Bogota today. torship in Venezuela.” Opposition legislator Americo opposition leaders, possibly “The use of force against the Venezuela’s information min- De Grazia said via Twitter that in some cases as a reprisal for Venezuelan people, who are ea- istry did not immediately reply the death toll had risen to 15 in co-operating with the UN, ger to receive international hu- to a request for comment. Santa Elena. Reuters was unable clearly hinders the creation manitarian aid, is a criminal act Maduro has denounced to confi rm this. of an environment conducive committed by the Maduro re- Guaido as a US puppet who is Though Saturday’s eff ort al- to holding a genuine and in- gime,” Brazil’s foreign ministry seeking to foment a coup. lowed the opposition to demon- clusive dialogue — which the wrote in a statement. Trucks laden with US food and strate that Maduro was willing to government says it wants,” “Brazil calls on the interna- medicine on the Colombian bor- repel aid, many opposition lead- Bachelet added in a state- tional community, especially der repeatedly attempted to push ers appeared despondent and ment. those countries that have not past lines of troops on Saturday, disappointed that the food and Nicaragua is facing an eco- yet recognised Juan Guaido as but were met with tear gas and medicine had not gotten in. nomic crisis and a $315mn defi - interim president, to join in the rubber rounds. US senator Marco Rubio, an cit, as it struggles without fund- liberation eff ort of Venezuela.” Two of the aid trucks went up infl uential voice on Venezue- ing and loans that would usually Brazil, a diplomatic heavy- in fl ames. la policy in Washington, said come in from multilateral organ- weight in Latin America which The opposition had hoped that the violence on Saturday had isations. has the region’s largest economy, troops would baulk at turning “opened the door to various po- GDP shrank 4% last year and was for years a vocal ally of Ven- back supplies that are so desper- tential multilateral actions not some economists say it could ezuela while it was ruled by the ately needed by a population in- on the table just 24 hours ago”. contract 11% in 2019. leftist Workers Party. It turned creasingly suff ering malnutrition Hours later he tweeted a mug Meanwhile, Nicaraguan au- sharply against Maduro this year and diseases. shot of former Panamanian dic- thorities have postponed the A burnt truck, that was used to transport humanitarian aid, is seen on the Francisco de Paula Santander when far-right President Jair Though some 60 members of tator Manuel Noriega, who was hearings of seven opposition cross-border bridge between Colombia and Venezuela, after clashes with opposition supporters and Ven- Bolsonaro took offi ce. security forces defected into Co- captured by US forces in 1990 leaders accused of terrorism. ezuela’s security forces, in Cucuta, Colombia. US Vice President Mike Pence lombia on Saturday, according to after an invasion.

Cubans vote on a El Chapo’s lawyers new constitution request new trial Reuters “This 24th the Cuban people’s Havana rejection of the system imposed by the Communist party will be Guardian News and Media media during the trial? Well, we for the court’s instructions, if felt,” Rosa Maria Paya, leader of New York did. Jurors did.” true, make it clear that Joaquín ubans fl ocked to polls the Cubadecide organization of “We would constantly go to did not get a fair trial,” he add- yesterday in a vote ex- government opponents inside and your media, your Twitter … ed. Cpected to approve a new outside of Cuba, wrote on Twitter. awyers for convicted drug I personally and some other Federal prosecutors have yet constitution that institutes The government orchestrated trafficker Joaquin ‘El jurors that I knew,” the juror to respond to the claim or the modest economic and social a grass roots debate on a draft of LChapo’ Guzman intend continued after Guzman had request for a 30 day extension changes while maintaining the the new constitution last year, to petition for a new trial after been found guilty on 10 drug to file for a new trial. one-party socialist system. but since it approved a fi nal ver- a news report indicated that trafficking charges earlier this On Thursday, the justice Debate over the constitution sion for yesterday’s vote it has multiple jurors followed media month. department announced that has dominated politics in the used its monopoly of traditional coverage of the trial against the In a letter to judge Brian two of Guzman’s sons, Joaquin country for months, even as it media and public spaces to press instructions of the judge in the Cogan, attorney Eduardo Balar- Guzman Lopez, 34, and Ovidio struggles with economic stagna- for approval. case. ezo, who represented Guzman at Guzman Lopez, 28, have been tion and as the deepening crisis Foreign and local observers Allegations of juror miscon- the trial, said his client, currently indicted on a single drug con- in Venezuela brings its ally into said they expect between 70% duct came to light in an arti- incarcerated in lower Manhattan spiracy charge. the crosshairs of the US Presi- and 80% of voters to ratify the cle published by Vice News. In awaiting sentencing, “intends to In a statement, the depart- dent Donald Trump’s adminis- new constitution and a greater the piece, an anonymous juror fi le motion for a new trial based ment alleged “that from in or tration. number of ‘no’ votes and absten- said jurors had routinely vio- on the disclosures in the article around April 2008, through Many Cuban evangelicals were tions among the country’s 8mn lated the judge’s instructions and to request an evidentiary April 2018, they conspired to expected to vote against the pro- registered voters. to “stay away from media cov- hearing to determine the extent distribute cocaine, metham- posal because they fear it opens The current 1976 version of erage, not doing any research of the misconduct”. phetamine, and marijuana from the way for gay marriage while the constitution was approved on the internet or otherwise Balarezo earlier described Mexico and elsewhere for im- the Roman Catholic Church has by 97.8% of the electorate. and (to not) communicate an- the allegations contained in the portation into the US”. also voiced criticism. “Cubans had the opportu- ything about the case to any- Vice report as “deeply concern- Both brothers are believed to A campaign to reject the con- nity to debate the constitution in one”. ing and distressing”. be fugitives in Mexico. stitution because it entrenches their neighbourhoods and work- The juror told Vice’s Keegan “The juror’s allegations of The elder was extradited to Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel and his wife Lis Cuesta arrive Communism was launched on places,” Lazaro Rodriguez, 58, Hamilton: “You know how we the jury’s repeated and wide- the US in 2017 after twice es- at a polling station to cast their votes during a constitutional social media by dissidents and said as he shopped in a Havana were told we can’t look at the spread disregard and contempt caping from Mexican prisons. referendum in Havana, Cuba, yesterday. exiles. produce market. Gulf Times 20 Monday, February 25, 2019 PAKISTAN

FBR opposes Sindh moves to develop ‘sin tax’ on tobacco 15 district master plans industry Internews Sindh planning and develop- project, the plans will be pre- graveyards, among other pur- ment will end up spending a far “You are planning the cities, Internews Islamabad ment deputy director Zulfi qar pared for the six remaining dis- poses. higher sum of money to pur- but you aren’t giving shape to Islamabad Ali said that the team is prepar- tricts of Sukkur and Larkana It also provides an immediate chase the land. the cities,” noted CRP assistant ing master plans for 15 towns divisions. action plan for rehabilitation of Responding to the suggestion, pProfessor Fahad Shaikh. ealising the consequences of 14 districts of Hyderabad, The master plans are also di- existing roads, water supply and Jafri said that if the provincial He also pointed out that the he Federal Board of Rev- of the haphazard expan- Shaheed Benazirabad, and Mir- vided into two phases. drainage infrastructure. government opted to purchase master plan appeared defi cient enue (FBR) of Pakistan Rsion of the urban and purkhas divisions. The fi rst phase is for fi ve years, However, the stakeholders all the land required for the plan about the details of the service Thas advised against im- semi-urban towns in the prov- One district headquarters and the second contains plan- who attended the meeting were in the initial years of implemen- roads, environment, and com- position of sin tax on the tobacco ince, the Sindh government has town from each of the district ning for two decades, till 2037. not informed about how many tation, it will not be left with mercial street plans. industry, arguing that it would embarked on a programme to has been selected for the plans, During the fi rst fi ve years, the acres of land in each of the fi ve enough funds for on-going and The additional deputy com- cause substantial revenue loss control and manage the diff u- except Tharparkar whose two rehabilitation of the existing in- districts will be required to im- new development projects. missioner of Matiari district op- in the range of Rs25bn to Rs30bn sion of these settlements. towns, Mithi and Islamkot, have frastructure will be carried out. plement the master plan. An offi cial of Sui Southern posed the location of the landfi ll annually, it was learnt on Friday. In this regard, the Sindh plan- been included. The head of urban planning of The team was also silent about Gas Company Limited (SSGC) site in the plan, which he said However, the federal cabinet ning and development depart- Each district in Sindh has at EA Consulting, Masoodul Hasan the manner in which the land for pointed out that the master plan were only around 2km from the could not fi nalise decision on the ment has undertaken the exer- least three to four semi-urban Jafri, said: “The downtown re- the expansion will be purchased lacked mention of the supply of town. health levy, and it was decided cise of developing master plans or semi-rural towns, but the habilitation will be done with from the private landowners as gas and electricity utilities. He suggested that the site that ministers for fi nance and for 15 districts of the province, project has selected only one minimal ‘dislocation’.” well as from the provincial gov- Jafri replied that they had should be relocated at least health would sit together to sort after having recently issued of- town from each district. He added that people cannot ernment. written to the SSGC in this re- 10km away. out fi nances for the health sec- fi cial notifi cations to this eff ect Strangely, Hyderabad district be uprooted from their abodes to The team also could not share gard, but they did not receive the An education offi cer pointed tor. for Karachi and Sukkur. is not part of the exercise. expand the roads. how many acres will be set aside required information. out that no sports grounds have It seems diffi cult that there be At a marathon consulta- “Hyderabad’s master plan was Jafri, however, expressed hope for each of the component sec- The offi cial representing the been included in the master any move on this front till up- tion workshop in Hyderabad on prepared in 2007 and its current that the residents of the down- tors. SSGC, however, claimed that the plan. coming budget for 2019-20. Thursday, divided into fi ve ses- status is neither approved nor town will likely be shifted to new Though Jafri claimed that company has not received any The inter-town public trans- “We have taken a clear cut sions for as many districts of rejected,” he said. housing societies that will off er they have performed land use communication either from the port also does not appear to be a view before the government that Hyderabad division, the offi cials Hyderabad’s plan was pre- them better housing and facili- analysis of all the towns, the de- consultants or the planning and part of the plan. there is no need to disturb the shared details of the tentative pared when Muttahida Qaumi ties. tails were unavailable. development department. Its absence attracted greater existing three-tier tax structure master plans. Movement – Pakistan (MQM- The plan allocates land for A participant suggested that Assistant professor of the de- concern in the session of Jam- on the tobacco industry at this A team of the directorate of P) deputy convener Kunwar the future housing, commercial the provincial government partment of city and regional shoro district. stage, because it will cause sub- urban policy and strategic plan- Naveed Jamil was the city nazim projects, government offi ces, should complete the land acqui- planning (CRP), Dr Irfan Ahmed Pointing to the lack of geo- stantial revenue loss on account ning and EA Consulting (Pvt) (mayor). education, health, trade, indus- sition for implementation of the Memon, suggested that the graphical contiguity among of Federal Excise Duty (FED) and Ltd briefed the offi cials of vari- Urban policy and strategic try, recreation, religious plac- plan as soon as it is approved and United Nations sustainable de- Jamshoro, Kotri and Bolhari Sales Tax (ST),” one top FBR of- ous government departments planning deputy director Ali es, for water, sewage and solid offi cial notifi cations issued. velopment goals (SDGs) regard- towns, unlike the towns in the fi cial confi rmed. of Dadu, Jamshoro, Tando Mo- said that the plan appears to be waste treatment and disposal, He contended that with the ing low-cost housing should other districts, the participants Quoting the latest study by hamed Khan, Matiari, and Tan- outdated and in need of revision. infrastructure to facilitate trans- passage of time the value of land also be included in the master emphasised the need to include the Pakistan Institute of De- do Allahyar districts. In the second phase of the portation, like road and rail, and will increase and the govern- plans. mass transit in the plan. velopment Economics (PIDE), FBR offi cial sources said graphs showed from the Household In- Three children starve to death in Tharparker region come Expenditure Survey (HIES) that tobacco consumption had The death toll of children in Sindh’s Tharparker A report released by the United Nation’s Children not decreased because of in- ‘Political environment favourable’ region continues to rise as three more children Fund in April last year stated that Pakistan creased rates of cigarettes; rather succumbed to malnutrition yesterday. is among countries with the highest infant it shifted from formal to illicit or According to sources in the health department, mortality rates, with 22 infants dying before smuggled cigarettes when the for my return, says Musharraf the minors passed away in the past 48 hours, turning one month old. tax burden increased. taking the death toll for February to 47, and 118 Among these countries, eight are in Africa and They said that changes in for the year. two in Asia, including Afghanistan, which is tobacco taxation at this stage Internews and that it could launch a “surgi- The deaths reported by the department were ranked third. would result in a more complex Islamabad cal strike”, Pakistan has advan- said to be due to malnutrition and other diseases “Pakistan is the riskiest place to be born, as system, so the tax authority took tages in other areas. in the area. measured by its newborn mortality rate,” the the decision to oppose this move Musharraf suggested that the According to the health department, every report stated. “A baby born in Pakistan is almost at this stage. ll-Pakistan Muslim Pakistan army have a plan to deal year 1,500 children die due to malnutrition, 50 times more likely to die during his or her first The debate has been ongoing League (APML) chief with any possible Indian move. infections, and lack of proper medical facilities in month than a baby born in Japan, Iceland, and on whether an increase in taxes Aand former military ruler In response to a question, he the remote region. Singapore.” – Internews would help reduce consumption. General (retired) Pervez Mush- termed the talks about any nu- The World Health Organisa- arraf sees the “political environ- clear attack as “rubbish”, and tion (WHO) recommends in- ment” in Pakistan as “favour- said that if Pakistan would attack creasing the tax burden on the able” for his return, although he India with one atomic bomb, All in a day’s work tobacco industry, arguing that has no immediate plans to come then the neighbouring coun- this ultimately helps reduce its back. try could “fi nish us by attacking usage. Speaking at a news confer- with 20 bombs”. However, the tobacco indus- ence in Dubai on Friday evening, “The only solution is that we try has taken the stance that the the former president said in re- Musharraf: Pakistan is my should fi rst attack them with 50 legitimate market makes up 66% sponse to a question that several country. My roots are there. My atom bombs so that they cannot share of tobacco consumption members in the cabinet of Prime relatives and friends are there. I hit us with 20 bombs. Are you while illicit share stands at 34% Minister Imran Khan were “his will definitely go there. ready to fi rst launch an attack as of March 2018. people”, but it would be “unusu- with 50 bombs?” he remarked in They estimated that the for- al” to expect and ask the govern- in 1999, the main purpose of his response to a question about the mal tobacco sector, which basi- ment “to plead” his case before party is “to keep Asif Zardari and possibility of any nuclear war be- cally belongs to two giant com- the courts. Nawaz Sharif out of politics”. tween the two countries. panies, contributes Rs115bn in “In my opinion, the political He said: “The APML will do “It is not so simple. Do not talk taxes during the current fi scal environment is good and favour- whatever possible to keep both of like this. There is always a mili- year. able. Half of the [present] minis- them out of politics.” tary strategy,” he added. “The government is losing Rs- ters are mine. [The] law minister The former military ruler said Musharraf said that if India 45bn due to illicit tobacco,” the and the (incumbent) attorney his party would continue to sup- launched any attack in Kashmir, study estimated. general were my lawyers,” re- port the government of the Paki- Pakistan could respond in other This kind of huge diff eren- sponded a visibly frail Mushar- stan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) that areas in Sindh and Punjab, and tial in the market will result in raf, telling the reporter that he emerged as the third “political could teach them a lesson. a shift from formal to illicit to- was expecting this question. force” in the country. On Afghanistan, the former bacco, and the government will “Pakistan is my country. My He said that if any attempt president is of the opinion that get nothing out of it, the study roots are there. My relatives and is made to dislodge the present if the US would withdraw its stressed. friends are there. I will defi nitely government, his party would ex- troops, there would be a “civil Overall, the FBR’s collection go there,” the APML chief said. tend its support to the PTI. war” in Kabul. is projected to decline by 31%, or But immediately, he said, he During the news conference, He presented three possible Rs34bn per annum, if the health could not “jump like fools” and the former president called for scenarios after the US with- A worker checks a film strip at a cinema house in Peshawar. tax is imposed, the tobacco in- would do it under a strategy. the establishment of relations drawal. dustry’s study concluded. Musharraf, who has been liv- with Israel. He said that either a civil war ing in self-exile in Dubai, also hit Musharraf said that there is would start in the country among out at the country’s two major a need to break the alliance be- Afghan, Uzbek and Tajik war- political parties – the Pakistan tween India and Israel, and Paki- lords, or the Taliban would dom- Muslim League – Nawaz (PML- stan could do it very easily. inate the country, or the North- N) and the Pakistan Peoples He said that the Hindu and ern Alliance with the support of FIR lodged over Karachi student’s killing Party (PPP) – and termed both Jewish lobby is very strong in the India could take control of some Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari media and unfortunately, India of the areas. as “plunderers”. had a greater say in the interna- In this scenario, he said Paki- Internews police encounter, murder, and their criminal records. police and suspected robbers at He particularly attacked PPP tional community. stan and India could also indulge Karachi attempted murder have been Furthermore, a three-mem- Anda More. leader and former president Musharraf claimed that Israel in a proxy war in Afghanistan. registered in the state’s com- ber committee to investigate Police had said its offi cers Zardari, alleging that he had been wants to establish relations with Interestingly, both the PPP and plaint. the incident has been formed by were chasing a group of robbers, involved in a number of cases of Pakistan. the PML-N have strongly reacted fi rst information report Police offi cial Adnan, a plain- the additional inspector general who were fl eeing the area after “murder and extortion”. Mentioning that both Pakistan to Musharraf’s remarks about (FIR) has been registered tiff in the case, is posted at Noor (Karachi), headed by Deputy looting, when the latter started He alleged that the former and Israel are facing “existential Israel, but ignored his criticism Aover the killing of medi- Jehan Police Station. Inspector General (DIG) Arif fi ring at them. president had forcefully acquired threats”, he recalled his eff orts to against their leadership. cal student Nimrah Baig, who Rao further said that a case Hanif. The police retaliated and some 40 houses around Bilawal build relations with Israel when PPP parliamentary leader in was shot dead in an apparent was registered against suspect- Rao further said that a team Nimrah was shot in her head House in Karachi at a very low he was in power. the Senate, Sherry Rehman, said cross-fi re between police and ed robber Riaz Malik, who was comprising two DIGs and three during the cross-fi re. price. He said he had addressed the in a statement that the entire robbers in North Karachi local- killed during the cross-fi re, and SSPs is investigating the case, She was rushed to Jinnah Musharraf advised the media American Jewish Congress in country is shocked by Mushar- ity. his injured accomplice. and that they are waiting for the Hospital where she died. to work against both Zardari and New York. raf’s pro-Israel statements. According to Senior Superin- Both the robbery suspects fi nal post-mortem report. Police claim that the medical Sharif who, according to him, Musharraf said that it was due “Israel cannot tolerate Pal- tendent of Police (SSP) of Cen- hail from Rahim Yar Khan, and Nimrah, 22, was caught in student was hit by a bullet fi red had “destroyed the country”. to his eff orts that the then-for- estinian Muslims, how would it tral Police Arif Rao, clauses of eff orts are being made to obtain cross-fi re on Saturday between by the robbers. During the news conference, eign minister Khursheed Kasuri ever tolerate a nuclear power like Musharraf introduced his party’s had a meeting with his Israeli Pakistan?” she asked. chairman Hidayatullah Kheshgi, counterpart in Turkey. Rehman said that such state- One dead in who he said would reorganise the He also said that tension be- ments gave credence to the con- APML. tween the neighbouring nuclear troversy over an Israeli journal- Dera Murad He said that there is talk about powers, India and Pakistan, had ist’s tweet that an Israeli jet had Jamali blast Security audit of NGOs initiated his illness, and that people have again reached a “dangerous lev- fl own from Tel Aviv to Islamabad started saying that the APML is el”. in October last year. At least one person was “fi nished”. A similar situation had de- “The government must imme- killed, and five others Internews Authorities will take action Pakistan and their links to other Musharraf said that his health veloped in 2002 when India had diately respond and clarify Paki- injured, in an explosion in Lahore against those NGOs which are countries. condition was improving, and deployed its army, navy and air stan’s stance,” she demanded. Baluchistan’s Dera Murad found involved in “suspicious” An investigation will also be that he is also busy with a South force along Pakistan’s border for Former foreign minister and Jamali. activities. carried out regarding personnel African personal trainer at a gym 10 months, he said. PML-N leader Khawaja Asif Police said that the explosive he government has initi- Previous records of the or- who entered the country and on a regular basis. However, Musharraf added, posted on Twitter a TV grab of material was planted in a ated a security audit of ganisations and their activities left during the last three years. According to the former mili- India backed off after seeing Pa- Musharraf’s comments about Is- motorcycle near Mazdoor Tinternational and local will also be scrutinised during Earlier this month, the fed- tary ruler, who had ran the coun- kistan’s readiness. rael and stated: “General Mush- Chowk. non-governmental organisa- the audit. eral government rejected the try for nearly nine years after The former army chief said arraf has been out of power for 11 The motorcycle was parked tions (NGOs) in the country, in According to sources, inquir- registration applications of 42 throwing out the elected PML-N that while India has the advan- years, but it seemed he was still near a shop, police further accordance with the National ies will focus on collaboration non-governmental organisa- government in a military coup tage in some areas in Kashmir intoxicated with power.” said. – Internews Action Plan, sources say. between NGOs operating in tions (NGOs). Gulf Times Monday, February 25, 2019 21 PHILIPPINES Duterte vows aid to develop Bangsamoro

By Catherine S Valente Manila Times

resident Rodrigo Duterte has pledged to provide a Pbudget for the Bangsam- oro autonomous region to sup- port its development. He assured members of the Bangsamoro transition govern- ment that the region’s resources will belong to the Bangsamoro people. “Violence visited us every now and then. I hope that we can end An aspiring beauty queen putting on make-up before the start of the “duck walk” practice at a beauty boot camp in Manila. this. And I assure you — there is one contentious issue about your resources. It’s all yours,” Duterte told the 80-member Bangsamoro Transition Author- ity (BTA) that will govern the President Rodrigo Duterte shakes hands with Moro Islamic ‘Beauty boot camps’ key to newly-formed Bangsamoro re- Liberation Front chairman Murad Ebrahim during the oath-taking of gion in Mindanao. members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority at the “It belongs to the Mindan- Malacanang Palace. aoans. Do not be afraid that you will be deprived of this. It will communities aff ected by con- peace process between the nation’s pageant dominance always benefi t the Mindanaoan fl ict.Duterte said the govern- Philippine government and the and that is the purpose why we ment must collect ample rev- MILF, which once led a seces- are here. We do away with greed. enues that would be allocated sionist rebellion in Mindanao. AFP Mercado, 51, quit his job as an We do away with oppression,” he to the Bangsamoro region. He The Secretary-General of the Manila engineer for an oil company af- added. added that the region’s funds United Nations (UN) congratu- ter 28 years to focus full time on The president, however, ad- would be given “as the need lated the government, MILF pageant coaching. mitted that the government arises and as we collect the and the Bangsamoro Transition odgil Flores casts a stern He counts Wurtzbach and could not aff ord to give the funds.” Commission as well as local taskmaster’s glance as Gray among those he mentored. budget to the new autonomous Murad earlier said the BTA communities on the establish- Rgrimacing young women “We’re so lucky here in the region in one go. “We will pro- would use the P32bn budget ment of the Bangsamoro Tran- in bikinis stride across one of Philippines to be surrounded by vide the budget,” Duterte told allotted for the Autonomous sition Authority. the mirror-walled studios that teams of amazing people who reporters in a chance interview Region in Muslim Mindanao “This is a landmark achieve- is central to making the Philip- will lift you up as you make all after administering the oath of (ARMM) which the Bangsam- ment on the road to lasting pines a beauty pageant jugger- your preparations,” Gray told the members of the interim gov- oro region replaced to deliver peace in the Southern Philip- naut. reporters on Wednesday. ernment led by Moro Islamic on the promise of improved pines, as well as a historic oc- In 17-centimetre stiletto Before the Manila boot Liberation Front (MILF) chair- education, social services, and casion for all people from the heels, the students sway their camps arose, the country’s Miss man Al Haj Murad Ebrahim.“But infrastructure. Philippines,” said Stephane hips between long slow strides, Universe and Miss World con- it will not be given in one time. Murad said the “block grant” Dujarric, spokesman for the a brutal drill that Flores re- testants were sent to train at It’s impossible. We cannot aff ord would have to wait until next Secretary-General. quires them to repeat in order to similar camps in Venezuela and to do that,” he added. year. Congress allocated P30bn ”The United Nations will make the act of sashaying sec- Colombia, which have also had Under the Bangsamoro Or- for the new government’s op- continue to support the Philip- ond nature come pageant time. consistent pageant successes. ganic Law, the new region will erations. pines in the implementation of “For crown. This was a signifi cant ex- have an annual block grant or a The new region also stands the Bangsamoro Organic Law, For country”, is the slogan Rodgil Flores speaks at a beauty boot camp in Manila. pense in a nation where 21% 5% share in the national internal to receive P50bn in “special and to help build the capacity of the Kagandahang Flores of the population lives on less revenue. The block grant is esti- development fund” after 2019 of the Bangsamoro Transition (Flores Beauty) studio he set up eff ectively create a production ten stretch on till midnight. than $2 a day and getting visas mated to reach P60bn. to rebuild areas devastated by Authority to achieve peace, in 1996, the fi rst of a handful of line of contenders for the Miss Some 200 hopefuls a year can be tricky. The law also mandates a 10- years of armed conflict. democratic governance, and Philippine beauty boot camps Universe crown. T take part in the training at Ric Galvez, overall co-or- year special development fund The creation of the BTA is respect for human rights,” Du- that have helped transform the heir students come up from Flores’ studio, which include dinator of Missosology.org, a worth P50bn to help rebuild one of the major steps in the jarric added. nation’s pageant fortunes. the country’s circuit of local gym workouts, make-up les- Philippines-based pageant re- With the naming of Catriona beauty competitions and then sons, and duck walk drills. source website said the contests Gray as Miss Universe 2018, hone their skills in a bid to reach There are also formal classes have a deeper cultural reso- the Philippines took home its the next level. where the students take part nance for Filipinos. fourth title in what is consid- Miss Philippines 2019 hope- in mock pageant situations, The events hark back to the ered the summit of the beauty ful Melba Ann Macasaet, 25, learning to deliver concise re- annual pageants that have been Cops recover bricks of suspected cocaine contest world. took extended leave from her sponses to tricky questions on held at village and town festi- Both Gray and 2015 winner job as a government pharmacist world peace and equality usu- vals for hundreds of years. Pia Wurtzbach trained in the to join Flores’ beauty studio. ally asked of contestants. Beauty queens are held up DPA to police, national police spokes- off ered to reward residents with Philippines’ beauty studios be- It took her two weeks and Training is free for Filipinas, as though they are royalty in Manila man Bernard Banac said. Local a sack of rice for every brick of fore securing their wins. several miscues to master his who camp organisers usually the Philippines and often take police organised a team to fi sh the cocaine recovered through their Success in the pageant world signature stride, called the recruit from provincial con- public stances on key social and bricks out of the water, he added. help, Banac said. can open doors to commercial, “duck walk”. tests. welfare issues. hilippine police have re- The bricks had a dollar sign on The administration of Presi- fi lm, and modelling work. “I have been joining pageants Beauty industry benefactors During the Miss Universe covered 34 bricks of sus- them, similar to more than 60 dent Rodrigo Duterte has been “The rise of the camps turned since I was 15 years old. I be- pitch in to cover costs and many pageant Gray spoke in favour Ppected cocaine in waters blocks of cocaine recovered from waging an aggressive campaign the Philippines into a beauty lieve that every pageant girl has people donate their time to help of medical marijuana, which off a southern province, in the three coastal areas in the eastern against drugs, in which more than pageant powerhouse. What dreams of being able to try and shape what they hope are future some lawmakers feel has helped latest recovery of illegal drugs Philippines last week. 5,000 people have been killed they did was to raise the level of do this,” she said. champions. advance a bill to legalise canna- allegedly being smuggled into The discovery prompted au- since 2016. The New York-based pageant training,” Flores said. It will be about another “We don’t earn anything, but bis-containing medicines in the the country through the coast, a thorities to urge fi shermen and watchdog Human Rights Watch “Our evolution (into) a beau- month before she knows if she we do this out of our passion for Philippines. spokesman said yesterday. residents of coastal communities said the true death toll of the drug ty pageant superpower com- has made the cut for the pag- beauty pageants,” said Arnold Galvez said: “Filipinos are Two fi shermen spotted the to be on the lookout for bricks of crackdown, including victims of pels every Filipina competing eant, which organisers expect Mercado, the manager and per- looking up to their beauty bricks fl oating in waters off Tand- cocaine being thrown near their hired or vigilante killers, could be internationally to prolong this to be held in June. sonality development coach of queens for some sort of guid- ag City in Surigao del Sur, 828 kil- shores as a way to smuggle the higher than 12,000, based on es- streak,” the 50-year-old added. The beauty boot camp runs Aces & Queens, the other main ance on matters of national rel- ometres south of Manila, on Sat- illegal drug into the country. timates by local rights and church Manila’s beauty boot camps six days a week and sessions of- Philippine pageant camp. evance.” urday and immediately reported it In Surigao del Sur, police had groups.

Rights group chief renews Govt rules out deportation call for De Lima’s release of illegal Chinese workers By Ma. Reina L Tolentino Manila Times By Ralph Villanueva and studying how to go about are deported?” Duterte’s just wants to determine the Manila Times a win-win solution given our statement came a few days af- number of (Chinese). This is countrymen’s situation in ter the Senate Committee on because it is connected to the arliamentarians from China,” Panelo said. Labour, Employment and Hu- declaration of income, so we Southeast Asia have re- alacanang yesterday He added that China might man Resources Development can collect the correct corpo- Piterated their call for the said the government enforce a similar policy. resumed its investigation of rate tax,” he added. release of Senator Leila de Lima, Mwill study a way to “We have also thousands of the influx of Chinese illegal who marks her second year in have a “win-win” situation Filipinos illegally staying in workers in the Philippines. “We have also thousands detention on February 24. on the issue of illegal Chinese China, and the Chinese gov- The Department of Labour of Filipinos illegally “The two years Senator de workers in the country, a day ernment might enforce a poli- and Employment earlier said staying in China, and Lima has spent languishing in after President Rodrigo Duterte cy of tit-for-tat,” Panelo said. 85,496 of the 169,000 alien the Chinese government prison serve as a dark reminder opposed deporting them. He added that the Chinese employment permits issued might enforce of President Rodrigo Duterte’s In a speech during a PDP- workers in the Philippines from 2015 to 2018 were given a policy of tit-for-tat” zero-tolerance for scrutiny and Laban event in Laguna on might be skilled workers “that to Chinese. the eroding state of democracy Saturday evening, Duterte we may need in the meantime Last week, Malacanang Earlier, the BIR voiced the and human rights in the Philip- De Lima: finding support said it was best if the Philip- since we are short of a supply voiced support to the measure possibility of joining an in- pines,” Asean Parliamentarians pines would not deport the il- of workers as most of them that will ensure the registra- teragency task force that aims for Human Rights (APHR) chair- drug charges. “It’s clear that the bloody anti-drug campaign un- legal Chinese workers because have found work abroad.” tion of foreign and Philippine to check and monitor the man Charles Santiago, a mem- charges against her are political- leashed under the current gov- there were illegal Filipino On Saturday, Duterte said Offshore Gaming Operators number of Chinese working in ber of the Malaysian Parliament, ly motivated. Her prolonged and ernment. The Philippine people workers in China. the thousands of illegal Fili- (POGOs) with the Bureau of the Philippine online gaming said in a statement. unjust imprisonment has been need more champions for justice In a text message to Manila pino workers in China might Internal Revenue (BIR) before industry. “The charges against her fl y in nothing but an attempt to delib- like the senator. As she contin- Times, Palace spokesman Sal- also be deported if the Chinese their licenses can be renewed. Last September, BIR issued the face of justice and the Phil- erately silence Senator de Lima’s ues her fi ght behind bars, she vador Panelo said the govern- were deported. Panelo said the proposal Revenue Memorandum Cir- ippine government must end its eff orts, which were focused on can rest assured that her regional ment would look into solu- “The Chinese here, let them would show a solid figure of cular 78-2018, which stated judicial harassment against her important matters of public in- peers are standing in solidarity tions that would benefit both work. Let them be. Why? We the number of illegal Chinese that all foreign and Philippine- without further delay,” Santiago terest,” Santiago said. with her and will keep raising her Philippines and China on the have 300,000 Filipinos in Chi- workers in the country. based POGOs should register said. “Senator de Lima’s only case until the day she walks free issue. na,” Duterte said. “So, what “(The government) is not with the tax agency as a De Lima was detained on ‘crime’ was trying to end the again,” he said. “We are treading cautiously will happen if the (300,000) alarmed, maybe the BIR prerequisite. Gulf Times 22 Monday, February 25, 2019 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES The Green New Deal is not so well-thought-out

The news that the past fi ve years have been the planet’s fi ve hottest on record should prompt Americans to demand action from their government. If humanity hopes to escape a potentially ruinous increase in temperatures, policies need to be put in place to drastically reduce carbon emissions, and soon. The unveiling of the Green New Deal early this month was thus well-timed. Too bad it wasn’t also well-thought-out. In succeeding days we thought the Green New Deal would succumb to Republicans’ ridicule and Democrats’ fear that it would mark all of them as climate extremists, eager to dismantle America’s economy. But no, the Green New Deal won’t go away. Instead it’s S Korean fi rms in Vietnam spawning an off spring. In announcing his candidacy for the presidency recently, US Senator Bernie Sanders suggested he’ll roll out his own GND proposal. As envisioned it would eliminate carbon emissions via a huge public works programme that would create tens of millions of jobs. The original Green New Deal package, a proposed nonbinding dream of return to N Korea resolution, came from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who calls herself a democratic socialist, and Senator Ed Markey. The But a week before his second summit garment-making joint venture near and appear less interested in ditching environmental goal is ambitious: “meeting 100% of the power Reuters Hanoi with Kim, Trump signalled a possible Hanoi with a Vietnamese partner. the Southeast Asian nation for North demands in the United States through clean, renewable and softening of stance, saying he would There, local workers received holiday Korea. zero-emission energy sources” – within 10 years. The plan love to be able to take sanctions off bonuses and insurance coverage on top Tech giant Samsung Electronics Co also calls for upgrading every building in America to “achieve n early 2016, Choi Dong-jin and if there is meaningful progress on of around $300 a month. Ltd, which makes smartphones and maximal energy effi ciency” as part of a massive investment in some 120 other South Korean denuclearisation. After losing some buyers since the home appliances in Vietnam, accounts infrastructure. One priority: high-speed rail. business owners reluctantly South Korean President Moon Jae-in, Kaesong closure, sales are down by for about 23% the country’s total Ambition is one thing, but Ishuttered factories at a jointly run who held multiple summits with North around half and Choi said his company exports, according to the Korea Trade- North Korean industrial park after Seoul Korea’s Kim last year, told Trump on has posted losses for two years in a row. Investment Promotion Agency. Even most setting wildly unrealistic ordered the facility closed following a Tuesday his country was willing to “I am fi ghting a life and death battle South Korea is the biggest foreign goals is an invitation for the long-range rocket test by Pyongyang. open economic engagement with the here trying not to make any more losses, investor in Vietnam. Democrats in public to give up. If such an In search of cheap labour, Choi moved North as a “concession” if it will hasten so my business stays afl oat until the “Sanctions on North Korea are still in enormous undertaking is the his garment manufacturing business to Pyongyang’s denuclearisation. days that Kaesong reopens and I can go place and we are not even in a position Congress don’t only way to save the planet, Vietnam, joining around a quarter of the Kaesong is among the top projects back.” to review a possibility in North Korea a lot of people will opt for factory owners from the giant Kaesong North and South Korea are expected At its height, Kaesong employed until there is an assurance of fairly low seem to be sold doing nothing and taking Industrial Complex who relocated to to discuss, along with rail links and a 55,000 North Korean workers in South political risks,” a senior offi cial at a large Vietnam and neighbouring Cambodia. mountain tourist centre. Korean-owned factories, turning out South Korean conglomerate said, asking on this plan their chances. Three years on, Choi and other A group of former Kaesong factory everything from toys to textiles and neither he nor his company be identifi ed The plan would be manufacturers operating in Vietnam say owners said they considered coming to electronics for markets in the South. due to the sensitivity of the matter. enormously expensive. The price tag is mysteriously absent they are struggling to break even due to Vietnam during the second Trump-Kim The plant generated as much as Two offi cials at other South from the document. But we can safely assume it would give higher transportation and labour costs summit to campaign for resumption of $100mn a year in much-needed hard Korean conglomerates, who also new force to the term “sticker shock.” Economist Noah and weaker sales. the Kaesong park. currency for isolated North Korea. asked for anonymity, said despite Smith, in a Bloomberg commentary, estimates that the They hope the upcoming second They decided against it because About 14% of the companies the government’s drive for economic retrofit of all buildings, by itself, would burn through $1.7tn summit between US President Donald summit host Vietnam is sensitive to operating at Kaesong have gone out of co-operation with the North, they are Trump and North Korean leader Kim political demonstrations or protests, business since the shutdown, according not seriously considering cross-border a year – using up every dime in annual revenue from the Jong-un in the Vietnamese capital they said. to an April 2018 survey by the Korea business yet. federal income tax. Hanoi will lead to an easing of sanctions Communist Vietnam, which like Federation of small and medium-size Samsung declined to comment for Another problem: the heavily centralised, command-and- on North Korea and a revival of the North Korea fought a war against the enterprises. this story. control nature of the proposal. Trying to achieve greater Kaesong facility. United States and retains tight controls Nearly all of the former Kaesong But some smaller business owners energy efficiency through federal dictates is a clumsy and “We were abandoned, then given over its people and economy, has been factory owners wish to return to North say for them, North Korea is a matter of expensive approach. A far superior method is a tax on carbon false hopes, but nothing really changed,” touted as a potential role model for Korea, the survey showed. survival. dioxide output, giving both private and government entities Choi, president of garment maker DMF, Pyongyang to follow. Many South Korean manufacturers Lee Jong-duk moved his lingerie told Reuters at his Hanoi offi ce. A series of reforms undertaken in struggling with high labour costs manufacturing business to Ho Chi Minh a strong incentive to look for the least expensive ways to cut So far, warming ties between South the 1980s and 1990s paved the way for and slowing growth in Asia’s fourth- City in Vietnam three years ago after he emissions. and North Korea, and last year’s historic Vietnam re-enter the global market and largest economy say North Korea’s was forced out of Kaesong. That also would stimulate options that use less fossil fuel (say, fi rst summit between Kim and Trump become one the region’s fastest growing much cheaper workers and untapped Now, sales are only 60-70% of what rail travel) and penalise those that use more (say, commercial in Singapore had yet to bear fruit, Choi economies. resources represent an unmissable he used to make in the North due to aviation). A carbon tax also would make technologies to capture said. At his Kaesong factory, Choi opportunity. smaller output in Vietnam and fewer and sequester carbon considerably more feasible. And it could “I hope to see a real change from this employed about 600 North Koreans However, some of the largest South clients, and wages are 30% higher. be made revenue-neutral by rebating the proceeds to the summit.” to produce jeans and golf trousers for Korean conglomerates lost out heavily “It’s not just the money. We speak the The Trump administration has South Korean companies including in the North when the previous round of same language with North Koreans and American people. previously said there would be no Samsung Group’s fashion affi liate. inter-Korean reconciliation in the early it was much easier to train them,” Lee At least the central thrust of the Green New Deal has a easing of sanctions until North Korea He paid them a monthly wage of 2000s ended. said. “Having been in Vietnam for three rationale: to protect the planet. Much of the rest amounts to a completely relinquishes its nuclear around $200, including overtime pay. They now have massive years now, I can say there is no place like leftist wish list, disconnected from environmental problems. It arsenal. After the closure, Choi set up a new manufacturing operations in Vietnam Kaesong.” promises every American “a job with family-sustaining wages, family and medical leave, vacations and retirement security,” as well as “high-quality healthcare” and “safe, aff ordable, adequate housing.” If that weren’t enough, the government would “stop the transfer of jobs overseas,” strengthen labour unions and ensure “the use of democratic and participatory processes that are inclusive of and led by frontline and vulnerable communities and workers.” Even most Democrats in Congress don’t seem to be sold on this plan. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi referred to it, with evident scepticism, as “the green dream or whatever” and “one of several or maybe many suggestions that we receive.” Anyone who wants action to curb climate change would do well to remember the old defi nition of politics: the art of the possible.

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Choi Dong-jin, president of South Korean garment maker DMF who was forced to close his factory in North Korea’s Kaesong industrial complex and then moved his © 2019 Gulf Times. All rights reserved manufacturing business to Vietnam in 2016, shows his product made in Kaesong at his off ice in Hanoi, Vietnam, on February 22, 2019. Gulf Times Monday, February 25, 2019 23 COMMENT Open questions about open banking

Howard Davies their customer data to non-bank about the impact of fintech startups, London providers of payment and account whether they remain standalone information services. Aggregators entities, or join exiting banks to can then present the customer with create complementary offerings, s its Valentine’s Day present an integrated view of their finances, the authors’ conclusions about to the world, the Financial and offer add-on services. Big Tech are far more nuanced. Stability Board (FSB) in Maybe the time to assess the Whereas previous analyses have ABasel published a report financial-stability risks of open suggested that the financial-stability on financial technology, or fintech, banking was in the consultation implications of fintech are either and market structure in financial period before the directive was benign or small, the FSB believes services. The subtitle was more passed. Even now, the list of that “this could change quickly with insightful, and revealed the authors’ contributors to the FSB work shows deeper involvement of the large intentions: “market developments that the European Commission, and technology providers.” and potential financial stability the key regulators in Europe and One possible route to financial implications.” North America, were not involved. instability identified in the report The report’s premise is So what did the FSB conclude? is that banks may loosen lending straightforward. The arrival of The authors begin, tactfully, with a standards unwisely. I would assess established technology giants, or Big series of bows to Big Tech. They say, that risk as low. Banks have been Tech, on the financial scene could correctly, that “the greater efficiency there before, in recent living “affect the degree of concentration of new players may enhance the memory, and are not keen to go and contestability in financial efficiency of financial services in the back. But the threat to profitability services, with both potential benefits longer term.” Certainly, the absence is real, particularly if “loss-leader” and risks for financial stability.” of the cost drag of legacy IT systems pricing strategies are adopted, The focus is on companies like and underused branch networks as the FSB believes is possible. Apple, Google, Facebook, Amazon, (which have been seen as a kind of They refer explicitly to the risk and Ant Financial, rather than public service and are therefore hard of cross-subsidisation. Banks in the myriad fintech startups in to rationalise) allow for cheaper Europe are not much in favour with Silicon Valley, Israel, or clustered digital delivery mechanisms which investors today, trading well below round the Old Street roundabout banks can only envy. book value in most cases, and a in London. Central banks and It is also entirely fair to argue, significant loss of market share in finance ministries are beginning as the authors do, that increased payment services would threaten to ask whether the activities of the competition in the supply of financial their viability further. tech behemoths, whose market services may benefit consumers In response, the FSB, capitalisations now dwarf those by expanding choice, stimulating unsurprisingly, argues for of even the biggest banks, will be innovation, and driving down “vigilance” on the part of banking wholly benign. transaction costs. The pressure on supervisors. (When, one wonders, In a way, it might be thought traditional providers is generating have supervisors been told that surprising that the questions are strong incentives to reduce costs now is the time to turn a blind being raised only now. Phrases like and improve service. Incumbents eye?). But I wonder if the answer “bolting stable doors” come to can no longer afford to sit back and lies with banking supervisors at all. mind. In Europe, regulatory changes allow inertia to be their friend, as Had a broader range of authorities like the Second Payment Services they did in the past when account contributed to the work, they might Directive (PSD2) have been crucial in switching was rare. But the FSB have more pertinently recommended opening up the banking system, and also warns that cross-subsidisation Financial Stability Board (FSB) in Basel. vigilance by conduct and competition regulators like the United Kingdom’s may allow Big Tech firms to gain regulators, too. Following the FSB’s Financial Conduct Authority have for market share rapidly and knock out to be primarily interested in stability. the essential plumbing. On the other capital,” the report argues, “could own logic, it is in these authorities’ some time been running regulatory existing providers. As a result, “their And here the report points in both hand, the ability of new entrants have an impact on financial sector territories where the biggest risks sandboxes to smooth the way for new participation may not result in a directions at once. On one hand, to undercut banks significantly resilience and risk-taking.” are most likely to emerge. – Project entrants by helping them to structure more competitive market over the the authors argue that greater could make the latter “potentially The reader is largely left to decide Syndicate themselves to comply with standards. longer term.” competition can create a more more vulnerable to losses.” The which of these two scenarios is most PSD2, often described as “open That is a warning policymakers resilient financial system, with a accompanying reduction in “retained likely to play out. But while the z Howard Davies is Chairman of banking,” requires banks to offer should heed. But the FSB is supposed wider range of companies managing earnings as a source of internal report is unambiguously positive the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Three-day forecast

TODAY This time really is diff erent Maximum Temperature : 260c Minimum Temperature : 160c

By Christopher Smart still shrinking by $50bn per month. when they say they’re worried about leaner, tech-driven business models. TUESDAY Maximum Temperature : 260c Boston The European Central Bank halted “political risk.” Even if the United Manufacturing, health care, and (gasp) its bond purchases in December States and China agree to extend their investment management are just a Minimum Temperature : 180c 2018. And the Bank of Japan may be current trade-war truce beyond the few of the sectors now vulnerable WEDNESDAY espectable investors aren’t approaching the beginning of the end fi rst half of March, the potential for to technological disruption – and Maximum Temperature : 270c supposed to say, “This time of its QE programme – though it is an continued friction will remain. That that is before one even considers Minimum Temperature : 200c open question when the “end of the means careful investors will have to the potential long-term benefi ts of is diff erent.” But, given the Fisherman's forecast market gyrations in recent end” will be. All told, the tapering of price in the possible costs of additional “distributed-ledger” or blockchain R WARNING months, they would do well to keep an QE programs has left an enormous tariff s and redesigned supplier technologies. networks – perhaps indefi nitely. Unlike the automation of tasks once Inshore : Expected poor horizon- eye on what really is diff erent from the amount of liquidity draining through tal visibility at places by last time the business cycle turned. pipes of diff erent sizes, and at diff erent Likewise, as the clock ticks down performed by humans, which will early morning& strong The last time, of course, was the times. to Brexit Day on March 29, fi rms that likely play out over many years and wind daytime 2008 global fi nancial crisis. Unlike Insofar as the global fi nancial have planned on goods and services across multiple economic cycles, the Offshore : Strong wind& high sea then, today’s underlying economic system is like a giant swimming still being able to move freely between upending of longstanding business WEATHER data remain strong, suggesting that pool, turbulent waters are tossing Britain and the European Union now models can happen almost instantly. Inshore : Misty to foggy at some a looming recession could come around the swimmers. Moreover, fi nd themselves in a state of deep Just ask Blockbuster Video. places by early morn- ing becomes moderate and go before we have even had undercurrents that have been keeping uncertainty. To be sure, world trade Business cycles wouldn’t be cycles if temperature daytime time to measure it. But that won’t the US dollar stronger for longer is not shutting down. But in the next there weren’t fundamental similarities with some clouds cold help investors looking to assess the are likely to be disrupted as relative cycle, investors will have to account in how fi rms capture profi ts, manage by night potential risks and rewards of the growth expectations may shift toward for the potential costs of new tariff s, competition and rising interest costs, Offshore : Some clouds next cycle, which will likely be shaped the euro and key emerging markets. border checks, and other eff ects of and then oust weaker players over the WIND by unpredictable shifts in liquidity, Don’t be surprised if an unexpected resurgent populism and nationalism in course of time. There will always be Inshore : Northwesterly 08-18/22 KT politics, and technology. vortex suddenly swallows up a mid- the world’s major economies. shrewd investors who can pick out Offshrore : Northwesterly 15-25/35 While academics convene size bank or hedge fund as the QE Finally, around the world, the ripest fruit at each stage of the KT conferences to analyse the legacy of tapering continues. revolutionary new technologies cycle. And yet the task ahead looks Visibility : 4-8/2 KM quantitative easing (QE) by central Complicating matters further, new and disruptive business models are more complicated than usual. As the Offshore : 5-8/12 FT increasingly threatening incumbents’ current cycle nears its end, investors banks over the past decade, investors sources of political uncertainty have Around the region want to know what the policy’s called into question the assumption profi t margins. During the last cycle, must account for the uncertainties Weather reversal will mean for future fi nancial that globalisation and economic the cheap connectivity of the Internet associated with lower liquidity, rising Weather tomorrow Max/min conditions. The major central banks integration will continue apace into drove commercial innovation and populism, and revolutionary new today Max/min P Cloudy 21/11 have essentially stopped providing the next cycle. True, Trump’s import integration. But looking ahead, technologies. Baghdad Sunny 21/09 M Sunny 22/16 massive liquidity injections through tariff s on aluminum, steel, and an businesses will need to grapple This time really is diff erent, and not Kuwait CitySunny 24/12 Sunny 22/18 bond purchases, and are now array of Chinese goods have so far with mobile networks, cheap digital necessarily in a good way. – Project Manama Sunny 22/17 Sunny 24/18 unwinding their balance sheets, albeit resulted in relatively small direct storage, and increasingly sophisticated Syndicate Muscat M Sunny 28/19 M Sunny 13/07 at varying rates. costs for a few targeted industries. But algorithms in order to make sense of Tehran S Showers 12/02 Regardless of whether the US the potential for further disruptions vast streams of data. z Christopher Smart is Head of Federal Reserve ignores market to global value chains has forced It is not just shopping malls and Macroeconomic and Geopolitical jitters and defi es President Donald multinational fi rms to reconsider taxi fl eets that are falling to the likes Research at Barings and Non- Trump to resume interest-rate where and when they should invest. of Amazon and Uber; almost all Resident Senior Fellow at the Carnegie hikes, its balance sheet is, for now, This is what business leaders mean businesses are facing challenges from Endowment for International Peace.

Live issues Around the world Weather Weather today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Morning exercise, short walks lower high BP Athens Cloudy 08/06 Sunny 14/06 Beirut P Cloudy 22/17 Rain 19/13 Bangkok P Cloudy 33/27 S T Storms 32/26 By Carolyn Crist Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute in in 10 participants also had high blood for the 30-minute morning walk- Berlin P Cloudy 13/02 P Cloudy 13/02 Reuters Health Melbourne, Australia. pressure. Every participant com- ing programme and no incline for the Cairo Sunny 29/12 P Cloudy 22/12 Recent studies have shown that pleted three diff erent day-long tests 3-minute walking breaks. Cape Town P Cloudy 24/17 S Showers 20/16 extended sitting during the day can in random order, each separated by During the sitting periods in the Colombo P Cloudy 31/25 P Cloudy 30/25 ombining 30 minutes of increase blood pressure, which is a key a minimum of six days. Researchers study, participants were instructed to Dhaka Rain 24/20 S T Storms 26/20 morning exercise with short risk factor for heart disease. measured heart rate, blood pressure, read or work quietly on a laptop and Hong Kong Cloudy 19/17 P Cloudy 20/17 walking breaks throughout “Older adults, in particular, can blood sugar and other blood markers avoid activities that may raise blood Istanbul Cloudy 06/02 M Cloudy 08/03 Cthe day may help control accumulate lots of sitting throughout during each test condition. pressure, such as watching television Jakarta S T Storms 32/25 S T Storms 32/25 blood pressure, an Australian study the day, with upwards of two-thirds In one condition, participants sat and making nonessential phone calls. Karachi Sunny 27/18 S Showers 26/14 suggests. of their day devoted to sedentary uninterrupted for eight hours. In Overall, the research team found London Sunny 17/03 Sunny 18/04 Adding three-minute walking behaviours,” he told Reuters Health by another, they sat for an hour, then that participants, as a group, had lower Manila P Cloudy 32/24 P Cloudy 31/23 breaks to disrupt prolonged periods of e-mail. walked at moderate intensity for 30 average blood pressure, by about 1 Moscow Cloudy 02/00 Cloudy 02/-7 sitting benefi ted older, overweight or Although both exercise and breaks minutes on a treadmill, and sat for the mm/Hg, across the day when they New Delhi M Sunny 23/12 Rain 21/12 obese women in particular, the study in sitting can reduce high blood pres- next 6.5 hours. In the third condition, were in a test condition that included New York Cloudy 04/-4 Sunny 04/-6 authors report in the journal Hyper- sure, or hypertension, Wheeler and they sat for an hour, did 30 minutes on exercise. The biggest reduction was Paris Sunny 17/02 Sunny 18/03 tension. colleagues analysed whether a com- the treadmill, then returned to sitting, seen when people did the 30-minute Sao Paulo P Cloudy 33/22 S T Storms 28/21 “Prolonged sitting is a common bination of exercise and short breaks but also did 3-minute walking breaks treadmill exercise in the morning Seoul Fog 10/-4 M Sunny 11/-2 behaviour in modern society with would off er further benefi ts. on the treadmill every 30 minutes and took 3-minute walking breaks Singapore M Cloudy 33/26 S T Storms 32/26 commuting, work and domestic set- They recruited 67 men and women for the rest of the day. The treadmill throughout the day – although the ad- Sydney P Cloudy 23/17 M Cloudy 26/18 tings that prompt us to sit,” said lead who were between 60 and 74 years was set at two miles per hour during ditional benefi t of the walking breaks Tokyo Rain 11/06 Cloudy 13/08 study author Michael Wheeler of old and overweight or obese. About 4 the exercise bouts, with an incline was seen only among women. Gulf Times 24 Monday, February 25, 2019 QATAR QPO to mark Khalifa stadium to 10 years of host A R Rahman inaugural concert

atar Philharmonic During the intermission, Orchestra (QPO), students from QF member show on March 22 Qa member of Qatar Qatar Music Academy will join Foundation (QF), will present Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra Tickets for the concert available at Q-Tickets a global audience in the lead up a special 10-year anniversary musicians under Louise Bour- to the World Cup. This is a great concert tomorrow at Al Ma- geois’ giant spider sculpture, nternationally acclaimed that is intended to promote mu- opportunity to position Qatar as yassa Theatre, Qatar National Maman, at QNCC. composer, singer, songwriter tual understanding, recognition an entertainment hub and we are Convention Centre ( QNCC). Kurt Meister, executive Iand producer A R Rahman is and appreciation between the two delighted to be in the forefront of The concert is being held director, QPO, said, “Qatar due to perform in Doha on March countries. this eff ort.” in celebration of the orches- Philharmonic Orchestra has 22, in what is expected “to be the Rahman, who shot to interna- Murad said that the concert tra’s gala inaugural concert in grown into a world-class or- largest music event ever to be held tional fame with the 2009 Holly- ticks off many milestones for October 2008, where talented chestra over the last 10 years, in Qatar”, organisers have said. wood production, Slumdog Mil- Qatar. “It will be Rahman’s fi rst musicians from 30 diff erent connecting Arabic and West- The event will take place in lionaire, was already a celebrated performance in Doha, it will be countries came together to ern cultures through music. conjunction with the Qatar-India musical icon in his home country, Khalifa Stadium’s fi rst major mu- perform internationally-ac- We have had the privilege of 2019 Year of Culture. India. He is credited for revolu- sic event, and the stadium will claimed symphonies. working with some of the best Rahman, along with his troupe tionising the Indian fi lm music be equipped with a 90m-wide The world-renowned Con- musicians and the most dis- of more than 80 performers, will industry, thanks to his genius stage – a world fi rst in terms of the ductor of Honour for the con- tinguished conductors, and take to the stage at Khalifa Inter- East-West mashup that gained longest stage set-up for a musical cert, Dmitrij Kitajenko – who we are very grateful for the national Stadium, the fi rst FIFA him international recognition. performance. This is going to be has led prestigious orchestras ongoing support from Qatar World Cup 2022 stadium to be de- In addition to two Grammy and the largest musical event Doha has around the world – will con- Foundation and its role in at- livered. Oscar awards each, Rahman also ever seen,” he added. duct the same music as fea- tracting these talented artists An audience of more than boasts of a Bafta, a Golden Globe Katara Studios, a state-of-the- tured in the inaugural concert to Qatar. 30,000 “are expected to fl ood the as well as a slew of awards in In- art production facility in Doha, 10 years ago, including works “Qatar Philharmonic Or- stadium in anticipation of some of dia, including six National Film was established to create and such as Maurice Ravel’s Bo- chestra continues to have an Rahman’s best-known hits,” ac- Awards, 15 Filmfare Awards and 17 promote the local fi lm and music lero and Marcel Khalifé’s Ara- important role in encouraging cording to a statement. Filmfare Awards South. industry. Their collaboration with bian Concerto. Featured in- the musicians of tomorrow, The musical festival in Doha is “We are really excited and hon- Rahman is the fi rst among a long ternational guest artists will and the concert is also a won- being organised by Katara Stu- oured to be working with the leg- list of projects that will see cel- include Moslem Rahal on nay; derful opportunity for the au- dios in collaboration with the endary A R Rahman,” said director ebrated artistes perform and work Kenan Adnawi on oud; Feras dience to experience the work Supreme Committee for Deliv- of music at Katara Studios, Ma- closely with Katara Studios. Charestan on qanun; Moha- of the extremely-talented stu- ery & Legacy and as part of the zen Murad. “His concert is really Tickets for the concert are mad Osman on bouzouq; and dents from the Qatar Music Qatar-India 2019 Year of Culture timely as we look to welcoming available at Q-Tickets. A R Rahman George Oro on tabla. Academy.” Your Health First organises ‘Harvest Day’ event

By Joseph Varghese Staff Reporter

oosting self-suffi ciency of food products in Qatar, Your BHealth First, the fl agship public health campaign of Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM- Q) with several public and private partners, held its fi rst ‘Harvest Day’ event yesterday. Organised at Amina Bint Wahab Preparatory School for Girls, the event celebrated a large crop of fresh tomatoes grown under the Khayr Qatarna initiative, which boosts self-suffi ciency and encourages healthy eating. Harvests at nine other schools participating in Khayr Qatarna yielded plentiful crops of fruit and vegetables including strawberries, cucumbers, tomatoes, cherry to- matoes, coloured peppers, red cab- bage and green beans. All the crops have been granted the status of ‘Premium Products’ – an indication Andrew H Kershaw, president and general manager of Occidental Petroleum of Qatar; Dominic Genetti, Dr Faleh bin Nasser al-Thani, assistant undersecretary for Agriculture Aff airs & Fisheries Resources; Saleh of their freshness and quality – by vice president and joint manager at ExxonMobil Qatar and Dr Javaid Sheikh, dean of WCM-Q, during a al-Mana, vice president and director of Public and Government Aff airs at ExxonMobil Qatar; and Abdullatif the Ministry of Municipality and Harvest Day event. al-Naemi, national development manager at ExxonMobil Qatar, with fresh tomatoes from the harvest. Environment. The event was attended by sev- The initiative also teaches stu- assistant undersecretary for Edu- this project and its importance.” eral dignitaries from Qatar Founda- dents valuable lessons about cational Aff airs at the Ministry of He added that the project in Qa- tion (QF), the Ministry of Education healthy eating, agriculture, envi- Education and Higher Education, tari schools will contribute to the and Higher Education, the Ministry ronmental awareness, and sustain- stressed that the initiative of Sa- supply of fresh agricultural produce of Municipality and Environment, ability issues. Students also learn htak Awalan – Your Health First grown by students and will raise ExxonMobil Qatar, and Occidental about key business operations, such embodies the eff ective partnership students’ awareness of the concepts Petroleum of Qatar. as logistics, commerce and eco- between the Ministry of Education and importance of agricultural pro- All the produce has been grown nomics. Harvest Day will now be and Higher Education and state duction. in large-scale climate-controlled held each year. institutions. Buthaina Ali al-Nuaimi, presi- greenhouses installed at the schools Your Health First initially in- Al-Khater added that the Min- dent, Pre-University Education, by Your Health First as part of the stalled large-scale greenhouses istry’s support for this initiative QF, said, “It is wonderful to see Khayr Qatarna initiative, launched at three secondary schools as stems from its keen interest in all how much the Khayr Qatarna in 2018 to help make a positive con- part of Khayr Qatarna’s pilot that enhances the environmental initiative has grown since it was tribution to Qatar’s self-suffi ciency. programme. The fruit and vege- and health awareness of students, launched last year. Food secu- “We have installed such large tables grown in the greenhouses and its commitment to build self- rity is a key priority for Qatar, greenhouses in ten schools now. are distributed with Khayr Qa- confi dence. and we at Qatar Foundation are We will expand the facility to tarna branding to the commu- Dr Faleh bin Nasser al-Thani, delighted to support this pro- more schools in the coming years. nity through local supermarkets assistant undersecretary for Ag- gramme – along with other key In addition, we have installed and also among the school stu- riculture Aff airs & Fisheries Re- local entities – and its aim of edu- smaller greenhouses installed dents’ families and their com- sources said, “We are pleased to cating young people about the at more than 130 elementary munities. All proceeds from participate in the fi rst Harvest importance of self-suffi ciency schools all over Qatar,” Dr Javaid sales are reinvested in the project Day of Khayr Qatarna in Qatari and healthy eating. Ultimately, Sheikh, dean of WCM-Q, told to allow for further expansion. schools, which is a confi rmation this is a collective investment in a Gulf Times. Fawzia Abdulaziz al-Khater, of the seriousness of the work of sustainable future for Qatar.” Students help bring in the crops at the inaugural Harvest Day event. QNB holds graduation ceremony for 139 employees

NB, the largest fi nancial agement skills of their partici- important priorities for QNB institution in the Mid- pants. The courses are delivered Group, as the bank is constantly Qdle East and Africa, has using a blended approach that striving to enhance the perform- recently held a graduation cer- targets the development of the ance of its employees. emony for 139 employees who skills and traits necessary to en- It comes as part of this talent completed the leadership devel- able participants to achieve their management approach as well as opment and management devel- ambitions and career goals. the bank’s human capital strate- opment programmes. These programmes refl ect the gy, which aims to consolidate the These programmes have been importance that QNB attaches status of QNB as the employer of organised by the bank in collab- to its employees, as well as the choice in Qatar and across its in- oration with the renowned in- great importance it places on the ternational footprint. ternational companies Franklin investment in human capital, QNB Group’s presence through Covey and KPMG. which is an important pillar of its its subsidiaries and associate com- The three-month leadership mission towards achieving Qatar panies extends to more than 31 and management development National Vision 2030. countries across three continents programmes are designed to de- The development of staff skills providing a comprehensive range velop the leadership and man- is considered one of the most of advanced products and services. QNB employees at the leadership development and management development programme graduation