BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 Afi f penalty wins it for Qatar against Afghanistan ARTIC opens ‘Sheraton Istanbul City Center Hotel’ published in QATAR since 1978

WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXX No. 11372 November 20, 2019 Rabia I 23, 1441 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir, Armenian president hold official talks

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Armenian President Armen Sarkissian held off icial talks at the Amiri Diwan yesterday. During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and ways to develop and enhance them to new horizons of co-operation, especially in the fields of economy, trade, investment, agriculture, tourism and food security. The two sides also exchanged views on a number of issues of common concern. The meeting was attended by a number of Qatari ministers and members of the off icial delegation accompanying the Armenian president. An off icial reception was held for the Armenian president upon his arrival at the Amiri Diwan. The Amir also hosted a luncheon banquet in honour of the Armenian president and the delegation accompanying him. The banquet was attended by a number of ministers. Pages 2, 24

Sheikh Sabah al-Khaled appointed Kuwait PM Metro Gold Line to start trial The Amir of Kuwait Kahramaa meters to Sheikh Sabah run for public tomorrow al-Ahmad al-Jaber al- O Line extends from Ras Bu Abboud in the east to Al Sabah issued yesterday an Aziziyah in the west O Timings the same as that of Red Line be smart by 2020-end Amiri Order appointing he Ministry of Transport and New routes will be allocated to the O First mega photovoltaic station in Qatar with a capacity of 700MW to be Sheikh Sabah Communications (MoTC) has Metrolink feeder bus service to cover a al-Khaled Tannounced that the trial opera- wider area and serve more neighbour- installed in 2022 O Network of electric vehicle charging stations being set up al-Hamad tion of the Doha Metro’s Gold Line will hoods adjacent to the stations, the al-Sabah as prime minister, replacing start for the public tomorrow. statement notes . By Peter Alagos Sheikh Jaber al-Mubarak who Running from east to west across The Metrolink service was intro- Business Reporter expressed his inability to accept Doha, the line extends from Ras Bu duced to transport passengers from the post. According to Kuwait News Abboud Station to Al Aziziyah Station neighbouring areas to and from the Agency, the Amiri order stipulated and covers a total of 11 stations, the Metro stations. ll meters in Qatar General that Sheikh Sabah al-Khaled will be MoTC said in a statement yesterday. In a post on its Doha Metro & Lusail Electricity and Water Corpo- tasked to nominate the new cabinet The other nine stations are National Tram Twitter page yesterday, Qatar Aration’s (Kahramaa) grid will members and submit their names to Museum, Souq Waqif, Msheireb, Bin Rail said: “We are pleased to announce be smart meters by the end of 2020, it the Amir to issue the decree. Mahmoud, Al Sadd, Joaan, Al Sudan, the launch of the preview service for was announced yesterday during the The Amiri order cancelled a previous Al Waab and Sport City. the Doha Metro Gold Line”, and ad- opening ceremony of the ‘2nd Con- order that was issued on Monday Operation timings for the Gold Line vised the public to visit http://qr.com. ference on Smart Grid and Renewable appointing Sheikh Jaber al-Mubarak will be the same as those for the Red qa for more information or follow it at Energy (SGRE2019)’ held in Doha as prime minister. Line — from 6am-11pm, Saturday @metrotram_qa yesterday. through Thursday, and from 2pm- Operations on the Doha Metro net- Speaking before the conference, 11pm on Friday. work’s fi rst line — Red Line — were Kahramaa president Essa bin Hilal al- Doha Metro users can switch be- launched on May 8 this year. Kuwari said customer engagement has In brief tween the Red Line and the Gold Line Since then, the service has seen ex- improved under its Advanced Meter- at Msheireb Station. cellent response from the public. ing Infrastructure project, adding that Essa bin Hilal al-Kuwari during a tour of the ‘2nd Conference on Smart Grid and more than 320,000 smart meters are Renewable Energy (SGRE2019)’ held in Doha yesterday. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam currently installed in its grid, connect- ed with multiple smart technologies, techniques,” said al-Kuwari, who is Engineering Experiment Station and including fi bre optics. also chairman of the Smart Grid Centre Texas A&M at Qatar. He said the smart QATAR | Offi cial “Kahramaa’s smart eff orts also in- at Texas A&M at Qatar and honorary grid vision is to transform Qatar’s grid PM congratulates clude water sustainability and quality, chair of the conference. into a secure, sustainable, and digital- which encourages innovation and new Al-Kuwari also announced that Kah- ly-enabled grid that provides reliable Kuwaiti counterpart technologies, especially to decrease ramaa has fi nished its smart grid road- and quality energy for stakeholders by HE the Prime Minister and Minister water losses and advanced desalination map, in collaboration with Texas A&M 2026. To Page 4 of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani has sent a cable of congratulations to Sheikh Sabah al-Khaled al-Hamad al-Sabah on the occasion of his swearing-in as Kuwait’s prime minister. Katy Perry, Maroon 5 to perform in Doha next month QATAR | Diplomacy O Qatar Airways , QNTC For fans of electronic music, Qatar Music events’ schedule Airways and QNTC are bringing Day- Qatar rejects US launch Qatar Live campaign dream Festival to Qatar for the fi rst time move on settlements O Yara and Ibrahim Dashti, on December 12 and 20 at The Ritz- Qatar has rejected the US atar Airways and Qatar National December 5, Katara Carlton, Doha. The world-renowned declaration that considered the Tourism Council (QNTC) yes- O Rahma Riad, Fahad al- festival takes place each year at diff er- establishment of Israeli settlements Qterday launched Qatar Live – a Kubaisi and Omar al-Abdallat, ent locations around the world, bring- in the occupied West Bank series of music concerts and festivals December 7, DECC ing together the best DJs in dance and inconsistent with international that will take place in Doha from De- O Daydream Festival, December electronic music. cember 5-19. On December 12, the lineup of DJs law, while terming this step as an 12 and 20, The Ritz-Carlton, obstacle to the desired peace. The The events have been organised to includes Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Ministry of Foreign Aff airs said in align with the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup Doha Robin Schulz, Sam Feldt, Matt So- a statement yesterday that this Qatar 2019 (November 26 to December O Cheb Khaled, December 13, chon and Wankelmut. On December declaration would hinder peace 8) and the FIFA Club World Cup Qa- DECC dary band Maroon 5, international Lat- Also, from December 5-7, some of the 20, Afrojack, Lost Frequencies, Mark eff orts as well as hopes for a two- tar 2019 (December 11-21) to “provide O Katy Perry, December 15, in music star Maluma and international Middle East region’s most famous music Knight, Steff Da Campo and Matt So- state solution, and deepen tensions world-class entertainment for foot- DECC music legend Cheb Khaled will perform stars will perform at Katara and DECC. chon will perform. in the region. It reiterated Qatar’s ball fans, visitors and local residents”, a O Maluma, December 16, DECC in Doha between December 13 and 19, The lineup features Qatari musician Fa- Tickets for all events can be pur- firm stance in supporting the press statement noted. O Maroon 5, December 19, DECC at the Doha Exhibition and Convention had al-Kubaisi, Yara, Omar al-Abdallat, chased at qatarlive.qa from 4pm today. Palestinian cause. Global superstar Katy Perry, legen- Centre (DECC). Ibrahim Dashti and Rahma Riad. To Page 9 Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, November 20, 2019 QATAR

Amir holds talks with Armenian president

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani holding talks with Armenian President Armen Sarkissian at the Amiri Diwan yesterday. Right: His Highness the Amir and the Armenian president during the off icial reception ceremony at the Amiri Diwan.

Culture minister participates in Unesco forum in Paris Minister meets FIA chief

QNA thought and the values of free- Paris dom, justice, science and work. He pointed out at the same time, that people need culture E the Minister of Cul- just as they need dialogue and ture and Sports Salah acceptance of the difference Hbin Ghanem bin Nasser to strengthen their identities, al-Ali participated in the Con- because the achievement of se- sultative Forum of Ministers of curity is always conditional on Culture held during the 40th respect for cultures and identi- session of the General Confer- ties. ence of the United Nations Edu- He also underlined the need to cational, Scientifi c and Cultural achieve major goals to ensure the Organisation (Unesco) under the security of humanity through title “Culture and Public Policy culture, education and science for Sustainable Development” in HE the Minister of Culture and Sports Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali with other delegates attending and the importance of reviewing Paris, France. the 40th session of the General Conference of Unesco. concepts above all. In his speech, he spoke about The Minister appreciated the HE the Minister of Culture and Sports Salah bin Ghanem the role of Unesco in build- joint work within the framework the decline of freedoms, espe- have already topped those of Unesco team, stressing the need bin Nasser al-Ali yesterday met in Paris with President of ing peace in the world through of openness with regard to the cially in the media. educated elites in a changing for all eff orts to strengthen the International Automobile Federation (FIA) Jean Todt. During the education, culture and science, situation in the world in terms of He called for listening to world, highlighting the role of role of the Organisation around meeting, a number of topics of mutual interest were reviewed. stressing the need to develop growing confl icts and wars and young people whose actions education in spreading critical the world.

Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, November 20, 2019 QATAR

Al-Attiyah meets Singapore minister Speaker meets Singapore minister In brief

Azerbaijan leader receives Qatari ambassador’s credentials

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the credentials of Qatar’s ambassador Faisal bin Abdullah al-Henzab in Baku yesterday. During the meeting, the ambassador conveyed the greetings of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Ilham Aliyev and HE the Speaker of the Shura Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud yesterday met the his wishes of good health and Senior Minister and Co-ordinating Minister for National Security of Singapore, Teo Chee Hean, and happiness to him, and to the his accompanying delegation. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations between Qatar government and people of and Singapore and ways of supporting and developing them, especially in the parliamentary field, Azerbaijan further progress and HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Aff airs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed as well as a number of issues of common concern. The meeting was attended by HE the Shura prosperity. President Ilham Aliyev al-Attiyah met with Senior Minister and Co-ordinating Minister for National Security of the Republic Council’s Deputy Speaker Mohamed bin Abdullah al-Sulaiti, HE the Council’s Observer Hadi bin reciprocated the Amir’s greetings of Singapore Teo Chee Hean. They reviewed relations between the two countries and ways of Saeed al-Khayareen, HE the Chairman of the Qatari-Asian Parliamentary Friendship Group Rashid and wished the ambassador enhancing them, in addition to issues of common interest. bin Hamad al-Madadi and Singapore’s ambassador to Qatar Jai Sohan. success in his new assignment.

Kahramaa meters to be smart by Qatar participates in 2020-end: al-Kuwari

From Page 1 support of the Ministry of Transport and Communica- “Like any smart utility, tions (MoTC). In addition, Kahramaa faces challenges Kahramaa has launched the Milipol Paris 2019 while upgrading its network. National Programme for This includes continuous Conservation & Energy Ef- QNA need for investment, tech- fi ciency ‘Tarsheed’, which Doha nology choice and upgrade, was able to reduce carbon and cybersecurity issues. emissions by almost 4mn he Milipol Qatar Com- However, our grid is highly- tonnes and achieve fi nan- mittee is participating in capable of monitoring and cial savings of almost $0.5bn Tthe 21st edition of Milipol controlling all its assets and in 2018 through technical, Paris 2019. operations together with its legal, and awareness initia- The four-day event began networks of smart meters, tives.” yesterday with the participa- renewable energy, and elec- tion of a wide range of security tric vehicles, while optimis- “A successful example leaders, experts, specialists and ing Kahramaa’s business of Kahramaa’s grid major international companies and engaging its customers. upgrade is a condition specialised in the fi eld of inter- “A successful example of monitoring project of nal security. Kahramaa’s grid upgrade all substations, which The participation of the is a condition monitoring achieved net savings Milipol Qatar Committee in project of all substations, of $36mn and reduced the Milipol Paris exhibition is which achieved net sav- faults by more than 50%” through a special pavilion to in- ings of $36mn and reduced troduce the 13th session (Milipol faults by more than 50%. The conference, which Qatar 2020), which will be held Customers’ engagement has concludes today is spon- in October next year in order to also improved with the Ad- sored by Qatar National attract international companies vanced Metering Infrastruc- Research Fund (QNRF), to participate. ture project.” Institute of Electrical and Milipol is held annually be- Al-Kuwari emphasised Electronics Engineers tween Doha and Paris and is one that Qatar is committed to (IEEE), Industrial Electron- of the most important security the Paris Agreement Goals ics Society, Power Elec- exhibitions in the world as it is to combat climate change tronics Society, and Power attended by a large number of and to mitigate green-house and Energy Society, among major international companies emission eff ects. other sponsors. specialised in the fi eld of inter- “Qatar is currently pre- The goal of the conference nal security. paring the fi rst ‘carbon is to generate a long-term The exhibition also witnesses neutral’ World Cup in 2022. smart grid research agenda the organisation of a number of To further help in reducing with renewable energy ad- specialised seminars in the ar- emissions and diversifying aptation. eas of security and crime control energy sources, Qatar has set Al-Kuwari also high- and other emerging issues. Dignitaries at the opening of Milipol 2019 expo in Paris. goals to increase the share of lighted “the impressive eco- renewable energy. In this re- nomic growth” that Qatar gard, Kahramaa will install witnessed under the wise the fi rst mega photovoltaic leadership of His Highness station in Qatar with a ca- the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin pacity of 700MW in 2022. Hamad al-Thani, and laud- “Kahramaa is currently ed the MoTC’s Qatar Smart Gulf Cup ‘clear indication’ working to fi nalise Qatar’s Programme (Tasmu), which renewable energy strategy was designed to accelerate by the end of 2020. Moreo- Qatar’s movement towards ver, Kahramaa is currently a digital economy and smart of early end to GCC crisis installing a network of elec- cities. tric vehicle charging sta- Al-Kuwari said: “This tions. This includes install- economic and digital growth Kuna minister has said. right direction to reach pos- ing the fi rst photovoltaic increases energy demand Kuwait Kuwaiti Deputy Foreign itive results.” energy storage EV charging and the need for an effi - Minister Khaled al-Jarallah, He expressed optimism station, as well as the fi rst cient energy infrastructure. speaking to Kuwait News there would be contacts at e-buses charging units in Smart, innovative grids are he participation Agency (Kuna) on the side- all levels to bring about “a Qatar,” al-Kuwari said. key to the energy transfor- of football teams lines of a reception held in quick end” to the crisis. He added: “Furthermore, mation required to meet T from all Arab Gulf Kuwait at the Palestinian Asked about the tim- policy and specifi cations are Qatar’s climate and energy countries in the upcom- embassy to mark the coun- ing of the next GCC sum- in fi nal revisions with the responsibilities.” ing Gulf Cup in Doha ‘is try’s national day, said there mit, he said no date was set a clear indication of the would be other steps fol- and there were ministerial progress towards solving lowing the Gulf Cup “which meetings to prepare for the the Gulf crisis’, a Kuwaiti affi rm we are heading in the summit.

Awqaf ministry opens 10 villas under Waqf project

QNA a guard each. Each villa there is an endowment Doha covers 1,225sq m. bank project for health- The Director of the care, which contributes to General Directorate of the treatment of patients he General Direc- Awqaf, Sheikh Dr Khalid who need dialysis, in addi- torate of Awqaf bin Mohamed al-Thani, tion to ensuring the treat- T at the Ministry of said that the project is one ment of patients in private Awqaf and Islamic Af- of many the department institutions such as the fairs yesterday inau- is working on, adding that Qatar Diabetes Associa- gurated a Waqf project a set of Waqf buildings tion, among others, noting with 10 residential vil- will be opened in the Al that the General Directo- las in Hazm Al Markhiya Sadd area shortly and an- rate of Awqaf also holds area and with a value of other project, consisting cultural conferences and QR12,380,000. of five Waqf buildings, is support scientific activi- The ten villas have due for completion dur- ties according to the ac- three floors each, 60 ing the current year. tivity of each endowment bedrooms in total, and He pointed out that bank. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 20, 2019 5 QATAR

Foreign minister holds talks with US officials Qatar Spotlight launched at schools’ summit ounders and leaders of in- ternational schools and Finstitutions that take a new, disruptive approach to learning have gathered in Qatar for the world’s fi rst progressive schools summit, attended by Qatar Foundation vice chairper- son and CEO HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani. HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs The Leaps (Leading Educa- Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani has held separate tional Advancement through meetings with US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Secretary of Progressive Schools) Summit, State’s Envoy to Iran Brian Hook, Head of the Policy Planning Staff organised by Qatar Foundation’s at the US State Department Peter Berkowitz and a number of US Pre-University Education (PUE), off icials, during his visit to Washington. The meetings discussed brought together the world of relations between Qatar and the US, in addition to topics of mutual progressive education to ex- interest. plore how traditional methods of teaching and learning can be dis- rupted in order to support chil- dren’s creativity, curiosity, self- development, and future path. The summit, which will take place biennially, also saw the Qatar Foundation vice chairperson and CEO HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani and other dignitaries at the Leaps Summit. launch of Qatar Spotlight, de- veloped through a partnership Qatar showing great willingness about schools. It’s about the said Maryam Alhajri, Director of principles of human fl ourish- between PUE and HundrED, a to work together to advance edu- children. It’s about the next gen- Academyati. ing, breaking down the barriers not-for-profi t organisation that cational policy and practice. We eration. Our goal is to help each “We want to reach out to other between ages, breaking down identifi es and shares innovations look forward to increasing this and every child fl ourish in life, no progressive schools around the the barriers between disciplines, in K-12 education. Through this global collaboration for schools in matter what happens.” world and that’s why we are ex- breaking down the barriers be- initiative, members of Qatar’s Qatar in the coming years.” During the summit, repre- cited to have launched the Leaps tween teachers and students – I educational sector will submit Speaking about the launch of sentatives of international pro- Summit. We want to invite schools think they are key to the future.” their innovative education ideas, Qatar Spotlight, Saku Touminen, gressive schools and education to come together, talk to each oth- Sessions also focused on crea- with Qatar Spotlight sharing the chief executive offi cer, HundrED, institutions discussed diff erent er, and empower each other to ex- tivity, innovation, and the power 10 most impactful and scalable said: “We have chosen to col- methodologies, governance sys- plore new ideas in education.” of the arts in progressive educa- submissions with a wider global laborate with Qatar Foundation tems, practices, and rationales The Leaps Summit saw Alhajri tion, and how innovations in Qa- network of educators. because we share the same values for providing education that dif- presented thoughts and ideas on tar K-12 education can be identi- Sheikha Noof Ahmed al-Tha- and goals in promoting and sup- fers from traditional schooling, progressive schools that emerged fi ed and spread to the world. ni, executive director of Strate- porting educational innovations. and exchanged their experiences from a recent meeting with in- Speakers at the summit includ- gic Initiatives and Partnerships “We want to identify the best of how progressive education im- ternational education expert Sir ed Dr Frances Wilby, Head of Edu- at Qatar Foundation’s PUE, said educational innovations in Qa- proves student and school per- Ken Robinson, whose opinions cation UK, and representatives of “I am very pleased that Qa- tar and spread them around the formance. The talks are aimed at formed part of a session titled “Is progressive education institutions tar Foundation has launched a world as successful innovations, paving the way for expertise and There a Need for Progressive Ed- Lumiar Education, which oper- fi rst-of-its-kind global summit to highlight what is happening resources to be shared between ucation?”, and who said: “More ates in countries including the US, to bring together progressive here in Doha, and how it can be schools in Qatar and progressive and more people are recognising the UK, and Brazil; Hub School 21 educational institutions from a learning centre with a unique education institutions around that the current systems of edu- in France; US-based NuVu Studio around the world. environment. There are beauti- the world. cation are not working, and the and the Center for Artistry and “In this fi rst year, we have re- ful things happening on the other “At QF’s Pre-University need for change within them. Scholarship; Kingsland Pre-Prep ceived an excellent response from side of the world that we seek to Education, we have launched “It is happening in whole coun- in the UK, the Snehadhara Foun- progressive schools abroad and discover and spread. Academyati, the fi rst progres- tries. Rethinking how schools dation in India, and Agora School from educational institutions in “It’s not about us. It’s not sive school under our umbrella,” work based on fundamental in the Netherlands. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, November 20, 2019 QATAR

MIT professor Panama envoy presents credentials Farewell for Brazilian envoy to speak on AI at HBKU tomorrow

rof Max Tegmark, a re- nowned professor from PMassachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) will speak on the topic ‘Intelligible Intelli- gence’ tomorrow. Presented by World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) along with Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI), part of Hamad Bin Khailfa University (HBKU), the talk will take place at the Multipurpose Room of HBKU Research Complex at 11am. Prof Tegmark will present re- cent technical research on Artifi - cial Intelligence (AI) carried out in his group at MIT. He, in particu- HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi yesterday received a HE the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs Dr Ahmed bin Hassan al-Hammadi lar, will discuss ways of building copy of the credentials of the ambassador of Panama to Qatar Mousa Abdelhae Asvat Kasu. yesterday held a farewell ceremony in honour of the Brazilian ambassador to Qatar Roberto AI-systems which are simpler yet The minister wished the new ambassador success in his duties and assured him of all support Abdalla. Held at the Diplomatic Club, a number of heads of diplomatic missions and bureaus equally powerful compared to cur- to upgrade bilateral relations between the two countries. accredited to the country attended the ceremony along with foreign ministry department directors. rent black-box neural networks. Simpler models are often more trustworthy, precisely be- cause they are more understand- able. Prof Tegmark is a professor doing physics and AI research at MIT, and advocates for positive Karwa SmartCard can now be topped-up via Ooredoo Money use of technology as president of the Future of Life Institute. He is the author of over 250 oredoo yesterday announced that porate Communications at Ooredoo. publications as well as the New its customers can now top-up their “Ooredoo Money off ers exactly what they York Times bestsellers Life 3.0: OKarwa SmartCards via the Ooredoo need: quick, easy, and convenient ways to Being Human in the Age of Arti- Money service, off ering a quick, easy and ef- take care of such activities; and the addition fi cial Intelligence and Our Math- fi cient way to top-up the cards. of the new Karwa SmartCard top-up service ematical Universe: My Quest for The partnership was celebrated in a launch is a prime example of our commitment to en- the Ultimate Nature of Reality. ceremony attended by several senior offi cials hancing our customers’ digital lives.” His AI research focuses on in- from both Ooredoo and Mowasalat. Khalid Kafoud, Government and Media telligible intelligence. His work Karwa SmartCards can be used for Mow- Relation manager at Mowasalat, said: “Mow- with the Sloan Digital Sky Survey asalat public transport services as a conven- asalat, as a leading stakeholder under MoTC, on galaxy clustering shared the ient way to pay, and customers can now add is serving Qatar and its people. We are per- fi rst prize in Science magazine’s anything from QR5 to QR500 to their Smart- petually working to accomplish the national ‘Breakthrough of the Year: 2003’. Card via Ooredoo Money. vision of providing effi cient and environmen- To top-up a Karwa SmartCard via Ooredoo tally friendly transport services. Money, customers can either use the Oore- “Digital technologies are transforming doo Money app or the USSD menu by dialling customers’ experiences, and ease of use is a *140#. Any valid Karwa SmartCard can be key factor in achieving high customer adop- topped-up, and customers will simply need tion. Enabling customers to top up their to enter the fi rst 10 digits of the SmartCard Karwa SmartCards using Ooredoo Money number to top-up. will greatly enhance our customer’s experi- “We recognise our customers want quick, ence, and we hope our customers will use and easy solutions for various everyday activities, like this new channel of smart top-up.” including recharges and transfers that could Customers who are not yet signed up to otherwise take time out of their day,” said Ma- Ooredoo Money can register via the Ooredoo Ooredoo director of PR and Corporate Communications Manar Khalifa al-Muraikhi and Mowasalat Qatar chief Prof Max Tegmark nar Khalifa al-Muraikhi, director, PR and Cor- Money app or at any Ooredoo or Starlink shops. technology off icer Jassim al-Khayat at the agreement-signing ceremony. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 20, 2019 7 QATAR

Justice minister meets US mayors praise Qatar’s IDLO officials amazing achievements

By Ayman Adly “creating talent, attracting talent Staff Reporter or retaining talent”. Dyer, who alongside the mem- bers of the delegation visited delegation of seven may- Qatar Foundation for Education, HE the Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of State for Cabinet ors of diff erent US cit- Science and Community Devel- Aff airs Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi met the Director of Pro- Aies, currently visiting the opment, highly appreciated its grammes at International Development Law Organisation (IDLO), country, have described Qatar as sophisticated educational capa- Erwin van der Borght and Senior Programme Co-ordinator for the Middle Eastern land of op- bilities and facilities. Middle East and North Africa Unit at IDLO, Nancy Fashho, on the portunities, stressing that there “Qatar now has seven ambas- occasion of their visit to Qatar. The meeting discussed the legal are great potentials of mutual sadors in “America”, we will go co-operation between Qatar and International Development co-operation with their cities in back to our cities and tell our Law Organisation, and the exchange of experiences in various various fi elds. people about the magnifi cent and aspects of legal work to promote the rule of law and achieve the Bryan K Barnett, mayor of Ro- resourceful country,” said LaRo- Sustainable Development Goals. chester Hills, the 77th president siliere who hoped for more co- of the US Conference of Mayors, operation among the US cities and told journalists yesterday that Qatar in various mutual fi elds. the delegation has been in the Muryn stressed the need to country for just above three days work closer with Qatari partners and saw many amazing achieve- not only to get more American ments, worthy of strongly com- The visiting American mayors in Doha yesterday. companies coming to Qatar but mending the serious eff orts of get more Qataris to invest in the the Qatari government. while maintaining a strong local is a good opportunity to build re- stressing that she has seen that US, and the visit will help to ex- “The resilience of the people heritage. lationships with Qatar, being in a the country really takes care of its plore these opportunities with of Qatar was able to overcome all He said that the seven mayors strong alliance with the US, and people and poured huge invest- the communities in America. the implications of the blockade would certainly tell people back further enhance economic alli- ment in development projects The members of the del- and the country is going ahead home that Qatar is a “safe place ances between the two friendly with special focus on 2022 FIFA egation welcomed city to city with its economic plans at a faster that values family. It has tradi- countries. World Cup. “There IS a lot to be exchange of culture and arts pace, but on the human level the tions but also an accepting place The delegation included learned from the Qatar’s rapid events, describing the ongoing blockade has resulted on severing that welcomes visitors, and our Victoria R Woodards, Mayor development eff orts,” she noted. Ajyal Film Festival as a high-level some family relations that need experience with Qatari people of Tacoma City; Christina M Dyer admitted that he did not event with its focus on the young to be addressed,” he said. here has been incredible.” Muryn, Mayor of Findlay City, know a lot about Qatar before people. They further stressed Barnett fi rst visited Qatar in Barnett also agreed with oth- Ohio; Chris Barnett, township coming here but this visit has that Qatar has been leading in 2017 just after the blockade be- er members of the delegation supervisor of Charter Town- opened his eyes to such an amaz- the region in introducing labour Mahday al-Hebabi and Gonzalo Martín shake hands in front of gan. When he came back this that Qatar has two amazing and ship of Orion; Harry LaRosiliere, ing country with welcoming peo- reform legislations and regula- the digital fitting room. time he found great develop- unique museums - the National Mayor of Plano, Texas; Andrew ple ready to interact with others. tions, besides the other obvious ment in all fi elds at unprec- Museum of Qatar and the Muse- J Ginther, Mayor of Columbus; He said that the country has developments that are reshap- edented speed. um of Islamic Art, and the people and Buddy Dyer, Mayor of Or- a long-range vision and plan- ing the country on all level. The In the meantime, he noted of the country are really proud lando City, in addition to some ning that is “being implemented members stressed that they felt that the country has invested and enthusiastic about their cul- associate staff members. All the not just talked about”. He further the warm welcome, generosity heavily in its people with im- ture, heritage and traditions. mayors except Barnett are visit- praised country’s eff orts on the and spirit of openness and co- Vodafone mense focus on sophisticated The visit of the delegation, ac- ing Qatar for the fi rst time. diversifi cation of the economy, as operation all through their visits modern education to build a cording to Barnett, aims to main- Woodards considered the visit it is really accomplishing this and not just on the offi cial level but at knowledge-based economy tain closer culture exchange as it as an eye-opening experience, moving forward with it through the people’s level as well. and JogoTech AAB holds Hybrid partner to Familiarisation drive smart Programme bdullah Abdulghani – the recently launched luxury retail in Qatar & Bros Co (AAB), sole van - to the fl eet customers. Aagents for Toyota vehicles R K Murugan, acting CEO/ in Qatar, has held a Hybrid Fa- COO- Automotive, opened odafone Qatar and on the shop fl oor, or to diff er- miliarisation Programme for its the programme with his wel- Spanish smart systems ent assistants’ digital watches. top corporate customers. come address. Presentations Vspecialists JogoTech The digital fi tting room was The event was attended by on the hybrid technology and have partnered to drive the experienced by thousands of senior offi cials from various its advantages were highlighted digital transformation of Qa- visitors at Vodafone’s pavilion fi rms, including rent-a-car and through videos by K S Ravi Ku- tar’s retail industry. during Qitcom 2019. limousine companies among mar, manager – Fleet Sales, and Using its world class net- Major retailers including others. Bobby Mathew, supervisor – work coupled with its Inter- Mango, Zara and Massimo The objective of the pro- Fleet Sales. net of Things (IoT) expertise, Dutti have already rolled out gramme was to explain the func- The Hybrid Familiarisation AAB introduced the all-new Toyota Corolla Hybrid to fleet customers present on the occasion. Vodafone Qatar will exclu- the digital fi tting rooms in tioning of Hybrid Electric Vehicle Programme ended with a Q&A sively off er retailers in Qatar several of their fl agship stores (HEV) technology as well as the session where the winners re- sands Limousine, Global Limou- customers by off ering the best line-up of HEVs in the world. JogoTech’s digital fi tting room across the world. key advantages of owning an HEV. ceived prizes. sine and My Dream Limousine. purchase and ownership experi- AAB operates eight Quick solution- JogoRoom, which Mahday Saad al-Hebabi, The advantages of a Hybrid The occasion was also wit- “AAB has a dedicated Corpo- ence,” the statement noted. Service Centres in various parts links a retailer’s web presence Vodafone Qatar Business Electric vehicle include driving nessed the rewarding of the rate Sales Department to take Toyota are the pioneers of of the country in addition to the to their physical store. Services director said, “Our an advanced-technology ve- top three fl eet customers who care of corporate/bulk sales. hybrid technology, having main workshop located in the The digital fi tting room partnership with JogoTech hicle, a smooth ride, savings in have purchased the maximum The department is committed to sold more than 12mn Hybrid Industrial Area. The company’s has been designed around an refl ects our commitment to terms of fuel cost as well as re- number of hybrid vehicles. Me- providing highly effi cient Toyota Electric Vehicles worldwide, showrooms are open seven days IoT digital mirror, which al- pioneer digital innovation in duction in CO2 emission. mentos were given to Thou- vehicles and services to fl eet and it has also the largest a week. lows a shopper to scan the Qatar and to help businesses AAB and Toyota have intro- barcode on clothes tags in the succeed in a digital world. duced a range of Hybrid Electric fi tting room and then contact “In the competitive retail Vehicles in Qatar over the past shop fl oor staff directly from industry, the ability to deepen few years, which include Toyota the mirror, through a digital engagement with customers, Prius, Corolla, Camry and RAV4. watch, to request diff erent cross-sell, speed-up the in- More hybrid models will be in- sizes or colours. store experience and optimise troduced in 2020, according to a The mirror will also suggest business operations could be press statement from AAB. additional clothes to comple- transformative for any re- “Customers have shown a ment the original choice and tailer.” positive response to Hybrid the items added to the shop- JogoTech CEO Gonzalo Electric Vehicles. Toyota Camry ping cart can be paid for from Martín said, “We are proud and Corolla are popular models the shopper’s mobile without to partner with Vodafone among fl eet customers and lim- the need to leave the fi tting Qatar on supporting the ousine operators,” the statement room. retail industry in Qatar to noted. Moreover, the JogoRoom thrive. We were delighted for AAB introduced the all- system provides retails with the opportunity to showcase new Corolla Hybrid and the critical analytics, stock con- the digital fi tting room dur- RAV4 Hybrid to fl eet custom- trol and in-store management ing Qitcom 2019 that dem- ers present on the occasion. The facilities, such as the ability to onstrated how a retailer’s company also showcased the assign requests from the fi t- digital and physical presence newly launched Toyota Granvia AAB off icials with representatives of fleet customers. ting rooms to diff erent zones comes together.”

Ministry begins awareness drive on public hygiene law for communities, workers As part of its ‘Keep It Clean’ at the MME, in co-ordination Al Meera launches battery waste collection initiative awareness campaign, the with Al Shrouk Modern School Ministry of Municipality and and Al Wakra Primary School for l Meera Consumer Goods Meera branches for disposal in our values as a retail brand and Environment (MME), represented Girls, were launched yesterday in Company has intro- designated bins. While batter- fulfi l our corporate responsibil- by the General Cleanliness Ezdan Al Wakrah Complex. Aduced another nation- ies power modern life, respon- ity to our consumers.” Department, has launched an The campaign targets school wide recycling initiative that sible disposal is important upon The initiative follows the new- information campaign to raise students and public visiting will collect used batteries, in their end-of-life as the materi- ly-installed recycling machines awareness among communities Ezdan Al Wakrah Complex. collaboration with the Ministry al in them could harm the envi- for plastics and can products at and labour groups about the Dr Mahmoud Abdul Ghani, of of Municipality and Environ- ronment, Al Meera stated. eight Al Meera branches. Other public hygiene law, in co- the Health Control Department ment (MME). “Batteries play a vital role in environmental steps taken earlier operation with six radio channels in Al Wakrah Municipality, gave During the initial phase, the col- how our world functions today, this year include the launch of broadcasting in Asian languages. a lecture during an awareness lection of the used batteries will be but the freedom to be unplugged eco-friendly bags and recycling The campaign includes two tour in Carrefour with the carried out in bins across 10 branch- also comes with the responsibility of paper, in collaboration with phases: the first one was launched participation of 100 students es, and then will subsequently ex- to ensure the proper and safe dis- Elite Paper Recycling Co. Off icials inaugurating the campaign. during November and lasts for a from Al Wakrah schools. pand further to other branches, Al posal of batteries once they expire. Hamad al-Bahar, director, month, while the second phase will The event attracted a large Meera said in a statement. “Our latest environmental in- Recycling and Waste Treat- environment, reduce waste from tar a beautiful and modern place be launched during February and number participants and Customers and companies itiative, in collaboration with the ment Department at the MME, going to the landfi lls, and con- to live and work.” will last for a month as well. Carrefour administration can now scour their homes and MME, exemplifi es, once again, said: “Battery recycling is very serve natural resources. All of us The collected batteries will In another context, the campaign distributed Eco-Friendly plastic offi ces, especially junk drawers, that we are increasingly utilis- important to prevent the po- must play our role as one com- be exported via sea for regu- “No Plastic Bags” organised by bags to the visitors free of closets and garages, for used ing our network for round-the- tentially hazardous metals they munity in recycling the waste we lated disposal, according to the Public Relations Department charge. (QNA) batteries and bring them to Al clock recycling as we stay true to may contain from damaging the generate if we aspire to make Qa- authorities. Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, November 20, 2019 QATAR Pioneering learning fest draws to a close A learning programme in session. Hundreds turn out for Doha Learning Days, Qatar’s first experiential learning festival oha Learning Days (DLD), Qatar’s WISE Majlis showcases fi rst experiential learning festival, Dhas drawn to a close in Education City. innovative activities Hundreds took part in the DLD’s packed programme of events which drew par- ticipation from across the spectrum of the he 2019 summit of the tional Excellence: Case studies community, including school pupils and World Innovation Summit from Qatar, among others,” he teachers, artists and musicians, educators, Tfor Education (WISE) has explained. and entrepreneurs in this celebration of started with several pre-summit “Research is part of our man- learning. activities at Qatar National Con- date, and these reports are to Organised by World Innovation Sum- vention Centre. help policy makers and we want mit for Education (WISE), an initiative of At the WISE Majlis, several ac- to share the content with them,” Qatar Foundation (QF), the festival opened tivities are taking place with the Yiannouka continued. with a spectacular musical story perform- participation of large number of “WISE 2019 is to encourage ance. students among others. people to relearn and unlearn The delightfully original narrative story, “More than 2,000 educators, the things they already know developed by Qatar Reads, refl ected the decision-makers and infl uen- and challenge themselves,” said relationship between local culture and to- tial experts from the public and Khalifa al-Kubaisi, media rela- day’s modern, technological world. private sectors, from over 100 tions and press offi ce manager at Over 50 local and international partners countries, are taking part in the Qatar Foundation. “It aims to see co-curated a varied programme of ses- summit this year. About 15 pre- the artifi cial intelligence as a tool sions over the six-day festival, with expe- summit events were held yester- rather than a threat to the future. riential activities around several themes: day,” WISE chief executive Sta- This is refl ected in all activities of science and technology, wellness, sustain- vros Yiannouka told the media the WISE Majlis. ability, empowerment, and special needs yesterday. “We are expecting a high and accessibility. The 2019 summit is being held number of students at the Majlis Off shoot activities included practi- The DLD took place in Education City. under the theme Unlearn, Re- activities, which is good because tioner workshops and sessions with WISE learn: What it means to be Hu- they begin to learn early and re- Summit speakers. “The tremendous support from the man, with the participation a alise the challenges.” The festival’s focus on innovative expe- community highlights the importance of large number of international Yiannouka also said that WISE riential learning for diff erent abilities and this kind of event, to give everyone the op- educational experts and speak- has succeeded in putting educa- aptitudes formed part of the DLD’s aim to portunity to learn skills in an environment ers. tion on global agenda, and that be a catalyst for education focused on re- that encourages interactive, hands-on WISE, a global educational the summit has been established centring learning human values, de-con- learning.” initiative of Qatar Foundation, is itself as a prime summit for edu- structing existing learning frameworks, The full range of sessions at the DLD also marking its 10th anniversary cation and a process of re-learning to build thriv- included: “Learning Labs”, for school stu- since its fi rst summit in 2009. “The WISE Majlis has hands- ing societies. dents to join STEM (science, technology, Yiannouka said that eight re- on labs and creative installa- Strategic partner organisations sup- engineering and mathematics)-related search reports by WISE will be tions. The four learning labs are porting the DLD included the Ministry of sessions with partners such as ibTECHar; released at the summit. expected to receive 36 schools Education and Higher Education, Exxon- a “Networking Majlis”, where high school “They include reports such over two days, and each school Mobil Qatar, and Qatar Rail. students were introduced to university Children taking part in one of the activities at the DLD. as Promoting Youth Well-Being will bring 30 students. WISE chief executive Stavros N Yian- and professional life through speed men- Through Health and Education: “The ‘Unlearn Maze’, with the nouka said: “Doha Learning Days has been toring; and STEM speaker sessions with Series exploring ways to be more sustain- themes of sustainability and local culture. Insights and Opportunities, Glo- message, ‘The Learning style an incredible opportunity to show why in- the event sponsor, ExxonMobil Qatar, and able in Qatar. Selected artworks created by participat- bal Sport Development Systems myth: Please make it stop’, is the novation in education is at the core of our QF partner universities. Qatar Rail engaged the community ing students are to be featured along Qatar and Athletes’ Access to Educa- centre of attraction of the Maj- eff orts at WISE. Torba Market presented a Sustainability through an art project refl ecting the Rail’s Green Line stations. tion, and The Pursuit of Institu- lis,” Yiannouka said.

Turkish embassy Fifty One East hosts Carolina Herrera’s fashion show hosts Dreama team ifty One East has hosted an milestone on Fifty One East’s super bloom, adding texture via exclusive fashion show for journey, highlighting the impor- velvety polka-dots placed on FCarolina Herrera’s Spring/ tance internationally renowned fl oating tulle and playing with he Turkish embassy in ships with a number of inter- Summer 2020 Ready-to-Wear brands are giving to the store and the proportion on sleeves”, the Doha hosted a team from national civil society organi- and Bridal collections in the the local market. statement points out. TDreama, the Orphan sations who are leading in the presence of the House’s creative “At Fifty One East, we are “The sensory delight of wild- Care Centre, in the framework integration and empowerment director, Wes Gordon, during his committed towards delivering an fl owers as far as the eye can see of deepening international sector,” she explained. fi rst visit to the Middle East. experience that is truly one of a inform the hyper-saturated and partnerships, exchange of ex- “Dreama goes in line with The fashion show, “embodied kind while bringing our clientele pigment-rich colour palette of periences, and the transfer of the strategic goals and de- with elegance and vibrant col- one step closer to their dearest this collection: vibrant yellow, pioneering experience devel- velopment visions set by the ours”, took place in the presence brands. hot pink, brilliant orange and oped by the latter in the fi eld of United Nations for the pro- of Emilie Rubinfeld, president “This launch cements our bold blue mix with prints evoking orphanage empowerment. motion of human equality, of Carolina Herrera New York position as the store of choice ephemeral desert fi elds blanket- During the meeting at the training and development, ex- and the brand’s senior manage- among our loyal customers, who ed in lilies, verbena and lupine.” Turkish embassy, the two sides change of experiences, through ment team, alongside VIP guests, appreciate the exceptional de- Silhouettes are “dramati- reviewed opportunities for co- eff ective partnerships, and members of the media and a big sign, elegance and uniqueness of cally short or extravagantly long, operation and investment in collaboration of civil society crowd of the brand’s fans, Fifty the House of Carolina Herrera.” moulded to resemble beautiful human capital, as well as the organisations at the local and One East said in a statement. Gordon added: “It is a great shapes found in nature. Yards of development of the educa- international levels to achieve The fashion show was followed honour and privilege to be vis- delicate silks are meticulously tional and cultural capacities sustainable development by a trunk show the next day, iting Doha for the fi rst time in draped to mimic a budding rose”. of children. goals,” she stated. where the clientele had the op- collaboration with our exclusive “Joyful and pure in spirit, the Turkish ambassador Fikret Dreama had undertaken in portunity to be the fi rst in Qatar partner, Fifty One East. Bridal collection for Spring 2020 Ozer referred to the neces- June this year an educational and the region to personally ex- “I am thrilled to present the celebrates modern elegance with sity of intensifying the bilateral trip for its children to Turkey, perience the new collection. Carolina Herrera Spring/Sum- unstructured ease,” the state- meetings between the Qatar with the aim of developing Bader al-Darwish, chairman mer 2020 collection to clients ment adds. civil society institutions and their cultural and cognitive and managing director of Fifty here, and it has been wonderful The Carolina Herrera atelier, their Turkish counterparts, for abilities. One East, said: “We were pleased to experience this best-in-class Wes Gordon with models during the show for Carolina Herrera’s classically trained in haute cou- the benefi t of public and inter- The trip was supported di- to welcome Carolina Herrera’s luxury shopping experience, Spring/Summer 2020 Ready-to-Wear and Bridal collections. ture, brings the meticulous at- est of the two nations. rectly by Ooreedoo, Qatar Air- fi rst fashion show in the Mid- meeting the elegant women of tention signature of the House to Dreama executive director ways, and the Turkish embassy. dle East, right here in Doha, and Doha, and exploring this vibrant I hope to be back again in this to life for the Carolina Herrera 17 gowns with the fresh attitude Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser al- On the occasion, Dreama straight after its launch during and multi-faceted city. beautiful city very soon.” Spring/Summer 2020 collec- of lightness – a theme translated Misnad said that the Centre’s honoured ambassador Ozer, the New York Fashion Week. “We look forward to further Gordon brings his vision of tion, inspired by the botanical through each name, beginning in vision has become more open the embassy’s general consul “This marks yet another key growing our partnership and “joyful and dramatic colour phenomenon of the Californian “L”. to international partnerships Mohamed Maral, police Major- and enhanced co-operation in General Bakir Majed (adviser the areas of development re- for security co-operation and lated to children’s rights. internal aff airs), and Kingston “We are looking forward to Visa International Group pres- more development partner- ident Dr Afshin Hormozlo. DPS Monarch International School is inaugurated

PS Monarch International ing her previous assignment School, a “purpose-built, as principal at an international Dstate-of-the-art digital school in the Maldives, while school”, has joined the family of headmistress Madhu Uppal had DPS schools in Qatar. previously worked at an interna- The school, located in Al Wu- tional school in New Delhi. kair, was offi cially inaugurated The CBSE curriculum has at a grand celebration held in the been adopted at the school with school’s Multipurpose Hall re- teaching and learning strategies cently. that “employ the digital media The celebration was attended in such a way that it delivers stu- by HE the Undersecretary of dents as life-long learners”. the Ministry of Education and Vice-president Yasir Nainar Higher Education Dr Ibrahim bin highlighted the state-of-the- Saleh al-Nuaimi and Indian am- art digital infrastructure at the bassador P Kumaran. school, which features a “fully The function was presided integrated digital curriculum over by the school’s chief patron, Dignitaries and off icials at the school’s inauguration. that includes pre-class digital Mohamed bin Hammam al-Ab- reading, in-class digital assess- dulla. with all relevant authorities in dents on September 1. Chougule added that the ments and post-class digital as- It was attended by prominent Qatar in order to “deliver the “The student strength since school management “has also signments”. members of the Indian commu- state-of-the-art infrastructure has been growing and reached made a marathon eff ort to recruit With the CBSE affi liation nity and the council of partners and the school’s digital curricu- around 550 children. Their fami- and bring to Qatar the best Indi- process already started, the of the DPS schools family, par- lum on time”. lies fi nd the new curriculum of an teachers from diff erent parts school will be ready to take in ents and teachers of the school. The school building was com- the school very interesting and of India”. students up to Class 9 in the new Ambassador Ozer and other dignitaries during the Dreama School president Hasan Chou- pleted in 15 months and the intellectually engaging,” the The principal, Meenal Bakshi, academic year in April 2020, the team’s visit to the embassy. gule said he has closely worked school opened its doors to stu- school said in a press statement. joined the school after complet- statement adds. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 20, 2019 9 QATAR

Qatar makes huge progress in treating children with spinal muscular atrophy

QNA used for movement, breathing, and Hospital and Dr Husam Ali, Clinical Doha swallowing. Spinal muscular atrophy Pharmacist. Both patients are cur- can be prevented through premarital rently undergoing observation in the screening and genetic testing before PICU. This time of careful observation atar has made great progress in commencing IVF treatment for cou- will be followed by a prescribed treat- the treatment of children with ples with a family history of the condi- ment plan,” said Dr al-Houthi. Qhereditary spinal muscular at- tion,” said Dr Ben-Omran. Dr al-Laithy said that the proper rophy after Hamad General Hospital “This highly advanced treatment dose of gene therapy has been suc- began using the latest innovative gene involves the one-time intravenous ad- cessfully administered to two pa- therapy, which has emerged globally to ministration of a healthy and function- tients, noting the patients are 17 and 18 treat these conditions. al gene which is delivered by a vector (a months old. Prior to the introduction On Monday, a team of doctors at vehicle for delivering genetic material) of the new gene therapy, the two pa- Hamad General Hospital administered Dr Abdulla al-Ansari Dr Abdullah al-Houthi Dr Khaled al-Laithy to target the cause of SMA. The gene tients had been treated with repetitive the innovative gene therapy to two therapy improves the response of the spinal injections, a cumbersome pro- paediatric patients diagnosed with the therapy being available to patients in eff orts of HMC’s clinical teams who He thanked HMC’s management child’s motor neurons. Dosage of treat- cedure, but the new therapy is thought congenital disease. Qatar, acting Chief Medical Offi cer at provide care for, and treatment of, all and all clinical, nursing, and adminis- ment is determined based on the child’s to be safer and more eff ective in the A single dose of the new medication HMC Dr Abdulla al-Ansari said: “The patients with this condition. In the trative teams for their eff orts and con- weight,” added Dr Ben-Omran. management of the disease. was injected into each patient and will application of this new gene therapy past, we have provided spinal mus- tinued commitment to delivering the Dr Abdullah al-Houthi, Deputy “The new gene therapy, which is be followed by a prescribed therapeu- only six months after its approval by cular atrophy patients with the lat- safest, most eff ective, and compas- Chief, Paediatrics Department, Ha- prescribed to paediatric patients un- tic plan, as per the internationally ap- the Food and Drug Administration est treatment available. The cost of sionate healthcare to all patients. mad General Hospital, said Qatar is der the age of two years old, will be proved protocol. (FDA) in the US reiterates HMC’s re- that medication was QR500,000 per Senior Consultant, Paediatrics, and one of the few countries in the world to administered to three more patients Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) solve and commitment to making the dose, and each patient required sev- Head of Clinical and Metabolic Genet- use the innovative gene therapy. at HMC in the near future. A full clini- has become the second healthcare or- latest and most eff ective medications eral doses. With the emergence of this ics, Dr Tawfeg Ben-Omran, said HMC “This morning, in the Paediatric cal assessment of these patients will ganisation outside the United States available to patients.” new drug, which was approved by the becoming the second centre outside Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Hamad be conducted before the gene therapy and Canada to treat children with con- Dr al-Ansari praised Qatar for the FDA only six months ago, we immedi- North America to off er the innovative General Hospital, we administered the procedure to ensure the treatment is genital spinal muscular atrophy using ongoing support of the healthcare sec- ately sought to obtain it for the benefi t therapy is a signifi cant achievement. fi rst dose of the innovative gene ther- safe and appropriate for the patients. a new gene therapy, which is said to tor and enabling HMC to provide its of our patients, despite its high price. “Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is apy to children with spinal muscular Healthcare professionals at HMCs cost $2.1mn a dose and is being pro- patients with the medications they HMC will always put its patients fi rst a genetic disorder and a leading cause atrophy. The fi rst dose was injected PICU are capable of administering the vided to paediatric patients in Qatar need, regardless of cost. and will always remain committed to of death in children under two years by a team that included Dr Khaled new medication and undertaking the free of charge. “We wish a speedy recovery to these providing them with the best and lat- of age. The disease is characterised by al-Laithy, Head of the Paediatric In- necessary follow-up care,” added Dr Commenting on the new gene children. I would like to highlight the est treatments,” added Dr al-Ansari. weakness and atrophy in the muscles tensive Care Unit at Hamad General al-Laithy.

MoPH signs MoU with Public Health England Public Health Conference ends

he fi rst Qatar Public Health Conference, organised Tby the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in collaboration with the World Innovation Sum- mit for Health concluded yester- day at Ritz-Carlton Doha. The two-day conference held under the theme, “10 Years of Public Health: Looking back, moving forward”, witnessed the participation of more than 50 The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has signed a memorandum of understanding ( MoU) with local, regional and international Public Health England (PHE) on the sidelines of the first Qatar Public Health Conference that speakers with the participation Some of the delegates with Sheikh Dr Mohamed bin Hamad al-Thani. concluded yesterday. The MoU, which aims at boosting bilateral relations in the field of public of over 500 participants across health services and facilitating communication between the concerned authorities in both diff erent sectors. presentations, posters and took A series of presentations were The conference reviewed Qa- countries on all public health issues, was signed by MoPH director of Public Health Department Speaking at the closing cer- the time to talk to each other and given at the conference on impor- tar’s plans such as “Qatar’s can- Sheikh Dr Mohamed bin Hamad al-Thani and M Duncan Salbie and PHE deputy director Dr emony, Sheikh Dr Mohamed build your networks within pub- tant topics such as “Preparations cer screening programme: A pub- Jenifer Smith.“This MoU helps bolster co-operation in public health fields between Qatar and bin Hamad al-Thani, director of lic health. We welcome all your for mass gatherings in Qatar”, lic health success story”, “Public England and comes in line with MoPH’s keenness to establish distinguished partnerships in Public Health, MoPH, said that feedback to help us improve this “Presenting results of the Nation- health research fi ndings and their health fields to create new prospects of cooperation that leads to ongoing enhancement of the conference provided a lot of event next time,” he noted. al Child Oral Health Survey”, “Qa- impact on well-being and policy technical and scientific aspects of public health services,” Sheikh Dr Mohamed said. Dr Smith inputs for the public health sec- “Many of you signed our pub- tar Biobank and Qatar Genome in Qatar”, “Ambient air qual- highlighted the benefits for both sides by enhancing cooperation in the fields of public health, tor in the country. lic health declaration which re- Project: A major step towards the ity and health”, “Public health especially in priority areas in an ongoing and eff icient manner. The MoU contributes to furthering “The idea behind the event affi rms our commitment to im- implementation of personalised awareness”, “Tobacco control the existing cooperation between the two countries in exchanging expertise, academic activities, was to bring together the public proving public health and the healthcare”, “Automated insu- and smoking cessation services scientific research as well as treatment abroad. health community to meet, dis- well being of Qatar and it’s resi- lin delivery in Type 1 diabetes in in Qatar”, “Vaccine promotion cuss and share innovative ideas dents. Qatar: Achieving world class re- and awareness”, Dementia – Re- and building long standing part- We as the public health com- sults” and “Occupational safety ducing the risk through preven- nerships. munity are accountable for these and health in Qatar: From craft tion”, “Mental health awareness Strong winds expected today, temperature drops I hope you all made the most commitments and it is our re- and manual workers’ healthcare and attitudes in Qatar”, and Qatar of this opportunity; I hope you sponsibility to take action to im- service provision to the develop- National Tuberculosis Strategy Strong winds are expected chance of rain in some places. country compared to Saturday. enjoyed the panels, workshops, plement this,” he added. ment of a national policy.” and Action Plan”. in parts of the country today, The conditions will turn partly A minimum temperature of 21C the Qatar Met department has cloudy later and slight to was recorded yesterday in Abu said. There is also a forecast for blowing dust is also likely in Samra and Turayna, while Doha thundery rain, strong winds and some areas by the afternoon. (airport area) saw a low of 24C. high seas in off shore areas today. Cloudy conditions are expected The maximum ranged between 900kg of banned tobacco Northwesterly winds will blow in off shore areas along with 25C and 30C. at speeds of 12-22 knots inshore, scattered rain, which may Today, the minimum found in gypsum moulds going up to 30 knots in some become thundery at times. temperature is expected to places by the afternoon. Off shore, Light to moderate rain was be 19C in Al Khor and Dukhan, The General Authority of Customs (GAC) has thwarted an at- too, northwesterly winds will reported from diff erent parts of followed by 20C in Abu Samra, tempt to smuggle 900kg of banned chewing tobacco into the blow at 14-23 knots, reaching a Qatar yesterday, including Doha, 21C in Doha, Al Wakrah and country through Hamad Port. The GAC yesterday posted a video high of 30 knots at times. while thunderstorms were Mesaieed, and 22C in Ruwais. on Twitter in this regard and said the chewing tobacco was The detailed forecast for also detected in some places. The maximum, on the other found in 600 bags that were hidden inside gypsum moulds. inshore areas says it will be The conditions led to a drop hand, will range from 23C to 24C cloudy at times and there is a in the temperature around the around the country.

No botulinum bacteria in food samples: MoPH Katy Perry, The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) HBKU to co-organise Sidra’s yesterday said test results revealed that food samples taken from the Maroon 5 to house of a family, where three people had shown symptoms of food poisoning, did not contain the perform in Doha Cudos Congress 2019 suspected botulinum bacteria or any other bacteria that generally caused food poisoning. From Page 1 amad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Informing this through a statement represented by Qatar Biomedical Re- yesterday, the MoPH said an analysis Qatar Airways Group chief executive and secre- Hsearch Institute (QBRI), Qatar Com- of similar food samples collected tary-general of QNTC, HE Akbar al-Baker, said: “I am puting Research Institute (QCRI) and the from the local market yielded the thrilled to launch our Qatar Live series of music con- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), same results. certs today, set to be the best of its kind in the region, is among the co-organisers of the Cudos As reported in Gulf Times yesterday, and look forward to welcoming these fantastic musical Congress 2019. the MoPH initiated the necessary talents to Doha in the coming weeks. Under the stewardship of Sidra Medicine, epidemiological investigation after “With the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup Qatar 2019 and the the event will also feature contributions from receiving a report that a man, his son FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019 happening during the across the University’s academic community. and daughter had shown symptoms same period as these music events, it is going to be a Taking place from November 23–26, the of food poisoning. really exciting time to be in Doha for residents and visi- Cudos Congress 2019 promotes wider un- According to doctors and members tors alike. To celebrate, we are off ering passengers spe- derstanding of diabetes, obesity and related of the aff ected family, the man and cial fares and packages to Doha during this time.” syndromes as well as their implications for his two children showed symptoms From now until December 21, Qatar Airways is of- Qatar, the region and wider world. such as shortness of breath, vision fering special off ers on Economy and Business Class The prevalence and risk of childhood disorder, weakness in the facial fl ights for global passengers visiting Doha. Addition- obesity in Qatar, prevention and intervention muscles and diff iculty in swallowing. ally, for visitors travelling from Kuwait and Oman, Qa- approaches to diabetes, and the role of Arti- The MoPH said in the statement that tar Airways Holidays is off ering special packages that fi cial Intelligence in medicine are among the Dr Paul Thornalley Dr Edward Stuenkel it was closely monitoring the case. will cover fl ights, hotels, airport transfers and concert topics up for discussion. Besides, specialised medical sources tickets when travelling to Qatar. Attendees and participants will also learn growth in cases of obesity and diabetes, its Dr Ammira Akil, principal investigator said the aff ected persons were For travellers from the rest of the world, packages and about current and innovative concepts in small size and population nevertheless pro- and Chairperson of the Cudos Congress receiving treatment at a hospital and stopovers covering hotels and transfers are available diabetes management. vide a unique set of health challenges. For- 2019 at Sidra Medicine, said: “We are ex- were given the necessary antitoxin. through Discover Qatar. To learn more about Qatar Air- The Cudos Congress 2019 will be led and tunately, the country is also home to health- cited to have Hamad Bin Khalifa University; Meanwhile, technical teams from the ways’ special off ers, one can visit qatarairways.com/Qa- informed by local and global experts in the care organisations and professionals at the Qatar Computing Research Institute, Qatar MoPH found unsafe food practices tarLive from 4pm today. fi elds of diabetes, obesity and interconnected cutting edge of global eff orts to tackle these Biomedical Research Institute and the Col- in the family’s house, the statement Additionally, Qatar Airways Group has partnered fi elds of study. conditions. We’re looking forward to high- lege of Health and Life Sciences put forward points out. with Katara Hospitality – the global hotel owner, devel- HBKU’s participants include QCRI’s Dr lighting our Diabetes Research Center’s ac- their experts as part of our groundbreaking Accordingly, the MoPH has urged oper, and operator – as hotel partner for these special Luis Fernandez-Luque who will discuss dig- tivities and contributions at Cudos Congress sessions at this year’s Cudos Congress 2019. the public to purchase foods from packages. A “memorable experience awaits guests of all ital health as an enabler for childhood health 2019.” Their collaboration and contribution to the reliable sources only, and store and ages with distinguished hotels across Qatar”, including promotion. Speaking ahead of this year’s event, Dr congress also showcases how leading enti- handle them in a proper and safe The Ritz-Carlton, Doha; Sheraton Grand Doha Resort Elsewhere, Dr Edward Stuenkel, dean of Edward Stuenkel, dean of CHLS, said: “The ties across Qatar are jointly committed to manner. & Convention Hotel; Sharq Village & Spa; Al Messila, CHLS, and Dr Essam Abdelalim, a scientist Cudos Congress 2019 is all about connect- advancing child health particularly in the In addition, it is necessary to a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha; Simaisma Re- at QBRI’s Diabetes Research Center, will ing individuals and organisations tackling an fi elds of diabetes, obesity and related syn- immediately get rid of expired sort; Sealine Beach, A Murwab Resort; The Avenue Ho- chair sessions on islet biology. era-defi ning set of health problems. That’s an dromes.” foods and keep food products at the tel; and Movenpick Hotel Doha, the statement adds. Dr Paul Thornalley, Director of the Dia- obvious synergy with our college’s mission to HBKU regularly holds events to highlight desired temperature levels, whether Details of the packages can be found at qatarairways. betes Research Center at QBRI, said: “While become a dedicated hub of knowledge-shar- its research activities and projects. More in- chilled or frozen. com/QatarLive from 4pm today. Qatar isn’t alone in experiencing a rapid ing in the area of health and life sciences.” formation is available online at hbku.edu.qa. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, November 20, 2019 QATAR/REGION/ARAB WORLD

Oman’s National Day celebrated

A number of Qatari dignitaries, ministers, off icials and guests joined Omani ambassador Najeeb bin Yahya al-Balushi at a reception held in Doha to celebrate the 49th National Day of Oman. The reception featured the ceremonial cutting of the cake along with cultural presentations. Young people urged to ‘reinvent how we live’ V personality, fi lm- Silva emphasised that people maker, and futurist Jason should not feel that humanity TSilva has urged young has “seen and done it all before”, people to embrace ‘awe’, during and instead “redirect ourselves Qatar Charity (QC) has inaugurated the Nibrasul-Ilim Preparatory his appearance yesterday at Qa- from the lethargy of the past School in Turkey’s Sanliurfa province. tar Foundation’s Education City toward the wonders of what is Speaker Series. to come”. And he said: “It all He tackled themes ranging begins with mystery, and the from education and technology search not just for answers, but to the human condition, during better questions - seekers are Qatar Charity opens his public talk at Qatar National people who have come alive and Library, co-hosted by global been defi ned by what they are education think-tank WISE’s looking for, and what the world Doha Learning Days experien- needs is more people who have school for Syrian tial learning festival. come alive. The host of National Geo- “Education is important in graphic’s Emmy-nominated the sense of technical knowl- science reality series Brain edge, but it is also about teach- refugees in Turkey Games spoke about the need to ing us how to live. Life exists in constantly reimagine and re- individual moments, and it is invent how we live our lives in up to us to make sure those mo- QNA most notably education. an era of ‘real-time change and ments are vital and intercon- Ankara He also thanked the distin- time-lapse technology’. nected and grand, and to make guished donors from Qatar for “The right attitude in an age a masterpiece out of our lives extending support to the Syr- of exponential, rapid change is – one that we would live again atar Charity (QC) has in- ian refugees in Turkey, applaud- to play the infi nite game – not and again if we could.” augurated the Nibrasul- ing the eff orts exerted by Qatar one where we have short-term Taking questions from the QIlim Preparatory School Charity to provide education to wins and losses, but one where audience, Silva also spoke of the in Turkey’s Sanliurfa Province, refugees and victims worldwide. we keep the game going, keep importance of fi nding mean- in co-operation with the Turk- For his part, Walid Abu Saleh, innovation going, and keep re- ing and purpose in life, saying: ish government and the Kuwaiti relief co-ordinator at Qatar invention going.” “We are meaning-making and Relief Society. Charity’a offi ce in Turkey, talked Silva – also known for his Jason Silva at Qatar Foundation’s Education City Speaker Series yesterday. meaning-seeking creatures The opening of the school by about its educational eff orts for YouTube series Shots of Awe – we can survive many days Qatar Charity comes within the Syrian students inside Syria and in – follows in the footsteps of – it means exponential oppor- world is much more vast than had technology that has been without food, a few days with- framework of its strategy aimed the countries of asylum, mention- speakers from the fi elds of tunity. your own map.” radically disruptive. But today, out water, but not even an hour at value joint work with local ing many educational projects in- health, innovation, entrepre- “To see this, you need to Silva described technol- what’s different is that we are without hope. partners to support Syrian refu- cluding six public schools estab- neurship, sport, and media, as surrender to awe – allow it to ogy and innovation as a way living in an age of exponential “With material success and gees in Turkey, especially in the lished in Sanliurfa, Gaziantep, and well as senior fi gures from the stretch your model of the world of “turning the human mind change. economic abundance comes a fi eld of education. Hatay provinces, and the opening United Nations. and obliterate your sense of inside out”, saying: “They are “In the past, innovation ac- whole set of things we need to The Nibrasul-Ilim Prepara- of a community centre in Kogali. “One of the entry points I use ‘been there and seen that’, of an extension of creativity and crued over many generations. address, such as ‘what is the tory School, which comes as part It is worth mentioning that to educate myself is awe and jadedness and fear. These mo- our mind, but that also raises a You lived your life in a world meaning of my life’, ‘what is the of Qatar Charity’s humanitar- Qatar Charity is the fi rst in terms wonder,” he said during his talk. ments of awe and wonder leave lot of challenges about how we that didn’t change very much. meaning of my job if it doesn’t ian eff orts for Syrian refugees, of the size of education projects “In the face of rapid change, it’s you with an afterglow that has a steer these massive extensions Today, change happens in real- inspire me in the way I want it can accommodate an expected implemented in Syria during the very easy for the brain to get host of cognitive benefi ts, such of mind and in which direction time. We are now living in an to’? It puts new pressures and enrolment of up to 1,120 Syrian 2018-2019 period. agitated, because with change as increased well-being and we push them forward. age of time-lapse technology, new burdens on us, but I am and Turkish students to provide These projects included pro- comes uncertainty. But ex- compassion. They take you out “Technology and innova- so it’s even more urgent that we convinced we can address them, them with better opportunities viding vocational training for ponential change doesn’t just of autopilot and remind your- tion have always been world- reconfi gure and reimagine how because we are problem-solvers to continue their education. youth, printing books and school mean exponential uncertainty self that the territory of the changing. We have always we do things.” – and that is what we do.” Addressing the ceremony, the curriculum, distributing school Governor of Sanliurfa Abdullah bags and uniforms, training Erin spoke about the situation teachers, and constructing dozens of Syrian refugees in the prov- of schools and primary education ince, noting their most signifi - centres (kindergartens), benefi t- Police Training Institute launches cant needs, which must be met, ing 671,623 people. automated ‘shooting’ system Protests force Lebanese parliament to postpone session, banks reopen

Reuters since the 1975-90 civil war, Beirut politicians have been unable to form a new government since Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri rotesters prevented Leb- quit on Oct 29. The Police Training Institute yesterday launched the automated ‘shooting’ system in anon’s parliament from Near parliament yesterday, co-operation with the General Directorate of Information Systems. The launch was carried out Pholding its fi rst session gunfi re was heard as several in the presence of the institute director and representatives of the departments of the Ministry in two months yesterday, es- dozen protesters forced two of Interior (MoI). The automated ‘shooting’ system is characterised by the rapid and easy calating a wave of demonstra- SUVs with offi cial plates and 2018 Renault Megane RS and some arrangement of courses and the distribution of departments’ electronically as per the number of tions against rulers blamed for tinted windows to turn back as 2009-2012 Hyundai Tucson models recalled participants. This comes as part of the eff orts by MoI to go paperless. The system, according to a steering the country towards they approached the building, tweet by the MoI, is aimed at unifying the procedures for periodic training. economic collapse. Lebanese television showed. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in co-operation with Saleh Al Banks reopened after a one- The vehicles sped away af- Hamad Al Mana Co, announced the recall of Renault Megane RS model week closure, with police sta- ter they were struck by dem- of 2018 due to a possible defect in the engine wiring which might result tioned at branches and banks onstrators chanting “Out, out, in engine failure. applying restrictions on hard out!” The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, also in co-operation with Skyline currency withdrawals and Parliament postponed the Automotive, announced the recall of Hyundai Tucson manufactured transfers abroad. session indefinitely. between December 12, 2009 and December 31, 2012 due to possible US to no longer waive sanctions on N-site The protests erupted last “This is a new victory for engine oil leakage. month, fuelled by corruption the revolution and we are The ministry confirmed the recall campaign comes within the framework among the sectarian politi- continuing until we achieve of its ongoing eff orts to protect consumers and ensure that vehicle deal- Reuters for the world’s largest state sponsor of terror is cians who have governed Leb- our goals,” said protester Ab- ers follow up on defects and repairs. Washington zero...There is no legitimate reason for Iran to anon for decades. delrazek Hamoud. The ministry has said that it will co-ordinate with the dealers to follow resume enrichment at this previously clandes- Protesters want to see the The session’s agenda had up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with tine site,” US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo entire ruling class gone from included re-electing mem- customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out. he United States said on Monday it will no told reporters. The UN atomic watchdog and Iran power. Lebanon’s economic bers of parliamentary com- The ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer longer waive sanctions related to Iran’s For- itself said this month Tehran is again enriching troubles have increased since mittees and discussion of an Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes Tdow nuclear plant after Tehran resumed ura- uranium at the sensitive site, which Iran hid from then. amnesty law that would lead complaints, inquiries and suggestions through the following channels: nium enrichment at the underground site. UN non-proliferation inspectors until its expo- Despite the depth of the to the release of hundreds of Call Centre: 16001, e-mail: [email protected], Twitter: @ MOCIQATAR, “The right amount of uranium enrichment sure in 2009. economic crisis, the worst prisoners. Instagram: MOCIQATAR, mobile app for Android and IOS: MOCIQATAR Gulf Times Wednesday, November 20, 2019 11 ARAB WORLD/AFRICA

Arab UN, Red Cross say Israeli League slams US settlements are still unlawful stance

Reuters QNA Geneva Cairo

he United Nations and he Arab League con- International Committee demned in the strong- Tof the Red Cross (ICRC) Test terms US Secretary of said yesterday that Israeli set- State Mike Pompeo’s statement tlements in occupied Palestin- on Israeli settlements in the oc- ian territory remain in breach of cupied West Bank by saying that international law, rejecting the his country no longer considers Trump administration’s posi- them inconsistent with interna- tion accepting them. tional law. The United States on Monday Arab League’s General Sec- abandoned its four-decade-old retariat warned in a statement position that the settlements, yesterday that this unfortunate built on land Israel captured in change in the American position the 1967 Middle East War, were would push the Israeli settlers inconsistent with international to practice more violence and law. brutality against the Palestinian “We continue to follow the people. long-standing position of the It stressed that the interna- UN that Israeli settlements are tional law is formulated by the in breach of international law,” whole international community, UN human rights spokesman and that the Israeli occupation Rupert Colville told a news of Palestinian territories is con- briefi ng. demned by the entire world. “A change in the policy posi- Arab League chief Ahmed tion of one state does not mod- Abul Gheit described the US ify existing international law statement as an “unfortunate nor its interpretation by the In- change” that can lead Israeli set- ternational Court of Justice and tlers to “practice more violence the Security Council,” he said. and brutality against Palestinian The International Court of population and undermines any Justice, in an advisory opinion tiny prospect to achieve com- issued in 2004, said that Israeli prehensive peace” through US settlements in the occupied eff orts. Palestinian territories, includ- The League also said that set- ing East Jerusalem, were estab- tlement remains null and void lished in breach of international legally and a shame on those who law. The Fourth Geneva Con- practice or support it, regardless vention of 1949 — which both An Israeli bulldozer demolishes Palestinian houses near Al-Arub camp, on the outskirts of the West Bank town of Hebron, yesterday, as they were reportedly built of any vigorous endeavours to the United States and Israel without authorisation. beautify the occupation. have ratifi ed — lays down that Saeb Erekat, the Palestinian an occupying power shall not ians and others, reiterated its and spirit. The recent US declaration retary of State Mike Pompeo. a statement. Philippe Nassif of rest of the world that it be- Liberation Organisation’s sec- transfer parts of its own civilian position that the West Bank is does not change the ICRC’s position “This changes nothing. Presi- Amnesty International said the lieves the US and Israel are retary general, said: “Israeli set- population into the territory it considered occupied territory. on the matter,” ICRC spokesman dent Trump can’t wipe away construction and maintenance above the law: that Israel can tlements steal Palestinian land, occupies, he said. “Additionally, the ICRC has re- Ewan Watson said. decades of established interna- of the settlements breached in- continue to violate interna- seize and exploit Palestinian The ICRC, guardian of the peatedly stated that Israel’s set- Non-governmental activ- tional law that settlements are ternational law and amounted tional law and Palestinians’ natural resources, and divide, Geneva Conventions that em- tlements policy goes against key ist groups also rejected the a war crime,” Andrea Prasow, to war crimes. human rights and the US will displace and restrict the move- body international humanitar- provisions of IHL, or the law of oc- Trump administration’s new acting Washington director at “Today, the United States firmly support it in doing so,” ment of the people of Palestine.” ian law (IHL) protecting civil- cupation, and is contrary to its intent stance, announced by US Sec- Human Rights Watch, said in government announced to the he said in a statement. The Arab League expressed discomfort over the disregard for a stable legal principle en- shrined in international law and international humanitarian law, in particular the Fourth Geneva Turkey says Kurdish 24 Mali soldiers and 17 militants die in clashes Convention, which states that the occupying power shall not deport or transfer parts of its militia kill three AFP near the northeastern town of terattack. Monday’s action Mali’s army has been strug- own civilian population into the Bamako Tabankort, the army said on was another heavy loss for the gling to contain the insurgen- territory it occupies. social media.According to the army, which lost a hundred cy despite help from African In this regard, its credibility as despite ceasefi re deal military the total toll was “24 soldiers in two militant attacks neighbours, MINUSMA, the a global power that is supposed wenty-four Malian sol- dead, 29 injured and material in a month in the autumn. 13,000-strong UN peace- to respect and enforce the law is diers and 17 militant damage” while 17 of the mili- Northern Mali fell into the keeping mission in Mali, and completely deducted. Reuters ratists in Turkey. “The PKK/ Tfi ghters were killed in tants were killed and a hun- hands of militants in 2012 be- former colonial power in the It also added that the US Ankara YPG who continued their har- clashes in the east of the coun- dred more suspects captured. fore the militants were forced region France. change of its position aff ects the assments and attacks, and con- try, the army said, as security The prisoners are in the out by a French-led military French Prime Minister rest of its moral legitimacy in this ducted bombings in the Opera- in the west African nation de- hands of Niger soldiers, the intervention. Edouard Philippe in a visit matter and completely reduces urkey’s defence minis- tion Peace Spring area, have now teriorates further. statement said. Since then, however, the to neighbouring Senegal on its credibility as a global power try said yesterday Kurd- targeted a school in Tel Abyad’s Mali and Niger forces were In an earlier statement, border regions of Mali, Niger Monday, called on all west that is supposed to respect the Tish YPG militia had killed Curn village,” a Turkish defence carrying out a joint opera- which gave a lower death toll, and Burkina Faso have become African states to help tackle law and work to implement it. three people and wounded eight ministry statement said. Tel tion when a patrol was at- the army said French and Ni- the theatre of repeated clashes militant groups operating in The signifi cance of this Amer- in a missile attack on a school in Abyad is one of two major bor- tacked Monday by “terrorists” ger forces took part in a coun- with militant fi ghters. the Sahel. ican announcement is that force the Tel Abyad region of northern der towns that saw the heaviest is the one that makes the right, Syria which they were meant to fi ghting when Ankara launched which is a dangerous and unac- have withdrawn from under a the incursion on Oct 9. ceptable concept that reveals a ceasefi re agreement. “Three innocent civilians died defect in moral values of those The report came a day after and eight civilians, including chil- Nigeria cattle gang launches deadly attack: police who adopt or defend it, the Arab Turkey threatened a new military dren, were injured,” the statement League said, expressing regret operation in northeast Syria if the said. Turkey halted its off ensive A gang of cattle thieves killed 14 people overnight yesterday in a Zamfara off icials struck a deal in July with the bandits to end their that the US administration’s po- area was not cleared of the militia. after striking deals with Russia remote village in northwest Nigeria, police said, the latest assault in attacks and vigilantes to stop extra-judicial killings, but sporadic sitions over the past two years A Turkish incursion last month and the United States. a long-running series of tit-for-tat attacks. outbreaks of violence have continued. Zamfara police spokesman refl ected the ideological mirror against the Syrian YPG dubbed While Moscow has said the Police said the bandits were taking revenge for an earlier killing Mohamed Shehu said assailants riding motorcycles stormed into of the Israeli extreme right that Operation Peace Spring drew in- YPG have withdrawn to at least of nine suspected gang members by local vigilantes in a nearby a remote village overnight Sunday to Monday, shooting residents adopted the ideology of Greater ternational condemnation. 30km from the border, Ankara village in Zamfara state on November 3. In the absence of a robust and burning homes. As well as the 14 people who were killed, 10 Israel, and that US support for Ankara accuses the YPG, has been sceptical and held out police force and eff ective judicial system in Nigeria, villagers cre- others were injured, Shehu said. For several years, rural communi- such an approach will not bring which spearheaded the US-led the possibility of new attacks if ated vigilante groups to fight off the gangs, but the villagers have ties in the agrarian state have been under siege from gangs of security, peace or normal rela- war against Islamic State, of members of what it sees as a ter- since been accused of extra-judicial killings. cattle rustlers. tions to Israel with Arab coun- links with Kurdish PKK sepa- rorist group remain. tries. Strike-hit South African Airways says Israel hits back at rocket fi re from Syria only a deal with unions will end crisis AFP The killing was accompanied Jerusalem by a second strike, unconfi rmed by Israel, on an Islamic Jihad Reuters Gordhan yesterday morning, South Africa (NUMSA), which rybody to make sacrifi ces”.An- The strike has cast doubt leader in Damascus that killed Johannesburg but SAA acting chairwoman called the strike alongside the other large union at SAA, the over SAA’s survival hopes. srael’s air defences inter- his son and another person. Thandeka Mgoduso said Gord- South African Cabin Crew As- National Transport Movement SAA says it needs to cut cepted four rockets fi red There was no immediate han had reiterated that there is sociation (SACCA), said the (NTM), is not participating in headcount to restore profit- Ifrom neighbouring Syr- rocket fi re from Syria following outh African Airways nothing in the public coff ers for unions had given the minister a the strike and says it has a man- ability and is unable to raise its ia yesterday, the army said, that strike. (SAA) resumed some re- the airline. framework for ending the strike date from members to accept wage offer any further because prompting reported retaliatory “Four launches were identi- Sgional fl ights yesterday “The statement is the same, and solving SAA’s fi nancial the off er of a 5.9% wage increase of its dire financial situation. missile strikes against the source fi ed from Syria towards Israeli but warned that only a deal there is no more money,” she problems. for the next fi nancial year. Acting finance chief Deon of the fi re. territory which were intercepted with striking unions can resolve told a news conference, adding However, it will only do so Fredericks told the confer- The Syrian Observatory for by the Israeli air defence sys- its current crisis, as the govern- that SAA would continue talks “The players who will if the airline removes a clause ence that a multibillion-rand Human Rights said the rockets tems,” the Israeli military said in ment said it has no more money with the unions in the after- resolve this...are SAA saying it is conditional on the loan being negotiated with were fi red from positions around a statement. for the cash-strapped state car- noon. and the unions, company having suffi cient banks to provide working cap- the capital held by groups loyal “No hits on Israeli communi- rier. “The players who will resolve not the minister” funds for the increase. ital would, once secured, leave to the Damascus government. ties were identifi ed.” The airline has cancelled this...are SAA and the unions, SAA executives said roughly SAA in a much better position It did not elaborate on which Meanwhile, blasts were heard hundreds of fl ights since the not the minister.” A statement issued by the De- a fifth of the SAA workforce to cope with the impact of the group had launched the rock- close to the airport in the Syr- strike began on Friday, with the She later told Reuters that partment of Public Enterprises was still on strike. strike. If this is not in place by ets or whether there had been ian capital Damascus, the state stoppage initially costing 50mn the government had not made said the government was com- About 11,000 passengers February, he later told Reu- any casualties in the retaliatory SANA news agency reported. rand ($3.36mn) per day, though any recommendations on what mitted to saving the airline, but had been scheduled to fly with ters, SAA would look for other strikes. It gave no further details but that fi gure has come down as the airline should do to end the not with money, with repeated the airline on each day of the lenders. The fl areup comes after a the Observatory reported “mis- some fl ights have resumed. strike over job cuts and wages. bailouts becoming a “moral action so far. The government is still major escalation in and around sile fi re by Israeli aircraft on po- It has also jeopardised talks SAA has not made a profi t hazard”.It said the minister had NUMSA and SACCA threat- looking for an equity partner Gaza last week following Israel’s sitions south and southwest of with lenders, SAA said. since 2011 and has relied on urged the unions to work with ened on Sunday to extend the for the airline, but SAA must targeted killing of a commander Damascus”. The carrier met with the un- state bailouts for its survival. SAA, with the ultimate aim of strike to members at more air- stabilise first, he said, a proc- of Palestinian group Islamic Ji- Syrian air defences opened ions and South Africa’s pub- A spokeswoman for the Na- saving both the airline and jobs. lines and other organisations ess that could take at least had, which is allied with Damas- fi re in response, the Britain- lic enterprises minister Pravin tional Union of Metalworkers of But this would “require eve- across the industry. two years. cus. based war monitor said. Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, November 20, 2019 AMERICAS

WAGE WOES INVESTIGATION REFORM WRITE STUFF Canadian rail workers hold Tech firms on the defensive US to end decades-old Ian Williams wins Canada’s first strike in a decade in antitrust response movie distribution rules top literary award for fiction

Thousands of unionised Canadian National Four top US tech companies, Alphabet’s The US Justice Department signalled on Monday Writer Ian Williams has won Canada’s top annual Railway workers yesterday held their first strike Google, Facebook, Amazon.com and Apple, that it plans to end a 71-year-old antitrust literary award for fiction for his book Reproduction, in a decade, which is set to disrupt grain and responded to questions from a congressional enforcement programme on movie distribution, the prize’s sponsor said on Monday. Reproduction, oil transportation and put pressure on Prime committee with a mixture of defending their saying it is no longer needed to protect consumers. published by Random House Canada, explores the Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government. practices and declining to give answers. Assistant Attorney-General Makan Delrahim bonds between family and how they are formed, About 3,000 workers, including conductors The House of Representatives Judiciary announced that the Department of Justice would through individuals in a Toronto suburb. “You have and yardmen from CN Rail, the country’s largest Committee, which released the answers move this week to terminate the Paramount no idea how special this is to me,” Williams told railroad operator, hit picket lines, after both yesterday, had sent the queries as part of its Consent Decrees, which went into force in 1948. the audience while accepting the Scotiabank Giller parties failed to resolve contract issues at a probe of the four giants, which face a long The decrees — which smaller movie chains and Prize. The award carries a cash prize of C$100,000 time of softening demand for freight service. list of other antitrust probes. Google, which drive-in theatres still champion — barred major (US$75,901.33) while each of the other five Teamsters Canada union workers picket at The two sides said they will continue talks in owns YouTube, repeatedly denied favouring film studios from owning movie theatres, a system shortlisted finalists takes home C$10,000. The Giller the Canadian National Railway at the CN Rail Montreal. “We’ve made no progress with the its own services over those of competitors that had existed in the early part of the twentieth Prize was founded in 1994 by Jack Rabinovitch, a Brampton Intermodal Terminal in Brampton, company,” Teamsters Canada spokesman in areas such as search, video and internet century and largely blocked independent venues Montreal-born real estate developer, in memory Ontario. Christopher Monette said. browsers. from being able to show the latest films. of his late wife Doris Giller, a literary journalist.

$30mn to bolster US Trump request for Biden coasts from fl ooding, probe was ‘improper’ rising seas Reuters A US offi cial, speaking on the condi- By Ellen Wulfhorst, Reuters Washington tion of anonymity, said Vindman had New York recently concerns over his personal se- curity and the Army has been carrying White House offi cial testifi ed out security assessments. he US government’s yesterday in the impeachment The offi cial said Vindman and his oceans and waterways Ainquiry against President Don- family could be moved to a military base Tagency will provide ald Trump that a phone call the presi- if the security threat warrants such ac- $30mn to improve coastal re- dent made to ask Ukraine to investigate tion but that has not yet occurred. silience, offi cials said, aiming to his political rivals was improper, and Vindman, whose family fl ed the So- reduce the impacts of worsening denounced attacks on witnesses in the viet Union and settled in the United storms, fl ooding and rising seas investigation. States, sent out a message to his father in nearly half of US states. Army Lieutenant Colonel Alexander from the witness seat. Grants through the program Vindman, the White House National “Dad, that I am sitting here today, in are designed to restore or expand Security Council’s top Ukraine expert, the US Capitol talking to our elected of- coastal wetlands, dunes, reefs, testifi ed at the third public hearing in fi cials is proof that you made the right mangroves and barrier islands the impeachment eff ort before the US decision 40 years ago to leave the So- that are key to coastal protec- House of Representatives Intelligence viet Union and come here to the United tion, the National Oceanic and Committee. States of America in search of a better Atmospheric Administration The inquiry focuses on a July 25 phone life for our family. Do not worry, I will (NOAA) said in an announce- call in which Trump asked Ukrainian be fi ne for telling the truth,” Vindman ment. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to carry testifi ed. Coastlines worldwide are be- out two investigations that would ben- Ahead of the call, Trump had frozen ing damaged or threatened by efi t him politically including one target- $391mn in US security aid approved by more extreme and destructive ing Democratic political rival Joe Biden. Congress to help Ukraine combat Rus- weather, higher temperatures The other involved a debunked con- sia-backed separatists in the eastern and rising seas that scientists spiracy theory embraced by some part of the country. attribute to the accumulation of Trump allies that Ukraine, not Russia, Trump was seeking a Ukrainian in- greenhouse gases in the atmos- interfered in the 2016 US election. vestigation of Biden, a leading con- phere. “It was inappropriate, it was improp- tender for the Democratic nomination Climate change will cost the er for the president to request — to de- to face Trump in the 2020 presidential US economy hundreds of bil- mand — an investigation into a political election, and Biden’s son Hunter, who Jennifer Williams, a special adviser to Vice President Mike Pence for European and Russian aff airs, and Lt Colonel Alexander lions of dollars by the end of the opponent, especially (from) a foreign had served on the board of a Ukrainian Vindman, director for European Aff airs at the National Security Council, stand before the House Intelligence Committee as century, said a government re- power where there is at best dubious energy fi rm called Burisma. they prepare to testify in a hearing that is part of the impeachment inquiry into US President Donald Trump on Capitol Hill in port late last year that cited the belief that this would be a completely Trump has denied wrongdoing and Washington. impact on health, infrastructure impartial investigation and that this attacked the Democrats leading the in- and industry, as well as water would have signifi cant implications if quiry. Medical exam was very routine: Trump and ocean resources, sometimes it became public knowledge,” Vindman Williams told the committee that called the “blue economy.” told the committee. Trump’s call with Zelenskiy was unu- President Donald Trump said yester- ports he had not suff ered any chest pain. had been triggered by Trump suff ering “The Blue Economy drives our He testifi ed alongside Jennifer Wil- sual because “it involved discussion of day his medical examination over the Trump spent just over an hour on chest discomfort. nation’s prosperity and growth, liams, an aide to US Vice President Mike what appeared to be a domestic politi- weekend was very routine, blasting media Saturday having “examinations, labs and “Due to scheduling uncertainties, the and yet our coastal areas remain Pence, both of whom were among the cal matter.” coverage of his unexpected physical and discussions” at the Walter Reed National trip was kept off the record,” Conley said vulnerable to extreme events like US offi cials who listened in on the July She said the White House budget of- any speculation that there were problems Military Medical Center in Washington, in the statement, which added details of hurricanes and fl ooding,” said 25 call. fi ce had said Trump’s acting chief of with his health. presidential physician Sean Conley said in the president’s cholesterol results. Neil Jacobs, acting NOAA ad- Vindman, an Iraq war veteran who staff , Mick Mulvaney, had directed that “I was out of there very quickly,” Trump a statement issued by the White House. At Trump’s last routine examination in ministrator, in a statement. appeared at the hearing wearing his $391mn in security aid to Ukraine be put told reporters at the White House at the “Despite some of the speculation, the February, Conley declared him to be in President Donald Trump, who Army uniform and medals, has been on hold and that she never learned why start of a meeting with his Cabinet in his President has not had any chest pain, “very good health.” has previously dismissed climate publicly criticised by Trump along with the assistance was later released in Sep- first public event since his Saturday physi- nor was he evaluated or treated for any White House press secretary Stephanie change as a hoax, recently noti- other witnesses. tember. cal, adding that it was “a very routine, urgent or acute issues,” Conley said. “Spe- Grisham had said on Saturday Trump fi ed the United Nations that the He told lawmakers that “character Democrats have accused Trump of physical.” cifically, he did not undergo any special- took advantage of a free weekend to United States will leave the Paris attacks” against public servants testi- using the frozen aid and Zelenskiy’s Earlier on Monday, Trump’s doctor ised cardiac or neurologic evaluations.” complete portions of his annual physical climate accord, under which fying in the impeachment inquiry were desire for an Oval Offi ce meeting as issued a report after a “routine, planned” Some Washington reports suggested before “a very busy 2020” when he faces world nations agreed to cut “reprehensible.” leverage to pressure a vulnerable US check-up, saying that contrary to some re- that the checkup was unscheduled and a tough re-election race. emissions to slow warming. “It is natural to disagree and engage ally to dig up dirt on political adversar- The NOAA funding, an- in spirited debate, this has been the ies. nounced late on Monday, con- custom of our country since the time of The investigation could lead the statement yesterday but unleashed an who was awarded a Purple Heart medal to out the whistleblower,” Schiff said. sists of 44 grants for projects our Founding Fathers, but we are better House to approve formal charges attack on the media, calling journalists for war wounds. Vindman referred to the two inves- such as rebuilding the shoreline than personal attacks,” he told lawmak- against Trump — known as articles of “puppets of the Democratic Party.” At one point, Schiff interrupted tigations that Trump had sought from and restoring marshland in the ers. impeachment — that would be sent to Representative Adam Schiff , the Nunes’ questioning of Vindman that Ukraine as “alternative false narra- southern state of Louisiana. In his prepared opening statement to the Republican-controlled Senate for committee’s Democratic chairman, appeared to be aimed at revealing the tives,” and noted that Russian President One funded project will the committee, he had referred to “vile a trial on whether to remove him from noted Trump’s criticism of Williams identity of the intelligence community Vladmir Putin had promoted the notion build up wetlands along a Lake character attacks” and said “we are bet- offi ce. and of Marie Yovanovitch, the former whistleblower whose complaint about that the Ukrainians had interfered in the Pontchartrain levee adjacent to ter than callow and cowardly attacks,” Few Republican senators have broken US ambassador to Ukraine who testifi ed Trump’s July 25 call triggered the im- 2016 US election. New Orleans, said John Lopez, but did not use those words at the hear- with Trump. in the impeachment inquiry on Friday. peachment inquiry. US intelligence agencies and former director of the coast and com- ing. Representative Devin Nunes, the Schiff also noted the “scurrilous at- The whistleblower’s identity has re- Special Counsel Robert Mueller de- munity program for Louisiana’s Trump has attacked both Williams committee’s top Republican and a close tacks” on Vindman’s character. mained a secret, but Trump and his al- termined that Russia used a campaign Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foun- and Vindman on Twitter as “Never Trump ally, did not address the sub- “I note that you have shed blood for lies have repeatedly attacked the indi- of hacking and propaganda to boost dation, a local non-profi t group. Trump” witnesses, a term to describe stance of the witness testimony about America, and we owe you an immense vidual. Trump’s candidacy and harm his Dem- Grants will go to 23 US states, Republicans who oppose him. the president’s actions in his opening debt of gratitude,” Schiff told Vindman, “These proceedings will not be used ocratic opponent Hillary Clinton. NOAA said.

European treat Victims of Fresno party shooting were targeted, says top policeman

Reuters “They are hurting a bit in that The Fresno Bee newspaper re- Los Angeles neighbourhood right now and offi c- ported that two of the victims, in- ers are hurting too,” Hall said. “We’re cluding one of the deceased, were going to do everything we can to get well-known singers in the Hmong unmen who killed four men this matter resolved on all levels.” community. and wounded six others at a None of the people at the party had Several children were at the home Gbackyard football-viewing any known affi liations with gangs, but were indoors when the shooting party of mostly ethnic Hmong had Hall said, describing the gathering as began and not hurt. targeted the residence in Fresno, a “very peaceful, very quiet” family None of the people at the home California, possibly in retaliation event of about 30 people before the were armed and all had been co- for a previous altercation, police two gunmen showed up. operative with detectives, Hall said. said on Monday. They made their way into the yard He said they were not able to The Sunday night shooting ram- through an unlocked gate and began identify the attackers because it was page shook the close-knit neigh- fi ring with semi-automatic pistols dark, and only described fl ashes of bourhood, home to mostly Latino shortly before 8pm. light as the weapons fi red. and southeast Asian families, and “What I can tell you is, this was Some of the party-goers may prompted police to form a task force not a random act. It appears this in- have been involved in a disturbance to look at the activities of Asian cident was a targeted act of violence in the Fresno area the previous gangs in the central valley hub about against this residence,” the police week, the chief said, and investiga- 260km southeast of San Francisco. chief said. The slain victims were all tors were trying to determine if the “Two of my offi cers were actually men between the ages of 25 and 35. two incidents were related. covered in blood and had to be decon- Hall said most of the guests were “We’ve got a single focus within A miniature model carriage ‘From the Esterhazy Schatzkammer’ is displayed during a press preview of the exhibition ‘Making taminated, go shower and change their Hmong, an ethnic group mainly the organisation and this is not go- Marvels, Science and Splendor at the Courts of Europe’, featuring more than 150 treasures from several of the world’s most uniforms based on what they landed in from Vietnam and Laos, many of ing to be tolerated in the Southeast prestigious collections, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. and were trying to fi x,” Fresno Police whom emigrated to the United Asian community or in any com- Chief Andy Hall told reporters. States after the war. munity,” he said. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 20, 2019 13 ASIA Lanka new leader likely Families of UK truck to reboot China ties victims take By Simon Sturdee, AFP forts to expand its infl uence by Many of the building projects, build a vast commercial district Colombo loaning nations money only to like the 350m (1,155ft) Lotus on reclaimed land off Colombo acquire the assets when they Tower, have been accused of port was renegotiated, and In- cannot repay. facilitating corruption. dia is in talks about reviving the One of the two Chinese com- moribund airport. on loans to he unfi nished, purple- Hambantota port in south- headed Lotus Tower soars ern Sri Lanka, situated on a key panies building the huge fl ower- Sri Lanka is also negotiating a Tuselessly into the Co- maritime trading route between shaped structure vanished with fresh military co-operation deal lombo sky, mired in corruption Europe and Asia, is for critics a an advance of Rs2bn ($18mn), with the United States. allegations – a project typical prime example. according to outgoing president But these may now be in dan- Maithripala Sirisena. ger again with the Rajapaksas repatriate of China’s misadventures in Sri In December 2017, Sri Lanka Lanka under a political dynasty was forced to hand the port over Reputedly South Asia’s tall- back in power. that has just returned to power. to China on a 99-year lease after est free-standing communica- Sri Lanka will again now “piv- With the Rajapaksas clan now failing to service a $1.4bn debt tions tower, it is set to be opened ot more fi rmly into Beijing’s or- back, Beijing will likely be too, from Beijing to build it. soon – but just for people to bit,” Bery said. enjoy the view, since it’s not Financing from elsewhere, remains experts say. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa For the Rajapaksas, who to- On Monday, Gotabaya Ra- gether spearheaded the brutal functioning yet. such as the World Bank and the japaksa was sworn in as presi- In 2016, troops had to shoo crushing of Tamil separatists in The Rajapaksas say they had Asian Development Bank, is AFP stead of ashes so he can give dent, almost fi ve years after his away deer, wild buff alo and 2009 – with allegedly 40,000 to borrow from China because available. Hanoi, Vietnam him a traditional burial. brother Mahinda’s decade in elephants from the site. civilians killed – China also credit was hard to come by else- “(But) China is Sri Lanka’s Cremation is not com- charge ended in ignominy in China also fi nanced a 35,000- came in handy in other ways. where, and Akhil Bery from largest investor and creditor, mon in rural Vietnam where 2015 as allegations of corruption seat cricket stadium which sel- “What the Chinese off ered think-tank Eurasia said that meaning that a close relation- ome families of the 39 the majority of the 39 victims and nepotism surfaced. dom hosts matches, a perform- to a regime that was being there is some truth to this. ship with China is inevitable,” Vietnamese people come from, and bodies are Under Mahinda, who may be- ing arts centre in Colombo with chastised for its human rights Nor was it “all bad”, Bery said, Bery said. Sfound dead in a truck in normally buried several days come prime minister, Sri Lanka few shows and a misfi ring power record... was international dip- with the Chinese-funded Co- Still, said Jeff Smith, research Britain last month will take on after death. secured almost $7bn in loans plant. lomatic protection as well the lombo International Container fellow at US think-tank the Her- steep loans from the govern- The foreign ministry urged from China, dislodging Japan Some of the money was allo- funds for development,” analyst Terminal “already profi table”. itage Foundation, Gotabaya may ment to repatriate their rela- families to opt for cremation as Sri Lanka’s main funder of cated under Beijing’s gargantuan Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu said. After Mahinda Rajapaksa lost have “learned some lessons from tives’ remains, they told AFP “to ensure speed, low cost and infrastructure. Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) China meanwhile got a po- power in 2015, successive gov- his brother’s tenure”. yesterday. sanitation safety”, according But many of the projects have spanning Asia and beyond and tential strategic toehold, right ernments attempted to fi x some This includes “that he recog- Vietnam’s foreign ministry to the document. proven to be white elephants, aimed at facilitating trade. in India’s backyard. In 2014, two of the projects and bring in nises the downside risks... of ex- said they would help to bring It added that by law Viet- including a $210mn airport that Western countries worry that Chinese submarines docked at capital from elsewhere. cessive dependency on China,” either the ashes or the bodies nam’s government was not has no commercial fl ights. the BRI conceals China’s ef- Colombo. An agreement with China to Smith said. of the victims back – but that obliged to cover the cost of re- families would have to cover patriation. the cost of repatriation. Vo Thi Hong said the family Man arrested for The price to bring ashes would take on a bigger debt to back in a jar was $1,774, while give her brother Vo Nhan Du a Anti-terror drill attempted human the fee to repatriate a body in traditional funeral. traff icking a coffi n was $2,858, according “Our priority is to bring him to an offi cial document shared back. We’ll think about how to A Vietnamese man was arrested with the families and seen by pay the loan later,” she said. for attempted traff icking of AFP. Two other families said they people to Germany, state media Families in central Vietnam, also agreed to the government said late on Monday, amid an where many of the 39 victims loan to repatriate their rela- ongoing clampdown on human come from, said they were tives’ bodies. traff icking in the Southeast Asian desperate to bring their loved The majority of the victims country in the aftermath of the ones back nearly four weeks come from Ha Tinh and Nghe death of 39 migrants in Britain. after the tragedy, despite the An provinces in central Viet- Nguyen Minh Cam, 55, hails debt they will have to take on. nam, impoverished parts of from Ha Tinh province in central “We’re in deep pain, we the country where the main Vietnam. just want him back soonest,” source of income is from fi sh- Many of the Vietnamese migrants said Le Minh Tuan, whose ing, farming, or factory work. found dead in a refrigerated lorry 30-year-old son was among The country’s largest pri- container in Essex last month the victims found on October vate conglomerate, Vingroup were from the same area. 23 in a refrigerated container – owned by the country’s Cam will be investigated for in Essex. richest man – said it would “organising and brokering illegal “We’ll pay any price, donate around $860 to fami- emigration” of Vietnamese to whether I have to sell my lies in the provinces whose Germany, according to local house or my land, I am deter- relatives had died. newspaper VnExpress. mined to bring him back,” said Many families took on The 55-year-old, who previously Tuan, whose son Le Van Ha thousands of dollars of debt worked in Germany, allegedly left behind two young children to send their kids to Britain, charged $1,000 to take locals to and a wife. where they hoped they would Europe using tourist visas. The family already bor- land good jobs to send money They would have to first travel to rowed more than $30,000 back home – and pay back Azerbaijan before travelling west to send Ha to Europe, a huge their loans. across Europe. sum in his province of Nghe The incident laid bare the No Vietnamese actually made it An where the average annual dangers of illegal migration in to Germany – they reported Cam per capita income is around Britain, a top destination for A member of the military playing the role of protester (right) challenges a line of Indonesian Navy frogmen and commandos during an to police after facing deportation $1,200. Vietnamese nationals who of- anti-terror drill to sharpen their skills at Juanda airport in Sidoarjo, East Java yesterday. from Azerbaijan, according to the Tuan said he will opt to ten work in cannabis farms or news outlet. (DPA) bring his son’s body back in- nail bars.

Cambodia opposition Refugees ‘honoured’ to glimpse Pope in Thailand By Joe Freeman, AFP signed on to UN conventions ble my life is here I just cry,” add- long had an uneasy relationship would be a boon for Chu Manh leader still to face Bangkok protecting refugees. ed Ko Sa, who works as a cleaner with organised religion. Son, a Vietnamese Catho- Many live in fear of arrest and for $5 a day. Today all religions in Bud- lic activist living in Thailand long detention in immigration She arrived in Thailand seven dhist-majority Vietnam are since 2017. treason trial: PM lutching her entrance centres while they scrape by on years ago, hiding in a truck to controlled by the state and any He was among many Catho- badge to see the Pope, under-the-table jobs for a few cross the Cambodian border practitioners operating without lics who voiced anger over a 2016 AFP dia or taking part in political CVietnamese Catholic dollars a day. Some wait years for during a three-day journey. offi cial registration could face toxic spill by a Taiwanese steel Phnom Penh activities. refugee Ko Sa says attending resettlement in a third country. She fl ed Vietnam after she was jail time. fi rm that killed tonnes of fi sh and After meetings with a the pontiff ’s mass this week is The chance to glimpse the accused of helping hide a relative Vietnam broke off offi cial ties decimated livelihoods. number of foreign envoys to a great honour – a rare bright Pope at the Thursday mass is a who got caught up with police. with the Vatican in 1975, but Son says he was imprisoned, ambodian opposi- Cambodia, he posted Friday a spot in her “miserable” life as an welcome respite. As a Catholic and a member of relations have eased in recent beaten and forbidden from trav- tion fi gure Kem Sokha, message on Facebook calling asylum seeker in Bangkok. “It’s diffi cult to describe the the vulnerable K’Ho ethnic minor- years. elling for speaking out on the Cfreshly freed from for “national reconciliation”. Ko Sa is one of just a handful of feeling... It is a great honour for ity, she feared repercussions from It is not clear if the Pope will environmental disaster. house arrest, will still stand Rights groups say Cambo- refugees registered to attend the us to see him,” said 34-year-old authorities in the one-party state. address Vietnam’s Catholics this He and his wife paid traffi ckers trial for treason, strongman dia’s legal system is complete- mass by Pope Francis, who arrives in Ko Sa, sitting on a mattress on The US State Department lists week, though his trip is raising $600 to sneak them through the premier Hun Sen has said. ly controlled by Hun Sen’s Thailand today carrying a message the fl oor of a rented house where Vietnam as a “country of par- hopes he could speak about the jungle where they at one point Kem Sokha, 66, is the co- government. of peace and religious tolerance. she lives with eight other people. ticular concern” on its religious plight of refugees as he has since ran out of food and ate plants. founder of the banned Cam- Sokha’s political partner The four-day jaunt is the Her UN refugee ID does not freedom index, accusing the the migrant crisis of 2015. They eventually made it to bodia National Rescue Party Sam Rainsy, meanwhile, re- Pope’s fi rst trip to Thailand, shield her from police, and she government of targeting peo- “This Pope in particular also Bangkok where they attended (CNRP), which was dissolved turned to France over the where about 1,400 Vietnamese has had to move several times to ple because of their beliefs or wants to encourage the aware- a local church frequented by ahead of widely criticised weekend after attempting a Christians and ethnic minorities avoid immigration crackdowns. religious freedom advocacy. ness of the people who are migrant labourers. elections last year. highly publicised comeback have settled. Though she’s now fully free to Some prominent activists are forgotten, like refugees,” said Like Ko Sa, he used his UN Arrested in 2017 and ac- for Cambodia’s November 9 Like Ko Sa, they are un- practise her religion, she worries Catholic – a denomination com- Puttipong Puttansri, a Thai his- refugee agency card as ID when cused of plotting to overthrow independence day. able to legally settle in Thailand about the future. prising 7% of the population – and torian of the Catholic Church. parishes announced registration Hun Sen’s government, he was Rainsy has lived in France since the government has not “When I think of how misera- the communist government has Any mention of refugees for the pontiff ’s visit. detained fi rst in a remote pris- since 2015 to avoid jail for con- on and then under house ar- victions he says are politically rest before his bail conditions motivated. were relaxed last week. He promised a dramatic re- The court closed the inves- turn to Cambodia but ended tigation into his case on Friday up waylaid in Malaysia and Indonesian workshop turns but Hun Sen, who has ruled Indonesia with other CNRP Cambodia since 1985, clarifi ed offi cials. Monday he would still face trial. Hun Sen last week ordered “The charges (against Kem the release on bail of more than waste into decorations Sokha) will not be dropped,” 70 opposition members and Hun Sen said amid swirling activists that authorities ac- Reuters rubber and fabric scraps, cov- rupiah ($18). Some are used as rumours the King would soon cused of helping Rainsy return. Indramayu ered with feathers gleaned from props for cockfi ghting training. pardon him. The dissolution of the chicken slaughterhouses. The rooster models are sold “They simply closed the CNRP in 2017 paved the way “When I see waste, I feel pity,” widely outside Tarjaya’s town investigation so the case can for Hun Sen’s ruling party to n Indonesian workshop is said Tarjaya, who goes only by one and even abroad, with social me- be sent to trial,” he said, with- sweep a widely criticised elec- turning industrial waste name. “It should be made into dia serving to showcase them. out confi rming when it would tion last year, turning Cambo- Aand chicken feathers into artwork, for example, so everyone Indonesia generates 175,000 start. dia into a one-party state. decorative models of roosters, in can benefi t and make use of it.” tonne of rubbish a day, ac- The case would take “a long As a result, the European Un- a bid to reduce waste and generate The 35-year-old employs up cording to its environment and time” to fi nish, he added, also ion started a review of a duty- income for low-paid workers. to 10 people, including scaven- forestry ministry. off ering a veiled threat to oth- free tariff scheme for the coun- As cocks crow in the back- gers, itinerant traders and farm “This product made from re- er opposition members not to try’s lucrative garment sector. ground, workshop owner Tar- labourers. cycled waste is very creative,” “run into walls”. Analysts say the possible re- jaya leads a team in crafting With their help, Tarjaya can said Herman bin Anshor, who Tarjaya prepares a sculpture of a rooster made from industrial waste Kem Sokha is currently moval of the deal is a rare po- life-sized fi gures of chickens produce up to 200 rooster models uses the rooster dolls to help his and chicken feathers before putting it up for sale, at his workshop in banned from leaving Cambo- litical weak spot for Hun Sen. from factory waste such as foam, a month, selling each for 250,000 fi ghting cocks train. Indramayu, West Java province. Gulf Times 14 Wednesday, November 20, 2019 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

Blanket of smoke

Smoke from bushfires blanket Sydney yesterday. Sydney woke up to a thick blanket of smoke as New South Wales warns residents of the dangers amid severe fire dangers and hot, windy weather. Bushfire-prone Australia has experienced a horrific start to its fire season, which scientists say is beginning earlier and becoming more extreme as a result of climate change, which is raising temperatures and sapping moisture from the environment.

N Korea dismisses US, S Korea break off drills delay and Swedish eff orts defence cost dialogue AFP administrative achievement the Seoul US president has talked too much Reuters in a technical state of war under about for over a year,” Kim added, Seoul a truce that suspended the 1950- referring to the North by its offi - 53 Korean War. he United States must cial name. South Korea’s Foreign Minis- end its joint exercises Trump has repeatedly pointed outh Korean and US offi - try declined to comment on what Twith Seoul “once and for to North Korea’s moratorium on cials broke off talks yester- the new cost category US sought all” to facilitate dialogue with nuclear tests and intercontinental Sday aimed at settling the was, but Yonhap news agency Pyongyang, North Korea said ballistic missile launches as for- cost burden for Seoul of hosting has reported the US demand in- yesterday, just days after the allies eign policy successes for him. the US military, South Korea’s cluded labour costs for the US postponed planned drills. The US But negotiations have been grid- Foreign Ministry said, amid a troops in South Korea, military and South Korea said Sunday they locked since the Hanoi summit public backlash over a $5bn US personnel and family support would delay annual joint aerial in February broke up in disagree- demand for the bill. costs, costs of rotational deploy- exercises slated for this month in ment over sanctions relief, while The breakdown in talks was a ment of US troops to the Korean an act of “goodwill” after months October’s working-level talks sharp and rare public disagree- Peninsula, and off shore training of deadlocked nuclear talks. rapidly broke down in Sweden. ment in the 66-year alliance, expenses. Pyongyang has long protested Pyongyang also criticised with each side suggesting the In past cost-sharing agree- the joint drills, which it condemns Stockholm yesterday, saying it other was not prepared to come ments, South Korea only paid as preparations for invasion, and had passed on a US suggestion to a fair and reasonable com- for three categories – personnel Seoul and Washington last year of meeting again in December. promise on sharing the costs for costs of South Korean workers cancelled several training ses- The US used the intermediary hosting 28,500 US troops as a de- hired by US troops, military con- sions in the wake of the Singapore “not to give impression that it terent to North Korea. struction costs such as building summit between President Don- fawns on the DPRK”, the North’s “Our position is that it should facilities within US bases, and ald Trump and the North’s leader chief nuclear negotiator Kim be within the mutually accept- military assistance expenses, Kim Jong-un. But Kim Yong- Myong-gil told KCNA. But now able Special Measures Agree- such as for services and materi- chol, a senior North Korean of- that Pyongyang and Washing- ment (SMA) framework that has als. fi cial who formerly led talks with ton know each other’s position, been agreed upon by South Korea The negotiations are tak- the US, said the weekend post- Stockholm “no longer needs to and the US for the past 28 years,” ing place as US eff orts to reach ponement was irrelevant. “We work for the DPRK-US dialogue”, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry James DeHart, US Department of State’s senior adviser for security negotiations and agreements bureau an agreement with North Korea demand that the US quit the drill he said. said, referring to the cost-shar- of political-military aff airs, speaks after a meeting with South Korean counterpart on the Special Measures over its nuclear and missile pro- or stop it once and for all,” Kim “If the Swedish side behaves ing deal’s offi cial name. Agreement (SMA) at the public aff airs section of the US Embassy in Seoul, South Korea. grammes appear stalled, ahead said in a statement carried by the like a back-seat driver, it might “The US believes that the of a year-end deadline from KCNA news agency. “The sus- be regarded as unreasonable,” he share of defence spending should of our great alliance.” “Unfortu- offi cials. South Korean lawmak- Trump has long railed against Pyongyang for the US to shift its pension of the drill does not mean added. “The Swedish side would be increased signifi cantly by cre- nately, the proposals that were ers have said US offi cials were what he says are inadequate con- approach. ensuring peace and security on be well-advised to properly un- ating a new category,” the minis- put forward by the Korean nego- seeking up to $5bn a year, more tributions from allies towards Under South Korean law, the the Korean peninsula and is not derstand the situation and behave try said in a statement. The top tiating team were not responsive than fi ve times the 1.04tn won defence costs. military cost-sharing deal must helpful to the diplomatic eff orts,” itself.” US negotiator, James DeHart, to our request for fair and equita- ($896mn) Seoul agreed to pay The United States is due to be- be approved by parliament. he added. Yesterday’s statements were said the Americans cut short the ble burden sharing,” DeHart told this year. gin separate negotiations for new Ruling party lawmakers have The North had “no intention” the latest in a series of increasing- talks to “give the Korean side a briefi ng. Negotiators left the US offi cials have not pub- defence cost-sharing deals with said this week they will “refuse to sit down with the “tricky US” ly assertive comments from the some time to reconsider and I table after only about one hour of licly confi rmed the number, but Japan, Germany and Nato next to ratify any excessive outcome and would not return to talks “be- North as its end-of-year dead- hope to put forward new propos- discussions that were scheduled Trump has previously said the US year. of the current negotiations” that fore the complete and irrevocable line for the US to come up with a als that would enable both sides to continue throughout the day, military presence in and around Trump has fl oated the idea of deviate from the established withdrawal of its hostile policy”. fresh off er approaches, and it has to work towards a mutually ac- South Korean media reported, South Korea was “$5bn worth of pulling US troops from the Ko- principle and structure of previ- “From now on, the DPRK will also carried out multiple weapons ceptable agreement in the spirit citing unnamed foreign ministry protection”. rean peninsula, which remains ous agreements. get due compensation for every tests in recent weeks.

Measles death toll in Samoa Australia signs critical rises to 15, says China says only it can rule Unicef minerals research The death toll from a measles outbreak raging in the Pacific on Hong Kong constitution agreement with US nation of Samoa has risen to 15, with most of the victims young children, Unicef said AFP Zang Tiewei, a spokesman of the of one country, two systems” – and homemade catapults to fi re Reuters tralia’s abundant supplies makes yesterday. Beijing National People’s Congress, said the policy that governs the city. bricks – were holed up. Dozens Melbourne us a reliable and secure interna- The UN children’s agency only the legislature had the right “This is not a time to burn down of exhausted pro-democracy tional supplier of a wide range of said that suspected measles to rule on whether a law is in ac- your own house or to destroy the protesters barricaded inside the those, including rare earth ele- cases had topped 1,000 hina insisted yesterday it cordance with the Basic Law – rule of law in Hong Kong,” Kwok Hong Kong Polytechnic Univer- ustralia’s minerals agency ments,” Australia’s Minister for in the island nation, which alone held the authority the city’s mini-constitution. “No said. “Respect the courts in Hong sity (PolyU) defi ed warnings to has signed a deal with its Resources Matt Canavan said. has declared a state of Cto rule on constitutional other institution has the right Kong, respect our system and this surrender after some escaped AUnited States counterpart The announcement comes as emergency and launched matters in Hong Kong, as it con- to make judgements or deci- is the essence of the one country overnight by slithering down to jointly develop a better under- Australia’s Prime Minister Scott a compulsory vaccination demned a decision by the city’s sions,” Zang said, according to a two systems.” ropes from a footbridge. Chinese standing of both countries’ criti- Morrison visits the United States programme. high court to overturn a ban on state media report posted on the On Twitter, democracy activ- state media slammed the high cal minerals reserves, Australia this week, and builds on an ini- “The epidemic has claimed face masks worn by pro-democ- NPC’s website. He said the rul- ist Joshua Wong saw the NPC court ruling. said yesterday. tial agreement signed a year ago. the lives of 14 children under- racy protesters. ing had “severely weakened the statement as a warning that it “This disappointing verdict GeoScience Australia and the Australian rare earths developer five years old and one adult,” The statement raised hackles governance” of Hong Kong chief would reinterpret Hong Kong’s will encourage radical protesters United States Geological Survey Northern Minerals will be part it said in a statement. among activists in Hong Kong executive Carrie Lam and the city constitution. “When the state to do evil and discourage the po- (USGS) signed the agreement, of the country’s delegation to Unicef said it was in the after months of violent protests government. loses, she changes the rules of lice from curbing violence,” the which did not mention any specifi c Washington, it said in a stock ex- process of delivering over concerns that Beijing is Zang also indicated that the game. Beijing never intends to nationalist Global Times said in funding, that will also look at bet- change fi ling yesterday. more than 110,000 doses chipping away at the autonomy legislature might take some form play by the rules,” Wong said. an editorial. ter quantifying the global supply The research agreement will fo- of measles vaccine to of the fi nancial hub. of action. “We are considering China has repeatedly warned that In a strident front-page com- potential of critical minerals such cus on mapping potential critical Samoa’s population of about The ban on face-covering the relevant opinions and sug- it would not allow the city to spi- mentary, the People’s Daily ac- as rare earths, Australia’s Resourc- mineral resources and prioritise 200,000. came into force in October, when gestions put forward by some ral into total chaos, fuelling con- cused Western politicians of es Minister said in a statement. developing big data to understand With the virus sweeping the city’s unelected pro-Beijing NPC deputies,” he said, without cerns that Beijing might deploy defending “violent crimes” and Critical minerals are a suite of supply and demand scenarios for through the South Pacific, leader invoked colonial-era leg- elaborating. troops to quell the unrest. “anti-China forces” in Hong elements such as lithium, cobalt developing the critical minerals the agency said it had also islation for the fi rst time in more Protests started in June as China’s ambassador to Britain, Kong. “Violent crime is not only and neodymium used in high pipeline, the statement said. sent vaccines to Tonga than 50 years. The move was seen a peaceful condemnation of a Liu Xiaoming, warned yester- a ‘virus’ that endangers Hong tech technologies like renewable The announcement did not and Fiji. Off icials were also as a watershed legal moment for now-shelved China extradition day that the central government Kong society, but also a public energy, electric vehicle batteries, mention funding for specifi c min- helping with preparations the city since its 1997 return by bill, but have morphed into a bat- would not sit idly by if the situa- enemy that endangers all man- and defence. ing projects. There are expecta- for potential outbreaks Britain to China – but has been tle to defend unique freedoms tion got out of control. “We have kind,” the Communist Party US and European governments tions that the United States may in Vanuatu, the Solomon largely symbolic. unseen on the mainland, which enough resolution and power to mouthpiece said. are trying to broaden the sup- fi nance some critical mineral Islands, Kiribati, the Cook The city’s high court ruled on include freedom of speech and an end the unrest,” Liu said. “The atrocities of Hong Kong’s ply chain of critical minerals in- projects after President Donald Islands, the Marshall Islands Monday that the government ban independent judiciary. Beijing has so far backed Lam thugs have gone beyond the bot- cluding rare earths, which China Trump in July authorised US De- and Micronesia. on face masks was unconstitu- Dennis Kwok, a pro-democ- and the city’s police force. This tom line of human morality and dominates. But developers say the partment of Defense funding to be It said Samoa, which is by far tional. But Beijing said the judi- racy lawmaker, warned that tak- week police laid siege at a uni- civilisation, and will not be al- governments are too slow to make directed to resources or technology the worst aff ected, had low cial branch of the special admin- ing away the power of the courts versity campus where protest- lowed in any country or civilised funds available. “The US has a “essential to the national defence” measles vaccination rates of istrative region had overreached. in Hong Kong “will be the end ers – some armed with bows society,” it said. need for critical minerals and Aus- to shore up domestic supplies. 28-40%. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 20, 2019 15 BRITAIN/IRELAND

MUSIC CRIME MEMORABILIA DECISION OPINION McCartney to headline Burglars take £1mn of Princess Diana’s iconic NHS to pick up doctors’ Royal historian trashes 50th Glastonbury festival jewellery from home ‘Travolta’ dress for sale pensions bills Netflix show The Crown

Paul McCartney will take star billing at next Jewellery worth more than £1mn has been stolen A midnight blue velvet gown worn by Princess The NHS will spend tens of millions of pounds Television series The Crown might have won fans year’s Glastonbury, when the legendary music in a “brazen” heist from a mansion in north Diana when she danced with actor John picking up doctors’ pensions bills to help avert across the globe with its dramatisation of the festival marks its 50th anniversary, organisers London. An unknown number of suspects broke Travolta at the White House is being put up a staff ing catastrophe this winter. Ministers life and reign of Queen Elizabeth but one royal said. Glastonbury co-organiser Emily Eavis said into the property in Hampstead Lane in Haringey for sale, an auction house said. Diana wore yesterday implemented plans to enable doctors historian has accused it of peddling a subversive the former Beatle would headline the Pyramid while a woman in her 30s and her children the Victor Edelstein dress when she and to take on overtime without being clobbered by republican message. The third season of the hit Stage on June 27 — the traditional highlight of were inside, police said. The burglars escaped her then husband Prince Charles attended punitive taxes. At present, consultants, GPs and Netflix show was released on Sunday, portraying the event in Somerset. “Having Paul McCartney from a window on the first floor with various a state dinner hosted by then president surgeons are being stung by a 2016 Treasury events around Elizabeth and her family from the coming back to headline the Pyramid next year items including “distinctive and rare” jewellery, Ronald Reagan on November 9, 1985. It was rule change under which anyone earning more mid-1960s until 1977. Its creator Peter Morgan is an absolute dream come true,” she said in a designer clothing and a large amount of cash. immortalised when Diana was photographed than £110,000 a year faces punitive tax bills if has said the series is based on known facts and statement on the festival website. “There really The average value of property on Hampstead dancing with Travolta to the song You Should they put more than £10,000 into their pension imagined private conversations. However, royal was no one that we wanted more for the 50th Lane is estimated to be £6,207,674, according to be Dancing from his film Saturday Night Fever. pot annually. Doctors have complained of being historian Hugo Vickers has penned a book The anniversary.” McCartney previously headlined the real estate website Zoopla. Police appealed Estimated at £250,000-£350,000 , the dress hit by sudden, unexpected extra taxes after Crown Dissected, to expose the fiction, saying the Glastonbury in 2004. This year’s headliner was to the public to get in touch if they witnessed is one of three being sold by Kerry Taylor doing extra shifts and thousands have already show features ludicrous events, misrepresents grime star Stormzy. anything in relation to the burglary. Auctions on December 9. slashed their hours to try to reduce their tax bills. characters and includes “idiotic scenes”. Labour sticks Ready for the fight to ‘basic’ $20 cyber defence after attacks

Reuters to a request for comment. London A Conservative Party spokes- woman did not respond directly to questions about the type of web- ritain’s opposition Labour site defences used by the party. Party was using a $20-a- “We have the appropriate security Bmonth “basic security” measures in place to protect the service to protect its website party’s IT and web infrastructure when hackers attempted to force so were not disrupted in the recent it offl ine last week and tempo- incident,” she said. rarily slowed down online cam- Britain votes on December 12 paigning, according to internal in an election called by Prime e-mails seen by Reuters. Minister Boris Johnson to try to Such entry-level protection is break the Brexit deadlock in par- not recommended for large or- liament more than three years ganisations at high risk of cyber- since the country voted to leave attacks, but the messages show the European Union. Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party, Boris Johnson wears boxing gloves emblazoned with “Get Brexit Done” as he poses for a photograph at Jimmy Labour has since decided against The country’s security agen- Egan’s Boxing Academy in Manchester north-west England, yesterday during a general election campaign trip. Britain will go to the polls on December 12, 2019 to upgrading to an increased secu- cies have warned that Russia and vote in a pre-Christmas general election. rity package on grounds of cost. other countries may attempt to Labour and the governing disrupt the election with cyber- Conservative Party were hit by attacks or divisive political mes- back-to-back cyberattacks last sages on social media, a charge week, just days into an election Moscow denies. campaign security offi cials have Offi cials say initial investiga- warned could be disrupted by tions have found nothing to link foreign hackers. the attacks on Labour and the Labour uses the services of cy- Conservatives to a foreign state. bersecurity fi rm Cloudfl are to help The attackers used a common protect its website from attacks, and relatively simple technique No one needs to be a party e-mails show, but only the to attempt to force the parties’ level the company recommends for web services offl ine by fl ooding “professional websites, blogs, and them with traffi c. portfolios requiring basic security.” Cloudfl are says its services After the attacks the party help defend against so-called considered upgrading to the in- distributed denial-of-service creased security measures used (DDoS) attacks by fi ltering out billionaire, says Labour by large organisations to help malicious website requests and ensure their websites stay on- absorbing the additional traffi c. Reuters bour says it wants to be the most pledge to redistribute wealth to change regulations so directors which would represent one of line, but decided the $60,000 Both Labour and the Con- London radical socialist government in the many and not the few — was have a duty to promote the long- the most radical assaults on annual cost was unjustifi able, servatives have provided data British history. a theme it used in the 2017 elec- term interests of employees and capitalism seen in a major west- according to the e-mails. to the police and the National John McDonnell, the party’s tion, when the party confound- customers and they would delist ern economy, include national- While the lower-tier security Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), pposition Labour Party fi nance spokesman, said in a ed the polls to deprive then fi rms from the stock exchange ising the rail, utility and water package protected the Labour site part of the GCHQ signals intelli- yesterday took aim at speech he wants to “rewrite the prime minister Theresa May of who fail to take adequate steps to companies, confi scating 10% of from major damage, it may not be gence agency, to help investigate O“obscene” billionaires, rules of our economy”, casting the her parliamentary majority. deal with climate change. big companies’ shares, a move enough if the party is hit by more the attacks, according to people pledging a radical redistribution election as a chance to overthrow Labour hopes the message McDonnell outlined a series of to a four-day week and higher sophisticated attacks, said a per- with knowledge of the matter. of wealth to cut the power of the a system which profi ts by exploit- will propel them to power as perceived faults with the current taxes on the wealthy. son with knowledge of the matter. The NCSC said analysis was super rich and to introduce pol- ing workers and where billion- they trail Johnson’s party in the model of capitalism, including McDonnell said a Labour In a separate message, Labour’s ongoing following last week’s icies including a pay cap at some aires can buy access to power. opinion polls. short-termism and the lack of government would establish a head of technology warned that attacks but declined to comment companies. “No one needs or deserves McDonnell said if Labour bargaining power for workers. series of new commissions to the party could be at increased risk on specifi c defences used by in- The two main political par- to have that much money, it is win power they will bring in a But he ruled out imposing a oversee corporate behaviour. of cyberattacks on the days of two dividual political parties. ties are showcasing starkly dif- obscene,” McDonnell said. “It is 20:1 pay ratio between lowest windfall tax on oil and gas com- This would include an over- televised election debates and its “We are confi dent that the ferent visions for the world’s also obscene that these billion- and highest-paid employees panies — a policy it had been arching business commission upcoming manifesto launch. Labour party took the necessary fi fth-largest economy ahead of aires are buying access and tax in companies bidding for pub- speculated Labour will put in containing three separate watch- A Labour party spokesman steps to deal with the attack. The the December 12 election. breaks to Boris Johnson’s Con- lic sector contracts, as well as its party manifesto to be an- dogs — a companies commission, declined to comment. attack was not successful,” a The Conservatives are prom- servative Party.” those that are publicly owned. nounced on Thursday. a fi nance commission, and an en- Cloudflare did not respond NCSC spokeswoman said ising to deliver Brexit while La- Labour’s core message — a He also said Labour would Labour’s economic policies, forcement commission.

Royals attend event Adams interned illegally Owner of chip shop during Troubles, court told cleared of killing wife Guardian News and Media He said he moved his wife London and sat her up to take off her Guardian News and Media involved personally in making “It now appeared that the oil soaked clothes. He added: London any such decision. (previous) Conservative admin- “I didn’t know if I was doing Documents released to the istration had left both tasks to chip shop owner has the right thing to be honest. public records offi ce under the junior ministers in the Northern been cleared of murder- I just grabbed the bottom of he former Sinn Fein 30 years rule have since revealed Ireland offi ce and, according to Aing his wife with scald- her jumper and pulled it over leader Gerry Adams was that the government knew there (the attorney general’s) informa- ing oil after telling a jury she ac- her head.” He told her to run Tinterned illegally at the had been a procedural irregular- tion, there might be as many as cidentally tipped it over herself. to their house and ask their height of Northern Ireland’s ity in relation to the detention 200 persons unlawfully detained Geoff rey Bran, 71, was ac- lodger to call an ambulance. He Troubles because the wrong of Adams and other republican in Northern Ireland.” cused of attacking his wife, agreed in court it was “callous minister approved his detention detainees who had tried to es- Adams’ order was signed by a Mavis Bran, 69, at the Chipo- to the point of inhumanity” order, the supreme court in Lon- cape with him from the heavily minister of state. teria in the village of Hermon, not to check on his wife as he don was told. guarded internment camp. Adams, who now sits as a Sinn Carmarthenshire, south- carried on serving, telling cus- In an attempt to overturn two A note for the record found in Fein TD for Louth in the Irish Dail, west Wales. Mavis Bran died tomers there had been a “little criminal convictions for escap- fi les, dated July 17, 1974, related was not present at the supreme six days after the incident in accident”. ing from the Maze prison in to a meeting held by the then La- court hearing in London which which she suff ered burns to The jury heard Mavis had 1973 and 1974, lawyers for the bour prime minister, Harold Wil- was heard by fi ve justices includ- 46% of her body. started drinking in the morn- 71-year-old are challenging the son, called to consider “an urgent ing the lord chief justice of Eng- Bran denied hurling the oil ing and was over the drink- way he was originally held under problem which the attorney gen- land and Wales, Lord Burnett. over his wife, claiming she had drive limit at the time of the emergency legislation. eral had brought to his attention”. Lord Kerr, a former lord chief jus- accidentally tipped the fryer incident shortly before 1pm. Adams, who has always de- The note explained that “fol- tice of Northern Ireland, presided. over herself. She told a friend and a para- nied being a member of the IRA, lowing a recent attempt to es- Adams was fi rst interned in Giving evidence at the trial medic before she died that her was taken into custody under cape by four prisoners (a refer- March 1972 and was released in at Swansea crown court, Bran husband was to blame. The Article 4 of the Detention of ence to Adams and others) from June that year to take part in se- said: “I turned around and saw paramedic, Allison Williams, Terrorists (Northern Ireland) the Maze, an examination of the cret talks with the Conservative her fl ying to the fl oor. I could told the jury: “I asked her if she Order 1972, which covered any- papers concerning those pris- government in London. More see the fat fryer moving for- could explain what had actual- one whom the secretary of state oners revealed that applications than 1,900 suspects were in- ward on the table. Instantly ly happened that day. She said: for Northern Ireland “suspected for interim custody orders con- terned in the early years of the Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess the legs fell off the edge and ‘My husband threw hot fat of having been concerned in the cerning three of them had not Troubles as violence spiralled out of Cambridge, arrive at the Royal Variety Performance in the weight of the oil tipped the over me.’ She just stated they’d commission or attempted com- been examined personally by of control. Those held were over- London. The annual event showcases the best in UK and whole thing forwards. The oil had an argument.” mission of any act of terrorism”. the previous secretary of state whelmingly nationalists or re- international talent and entertainment amid the setting of must have moved things fast Mavis died at Morriston hos- The regulations required that for Northern Ireland during the publicans; not all were members the iconic London Palladium theatre. and it was like a waterfall and pital, Swansea, from complica- Northern Ireland secretary be Conservative administration. of paramilitary organisations. landed on her chest.” tions arising from her burns. Gulf Times 16 Wednesday, November 20, 2019 EUROPE Poland must ensure independence for judges’ complaints, says ECJ

DPA been at loggerheads over the re- (ECJ) to assess the independ- Justice Minister Zbigniew Zio- tia presented a diff erent view on ments and removals on the NCJ The Supreme Court will rule Luxembourg/Warsaw forms introduced by Poland’s ence of the disciplinary chamber, bro said that by leaving the fi nal the matter. under the reformed judicial re- on the matter referred back from Law and Justice (PiS) party since which should normally be re- decision to the referring court, According to Iustitia head gime may have been unconstitu- the ECJ “with no unnecessary it came to power in 2015. sponsible for settling their griev- the ECJ acknowledged that it is Krystian Markiewicz, the ECJ tional. delay”, Gersdorf said during a oland’s top court must de- The disciplinary chamber, a ances. not competent to decide on mat- confi rmed the Supreme Court’s That calls into question the press conference. termine whether its new key component of Poland’s ju- The Luxembourg-based judg- ters related to the organisation of doubts about the appoint- validity of more than 300 judge Eve Geddie of Amnesty In- Pdisciplinary chamber is dicial reforms, has the power to es ruled that the judges must Poland’s judiciary. ment process of the disciplinary appointments and rulings made ternational, a rights advocacy suffi ciently independent to han- dismiss any Polish judge or pros- have recourse to an independent A similar stance was presented chamber judges and questioned by the reformed NCJ, according group, has welcomed the ECJ dle complaints brought by judges ecutor. body but referred the case back to by President Adnrzej Duda, who the validity of the appointments to Markiewicz. ruling. against their early retirement, Critics argue that the chamber the Polish court to make this as- as head of state is charged with made by members of the Nation- Judges appointed by the re- She says that “judges and the European Court of Justice comes under too much political sessment. appointing judges. al Judiciary Council (NCJ). formed body should refrain from prosecutors have been harassed (ECJ) ruled yesterday. infl uence. They noted that a combina- Duda defended the creation of The NCJ is responsible for se- ruling and off er their resigna- and subjected to politically-mo- The case is the latest of Po- In this case, three Supreme tion of factors may question the the Supreme Court’s disciplinary lecting the country’s judges, in- tions in order not to “deepen the tivated disciplinary investiga- land’s judicial reforms to be scru- Court and Supreme Administra- chamber’s independence from chamber last year. cluding the members of the dis- legal chaos in the country”, he tions and smear campaigns”. tinised by the European Union tive Court judges fi led legal com- political infl uence. According to the president, ciplinary chamber, who are then said. In an address to the Polish par- amid concern that certain meas- plaints after they were forced to In Poland, the ruling was wel- disciplinary proceedings against appointed by the Polish presi- The head of the Supreme Court liament yesterday, Prime Minis- ures being introduced by the retire under another aspect of comed by the government and judges only became truly in- dent. Malgorzata Gersdorf, in turn, ter Mateusz Morawiecki vowed country’s national-conservative Warsaw’s judicial reform. legal professionals, who pre- dependent and protected from The members of the NCJ are called on the government and the to push ahead with the country’s government are undermining EU The branch of the Supreme sented diff erent interpretations judicial peer pressure with the largely chosen by the legislature. parliament to remove the legal judicial reforms, arguing that values. Court handling their case turned of what it meant for the country’s chamber’s creation. According to some Polish le- faults that have been pointed out “the citizens have the right to ef- Brussels and Warsaw have to the European Court of Justice judicial system. The judges’ association Iusti- gal professionals, some appoint- by the ECJ. fi cient courts”.

Nato expands Sweden drops remit into space

This picture taken in April shows Assange leaving a police station in DPA Assange probe London. Brussels Reuters in jail fi ghting extradition to indictment,” she told a news association with the Swedish video showing a 2007 attack by fi gure complicit in Russian ef- Stockholm the United States on computer conference. “Nine years have justice system,” Samuelson said. Apache helicopters in Baghdad forts to undermine the West. ato is expanding its re- hacking and espionage charges passed. Time is a player in this “But he is not happy with the that killed a dozen people, in- Even some critics of Assange mit into space, its fi fth unveiled after he left the em- decision.” way he’s been treated. He lost cluding two Reuters news staff . say the US charges against him Noperational domain on Swedish prosecutor has bassy. Assange, a 48-year-old Aus- faith in the Swedish justice sys- WikiLeaks later angered the could be troubling, since they top of land, sea, air and the more dropped a rape investi- While Assange was in the em- tralian, has repeatedly denied tem years ago.” United States by publishing treat publication of secrets as a recently added cybersphere, Agation against WikiLeaks bassy, the statute of limitations the sex crime allegations, calling Elisabet Massi Fritz, lawyer caches of leaked military docu- crime, activity that advocates of sources told DPA yesterday. founder Julian Assange, ending ran out on investigating all but them part of a plot to discredit for the accuser, told Reuters in ments and diplomatic cables. press freedom say is essential for “Space is essential to the al- the near decade-old case that one of several Swedish sex crime him and secure his eventual a text message that she and her In 2016 it played a role in the journalism. liance’s defence and deterrence, had sent the anti-secrecy cam- complaints originally fi led by transfer to the United States. client would discuss whether to US presidential campaign, re- The case had divided opin- for early warning communica- paigner into hiding in London’s two women. “Let us now focus on the request a review of the decision leasing documents from hacked ion in Sweden, a country with tion and navigation,” Nato Gen- Ecuadorian embassy to avoid Deputy Chief Prosecutor Eva- threat Mr Assange has been to drop the case. e-mails of Democratic Party of- strong traditions of support for eral Secretary Jens Stoltenberg extradition. Marie Persson reopened the re- warning about for years: the The right decision would have fi cials. both women’s rights and media said earlier in Brussels, before Although the prosecutor’s de- maining case after Assange left belligerent prosecution of the been to interrogate Assange in US investigators determined freedom. the 29 allies fi nally agreed the cision can be appealed, it prob- the embassy, but she said yes- United States and the threat it London and then charge him those e-mails were originally Prosecutors were criticised move. ably closes the case, which was terday that the passage of time poses to the First Amendment,” with rape, she said. “After to- obtained by Russian hackers for letting the case drag on, Around half of the 2,000 sat- launched in 2010. meant there was not enough WikiLeaks editor-in-chief, day’s decision, my client needs as part of an eff ort by Moscow while many blamed Assange for ellites orbiting Earth belong The accuser’s lawyer said she evidence to indict Assange. Kristinn Hrafnsson, said. time to process everything that to help elect President Donald obstructing the investigation. to Nato members, Stoltenberg is studying whether to appeal it. “After conducting a compre- Assange’s Swedish lawyer, Per has happened over these nine Trump. The decision by the Swedish added. Assange skipped bail in Brit- hensive assessment of what has Samuelson, said that as far as he years in order to be able to move Admirers have hailed Assange prosecutor heads off a potential “Nato has no intention to put ain to avoid possible extradition emerged during the course of the was aware, British lawyers had on with her life.” as a hero for exposing what they dilemma for the British courts weapons in space,” Stoltenberg and took refuge in the embassy preliminary investigation, I then not yet been able to contact As- The Australian-born Assange describe as abuse of power by which might otherwise have said, insisting the expansion in 2012. make the assessment that the sange in jail to inform him of the made global headlines in early modern states and for champi- had to decide between compet- would comply with international He was dragged out by police evidence is not strong enough Swedish decision. 2010 when WikiLeaks pub- oning free speech. ing US and Swedish extradition law. in April this year, and is now to form the basis for fi ling an “This is the end of Assange’s lished a classifi ed US military Critics say he is a dangerous requests. However, an attack on a Nato member-owned satellite could constitute a “provocation that would be have to be addressed”, US Nato ambassador Kay Bailey Hutchinson said yesterday. Russia Ukrainian artist The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato)’s collective defence pact, Article 5, states off ers job that an attack on one ally is con- strikes a chord sidered an attack on all allies. It is the alliance’s founding to Maria principle, but has only been trig- gered once: after the September with matchsticks 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the Butina United States. While a satellite attack would Reuters he worked on his second violin. not, in Hutchinson’s view, Reuters Zhashkiv, Ukraine “When the instrument plays amount to the invasion of a Moscow ... I cannot fi nd words to ex- country, an incursion on a com- press my feelings when some- munications network could lead krainian Bogdan Sen- thing made of these tiny sticks to confl ict. n her fi rst public appearance chukov wants to carve plays as an ordinary musical “Certainly it will be an issue since being deported by US Uhis way into the Guin- instrument does.” to be looked at in the future,” she Iauthorities who had jailed ness World Records: by making While most modern musical said. her for being a Russian agent, the world’s biggest collection instruments are made of beech But the aim of the inclusion of Maria Butina was on Monday of- of musical instruments from or acacia wood, Senchukov’s space into Nato’s remit is deter- fered a job by Moscow to defend matchsticks. instruments are made of what rence and defence, she stressed. Russians imprisoned abroad. Already, 15 of his real-sized experts say is the least “musi- US President Donald Trump During an event for the media, instruments, including two cal” wood, aspen, commonly launched the US Space Com- Russia’s human rights commis- guitars, accordions, violin and used to make matches. mand, a new division of the De- sioner, Tatyana Moskalkova, of- drums, are played by a band of It took Senchukov six months partment of Defence, in August. fered Butina, 31, a job working musicians which prides itself as and 27,000 matchsticks to cre- Senchukov plays a musical The move is, according to for her commission. the only “match music band” in ate a bass musical instrument instrument made of safety Trump, a precursor to his much- “I invite you to work in our Ukraine. in the shape of a trident, the matches during a rehearsal in touted plans for a US military group defending compatriots Senchukov’s hobby started Ukrainian coat of arms, which the town of Zhashkiv, Ukraine. Space Force, which would be a abroad. I’m sure together we’ll at school and he has since then he now plays in the band. sixth branch of the US military. be able to do a lot of good for handcrafted items recreated in He said the most challenging Right: Senchukov making a The Nato allies signed off on people who’ve ended up in tough minute detail, including a tank part of his work was when some violin with safety matches. the operational expansion ahead situations abroad,” Moskalkova from the World of Tanks com- elements require more than 10 of a meeting today of Nato for- said. puter game and a miniature Eif- hours of continuous work. and one Ukrainian factory now eign ministers in Brussels. Butina, who fl ew back to Rus- fel Tower, but his real passion is For example, a violin or gui- provides him with matchwood. sia on October 26 after being musical instruments. tar string plate has to be pro- A holder of three national deported, did not say whether “(What I love) is to carve, to duced in one sitting, otherwise records, Senchukov is collect- Bosnia names Serb she would accept the off er made glue, to make it hold the shape, it will lose its shape. ing documents to prove to the at what she called her fi rst pub- to take into account microns Another time-consuming Guinness World Records that as prime minister lic appearance since she was of a millimetre, and to make it process was cleaning the match he has the biggest collection of mobbed by wellwishers in front play in the end,” the 29-year- heads, but Senchukov’s art and musical instruments made of The feuding sides in Bosnian of the media at the airport on her old Senchukov told Reuters as eff orts did not go unnoticed, matchsticks. politics have finally reached a arrival home. compromise on a governing Butina pleaded guilty in De- coalition and, 13 months after cember last year to one count elections, finally nominated a of conspiring to act as a foreign prime minister. agent for Russia by infi ltrating a The tripartite Bosnian presidency, gun rights group and infl uenc- Venice’s St Mark’s Basilica faces costly fl ood clean-up with one representative each ing US conservative activists from the Bosniak, Serb and Croat and Republicans, a conviction ethnic communities, gave Serb slammed as ridiculous by Mos- Reuters famous of a host of monuments reached their second-highest perts were still evaluating the “So many signs of aff ection Zoran Tegeltija, 58, the mandate cow. Rome endangered by the worst week level in more than 50 years this damage. for St Mark’s Basilica make me to form the next government, Russia accused Washington of of fl ooding seen in Venice since week. “We have some money put think that we’ll be in the posi- state broadcaster BHRT reported. forcing Butina to confess. 1872. But no help will be forthcom- aside and will tap the govern- tion to keep up our great re- Tegeltija is a member of the enice’s historic St Mark’s Experts fear corrosive salt ing from insurers, which refuse ment for the remaining part,” sponsibility of preserving one Serbs’ Independent Social Basilica will need mil- crystals, left encrusted on the to provide fl ood coverage to a he said, adding many organi- of the most precious gems of Democrats. Vlions of euros of restora- Basilica’s marble fl oor and city where it is a regular oc- sations and individuals from Venice and of the entire world,” The party is headed by the tion work after it was fl ooded mosaics when the fl oodwaters currence that has been getting all over the world were off ering Campostrini said. long-time Serb leader and their this week for just the sixth time receded now risk eating into worse under the infl uence of fi nancial support. Russian oligarchs have of- representative in the presidency, in 1,200 years, leaving its deli- their surface and weakening the climate change. St Mark’s, which attracts fered up to €1mn to help Venice, Milorad Dodik. cate marble mosaics exposed to crypt which supports the body Pierpaolo Campostrini, head millions of visitors from around Italian ambassador Pasquale Bosnia was split into the nearly destructive salt water, its cura- of the church. of the Fabbriceria, the founda- the world every year, is likely to Terraciano said. sovereign Republika Srpska tor said. The city, built on a collec- tion that oversees the preser- benefi t from its popularity with And Russian conductor and the Federation of Bosnia- Saint Mark’s, the personal tion of small islands within vation and maintenance of the tourists, much as Notre-Dame Valery Gergiev held a concert Herzegovina of Muslim Bosniaks chapel of the Doge of Venice a saltwater lagoon, suff ered Basilica, estimated the cost cathedral in Paris did when it yesterday at the Italian embassy and Catholic Croats in the 1995 Butina: returned to Russia late during the mediaeval and Ren- hundreds of millions of euros of the immediate clean-up at was badly damaged by fi re ear- in Moscow to raise funds for the peace talks which ended ethnic last month. aissance periods, is the most of damage when fl oodwaters €5mn ($5.54mn) but said ex- lier this year. city. bloodshed after 40 months. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 20, 2019 17 INDIA

Power plants unlikely to get $12bn package to help cut pollution

Reuters spending, in February. to retrofi t equipment to curb air If the Finance Commission re- panies roughly $38bn to retrofi t sar Power, the GMR group, the emission deadlines, one of the New Delhi The proposal was intended to pollution are already set to miss jects the proposal, the plans are their plants to cut emissions. Lanco Group and Jaiprakash offi cials said. help plants comply with new sul- the deadline. unlikely to be approved by the It contends that debt-laden Power Ventures Ltd. The ministry wants to grant an phur dioxide emissions stand- The Finance Commission was government. power producers, which are The Ministry of Power wants extension for the other six plants, he Finance Commission ards originally set by the envi- likely to reject the power minis- A power ministry spokesman still owed over $11bn in dues to extend deadlines for some eco- the offi cial said, but did not name has told the power min- ronment ministry in 2015. try’s spending proposal, accord- declined to comment. by government-owned distri- nomically stressed power plants the plants. Tistry that its proposal to The standards mandate instal- ing to the ministry offi cial, who is Emissions from power plants bution companies, cannot af- that have been ordered to retrofi t The Supreme Court, which is award utilities Rs835bn ($11.6bn) lation of pollution cutting equip- not authorised to speak to media are one of the biggest causes of ford to invest such vast sums equipment to curb air pollution, hearing a petition on air pollu- in incentives to install equipment ment. and so did not wish to be identi- the chronic smog now seen in at this time. the offi cial and two other power tion, will make the fi nal call on to curb emissions is “unviable,” a Some plants must comply by fi ed. New Delhi and some other Indian India has identified 34 eco- ministry offi cials familiar with the issue. senior offi cial at the ministry told the end of this year, while others A spokeswoman for the Com- cities. nomically stressed power the matter said. “We will fi nalise a list of plants Reuters yesterday. have up to the end of 2022 to do mission said the government The Association of Power plants with a combined ca- Among the 34 plants, the debt which need extension and then The ministry submitted its so. body has not fi nalised its rec- Producers (APP), a lobby group pacity of 40 gigawatt (GW). of 28 plants are in various stages submit to the Supreme Court, proposal to the Finance Commis- More than half of India’s coal- ommendations, but declined to for private utilities in India, es- They are owned by companies of resolution and some of those which will take a call,” the offi cial sion, which reviews government fi red power plant units ordered comment further. timates it will cost private com- including Adani Power, Es- plants may be able to meet the said. NCP working on rotational CM formula with Shiv Sena

IANS the NCP leaders are set to meet New Delhi in the national capital today to discuss the common minimum programme. he Nationalist Congress Senior Congress lead- Party, engaged in talks ers Ahmed Patel, Mallikarjun Twith the Congress to forge Kharge, K C Venugopal and A K an alliance with the Shiv Sena in Antony met party’s interim pres- Maharashtra to form a govern- ident Sonia Gandhi earlier in the ment, is working on a formula of day. A Congress source said when rotational chief minister, party NCP chief Sharad Pawar meets sources said yesterday. Gandhi today, Kharge will lead This comes a day before the the talks along with Venugopal scheduled meeting of senior and Maharashtra leaders. NCP and Congress leaders in As talks between the Con- the national capital to decide gress and NCP continue, one on the common minimum pro- factor causing unease is of Shiv gramme (CMP) in the state be- Sena supremo Uddhav Thack- fore forging an alliance with the eray pushing for his son Aditya former partner of the Bharatiya Thackeray to be the chief min- Janata Party. ister. An NCP source said the Shiv A top source told IANS that Sena had demanded rotation- Uddhav move has caused un- al chief ministership with the ease in the NCP with most party BJP, and when it was not met, it leaders not willing to work with a Workers of a retail chain sort onions at Manchar village in Pune. The government plans to keep a ban on onion exports until February. moved out of the alliance. The greenhorn like Aditya. source added the NCP, which The source said the NCP chief got two seats less than Shiv Sena has rightly said that they have in the recent state elections, will not discussed government for- also work on the rotational chief mation with Gandhi. minister formula. The NCP leader is wary of ide- The Shiv Sena bagged 56 out ological contradictions with the of 288 seats in the state while Sena and its style of functioning. the NCP won 54 seats. The BJP Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut Govt may extend ban emerged as the single largest has also said that “understand- party by winning 105 seats. The ing Pawar’s statement is not an Congress’s tally was 44 seats. easy task”. Asked about the delay in gov- As per the deal on the table, ernment formation, when the there will be two deputy chief formula of rotational chief min- ministers – one each from the ister has been worked out, the Congress and the NCP. The Con- on onion export to Feb source said: “We want to speak gress also will get will get post to all our alliance partners and of speaker while the Legislative Reuters Despite the export ban enact- fi cial at the Indian Department Onion growers and govern- seedlings are not available,” stakeholders before making Council chairman will be from Mumbai ed in September to keep domes- of Consumer Aff airs said yes- ment officials expected the said Dinesh Khairnar, a farmer any commitment with the Shiv the NCP. All three parties are tic supply inside India, prices terday. ban would be lifted by the mid- in the Nashik district of Ma- Sena.” likely to get the same share in the have surged after rain and fl oods “From January onwards sup- dle of November anticipating harashtra. “We don’t want to be viewed council of ministers. ndia may keep a ban on on- during October and November plies are expected to rise mean- higher supplies from the sum- Since India’s ban, onion as opportunists while forging an The parties are negotiating ion exports until February limited onion supply, especially ingfully. Once prices come down mer crop. prices have spiralled in Asia alliance. We are discussing the portfolios of Home, Finance, Ibecause domestic prices in Maharashtra, the country’s to a comfortable level, say below Sakharam Darekar, a 79-year- and forcing leading buyers alliance with the Shiv Sena in Revenue, Housing and Co-op- have risen after the harvest of biggest producer. Rs20 (per kg), then we can al- old farmer from the village such as Bangladesh and Sri much broader aspect.” eratives. summer-sown crops, which Wholesale onion prices low exports,” he said, asking to of Ghodegaon, 180km east of Lanka to source the crop from The party source said the NCP The Congress is likely to pitch were expected to augment sup- are about Rs40 per kg, down remain unidentifi ed because he Mumbai, said that last month’s Myanmar, Egypt, Turkey and wants an alliance with Shiv Sena for Home and Revenue, while plies, was delayed and damaged slightly from Rs55 earlier this is not authorised to speak to the heavy rainfall left fi elds wa- China. even in local elections. When NCP wants Finance and Co-op- by untimely rains, a government month, the highest in six years, media. terlogged for several days and But the hefty volumes lost pressed further over the ideo- eratives. offi cial said. according to data compiled by A spokeswoman for the Min- damaged the onion crop on his will be hard to replace as India logical diff erences with the Sena, The Ministry of Co-operatives The ban on overseas sales by the state-run National Horti- istry of Commerce, which en- two-acre plot that was ready for exports more than 2mn tonnes he said: “The Shiv Sena has never is perceived to be very impor- India, the world’s biggest ex- cultural Research and Devel- acted the ban at the request of harvesting. onions per year. been a strong supporter of Hin- tant in Maharashtra as most of porter of the bulb, will keep opment Foundation. the Consumer Aff airs depart- The rains have also delayed “China or any other country dutva ideology. In fact it is one of the sugar mills are controlled by prices elevated in Asia and re- “We will think about resum- ment, did not immediately re- planting of the winter-sown cannot replace the entire Indian the most liberal and progressive co-operative societies. Shiv Sena quire importers in Nepal, Bang- ing exports once prices come spond to an e-mail requesting crop by damaging seedlings in supplies. Asian buyers are wait- parties.” will get the chief minister’s post, ladesh and Sri Lanka to fi nd oth- down. Right now it is not pos- comment on how long the ex- nurseries. ing for Indian supplies,” said a Meanwhile, the Congress and said a senior leader. er sources to fulfi l their demand. sible,” a senior government of- port ban would last. “I want to plant onion but Mumbai-based exporter.

Indira Gandhi remembered Maoist violence Kashmir trade body plans falling: minister

he geographical spread of to sue govt over losses left-wing extremists, or TMaoists, has been shrink- ing and Maoist-related violence Reuters by September, but now exceeded ism as well as farming, horticul- between May 2014 and April Srinagar that, said Nasir Khan, its senior ture and the arts and crafts that 2019 have been 43% less com- vice president. contribute the most to its export- pared to the preceding fi ve years, “We’ll ask the court to appoint oriented economy. Minister of State for Home G conomic losses in Jammu an external agency to assess the “I don’t see any stability for Kishan Reddy told the Lok Sabha and Kashmir have run well losses, because it is beyond us,” many months here,” said Vivek yesterday. Eover a billion dollars since said Khan, adding that India’s Wazir, who runs a hotel in Kash- During the same period, the India revoked its autonomy and telecoms blackout in the region mir’s main city of Srinagar. number of incidents has declined statehood in August, the main meant the body could not reach “There’s too much uncertainty.” by 45% in Jharkhand and the de- trade body in the region said, add- business owners by telephone to Although a few years ago he cline trend continued in 2019, ing that it planned to sue the gov- prepare estimates. planned to expand his business in Reddy said, adding that only ernment for damages. Instead, it had to send staff to Kashmir, Wazir said the hotel was 10 districts accounted for two- India turned its erstwhile state of meet them and gather details. now barely breaking even, and he thirds of Maoist violence. Jammu and Kashmir into a federal- India’s home ministry and lo- was instead considering opening The minister said the govern- ly-controlled territory, tightening cal government offi cials did not one in the neighbouring state of ment has been supplementing control in a shock move it said would respond to detailed requests for Himachal Pradesh. the eff orts of states, including rein in militancy in the region, and comment. India cancelled an investor Jharkhand, aff ected by the vio- promote its development. Besides severing telecoms links summit it had planned in Kashmir lence. But the Kashmir Chamber of ahead of its decision, India im- in October, and most tourists have To address the issue holisti- Commerce and Industry (KCCI) posed curbs on travel and sent stayed away after a spate of attacks cally, the government has ap- said development was elusive, thousands of troops to the heavi- on non-locals in recent weeks, proved a National Policy and Ac- thanks to a protracted shutdown af- ly-militarised region, citing secu- which police blame on militants. tion Plan in 2015 which envisages ter people closed markets and busi- rity concerns. “I’d be surprised if any genuine Congress leaders pay tributes to the country’s first and only female prime minister Indira Gandhi a multi-pronged strategy involv- nesses as a mark of protest, and for Some curbs have since been investors came,” said Khan, adding on her 102nd birth anniversary, in Patna, Bihar, yesterday. She was born in 1917 and served ing security-related measures, fear of reprisals from insurgents. eased, but access to the Internet that KCCI had received no inquir- as prime minister from January 1966 to March 1977 and again from January 1980 until her development interventions, It estimated economic losses remains largely blocked. ies from potential investors since assassination in October 1984. ensuring the rights and entitle- ran into least Rs100bn ($1.40bn) The clampdown has hit tour- August. ments of local communities. Gulf Times 18 Wednesday, November 20, 2019 INDIA

POLITICS PROTEST RESCUE CONTROVERSY TRAVEL Gehlot criticises BJP’s Congress legislator in Kerala Coast Guard tows fishing Google removes ‘Sikh Golden Chariot train to start hatred for Nehru roughed up by police boat to safety off TN coast referendum’ app service from next March

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot Congress legislator Shafi Parambil was yesterday The Coast Guard yesterday said one of its Acceding to Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder The luxury Golden Chariot train will start service yesterday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party’s roughed up by the Kerala police when he was vessels towed back to safety a stranded fishing Singh’s demand, Google has removed a from March next year, Indian Railways said hostility towards India’s first prime minister trying to calm down activists of the students’ boat with six crew off Tamil Nadu. In a statement, secessionist, anti-India mobile application ‘2020 yesterday. The announcement was made after Jawaharlal Nehru. “Their blood pressure shoots wing of the Congress. The Kerala Students’ Union the Coast Guard said the Maritime Rescue Sikh Referendum’ from its Play Store, off icials said the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corp up just on the mention of Nehru’s name.” had called for a march to the assembly to protest Sub-Centre at Thoothukudi received a distress yesterday. A spokesman for the chief minister (KSTDC) signed a memorandum of understanding Gehlot was speaking at a function organised to against the functioning of the Kerala University message on November 17. Immediately Coast said the app was not available any more on with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism celebrate the 102nd birth anniversary of former where allegations of manipulation in marks have Guard sent its vessel ICGS Aadesh for search Google Play Store. The chief minister, who had Corporation (IRCTC) to market and operate the prime minister Indira Gandhi. Referring to the surfaced. The students were also protesting against and rescue approximately 70 nautical miles also urged the central government to persuade Golden Chariot train. Minister of State for Railways ongoing Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) the alleged botched investigation by the police into off Cape Comorin. The coastal security agency Google in the matter, had asked the director Suresh Angadi said the train will boost tourism in tussle, the chief minister said, “When they can the death of two Dalit girls in Palakkad, leading to also pressed its Dornier aircraft into service general of police to co-ordinate with central Karnataka and other southern states. He also urged stoop to new lows to insult Nehru on social the acquittal of the suspects last month. Parambil, which located the boat on November 18 and security agencies to tackle the threat resulting the IRCTC and the KSTDC to keep the rates of the media, then you can yourself analyse how they who suff ered an injury on his head, said if the police guided Aadesh to the spot. The fishing boat El from the launch of the app, created by ‘ICETECH’. train competitive so that everyone can travel. The can mislead people taking his name. Their BP shown this kind of dedication to their duty, the Sahadai was crippled on the high seas owing to a The app had asked the general public to register Golden Chariot is South India’s only luxury train and shoots up whenever Nehru’s name comes in.” suspects would not have walked free. “We protested problem in its engine clutch assembly. The Coast themselves to vote in the ‘Punjab Referendum began services in 2008. But it was suspended by the He said the country could never forget the in the most democratic manner and yet they took Guard vessel towed the fishing boat to Colachel 2020 Khalistan’. A website with the address of Karnataka government temporarily due to losses. contributions of Indira Gandhi who took the us to task. We will continue to raise this issue both and reached Thangapattanam fishing harbour www.yes2khalistan.org was also launched on the The train will cover tourist destinations in Karnataka, country to a new height. inside and outside the assembly,” said Parambil. yesterday morning. same lines for the same purpose. Kerala, Puducherry and other south Indian states.

Paswan wades into Will call off water war with AAP protests only IANS New Delhi

mid a raging water war in Delhi and the ruling Aam AAadmi Party questioning if demands a report that found Delhi water to be of bad quality, Minister of Consumer Aff airs, Food and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan yesterday tweeted de- tails of 11 places from where the water samples were collected. met: JNUSU “AAP and its leaders have raised questions regarding the IANS stop only after all our demands who wish to take admission in BIS report on water quality of New Delhi are accepted, and if the V-C has JNU.” A tweet by another user Delhi, through various means. It a problem with that then we de- said: “If fee hike continues, is being questioned from where mand his resignation,” she said only rich can get that opportu- all these samples were being tudents of the Jawaharlal at a press conference at the JNU nity,” accompanied by hashtags collected. Here you have the de- Nehru University said they administration block. StandWithJNU, Emergencyin- tails of the 11 places from where Swere ready to undertake a The students are demanding JNU, TaxPayersWithJNU, JNU- water samples were collected march to parliament “10 times” restoration of the reservation for Bachao, JNUBachaoAndolan, with name and address,”Paswan if their demands were not met. SC/STs in hostel accommoda- and JNUShowdown. tweeted. Their response came a day af- tion and have rejected a proposal Another Twitter user said the This salvo from the minister ter police stopped the students’ for a 10% hike in hostel rates “Govt in 6 years has not made a comes in the wake of the re- march to the parliament. every year. They have also de- Single University... But in 6 years ported ‘poor’ quality of Delhi’s The students, who are de- manded a rollback of a proposal they are trying to Destroy JNU, drinking water featured in par- manding the resignation of to include the salary of contrac- Destroy BHU, Destroy ALU, De- liament with two Bharatiya Ja- JNU Vice Chancellor Mamidala tual workers in the mess bill. stroy Jadavpur university”. nata Party MPs attacking Delhi’s Jagadesh Kumar, have alleged The students have conveyed A user took aim at the facilities AAP government over it and the the Delhi police were “trying to their demands to the govern- provided to lawmakers, pointing party questioning them. break the backbone” of the pro- ment. out that they enjoyed free ac- A day after Delhi Chief Min- tests by taking many of them They are also demanding that commodation, free electricity ister Arvind Kejriwal termed as into detention. the protesting students should up to 50,000 units, free medical “false and politically motivated” On Monday, hundreds of JNU not face any inquiry. facilities, free water, free travel- a report claiming that Delhi’s students staged a march to par- Meanwhile, a scuffl e broke out ling allowance, free telephone water quality is poor, Paswan on liament, on the opening day between some TV journalists facility, and subsidised meals. Monday told the Lok Sabha that of the winter session, to pro- and students during the press “And then shouts ‘JNU student Prime Minister Narendra Modi test against a hike in hostel and conference. are Freeloaders’”. had asked that the quality of po- mess fees. However, the police The JNUSU, which had called Another said: “I strongly con- table water be tested throughout stopped the protesters mid-way, the press conference to speak demn the action of Delhi police the country as part of the gov- leading to a scuffl e, which led the about Monday’s incidents, got against innocent JNU student. ernment’s target to bring drink- students to stage a sit-in, that in upset over some pointed ques- Modi government doesn’t want ing water to every home by 2024. turn led to massive traffi c snarls tions posed by some of the jour- poor students to get higher edu- Paswan said on Monday that across central Delhi. nalists. cation. Shame on Delhi police the report on the drinking wa- Jawaharlal Nehru University This led to a verbal duel be- and Modi Sarkar. The police ter quality, brought out by the Students’ Union president Aishe tween the two sides and a scuffl e atrocities on peaceful students Bureau of Indian Standards, was Ghosh said the police detained” after which the press conference are a blot on democracy. Educa- presented before the media on at least a hundred students in- was called off . Later, the press tion is our basic right.” November 16. He said that Delhi cluding me, and Satish (general conference was resumed after A user opposed to the agitat- featured at the bottom of the list, secretary), just to make sure the some journalists were told to ing JNU students remarked: with 11 out of 11 samples failing high-powered meeting with the leave. “Just shut down the JNU for on 19 parameters. secretary (of the Human Re- Police yesterday registered some years”. However, AAP leader San- source Development Ministry) two cases against the students Another Twitter user added jay Singh has dared Paswan to does not take place.” over Monday’s clashes. hashtags JNULootsTaxPay- hire an independent agency for According to Ghosh, when the The issue trended on Twitter ers, JNUWallOfShame, JNU- testing the water quality, claim- meeting took place late on Mon- yesterday, with strong reactions BachaoAndolan and remarked: ing that the Jal Shakti ministry, day night, they were told that from both supporters and those “Enough is enough... go see IIT another central government the vice chancellor and registrar opposed to them. or IIM or many private colleges department, had endorsed the would not attend. One user commented: “JNU- in India. Ban all campus politics quality standards of piped water “We have made it clear in the Protests for the future genera- from JNU. Increase fees on par supplied in Delhi. JNU students address a press conference in New Delhi yesterday. meeting that the agitation will tions of the poor of this country with IIM. Close MA Mphil”.

Congress, DMK protest over Shah arrives for meeting 12 hurt as Trinamool, security cover for Gandhis BJP workers clash IANS alleged that the BJP workers IANS speaker did not allow him to Chowdhury again raised Kolkata attacked its supporters with New Delhi speak. the issue and he got the sup- bombs. “The BJP, alongside Congress leaders then port of DMK’s T R Balu who anti-social elements, is trying trooped near speaker’s podium said that the government it- welve people, including to create trouble in the area. We he Congress and the raising slogans “stop politics self issued a notification re- women, were injured in a have lodged a police complaint,” Dravida Munnetra Ka- in the name of security”, “stop garding Liberation Tigers of Tclash between West Ben- said TMC legislator Arunava Tzhagam (DMK) yester- dictatorship”, “prime minister Tamil Eelam (LTTE) threat gal’s ruling Trinamool Congress Sen. day staged a walkout from the give reply”, “we want justice”. to the Gandhi family and the (TMC) and opposition Bharatiya The BJP, which has emerged Lok Sabha over the withdrawal They were later joined by MPs news was published on No- Janata Party (BJP) workers in as the main challenger to the of special security for the Gan- of DMK and National Confer- vember 11. Howrah district, police said yes- TMC in the state, has been dhi family, and accused gov- ence, who sought the release Failing to get a response terday. locked in a fierce political bat- ernment of doing politics in the of NC leader Farooq Abdullah from the speaker, the Congress Bombs were hurled indis- tle with the ruling party for su- name of security. from detention in Jammu and walked out followed by the criminately and houses and cars premacy. The Special Protection Kashmir. DMK. damaged during the clashes in In the Lok Sabha polls held Group (SPG) cover given to Earlier, Chowdhury gave an The SPG security was with- Manlok village under the Bag- earlier in the year, the BJP won 18 Gandhis was withdrawn earlier adjournment notice in the Lok drawn from the New Delhi nan police station on Mon- seats – its highest-ever tally in this month and they were given Sabha on the Home Ministry’s residences of Sonia, Rahul and day. “Twelve people, including West Bengal – while the TMC’s ‘’Z plus’’ security provided move to remove the special Priyanka. women, have been injured. The score dropped to 22 from 34 won by the Central Reserve Police protection. The Gandhi family had been area is peaceful, but tense,” a po- in 2014. The BJP had won only Force (CRPF). Amid pandemonium, Birla enjoying the SPG cover since lice source said. two seats in 2014 of the 42 Lok The two parties walked out continued the proceedings and the assassination of former The injured have been admit- Sabha seats in the state. of the lower house after Lok began the Question Hour. prime minister Rajiv Gandhi on ted to Bagnan Rural Hospital and The battle between the two Sabha Speaker Om Birla re- As the opposition contin- May 21, 1991. Uluberia Sub-divisional Hospi- parties has become intense since fused their demands for a dis- ued its protest, Birla requested The decision to withdraw tal. then, with both sides engineer- cussion on the issue. them to co-operate. SPG security, the country’s BJP leaders accused the TMC ing defections from the other for Congress leader Adhir Ran- “Today, there is a discus- highest grade of protection, workers of fomenting trouble. control of civic and rural govern- jan Chowdhury raised the is- sion on farmers’ issue. This is was taken after a review involv- “They threw bombs and tor- ing bodies. sue citing security threat to not good as you are not inter- ing the Cabinet Secretariat and tured women, causing serious Political observers feel the Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, ested in discussion over such the Ministry of Home Aff airs Home Minister Amit Shah arrives for the Bharatiya Janata injuries,” said BJP leader Praty- battle could get bitter and vio- her son Rahul and daughter an important issue,” Birla with inputs from various intel- Party (BJP) parliamentary meeting in New Delhi yesterday. ush Mandal. lent in the run-up to the 2021 as- Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the said. ligence agencies. The TMC, on the other hand, sembly polls. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 20, 2019 19

LATIN AMERICA Victory for Brazil tribe as group cancels resort plans

Reuters since 2003. Brazil’s indigenous to speed up the fi nal demarcation man off ered them the land in 2018. of many kilometres, there was no would be “war” if Vila Gale fol- Portugal’s third-largest political Lisbon/Brasilia rights agency Funai approved the of the Tupinamba land, which is Regional and state government sign of any occupation or utilisa- lowed through. party Bloco da Esquerda, and mul- request in 2009, and Brazil’s sec- located in the coastal Atlantic for- representatives approved of the tion, nor signals of any extractive Pressure on the company, Por- tiple requests from Portuguese an- ond-highest court unanimously est in southern Bahia, known for its project, as did Embratur, Brazil’s activity from anyone. There is no tugal’s second-largest hotel group, thropologist Susana Viegas, who Brazilian tribe that has voted in favour of the Tupinamba coconut tree-lined beaches that at- tourism agency. indigenous reserve in this area, nor to retract its plans began to grow studied the Tupinamba for Funai been fi ghting for 15 years in 2016. tract millions of tourists each year. The company put the project on will there be,” the statement said. after a letter published in the Inter- since 2003, to retract their plans, Ato preserve land they use to But the tribe still requires fi nal President Jair Bolsonaro has not its website, with a note saying it While the Tupinamba do not live cept on October 27 showed Brazil’s the company insisted they would gather food won a victory when sign-off from the ministry of jus- yet made a decision on the specifi c was due to open in 2021. on the land, they use it for gather- tourism agency urging the govern- wait until the ministry of justice public pressure made Portuguese tice and the president himself for case of the Tupinamba but stated The company’s CEO Jorge Re- ing food. Portuguese anthropolo- ment to cancel the process of clas- and president made the fi nal call. hotel group Vila Gale cancel plans the protected status of the territory on multiple occasions that he does belo de Almeida consistently de- gist Susana Viegas, who has led sifying the land as indigenous ter- But in its statement the company to build a 500-room luxury resort to become offi cial. not intend to sign off any more ter- nied that there were any traces of studies on the Tupinamba since ritory on the grounds that the hotel has now changed its mind, saying it on the Bahia coast. Despite multiple requests from ritory for indigenous groups, say- an indigenous population on the 2003, said access to the land was could bring $200mn of investment did not want the hotel to go ahead Indigenous group Tupinamba the tribe, nothing has happened ing earlier this year there is “too territory in question, a claim re- “essential for the community’s and generate 2,000 jobs. “in this atmosphere of war”, and de Olivenca, numbering 4,631 since 2016. Last week, Brazil Na- much land for too few indigenous peated in the company’s statement survival”. Tupinamba chief Ramon In response to numerous articles so despite viewing the accusations people, has been fi ghting for the tional Human Rights Council people.” to Portuguese press. Tupinamba said at a meeting in in the Portuguese press following levied against it as “unfair” and land to be designated as a reserve urged the Bolsonaro government Vila Gale said a local business- “In the region and in a radius Brasilia in late October that there the Intercept’s leak, pressure from “baseless”, it has cancelled its plans. Dentists give battered women a new beginning

AFP to Rocha’s bleak slum. Rio de Janeiro He used dental implants to restore Rocha’s confi dence and smile. na Claudia Rocha Ferreira With giant hoop earrings suff ered domestic abuse swinging from her ears, and Aat the hands of multiple drawing attention to her face, she partners, dating back to when she says she is very happy: “Never was just 15 years old. The violence again will I accept being hit.” took a mental and physical toll. Around 27%, or 16mn women, “I only had four teeth left in the say they suff ered some kind of front. I was ashamed to go out,” physical or mental abuse last year, she explains. according to the Brazilian Forum Rocha is one of millions of on Public Security (FBSP). Of women who are victimised by those incidents, 42% were cases their partners in Brazil. of domestic violence. In nearly all of the cases, men Black women are the most of- target the women’s faces and ten aff ected. teeth, in order to diminish their A lingering economic crisis has femininity and feelings of self- left 12mn people without jobs, worth. and such hopelessness can be Rocha was one of the lucky a breeding ground for violence ones. against women. She got new confi dence — and “We realised that the number a new smile — thanks to Rio de Ja- of women who were victims of neiro dentist Armando Piva, who domestic violence was huge,” ex- is part of a non-governmental plains Piva. network of volunteers rebuilding Piva says that more than 1,000 the teeth, and the lives, of bat- women have received treatment tered women. so far. Rocha says the dental work was The network of volunteer den- Bolivian riot police take position as supporters of Bolivian ex-president Evo Morales block a road in the outskirts of Sacaba, Chapare province, Cochabamba. like a “dream” and changed her tists extends beyond Brazil to 12 life. other Latin American countries But before her brilliant white and Portugal. In all, there are grin — emphasised by bright red 1,700 participating doctors work- lipstick — was restored, Rocha ing with battered women of lim- went through some grim times. ited means. “The assaults began when I Only one condition: they must was just 15 years old, and I was no longer live with their attacker. pregnant with my fi rst daughter,” In Brazil, where dental prac- Morales sets terms for explains the young black wom- tices are state-of-the-art, each an, who works at a graphic de- woman is receiving on average sign fi rm — and already has four fi ve or six implants. Such treat- grandchildren at age 39. ment typically would cost about “He started punching me. I left 30,000 reais, or $7,300. him. But afterward, the father of For these women, it is fi nanced supporters to demobilise my second daughter also started by private donations, companies hitting me. My teeth fell out one and the dentists themselves. DPA on November 10. livia’s interim president. party has a two-thirds majority. and there is a sentence. Then after another,” she recalls. There are no public funds. Mexico City “First this de facto govern- Morales called on her to resign “We are prepared to accept they could arrest me. Her mom’s history was similar “In Brazil, these women have ment needs to give guarantees,” in order to smooth the way to- new elections based on the con- “They could do it as part of a — she was beaten all of her life and a right to mental healthcare and Morales said in an interview in ward elections. stitution. For the sake of life and political row, but that would be did not have one tooth left, Rocha legal aid, but no help with dental olivia’s ousted president Mexico City. Bolivia’s fi rst indigenous of democracy, Evo is not partici- illegal.” recounts. care,” says Piva. Evo Morales, who is in ex- “Former ministers, lawmak- president stepped down after pating if they don’t want him to He said his immediate goal “Since I was 18 until now, I have “However, in a majority of cas- Bile in Mexico, said he has ers are being unfairly perse- the army called for him to do so participate,” Morales said. was to help strengthen his not smiled,” she laments. “I was es, if not all cases, physical abuse ruled out asking his supporters cuted, threatened. Secondly, following weeks of violent pro- “I don’t regret it,” Morales movement, which made him constantly mortifi ed.” starts with the mouth: punches, at home to demobilise to facili- there needs to be a national and tests against alleged fraud in the said of his decision to step down popular with Bolivia’s workers She didn’t ask for any money kicks, elbow jabs, or even attacks tate new elections until his and international commission to October 20 elections, in which after 14 years in power, adding and indigenous community, and but asked for help, saying she with kitchen utensils,” he notes. their security is guaranteed. identify those intellectually and the leftist president claimed an that he had to do it in order to turned him into a global left- wanted beautiful teeth like the “The attackers’ wish is to de- According to the Inter-Amer- materially responsible for such a outright victory over his centre- protect his supporters. wing icon. actress had. stroy the woman’s desire to smile. ican Human Rights Commis- massacre.” The former president right challenger Carlos Mesa. Morales said that, for the time In the future, however, he The actress responded, putting And we see that the majority of sion, 23 people have been killed said that new elections should Morales, 60, said that new being, he was not nervous about would also like to open a res- Rocha in touch with the volunteer these women have lost more than and more than 700 injured since be called and that he is willing to elections must be the result of being arrested should he return taurant in his home region that dentists. half of their upper teeth.” These riots erupted in Bolivia. not run as a candidate. a mediation process with all to Bolivia. “I have discussed with serves South America’s tam- The treatment by Piva lasted disfi gurements can prevent the Morales supporters have But he said a major roadblock sectors of society and must go some lawyers what my situation baqui fi sh. nearly a year at his ultra-modern women from fi nding jobs. “No clashed with security forces to restoring “democracy” was through the Plurinational Leg- is. Based on the constitution, “I charge for the dish and, in- offi ce in Rio’s chic Barra da Tijuca one is going to hire a nanny with- over what they consider a “coup Jeanine Anez, the lawmaker islative Assembly, where his they cannot arrest me, except if cidentally, for the photo I charge neighbourhood — a stark contrast out front teeth,” he added. d’etat” that led to his resignation who has declared herself Bo- Movement to Socialism (MAS) there is a trial for some reason you,” he said.

Glass house US professor charged Bogota unveils steps to with money laundering

Reuters use of the US fi nancial system to curb protest violence New York launder proceeds from rampant corruption in oil-rich Venezuela, which is undergoing a hyperinfl a- The measures include About 140,000 police and lack of funding and the kill- University of Miami pro- tionary economic meltdown that allowing governors and 240,000 soldiers will be on ings of hundreds of community fessor who studied drug has prompted millions to emi- mayors to limit movement standby, according to broad- leaders since a peace deal was Atraffi cking and organised grate. and to declare curfews caster Caracol. signed with the guerrilla group crime in Latin America was arrest- Bagley was a frequent media “when the circumstances Attorney general Fabio Espi- Farc in 2016. ed on charges he helped launder commentator about the crisis in require it” tia said that a special group of President Ivan Duque has de- funds embezzled from Venezuela Venezuela, and in 2015 published prosecutors will be tasked with nied he is planning to raise the into the US, US prosecutors said. a book titled “Drug Traffi cking, DPA handling cases of vandalism and pension age, pension payments Prosecutors in New York ac- Organised Crime, and Violence Bogota terrorism. and to lower the minimum sal- cused professor Bruce Bagley of in the Americas Today.” ary for young people. receiving $2.5mn in bank deposits The indictment of Bagley said Attorney general Fabio The president told Caracol that were the proceeds of bribery that in 2016 he opened an account he Colombian govern- Espitia said that a special that there was evidence of peo- and embezzlement in Venezuela, at a Florida bank for a company ment has announced group of prosecutors will ple preparing fi rebombs and a Manhattan US attorney’s of- that listed himself and his spouse Ttough security measures be tasked with handling of “organised armed groups” fi ce press release said. It said he as offi cers and directors. to pre-empt violence during cases of vandalism and planning to commit violent acts retained about 10% as a commis- In November 2017, the account nationwide demonstrations terrorism during the protests. sion. Bagley did not immediately began to receive funds a food com- planned for Thursday, after “Any expression of vio- respond to an e-mail sent to his pany controlled by a Colombian. violent protests rocked Bolivia, The protests have been called lence...must be faced with the University of Miami address seek- The account did not name the Chile and Ecuador. by trade unions, students, in- full weight of the law,” Duque ing comment. Colombian person who held the The measures include allow- digenous people and other said. In a statement, the University of overseas accounts, and did not de- ing governors and mayors to limit groups. Recent protests against eco- A farmer battling depression after losing his child has built Miami said Bagley had been placed tail how the funds were embezzled movement and to declare curfews They oppose “neo-liberal” nomic policies in Chile and a house with bottles in Itaoca, Brazil. Ivone Martins, 50, said on administrative leave as a result from Venezuela. “when the circumstances require pension and labour reforms that Ecuador and against alleged building the unique house helped him keep his mind off his of the indictment. Prosecutors allege that Bagley it,” Interior Minister Nancy Pa- are allegedly being prepared by electoral fraud in Bolivia have personal loss. The case is part of US prosecu- created fake contracts to justify tricia Gutierrez said. the government, universities’ claimed dozens of lives. tors’ eff orts to crack down on the the transfer of funds. Gulf Times 20 Wednesday, November 20, 2019 PAKISTAN Artistes from 34 nations in Islamabad for art fest

Internews Council of the Arts (PNCA). meritorious services in the fi eld galleries and artist associations bring together a vibrant show of 500,000 individuals from diverse isfy the cultural aesthetic people Islamabad The grand opening of the event of visual art. from across Pakistan, with gen- the visual and performing arts on backgrounds and ages. in general. showed performances of Indo- IAF-19 will close on November erous support from the corporate a scale never before seen in Is- This would be the fi rst time An International Literary Con- nesian, Chinese, and Pakistani 30. sector, and in collaboration with lamabad. that the expression of almost all ference is also being held in the ore than 200 individu- dancers. The thematic focus of IAF-19 foreign embassies whose senior The IAF-19 is a collaborative forms of art will be showcased ambit of the IAF-19, with a dis- als from 34 countries, Art exhibitions were inaugu- is Dialogue between Tradition and representatives have also graced project and will be hosted in sev- together. cussant comprising prominent Mand approximately 400 rated by the artists coming from Modernity. Monday’s curtain raiser. eral locations in Islamabad and Painting, sculpture, draw- writers and poets from about 20 participants from across Paki- across the globe as well as Paki- The PNCA Auditorium was The IAF-19 is led by president Rawalpindi, including museums, ing, printmaking, textile de- Asian and African countries. stan, converged in Islamabad stan. packed to its capacity. and chief curator Jamal Shah, art galleries, educational insti- sign, dance, music, fi lm, puppet They will assemble under the for 13-day Islamabad Art Festi- The opening ceremony was a The festival was organised by who worked in collaboration tutes and public parks. shows, theatre, fashion design banner of a three-day Interna- val (IAF-19), which opened on tribute to Jamil Naqsh, acknowl- a consortium of public and pri- with curators and artists from The festival is expected to and performing arts from across tional Writers Conference – Is- Monday at the Pakistan National edging his contribution and vate educational institutions, art across Pakistan and abroad to engage an audience of at least the world will be available to sat- lamabad 2019.

Pakistan sees spike Sharif leaves for London in cases of Reuters/AFP/DPA/Internews Lahore/Islamabad diabetes ormer prime minister Na- waz Sharif left Pakistan Internews Fyesterday in an air am- Karachi bulance to seek medical treat- ment in London, his party said, a month after the three-time pre- akistan is among the top 10 mier was released on bail from a countries in the world for seven-year prison sentence for Pabsolute increase in dia- corruption. betes prevalence, according to a Sharif, 69, was accompanied report issued by an international by his younger brother Shehbaz health body. Sharif and personal physician Dr On World Diabetes Day, which Adnan Khan, leaders of his Pa- was marked around the globe kistan Muslim League – Nawaz on November 14, the Interna- (PML-N) said. tional Diabetes Federation (IDF) Sharif is suff ering from an released new fi gures highlight- autoimmune blood disorder, ing the alarming growth in the has high blood pressure, and his prevalence of diabetes around kidney functions are deteriorat- the world. ing, according to aides. It reports that 38mn more His doctor has said he is adults are now estimated to be “fi ghting for his life”. living with diabetes globally, Despite the convictions for compared with 2017. corruption, Sharif remains pop- Sharif’s supporters sprinkle rose petals on the car carrying the former premier as he leaves his Among other distressing facts ular among many Pakistanis, residence in Raiwind, near Lahore, for the airport. shared in the ninth edition of the and his health has dominated IDF Diabetes Atlas is that Paki- newspaper front pages and TV came to power promising an an- hry told a news conference. his exemption according to the stan is now in the list of top 10 channels in recent weeks. ti-graft campaign and to bring Court documents seen by Re- court order will be mentioned in countries of the world for abso- Party workers showered rose back billions of dollars allegedly uters showed Sharif was only al- the computerised record. lute increase in diabetes preva- petals on his car as it left his squirrelled abroad by corrupt lowed to leave for medical treat- Sharif has been a central fi g- lence. house on the outskirts of Lahore. politicians. ment after agreeing to a series of ure in Pakistan’s turbulent poli- “The prevalence of diabetes “Thank God that he has left Another main opposition conditions preventing him from tics for three decades. in Pakistan has reached 17.1%, for the medical treatment he leader, Asif Ali Zardari, former seeking exile. He served three terms – but 148% higher than previously needs urgently,” Ahsan Iqbal, a president and spouse of the late Under the court’s terms, did not complete a single one. reported,” said the press release senior PML-N lawmaker, said. former prime minister Benazir Sharif should return in four His fi rst, beginning in 1990, of the IDF report being released “Nawaz Sharif will go to Bhutto, is also under arrest on weeks if his doctors found him ended in 1993 when he was today. Boston after going through Sharif giving a thumbs-up to supporters before boarding the air corruption charges, which he fi t, and he is required submit sacked for corruption. “In 2019, more than 19mn a detailed check-up in Lon- ambulance. denies. medical reports notarised by Pa- The second lasted from 1997 adults in Pakistan are esti- don,” Sharif’s close aide Pervaiz Sharif’s daughter Maryam kistan’s embassy in London. to 1999, when he was deposed mated to be living with dia- Rashid told Reuters. “During his taken to the US for treatment.” over his personal wealth. Nawaz, who is his political heir, Earlier, immigration sources by the powerful military. betes, putting them at risk of travel, he will stay in Doha for “We will consult the doctors Subsequently convicted of is also on bail in another alleged told Geo News that Sharif’s He was overthrown by a mili- life-threatening complications. two hours.” in London and then take a de- corruption, Sharif has consist- corruption inquiry and barred name will remain on the Exit tary coup that brought army Some 8.5mn of these 19mn are Until recently, Sharif has con- cision,” she said, adding Nawaz ently denied the accusations, from traveling abroad. Control List (ECL) even after the chief General Pervez Musharraf undiagnosed and, as a result, sistently said he had no wish to was kept on high dose medicine claiming that they were polit- Prime Minister Khan has said court allowed him to go abroad to power. may be particularly at risk,” it leave the country, preferring to for 15 days. ically-motivated and blaming that he was ready to let Sharif for medical treatment. Sharif subsequently went into stated. stay and fi ght for his political Aurangzeb further said that the country’s generals for di- seek treatment on humanitarian According to immigration of- exile in Saudi Arabia, before re- It said that globally, an es- survival. in the absence of party supremo recting the judges to bring him grounds. fi cials, since the court granted turning to Pakistan in 2007 as timated 463mn adults are liv- Earlier, PML-N spokesperson Sharif and president Shehbaz down. However, the court rejected the former premier an exemp- Musharraf’s grip on power be- ing with diabetes, with 55mn Marriyum Aurangzeb said that Sharif, party aff airs will be han- The military denies interfer- Khan’s demand that Sharif pro- tion on medical grounds to travel gan to slip. of them in the Middle East and doctors had conducted a medi- dled by the senior leadership of ing in politics. vide an indemnity bond of Rs7bn outside the country, he will have Sharif blamed the security es- North African region. cal test in the morning. the PML-N. On October 25, Sharif was ($45mn) to ensure that he will to produce the court order to get tablishment for again targeting Type 2 diabetes accounts for “If Nawaz Sharif had left 15 Sharif’s third term as prime granted bail and he obtained return to continue his jail term. past immigration offi cials. him in 2017 when the Supreme up to 90% of the total. days earlier, then his treatment minister ran from 2013 to 2017, court clearance to leave the “I hope he comes back, but I Sources said that the name of Court disqualifi ed him from The rise in the number of would have already started by when he was removed the Su- country for medical treatment. don’t expect that he will,” Khan’s the former premier will remain politics for life over graft allega- people with type 2 diabetes, the now,” she said. “Nawaz will be preme Court amid revelations Prime Minister Imran Khan cabinet minister Fawad Chaud- on the ECL as per the law, but tions, which he denies. IDF report suggests, is driven by a complex interplay of socio- economic, demographic, envi- ronmental and genetic factors Special court reserves verdict in high such as urbanisation, an ageing treason case of ex-ruler Musharraf population, decreased levels of Economy heading in physical activity, and increased A special court in Islamabad has reserved its verdict in the high levels of obesity. treason trial of former president General (retired) Pervez Musharraf. Professor Abdul Basit, a mem- A three-member bench heard the case against the former president. right direction: PM ber of the IDF Diabetes Atlas During the hearing of the case, neither the plaintiff nor the Committee in Pakistan, and di- government was represented. rector of the Baqai Institute of Musharraf’s lawyer was also not present at the hearing. Internews (see report on Business page 5). Diabetology and Endocrinol- The court, after taking a recess of half an hour, announced that it Islamabad He said that Pakistan’s current ogy, said: “Diabetes is a seri- had reserved its decision, which will be announced on November account defi cit for the fi rst four ous threat to global health that 28. months of current fi scal year has respects neither socioeconomic The Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) government had filed rime Minister Imran Khan fallen by 73.5% compared with status nor national boundaries.” the treason case against Musharraf over the president’s imposition has said that the country’s the same period last fi scal year. Type 2 diabetes is one of the of extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007. Peconomy is heading in the The prime minister said that two major types of diabetes, and Musharraf was indicted in the case in March 2014 after he appeared right direction. the country’s exports of goods happens when the body cannot before the court and rejected all charges. In a tweet yesterday, he said and services in October this year properly use or make enough of On March 18, 2016, the former president left Pakistan for Dubai the government’s economic re- was up by 20% over the previous the hormone insulin to convert for medical treatment after his name was removed from the Exit forms have started bearing fruit. month, and 9.6% over October blood sugar into energy. Control List (ECL) on the orders of the Supreme Court. Alluding to diff erent economic 2018. If left unchecked, diabetes can Months later, the court had declared him a proclaimed off ender and indicators, Khan said that Pa- Congratulating the export- lead to serious complications ordered the confiscation of his property owing to his no-show. kistan’s current account turned ers, Khan encouraged them to such as nerve damage, blind- Later, on orders of the Supreme Court, Musharraf’s passport and into surplus in October this year do more to boost the country’s Prime Minister Khan: encouraged businesses to do more to ness, amputations, kidney dam- identity card were also cancelled. for the fi rst time in four years exports. boost the country’s exports. age, and heart problems.

Asad Umar back in federal cabinet Senators urge prayer leaders to talk about cleanliness Former finance minister Asad Umar was re-inducted yesterday into the federal cabinet as Internews mosques should be requested and industrial waste. mittee that funds had been ar- Pakistan Environment Pro- slum dwellers from F-6/2 and the minister for planning Islamabad by the district administration to Sanitation Director Sardar ranged with the CDA to pay tection Agency (Pak-EPA) direc- F-7/4 would be shifted. development and reforms. make the cleanliness issue part Khan Zimri said his directorate salaries. tor-general Farzana Altaf Shah He said that on the prime President Dr Arif Alvi of their Friday sermon. was unable to collect garbage “Today, funds for sanitation also showed her concerns over minister’s direction, the CDA administered the oath to Umar he Senate Standing Com- “Every Friday, at least two from the whole of Islamabad for workers have been approved,” he trash littering markets. had fi nalised designs of the sites at the President’s Off ice in mittee on Climate Change minutes should be given to the want of staff and funding. told the committee. She said that most of the where ground-plus-three-sto- Islamabad. Thas asked the Islamabad cleanliness,” he said. However, he said the MCI The MCI had outsourced the shopkeepers opened their shops rey buildings with community Khusro Bakhtiar, who previously chief commissioner to involve His suggestion was endorsed would call for tenders within a garbage collection in urban areas at 11am when the sanitation halls and parks would be con- served as the minister for prayer leaders of the capital city by other senators. couple of weeks to outsource but failed to pay to the contrac- workers had already done their structed to accommodate the planning development and in sensitising the community Chief Commissioner and garbage collection for the en- tors on time, resulting in the de- job, and the trash the shopkeep- dwellers of the two slums. reforms, will now serve as the about cleanliness. Capital Development Author- tirety of Islamabad. lay of salaries for workers. ers threw in the market remained “Accommodating the slum federal minister for petroleum. The committee, which con- ity (CDA) chairman Amer Ali Interestingly, when the com- Earlier, the commissioner, unattended till the evening or dwellers is a social issue, we Earlier, Omar Ayub was handling vened with Senator Sitara Ayaz Ahmed said he would play his mittee was discussing the is- while agreeing with the sugges- next morning. want to provide decent housing the petroleum division along with in the chair, discussed littering role in engaging the prayer lead- sue of cleanliness and garbage, tion of Senator Faisal Javed to Earlier, the committee was units to them,” the CDA chair- the energy division. and garbage issues being faced ers in this regard. dozens of sanitation workers launch a designated mobile app given a briefi ng by the CDA man said. In April this year, Umar left the by the Islamabad residents. The committee was given were protesting outside the Na- for cleanliness, said he would chairman Ahmed about the civic He told the committee that in federal cabinet after he was Senator Mohamed Ali Khan briefi ng by the CDA and Metro- tional Press Club, demanding take steps in this regard. agency’s plan for shifting katchi the next couple of days, the CDA removed as finance minister, Saif said that besides taking politan Corporation Islamabad their salaries of the last couple The committee also discussed abadis of Islamabad. would hand over the sites to despite being off ered another other steps for cleanliness in the (MCI) regarding cleanliness, of months. the upkeep of Faisal Mosque, He said a few sites such in G-7 Naya Pakistan Housing Author- portfolio. capital city, prayer leaders of all disposal of waste, and garbage Zimri, however, told the com- which is also a tourist attraction. and I-9 had been fi nalised where ity to begin construction works. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 20, 2019 21 PHILIPPINES

At least 5,000 fl ee US vows more support to govt typhoon Kalmaegi amid South China Sea tensions

DPA AFP Manila Manila S Defence Secretary t least 5,000 people have Mark Esper yesterday fl ed their homes with Ty- Uvowed more support Aphoon Kalmaegi poised for the Philippines in eff orts to to blast into the northern Philip- modernise the country’s mili- pines later, with a second tropi- tary and improve maritime se- cal storm forecast to hit just days curity as tensions build over the later. disputed South China Sea. Kalmaegi is expected to bat- Esper, who was in Manila for a ter the nation’s lightly populated one-day visit, said he and Phil- far north with 120 kilometre per ippine Defence Secretary Delfi n hour winds, the national weath- Lorenzana discussed various er service said. ways to strengthen co-opera- Heavy rains are forecast to tion and further boost the two swell rivers, cut off roads and countries’ decades-old alliance. threaten low-lying communities “The United States will con- in Cagayan province, where of- tinue to support and to help fi cials guided residents towards modernise the Philippines shelter. armed forces and to improve “We’re expecting falling trees maritime security and domain and houses that could be inun- awareness,” he told a press con- dated by fl oods,” provincial po- ference after their meeting. lice chief Ariel Quilang said. “We look forward to train in Forecasters believe a second future joint air and maritime tropical storm could make land- patrols to improve our inter- fall in the same province by to- operability and to demonstrate morrow. our commitment to upholding The disaster-prone nation is the long-standing international hit by an average of 20 storms rules and norms,” he added. and typhoons each year, kill- Esper said the United States ing hundreds and condemning would continue to conduct free- many areas in their path to per- dom-of-navigation operations petual poverty. in the South China Sea, despite The weather bureau raised warnings by China against such landslide warnings across the activities, stressing that such mountainous interior of the acts send a clear message that country’s north, also warning all countries should abide by in- of fl oods and waves up to two ternational laws. metres (6.5 feet) high in coastal “I think it is incumbent upon US Defence Secretary Mark Esper shakes hands with his Philippine counterpart Delfin Lorenzana during a news conference at the military headquarters, Camp Aguinaldo areas. all of us to take a very public in Quezon City, Metro Manila, yesterday. At least a dozen domestic posture and to assert our sover- fl ights have been cancelled and eign rights and to emphasise the ternational rules and interna- ritory and has built artifi cial which demarcates its claims to co-operation as a key pillar of terrorist groups a safe haven in schools shut down due to Ka- importance of law,” he said. tional laws and that we think islands with military-capable the South China Sea, a key ship- the two countries’ defence alli- the region.” lmaegi, while small sea vessels Noting that the US has con- China should abide by them as facilities over reefs and out- ping lane believed to be rich in ance. According to the Philippine were ordered to stay ashore with ducted more freedom-of-nav- well.” crops in the area, which are also marine and mineral resources. “We stand shoulder-to- defence department, troops are gale conditions forecast at sea. igation operations in the past “Acting collectively is the claimed in part by Vietnam, China has rejected the arbi- shoulder with the armed forces monitoring suspected Islamic The Philippines’ deadliest cy- year than in the previous 20 best way to send that message Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. tration ruling, which was the of the Philippines in fi ghting State-allied operatives who clone on record was Super Ty- years, Esper said: “The clear and to get China on the right In July 2016, the Permanent result of a case fi led by the Phil- terrorism,” Esper said. “The are believed to be hiding in the phoon Haiyan, which left more signal that we’re trying to send path,” he added. Court of Arbitration ruled that ippines. United States remains commit- southern region of Mindanao than 7,300 people dead or miss- is not that we oppose China per China claims almost the en- Beijing had no legal or historical Esper and Lorenzana also ted in supporting the Philip- and working with local terrorist ing in 2013. se, but that we all stand for in- tire South China Sea as its ter- basis for its “Nine-Dash Line,” discussed counter-terrorism pines’ continued eff orts to deny groups. Duterte criticises Robredo, President orders ban on use, says she cannot be trusted importation of e-cigarettes DPA has the power to issue meas- ness of breath,” the department Manila ures to protect public health and said. She was initially thought Reuters international alarm over what public interest,” he told a late- to have a lung infection, but Manila United Nations experts have night press conference. upon further evaluation, her called a “staggering” number hilippine President Rod- “I am now ordering law en- case met the criteria for “elec- of illegal killings by police, who rigo Duterte said yesterday forcement agencies to arrest tronic cigarette or vaping-as- hilippine President Rod- say they shot thousands of drug Phe was ordering a ban on anybody vaping in public, which sociated lung injury” based on rigo Duterte hit out at his suspects only in self defence. the use and importation of elec- is like smoking,” he added. the guidelines by the US Cent- Pvice president yesterday, The United Nations Human tronic cigarettes in the country. “You cannot do it inside the ers for Disease Control. Further calling her a “scatterbrain” who Rights Council in July approved Duterte also ordered the arrest room. You contaminate people.” verification was required in was discussing his war on drugs a resolution to investigate the of anyone vaping in public, after Last week, the Department order to confirm the diagnosis, with outsiders and could put Philippines, and the Interna- the Department of Health said of Health said a 16-year-old the department said. the country in danger if given tional Criminal Court is con- it was investigating what could girl from the central region of The teenager was found to sensitive information. ducting a preliminary exami- become the country’s fi rst con- Visayas was possibly the first have used electronic cigarettes Duterte scolded Leni Robre- nation of allegations of crimes fi rmed case of lung injury from case of lung injury from the use daily for four months. do, an opposition leader whom against humanity. the use of e-cigarettes. of electronic cigarettes. After that time, she also he said could not be trusted, Duterte said Robredo had “I will ban the use and impor- The teenager was admitted smoked traditional cigarettes. and said she was “treading on presidential ambitions and tation (of e-cigarettes) because in hospital on October 21 for She has been discharged and dangerous ground” in her new Leni Robredo: facing criticism should not have access to clas- it is toxic and the government “sudden onset of severe short- has since stopped smoking. role as co-head of his anti- sifi ed materials. drugs task force. rights lawyer Robredo the job Crime, and has singled out Chi- He said he would not fire He called a rare news confer- of drugs tsar this month in re- na as a major source of drugs in her, but state agencies should ence yesterday to explain why sponse to her critical remarks the Philippines. provide her with information Trouble brews at House over Cayetano’s stance he would not go through with about his campaign. Duterte accused her of over- only on a “need-to-know” his plan to give a cabinet posi- Robredo hit the ground run- reaching in a role in which he basis. “She was grandstand- Trouble looms at the House of Representatives as turns his back on the term-sharing agreement. tion to Robredo, a political rival ning and ignored warnings that said she should give direction ing, talking right and left,” Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano continues to send “He (Cayetano) does not want to honour it. That’s whom he has a testy relation- it was a trap to embarrass her. and guidance, rather than get- Duterte added. “You will just signals that he no longer wants to honour the his problem,” the president said in a television in- ship. “I cannot appoint her as She has met most stakehold- ting involved in law enforce- place the Republic of the Phil- agreement forged in July that he would share the terview. “I was there when we agreed. (It was the) a cabinet member if that is the ers in the campaign, including ment. Robredo’s spokesman ippines in jeopardy.” speakership with Marinduque Rep. Allan Velasco, three of us, and I announced it after,” he added. way her mouth behaves, there health and community groups, was not available for comment. Duterte, who spoke for close Manila Times reported. Yesterday, Cayetano again Cayetano, chairman of the Philippine Southeast can never be a position for her,” law enforcement and anti-nar- Earlier yesterday Robredo to 90 minutes, also said people insisted that members of the House should elect Asian (SEA) Games Organising Committee, was he said. “The way she behaved cotics agencies. said she did not need a cabinet should stop asking about his the speaker. President Rodrigo Duterte, who bro- at the Senate yesterday to explain some budget right after I appointed her is not She also met offi cials from position. health, adding there were very kered the deal between the two lawmakers, ad- issues hounding the country’s hosting of the inspiring.” the US Embassy and the United The war on drugs, Duterte’s few 74-year-old Filipinos who mitted that there would be a problem if Cayetano SEA Games. Duterte gave former human Nations Offi ce on Drugs and centrepiece policy, has caused did not suff er from ailments. Manila’s hidden reservoir to re-emerge as tourist draw

AFP must appreciate and value even The reservoir fell into ne- Earth. He claimed the archipel- Manila after all these years,” Kaye Ol- glect after the war, turning into ago for Spain, which would rule iveros, curator for the soon-to- a dumpsite and even being in- the Philippines as a colony for be-opened site said. vaded by squatters over the next nearly the next 400 years. aulted ceilings and rows Crafted from volcanic rock half century. The reservoir, which was of stone columns stretch and completed 137 years ago, In 1973 the government de- built toward the end of Spanish Vinto the humid dark- the underground cavern was clared the site a national shrine, control, was a major advance- ness deep below the Philippine made to hold 14mn gallons and in 2016 a four-year cleanup ment for the residents of Ma- capital, where workers are trans- (53mn litres) of water, which was started.Construction crews nila. forming a more-than-century- pumped through iron pipes into have been working to finish a Before then, water was old underground reservoir into a thousands of homes until the metal walkway and other in- scooped out of the river and draw for tourists. early 20th century. frastructure that will welcome delivered to the capital’s homes The sparks of welding guns Japanese forces drained the visitors when the site is due to by porters lugging large clay illuminate the damp contours cavern during World War II and open to the public in February. jars. of El Deposito, an abandoned used the tunnels as an ammuni- The opening comes in the “We always think the Span- Spanish colonial-era relic with a tion dump. run-up to the 500th anniversa- iards treated us so badly at that rich history that has been hidden US forces destroyed El Depos- ry in 2021 of explorer Ferdinand time, but somehow they have from view for decades. ito’s above-ground structures Magellan’s arrival in the Phil- given us the (means) to provide “(El Deposito) has a very col- as they retook the Philippines in ippines during the first suc- clean water for Filipinos,” Ol- A worker climbs on the concrete entrance of the El Deposito, a Spanish-era water reservoir being ourful history that we Filipinos 1945. cessful circumnavigation of the iveros said. rehabilitated for tourism, in San Juan town, suburban Manila. Gulf Times 22 Wednesday, November 20, 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 Alibaba business shows resilience as HK IPO gets underway Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba was formed in the Hangzhou fl at of co-founder Jack Ma in 1999. Alibaba Group Holding, now with a market capitalisation inching closer to $500bn, logged more than 268bn yuan ($38.3bn) of purchases during its Singles’ Day bonanza, exceeding last year’s record haul after a 24-hour shopping marathon. Alibaba is now the most valuable public Chinese company and one of the top-10 most valuable in the world, though still trailing US e-commerce counterpart Amazon, which is worth around $870bn. The company has in recent years taken steps to go global, primarily in Southeast Asia where it runs the Lazada e-commerce Reversing the platform. Alibaba pulled off the biggest-ever initial public off ering on the Wall Street fi ve years ago. Just as the company is looking to raise billions more now in Hong Kong, where months of violent pro-democracy protests death of Venice have unsettled investors and helped tip the city into recession, so fresh capital is not the only reason. Had Venice’s political leaders not look beyond the urbs to restore the the mid-fourteenth century, Venice’s At the most basic level, it should bring the company By Carlo Ratti Venice begun to shift resources away from civitas if is to avoid the demise that population plummeted by 60%, owing at least $12bn – the biggest share sale in Hong Kong in higher education and innovation in many are predicting. to outbreaks of bubonic plague. The nearly a decade, and about half the total raised in New the 1980s, Venice could have emerged The fi rst step is to remove Venice city opened itself up to foreigners, York. Alibaba says it would use the proceeds to drive ome of the worst fl ooding in by now as a kind of Cambridge on the from the jurisdiction of the Italian off ering citizenship to anyone who Venice’s history has submerged Adriatic. But tourism was viewed as a government, whose consistent failures planned to remain for the long term. user engagement, improve operational efficiency and some of the historic city’s re- much faster route to growth. So, with have driven the city’s decline in recent Newcomers needed only to embrace the pay for continued innovation. It has also been trying to Snowned cultural sites, including the government’s help, the number of decades. This is not some parochial key characteristics of “Venetianness,” sustain growth at a time when the engines of China’s St. Mark’s Basilica on Piazza San Marco. visitors steadily climbed: in 2017, the demand for the revival of the Republic including the desire to work. There is economy are sputtering and the country clashes with This is only the sixth time the basilica city of 260,000 received more than of San Marco. It is a call for a new type no reason why a similar strategy cannot has been fl ooded in 1,200 years, but the 36mn foreign tourists. of outward-looking political construct: work today. the US over trade. fourth time in the last two decades, and As Venetians have fl ed the hordes, an “open city” that welcomes anyone In fact, thanks to digital tools, it Listing closer to home the second time in under 400 days. At Venice’s civil society has deteriorated who genuinely wants to settle there as a would be easier than ever to measure would fulfi l a longtime goal of this rate, Venice’s fragile embroidery of and political torpor has become full-fl edged citizen, not as participants civic engagement, from time spent in Alibaba’s US billionaire co-founder Ma. calli, campi, and palazzi, draped over entrenched. Municipal leaders in what the American novelist Don the city – many properties in Venice sinking sediment, could be washed prefer to complain about the city’s DeLillo called tourism’s “march of are owned by non-residents and used stock price is Alibaba’s US stock price is up away within decades. But what about weaknesses, rather than taking stupidity.” only a few days per year – to concrete by a third this year, based on the people who populate them? eff ective action to address them. This new, open Serenissima (as contributions, which could become a up by a third the November 14 close, and has Ancient Romans used two words to And Italy’s national government has the medieval Venetian Republic was source of social-media pride. A hefty been trading close to all-time describe cities: urbs, which referred consistently failed to use its authority called) would work specifically to tax on non-resident property owners this year to the edifi ces and infrastructure, in the city constructively. These attract a capable and engaged civitas – who are generally extremely wealthy highs. That will be a benchmark and civitas, or an active and engaged trends contributed to the inadequate that is prepared to help protect and – would also help support the local for the share price in Hong Kong. citizenry. Today, the world is fretting environmental surveillance that left the rebuild the urbs. This would include community. For sure, Alibaba is not leaving the US behind. Hong over Venice’s soaked and damaged urbs so exposed. innovators with credible business As sea levels rise and Venice sinks, the urbs, which is, to be sure, extremely Yes, Venice is engaged in a €5.5bn plans (and their financial backers), city must take strong action to restore Kong would be its secondary listing. In a fi ling with the vulnerable even to minor sea-level ($6bn) fl ood-barrier project, called engineers researching climate-change and protect its urbs. But such eff orts US Securities and Exchange Commission, Alibaba said rises, like those brought about by Modulo Sperimentale Elettromeccanico adaptation, professionals such as will mean little without a prosperous the New York Stock Exchange would continue to be its climate change. But it has largely failed (MOSE). But the project, launched doctors or lawyers, and students and engaged civitas. To save Venice, we primary listing venue. Having two listings on opposite to recognise the extent to which the in 1984 – when Venice was already willing to dedicate a few years to must fi rst save the Venetians – above all Venetian civitas is unravelling. sinking – and inaugurated in 2003, was helping restore the Venetian Lagoon’s from themselves. – Project Syndicate ends of the globe ensures a round-the-clock venue for Venice’s population has been supposed to be completed in 2011. It magnificent palazzos. Venice would investors to trade its shares. shrinking for decades. Today, there are remains unfi nished. Even if MOSE is thus become a testing ground for an zCarlo Ratti teaches at the A successful share sale would help Alibaba pay for just one-third as many Venetians as fi nished by its current deadline in 2021, innovative urban model based on a Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a costly war with Tencent and Baidu Inc in cloud 50 years ago. But that decline is merely neither it nor any other construction new social contract suited to what the where he directs the Senseable City Lab, a symptom of a rapidly worsening project would be enough to protect sociologist Manuel Castells called a and is a co-founder of the international computing and entertainment, with Meituan Dianping disease: the reckless promotion Venice. While infrastructure investment global “space of flows.” design offi ce CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati. in food delivery and travel and with everyone in terms of large-scale tourism and lack of is obviously critical – especially to This may seem like a radical proposal, He co-chairs the World Economic Forum of investing in promising startups that yield technology, investment in human capital. adapt to climate change –Venice must but it is not without precedent. In Global Future Council on Cities. talent or market share. And it could also divert investor cash from those rivals. Today, China has the world’s largest online population — in excess of 850mn — most of them smartphone users deeply immersed in the country’s growing digital ecosystem and e-commerce. Alibaba’s business has shown resilience even as archrival Tencent, the company behind social media giant WeChat, warned of a tough outlook. Alibaba’s success has seen it invest heavily in new business lines as well. Just as tensions between Washington and Beijing continue to fuel uncertainty and roil global commerce, Alibaba is expected to better ride out the storm, thanks to booming online consumption in the world’s No 2 economy. What started as a dream has now become one of the biggest e-commerce enterprises in the world.

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© 2019 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Workers install a mobile bridge in the flooded St Mark Square in Venice, prior to an ‘acqua alta’ (high water), of 160cm (over 5’). Gulf Times Wednesday, November 20, 2019 23 COMMENT Local water scarcity spilling over into global crisis

By Laurie Goering But “you can’t adjust that very and piling it in low-lying spots in their London easily” without upsetting farmers and fi elds to absorb and hold excess rain, the economy, Davies added. allowing it to slowly fi lter into the In North Africa, newly available groundwater, he said. opulation growth and climate solar-powered water pumps are The innovation — which also helps change are putting increas- giving drought-hit farmers crucial cut down on burning of fi eld stubble, ingly intense pressure on the access to irrigation — but also a major source of air pollution in the Pplanet’s limited water supplies, removing incentives to use water region — has won World Bank funding with worsening shortages emerging sparingly as farmers no longer have for its expansion, he said. from the Middle East to Asia and Latin to buy fuel for diesel-powered In Brazil, meanwhile, farmers and America, researchers and bankers said irrigation pumps. ranchers who preserve and plant more on Monday. “There is literally no control,” said forests along rivers to protect water “All the local crises around the Annabelle Houdret, a senior researcher supplies are paid by downstream users world are building up to a global crisis,” at the German Development Institute under a “water producers” programme, Torgny Holmgren, executive director who works in the region. said Paulo Salles, director of a Brazilian of the Stockholm International Water Aquifers there could be depleted, she water regulatory agency. Institute, told a conference on the issue warned. Daanish Mustafa, a geography at London-based think-tank Chatham In many Islamic countries, water is professor at King’s College London, House. seen as a human right and a gift from said growing water scarcity would But easing the threat and ensuring God, so asking governments to charge unlikely drive a surge in wars, but more people have access to a stable, people for better water services can be instead lead to more “unjust co- safe water supply will be hugely complicated, Davies said. operation” — cross-border sharing challenging because water access and In most places the EBRD works, the pacts where the stronger party gets the distribution are tied up in politics, price users pay for water is far below better deal. cultural views and entrenched systems, the actual cost of bringing it to them, Water access is already hugely conference speakers said. he said, meaning there is often too unequal, speakers said, with US In Jordan, the third most water- little money to invest in treating and residents using 700-900 litres a day, scarce country, raising water prices delivering water, and maintaining and Europeans about 200 litres and many to refl ect the shortage would make expanding networks. of the world’s poorest just 10-15 litres. economic sense — but not when “If you’re not paying a rational price Reliable access to water is crucial nearly 1.5mn Syrian refugees, on top for the water, the incentive is to use the to achieving many of the global of 9mn citizens, depend on it, said water irrationally,” he added. sustainable development goals (SDGs) Craig Davies of the European Bank Getting water use right in an — from ending poverty and hunger, to for Reconstruction and Development increasingly parched world is crucial, Population growth and climate change are putting increasingly intense pressure on the planet’s limited water supplies. reducing inequality — they added. (EBRD). said Olcay Unver, vice-chair of UN- Yet climate change threatens to put “It’s potentially a powder keg,” said Water, a co-ordinating agency on By 2050, FAO estimates food thirds are expected to live by 2050, expand supplies. secure water access ever further out of Davies, who heads climate resilience water issues for the United Nations. demand globally will rise by 50% Unver said. In India’s Gujarat state, for instance, reach. investments for the bank. “From a Three out of every four jobs but “we don’t have 50% more water Getting enough water to everyone is much of the year’s rain comes in “With the SDGs, we can see the political point of view, it’s imperative globally depend on water in some to allocate to agriculture”, he noted, particularly diffi cult as climate change monsoon season — and then rapidly light at the end of the tunnel — but to keep water tariff s very low.” way, including small-scale farmers adding it is already the dominant water brings more erratic rainfall, with many evaporates, said Gareth Price, a the problem is it’s almost certainly Uzbekistan, meanwhile, has built its who produce 80% of the world’s user. places hit by fl oods and droughts in Chatham House senior research fellow a climate change train coming,” said economy on exports of thirsty cotton, food, said Unver, who is also a water Demand for water is also surging in turn, conference speakers said. who works on South Asia. Christopher Hurst, director general of something that might not make sense advisor for the United Nations Food fast-growing cities, where more than But some countries are coming up But some farmers have begun projects for the European Investment as water becomes more scarce. and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). half of people live now and over two- with innovative ways to protect or gathering leftover straw after harvest Bank. — Thomson Reuters Foundation Investing in ICT ecosystem development Three-day forecast

TODAY Maximum Temperature : 240c will enable realisation of QNV 2030 Minimum Temperature : 210c THURSDAY needs. There must, therefore, be an the classroom and the skills that are engineers. Maximum Temperature : 240c By Frank Fan Minimum Temperature : 190c CEO Huawei increased focus on incorporating the necessary in the real world needs The competition does more than Technologies Qatar necessary technology and innovation- to be addressed. Therefore, the just develop current talent; it has FRIDAY based education into today’s pool of skilled personnel should the potential to inspire generations Maximum Temperature : 260c curriculums in order to bridge the be provided opportunities to learn of future science, technology, Minimum Temperature : 200c digital divide and achieve, sustain, and and apply the latest technologies. engineering and mathematics o matter Fisherman's forecast how you propel a digitally-driven and enabled Through the Seeds for the Future (STEM) professionals who will drive look at it, society in which every person, home programme, Huawei helps resolve innovation and continued evolution of WARNING tomorrow’s and organisation is fully connected. these problems. revolutionary technologies such as 5G, Inshore : Strong wind Expected N at some places world will revolve around technology. ICT has become a crucial growth Huawei’s ICT Competition is just the Internet of Things, and whatever Offshore : Expected thunder rain/ From smart homes to digital engine for society and many diff erent one example. An initiative designed lies beyond. It contributes towards the strong wind& high sea government services, autonomous industries. As a leading global ICT to nurture local talent within the fi eld ICT Talent Ecosystem that Huawei WEATHER Inshore : Cloudy at times with c vehicles to space travel, our society solution provider, we are committed to of information and communications aspires to establish, which will cater to of rain at some places will revolve around intelligent promoting ICT industry development technology (ICT), Huawei has the knowledge-intensive requirements becomes p cloudy systems that rely upon the latest and ecosystem in the countries we worked for the past two years with of the industry – which is heavily later with slight dust to blowing dust at places communications networks. Today’s operate in, aimed at driving long-term government authorities, colleges and reliant upon talent resources that, by afternoon youth need to be equipped with economic, social, and environmental universities across the Middle East to at present, do not exist in suffi cient Offshore : Cloudy with sctd rain the knowledge and skills to not sustainability. Huawei believes that identify, support, and grow future ICT quantity to sustain the growth of a maybe thundery at times only navigate a hyper-connected access to education is vital to create leaders. fl ourishing sector. WIND environment, but to become its opportunities that support fair and 2019 sees the third regional edition Through the ICT Competition, Inshore : Northwesterly 12-22/30 architects, pioneers, and leaders. sustainable development in ME of the Huawei ICT Competition, Huawei hopes to play a part in KT Offshore : Northwesterly 14-23/30 Around the region, countries countries. Therefore, our ICT Talent which seeks to increase national creating an environment of openness, KT have established promising national Ecosystem strategy supported by ICT competitiveness and enhance collaboration and shared success, Visibility : 4-8/3 KM plans and ambitious visions that global CSR initiatives largely focus on students’ future employment which will extend beyond borders Offshore : 3-7/10 FT emphasise the role technology has to education and knowledge transfer. opportunities by working to bridge to nurture a more successful and the gap between the classroom cohesive future for connectivity on a play in empowering all sectors and An Open, Collaborative, and Around the region industries, in addition to realising Sustainable ICT Ecosystem Enables and the workplace. It encourages nationwide and, indeed, global scale Weather economic diversifi cation and societal Digital Transformation. As part of knowledge sharing on the latest ICT in the years and decades to come. Weather tomorrow Max/min development. Take Qatar National the overall ICT Ecosystem, Huawei’s developments, international trends, It is an embodiment of our strong today Max/min Cloudy 24/19 Vision 2030, for example, and it’s talent ecosystem aims to bridge the and off ers hands-on skill development belief in building the ICT ecosystem, Baghdad P Cloudy 23/18 Sunny 23/09 clear to see the instrumental role digital divide, develop local ICT training at Huawei’s state of the art encouraging knowledge and Kuwait City Sunny 22/11 Cloudy 24/18 technology has in moving nations talent, and fulfil corporate social labs, R&D centres and facilities. experience transfer, while bridging Manama Cloudy 23/17 Rain 27/21 towards ambitious goals of increased responsibilities. Across the ICT Furthermore, national winners the digital divide and promoting Muscat M Sunny 29/22 Sunny 10/01 global competitiveness, sustainability, ecosystem there is an urgent need for from each participating country will digital inclusion. We do this to support Tehran Rain& Snow 07/01 community empowerment and more. large numbers of technical staff who receive an immersion opportunity in governments in achieving their goals Qatar has invested heavily in can address the challenges posed a global ICT company’s headquarters of creating the future ICT leaders developing its digital infrastructure, by this transformation. There are in Shenzhen, China, in addition to who will responsible for achieving however a visionary framework still not enough ICT professionals certifi cates and cash prizes. Select national targets and visions, and who needs talented individuals to push it in the ICT domain. The mismatch candidates are off ered employment at will ultimately build a diversifi ed forwards into reality. Today’s regional between talent supply and demand Huawei, where they can further their and sustainable knowledge-based workforce, however, does not yet have hinders social progress. The gap ICT understanding amongst some economy. suffi cient digital talent to meet future between the knowledge learned in of the world’s fi nest scientists and

Live issues Around the world Weather Weather today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Athens S Showers 23/17 T Storm 22/13 Stents no better than drugs for many heart patients: US study Beirut Sunny 23/17 M Sunny 23/17 Bangkok M Sunny 33/24 P Cloudy 33/23 Berlin Cloudy 06/05 S Showers 09/06 By Julie Steenhuysen look at whether procedures to restore Hochman, who chaired the study, ISCHEMIA study did not show a Cairo Sunny 26/11 P Cloudy 26/12 Chicago normal blood fl ow in patients with estimated that some 500,000 new signifi cant benefi t from that course of Cape Town Cloudy 21/15 Sunny 19/14 stable heart disease off ers an added patients a year are diagnosed with action. Colombo S T Storms 29/24 S T Storms 29/25 benefi t over more conservative stable coronary artery disease, in “For those with mild or no chest Dhaka M Sunny 30/19 Sunny 29/19 any patients with severe treatment with aspirin, cholesterol- which heart arteries narrowed by fatty pain, there’s really not a role for Hong Kong Sunny 22/17 Sunny 23/18 but stable heart disease lowering drugs and other measures. deposits cause periodic angina, or immediately stenting,” Hochman said. Istanbul P Cloudy 19/11 M Sunny 20/12 who routinely undergo in- At least two prior studies chest pain, typically after exercising or Just eliminating unnecessary Jakarta S T Storms 34/24 S T Storms 33/24 Mvasive procedures to clear determined that artery-clearing emotional distress. stenting procedures could save the US Karachi Sunny 29/19 Sunny 30/19 and prop open clogged arteries would and stenting or bypass surgery in Current guidelines recommend healthcare system $570mn annually, London P Cloudy 08/03 S Showers 09/07 do as well by just taking medications addition to medical treatment does patients with severe narrowing of their said Stanford University School of Manila I T Storms 32/26 S T Storms 31/26 and making lifestyle changes, US not significantly lower the risk of arteries have heart bypass surgery or a Medicine cardiologist and study co- Moscow Cloudy 04/-7 Sunny -3/-8 researchers reported on Saturday. heart attacks or death compared with stent implanted to restore blood fl ow. chair Dr David Maron. He estimates New Delhi M Sunny 27/13 M Sunny 27/14 If adopted into practice, the fi ndings non-invasive medical approaches Stents are tiny tubes that keep the the cost per stenting procedure at New York P Cloudy 09/03 M Sunny 12/08 could save hundreds of millions of alone. artery open after blockage-clearing about $25,000 and bypass surgery at Paris P Cloudy 07/02 M Cloudy 09/06 dollars a year in healthcare costs, Many cardiologists are reluctant angioplasty. $45,000. Sao Paulo I T Storms 25/18 P Cloudy 27/18 researchers said. to change practice in part because “There’s always been a fear that if “I would hope this would change Seoul Sunny 06/-4 Cloudy 09/00 The $100mn government-backed patients who get stents to keep the you don’t do something quickly, they practice,” said Dr William Boden of the Singapore T Storm 30/25 T Storm 29/25 study, presented at the American artery open report feeling better right will have a heart attack or drop dead,” VA New England Healthcare System, Sydney P Cloudy 22/16 Cloudy 26/20 Heart Association (AHA) meeting away, experts said. Hochman said. another study author. “We are wasting Tokyo Clear 15/09 Cloudy 14/07 in Philadelphia, is the largest yet to NYU Langone cardiologist Dr Judith The 7-year, 5,179-patient a lot of money.” Gulf Times 24 Wednesday, November 20, 2019 QATAR

PM meets Armenian president Sheikha Moza meets Armenian president

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani met the Armenian Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, met with Armenian President Armen Sarkissian President Armen Sarkissian at his residence yesterday. During the meeting, they discussed the development of and the First Lady, Nouneh Sarkissian, during their state visit to Qatar. In their meeting, they discussed areas of mutual relations between Qatar and Armenia, in addition to issues of common interest. interests in innovation, education and research. PICTURE: AR Al-Baker/HHOPL

Palestinian auteur Suleiman touches on art of silent comedy

ward-winning Palestin- as the Cannes Film Festival Jury ian auteur and director of Prize for his 2002 tragicomedy Athe 7th Ajyal Film Festi- Divine Intervention. In his works, val’s opening night fi lm It Must Suleiman masterfully uses his Be Heaven, Elia Suleiman spoke penetrating gaze and expressive about how his work connects to body language to distil the soul current international events and of Palestinian identity. relates to audiences through the Winner of the Jury Special language of silence. Mention and FIPRESCI Critics’ “The fi lm touches on many Award at this year’s Cannes Film current events from globalisation Festival, and Palestine’s entry for to revolution, as the main char- Best International Feature Film acter felt drawn to experience at the 92nd Academy Awards, It The 2019 ‘Made in Qatar’ filmmakers during the red carpet at the Ajyal Film Festival yesterday in Doha. and become part of everything Must Be Heaven (France, Qatar, that is going on in the world. His Germany, Canada, Turkey, Pal- feelings throughout the fi lm are Elia Suleiman estine/2019) is an international- Qatar-based directors highlight transformative power of films genuine as he is faced with fra- ly-acclaimed odyssey of identity, gility and alienation irrespective solely on pictures and removing nationality and belonging, which ocal fi lmmakers, part of tary to be shot in Tunisia next tures. Rana al-Khouli, director into place.” “When fi rst start- of where he goes,” Suleiman said the oftentimes cliched dialogue poses one fundamental question: the Made in Qatar seg- year. Director of F-57 (2018), of Doubled (2018), touched on ing out in fi lmmaking, it takes a at a press briefi ng. to tell a story allows for a diff er- Where is the place we can truly Lment of the 7th Ajyal Film Abdulanaser Hassan, whose the real-life experiences and her lot to pull the diff erent elements On the choice to limit dialogue ent kind of cinematic experi- call home? Speaking just four Festival, highlighted the trans- fi lm discusses the nefarious life between Doha and Damas- together. My advice would be to throughout the fi lm, Suleiman ence.” words in the entire fi lm, Sulei- formative power of fi lm and sto- power of social media, said that cus that inspired her story. try and hone a variety of skills. If said: “I wanted the audience to Suleiman is a Nazareth-born man skillfully touches on the art rytelling, underlining this year’s the story was in fact inspired by She reiterated the central im- you are a good writer, try your- experience silence as a language fi lmmaker, director and actor, of silent comedy roaring into the overarching festival theme ‘Find an Instagram friend, whom he portance of education and sto- self at directing or producing to separate from sound. Relying who won wide acclaim as well 21st century. Film, Find Life’. A total of 22 never met in person. rytelling: “Filmmaking enabled grow as an independent fi lm- fi lms by 23 Qatari directors and “We hope that by participat- me to express myself and tell a maker,” he concluded. Qatar-based fi lmmakers are ing in Ajyal, we will receive sup- story I may not have been able to A highly-anticipated high- part of the 2019 Made in Qatar port to develop it into a feature tell otherwise. It is a challenge to light of the festival, Made in Qa- programme presented by Oore- fi lm. We care about that more condense a two-hour script into tar presented by Ooredoo serves doo. than winning. It would be good a 16-minute short fi lm, but it is a as a unique platform for aspiring At a press briefi ng, Maha Es- to see a Qatari fi lm, that is di- truly rewarding experience.” fi lmmakers to showcase their sid, director of Refuge (2019), rected and produced by Qatari Dimitri Yuri, director of Fall- works on a global stage, draw- Slew of interactive said that she chose to thematise youth, reach international fi lm ing Leaves (2019) about a young ing on the immersive power of the lives of young Palestinian festivals and win awards.” girl’s induction to the inner cinema to tell their stories and expats living in Qatar as they Abdulaziz Mohammed workings of her family’s unu- establish a creative dialogue seek to establish a connection Khashabi, director of The Un- sual business—embalming dead with audiences from around the to their far-away home – a story lucky Hamster (Qatar, Indone- bodies, spoke about the mak- world. events at Ajyal fest that resonates deeply with the sia/2019), said that Ajyal is a ing of his fi lm and the advice he 2019 Ajyal Film Festival’s country’s diverse youth com- wonderful platform to show- would off er aspiring filmmakers. Offi cial Partners include: Ka- he Ajyal Creativity Hub munity. case his work and reach a wider “What I anticipated to be the tara Cultural Village – Cultural opened its doors yesterday Tunisian Doha-based fi lm- global audience. It is his fi rst hardest part of making the fi lm Partner; Qatar National Tour- Tat the 7th edition of the maker Essid has worked on nu- participation at Ajyal, follow- actually turned out to be the ism Council – Principal Partner; Ajyal Film Festival, the annual merous fi lm projects in Doha, ing nine months of production easiest one: fi nding the actress Novo Cinemas, Ooredoo – Stra- cinema event hosted by the Doha Tunisia, and Chicago; she is to create the story of Fluff y the for the titular role. Once we tegic Partner, St Regis Doha - Film Institute (DFI) held at Ka- preparing for a new documen- hamster’s hilarious misadven- found her, everything else fell Signature Partner. tara – the Cultural Village, deliv- ering a slate of interactive events to the public, including Qatar’s largest pop-culture event, Geek- dom, and the ARC storytelling exhibition. A celebration of pop-culture, Qatar has a lot of undiscovered Geekdom, presented in partner- ship with Qatar National Tourism Council, off ers cosplay competi- tions, video game tournaments, and cult-classic screenings to talents, says Chace Crawford engage the community. Entrance A general view of ARC, an art Exhibition. to the Geekdom pavilion in Ka- tara Buildings 18 and 19 is open to By Joey Aguilar which I think is really cool,” the public. Staff Reporter Crawford explained. Made in Qatar returned with About possible collaboration a two-part programme of 22 in- with the Doha Film Institute ternationally and locally shot he Middle East, particu- (DFI), he said he is open to such shorts, attesting to the ever- larly Qatar, has a lot of collaboration and projects in the expanding infl uence of our bur- Tundiscovered talents who future. geoning fi lm industry, while are passionate about fi lmmak- “Absolutely, given the right ARC, an art exhibition, opened ing, prominent American actor opportunity I would love to, and for free public viewing from and producer Chace Crawford in sort of bridging those worlds 10am-10pm until November 21 has said. and coming to work with people and 2pm-10pm on November 22 “I saw some of the trailers (of here will be very special and fun. in Katara Building 19, Gallery 1. the short fi lms) and saw some of I am defi nitely open to that,” the The multimedia exhibition fea- the pieces put together. I think actor stressed. tures eclectic artworks by 19 of the fi lms work just right after About Ajyal’s theme ‘Find Qatar’s most promising artists their equal with that,” he told Film, Find Life’, he underlined and creative talents. reporters at a press briefi ng yes- the role of fi lms and cinema in Today, the third day of the festi- Jacob, Mimmi and the Talking Dogs terday at St Regis Doha, drawing educating and encouraging the val, continues with a free screen- a parallel between short fi lms in youth to “more serious stuff ”. ing of Spider-Man: Into the Spider ing at 5.30pm at Vox Cinemas Ashes (Costa Rica, Argentina, Hollywood and Qatar. “We’re talking today about how Universe (US/2018) by Bob Persi- Doha Festival City. The screen- Chile, France/2019), rated PG- Crawford attended the red important it is to have fi lms, chetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney ing is rated PG-15. Winner of 15, will screen at 9pm at Novo carpet on the 7th Ajyal Film educate and force conversations Rothman as part of the Geekdom the Golden Eye Documentary Cinemas, the Pearl. Festival’s opening night on just always been a sort of pas- pavilion at 4pm at Katara Building Prize at the Cannes Film Festival Tickets for the 7th Ajyal Film Monday. The actor is renowned sive entertainment, and couple 18. Seating is limited, and the fi lm 2019, For Sama (Syria, UK/2019) Festival are available for pur- for his work on world-famous that with getting kids involved is accessible for children. will screen at Novo Cinemas, the chase at the Ajyal Main Box Of- television series The Boys and and sort of introducing them A variety of feature fi lms will Pearl at 6pm. The screening is fi ce located in Katara Building Gossip Girl, and also starred in probably to fi lms and materials be screened throughout today: rated PG-18. 10; at the Ajyal Box Offi ce at Vox several fi lms such as The Cov- Chace Crawford. PICTURE: Ram Chand that they are not used to seeing,” Winner of The Golden But- Amjad Abu Alala’s DFI-sup- Cinemas Doha Festival City for enant, Twelve, and Molley Hart- Crawford said terfl y for Best Animation at the ported fi lm You Will Die at Twenty screenings taking place at Vox ley. He also took part in a meet- ter and better,” Crawford said. “I think it is an important “Some more serious stuff , International Film Festival for (Sudan, France, Egypt, Germany, Cinemas; and from the Novo and-greet with more than 400 He also lauded Ajyal’s thing, and also to see this festival some more probably artistic Children and Youth 2019 (Isfa- Norway, Qatar/2019) will screen Cinemas Box Offi ce for screen- Ajyal jurors aged between 8 and uniqueness and its organisation, was a little bit diff erent, which type fi lmmaking, some dia- han), Jacob, Mimmi and the Talk- at Novo Cinemas, the Pearl at ings at Novo Cinemas, the Pearl. 21 from more than 48 countries highlighting the importance of is really important to the young logue, and I think that is really ing Dogs (Latvia, Poland/2019) 8.30pm and is rated PG-15. For ticket purchase and up-to- across the world. involving the young generation generation and getting them in- cool, it is abstract, it is storytell- by Edmunds Jansons will be Screening at 8.30pm at Vox date information on the Ajyal “It is like incredible, I’ve to fi lmmaking and cinema. volved in the jury process, which ing or conversations, they are screened at Novo Cinemas, the Cinemas Doha Festival City is Film Festival, please visit: been to some of the facilities “It’s cool to see them (young makes them, forces them to re- talking about real topics, I think Pearl at 5.30pm. DFI-supported PG-15 rated Sorry We Missed You https://www.dohafi lminstitute. today, people are really pas- jurors) excited about the festi- ally pay attention to fi lms and that is important, follows the fi lm To the Ends of The Earth (UK, France, Belgium/2019) by com/filmfestival/ticketinforma- sionate about filmmaking here val, excited about cinema,” the learn how to think about mak- model of the (Ajyal) fi lm festi- (Japan, Uzbekistan, Qatar/2019) Ken Loach. tion https://www.dohafi lminsti- and I think it’s going to get bet- actor said. ing critically informed opinions val,” he added. by Kiyoshi Kurosawa is screen- Sofía Quiros Ubeda’s Land of tute.com/fi lmfestival/fi lms