BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 7 Qatar win gold at

INDEX Para-athletics DOW JONES QE NYMEX QATAR 2-5, 20 COMMENT 18, 19 Manateq in QR488.5mn REGION 6 BUSINESS 1–5, 11-16 deal for business Championships 21,629.72 9,436.08 45.99 ARAB WORLD 6 CLASSIFIED 6-10 -8.02 +92.51 -0.55 INTERNATIONAL 7–17 SPORTS 1–8 and tourism projects -0.04% +0.99% -1.18% Latest Figures published in QATAR since 1978

TUESDAY Vol. XXXVIII No. 10518 July 18, 2017 Shawwal 24, 1438 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals Minister meets WEF chief UAE violated In brief all laws by QATAR | Phone talk Emir, Austria chancellor discuss Gulf crisis His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim hacking QNA bin Hamad al-Thani held yesterday evening a telephone conversation with the Federal Chancellor of Austria, Christian Kern. During the phone call, they discussed the latest developments related to the Gulf site: Qatar crisis, and ways to resolve it through dialogue and diplomatic means. US intelligence off icials tunate that this shameful act of cyber Bilateral relations between the confirmed UAE role in hacking: terrorism is being attributed to a fel- two friendly countries and ways to Washington Post low member of the Gulf Co-operation develop them in various fields were Qatar to prosecute Council (GCC). “This criminal act rep- also discussed. perpetrators of ‘shameful’ resents a clear violation and breach of international law and of the bilateral and cyberattack QATAR | Offi cial collective agreements signed between HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani meeting with Klaus Schwab, Kuwaiti Cabinet reviews the member states of the GCC, as well Egypt ends visa-free President of the World Economic Forum, in Geneva yesterday. The minister was in Switzerland to discuss with presidents of eff orts for resolving Gulf crisis as collective agreements with the Arab entry for Qataris international economic and trade organisations the crisis caused by the blockade against Qatar. Page 2 League, the Organisation of Islamic Co- Egypt will end visa-free entry for he United Arab Emirates (UAE) operation, and the United Nations.” Qatari nationals as of Thursday, July orchestrated the hacking of a He added that the Public Prosecution 20, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry TQatari government news site in investigation into this crime is under said yesterday. An off icial source at late May in order to plant a false story way. “The Public Prosecutor will take the Consular Aff airs Department of with incendiary quotes attributed to all necessary legal measures to bring to Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Aff airs His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim justice the perpetrators and instigators said that visas can be obtained bin Hamad al-Thani, a report in The of this crime, whether in Qatari courts from Egyptian embassies abroad or CRA initiates full probe Washington Post yesterday said. or relevant international jurisdictions from the Department of Egyptian Quoting unnamed US intelligence specialising in cyber crimes, as per the Interests at the Greek embassy in offi cials, the paper said senior mem- statement of HE the Public Prosecutor Doha. bers of the Emirati government dis- on June 20, 2017,” he added. cussed the plan on May 23. But the The false statements attributed to the QATAR | Offi cial into Vodafone outage offi cials said it was unclear if the UAE Emir were used as a trigger to launch the hacked the website or paid for them to region’s current diplomatic crisis. Libya’s new political Customers eligible for report by Thursday (July 20), address- pany said. “We thank you for your pa- be carried out, the newspaper said. Shortly after the cyberattack, Doha roadmap welcomed compensation for the ing violations of the service continuity tience and sincerely apologise for the The report said it was unclear said the remarks were fabricated and Qatar welcomed the announcement disruption of service and customer information obligations lengthy delay.” whether Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and that the news agency’s website and by Chairman of the Presidential Technical problems while stated in its licence. During the day, the service provider Egypt had also taken part in penetrat- Twitter account had been hacked by an Council of Libya’s Government of performing service upgrade Vodafone has also been requested to posted a number of tweets, noting that ing the Qatari government website. “unknown entity” which was respon- caused breakdown National Accord, Fayez al-Sarraj, to address the following points in the re- they faced the current outage while The hacking took place on May 24, sible for publishing a false statement Services restored partially until move ahead with a new political port: main cause of the outage, nature performing a critical service upgrade shortly after a lengthy meeting be- attributed to the Emir. late yesterday evening, says CRA roadmap that aims to help Libya out and extent of the impact on custom- to the network. “All Vodafone teams tween US President Donald Trump and The UAE has denied the allegations. of its crisis. In a statement to Qatar ers, steps taken to resolve the issue, are working tirelessly to restore serv- Gulf leaders in Saudi Arabia. The UAE embassy in the US posted on News Agency, the Foreign Ministry he Communications Regula- and measures and procedures put in ice to the network as soon as possible. In a statement, HE Sheikh Saif bin Twitter, quoting ambassador Yousef said the roadmap is a positive step tory Authority (CRA) yesterday place to avoid such outages in the fu- We sincerely apologise for the delay Ahmed al-Thani, Director of Govern- al-Otaiba, that the Post story is “false”. towards achieving the ambitions of Tsaid it has initiated a full inves- ture. and will keep you updated with any ment Communications Offi ce, said: Hours later, UAE Minister of State for the Libyan people and maintaining tigation into the outage of Vodafone In addition, Vodafone is bound by progress.” “Qatar has long maintained that its Foreign Aff airs Anwar Gargash reiterated the safety and stability in the Qatar’s network, which left many of its licence to provide customers with An earlier tweet said: “We are facing government news agency website was his government’s denial, while addressing country. It stressed the importance its customers without access to voice appropriate compensation for the dis- technical issues that may aff ect your hacked on May 24 and fabricated quotes a gathering at Chatham House in London. of holding on to national dialogue calls and data services. ruption of service, CRA noted. access to our network. We are work- published. The information published On the possibility of Qatar being ex- as an approach to settle political The outage started around 3.30am Meanwhile, Vodafone Qatar tweet- ing to resolve this issue. Thank you for in the Washington Post on July 16, 2017, cluded from the GCC, Gargash said: “The disputes, calling on all parties to yesterday and was restored partially ed last night that “we have made your patience.” which revealed the involvement of the GCC is in crisis and I don’t think it serves exploit this opportunity and engage until late evening, CRA said in a state- progress” on restoring some 2G voice Several Vodafone customers have UAE and senior Emirati offi cials in the our purposes to say let’s take Qatar out.” seriously and eff ectively to end the ment. services. “As this is top priority, we been seeking answers to the disrup- hacking of Qatar News Agency, un- The Kuwaiti Cabinet reviewed the division. The ministry reiterated The authority has requested Voda- will be working throughout the night tion in service through social media equivocally proves that this hacking latest developments of the Kuwaiti ef- Qatar’s full support for the Libyan fone to provide a detailed investigation to fully restore the network,” the com- accounts, particularly Twitter. crime took place.” forts to resolve the Gulf crisis in its ses- people to come out of this crisis. Sheikh Saif said it is especially unfor- sion yesterday. Pages 2, 20

REGION | Diplomacy US agencies’ stance supports Washington Post report Mogherini to visit Kuwait on Sunday Second World Cup stadium ‘on schedule’ Responding to the denial of the report by Gargash, the CEO of Qatar Media High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Aff airs and The 40,000-seat Al Wakrah Stadi- Thani Khalifa al-Zarah. Corporation Sheikh Abdulrahman bin AFP Hamad al-Thani (left) said in a tweet: “US Security Policy Federica Mogherini Doha um, designed in the shape of a boat by More than 50% of concrete work at will visit Kuwait on Sunday to the late award-winning architect Zaha the stadium has been completed while intelligence ( CIA and FBI) declined to express EU support of mediation Hadid, will come in line after Khalifa steel material for the roof structure comment on Washington Post’s report eff orts assumed by the Emir Sheikh second stadium being built Stadium, which was delivered in May. has already been delivered, said al- regarding UAE’s orchestration of the hack Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah for the 2022 World Cup will be “The current project is going on Zarah, insisting the ongoing blockade of QNA, dismissing the UAE’s claim of not to find a solution to the Gulf crisis. “I Aready on schedule next year de- schedule and Al Wakrah Stadium will is not aff ecting the project and that the being behind the aggressive cyberattack will be visiting Kuwait, the mediator spite sanctions imposed on Qatar by be delivered on time by the end of contractor is the party responsible for on Qatar.” that we support,” she said. some Gulf neighbours, an offi cial said. the next year,” said project manager securing supplies. Exclusive tours of National Museum of Qatar off ered ulture Pass members can now “The National Museum is next related themes; dedicated newsletters sign up for exclusive tours to see year’s addition to Qatar’s growing with the latest activities taking place in Cthe National Museum of Qatar cultural scene. Having welcomed His Qatar and abroad; invitations to attend and explore its interior and exterior Highness the Emir last month, for- exclusive exhibition openings; private grounds, Qatar Museums (QM) has an- eign dignitaries and members of the tours of galleries and discounts of up nounced. community more recently, we open to 15-25% at QM cafes, gift shops and In a statement, QM noted that 50 our doors to the people of Qatar,” HE selected sites. tours have been scheduled to welcome Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Recently, QM restructured the Cul- Qatar’s residents to see the iconic Khalifa al-Thani said. ture Pass programme to include four building, which is inspired by the “The tours will enable you to ap- tiers, three of which are paid and one beautiful desert rose design. The tours preciate the architectural gem of Jean remains free to the public. The new will start on July 24 and are open only Nouvel for one last time before we be- tiers include Culture Pass, Culture to Culture Pass members who sign up gin our interior installations. This is Pass Plus and Culture Pass Plus Fam- online. everyone’s last chance to experience ily, Culture Pass Academic, and Cul- The National Museum is an architec- the museum as an architectural arte- ture Pass Creative, which allow eve- tural gem designed by world-renowned fact. We welcome all nationalities and ryone to enjoy QM and its off erings in French architect Jean Nouvel, due to residents,” she added. a way that best meets their needs and open in December 2018. QM’s Culture Pass programme of- interests. The National Museum tells the story fers almost 16,000 members unique To sign up for QM’s Culture Pass of the people of Qatar, celebrating the access to diverse cultural activities Programme, applicants can visit http:// country’s rich heritage. It will combine across Qatar. www.qm.org.qa/en/culturepass, while historic objects and contemporary in- Members receive a vast range of ben- more information on the National Mu- fl uences, opening up a dialogue around efi ts from QM and its partners, includ- seum Culture Pass tours and timings the impact of rapid change while hon- ing access to workshops that develop can be viewed at http://www.qm.org. ouring its ancestors’ legacy. creative skills and explore exhibition- qa/en/culture-pass-tours National Museum of Qatar. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, July 18, 2017 QATAR

OFFICIAL Steps taken to counter illegal Emir issues instruments of ratification

His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani issued blockade: Economy Minister the following instruments of ratification: atar has taken all neces- 1. Instrument of ratification sary procedures, upon endorsing the ratification of a Qthe directive of His High- memorandum of understanding ness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin (MoU) on co-operation in the field Hamad al-Thani, to counter the of health and medical sciences eff ects of the illegal blockade between the governments of imposed upon it by the siege Qatar and Turkey, which was countries, HE the Minister of signed in Trabzon on December Economy and Commerce Sheikh 18, 2016. Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed 2. Instrument of ratification al-Thani said yesterday. endorsing the ratification of The Minister, who met a an MoU on co-operation in the number of heads of international field of organising exhibitions trade and economic organisa- between the governments of tions in Geneva, Switzerland, Qatar and Turkey, which was said Qatar has taken steps to signed in Trabzon on December maintain the stability of the lo- 18, 2016. cal market and the fl ow of goods 3. Instrument of ratification into the country. endorsing a draft co-operation Discussing the implications of agreement in the field of the crisis, the Minister pointed environment and nature out that Saudi-led bloc imposed protection between the the blockade against Qatar with- HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani with HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani with Dr Francis governments of Qatar and out any warning. This is in viola- Roberto Azevedo, Director General of the World Trade Organisation in Geneva. Gurry, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organisation. Croatia, which was signed in tion of international laws, con- Doha on April 23, 2017. ventions and norms and contrary dition to banning any exports of of the Qatari economy and its dures taken by the blockading 4. Instrument of ratification to intellectual property rights as their national products to Qatar. ability to face and overcome dif- countries against Qatar. z Qatar has taken steps to maintain stability of the endorsing the ratification of an well as the WTO Trade Facilita- They also banned their banks fi culties and challenges. He said The Minister of Economy and local market and flow of goods into the country MoU on co-operation in the fields tion Agreement, which stipulates from dealing in Qatari riyal and Qatar’s gross national savings, Commerce also held meetings zMinister meets heads of international trade and of youth and sports between the the need to ensure that no obsta- did not allow cargo or postal equivalent to 56% of the coun- with Roberto Azevedo, director economic organisations in Geneva governments of Qatar and Serbia, cles are placed in trade between services to or from Qatar in ad- try’s GDP, is the highest in the general of the World Trade Organ- z Contract signed with legal firm to study the illegal which was signed in Doha on the member-countries. dition to the blockade imposed world. isation; professor Klaus Schwab, procedures taken by the blockading countries November 7, 2016. The blockading countries on Qatari goods and investments HE Sheikh Ahmed and the president of the World Economic against Qatar 5. Instrument of ratification closed land, sea and air routes at their counties and preventing accompanying delegation also Forum; and Dr Francis Gurry, di- z Minister stresses strength of Qatari economy and endorsing the ratification of to Qatar, banned the passage of dealings with Qatari companies met a number of lawyers work- rector general of the World Intel- its ability to face and overcome challenges a co-operation agreement in Qatari aircraft, and prevented and investors without any com- ing for a legal fi rm specialising in lectual Property Organisation. the cultural field between the ships carrying cargoes and goods pensation. World Trade Organisation cases. HE Sheikh Ahmed further af- governments of Qatar and Serbia, for Qatar at their country’s ports The Minister of Economy and A contract was signed with this fi rmed that Qatar would take all sue the blockading countries and tion for the losses incurred by which was signed in Doha on from proceeding to Qatar, in ad- Commerce stressed the strength fi rm to study the illegal proce- necessary legal procedures to take steps to demand compensa- the Qatari private sector. November 7, 2016. 6. Instrument of ratification endorsing the ratification of a memorandum of co-operation in the field of agriculture between the Ministry of Municipality Public Health Strategy to and Environment of Qatar and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection of Serbia, which was signed in Doha promote mental well-being on November 7, 2016. 7. Instrument of ratification endorsing a draft protocol on ental health and well- sion and anxiety is estimated to standing of mental illness and amending some provisions of an being is one of the exceed 300mn. reducing its impact. Raising aviation agreement between the Mpriority areas in the In Qatar, the estimated prev- public awareness about mental governments of Qatar and the Qatar Public Health Strategy alence (2015) for depression health will dispel misconcep- Council of Ministers of Bosnia and 2017-2022, with the main focus is approximately 5.1% and for tions and encourage positive Herzegovina, which was signed in of encouraging people to speak anxiety 4.2% of the population, attitudes about mental health. Doha on May 5, 2017. openly about mental health and the statement notes. Raising awareness is impor- to seek help as early as possible. The levels of mental health tant for the whole community Cabinet decisions The mental health objectives awareness in Qatar are relatively but particularly important for ratified of the Public Health Strategy low and many misconceptions those that are most likely to come have been designed to comple- exist around the causes of men- into contact with people experi- His Highness the Emir Sheikh ment and build on the National tal health conditions and the ca- encing mental health issues. Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani Mental Health Strategy, which pabilities of people with a men- The health sector in Qatar yesterday ratified the following was launched in 2013 with the tal illness, the MoPH points out. provides trained professionals, Cabinet Decisions: vision – “Good mental health “Due to the low levels of services and support for men- 1.Cabinet Decision No 27 of 2017 and well-being for the people awareness, mental illness is tal health. Whether a person is on establishing the technical of Qatar, supported by integrat- very often misunderstood and experiencing symptoms for the committee to examine the Gulf Times Editor-in-Chief Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka with the representatives of the Pakistani ed mental health services with is frequently surrounded by fi rst time, has had repeated epi- indices of international reports community. access to the right care, at the negative attitudes. This creates sodes or needs additional sup- on the business environment in right time, in the right place”. stigma and can cause individu- port for a diagnosed condition Qatar. “Being healthy does not just als and their families to suff er in – help is available and seek- 2. Cabinet Decision No 28 and No mean looking after our physical silence, preventing them from ing support early ensures the 29 of 2017 on the expropriation of health; it is just as important to seeking the necessary help they greatest chance of recovery. For some real estate for public good. Pakistani community representatives take care of our mind,” the Min- may need. The impact on fami- mild to moderate conditions, The decisions are eff ective from istry of Public Health (MoPH) ly relationships and community the fi rst step is to access the the date of their publication in said in a statement yesterday. life can also be greatly aff ected. mental health services off ered the off icial gazette. meet Editor-in-Chief of Gulf Times “When we feel good in both We, therefore, need to encour- by trained family physicians in mind and body, we feel happier, age a positive, open dialogue Primary Health Care Centres Qatar-Iraq ties more positive and are able to about mental health issues in across Qatar. reviewed epresentatives of the Pa- wer, Business Forum president, their full support to Qatar, ex- enjoy our lives fully”. Qatar and drive forward major To make an appointment at kistani community in Qa- Rashid Rafi q Butt, Pakistan pressing their appreciation, The World Health Organisa- change in people’s attitudes,” the designated primary health HE the Secretary General of Rtar visited the Gulf Times Muslim Welfare League presi- gratitude, and solidarity with the tion global estimates suggest said Susan Clelland, acting ex- centre, one call Hayyak at 107, the Foreign Ministry Dr Ahmed offi ce and met with the Editor- dent (N) and Habib Ullah Sheikh, host country. They also present- that mental health disorders af- ecutive director of the National which is available 24/7. bin Hassan al-Hammadi met Dr in-Chief Faisal Abdulhameed Community co-ordinator. ed the Ajrak (blockprinted shawl fect more than one in four peo- Mental Health Programme. A consultation survey for Abdulsattar al-Janabi, the charge al-Mudahka yesterday. During the meeting, they dis- from Pakistan) to al-Mudahka. ple in the course of their lives Providing people with posi- receiving the public’s view on d’aff aires of the Iraqi embassy in The Pakistani representatives cussed the active role of the Pa- The chief editor welcomed and about one in 10 adults at tive messages about mental priorities for the Public Health Qatar yesterday. They reviewed included Riyaz Ahmed Bakali, kistani community with regard the visit of the representatives any one time – the most com- illness and raising people’s Strategy 2017-2022 has been relations between Qatar and Iraq Community president, Ahmed to the Pakistani business activi- and appreciated the local Paki- mon disorders being depression awareness through education launched. The survey and the and ways of developing them, Hussain, Welfare Forum presi- ties in Qatar. stani community’s stance on the and anxiety. Globally, the total and information is critical to current strategy can be found at in addition to matters of mutual dent, Mohammad Idrees An- The representatives extended blockade of Qatar. number of people with depres- supporting a better under- http://phs.moph.gov.qa interest. Dialogue only way out of Gulf crisis: Qatar’s envoy

atar faced and still faces roles divided between Gulf and 22 and his meeting with General logue table and to support the Qatar hopes that signing the a politically-motivated Arab sides. zSiege countries Qasem Soleimani are baseless, Kuwaiti initiative led by the Emir agreement would be a model for Qcampaign orchestrated He added that the campaign trying to demonise adding that the visit took place of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ah- GCC states to unite in counter- by the siege countries that tar- started after the Riyadh Arab Qatar in order to extend an invita- mad al-Jaber al-Sabah. terrorism eff orts. gets the state and its sovereign- and Islamic summit on May 21, zCampaign targets tion to the Iraqi prime minister The Qatari ambassador said Ambassador al-Naama said ty, the country’s ambassador to in which US President Donald Qatar’s sovereignty to visit Qatar and also as part one of the signs of the US ad- Qatar relies on its stance on Greece Abdulaziz Ali al-Naama Trump took part, with the US zQatar awaits the of the settlement of the issue ministration’s keenness on the international laws and conven- has said. president’s speech featuring return of its Arab of the Qatari citizens who were settlement of the Gulf crisis tions and its position is hu- In an interview with Greek remarks on the importance of brothers to the kidnapped in Iraq. was the recent agreement be- manitarian and ethical fi rst and newspaper Kathimerini, am- Qatar’s role as a signifi cant stra- dialogue table Ambassador al-Naama ex- tween Qatar and the United foremost, adding that, while it bassador al-Naama said that tegic partner in combating ter- pressed regret about the land, States on combating terrorism wants to preserve ties with its the campaign is being led by rorism, which, he said, affi rms sea and air siege of Qatar that and eradicating its sources, brothers and neighbours, Qatar parties trying to abuse Qatar the invalidity of the allegations Emir and the Iranian President followed the media campaign as which, he added, came within will never let go of its sovereign- and demonise it by exercising of these entities, which con- Ambassador Abdulaziz Ali Hassan Rouhani on May 27, well as the severing of diplomatic continuous bilateral co-oper- ty and cannot allow any party to pressure in order to thwart its tinue to fabricate links between al-Naama which was mentioned by the ties in a way that, he said, doesn’t ation between the two friendly interfere in its internal aff airs. eff orts in boosting security and Qatar and terrorism. campaign parties, took place as happen among states that have countries and a result of joint On Greece providing Qatar stability at the international and The ambassador said the never mentioned any bilateral part of annual protocol of ex- normal diplomatic ties. work and the exchange of ex- with its products, the ambas- regional levels. campaign started after a meet- diff erences during any of these tending greetings on the advent The ambassador expressed pertise and information. sador said commercial ties be- The ambassador said Qatar ing between His Highness the meetings. of the holy month of Ramadan, Qatar’s regret that the three fra- He added that it refl ects seri- tween the two countries have still believes that the only way Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Naama said that claims by and came under the policy of ternal countries couldn’t fi nd ous work and intense talks that been there for a while and have out of the crisis, that it had no al-Thani and Custodian of The the campaign parties that Qatar GCC states to support dialogue a more important and pressing took place to promote the out- witnessed quantitative and hand in, is dialogue rather than Two Holy Mosques King Sal- co-operates with Tehran at the with Iran, the ambassador told issue for their peoples than try- comes of the Riyadh summit. qualitative progress. orders and dictations, adding man bin Abdulaziz al-Saud expense of the Gulf interests are the Greek newspaper. ing to harm Qatar. The ambassador said Qatar, He added that Greek expats that Qatar still awaits the return in Jeddah on May 1 and after a baseless, adding that Doha had The ambassador said that He noted that no one can dis- which was repeatedly accused are helping in Qatar’s renais- of its Arab brothers to the dia- ministerial meeting for GCC recalled its ambassador to Iran claims and fabrications that miss the role of the United States of fi nancing terrorism, has be- sance in several fi elds, and ex- logue table. states on May 17. after the burning down of Saudi were published regarding the nowadays as the great power, come the fi rst country to sign pressed hope that commercial He said the media campaign After that, he added, the embassy in Tehran and never re- visit of HE the Foreign Minister pointing to the US administra- an agreement with the United ties will grow and develop so carried out against Qatar has Riyadh summit took place on instated him since then. Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdul- tion’s eff orts to encourage the States on combating terrorism that the two countries would been prepared in advance, with May 21 and the siege countries The phone call between the rahman al-Thani to Iraq on May diff erent parties to sit at the dia- and its fi nancing. He added that become trade partners. - QNA Gulf Times Tuesday, July 18, 2017 3 QATAR Qatar Airways inaugural fl ight touches down at Skopje airport he fi rst Qatar Airways non-stop fl ight from TDoha to Skopje touched down at Alexander the Great Airport yesterday. The new route to the capital of Macedonia will be served four times a week with an Airbus A320 aircraft, featuring 12 seats in Business Class and 120 seats in Economy, the Doha-based carrier has said in a statement. Skopje provides a gateway to a country of “dramatic scen- ery, including beautiful lakes, mountains and charming his- toric towns”. Visitors to Sko- pje can discover Ottoman-era neighbourhoods, shop in the old bazaar or visit the lakeside city of Orchid and its picturesque castle. Passengers who would like to experience the cultural and cosmopolitan mix of the The inaugural flight being greeted with a traditional water salute. city can book their tickets on the newly-designed Qatar Air- businesspeople connect with than 200,000 Macedonian ways website or mobile applica- their business partners in more Australians live. tion, the statement notes. than 150 destinations around the Qatar Airways has stressed Qatar Airways chief com- world, the statement adds. that it is expediting its expansion mercial offi cer Ehab Amin, who Off icials after the arrival of the Qatar Airways flight at Skopje’s Alexander the Great Airport. In addition, the commence- in Eastern Europe, with services travelled on board the inaugural ment of air cargo service to to Prague, Czech Republic and fl ight with Macedonian ambas- at Alexander the Great Airport, ern European expansion. Our new Ersoy added, “It is a great them with 150 additional desti- Skopje by Qatar Airways Cargo Kiev, Ukraine, set to commence sador to Qatar Vukica Krtolica Skopje. four-times-a-week service to Sko- pleasure for us to welcome the nations across the world.” will promote air trade growth in by the end of August. Popovska, was greeted by Mac- The VIP delegates from Doha pje is a much-anticipated addition fi rst Doha-Skopje fl ight and the Macedonia is a centre for met- Macedonia by connecting the The Doha-Skopje fl ight edonia’s Minister of Transport were off ered salt and bread, a tra- to our global route map, which will entrance of Qatar Airways to the al-processing, chemical, tim- country with its major importers schedule is as follows: Monday, and Communications Goran ditional Macedonian welcome, enable us to connect both busi- Macedonian market, as one of ber, textile, leather and printing in northeast Asia via the airline’s Wednesday, Friday and Sun- Sugareski, general manager of as they disembarked the aircraft. ness and leisure passengers to and the most appreciated aviation industries, and is ranked as one Doha hub. days – QR305 departing Doha at Airport TAV Macedonia Alp Er Qatar Airways Group chief ex- from the Republic of Macedonia. brands worldwide. Doha will be of the Top 10 economies in the The airline’s fi rst ever-serv- 6.50am and arriving in Skopje at Tunga Ersoy, and Qatari am- ecutive Akbar al-Baker said, “This We look forward to welcoming our a very attractive new destination world for doing business. The ice to Macedonia will also give 11.15am, and QR306 departing bassador to Skopje Hassan bin summer is a busy one for Qatar passengers on board fl ights to this for Macedonian citizens, for both launch of the airline’s new route leisure passengers easier ac- Skopje at 12.15pm and arriving in Abdullah Zaid al-Mahmoud, Airways, as we continue our East- captivating city.” leisure and business, connecting to Skopje will help Macedonian cess to Australia, where more Doha at 6.15pm. 310kg of ivory seized at HIA

he Ministry of Munici- Convention on International pality and Environment Trade in Endangered Spe- T(MME), in collaboration cies of Wild Fauna and Flora with the General Authority of (CITES) was immediately Customs (GAC), has confi s- informed about the matter. cated a cargo of ivory weigh- Mohamed Mubarak al-Mar- ing around 310kg at Hamad ri, head of the MME’s wildlife International Airport (HIA). section, said a report on the The operation is part of a cargo will be sent to CITES in The 2017 New York City ePrix was held at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal on July 15 and 16. plan between various govern- Geneva, Switzerland, to take ment organisations, including the necessary action. the MME and GAC, according CITES was signed in Wash- to a statement. ington, US, on March 3, 1973 The cargo was coming from and went into force in 1975. an African nation and its fi - Qatar joined the agreement Airline congratulates winner of nal destination was an Asian in 2001. country, and was detected The MME has allocated the while transiting Doha. hotline, 0097644264448, to After the GAC detected the receive inquiries about the is- cargo, the MME’s executive sue from any country during 2017 New York City ePrix department dealing with the normal working hours.

atar Airways has con- Qatar Airways Group chief cited to be bringing our award- transform their space into a pri- rakech, Buenos Aires, Monaco, gratulated Sam Bird, executive Akbar al-Baker said, winning new ‘Qsuite’ Business vate suite, allowing them to work, Paris, New York and Montreal. Qwinner of the 2017 New “As the offi cial airline sponsor of Class seat to New York this au- dine and socialise together. The championship represents a York City ePrix, held at the the New York City ePrix, we are tumn, a product which truly sets a As a key partner of the New vision for the future of the motor Brooklyn Cruise Terminal on delighted to congratulate both new industry standard by bringing York City ePrix, Qatar Airways industry, serving as a platform to July 15 and 16. the race’s winner, Sam Bird and First Class to Business Class.” provided select invited VIP showcase the latest innovations The airline was also the title Formula E, for hosting such an Qsuite features the industry’s guests a “First Class experi- in electric vehicle technology sponsor of the 2017 Qatar Air- exciting and successful event in fi rst-ever double bed available ence” at the Emotion Club in the and alternative energy solutions. ways Paris ePrix, which took New York, a key destination for in Business Class, with privacy eVillage event space. Qatar Airways is the offi cial place around the architectural us. We are delighted to have cel- panels that stow away, allowing The FIA Formula E Champi- sponsor of numerous sporting complex of Les Invalides in the ebrated our 10-year anniversary passengers in adjoining seats to onship is the world’s fi rst fully- events, including the Qatar Exx- French capital in May. of fl ying to New York last month create their own private room. electric single-seater racing onMobil Open and Qatar Total The Doha-based carrier is by displaying our trademark col- Adjustable panels and movable series, competing on the streets Open, as well as being an offi cial the offi cial airline sponsor of ours on the iconic Empire State TV monitors on the centre four against the backdrop of some FIFA partner and offi cial sponsor the electric street racing series, Building. seats allow colleagues, friends of the world’s most iconic cit- of the FIFA 2018 and 2022 World Formula E. “And we are tremendously ex- or families travelling together to ies, including Hong Kong, Mar- Cups. The seized items.

Temporary shift on Salwa Road lanes The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced that it will temporarily shift eastbound and westbound traff ic at Salwa Road Traffi c signal near Katara to be closed for six months Interchange No. 24 to continue construction work. The proposed road change, which will take place approximately 25km west of Doha, has been designed in co-ordination with the General he Public Works Author- traffi c signal. They are advised to fi c fl ow between West Bay and Directorate of Traff ic, Ashghal has said in a statement. It will be ity (Ashghal) has an- continue straight, make a U-turn The Pearl-Qatar. implemented from today and continue for 40 days. Tnounced that it will close after the South Canal Crossing z Katara to Legtaifi ya Street As shown on the map, the temporary road realignment will aff ect a 1km the traffi c signal at the intersec- Bridge, then continue onwards and West Bay: Those exiting Ka- section on Salwa Road and will be implemented in three phases over tion of Legtaifi ya Street and Lu- and make a right turn on to tara will no longer be able to go the 40-day period. During the three phases, road users travelling in both sail Street – known as the Katara Legtaifi ya Street. straight across the Katara Junc- directions will be shifted onto adjacent roads and can continue their junction traffi c signal – and re- z Legtaifi ya Street, Lusail City tion signal towards Legtaifi ya journey towards Abu Samra or Doha as required. organise existing traffi c move- or Lagoona Mall to The Pearl- Street. Instead, they will be re- The number of lanes will be reduced on the 1km stretch of Salwa Road from ment near The Pearl-Qatar to Qatar: Those coming from Leg- quired to turn right on to Lu- four lanes to three in order to complete the required construction work. complete the construction of a taifi ya Street, Lusail City or La- sail Street, make a U-turn after three-level interchange on the goona Mall who wish to access South Canal Crossing Bridge, Lusail Expressway project. The Pearl-Qatar are advised to then drive straight and either The proposed road layout drive along Lusail Street towards take the fi rst right onto Legtaifi ya changes have been designed in West Bay and follow road signs Street or continue onwards to co-ordination with the General towards a new purpose-built U- West Bay. Directorate of Traffi c and will turn above the recently opened z Access to the Legtaifi ya La- be implemented from tomorrow tunnel at the Onaiza Interchange. goon residential area: Access to and continue for six months, ers travelling from The Pearl- sail Street and Legtaifi ya Street They can then continue on Lusail the Legtaifi ya Lagoon residen- Ashghal has said in a statement. Qatar area towards West Bay, the to follow new routes to access Street towards The Pearl-Qatar. tial area will be via Lusail City The disabling of the traffi c statement said. Katara - the Cultural Village, z As part of the road change, only, Ashghal has said. Road us- signal at Katara Junction, com- It will also enable the authori- The Pearl-Qatar and Legtaifi ya Ashghal has said it will also shift ers coming from West Bay, The bined with the recently opened ties to open multiple tunnels on Street. the existing traffi c signal located Pearl-Qatar or Lagoona Mall, will tunnel at the Onaiza interchange the Lusail Expressway project in z From West Bay to Legtaifi - near the Diplomatic Club and re- have to follow the diversion over and fl yover at the Al Khaleej Al the next two months. ya Street: Road users travelling move the temporary roundabout the North Canal Crossing Bridge, Gharbi interchange, will facili- As shown on the map, the from West Bay towards Legtaifi - leading to Lagoona Mall and Lu- make a U-turn in Lusail City tate “completely free-fl owing modifi ed road layout will require ya Street will no longer be able to sail City. Both modifi cations are and exit right into the Legtaifi ya traffi c movement” for road us- road users travelling on Lu- turn left at the Katara Junction expected to better regulate traf- Lagoon residential area. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, July 18, 2017 QATAR HMC expert off ers advice on insect bites ot all insect bites require imme- leg, elevate the affected body part. there is a need for immediate treatment diate medical treatment but Dr z Removing any tight-fi tting jewellery, with an epinephrine auto-injector (some- NMehdi Adeli, Hamad Medical Cor- such as rings or bracelets, from the area of times, more than one dose) followed by poration’s (HMC) Allergy and Immunol- the sting, in case swelling occurs. medical assistance at an emergency facil- ogy Awareness Programme lead and senior Adeli noted that it is also important to ity for observation and additional treat- consultant in Allergy and Immunology, treat symptoms of insect stings. “For most ment. says it’s important to seek advice from an people, bee or other insect stings simply Late phase reactions can suddenly ap- allergist if there is a suspected allergy or if hurt or itch or cause a lump where the pear and can be more intense than initial an individual has experienced a severe re- sting occurred. reaction,” Dr Adeli added. Jassim al-Ansari receiving the award. action in the past. This is called a local reaction. HMC’s Allergy and Immunology “Most reactions to insect bites and Local reactions normally respond well Awareness Program (AIAP) is focused on stings are mild, causing little more than to a cold compress, which helps relieve educating the public about allergies and redness, itching or minor swelling. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to an the itch and oral antihistamines to relieve immunology and empowering patients Bites or stings from insects such as bees, insect bite can include rash and swelling. other symptoms. Calamine lotion can and their families to increase patient ants and wasps rarely cause severe reac- also provide additional relief. For pain, an satisfaction and confi dence and reduce tions, but it is important to be aware that and stomach cramps and hives. acetaminophen or ibuprofen is recom- emergency room visits for allergy-related Qatar Rail allergic or toxic reactions can occur and He noted that if an insect sting occurs, mended.” illnesses. should be reported to one’s doctor or al- recommended fi rst-aid includes: However, he noted that it is wise to As part of ongoing eff orts to increase lergist. z Removing the stinger from the skin. watch for symptoms of a severe or toxic public awareness and dispel cultural “Patients who wish to see an allergist at If a stinger is left in the skin, scrape it off reaction, especially in children. myths and misconceptions about immu- HMC can obtain a referral from their pri- with a fl at object. Do not use tweezers or Symptoms to watch for include hives or nodefi ciency diseases and compromised training mary healthcare physician,” explained Dr your fi ngertips as that could deposit more generalised itching in locations beyond the immunities, the programme provides a Adeli. venom. site of the sting, throat or tongue swelling, number of online resources for patients, Examples of severe allergic or toxic z Washing the area with soap and water. diffi culty in breathing, dizziness, severe their families and healthcare providers. reactions include shock, coughing z Applying a cool compress using a headache and stomach cramps, nausea, or For information on the programme, or trouble breathing, swelling of the cloth dampened with cold water or filled diarrhoea. and access to a variety of online re- centre wins lips, tongue, eyelids, hands and feet, with ice. This helps reduce pain and “While severe allergic reactions are not sources, one can visit www.hamad.qa or lightheadedness, nausea, diarrhoea swelling. If the injury is on the arm or common, they can be life-threatening and e-mail [email protected] award

atar Rail has announced The centre was launched in that its “commitment 2014 and considered the “fi rst Doha Festival City off ers tropical Qto rigorous health and of its kind” in the region. It safety standards” has been was developed as part of Qa- recognised by an international tar Rail’s commitment to high awarding body for workplace standards of health and safety safety training. for the 9,500 workers across island adventures in August The Green Line Underground its sites. The centre not only training centre has established delivers health and safety ad- itself as a ‘gold standard’ cen- vice to its workers but also to a oha Festival City at the remote control (RC) car tre, with its learner results and growing number of key organi- (DHFC) has announced race track at the Axis Node training administration stand- sations in Qatar, the statement Dit will give families nu- from August 3 to 26. Fami- ards in the top 5% of Highfi eld notes. merous beachside adventures lies and friends can compete centres in the entire GCC area, Christian Hopper, Inter- in August, featuring “unique for free by driving their high- according to a press statement national Business Develop- experiences away from the speed RC cars through various by Qatar Rail. ment manager for High- heat”. tight turns on sand dunes to “The Highfi eld Internation- field Qualifications, said: DHFC is a leading entertain- the fi nish line. al Centre of Excellence Award “Since we started working ment, retail and hospitality With a diff erent seaside has confi rmed that the Green with the Green Line train- destination in Qatar managed theme each weekend in Au- Line Underground training fa- ing centre, it was clear that and operated by Al-Futtaim. gust, children can have their cility is undergoing constant they had the highest com- In a statement, DHFC said faces painted, decorate stones, improvements, and compli- mitment to excellence in all mallgoers would have the “best paint shells or personalise their mented previously awarded areas of training delivery and summer holiday getaway” at own T-shirts from August 3 to accreditation to this facility. administration among our the mall with an array of activ- 26 (Thursday, Friday and Sat- This award is testament the many hundreds of interna- ities and workshops from 3pm urday). ongoing commitment of Qatar tional approved centres. It is to 9pm daily. “All creations can be kept, Rail to continuing improve- a pleasure for me to bestow The ‘dive for treasure’, ‘walk taken home and shown off to ment and education on the this award on them in recog- the plank’ and ‘sail the high friends and family,” DHFC said. project,” said Jassim al-An- nition of their achievements seas’ at the mall’s pirate- “The fi rst and last weekend sari, project director of Green over the last year.” themed adventure ball pit is will consist of sand art and T- Line. Sean Field, head of Health, expected to attract children of shirt personalising, the second “Qatar Rail has from the Safety, Security and Environ- all ages. weekend is all about stone and start of the project promoted ment at Qatar Rail, said: “It is The colourful ball pit at the sand art-making and the third the highest standards of safety, a huge honour to be recognised Centre Court will operate every weekend will be shell and sand welfare and quality through as an international centre of half an hour from 3pm to 8pm, art making at the Cloud Node training of all staff and the excellence by Highfi eld Quali- providing hours of fun daily for free.” workforce. Training facilities fi cations in the UK, particu- from August 3 to 26. A mini- Enhance children’s crea- have been established across all larly in such a short period of mum spend of QR200 is re- tivity with interactive play at the project contracts and the time. It is also testament to quired at any store at the mall ‘Summertime Modelling’ at DHFC offers various attractions for kids. standards of workforce educa- the hard work and dedication to participate in this activity. the Entertainment Node free tion have been monitored by of the training staff here, and High-energy adventure lov- of charge from August 3 to 26 urday). With sparkly ocean-coloured Play-Doh, as their own beach scene and show off their creations internationally renowned ac- the high standards we strive for ers can test their racing skills (Thursday, Friday and Sat- well as kinetic sand, children will be able to create to family and friends. creditation bureaus.” every day.”

beIN showcases sub-brands at HIA

eIN Media Group has showcased two of its sub- brands at Hamad International Airport (HIA) in bDoha. In a statement, the Group has said beIN Cafe and beIN Shop feature among the “luxurious retail businesses in the departure area of the airport”. The beIN Cafe menu caters to a broad range of cus- tomers. The complete concept – from the design of the café to the menu inspiration – has been driven by the in- house beIN team, the statement notes. Using the slogan of “be in our world”, the café off ers live sports events and entertainment by showcasing its channels on 26 screens. beIN Cafe was launched at HIA in September 2016 as an extension to brand diversifi cation. The café celebrates athleticism, proper nourishment and positive energy, attributing to the variety of quality foods that are being off ered. beIN Cafe is open 24/7. Meanwhile, beIN Shop possesses a “wave of vibrancy and freshness and creative messages are the inspiration for the designs” available. The beIN Shop outlet was opened in early 2015 and of- fers a range of notable lifestyle items. “The vision of the shop is to make a diff erence in the world of lifestyle retail and its slogan is ‘be with us’,” the statement added. beIN Shop is also present at Villaggio.

beIN Cafe Gulf Times Tuesday, July 18, 2017 5 QATAR ‘Volvo Retail Experience’ outlet launched in Doha

oha Marketing Services Com- automotive sector,” said Faisal Sharif, VRE demonstrates a tastefully pany (Domasco), the distribu- managing director, Domasco. equipped living room that creates Dtor for Volvo in Qatar, has an- “The new showroom promises to an engaging home-like feel in line nounced the opening of the new Volvo welcome our customers in a com- with the ‘designed around you’ Retail Experience (VRE) showroom in pletely new relaxing and pleasing en- brand strategy. Doha. vironment while they explore Volvo’s Located on Khalifa Street near range of vehicles.” “The new showroom promises the National Mosque and the old TV The new VRE showroom off ers ac- to welcome our customers Roundabout, the new showroom “re- cessibility by “signalling a positive il- in a completely new fl ects Scandinavian-inspired values lustration of Volvo’s future”. Featuring relaxing and pleasing of calm, clean lines with ‘cool on the a balance between physical and dig- environment while they explore outside and warm on the inside’-style ital presentation, the showroom inte- Volvo’s range of vehicles” architecture”, according to a press grates the sales areas in an open and statement. holistic environment. The concept aims at enhancing The offi cial inauguration ceremony The glass facade complements the customers’ experience while fo- will be held in September and is to be design to draw attention and high- cusing on design quality and con- attended by senior management from light the iconic Volvo Cars range on temporary aesthetics that com- Volvo. display. plements Volvo’s loyalty to its “The VRE concept is a fi rm com- Launched in 2013, ‘Volvo Retail Scandinavian heritage. mitment from Domasco to its custom- Experience’ is a new retail concept The new Volvo VRE showroom is ers as well as a positive signal for the designed to be universally applied open Saturday to Thursday, from Off icials at the signing ceremony. brand’s bright future in the premium by 2020 at all Volvo’s dealership. 8am to 8pm. Aspire signs pact for interactive e-content

spire Academy and Aldoha Link director of Education and Student any time.” Al-Nuaimi, chairman of for Information Technology Aff airs at Aspire Academy, Jassem al- Aldoha Link for IT, added: “Aspire A(IT) have signed a new partner- Jaber, Aspire Academy’s school prin- Academy is one of the leading edu- ship agreement to develop online con- cipal, Saeed Ali al-Marri, Football Ad- cational and sports institutions in tent to elevate the learning experience ministration manager, Nasser Saeed the world, and we’re proud to part- of the academy’s student-athletes. Aleida, Procurement, Warehouse & ner with them. Our company seeks A press conference was held in this Contracts manager at Aspire Acad- to add value to the education field connection at the Aspire Dome yester- emy, and Hisham Mustafa, general in Qatar as per Qatar National Vi- day. manager of Aldoha Link for IT. sion 2030, which seeks to develop a Under the agreement, Aldoha Link Speaking at the signing ceremony, knowledge-based economy charac- for Information Technology (IT) will al-Hay said: “We’re very proud of terised by innovation, entrepreneur- develop e-content for Aspire Acad- this new partnership between us and ship and excellence in education.” emy, with an interactive interface to Aldoha Link for IT which will elevate The MoU is a testament to Aspire allow students to access the curricu- the educational experience of Aspire Academy’s “leading role in develop- lum and assignments as well as engage Academy’s student-athletes, and re- ing the young people of Qatar into in online discussions with peers and flect positively on the education sys- future leaders”, the statement noted. teachers, anywhere and at any time, tem in Qatar. “In particular, it highlights the according to a press statement. “Having an online interactive academy’s focus on producing well- A view of the interior of the showroom. The agreement was signed by Badr platform that extends beyond the rounded citizens both in terms of al-Hay, director of Education and Stu- conventional classroom setting is a academic and sporting achievement, dent Aff airs at Aspire Academy, and perfect education tool to match our and equipping young people with Hamad Rashed al-Nuaimi, chairman students’ way of learning and often- strong educational backgrounds that of Aldoha Link for IT. Also in attend- mobile lifestyle, helping them stay promote interactivity and innovation ance were Dr Ali al-Hitmi, deputy on top of their studies anywhere at within a safe learning environment.” Key role of sport psychology to inspire youth highlighted

ave the Dream, a global nonprofi t movement established by the SInternational Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) and Qatar Olympic Committee, recently hosted a special symposium at the 14th ISSP World Congress for Sport Psychology, it was announced. The event aims to bring together academics, leading international ath- letes, and practitioners to highlight the positive role that sports psychology can play in promoting sport values to young people around the world. As part of Save the Dream’s overall mission in promoting and protecting Participants and guests at the special symposium of the 14th ISSP World the values of sport in young people, Congress for Sport Psychology. the symposium aims to raise aware- ness about using sport psychology panel included the PsyTool project, the world through the power of sport and to engage and inspire young peo- which is currently being run by the values.” Save the Dream executive di- ple around the world through sport, European Union in collaboration with rector Massimiliano Montanari said: through inspirational stories from Save the Dream and other key stake- “As part of our ongoing commitment leading athletes and ambassadors. holders. to promoting and protecting the values The symposium featured Josefa Thaljieh said: “Sport has a unique of sport to young people around the Idem (Olympic gold medalist in kay- ability to shape and transform the lives world, Save the Dream and our grow- ak), Honey Thaljieh (fi rst Palestin- of young people around the world and ing movement of athletes, ambas- ian female football captain), Alhambra by collaborating with the sports psy- sadors, global partners, and chapters Nievas (the fi rst woman to be chosen chology community, sports and CSR are committed to actively identifying as the best rugby referee in the world programmes around the world can en- innovative ways to deliver our projects in 2016), and Arturo Casado (Spanish gage more young people and inspire and initiatives. middle-distance runner and former lasting change in society through sport. “This symposium provided an im- European 1,500m champion). “Through innovative social projects portant opportunity for athletes to The athletes identifi ed several ex- like PsyTools and by carrying out highlight with academics and prac- amples of ongoing sport-related pro- projects in the fi eld, organisations like titioners how sport psychology can grammes that successfully utilise the European Union, FIFA, and Save instil ethics in young athletes and we psychological tools to help shape and the Dream are making a real diff erence are delighted that Save the Dream has enhance communities and society. and proactively shaping the hearts and been acknowledged for the proactive One programme identifi ed by the minds of many young people around work it is doing in the fi eld.”

Ministries join hands for students’ voluntary work programme

The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Education and the mechanisms of the voluntary work programme. Higher Education have signed a memorandum of co-operation Staff Brigadier (Navy) Ali Ahmad al-Budaid, director general on the voluntary work programme for high school students, of the Coast and Borders’ Security Department, said that the QNA reported. memorandum of co-operation comes within the framework of The memorandum aims at encouraging volunteering and in- the public administration’s keenness to reach out to all parties vesting youth energies and adopting training at the Coast and concerned in the country and to promote the partnership in a Borders’ Security Department within the required volunteer way that benefits the people of Qatar and the students. hours and approved for high school students during the sum- He pointed out that the idea of the programme is to provide mer period. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education’s an environment for volunteer work for high school students, Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Aff airs, Fawzia al-Khat- to learn about the Coast and Borders’ Security Department er, praised the eff orts of the Ministry of Interior in co-operating through participation in the performance of some simple off ice with the Ministry of Education, and providing secondary school and technical work that suits their age. students with a period of training at the Coast and Borders’ He added that the department is opening its doors to receive Security Department. She added that the participation of the the students from the beginning of this summer and will iden- Ministry of the Interior through the Coast and Borders’ Security tify the functions of the administration that fit the capabilities of Department is a great opportunity and a very positive step for the participating students, which include off ice work, secretari- students to get acquainted with the functions and work of the al, computer, ship registration, archiving, workshops and ministry, and to gain skills and knowledge in accordance with maritime signs. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, July 18, 2017 REGION/ARAB WORLD EU curbs Libya Jordanian soldier gets life rubber dinghy sales in eff ort for killing three US trainers AFP clear to him who they were and Amman that they were American per- to stop migrants sonnel”. It said he had disobeyed orders by failing to follow rules Jordanian court yester- of engagement before open- AFP ya if there are “reasonable day sentenced a soldier ing fi re. The incident left three Brussels grounds” to suspect they will Ato life imprisonment over Americans dead and wounded a be used by people smugglers the killing of three American Jordanian soldier. and human traffi ckers. military trainers outside an army The King Faisal air base hosts he European Union yes- The restrictions will also base last year. trainers of various nationalities terday adopted limits on apply to such goods if they are The military court in Amman including Americans. Tthe export of infl atable transiting through the EU to found 39-year-old Maarik al- Jordan, which hosts some boats to Libya in a bid to make Libya — a move which would Tawaiha guilty of shooting the 2,200 American military per- it harder for smugglers to send in theory aff ect China where trainers as they waited to enter sonnel, is a key American ally migrants to Europe. many are manufactured. the King Faisal base at Al-Jafr in and a member of the US-led co- The decision by the foreign Fishermen and others who southern Jordan on November 4. alition fi ghting the Islamic State ministers of the 28 EU states, have legitimate reasons to use The charge sheet did not indi- group in neighbouring Syria and which also covers outboard the dinghies and motors will cate that he had any ties to mili- Iraq. motors, is the latest to help a still be able to import them, tant groups. US forces have trained a small chaotic and violence-torn Lib- the council said. US embassy staff and relatives group of vetted Syrian rebels in ya stem the fl ow of migrants to In practice, EU countries of the victims were present at Jordan, and American instruc- Italy, now the main route to could deny licences to import- yesterday’s hearing, which took tors have also trained Palestinian the bloc. “We took a decision export businesses suspected of place under heavy security. security forces inside the king- to introduce restrictions from supplying smugglers, accord- The court sentenced Tawaiha dom. today onwards on the export ing to EU sources. to “hard labour for life”, a term Tens of thousands of Iraqi, and supply to Libya of the in- The foreign ministers mean- that usually lasts 20 years but Yemeni and Libyan forces have fl atable boats and motors,” EU while extended until the end could stretch to a full lifetime, a likewise received training in Jor- foreign policy chief Federica of 2018 an EU mission to help judicial offi cial told an AFP cor- dan. Mogherini said. Libya re-establish eff ective respondent at the courthouse. In 2015, the United States said “These are devices are used controls mainly at its southern It also demoted him from it would increase overall US as- by traffi ckers for smuggling borders where sub-Saharan sergeant to second private and sistance to Jordan, which is activities. This decision we African migrants fi rst arrive. threw him out of military serv- hosting hundreds of thousands have taken on the European Libya is struggling to control ice. Maarik al-Tawaiha (centre) is led out of court following his trial, for the killing of three American military of refugees from the brutal war Union level will help make its long land borders with Su- The prosecution in June ac- trainers outside an army base last year, in Amman, yesterday. in Syria, from $660mn to $1bn their businesses and lives even dan, Chad and Niger. cused him of “voluntary man- annually for the period to 2017. more complicated,” the former In another bid to stop smug- slaughter” over the deaths had been in custody since No- hicles carrying the trainers ap- opened fi re on the cars carrying The Al-Jafr shootings came Italian foreign minister told gling, the EU has also trained of Matthew Lewellen, Kevin vember but denied the charges. proached the gate of the base. the American trainers because almost a year after a Jordanian reporters. 113 Libyan coast guard mem- McEnroe and James Moriarty. The court had heard evidence At that moment, there was “a he suspected an attack on the policeman gunned down two US An EU statement said there bers in the last few months and He was also charged with “in- from base guards and forensic low sound of gunfi re from a dis- base. instructors, a South African and will now be a legal basis to plans to train another 75 start- sulting the dignity and reputa- experts. tant and unknown source”. Ta- The court said he “fi red a full two Jordanians at a police train- block the supply of dinghies ing in September, Mogherini tion of the armed forces and vio- In its ruling, the court said the waiha, who was in a guard post magazine of ammunition...in- ing centre east of Amman, before and outboard motors to Lib- told reporters. lating military orders”. Tawaiha incident had happened when ve- at the gate, told the court he had tending to kill them after it was being gunned down. 15 Yemeni rebels, eight Air strikes pummel Raqqa as soldiers killed in clashes US-backed forces advance on IS AFP Red Sea coastline. Several soldiers were Aden wounded in the clashes, offi cials said. Warplanes from the Saudi-led coalition AFP fi erce defence against the SDF, in- backed government forces in the attacks, Raqqa cluding with car bombs, improved t least 15 Yemeni rebels and eight offi cials said. explosive devices, and weaponised soldiers were killed yesterday as The coalition mounted a military opera- commercial drones. Agovernment forces attacked insur- tion against the rebels in March 2015 as in- eavy bombardment and SDF fi ghters yesterday heard a gent positions in two areas in the south- surgents closed in on President Abd-Rab- fi erce fi ghting shook the light buzzing noise coming from west of the country, military offi cials said. bu Mansour Hadi in his southern refuge in HIslamic State group’s Syr- outside and began looking to the sky. Loyalists attacked Houthi rebels and Aden forcing him to fl ee to Riyadh. ian stronghold Raqqa yesterday, as “It’s a Daesh drone,” one militia- their allies, renegade troops loyal to ex- Government forces have since recap- US-backed forces said they cap- man warned. Progress inside Raqqa president Ali Abdullah Saleh, at Heess, on tured fi ve southern provinces, including tured a new neighbourhood from has also been hampered by extensive the road linking the city of Taez with Ho- the city of Aden, which has become a tem- entrenched militants. mining of neighbourhoods, with deida port, on the Red Sea coast, offi cials porary base for Hadi’s internationally rec- Bursts of gunfi re and artillery as devastating consequences for civil- said. ognised government. well as the thud of air strikes con- ians trying to fl ee. The attack aimed to block the road lead- Meanwhile, a suicide bomber rammed ducted by the US-led coalition fi lled “There have been many casual- ing to the rebel-held port, the offi cials said. yesterday an explosives-laden vehicle into the air in western neighbourhoods of ties, fi ghters and civilians, caused The second attack targeted rebels in Al- the gate of a military base in the district Raqqa, on what AFP’s correspond- by mines,” an SDF commander said, Hameli area, north of the port of Mokha, of Ain Bamaabad, in the southern Shabwa ent said was the heaviest day of without giving his name. which was recaptured by government forc- province, a security offi cial said. bombardment to date. “Yesterday, we buried six civilians es in February as part of a major ongoing The attack killed at least three soldiers, Thick pillars of black smoke dot- after a mine exploded as they were off ensive to drive rebels from the lengthy the offi cial added. ted the city skyline, lined with Heavy smoke billows following an air strike on the western frontline of Raqqa trying to escape.” bombed-out concrete homes and yesterday, during an off ensive by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces. The United Nations estimates the damaged minaret of a mosque. that up to 50,000 civilians remain “Our American friends are bomb- joint position with SDF fi ghters fi r- 50 kilometres north of Raqqa. trapped in Raqqa, down from some ing with mortars,” a fi ghter from the ing artillery in the direction of IS “We are taking steady and sound 100,000 people at the end of June. Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said posts deeper inside Raqqa. steps. What is important to us is not The SDF on its social media ac- after a string of blasts near the front The SDF has spent several months speed, but liberating civilians and counts said yesterday its forces line in western Raqqa. encircling Raqqa and fi rst broke into eliminating Daesh (IS),” she added. “managed to free about 500 civil- The SDF’s Kurdish and Arab fi ght- the northern city in early June. IS fi rst seized Raqqa in early 2014, ians who were trapped inside the ers have been pressing an operation Yesterday, it announced it had and the city has since become syn- Al-Daraiya and Al-Tayar neighbour- to capture the militant stronghold captured Al-Yarmuk, a large neigh- onymous with the group’s most hoods, as well as 150 others from the since last year with coalition air bourhood on the southwestern out- gruesome atrocities. Old City” in Raqqa. support and the backing of a US Ma- skirts of the city. It carried out brutal public be- The Syrian Observatory for Hu- rines artillery battery. “The Al-Yarmuk district was lib- headings and is thought to have used man Rights said hundreds of civil- An AFP reporter in Jazra suburb erated yesterday,” the SDF’s spokes- Raqqa as a hub for planning attacks ians had fl ed IS-held parts of the city on the western outskirts of the city woman for the Raqqa operation, Ji- overseas. in the past 48 hours towards areas yesterday saw coalition forces at a han Sheikh Ahmed, said in Ain Issa, The militants are putting up a now controlled by the SDF.

UNREST Roadside blast leaves five cops dead in Sinai Five Egyptian policemen were killed and six wounded yester- day by two roadside explosions in the restive Sinai Peninsula, security sources told Reuters. The five policemen were killed in the city of Arish, the capital of North Sinai province, when their armoured vehicle drove past a roadside bomb, the sources said. Three others were wounded. Another armoured vehicle rushed to the scene only for a second roadside bomb to go off , injuring three policemen. Militants planted the explosives and detonated them remotely as the vehicles drove by, the sources said. An Interior Ministry off icial confirmed the deaths to the state news agency. There was no immediate claim of re- sponsibility but Egypt faces an insurgency led by Islamic State in North Sinai, where hundreds of soldiers and police have been killed since 2013, when the military ousted president Mohamed Mursi. Gulf Times Tuesday, July 18, 2017 7 AFRICA

TURF WAR MONKEYING AROUND ACCIDENT PUBLIC APPEARANCE INFLUENCE PEDDLING Uber driver succumbs after Baboon causes power cut Cameroon military boat Detained Eritrea Orthodox DA to sue German software car torched in South Africa in Zambian tourist town sinks, many still missing ex-leader appears at Mass maker in corruption battle

A South African Uber driver, whose car was torched A baboon plunged a Zambian tourist town More than 30 people are missing after a boat The former head of Eritrea’s Orthodox church South Africa’s opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) five weeks ago, died of his injuries yesterday, the into darkness on Sunday after tampering with belonging to an elite Cameroonian military unit made his first public appearance on Sunday said yesterday it would file a criminal complaint company said, after an attack allegedly involving equipment at a hydro-electric power station. The sank off the coast on Sunday, the president’s since being put under house arrest a decade ago. against German software giant SAP over allegations rival metre-taxi drivers. The man was parked on 108 megawatt power station in Livingstone, a off ice said in Douala. The logistics boat London-based Christian Solidarity Worldwide of corruption involving friends of President Jacob a street in the capital Pretoria at night when his hub for tourists visiting nearby Victoria Falls, is belonging to the Rapid Intervention Brigade (CSW) said in a statement yesterday that former Zuma. SAP, Europe’s top technology company, last vehicle was set alight and he suff ered severe burns, close to a national park but it is rare for animals was carrying 37 people when it capsized early patriarch Abune Antonios took part in a mass at week put four senior managers in South Africa on Uber Africa said in a statement. The company to wander into the plant. Zesco Ltd, which owns Sunday morning, the presidency said in a a cathedral in the Eritrean capital Asmara. The leave and opened an investigation into reports that said the attackers were unknown, but it pointed the power station, said the baboon disturbed a statement. Three soldiers were rescued but 90-year-old was stripped of his role as head of dragged the company into an escalating influence- to the metre-taxi business that has suff ered due high voltage transformer leaving about 40,000 34 passengers are still unaccounted for, the the Orthodox church in 2006 after he refused to peddling scandal. Media reported last week that to competition from the ride-hailing app. Police customers without electricity for five hours. statement said. The accident, at the northern excommunicate 3,000 government opponents. SAP paid kickbacks to CAD House, a firm partly declined to comment, while an action group of “The baboon suff ered an electric shock and was end of the coast near the village of Debunsha, is “It is encouraging to hear that Patriarch Antonios owned by the politically connected Gupta family Uber drivers told local news website enca.com taken to wildlife off icers for treatment,” Zesco believed to have been caused by rough waters was able to participate in Mass,” CSW’s chief and Zuma’s son Duduzane. The payments allegedly that the victim was targeted in a “turf war between spokesman Henry Kapata said, adding that the but investigations are underway to learn more, executive Mervyn Thomas said. It remains unclear helped SAP clinch a deal worth 1bn rand ($76mn) Uber and meter-taxi drivers”. animal was fortunate to survive. it added. if his appearance means his house arrest is over. with rail and logistics company Transnet. Kenyatta 8 dead in vows to Nigeria crush Shebaab

Reuters suicide Nairobi enya will use “deadly force” against suspected Islamist mili- Ktants, President Uhuru Kenyatta A Somali Optical Networks (SOON) technician checks a satellite dish at their headquarters in Mogadishu. said yesterday as he campaigned for re- election in Lamu, one of the regions that has borne the brunt of militant violence. bombing In the latest attack, suspected mem- bers of Somalia’s Al Shebaab took a senior AFP captured territory due to a sustained Somalis celebrate restored Internet government offi cial and fi ve other people Maiduguri military counter-insurgency. hostage in Lamu last Thursday. Two people Maiduguri has been repeatedly died in a rescue operation by Kenyan forces. attacked in recent months, with connections after weeks of outage “We shall bury them. Fire must be met ight people were killed yes- mosques, markets, camps for those with fi re,” Kenyatta said at a campaign terday when a female suicide displaced by the confl ict and other ci- rally, according to his press service. Ebomber detonated her explo- vilian “soft” targets hit regularly. Reuters told state radio it cost the equivalent strict interpretation of Shariah. “Our citizens are losing their lives. Our sives at a mosque in northeast Ni- Boko Haram meanwhile released a Mogadishu of about $10mn in daily economic Nur Bile, a police offi cer, said the security forces are losing their lives. My geria, in the latest attack in the restive video online showing 10 women who output. number of reported attacks by She- principal secretary was wounded here a region. they claimed to have kidnapped last Information Minister Abdirah- baab had dropped during the outage, few days ago... I have no apologies to make The head of the Borno state emer- month during an attack on a convoy. omalia has restored its Inter- man Omar Osman apologised to cit- accusing the group of using the web in taking the tough measures we are tak- gency management agency, Ahmed On June 20, the extremists a convoy net connection after repair- izens last week for the outage, which to publicise its attacks and spread its ing,” he said. Kenyatta is facing a stiff chal- Satomi, said the blast happened at of vehicles under police escort head- Sing a severed undersea cable, a hit all landline and mobile users ideology. lenge from opposition leader Raila Odinga. about 5.30am in the London Ciki area ing towards the town of Damboa on a telecoms offi cial said yesterday, after apart from those with access to pri- “There were almost no blasts in High food prices worries most voters of Maiduguri, which has been at the highway outside Maiduguri. an outage that the government said vate satellite connections, and called Mogadishu during the outage. She- more than militant attacks, but security epicentre of Boko Haram violence Initially local news reports said that had cost the economy millions of for them to have back-up plans. baab launches the attacks and the could be the issue for voters in the remote since 2009. 16 policewomen had been abducted in dollars a day. “We urge Internet companies to media spreads the news on the In- regions bordering Somalia. “She killed eight people and in- the ambush. But police offi cials de- However, a police offi cer said have a backup so that people do not ternet,” Bile said. Last week, the Kenya military said it jured 15 others. The mosque was be- nied the reports, insisting only a po- attacks by Islamist militants had suff er another outage in the future,” He said the police had yesterday had conducted air strikes on Lamu’s Boni ing guarded by civilian JTF (joint task liceman was killed in the attack. dropped during the outage that last- he told Reuters. uncovered three bombs planted in forest after the string of attacks blamed force militia) during prayers,” he told In the fi ve-minute video, 10 women ed more than three weeks. Somalia’s economy is picking up vehicles in the Mogadishu. on the militants in the area. AFP. of varying ages sit on the ground in an “The Internet is now back and slowly after the army and an African The militants were not available Shebaab is fi ghting to topple Somalia’s “Unknown to them, the girl was be- undisclosed bush location surround- clients are using it,” said Adnan Ali, Union peacekeeping force helped immediately to comment. Western-backed government and estab- ing pursued from another part of town ed by lush vegetation. the media director for Hormuud Tel- drive Islamist group Shebaab out of Residents said the resumption of lish its own rule, based on the group’s strict by residents who were suspicious of “On behalf of all of us...I plead with ecom, the country’s top operator. Mogadishu and other strongholds. Internet access was welcome news. interpretation of Shariah. Its members her movement at the time. the Nigerian government to intervene Businesses had to close or im- Shebaab wants to topple the “I have the chance to communi- frequently launch attacks in Kenya, which “When she approached the so that we are freed the way the Chi- provise to remain open during the Western-backed government and cate with my lost friends and rela- they say are intended to force the country to mosque, they demanded that she bok schoolgirls were freed,” said one shutdown and the telecoms minister rule the country according to its tives,” said 25-year old Aden Ismail. withdraw its troops from Somalia. stop to be searched but she suddenly of the hostages, who gave her name as bolted into the mosque and set off her Amina Adam Gombiya. bombs.” Gombiya said she was a teacher Bodies of 8 Malian troops found Mandela ambulance ‘caught fi re’, his surgeon reveals Three other female suicide bomb- at the Federal College of Freshwater ers were located in Maiduguri at about Fisheries in the town of Baga on the An ambulance carrying South tal in Pretoria in June 2013 when ambulance to complete the the same time, said Satomi. shores of Lake Chad. he bodies of eight parliament from Menaka. Africa’s first democratically smoke began billowing from the journey. Two were killed in the Mammanti In May, Nigeria secured the release Malian soldiers “They were encircled by elected president Nelson Man- ambulance carrying the former Ramlakan also revealed that area as they tried to cross the ditch of 82 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Tkilled in an am- the militants.” dela caught fire as it was rushing liberation leader. shortly after Mandela’s death at around the city perimeter while an- Haram from the remote town of Chi- bush by suspected Is- A senior army of- him to hospital, his doctor “A pall of black smoke the age of 95 in December 2013 other set off her explosives in the sub- bok in a prisoner swap deal. lamist fi ghters last week fi cer, who asked not to be revealed in a book published enveloped the ambulance as it following a prolonged respira- urb of Simari, he added. The militants seized 276 schoolgirls have been discovered in named, said a team sent to yesterday. slowed to a halt in the fast lane tory infection, a spy camera was Borno state police commissioner from the town in Borno state in April the West African nation’s the scene had been able to The incident is one of several of the freeway,” Ramlakan wrote found in the morgue where his Damian Chukwu said the fi rst two 2014, triggering global condemnation desert north, a local law- identify the bodies as those bizarre episodes contained in the in his book. body was held. were killed shortly before midnight and drawing attention to the bloody maker and army offi cer of the missing soldiers. book chronicling Mandela’s final “I lifted my focus from the “I found this a symptom of while the third was intercepted short- insurgency. Fifty-seven escaped in said yesterday. They were buried where years by Vejay Ramlakan, who section of road in the headlights the lunacy of persons whose ly after. the immediate aftermath. Of the 219 The soldiers went miss- they were found, he said. was South Africa’s surgeon gen- to glance ahead and saw what unfettered curiosity was most It is the second time in a week that who did not manage to fl ee, 106 have ing a week ago after their Malian soldiers are reg- eral and the former president’s appeared to be a vehicle on barbaric,” he wrote. four female suicide bombers have either been released or found, leaving convoy was attacked on ularly targeted in attacks physician until his death in 2013. fire....This was awful. Madiba in In 2011, three spy cameras sought to cause carnage in Maiduguri. 113 still missing. the road between the by Islamist groups, some The book Mandela’s Last an ambulance on fire,” added filming the Mandela household Last Monday, at least 19 people Thousands of civilians have been towns of Gao and Menaka. of them with links to Al Years was released ahead of Ramlakan, using Mandela’s clan and family cemetery were were killed and 23 others injured when abducted since the insurgency began “They were killed in Qaeda. Mandela Day today, an annual name. also discovered near Qunu, four women set off their bombs in the in 2009. the fi ghting last week... Islamist fi ghters seized day to honour his memory. Despite the fears of Mandela’s Mandela’s birth village in South Molai Kolemari area of the city. The militants use women and There are eight of them. northern Mali in 2012 be- Ramlakan was accompanying medical team, their patient was Africa’s Eastern Cape region, Boko Haram has increasingly used young girls as sex slaves and suicide I have two nephews who fore they were driven back Mandela from his Johannesburg unharmed and after 30 minutes 450km southwest of Durban, women and young girls as human bombers, while men and boys are re- were killed,” said Badian by a French-led military home to a specialist heart hospi- was transferred to a backup Ramlakan wrote. bombs as they have been forced out of cruited as fi ghters. Ag Hamatou, a member of intervention a year later.

Drawn by wildebeest, tourists pour into Kenya despite possible election violence

By Duncan Miriri, Reuters the back of most tourists’ minds. year and though they have been Nairobi “We are having a near full capac- criss-crossing the country in ro- ity in terms of business through the bust and colourful campaigns, their months of July and August,” said supporters have generally remained ourists to Kenya are shrug- Kenya Tourism Board communica- calm, with only isolated incidents of ging off fears of potential tions manager Wausi Walya. unrest reported. Tviolence during elections in Mahmud Janmohamed, chief “So far we have carried ourselves August, pouring into the East Afri- executive of TPS Eastern Africa, in a respectable and civilised man- can country in droves for a chance which operates a safari lodge with ner,” said Mohamed Hersi, chair- of seeing the annual wildebeest mi- views of the migration route, said man of the Kenya Tourism Federa- gration in the Maasai Mara. bookings for this month were simi- tion (KTF), an umbrella association Tour operators and hoteliers are lar to last year and slightly up in Au- of hoteliers, tour operators and air- reporting near full capacity, in large gust. lines. part because of safari-lovers hoping “We haven’t witnessed any can- Federation members were report- to see the hundreds of thousands cellations or any challenges,” he ing healthy bookings, with inland of wildebeest that run the gauntlet said, saying nervousness over the safaris faring particularly well. of hungry crocodiles as they cross poll was being balanced by expec- “I would comfortably say we are the Mara river in search of greener tations that any electoral disputes 20% to 25% higher than last year,” pastures on the Kenya-Tanzania could be resolved in court, not in said Hersi, who has operated top border. the streets. hotels at the coast for more than two Elections, often a fraught and Opposition leader Raila Odinga, decades. tense occasions in Kenya, are being whose rejection of the outcome of However, tour operators are not held on August 8. the 2007 poll sparked serious ethnic being complacent. But the chance of seeing the clashes, also challenged the election “If we start hitting the news wildebeest in their splendour has of President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2013 headlines for the wrong reasons, pushed concerns about a repetition but accepted the court’s decision to then they will cancel. But so far, Wildebeests cross the Mara river during their migration to the greener pastures, between the Maasai Mara game reserve and the open of post-election violence in 2008, uphold the result. they don’t care if you hold elections plains of the Serengeti in this August 16, 2016 file photo. when 1,200 people were killed, to The pair are facing off again this or whether you don’t,” Hersi said. Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, July 18, 2017 AMERICA Woman Made in America shot by police offi cer

Reuters company in Minneapolis, ac- Minnesota cording to her personal website. US and Australian media gave her age as 40. In a state- ffi cials in Minnesota ment given to media in Sydney, yesterday were investi- family friend Julie Reed said the Ogating why an Austral- couple had been due to marry. ian woman was shot and killed Zach Damond, who had al- over the weekend by a police ready taken to calling his fa- offi cer responding to a call the ther’s future bride “mom”, told woman made about a distur- the Minneapolis Star Tribune bance outside her home. she called the police because US-made products from all 50 states including an iconic Yellow Iron from Caterpillar Inc are on display on the South Lawn of the White House as part of a Made in America The mayor of Minneapolis she heard a sound in the alley product showcase event in Washington. called for a probe of why of- outside her house. fi cers involved in the incident, “Basically, my mom’s dead which occurred around mid- because a police offi cer shot night Saturday, were not us- her for reasons I don’t know,” ing the body cameras they are the newspaper quoted him as equipped with during the in- saying. “I demand answers.” cident that led to the death of The Star Tribune quoted Justine Damond, from Sydney. three sources which it did not Restaurant workers seek ban on Mayor Betsy Hodges said she name as saying Damond was was “heartsick and deeply dis- in her pajamas when a police turbed” by the shooting, after car responding to her 911 call hundreds of people took to the pulled into the alley. streets to decry the death. She approached the driver’s surprise scheduling by employers “I have a lot of questions side of the vehicle and was about why the body cameras then shot through the door, the weren’t on, questions that I newspaper said. Reuters ers to allow 11-hour breaks between shifts, ing workers entry-level opportunities, not looking at those labour budgets,” she said. hope and anticipate will be an- In Sydney, members of the New York off er part-time staff additional work be- living wages, fast-food restaurants need “So, that puts enormous pressure on swered in the next few days,” victim’s family said they were fore hiring new employees, and pay retail fl exible scheduling to survive, said indus- managers to really keep close track of how the mayor told a news confer- trying to come to terms with workers to be “on call”. It takes eff ect late try advocate Louis Meyer, who runs fast- many hours you’re using and how sales are ence on Sunday night. the tragedy. he text message came as Flavia Ca- this year. McDonald’s Corp did not re- food operations at New Jersey-based Briad going.” The state Bureau of Criminal Mayor Hodges and police bral walked to a McDonald’s res- spond to a request for comment. Group. Some use sophisticated “workforce Apprehension said it was at- said the Bureau of Criminal Ttaurant in Manhattan for her 6pm Nationwide, the issue of scheduling is “There’s no way you can stay in busi- optimisation systems” to analyse sales, tempting to determine whether Apprehension, which is han- shift on a May evening. It was from her becoming a new battleground in the fi ght ness,” said Meyer, whose company em- weather and other factors to determine any video of the shooting ex- dling the investigation, would manager. Business was slow and she was to boost living standards for low-paid ploys 1,000 workers at about two dozen how few workers they need to remain prof- ists. release further information as not needed. workers, waged largely by the ‘Fight for franchised Wendy’s and TGI Friday’s in itable at a given moment, Lambert said. Damond, also known as Justine soon as possible. Cabral said she was not too surprised. $15’ movement. New York. “It’s like having a disease. It’s Although fl uctuating schedules aff ect Ruszczyk, had taken the name of Both offi cers who responded Her work hours fl uctuate almost weekly, The fi ve-year-old, union-backed ini- going to get you sooner or later.” mostly lower paid workers, it is a man- her American fi ance Don. to the 911 call have been placed though losing an entire shift at the last tiative has already helped convince many Workers at McDonald’s, whose restau- agement strategy that is starting to aff ect She had originally studied to on administrative leave, the minute happens only once every few jurisdictions, including New York state, to rants are mostly franchised, said weekly higher paid jobs as well, as companies seek be a veterinarian but owned a Star Tribune quoted police as months. raise minimum wages. schedules are usually posted a day or two to transfer the risk of unsteady revenue to meditation and life-coaching saying. This time the cancelled shift took a $63 In Oregon, a bill that would set regular before they take eff ect. their employees. bite out of her average $350 gross weekly scheduling for workers at large food serv- Still, they say they are often told at The New York City scheduling law was earnings from two part-time jobs. ice, hospitality and retail companies is the last minute not to come to work or to passed with strong support from unions, “Every week you’re guessing how much awaiting the governor’s signature. Similar punch out early. including Local 32BJ of the Service Em- money you’re going to get and how many bills are pending in fi ve other states. “You could only have been on the clock ployees International Union, even though days you’re going to work,” said Cabral, 53, Not only do fl uctuating schedules wreak for two hours and they’ll tell you to go almost all fast-food workers are not un- who has been employed at McDonald’s for havoc with tight household budgets, they home,” said Ashley Bruce, 22, who has ionised. four years. But a measure of relief is com- make it diffi cult to make appointments, worked for four years at a McDonald’s on But Local 32BJ President Hector Figuer- ing for Cabral and 65,000 other New York arrange child care and plan family time, Chicago’s South Side. oa said winning scheduling rights for fast- City fast-food workers whose schedules workers point out. The Chicago City Council is considering food workers also helps his union’s 90,000 and incomes often change with little or no The restaurant industry vigorously op- a scheduling bill that would cover 450,000 building service workers. notice. posed the New York City law. hourly workers. “Our members enjoy these rights under New York recently became the largest Combined with higher minimum wag- Variable scheduling began cropping up the contract,” he said. “But if other work- US city to require fast-food restaurants to es, scheduling requirements will eventu- in the 1970s as companies sought to maxi- ers don’t enjoy them, it’s just a matter of schedule workers at least two weeks in ad- ally cripple some fast-food outlets, which mize profi ts to better attract investors, time for an employer in a building or in a vance, or pay them extra for changes. mostly operate on thin profi t margins of according to University of Chicago Asso- cleaning company to say, ‘Wait a minute, The law, which the restaurant industry 1.5% to 3%, it says. ciate Professor Susan Lambert, who stud- why do you guys need advance notice of Justine Damond, from Sydney, in a 2015 photo. vigorously opposed, also requires employ- With a business model based on off er- ies scheduling practices. “They’re really scheduling?’”

Visas provided for 15,000 temporary workers

Reuters increase to the congressionally set inflation — with average hourly tions that wages will keep ris- Washington annual cap,” Kelly said in a state- earnings disappointingly up less ing over the next three months ment. than 0.2% in June — something rose only three points, also to 47 A growing share of US employers that has puzzled policymakers at %. Half of firms reported gains in he US government is allow- are struggling to hire new work- the Federal Reserve, although it sales, up from 45% in April. ing 15,000 additional visas ers and some have raised wages has not yet prompted them to alter About 60% of respondents said Tfor temporary seasonal work- as a result, according to a survey their course of gradual interest rate they expected GDP to expand by ers to help American businesses in released yesterday. The National increases. more than 2% over the next four danger of suff ering irreparable harm Association of Business Econo- “Slightly over one third of panel- quarters, but the share foreseeing because of a lack of such employees, mists said its quarterly survey lists reports that their fi rms have ex- growth under 2% rose eight points the Department of Homeland Secu- showed members were a little less perienced some diffi culty in hiring,” to 38%. Kolinski, chief economist rity said yesterday. sanguine about the prospects for NABE survey chair Emily Kolinski at Ford Motor Company, said firms Secretary of Homeland Security strong economic expansion over said in a statement. have not changed course on hiring John Kelly found after consulting the next year, although most still The survey of 101 NABE members and investment decisions based with US Labor Secretary Alexander expect sustained quarterly growth showed rising sales, profi ts, hiring on any hope of stimulus from the Acosta that there were not enough of better than 2%. and capital spending. Trump administration, which has qualifi ed and willing US workers With unemployment already However, “Pricing power — or vowed to slash taxes and regula- available to perform temporary non- very low, anecdotal reports indicate lack of it — and labour costs are tion. agricultural work, the department employers around the country are generating some headwinds for a And just 12% said it was likely said in a statement. struggling to fi ll open positions and signifi cant number of fi rms,” she they would revisit long-term strat- “As a demonstration of the ad- have been obliged to boost compen- said. egies in light of President Donald ministration’s commitment to sation to lure in new candidates. The share of firms reporting in- Trump’s decision to withdraw from supporting American businesses, But official figures show only creased wages rose eight points the 2015 Paris Climate accord, while DHS is providing this one-time sluggish wage growth and weak from April to 47%. But expecta- 50% said this was unlikely.

Father of the zombie movie Romero dead at 77

AFP one of his all-time favourite fi lms”. tempting to survive an attack by re- director admitted he was himself Washington “He died peacefully in his sleep, animated corpses. infl uenced by Richard Matheson’s following a brief but aggressive bat- Some fi lm scholars later suggested 1954 novel I Am Legend. tle with lung cancer, and leaves be- it was a subversive critique of US so- Night of the Living Dead was added S fi lmmaker George A Rome- hind a loving family, many friends, ciety during the 1960s, while its gory by the Library of Congress in 1999 to ro, whose 1968 cult clas- and a fi lmmaking legacy that has en- realism was reminiscent of footage its National Film Registry for works Usic Night of the Living Dead dured, and will continue to endure, from the Vietnam war that was air- considered “culturally, historically, spawned the zombie movie genre, the test of time,” Chris Roe added in ing on American TV at the time. or aesthetically signifi cant.” died on Sunday aged 77. a brief statement. The fi lm went on to gross over Other notable works include Tributes poured in from Holly- Shot in black-and-white on a $30mn worldwide, and led to fi ve 1981’s Knightriders, about a travel- wood and beyond for the legendary budget of just over $100,000, Night sequels including Dawn of the Dead ling medieval re-enactment troupe director who according to his man- of the Living Dead daringly featured and Day of the Dead — inspiring an that jousts on motorcycles, and ager Chris Roe passed away “listen- black actor Duane Jones as its lead in entire genre that remains a Holly- 1982’s horror anthology Creepshow ing to the score of The Quiet Man, a script about a group of people at- wood staple to this day, though the written by author Stephen King. Gulf Times Tuesday, July 18, 2017 9 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

RIGHT TRACK MENTAL ILLNESS SAFETY NET MEDICAL PROWESS New Kuala Lumpur train line 2 people knifed to death at Skier in dramatic rescue Myanmar doctors separate opens with half-price tickets Walmart in south China from New Zealand volcano conjoined toddlers

Kuala Lumpur yesterday launched the second Two people were killed and nine others were A skier was found alive in a deep snow drift Two conjoined Myanmar toddlers have been phase of its mass rapid transit (MRT) train system, injured in a knife attack at a Walmart store in early yesterday after getting lost at a popular separated in a rare operation at a children’s hospital which is expected to carry 400,000 passengers southern China. A man used a kitchen knife ski field in New Zealand, police said. The women in the commercial capital of Yangon, doctors said daily. Prime Minister Najib Razak announced a cut of to stab several people at a Walmart store in had phoned a friend on Sunday afternoon yesterday. The 2-year-old boys, from Shan state, 50% on fares on all the city’s train lines from today the metropolis of Shenzhen on Sunday night, saying she was struggling to find her way were born joined at the navel, according to a report until the end of August, independent news portal authorities said, according to Xinhua news back to the Turoa ski field on Mount Ruapehu, in state media. They underwent surgery on Sunday Malaysiakini reported. The fare cut is in celebration agency. Police caught the suspect, who is a Constable Conrad Smith said. “The pair and will spend the next month recovering on the of Malaysia’s 60th national day on August 31. The 30-year-old unemployed man from the south- arranged to meet but the skier never arrived.” ward. “This is an achievement for our medical lab,” new 51km Sungai Buloh — Kajang line will cater to western city of Chongqing. He became a migrant She was spotted by one of the ski patrols in a Dr Su Su Dwe, medical superintendent at Yangon’s Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak (right) 1.2mn residents, the Malay Mail reported online. worker in 2014, but his family said they had lost steep gully in the bush line below the ski field. Children Hospital, told DPA. Myanmar surgeons and Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid The train line is estimated to reduce congestion on contact with him a year later and that he had Despite gusting wind and clouds a helicopter are only known to have performed a handful of Hamidi arrive at Kajang station for the off icial Kuala Lumpur’s roads by 160,000 vehicles per day, a mental illness, Xinhua said. China has a tight managed to lower one team member who then operations on conjoined twins. In March, two baby launch of the MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang rail line Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh control on firearms, so attackers generally use waded through chest deep snow drifts to help brothers fused at the pelvis were separated in in Kuala Lumpur. Said Keruak posted on his blog. knives or home-made bombs. the woman to a safe location. Mandalay, but one died a few days after surgery.

Graft buster slams Australia mulls military ‘unhealthy’ China political culture

Reuters response to terror attacks Beijing

Reuters hina’s top graft-buster yesterday launched a Sydney scathing attack on the ruling Communist Party’s Cmembers, writing that party political culture re- mained “unhealthy” and governance weak even after fi ve ustralia’s military will be years of renewed eff ort to fi ght the problem. more readily deployed to The comments by Wang Qishan, who runs the party’s Arespond to “terrorist inci- anti-corruption watchdog, came after sources said a dents” on home soil under pro- senior offi cial who was considered a contender for pro- posed changes to laws announced motion at autumn’s key party congress is being investi- yesterday by the government. gated for “discipline violations”. Australian Prime Minister Mal- Wang said the anti-graft inspections that have begun colm Turnbull said state and terri- since President Xi Jinping took offi ce fi ve years ago rou- tory police forces would remain as tinely discovered the same problems. the fi rst response to such incidents, “All of the issues discovered during the inspections re- but the military would off er support fl ect the weakening of party leadership, shortcomings in to enhance their capabilities. party building and insuffi cient eff orts to strictly enforce Under the proposed law chang- party discipline,” Wang wrote in the party’s offi cial Peo- es, state and territory governments ple’s Daily. would be able to call for military “Party concepts are faint, organisation is lax and dis- help at any time after a “terror in- cipline fl abby. The root is in the party’s internal political cident” has been declared. life being not serious and unhealthy,” he said. Previously, the military could As head of the Central Commission for Discipline In- only be called upon once police spection (CCDI), Wang has been the chief enforcer of Xi’s concluded they could no longer pervasive anti-corruption drive and is widely considered deal with an incident. as the party’s most powerful man after Xi. Turnbull said future attacks Despite an unwritten retirement age rule suggesting would likely remain the responsi- he should step down at this autumn’s party congress, bility of the police but the military Wang, who turns 69 this month, could be kept on by Xi could also assist in incidents such as head of a new National Supervisory Commission that as a central Sydney cafe siege in will combine the powers of several graft-fi ghting bodies, December 2014 in which two hos- sources with ties to the leadership have told Reuters. tages were killed. Wang said in his People’s Daily piece the fi ght against A coronial inquiry found in May corruption would remain “a long process”. that police failed to respond quick- Critics of Xi’s anti-corruption campaign have long ac- ly enough to end the 16-hour siege, cused it of being an instrument to sideline political rivals. which has been described as Aus- Sun Zhengcai, the Chongqing party boss abruptly re- tralia’s deadliest incident inspired moved from offi ce on Saturday, had been seen as a poten- by Islamic State extremists. tial candidate for elevation at the autumn congress and The gunman, who was killed as a possible future premier, but his star had waned since by police, had no direct ties to the Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull talks with Special Operations Command soldiers during a visit to the Australian Army’s Holsworthy coming under criticism from the anti-corruption watch- militant group. Barracks located in western Sydney. dog. “In the current threat environ- The government has yet to say what has happened to ment, it is most likely that a ter- ties to resolve complex terrorist in- Australian police have since two largest cities, Sydney and Mel- Michael Keenan told the Austral- Sun. rorist attack will use simple meth- cidents, especially protracted sieg- changed tactics to become ready bourne, to guard against possible ian Broadcasting Corp on Monday. Sources with ties to the leadership and foreign diplo- odologies, a knife, a gun, a vehicle, es or hostage situations,” he said. to end cases of potential hostage- vehicle attacks such as those seen Australia is a staunch US ally and mats say Sun has been out of favour after the CCDI criti- and the attack itself could be over The Sydney cafe siege and a taking more quickly, and to shoot recently in Europe and the United has sent troops to fi ght in Afghani- cised Chongqing authorities in February for not doing in minutes,” Turnbull told report- series of other “lone wolf” at- suspects in “terrorist-related” in- States. stan and Iraq. enough to root out lingering “poisonous” infl uence from ers in Sydney. tacks have thrown police tactics, cidents. “The key thing we need is the It has also been on heightened a disgraced predecessor, Bo Xilai. “In worse case scenarios, the and Australia’s overall response to In June, police also began in- most fl exible possible arrange- alert for attacks by home-grown Bo was once himself a contender for top leadership be- ADF (Australian Defence Force) potential security incidents, into stalling concrete bollards in pedes- ments — the threat’s changed very militants returning from fi ghting fore being jailed for life in 2013 in a dramatic corruption has a range of specialist capabili- sharp focus. trian thoroughfares in Australia’s signifi cantly,” Justice Minister in the Middle East. scandal. Xi’s crackdown on corruption has seen dozens of sen- ior offi cials jailed, reaching right into the upper echelons of the party. Xi has warned, like others before him, that the problem is so serious it could aff ect the party’s grip on power. Myanmar denies having any ties with North Korean regime Wang agreed with that assessment in his article. “The greatest challenge to our party ruling for a long time and ruling fully is eff ective supervision,” he wrote. Reuters Singapore over the weekend fo- Myanmar what Yun would discuss, eff orts have increased after its July man rights, was known to have ties Exposing problems shows the party’s confi dence in Yangon cusing on tension on the Korean Kyaw Zeya, permanent secretary at 4 ballistic missile test. to North Korea, which included facing them, Wang said. peninsula over the North’s unre- Myanmar’s Ministry of Foreign Af- Myanmar’s Commander in Chief sending missile experts and mate- “Putting out there the problems that objectively exist lenting nuclear and missile pro- fairs, told Reuters before the meet- Senior General Min Aung Hlaing rial for arms production to Myan- shows a high level of self-confi dence and staunch focus, yanmar has no military grammes. ings. “They are not very specifi c issued a statement after the meet- mar. winning over the faith, trust and confi dence of the people ties with North Korea, Ambassador Joseph Yun’s trip from the very beginning but we ing with Yun but did not directly Myanmar insists that arms deals in the party’s centre,” he wrote, referring to the party’s Ma Myanmar offi cial said to Asia was announced after North understand he is the special envoy address Myanmar’s relations with and other military relations with top leadership. yesterday as a US diplomat re- Korea’s test on July 4 of on inter- on North Korea,” Kyaw Zeya told North Korea. North Korea stopped before its The crackdown has not just been focused on issues like sponsible for North Korea arrived continental ballistic missile that it Reuters. “We only have friend countries, transition to a nominally civilian bribery and using public money to fund lavish lifestyles. for talks in which he was likely to says can carry a large nuclear war- Myanmar was complying with there is no enemy country for us,” government in 2011. It has also taken aim at those whose political loyalty is seek assurances on eff orts to iso- head and some experts believe has UN resolutions on North Korea, Min Aung Hlaing was quoted as Nobel laureate Suu Kyi took found lacking or who express doubt in public about party late it. the range to reach Alaska. he said. “It’s normal relations be- saying, adding that he wished to power last year amid a transition policies. Ambassador Joseph Yun met Myanmar is the only other stop tween the two countries,” said see a nuclear-free Korean penin- from full military rule. Wang said some party members practised “political Myanmar’s State Counsellor Aung on his trip, pointing to concern in Kyaw Zeya. “As I understand, sula and have good relations with But the military could still have nihilism”, casting aside their beliefs, while others were San Suu Kyi and the military’s Washington that Myanmar’s army, there’s no such relations between militaries all over the world. “a few residual pockets” with links guilty of “phoney politics”, seeing the word of the leader- commander in chief in the capital, which used to have ties with North military to military. Defi nitely not.” Myanmar’s former ruling junta, to North Korea, the then top US ship as nothing more than slogans. Naypyitaw, their offi ces said yes- Korea, continues to give succour to The United States in May asked which, like North Korea, was also diplomat for East Asia, Daniel Rus- The party has long said it alone can deal with corrup- terday. Kim Jong-il’s regime. Southeast Asian countries to do widely shunned by the outside sel, told a congressional hearing in tion, dismissing any calls for an independent body sepa- Yun attended a conference in The United States did not inform more to isolate North Korea, and world over its suppression of hu- September. rate from the party to tackle the issue.

Seoul proposes talks to ease tensions Water, water everywhere! Motorcyclists commute AFP on August 1 at the same venue. With the passage of time over on a flooded Seoul If the government meeting goes 50 years, the number of survi- street in ahead, it will mark the fi rst of- vors has diminished, with only Hanoi fi cial inter-Korea talks since De- around 60,000 members of di- yesterday outh Korea yesterday of- cember 2015. vided families still left in the after tropical fered to hold rare military “We make the proposal for a South. storm Talas Stalks with North Korea, meeting...aimed at stopping all “North Korea should respond made landfall aiming to ease tensions after hostile activities that escalate to our sincere proposals if it re- in northern Pyongyang tested its fi rst inter- military tension along the land ally seeks peace on the Korean Vietnam. continental ballistic missile. border,” the defence ministry Peninsula”, Cho Myoung-Gyon, The off er of talks, the fi rst said in a statement. Seoul’s unifi cation minister in since South Korea elected dovish The Red Cross said it hoped charge of North Korea aff airs, President Moon Jae-in, came as for “a positive response” from told reporters in the South Ko- the Red Cross in Seoul proposed its counterpart in the North in rean capital. a separate meeting to discuss re- hopes of holding family reunions Cho stressed that Seoul unions of families separated by in early October. “would not seek collapse of the the 1950-53 Korean War. If realised, they would be the North or unifi cation through The South’s defence ministry fi rst for two years. absorbing the North”, and urged proposed a meeting to be held Millions of family members Pyongyang to restore cross- on Friday at the border truce were separated by the confl ict border communication channels village of Panmunjom, while the that sealed the division of the including a shuttered military Red Cross off ered to hold talks two countries. hotline. Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, July 18, 2017 BRITAIN Suicide Act ‘breaches human right to dignity’

Guardian News and Media too unwell to attend the hearing fi ed and less painful way say need to understand that.” London in court nine of the Royal Courts they have to travel to the Digni- In 2015, the House of Com- of Justice in London. He is ex- tas clinic in Switzerland. Con- mons rejected a private member’s pected to participate by videolink way and his supporters say the bill to introduce assisted dying. It he 1961 Suicide Act tomorrow. UK ban forces them to make that was talked out before MPs had an breaches human rights The court has been told that choice far earlier than should be opportunity to debate the bill in Tprotecting dignity and section two of the act, which the case. detail. personal autonomy and should criminalises any attempt to en- “The aim of the challenge is Linda Deverell, a patron of be declared illegal, the high court courage or assist another person to ensure autonomy for every- Dignity in Dying, which supports has been told. in killing themselves, is incom- one in this group,” Gordon said. Conway’s challenge, said before At the opening of a week-long patible with Article 8 of the Eu- “Maybe there will be some risks the hearing that a system requir- courtroom challenge aimed at le- ropean convention on human (to weak and vulnerable people), ing the approval of at least two galising assisted dying, Richard rights, which guarantees a right but risks are already present in doctors and a judge for assisted Gordon QC said risk could not to respect for private life. the law.” dying would provide suffi cient be entirely removed from making Gordon said those over 18, di- The legal challenge, he told the legal safeguards. diffi cult medical decisions at the agnosed with a terminal illness court, was not about morality, “A law like that is very tight end of patients’ lives. and given less than six months to but the law being incompatible and it’s been working perfectly Gordon represents Noel Con- live, who have made a voluntary, with human rights. well in the US state of Oregon for way, 67, a retired lecturer suff er- clear and settled decision to die Speaking ahead of the hear- the past 20 years,” she said. ing from motor neurone disease, and have the ability to under- ing, Lady Meacher, the chair of Deverell’s husband had termi- a terminal degenerative illness. take a fi nal act, should be allowed Dignity in Dying, said: “About nal cancer and travelled to Bel- He has been diagnosed as having medical assistance to carry out 80% of the population support a gium to end his life. “It was ab- less than 12 months to live. their wishes in the UK. change in the law to make assist- solutely his choice,” she said. “He Conway, who wants medical Currently, those wishing to ed suicide legal. People feel pas- had to go earlier than if he could help to end his life in the UK, is end their lives in a more digni- sionate about this issue and MPs make the choice here.” Anti-euthanasia protestors demonstrate outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London yesterday. Gulf Times Tuesday, July 18, 2017 11 BRITAIN

EVENT TREND PEOPLE TRAVEL LEGAL House prices stabilise, Actor helps tourist Commuter rail fares freeze Man spared jail ‘but buyers still wary’ mugged by thugs to be maintained: Grayling for driving death

Asking prices for houses and apartments in Daniel Radcliff e came to the aide of a terrified Rail fares will not rise higher than the rate An engineering student who killed a England and Wales stabilised after a drop in tourist during a moped robbery. The actor of inflation next year, Transport Secretary pedestrian while speeding in his Mazda MX5 June, but home-buyers remain cautious as stopped to help the man after he was targeted Chris Grayling has said. His department sports car has been spared jail. Karol Michta, wage growth falls behind inflation, a survey by thugs in a street off Chelsea’s King’s Road. has not ruled out holding them lower than 22, was “enjoying the thrill” of speeding home by property website Rightmove showed. The The two thieves had followed the victim into the Retail Prices Index measure of inflation. when he struck 53-year-old builder Henrik figures were based on property advertised a side road before jumping off the moped Grayling said: “We have absolutely no Luszcz as he crossed the A4 in Isleworth. between June 11 and July 8, covering the weeks and snatching his bag. A witness told how intention of raising rail fares above RPI.” Michta, a free runner who once performed at after Prime Minister Theresa May unexpectedly Radcliff e, 27, helped console the victim. It comes after Labour claimed that fares 10 Downing Street, was due to be sentenced lost her majority in parliament, creating Ex-policeman David Videcette said he tried could rise by an inflation-busting 5% in in February, but judge Anthony Morris QC uncertainty for investors who were already on chasing the thieves. When Videcette returned the new year, costing commuters £160 on agreed to delay the hearing until he had edge about Britain’s EU exit. Rightmove said to the scene, he said, he found Radcliff e average by 2022. The allegation was based finished his degree at Queen Mary University. Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, average asking prices for property sold on its consoling the victim. He said: “I said ‘you’re on rail minister Paul Maynard twice failing At the Old Bailey, the judge sentenced Michta pose in the Morning Room at Clarence House for website increased by a monthly 0.1% in July. In Daniel Radcliff e’ and he replied ‘I am Daniel explicitly to commit to the fares policy that to 12 months in prison suspended for two photographer Mario Testino, an event to mark the annual terms, prices were up 2.8% compared Radcliff e’. He was a really nice bloke, a lot of the Conservatives have operated since years after hearing he now suff ers from Duchess’s 70th birthday, in London. with a 1.8% rise in June. stars wouldn’t have stopped to help.” 2013, a real-terms freeze. “survivor’s guilt”.

Royals in Poland Corbyn urges PM to broaden Grenfell Tower fi re inquiry

Guardian News and Media lations and policing. Its head, re- London tired judge Lord Macpherson, was assisted by a three-strong panel. Corbyn said the experience of eremy Corbyn, the Labour the Hillsborough families also leader, has written to the showed how those aff ected by JPrime Minister, Theresa May, tragedies needed to have “utter urging her to broaden the inquiry confi dence that the inquiry will team looking into the Grenfell get to the truth”. Tower fi re and saying a diverse He wrote: “Yet, as you will be panel is important if local people aware, for a number of residents are to have full confi dence in the this confi dence has so far been process. lacking. In a letter formally setting out “Choosing one of the options his party’s ideas for the inquiry’s at your disposal to introduce a terms of reference, Corbyn rec- range of perspectives and experi- ommended a panel-type system ences into the inquiry will help to similar to that used in the 1999 both build trust and deliver jus- Macpherson report into racism tice.” Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, with their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte arrive at the airport in Warsaw, Poland, yesterday. within the police. May has indicated that the re- The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are on a first off icial visit to Poland. The government, which has port might follow the two-stage appointed retired high court model, and ministers have hint- judge Sir Martin Moore-Bick to ed Moore-Bick’s remit could be lead the inquiry into the tower widened. block blaze in west London, has In his letter, Corbyn argued asked for submissions by July 28 that an initial element should on how the inquiry could be run. be based on “residents’ urgent In his letter, Corbyn called questions about what happened for a panel-type model and re- at Grenfell Tower itself”, includ- iterated Labour’s desire for a ing how the fi re began, why it two-stage inquiry, with one ur- spread so rapidly, earlier com- May to warn Cabinet gent section on how and why plaints about fi re safety, and the the blaze spread so quickly, and treatment of families and sur- another into wider issues sur- vivors afterwards. It should also rounding the tragedy. look into previous warnings from Some Labour fi gures, includ- coroners about the retrofi tting ing the MP for Kensington, Emma of sprinklers to tall blocks and Dent Coad, and the new shadow building regulations connected to put an end to leaks fi re minister, Chris Williamson, to fi re safety. have called for Moore-Bick to “There is widespread recogni- step down amid scepticism about tion that Grenfell Tower residents Guardian News and Media policy in private and the prime policy in private, and the PM, as retary, Michael Gove, was the and Boris Johnson all potentially him from survivors and frustra- and victims’ families deserve London minister will be reminding her I said, will remind her colleagues source of some of the leaks from vying for supremacy. tion at the apparently narrow re- rapid answers to these questions, colleagues of that at the Cabinet of that at today’s meeting.” last week’s Cabinet meeting. Allies of Davis appear to be mit of the inquiry. and that any undue delay risks meeting today,” he said. Hammond was the target of But this was denied by friends of furthest down the road in talk- In his letter, Corbyn told the adding to the intolerable levels of heresa May will today or- “She’ll just be reminding leaks from other ministers on Gove as “simply untrue”. A sen- ing of a leadership bid but, like prime minister that it is vital the suff ering they have already expe- der her ministers to stop them of their responsibilities both days of the weekend about ior Tory also claimed that Gove Hammond, he is viewed with inquiry commands suffi cient rienced,” Corbyn wrote. Tleaking details of Cabinet and making the point that min- his supposed comments in Cab- and Boris Johnson were behind suspicion by some proponents confi dence. A second stage, he said, should discussions following days of isters across government need inet, one saying he called public the briefi ngs against Hammond, of Brexit, even though he cam- He wrote: “With this in mind, examine what appeared to be infi ghting over Brexit policy and to be focused on getting on with sector workers “overpaid”, the saying they were “so obsessed paigned to leave. I urge you to consider broaden- “systemic failures that may ex- anonymous briefi ngs against delivering for the public.” other claiming he said driving with a hard Brexit that they’re Michael Heseltine, the former ing the inquiry team to a model tend from local to national gov- ministers, particularly targeting Asked whether May’s plan to modern trains was so easy “even prepared to run the economy off deputy prime minister, said more similar to that used in the ernment and beyond”, including Philip Hammond. upbraid her Cabinet amounted a woman can do it”. a cliff ”. May’s government was enfee- Macpherson Inquiry, including fi nding for councils and fi re serv- While there was no formal to an acknowledgement that The Telegraph yesterday cited But Tim Shipman, the Sunday bled and deeply divided. He with representation from those ices and the outsourcing of social investigation planned into the such leaks had, indeed, come an anonymous Cabinet col- Times political editor, later con- guessed that the person respon- from minority backgrounds, in housing responsibilities. leaks, May’s spokesman said, from ministers, her spokesman league as saying Hammond and fi rmed that Gove and his allies sible for the cabinet leak was a order to support the judge leading He said: “We would be disre- the prime minister would use said: “I’m not going to get into the Treasury “want to frustrate had nothing to do with his re- leading Brexiteer because that this inquiry.” specting the memory of those today morning’s weekly Cabinet speculation of who said what, Brexit” and that the chancellor port of the leaks. was “where the self-interest The Macpherson report, set up who died in the Grenfell Tower meeting to insist they stop. where and when.” viewed Brexiters as “pirates”. It comes at a time of intense lies”. But he argued that that in the wake of the racist murder of fi re, and putting further lives at “What I would say is of course He said: “I’m simply saying In a counter-briefi ng, an un- speculation over May’s leader- person cannot be sacked be- teenager Stephen Lawrence, had risk, if we fail to fully learn these Cabinet must be able to hold that Cabinet must be able to hold named ally of Hammond told the ship and the future of Brexit, cause the prime minister has no a far-reaching impact on race re- lessons.” discussions on government its discussions on government Sun that the Environment Sec- with Hammond, David Davis, authority. Tories must be more Boat festival US expert to examine terminally ill baby

Reuters treating the child or his parents inspiring: Cameron London should determine his fate. The US doctor off ering the treatment — Michio Hirano, a London Evening Standard said: “I think we need to push it It is a process. A political party US doctor off ering ex- professor of neurology at New London more.” should be asking itself all the perimental treatment to a York’s Columbia University Med- Cameron said it was “depress- time, ‘Am I properly in touch with Acritically ill baby is due in ical Center — is due in London to ing” that the Conservatives lost and refl ecting the society and the London this week to help persuade examine Charlie for the fi rst time avid Cameron yesterday seats in cities including London at country?’. I want us to go on being a judge to keep the boy’s life sup- and to meet other medical experts warned the Conservatives last month’s election. He said he the open, liberal, tolerant party port switched on, in a case that has involved in the case. Dthat they must push hard- hoped the party was not seen as that we became post-2005 be- prompted a fi erce debate around Hirano says the therapy he is er to win young people back from anti-urban. cause I think that was part of our the world about medical ethics. developing could improve the Jeremy Corbyn by giving “a more Speaking after the first pa- success.” The parents of Charlie Gard, condition of Charlie who suff ers inspiring vision” of a caring Tory trons’ board meeting of the Na- On the popularity of Corbyn who has a rare genetic condi- from a form of mitochondrial dis- society. tional Citizen Service scheme with idealistic young people, he tion causing progressive muscle ease. He believes there is between The former prime minis- that he set up for young peo- said a lot of voters had “forgotten weakness and brain damage, have an 11% and 56% chance the nu- ter called for a renewal of the ple — which has volunteer- just how dangerous this full-on been fi ghting a legal battle to send cleoside therapy would improve modernisation programme he ing and outdoor activities at programme of nationalisation, him to the US for the neurologist’s the baby’s muscular strength and launched in 2005 to prevent a new its heart — he praised Theresa state control and rampantly high experimental therapy. that there is a “small but signifi - generation turning to Labour. May’s speech outside No 10 on taxes can be”. But Britain’s courts have re- cant” chance it would also help “We on the centre-Right side of her first day as prime minister, “You don’t win the argument fused permission on the grounds brain functions. the argument have to have just in which his successor pledged in favour of free enterprise, free it would prolong his suff ering London’s world-renowned as inspiring a vision — a more in- to fight “burning injustice”. But markets, choice and liberal de- without a realistic prospect of it Great Ormond Street Hospital for spiring vision — of how you build he said the Conservatives could mocracy and then pack up and go helping. Children says Charlie, who can- not just a strong economy but a not afford to relax on moderni- home,” Cameron said. “You have The case has gained global at- not breathe without a ventilator, strong society and a better life,” sation. to win the argument in every gen- tention after interventions by has no quality of life and that his he told the Evening Standard in “It is very important that the eration.” US President Donald Trump and life support should be turned off . his fi rst interview since the gen- Conservative Party doesn’t slip He said a positive vision of a Pope Francis, who both voiced Charlie’s parents, Connie Yates eral election. backwards,” he said. “The Con- strong society was vital, say- An amphibious car passes Queen Elizabeth II’s royal support for 11-month-old Charlie and Chris Gard, have been fi ght- Asked why young people servative Party only succeeds if it ing free schools had unlocked barge Gloriana at the Thames Traditional Boat Festival on Twitter. ing a legal battle to send their son were associating idealism with is a party of the future. community-led improvements to near Henley-on-Thames, Britain. It has prompted a heated de- to the US to undergo Hirano’s ex- Corbyn and not the Tories, he “Modernisation isn’t an event. education. bate about whether the hospital perimental therapy. Gulf Times 12 Tuesday, July 18, 2017 EUROPE Migrants Fire in Nice named in riots, sexual assaults

Agencies town also dubbed “Daimler Stuttgart city” because automotive in- ventor Gottlieb Daimler was born there in 1834. erman police said yes- In a press conference Mon- terday several assaults day, Eisele evoked the chaos Gand cases of sexual of Cologne’s infamous 2015 harassment were reported in New Year’s Eve celebrations weekend disturbances that when men of North African saw migrant youths rampage and Middle Eastern appear- through a small town and hurl ance groped and assaulted bottles at police. hundreds of women, sparking No arrests had been made widespread public outrage. over the alleged harassment, He stressed that the rowdy but police were treating as a scenes in Schorndorf were less suspect a 20-year-old Iraqi intense than those in Cologne man and, in a separate case in or the riots in the northern which a 17-year-old girl was port-city of Hamburg before groped, three Afghan asylum and during the July 7-8 Group seekers aged 18-20. of 20 summit, when far-left Police chief Roland Eisele and anarchist militants burnt A firefighting helicopter flies over Castagniers, near Nice. urged other women to come street barricades and threw forward if they were abused rocks from rooftops. on Friday or Saturday night DPA reports that according during the chaotic scenes that to Mathias Klopfer, mayor of started at a local festival in the Schorndorf, said that initially southwestern town of Schorn- the bulk of the hooligans had dorf, Baden-Wuerttemberg been young people from lo- state. cal schools and only later had Eisele said “the aggression migrants joined the criminal and escalation of violence” activity. were unprecedented and un- When one suspect was de- Merkel ally demands expected in the town of about tained by police late Saturday 40,000 people, located near on suspicion of grievous bodily Stuttgart, and that the lo- harm, others sought to defend cal police force had to request him by attacking the offi cers, backup from other cities. the spokesman said. Police said in a statement Later on Saturday, groups that many youths “with mi- of between 30 and 50 men limit on refugee entry grant backgrounds” were seen — some of them armed with in the crowd, but Eisele said knives, according to witnesses The refugee issue is still a potent one The proposal to give children born on that it was impossible to esti- — roamed through the town in Germany Italian soil to foreign parents citizenship mate a percentage. centre. rights at birth or after at least fi ve years Offi cers in riot gear moved The police spokesman de- DPA of Italian schooling enjoys the support of into a crowd of about 1,000 scribed the behaviour as “ter- Berlin Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni’s centre- Saturday night in the town rifying” . left Democratic Party (PD). centre to detain a suspect on Schorndorf took in a total of But Gentiloni said late Sunday that the charges of dangerous physi- 700 asylum seekers in the past he Christian Social Union — the bill would be dropped until later in the year cal assault but came under at- two years. arch-conservative Bavarian sister considering other “urgent deadlines” and tack as others hurled bottles at Three of the assaults al- Tparty of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s “diffi culties that have arisen on certain them. legedly took place late Friday, Christian Democrats, yesterday agreed on fringes of the majority”. He gave his “per- Witnesses had reported while a fourth saw three men its election manifesto, in which it calls for sonal commitment” to ensure the bill was small groups of youths, some hold a 17-year-old girl against a cap on the number of refugees entering approved in the autumn. armed with knives or replica her will and grope her on Sat- Germany. Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano, who handguns that can fi re fl ares urday, the statement said. The manifesto, dubbed “Bayernplan” leads a small centrist party in the rul- and teargas, roving through Eisele said that the remain- (Bavarian plan), demands an annual cap of ing coalition, had said that while the bill the medieval town centre, po- der of the festival, which ends 200,000 on the number of refugees Ger- had his support in principle, he could not lice said. on Tuesday, would be policed many accepts each year, a call that caused guarantee the necessary votes in favour Several police cars were by a larger number of offi cers a major break last year in the relationship considering the current climate. sprayed with graffi ti or oth- and darker parts of the premis- with Merkel, who says such a limit would A poll last week showed the bill is losing erwise vandalised in the small es will be more strongly lit. be unconstitutional. support among Italians, even though such “The long-sought limit of 200,000 a path to citizenship exists in many other refugees per year for Germany is necessary EU countries, and despite supporters in- Russians mark Tsar’s execution to ensure functional integration,” the elec- German Chancellor Angela Merkel with participants of a meeting focusing on women in sisting the draft law has nothing to do with tion manifesto says. culture and media. newly-arrived migrants. Over 86,000 mi- Holding aloft icons, crosses and portraits of Russia’s last tsar, tens In the document, the party stops short grants have arrived so far this year, up over of thousands of pilgrims have made a 20km walk near the Russian of making it a condition for entering an- topic since Swiss citizens in 2014 voted to many’s wealthy southern state of Bavaria 10 % compared with the same period in city of Ekaterinburg to mark the anniversary of the execution of other coalition with the CDU. limit arrivals from the EU, despite bilat- supports independence for the region, a 2016. Nicholas II. In the early hours of Monday morning, the pilgrims “Simply the fact that the cap is on the eral accords guaranteeing free movement poll released yesterday showed. The left-leaning La Repubblica daily walked to the spot where Nicholas and his family were executed 99 table has led to a fundamental change in for EU citizens in exchange for enhanced Thirty-two per cent of respondents in called on the political class to “be straight years ago. This year marks the centenary of the Russian Revolution, Berlin politics, one that is very much in our Swiss access to the EU single market. a survey carried out by YouGov for the with Italians and dismantle lies”. and debates are surfacing about how modern Russia should view interest,” said Horst Seehofer, the head of Parliament last year skirted a clash with popular daily Bild said they were in favour “This law has nothing to do with those the events of 1917, in which the February Revolution overthrew the the CSU and Bavaria’s prime minister. the bloc by adopting a new law giving local of an independent Bavaria, separated from who are disembarking on our coasts,” it deeply unpopular Nicholas. The protracted dispute about the cap people fi rst crack at open jobs, sidestep- the rest of Germany. said. After the Bolsheviks seized power later in the year, the tsar’s family ended earlier this year as the parties en- ping demand for absolute limits. No other state in Germany has such high Under the proposed bill, one of the were kept under guard, and in July 1918, as the White Army were tered the election campaign. In the fi rst half of 2017, overall net im- support for independence. parents would have to have been legally advancing on Ekaterinburg during the civil war, the royal family “First, we want to win the election,” migration to Switzerland was down nearly Many foreigners’ impressions of Ger- present in Italy for fi ve years for children was executed. The image of Nicholas II, whom historians have Seehofer said. 12 % to 25,526, with net immigration from man culture — namely Lederhosen and born here to be granted citizenship, so it criticised as an ineff ective leader — and who was demonised as zNet immigration to Switzerland from the EU down by more than a fi fth. large, frothy beers — stem from Bavaria’s would not apply to those refused asylum the final ruler in a brutal, repressive system by Soviet ideology — is the European Union has fallen to its low- Despite the declines, anti-immigration rich traditional heritage. and ordered to leave the country. undergoing a renaissance, as the turnout for Monday’s pilgrimage est level for 12 years, continuing a steady members of the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) The world-famous Oktoberfest beer Matteo Salvini, head of the anti-immi- shows. The walk began at 3am from the centre of Ekaterinburg, decline in immigration from nearby coun- are pursuing a new referendum to try to festival takes place in the state capital of gration Northern League party, described to the accompaniment of a children’s choir singing “God save tries. halt free movement of EU workers. Munich. Gentiloni’s decision as “a victory” for his the tsar”. Streets were closed off in the centre of the city to allow Nearly 6,480 more EU citizens settled Just over 2mn foreigners live in Switzer- Bavaria is Germany’s largest state by party, saying: “If they try again, they’ll the column to pass. The pilgrims walked for four hours until they in Switzerland than departed between land, a quarter of the population. land area and its second-most populous, fi nd us ready. Stop invasion”. arrived at the site of the executions, where a cathedral now stands. April and June, according to data released Some 68% hail from the EU or from with more than 12.8mn residents. Some 45 mayors in Sicily have demand- However, in a sign of how Russia is still dealing with the conflicts on Monday by the State Secretariat for Mi- Switzerland’s fellow members of the Eu- zItaly’s government has delayed a par- ed a meeting with the government this created by a tumultuous century of political change, Moscow still gration, the lowest since the second quar- ropean Free Trade Association: Iceland, liamentary vote on a citizenship rights bill week after a heated protests over the dis- has a metro station named after Petr Voikov, the Bolshevik who ter of 2005. Liechtenstein and Norway. as tensions rise over the number of mi- tribution of newly-arrived migrants on the arranged the execution of the family. Immigration has been a hot-button Almost one in three people in Ger- grants arriving on the country’s shores. southern Italian island.

Police investigate Hitler salutes

DPA Erfurt, Germany

erman authorities are investigating dozens of people who allegedly performed Hitler salutes Gat a neo-Nazi concert over the weekend, a police spokesman said yesterday. In Germany, laws against giving the Nazi-style, Sieg Heil salute or displaying Nazi symbols were passed shortly after the end of World War II, and can carry a six-month prison sentence. The investigation was launched after video footage of the concert — which took place in the eastern state of Thuringia — started circulating on social media, the police spokesman said. According to Thuringia’s Interior Ministry, the con- cert in the town of Themar resulted in six detentions. It listed intimidation, bodily harm and violation of weapons laws as crimes committed during the event. There were approximately 6,000 people attending the concert, police said. Gulf Times Tuesday, July 18, 2017 13 INDIA

Tamil Nadu BSES official dies in mob attack on anti-power theft team Roundup In a tragic turn to an anti- were retreating, the teams were that three of its inspection Last month, three discom theft having a connected load four separate judgments had power theft drive by BSES, chased by bike-borne goons. In teams had gone to check on off icials and a Delhi Police of around 1,200KW have been sentenced Delhi residents to By Umaima Shafiq one of Delhi’s two electricity the ensuing melee, one of the reports of large-scale power- off icer sustained injuries and unearthed in the Mundka area. rigorous imprisonment for distribution companies cars met with an accident and theft in “Jhul Jhuli village, a many vehicles were damaged In May, special electricity courts power theft and imposed heavy Gulf Times Correspondent (discoms), a young engineer rammed into a tree, wherein high power theft prone area when they were attacked by a in Delhi for power thefts had fines. lost his life and four other five occupants were injured,” a in Jaff arpur, West Delhi,” mob in Mundka in west Delhi. handed out heavy punishment “BSES discoms have off icials were seriously injured BSES statement said. accompanied by Delhi Police BSES said that in the last to two off enders - one of them successfully brought down when attacked by power “One of them, a young engineer, personnel. five years, around 14,000 was sentenced to jail and a AT & C (aggregate technical 11 killed as bus rams thieves here yesterday, a subsequently succumbed to his However, “so brazen was cases of power theft, having Rs400,000 fine imposed. and commercial) losses from discom spokesperson said. injuries,” the company said. the attack that, once again, a connected load of around Earlier this year, the BSES had more than 55% in 2002 (at the into parked van “The teams were viciously Disclosing more on the events the presence of Delhi Police 33,000KW, have been announced the sentencing of time of privatisation) to the attacked up by a mob in Jhul that led to the first loss of life personnel accompanying the unearthed in the Jaff arpur area, three off enders to jail terms and current level of around 12% - a Eleven people died and 24 Jhuli village (in west Delhi), caused by the power theft BSES teams did not deter the while in the last two years, cumulative fines of over Rs5.5mn. reduction around 45%,” the others were injured when a causing them to retreat. As they menace, BSES yesterday said mob”, the statement added. around 450 cases of power Last year, special courts in statement added. Kumbakonam-bound bus collided with a stationary minivan on the national highway near Vallam town in Thanjavur district. The van had been carrying steel pipes which pierced the bus passengers seated in the front rows. About six people, including the two drivers died on the spot, while three others died in hospital. The highway was Naidu named cordoned off to clear the debris and a government probe has been ordered into the accident. Govt announces film awards NDA nominee

The Tamil Nadu government has announced film awards after a gap of nearly eight years. Nearly 30 categories including best actor, best actress, music, for the post of script, playback singer and others were chosen for the years 2009 to 2014. The best films were Pasanga (2009), Maina (2010), Vaagai Sudava (2011), Vazhakku Enn 18/9 (2012), Ramanujan (2013) and Kutram vice-president Kadithal (2014). About 149 small budget films were chosen for IANS With the presidential candi- spokesman Sanjay Raut’s de- government incentives from New Delhi date Ram Nath Kovind hailing mand for an apology from Unit- 2007 to 2014. from Uttar Pradesh, the party is ed Progressive Alliance’s vice believed to have looked for a vice president candidate Gopalkrish- nformation and Broadcast- president candidate from the na Gandhi for his reported op- Gold retrieved ing Minister and senior BJP south, and Naidu fi tted the bill. position to the hanging of Yakub from debris Ileader M Venkaiah Naidu was If elected vice president, Memon, convicted in the 1993 yesterday chosen as the ruling Naidu will also be the ex offi - serial Mumbai blast case, Shah National Democratic Alliance’s cio chairman of the Rajya Sabha said he did not want to get into Nearly 400 kilos of gold, silver (NDA) candidate for the August 5 where the BJP still lacks a major- such issues. and diamond jewellery was vice presidential election, bring- ity. With friends across parties He said Naidu is an experi- recovered from an underground ing to an end the suspense over and his amiable nature, Naidu is enced political leader and all safety vault of the fire-ravaged the ruling combine’s nominee expected to steer the proceed- NDA leaders have welcomed Chennai Silks building on for the second important consti- ings in the upper house through his nomination. The BJP presi- Usman Road in Chennai. The tutional post. possible turbulence. dent said there was no need for May 29 fire triggered by an BJP president Amit Shah an- Shah described Naidu as a Naidu’s introduction. Shah said electrical short circuit raged nounced his candidature after a successful minister of the Modi Naidu had a humble beginning for nearly three days. It took a 90-minute meeting of the BJP’s government who was handling and hailed from a farmer’s fam- month for the fire department central parliamentary board urban development and infor- ily. to clear the debris and restore chaired by Shah and attended mation and broadcasting min- He has been associated with normalcy in the area. A specially by top leaders, including Prime istries. the BJP since his youth and was designed fire and quake-proof Minister Narendra Modi. It was Shah said several names an Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi safety locker at the base of the said to have been a smooth af- were considered, and ultimate- Parishad leader and students building was intact despite the fair with Naidu having emerged ly Naidu was the unanimous union leader. He was associated blaze. the front-runner much through choice. with the Jayaprakash Narayan the day. Replying to questions, Shah movement and was an MLA “Venkaiah is a senior political said it would have been better if twice in Andhra Pradesh and ru- Child-friendly leader across party lines and is the opposition had not fi elded its ral development minister in the courtroom opens a senior leader of the BJP which candidate. He said Naidu will fi le Vajpayee government. He was he has been associated from his nomination on today at 11am. also twice the president of the his youth. He is the unanimous Asked about Shiv Sena BJP. The Madras High Court will soon choice of the BJP and all the NDA have a child-friendly courtroom constituents who have wel- Presidential contest sees near 100% voting within its complex to interrogate comed his candidature,” Shah juvenile off enders and child told reporters after the meeting. Lawmakers across the country votes will take place on July witnesses in criminal cases. The Indications that Naidu, 68, voted yesterday to elect the 20. Kovind, a former Bihar facility will be inaugurated today was an automatic choice came country’s 14th president in a governor, has an advantage by chief justice Indira Banerjee. after his meeting with the prime contest in which the ruling NDAs over Meira Kumar, a former The facility will be the fourth minister in the morning and as candidate Ram Nath Kovind has Lok Sabha speaker, as the in India after Goa, Delhi and informal consultations contin- an overwhelming edge over numbers are stacked in favour Telegana. The courtroom will ued among leaders during the opposition-backed Meira Kumar. of the ruling NDA. The BJP and have features such as a separate day. The election saw “98%-99%” allies have nearly 63% of the waiting room, video camera trials Naidu, who has been main- voting, with Lok Sabha secretary vote while the Congress-led for accused, one-way mirrors to taining that he is keen on con- general and returning off icer for opposition has a little over protect the witness’s identity and tinuing in active politics, gave the presidential election, Anoop 35%. Independents and other other provisions as mandated hints that he may have changed Mishra, terming it “probably smaller parties, who have not under the Protection of Children his mind when he told reporters the highest turnout ever (in made their choice known, have from Sexual Off ences (POCSO) BJP chief Amit Shah stands besides NDA candidate for the August 5 vice presidential election, M that any decision by the BJP will presidential poll)”. Counting of two per cent. Act, 2012. Venkaiah Naidu, at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi yesterday. be followed by the party-men. Top cop transferred for Anger at film Prime minister exposing prison rot accused of hypocrisy IANS has been to harass the victims New Delhi of such attacks by fi ling cases IANS in June on the Congress high ligence) M N Reddi has been against them on the basis of false Bengaluru command’s advice. transferred as DGP of Anti- charges. The state government also Corruption Bureau (ACB) in he All India Kisan Sabha “The culprits in the killing of transferred director general of place of Megharikh, while Amit (AIKS) yesterday accused Pehlu Khan and those named in he Karnataka govern- police (prisons) H N Satyanaraya- Paul, IGP, Intelligence, will TPrime Minister Narendra the charge-sheet are yet to be ment yesterday trans- na Rao without a fresh posting, as hold additional charge of DGP, Modi of “hypocritical rhetoric” arrested and so are the culprits Tferred deputy inspec- he is set to retire this month-end. Intelligence, in Bengaluru. on the violence unleashed by in other cases of lynching. A case tor general (DIG) of prisons, D Roopa and Rao were engaged The transfers of Rao and Roopa cow vigilantes and accused him of cow theft has been charged Roopa, days after she charged in a public spat since June 12 came on a day when a one-man of “running with the hare and against the slain victim and no All India Anna Dravida Munne- over the alleged privileges given inquiry commission, headed by hunting with the hounds”. compensation provided to the tra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leader to Sasikala, lodged in the wom- retired IAS offi cer Vinay Ku- Condemning Modi for “emp- victim’s family.” V K Sasikala with bribing sen- en’s cell of the central jail since mar, was to begin probe into the ty hypocritical rhetoric” over The Kisan Sabha urged Modi ior jail offi cials to get VIP treat- February 15. An order from the charges of corruption and irregu- “barbaric violence unleashed “to stop the hypocrisy and take ment in the Bengaluru jail. department of personnel said larities in the city’s central jail. by self-styled Gaurakshaks action on barbaric cow vigilante Roopa’s sudden transfer has Roopa, an Indian Police Serv- Justifying the transfers and (cow vigilantes) patronised by groups as well as provide com- sparked outrage in the city jail ice offi cer of 2000 Karnataka new postings of the six senior the Sangh Parivar”, the AIKS pensation to the victims of their with a section of inmates stag- batch, had been “transferred IPS offi cers, a statement from said the prime minister had re- attacks”. ing protest against the govern- with immediate eff ect”. the chief minister’s offi ce later mained mum when continuous It also criticised Modi for ment move and demanding it She has been posted as DIG said the government had asked incidents of organised lynching claiming that the cow was treat- be revoked. and commissioner for traffi c Rao to proceed on leave and happened in the name of cow ed like a mother. The opposition Bharatiya and road safety in Bengaluru transferred Roopa to the new protection. “While individuals are free to Janata Party (BJP) and Janata in place of A S N Murthy, who post to maintain the sanctity of “The close links of many of have their own beliefs and opin- Dal-Secular (JD-S) criticised will now be additional director the inquiry process and safe- the people involved in the at- ions, a prime minister is consti- the offi cer’s transfer and ac- of police, forest cell, Bengaluru. guard it from interference. tacks with the Bharatiya Janata tutionally bound to promote sci- cused state Chief Minister Sid- N S Megharikh, IPS, additional “The government is com- Party (BJP) and Sangh Parivar entifi c temper. He should desist daramaiah of protecting crimi- director general of police, Anti- mitted to allow the inquiry to Congress workers stage a protest against filmmaker Madhur have also been exposed from from making such statements.” nals and high-profi le convicts Corruption Bureau (ACB), Ben- proceed unhindered so that ev- Bhandarkar’s upcoming film “Indu Sarkar” in Nagpur. time to time. No action has been The Kisan Sabha accused the like Sasikala in the jail. galuru, was posted as additional idence based on truth emerges. Bhandarkar yesterday urged Congress vice president Rahul taken against the perpetrators Modi government of trying to Siddaramaiah holds the director general of police, prisons, Strict action will be taken to Gandhi to take action against the local Congress party of the crime so far,” it said in a communalise the society and Home portfolio after the rul- to succeed Satyanarayana Rao. bring the guilty to book,” as- workers, who are sending threats to the director regarding statement. promote corporate interests by ing party’s state unit president Besides Roopa and Rao, di- serted the statement from the the release of the film . “Rather than take action bringing a notifi cation restrict- G Parameshwara quit the post rector general of police (intel- state secretariat. against the culprits, the eff ort ing cattle trade. Gulf Times 14 Tuesday, July 18, 2017 INDIA

CONFLICT LAW AND ORDER SCANDAL POLITICS CRIME Soldier, young girl die Suspected terrorist held Court to hear actor’s Abdullah, Kunhalikutty take Bihar’s ‘Robin Hood’ in Kashmir border clash at Mumbai airport bail plea on Thursday oath as Lok Sabha members lands behind bars

A soldier and a young girl were killed yesterday A suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba operative, Salim A bench of the Kerala High Court yesterday National Conference leader and former Jammu The Delhi Police have arrested a 27-year-old thief, during a skirmish at the de facto border in Kashmir, Mukim Khan, who was absconding for the past posted the bail application of superstar Dileep for and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah who led a lavish life, conducted health camps off icials said, just a day after four Pakistani soldiers nine years, was nabbed from Mumbai airport, Thursday. When the application came up before and Indian Union Muslim League leader P K and helped in the marriage of poor girls, from his were killed in a similar exchange. Army spokesman an off icial said yesterday. The operation was the court, the prosecution pointed said it needed Kunhalikutty yesterday took oath as members native village. The accused, Irfan, 27 was arrested Colonel Rajesh Kalia said a soldier died when a carried out jointly by the Uttar Pradesh ATS time to study the case, after which the court of the Lok Sabha. Soon after the house met, from Sitamarhi, Bihar. “Irfan portrayed himself mortar fired from across the border landed on a and Maharashtra ATS. Khan is currently being decided to post the matter for Thursday. The Speaker Sumitra Mahajan called Abdullah, who as a successful businessman and did charitable bunker, sparking fierce retaliatory fire. A police interrogated in Mumbai. Wanted since 2008, trial court had on Saturday denied the actor bail. took oath in Kashmiri. Abdullah won the by- activities in his village. Since he had a good off icer said an eight-year-old girl was also killed in Khan was nabbed when he arrived from an The superstar was arrested last Monday and was poll from the Srinagar-Budgam parliamentary reputation we faced resistance from the villagers an exchange of fire across the Line of Control, and undisclosed location to Mumbai. He hails from remanded to 14 days judicial custody for alleged constituency, defeating his Peoples Democratic while arresting him,” an off icer said. Police also her mother was seriously injured. The tit-for-tat Fatehpur’s Hathgaon village under Bandipur police links to the abduction and molestation of a Party rival Nazir Ahmed Khan by over 10,000 recovered eight gold bangles, two diamond exchange came after India justified firing a barrage jurisdiction in Uttar Pradesh. Investigators said that popular actress in February. The police yesterday votes. Kunhalikutty, who took oath in English, rings and a Rolex watch, among other things. that saw four Pakistani soldiers killed on Sunday, based on the lookout notice, Khan was detained at also recorded the statements of Congress leader won the Malappuram by-poll in Kerala. He According to police, Irfan used to frequent clubs saying it had the right to retaliate over “ceasefire Mumbai airport. The UP ATS was informed, which Anwar Sadath who is a close friend of Dileep, and defeated Communist Party of India-Marxist in Mumbai and Delhi, and in a city bar he even violations” in the Kashmir region. sent a team to Mumbai for further investigations. Mukesh – a CPI-M backed legislator. candidate and youth leader M B Faisal. off ered Rs 10,000 to hear a song of his choice. North Kerala Mumbai downpour rated among best travel spots in Asia

By Ashraf Padanna Kerala but which is yet to acquire Thiruvananthapuram land for expansion, would be ready for commercial operations by September this year. he world’s largest travel But going by the current pace book publisher, Lonely of development, which lost mo- TPlanet, has rated the mentum after a regime change northern parts of Kerala as the last year, it may take another year third best destination in Asia for the fi rst regular fl ight to take for holidaymakers to visit in the off from the greenfi eld airport. next 12 months. The tourism department re- Its experts zeroed in on the cently began wooing investors, big northern most parts of the state and small, to meet the expected and nine others after “combing demand for hotel rooms, home- the continent, exploring ancient stays and recreational spaces. lands, evolving cities and sub- Bekal already has luxury ho- lime isles” to identify “the most tels by industry leaders like Taj exciting spots”. and Lalit with four others under A tree falls on parked cars during heavy rains in Mumbai yesterday. “Travellers have been making construction. Recently, Poovar a beeline for Kerala’s southern Resorts acquired 11.5 acres of beaches for years, but northern land across the Kavvayi back- Kerala has long been the under- waters in Payyannur facing the rated half of the state, conceal- Arabian Sea. ing its backwater charms and “A lot of investors, includ- emerging slowly like a butterfl y ing non-resident Indians in the from a chrysalis,” it says. Gulf, have approached us with “2017 marks India’s 70th year various venture proposals,” said of independence and the open- T K Manzoor, managing director, ing of a new international air- Bekal Resorts Development Cor- No further exchange of port in Kannur – Kerala’s larg- poration (BRDC), the state’s des- est – which will provide an easy tination development company. introduction to the north.” The BRDC provides training in Gansu (China), south of Tokyo entrepreneurship and long-term (Japan), Keong Saik Road (Sin- consultancy services for small gapore), Astana (Kazakhstan), investors for ventures like home Takayama (Japan), Xi’an (China), stays, facilitation centres and demonetised notes: govt Sri Lanka’s Hill Country, Melaka houseboats. City (Malaysia) and Raja Ampat The new airport is expected IANS black money will be defeated if a also said that even possessing another opportunity to those The top court is hearing a (Indonesia) are other must-see to boost travel to destinations New Delhi window is opened for a further the demonetised currency notes who couldn’t exchange their de- batch of petitions challenging places. around its beaches, backwaters period as people in possession of was an off ence. monetised currency notes. the government’s decision not No other Indian spot is on the and hill stations. the SBNs (specifi ed bank notes) Even in earlier hearings, the to allow the public at large to list. The agency has identifi ed a he central government would have had suffi cient time government had resisted the deposit demonetised currency “The beaches around Kan- host of hotspots like Kavvayi yesterday refused to give and opportunity to carefully suggestion of providing another notes till March 31 as promised nur, Thottada and Bekal, are backwaters, the third largest Tanother opportunity to plan the reasons for not deposit- opportunity to people who could by Prime Minister Narendra pristine, and a string of home- in the state, which is less than exchange demonetised curren- ing the SBNs within the permit- not deposit their demonetised Modi and others as the window stays and resorts have sprouted 60km away from the airport, and cy notes of Rs500 and Rs1,000 ted period of December 30, 2016. currency notes by December 30 ended on December 30 last year. to give in-the-know travellers Muzhappilangad, India’s long- denominations to those who “Any number of ‘benami’ saying that it has taken a “con- The petitioners have also on all budgets a beachfront view est drive-in beach 25km away. couldn’t do it by the deadline transactions and proxy users for The government scious decision” not to extend referred to Modi’s speech on that should make Goa’s hoteliers The Paithalmala hill station 1,371 of December 30, 2016. The the purpose of producing and yesterday also said that the period except for NRIs, and November 8, 2016, and the weep,” it states. metres above sea level is a mere government said any extension depositing the old notes would even possessing the security personnel posted in re- subsequent notifi cation of the “In the eastern hills, you’ll fi nd 47kms from the airport. would defeat the very objective then arise and the departments demonetised currency mote areas. This extension ended Reserve Bank of India, hold- Wayanad, one of Kerala’s most The ventures also include of eliminating black money. would have greater diffi culty in notes was an off ence on March 31, 2017. ing that people may deposit underrated wildlife sanctuaries farm tourism, ayurveda centres, In an affi davit fi led in the Su- deciding any genuine case from The government had also said it demonetised currency notes and a haven for wild elephants.” tour operations, souvenir mak- preme Court, fi nance ministry the numerous bogus ones,” it The union fi nance ministry’s was not legally bound to come out at specifi c RBI branches up to The state government had ear- ing and centres promoting folk undersecretary T Narasimha said, and sought dismissal of pe- stand came in response to the top with a fresh notifi cation to grant March 31, 2017 after comply- lier announced that the Kannur arts of the region and traditional said: “The very objective of de- titions seeking another chance. court asking the central govern- grace period or window for de- ing with certain procedural re- airport, planned as the biggest in wellness treatment. monetisation and elimination of The government yesterday ment on July 4 to consider giving positing scrapped currency notes. quirements.

Naval exercise Tamil Nadu minister BJP fuelling Tripura dares actor to join politics chaos, says Congress IANS ernment with “failure to deal Agartala with the IPFT’s illegitimate IANS Jayalalithaa was alive and head- like behaviour” comment made demand for a separate state Chennai ing the government. by a participant on the Bigg Boss and blocking the vital national In the midst of the attack, show. he opposition Congress highway and lone railway line”. coming to the actor’s support Similarly, Municipal Admin- yesterday called a 12- “The BJP-led central gov- ith the ruling All India was former chief minister O istration Minister S P Velumani Thour shutdown in Tripu- ernment remained completely Anna Dravida Munne- Panneerselvam who said that had earlier challenged Kamal ra tomorrow to protest what it inactive while a tribal party Wtra Kazhagam (AIAD- in a democracy everybody has a Haasan to prove corruption in called “a BJP conspiracy ahead stopped movement of vehi- MK) continuing to target actor right to express their views. the government, and also asked of state assembly elections and cles through a crucial national Kamal Haasan yesterday, oppo- the actor if he was ready to share to instigate tribal parties to cre- highway and obstructed the sition parties as well as former the details of taxes paid by him ate chaos in the state”. solitary railway line. Both the chief minister O Panneerselvam for his fi lms. The Congress also accused highway and the railway line rallied around the actor. Meanwhile, Dravida Munne- the ruling Communist Party are under the control of central Tamil Nadu Finance Minister tra Kazhagam (DMK) leader M of India-Marxist (CPI-M)-led government,” the Congress D Jayakumar told reporters here K Stalin on Sunday came to the Left Front government for “re- leader pointed out. yesterday that Kamal Haasan support of the actor, condemn- maining silent over the eight- The CPI-M, however, op- should enter politics “if he has ing Tamil Nadu ministers for day national highway and lone posed the dawn-to-dusk the guts”. their utterances against him. railway route blockade by the strike tomorrow. On Kamal Haasan’s com- The actor is also being In a statement, Stalin said that IPFT (Indigenous People’s The BJP, which strongly de- ments about corruption in Tamil targeted for hosting the Kamal Haasan, like any other Front of Tripura) demanding a nied the Congress’ allegations, Nadu government departments, Tamil version of reality citizen, has only refl ected what separate tribal state”. also threatened to launch agi- Jayakumar said the actor was in- show Bigg Boss and for a the people of Tamil Nadu feel “We have called a 12-hour tations from today against the dulging in mudslinging and they “demeaning” comment by about the AIADMK government strike across Tripura on July road and railway blockade and will not keep quiet. a participant in the state. 19 against the Bharatiya Janata “Left Front government’s fail- The actor is also being target- In a democracy, the rulers have Party (BJP)’s conspiracy to dis- ure to handle the situation”. ed for hosting the Tamil version Panneerselvam said the min- to correct their mistakes and also turb peace in Tripura. The BJP, The IPFT has been block- of reality show Bigg Boss – with isters should counter the charges explain their position when crit- as in other states, is funding ading National Highway-8, calls to ban the TV programme with proof instead of threatening icisms are levelled against them, the conspirators and parties the lifeline of Tripura, and the for “tarnishing Tamil culture” – the actor. Stalin added. involved in the political tur- lone railway line since July 10, and for a “demeaning” comment On Sunday, state Law Minis- According to G Ramakrishnan, Indian and US jets take part in the trilateral ‘Malabar’ naval moil to gain political mileage,” leading to shortage of essential by a participant. ter C V Shanmugam said action CPI-M state secretary, the min- exercise between India, the US and Japan in the Bay of Tripura Congress president commodities, fuel, food grain Jayakumar also wondered why should be taken against Kamal isters should refute the actor Bengal. Birajit Sinha told the media. and other goods of basic ne- Kamal Haasan was silent when J Haasan for the “slum dweller with proof. He also charged the Left gov- cessity. Gulf Times Tuesday, July 18, 2017 15 PAKISTAN

‘Taliban’ suicide SC begins hearings to bomber kills two in NW Pakistan

AFP and adding they deserve “no decide PM’s future Peshawar mercy”. Peshawar, which has suff ered for years from mili- zNawaz Sharif is contesting tant assaults, was the scene the damning conclusions of a suicide bomber struck of Pakistan’s deadliest-ever corruption investigation into a vehicle carrying attack — a Taliban assault on his family’s wealth Aparamilitary troops in an army-run school in 2014 zSharif’s family lawyers Pakistan’s northwest yester- that left more than 150 people have challenged the legality day, killing two soldiers and dead, most of them children. of the investigators’ findings wounding eight other people Violence has declined in re- zThe army has denied in an attack claimed by the cent years following a series of suggestions the military Taliban. military off ensives against in- was behind the corruption The attack on the Frontier surgents along the northwest- investigation Corps (FC) took place in the ern border. upscale Hayatabad area of Pe- But the remnants of militant Reuters shawar, the capital of Khyber groups are still able to carry Islamabad Pakhtunkhwa province. out periodic bloody attacks, The blast came a day after particularly in the northwest. the Pakistani military said it had On Sunday the military an- akistan’s Supreme Court launched a fresh ground opera- nounced the new ground op- yesterday began hearings tion in a valley in the northwest, eration in the Rajgal Valley Pthat will decide the fate of part of an off ensive that began in Khyber Agency, one of the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, last November to clear the mil- seven semi-autonomous tribal who is fi ghting for his job as he itancy-racked area. regions along the border with contests the damning conclu- Local senior police offi cial Afghanistan. sions of a corruption investiga- Imran Malik, who gave the The off ensive is part of tion into his family’s wealth. death toll, said four civilians Operation Radd-ul-Fassad, The Supreme Court could were among the eight injured. which was launched after a put Sharif on trial on corrup- The Frontier Corps, which wave of attacks across the tion charges or disqualify him is part of the army, specialises country in February. from offi ce, but few expect the in operations along the border A military spokesman said judges to dismiss the case after with Afghanistan. the operation, aimed at pre- an investigation team submitted Another senior police of- venting Islamic State militants a 254-page report into his family fi cial, Sajjad Khan, confi rmed from crossing into Pakistan wealth last week. the attack and casualties, from Afghanistan as well as Sharif has denied any wrong- which the Tehreek-e-Taliban targeting members of the Pa- doing. Pakistan (TTP, or Pakistani kistani Taliban, would be “dif- The investigators alleged his Taliban) claimed in a state- fi cult”. He said some 500 fami- family’s wealth was beyond its ment. lies had been evacuated from means, and accused his children, Prime Minister Nawaz the area before the operation, including his daughter and pre- Lawyers chant slogans against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during Panama leaks hearing outside Supreme Court in Islamabad yesterday. Sharif condemned the at- and Afghan and Nato forces sumed heir Maryam, of signing tack, directing authorities to across the border had been forged documents to obscure bedevilled Pakistan since its cre- “The Pakistan army is not di- ama Papers leak into off -shore Sharif is expected to be sum- hunt down the perpetrators notifi ed. ownership of posh London fl ats. ation in 1947 — corruption and rectly connected,” he said. wealth. moned to appear before the Speaking outside the Supreme the struggle for power between Sharif has rejected demands But it ordered further investi- court in coming days or weeks. Court, Information Minister civilian politicians and the pow- from opposition parties to gations, and the formation of the Opposition politicians say Maryam Aurangzeb said Sharif’s erful military. resign, warning his ouster Joint Investigation Team. Sharif is concocting claims of family lawyers had challenged Sharif, 67, the son of an indus- would destabilise the country Sharif was originally nurtured conspiracy to save his skin and the legality of the investigators’ trialist serving his third term as and imperil hard-won eco- by the military as a civilian poli- argue that if he really wanted to Spooked by celebratory fi ndings, including allegations prime minister, has had a frac- nomic gains since his poll vic- tician who would protect their protect democracy he would step falsifi ed evidence was submit- tious relationship with the army. tory in 2013. interests, and he served as prime down. ted. He has talked of a conspiracy “It hurts that despite of our minister twice in the 1990s. Imran Khan, the opposition gunfi re, Afghan offi cial’s “The JIT has gone beyond the against him, but has not named hard work, attempts are afoot But relations soured and his leader who pushed the hardest mandate it was assigned,” she anyone. once again to push the country second stint as prime minister for Sharif to be investigated, said said, referring to the Joint In- His allies, however, privately back,” Sharif told a meeting of ended when he was ousted in a the premier would end up in jail, guards kill bride vestigation Team, made up of claim that elements of the mili- his ruling PML-N parliamentary 1999 military coup leading to a and vowed protests if he was not fi nance and law enforcement of- tary and the judiciary are bent on party over the weekend. decade of exile. ousted by the court. fi cials including military intelli- toppling him. In April, Sharif narrowly es- Relations with the military “Either we will celebrate in Is- DPA ebratory gunfi re in the air gence offi cers. The army spokesman brushed caped disqualifi cation after the during the current term have lamabad or otherwise we will hit Kabul while passing near Mohaqiq’s “The language the JIT has aside any suggestions the mili- Supreme Court ruled there was also been uneasy. the streets to save our democ- residence,” Najib Danish, a used shows its malafi de.” tary’s hidden hand was the driv- insuffi cient evidence to remove Sharif’s legal team and the op- racy and to make sure we send spokesman for the Afghan In- Sharif’s troubles have shone a ing force behind the corruption him — by a 2-3 split — over position will be given a chance this mafi a to...jail,” Khan told elebratory gunfi re from terior Ministry, said. spotlight on two issues that have investigation. documents released by the Pan- to contest the JIT fi ndings and supporters. an Afghan wedding Danish said four sus- Cdrew a fatal response pects, including two police- from the security entourage men guarding the politician’s of a high-ranking offi cial at house, has been arrested fol- the weekend, leaving the bride lowing the incident, which dead and four wedding guests happened in western Kabul. Suicide bomb attacks killing more Afghan civilians: UN wounded, according to an of- The incident comes amid fi cial yesterday. recent attacks in Kabul, The Sunday incident hap- prompting increased security Reuters at least 1,662 civilians and provised explosives, including devices is particularly appalling No group claimed responsi- pened when a celebratory levels in the capital. Kabul wounded 3,581 in the fi rst half of along roadsides. and must immediately stop.” bility for the attack. convoy of cars drove by the It means Afghan politi- the year, roughly similar to the “The human cost of this ugly In May, a massive truck bomb Kabul has accounted for near- residence of Mohamed Mo- cians, government institu- toll in the same period in 2016, war in Afghanistan — loss of life, in the heart of the capital, Ka- ly 20% of all civilian casualties haqiq, deputy to Afghan tions and foreign missions he United Nations yes- UN investigators said in a state- destruction and immense suf- bul, detonated by a suicide at- this year. Chief Executive Abdullah fortify their compounds, terday called on insurgent ment released yesterday. fering — is far too high,” Tadam- tacker, killed at least 92 people The investigators said the Tal- Abdullah, firing guns in the which means more guns are Tgroups in Afghanistan to Deaths and injuries from ichi Yamamoto, the head of the and wounding nearly 500 in iban were responsible for at least air, as is common in local cel- added to an already combus- curb attacks on civilians after suicide-bombings and other UN Assistance Mission in Af- what the United Nations called 43% of all civilian casualties. ebrations. tible situation. more than 5,000 non-combat- “complex attacks” rose 15%, ghanistan, said in a statement. the “deadliest incident docu- Islamic State was blamed for Worried they were under Authorities have made sev- ants were killed or wounded in with at least 40% of all civil- “The continued use of in- mented” since the international 5%, while unidentifi ed anti- attack, the guards fi red back. eral appeals for a halt to cel- the fi rst six months of 2017. ian casualties caused by anti- discriminate, disproportionate military intervention that top- government forces accounted Individuals in the bride’s ebratory gunfi re, given the The war in Afghanistan killed government groups using im- and illegal improvised explosive pled the Taliban regime in 2001. for another 19% of the total. convoy were “shooting cel- danger, but it persists. In coal-focused Pakistan, a wind power breeze is blowing

Thomson Reuters Foundation Industrial and Commercial Bank nance Corp (IFC), a member anteeing payments for the elec- troducing its renewable energy Islamabad of China. of the World Bank Group, an- tricity produced. policy back in 2006. Now the Pakistan and China have nounced that it will provide In March, the National Elec- market is gaining momentum,” signed around $57bn of energy $66mn, and mobilise a further tric Power Regulatory Author- he said. akistan is beginning to and infrastructure projects un- $172mn, to help build three ity (NEPRA) set the benchmark However, Ashfaq is con- reap the benefi ts of Chi- der the China-Pakistan Eco- 50MW wind power projects in tariff at 6.7 US cents per unit of cerned that the government’s Pnese investment in renew- nomic Corridor (CPEC). Most of the Gharo-Jhimpir wind corri- power produced. focus remains largely on expan- able energy infrastructure, with this investment is going towards dor. Amjad Awan, chief executive sion of fossil fuel power, which the opening of the fi rst wind coal-fi red power plants, fuelled Triconboston Consulting offi cer of the government’s Al- is helping drive climate change power project constructed as both by imported coal and by Corporation, part of a Pakistani ternative Energy Development and worsening extreme weath- part of the huge China-Pakistan coal mines in Pakistan’s Thar textile group that entered the re- Board, said that because wind er in Pakistan, including more Economic Corridor, aimed at Desert. newable energy market in 2015, power production depends on droughts and fl oods. overhauling the country’s trans- The CPEC projects aim to will operate the plants, which the strength of the wind at any “The government’s focus has port and energy systems. boost energy production in Pa- the IFC says will collectively time, it is important to create an shifted to coal power and liq- The nearly 50 megawatt wind kistan to reduce shortages that form Pakistan’s largest wind energy mix, such as of wind and uefi ed natural gas (LNG) based farm is located on over 680 lead to regular power outages. farm. solar power or wind and natural generation. acres of land in Jhimpir, near the The country can produce as The World Bank has now gas. The world is moving towards shores of the picturesque Keen- much as 23,000MW of power, started mapping Pakistan’s en- “We are entertaining hybrid renewables but (Pakistan is) jhar Lake, around two hours’ but experts say that there is a The CPEC projects aim to boost energy production in Pakistan. tire wind potential, looking at arrangements and will be able fi nding solutions in dirty fossil drive from the city of Karachi. shortfall of as much as 5,000MW wind corridors in Punjab as well. to manage intermittence soon,” fuel generation,” he said. Jhimpir is part of the so-called during periods of peak demand in Bahawalpur, in southern Pun- ready in Jhimpir”, including pre- “With global pricing coming Awan said. “In Pakistan we have Although Pakistan used to “Gharo-Jhimpir wind corri- — and demand is increasing by jab, is due to generate 1,000MW, viously installed wind projects, down, the market for renewables more than suffi cient solar and rely on oil-powered generation, dor” in Sindh province, a 180km the day given the rapidly grow- while a further 250MW will Ashfaq said. is kicking off . There is a lot of in- wind potential to transform into Jamil Masud, an energy consult- stretch of coastal land that the ing population. come from the wind corridor in The Gharo-Jhimpir wind cor- terest from investors,” explained energy. And with a 20 % de- ant who works for Hagler Bailly Pakistan Meteorological Depart- CPEC energy projects are ex- Sindh. ridor, mapped in 2013 by the Shabana Khawar, the IFC’s prin- crease in prices since 2014 the Pakistan, a consultancy group, ment says has the potential to pected to add around 17,000MW Zeeshan Ashfaq, a research US National Renewable En- cipal country offi cer in Pakistan. notion that wind energy is costly said that coal is cheap at the mo- produce 11,000MW of electric- to the national grid in the next analyst who works for the World ergy Laboratory, contains vast Khawar said the IFC is the is a myth.” ment, and new plants can be put ity through wind power. few years through what are being Wind Energy Association, told stretches of saline land, unsuit- largest private-sector investor Ashfaq, of the World Wind up quickly with a predictable The corridor is home to Pa- called “early harvest” projects to the Thomson Reuters Founda- able for agriculture and dotted in power in Pakistan and is fo- Energy Association, said that “in output. kistan’s earliest wind project, overcome the energy crisis. tion in an interview that Paki- only with a few bushes. cusing on hydro, wind and solar some countries solar and wind Pakistan’s fi rst power plant which began in 2009 with just a Most of these are coal- stan’s grid currently has more “Thirteen projects are already projects. energy is now cheaper than fos- fuelled by domestic coal will be- few turbines and was upgraded powered plants, such as the wind power capacity than solar operational here and others are She estimates that there are sil fuels. come operational by June 2019, to an installed capacity of 56MW 1,320MW Sahiwal plant in Pun- power capacity. in the pipeline. more than 2,000MW of mid- We too can leapfrog and move and once its second phase is by 2012. jab, which was inaugurated this “Today we only have 400MW By the end of this year, an ad- to large-scale wind and hydro towards decarbonising our en- completed in mid-2020 it will The new wind farm, which month. of grid-connected solar energy ditional 200MW of energy will projects in the pipeline. ergy sector,” he said. generate 1,300MW. opened last month, has been de- But CPEC also includes some from Quaid-e-Azam solar park, be added to the grid,” Ashfaq The wind projects include “It took seven years for Paki- It has been fast-tracked due veloped by Sachal Energy Devel- renewable energy projects. whereas we have 640MW of said. feed-in tariff s, which make them stan to commission its fi rst big to fi nancing available under the opment, with fi nancing from the The Quaid-e-Azam solar park grid-connected wind energy al- In June, the International Fi- attractive to investors by guar- wind project in 2012 after in- CPEC. Gulf Times 16 Tuesday, July 18, 2017 PHILIPPINES

Police chief claims NPA rebels planning Davao attacks

Manila Times thing about it but to have war. Manila These are hard realities in life. I don’t know if they will listen to their kings abroad but if they he New People’s Army can handle these fi ghters on (NPA) is planning to the ground, it would be best if Tlaunch attacks in Davao they will stop the war,” he said. City a day before President “If we are being attacked, Rodrigo Duterte delivers his then we have to fi ght back,” the second State of the Nation Ad- police chief added. dress, Philippine National Po- The PNP chief said no other lice (PNP) chief Ronald De La threat to the SONA, such as a Rosa said yesterday. terror attack, was monitored. “We monitored something “As for the moment, we from the left. The NPA, they have not received anything will make some pre-SONA at- specifi c, we have not moni- tacks, harassment. We uncov- tored any terror attacks,” De La ered that it will be in Davao. Rosa noted. They will disrupt Davao before However, he called on the SONA so we are preparing for public to co-operate and help that,” the authorities safeguard De La Rosa said at a news peace and order. conference. The military also has not The government is doing monitored any threat. some back channel nego- “We have not seen any tiations for the resumption of threats yet but we assure (the President Rodrigo Duterte, along with members of government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace representatives, gestures with the peace sign during a ceremony peace talks with the National public) that we are closely where a draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) was submitted to the president at the Malacanang Palace in Manila yesterday. Democratic Front of the Phil- monitoring the security for ippines (NDFP), the political the SONA preparations,” Col. wing of the Communist Party Edgard Arevalo told reporters of the Philippines (CPP). at a news conference. De La Rosa said government The House of Representa- troops will fi ght back when at- tives, where the president will tacked. deliver his SONA on July 24, “If we can attain peace earlier said it is bracing for Duterte to expedite bill through peace talks, it will be possible attacks by drug syn- better. But if (the Reds) are not dicates and terrorist groups sincere, we cannot do any- who may want to sow chaos. for self-rule in Mindanao 40 civilians displaced by zPeace process with MILF separatist Moro Islamic Libera- with separatists and Marxist times...we watch with utter legislative assembly, a chief started in 1997 tion Front (MILF). It aims to turn rebels a priority for his year- disgust of the destruction that minister, a cabinet, with an z MILF condemns Islamic predominantly Muslim parts of old government. violent extremism has inflicted agreement to share natural re- siege die from illnesses State-inspired groups the southern island of Mindanao The bill’s submission comes in the city of Marawi,” MILF source revenues, stacked large- z President is key supporter into an autonomous region with at a critical time for the Phil- chairman Al Haj Ebrahim Mu- ly in favour of the new Bang- of Bangsamoro autonomy its own executive, legislature ippines, as fears grow that rad said. samoro government. DPA forced to close when Islamic and fi scal powers. militants allied with Islamic “These misguided people In a recent interview with Manila State-allied militants occu- Reuters “May I say to you my State have exploited disillu- have filled the vacuum created Reuters in Cotabato City, Mo- pied Marawi, 800 kilometres Manila brothers...I will support and sionment over the failure of by our failure to enact the ba- hagher Iqbal, the MILF’s top south of Manila, Ubial said. hasten this instrument as it the previous Congress to pass sic law and (they) feed into the peace negotiator, said the hope orty civilians displaced The deaths were on top of 45 goes to the legislature,” Du- the law, and have used it to frustration of our people.” was for Congress to pass the by an eight-week battle civilians executed by the mili- hilippine President Rod- terte said in a ceremony for the recruit fighters and further a The law, details of which law and a transition period to Fin besieged Marawi City tants, who have been fi ghting rigo Duterte vowed yes- handover of the bill, drawing radical agenda. were not immediately avail- start in 2019, with elections in in the southern Philippines government forces since May Pterday to fast-track new loud applause. Rebels inspired by Islamic able, calls for the creation of 2022 for an 80-seat assembly. have died from illnesses since 23 in Marawi, the military said. legislation for autonomy in the “There will be no objections State have occupied the com- a self-administered territory Iqbal said he feared the Ma- the fi ghting started, the gov- The fi ghting has also left country’s most volatile region, of the provisions of all that is mercial heart of Marawi City, within what the Philippines rawi siege could complicate the ernment said yesterday. 411 terrorists and 95 govern- advancing a protracted process consistent with the consti- on Mindanao, through seven called Bangsamoro, meaning passage of the law if there was Most of the victims died in ment forces dead, the military to end decades of rebellion and tution and aspirations of the weeks of air strikes and bat- “Moro nation”, referring to the a perception that the MILF and health facilities from com- added. thwart rising militancy. Moro people.” tles with government troops southern Muslims that Spanish the Maute group fi ghting in Ma- plications of gastroenteritis, The fi ghting began on May The Bangsamoro Basic Law Passage of the bill would that have killed more than 500 colonialists called “Moros”. rawi were associated with each pneumonia and sepsis, said 23 when hundreds of mili- (BBL) submitted to Duterte yes- be a major achievement for people and displaced 260,000, The bill, agreed by a panel of other because both hail from acting Health Secretary Pau- tants went on a rampage after terday is the culmination of a Duterte, who was a mayor in marking the country’s biggest representatives from govern- the same region. “Right now we lyn Ubial. government forces attempted rocky 20-year peace process be- a Mindanao city for 22 years security crisis in years. ment, the MILF and religious don’t really know the thinking of Two of them died while in to arrest a local Islamic State tween the government and the and has made peace deals “We live in very dangerous groups, prescribes an elected the people,” he said. transit from a hospital that was leader. Transport strike forces Leading newspaper in sale suspension of classes talks after president’s threat By Reicelene Joy Ignacio Manila Times AFP Manila ive hundred jeepney driv- ers staged a protest cara- op newspaper the Philip- Fvan and transport strike pine Daily Inquirer said yesterday against the imple- Tyesterday its owners are mentation of the public utility in talks to sell the publication, vehicle (PUV) modernisation months after President Rod- programme, forcing some uni- rigo Duterte threatened a shame versities to cancel classes. campaign against them over Metro Manila Development critical coverage of his drug war. Authority’s transport strike Marixi Prieto, chairwoman of commander Edward Gonzales the Inquirer Group of Compa- said passengers were stranded nies, said the family had decided along Commonwealth Avenue to quit the newspaper business and Litex in Quezon City. and was in talks to sell it to ty- The protesters marched from coon Ramon Ang, president of the Quezon City Memorial Cir- top Philippine conglomerate San cle to Mendiola. Under the PUV Jeepney drivers and operators hold a rally along Elliptical Road in Miguel Corp. modernisation programme Quezon City to protest against the modernisation plan. “The Prieto family’s deci- that was launched in June, the sion to divest after 25 years is a A newspaper of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, which is likely to be acquired by food and beverage government will replace old operators nationwide. levels), Adamson University strategic business decision that conglomerate San Miguel Corp, is displayed at a news stand in Metro Manila, yesterday. units of jeepney with new elec- Some classes in Metro Ma- (all levels), San Sebastian Col- it believes will maximise group tronic ones. nila and other parts of Luzon lege (all levels), Colegio De San opportunities for the Inquirer He also threatened to use the Prieto described Ang as a Piston president George San were suspended. Schools that Juan De Letran (all levels), Far group,” the paper said in a state- government’s television station “longstanding friend and busi- Mateo said the programme cancelled classes were the Eastern University (senior high ment. to shame the two families, and ness partner” and said the talks, will affect the livelihood of De La Salle University (Taft, school) announced suspension Ang said yesterday he has ac- the subject has been a recurring begun in 2014, restarted early 600,000 drivers and 200,000 Makati, BGC campuses at all of classes. cepted the Prieto family’s off er to theme in many of the president’s this year. invest in the Inquirer Group but speeches. “The family is confi dent that gave no details. Duterte had vowed during Mr Ang will uphold the Inquirer Neither side mentioned the the election campaign last year Group’s commitment to pur- Smoking ban to be implemented on schedule: health secretary paper’s longstanding dispute to kill tens of thousands of drug suing the highest standards of with Duterte, who has said Ang dealers and users to stop the journalism.” Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial yesterday said ing areas (DSAs) and bans smoking altogether in helped fund his presidential country from sliding to narco- Ang said in a statement the there will be “no grace period” for the implemen- schools and recreational facilities for minors. campaign. Ramon Ang: media foray state status. paper would “continue to up- tation of the nationwide smoking ban. “It’s July 22 and it will be implementable be- In March, Duterte described Since he came to power a year hold the highest journalistic In a news conference in Malacanang, Ubial cause it is an Executive Order… we would like to the Inquirer and major televi- someday their karma will catch ago police and unknown gun- standards and make a diff erence advised public establishments and vehicles to be address full compliance of all facilities in main- sion broadcaster ABS-CBN with up with them,” Duterte said, sin- men have killed thousands of in the society it serves”. ready to comply with President Rodrigo Duterte’s taining the indoor spaces and public places. expletives and warned them of gling out the Prietos as well as suspects, but Duterte has reject- The planned Inquirer acquisi- Executive Order (EO) 26 setting a smoking ban So even if it’s outdoor, if it’s a public place, and karmic repercussions for criti- the Lopez family that controls ed criticism from human rights tion follows a pattern of Philip- by July 22, Manila Times reported. public conveyances should be smoke-free,” cising him for alleged human the television network. groups that his crackdown may pine conglomerates buying into EO 26 sets strict guidelines on designated smok- Ubial told reporters. rights abuses in the drug war. “They’re shameless, those amount to a crime against hu- news outlets, sparking concern “I’m not threatening them but sons of ***** journalists.” manity. about media consolidation. Gulf Times Tuesday, July 18, 2017 17 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL

New CJ Nepal panel fi les case against pledges to make justice three offi cials for tax fraud delivery fast Agencies The three are accused a senior government offi cial on business houses for mutual 2002 against the accused. Kathmandu of embezzling revenue charges of embezzling revenue Fact fi le benefi ts when they were the of- According to offi cials at the amounting to over $100mn and settling taxes in a question- z More than 1,000 files related to tax exemption are still under fi ce bearers of Tax Settlement commission, over 1,000 fi les by exempting huge taxes able way, Xinhua reports. investigation Commission in 2015. related to tax exemption are still opal Prasad Parajuli who of big business houses for This is biggest ever corrup- z A government joint secretary also serving as the member The commission on the under investigation. was yesterday sworn in as mutual benefits tion case in the history of the secretary of the commission, is the main accused in the case charge-sheets fi led against The Tax Settlement Com- GNepal’s new chief justice Himalayan nation, offi cials of z The commission demands imprisonment and fines in accordance the accused stated that they mission formed in February (CJ) has pledged to make justice de- IANS the Commission for Investiga- with the Prevention of Corruption Act 2002 have misappropriated nearly 2015 by the government, had livery fast and less expensive in the Kathmandu tion and Abuse of Authority $100mn (Rs10.02bn), accord- landed into controversy after a country, according to local media. (CIAA) said. ing to a statement issued by the report of the Offi ce of the Audi- Parajuli, 61, was administered Chudamani Sharma, a joint was immediately suspended hat and commission’s member commission on Sunday. tor General (OAG) in April called the oath of offi ce by President epal’s anti-graft apex secretary of the Nepali govern- after the police took him into Umesh Dhakal, who are still Filing the case at the court, into question the tax exemption Bidya Devi Bhandari at Sheetal panel has fi led a cor- ment also serving as the mem- custody on June 2. at large. the commission has de- of about Rs21b granted to vari- Niwas. Nruption case of over ber secretary of the Tax Settle- The other two accused are The trio are accused of manded imprisonment and ous enterprises, according to Prime Minister Sher Bahadur $100mn at the Special Court ment Commission, is the main Tax Settlement Commission embezzling revenue by ex- fi nes in accordance with the a news report published in the Deuba, Vice President Nanda Ba- against three persons including accused in this case. Sharma chairman Lumba Dhoj Ma- empting huge taxes of big Prevention of Corruption Act Kathmandu Post. hadur Pun, Speaker Onsari Gharti, chiefs of constitutional bodies and judges of the Supreme Court were Flag carrier starts present on the occasion. The parliamentary hearing online ticketing special committee (PHSC) on Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), the Sunday unanimously approved 4 killed, 3 missing in Himalayan country’s flag carrier, has the name of Parajuli for the post launched online ticketing services. of the chief justice. He will re- However, the services which main at the post until April, 2018. began on Sunday is only for the Parajuli said he has prepared a time being, Xinhua news agency 39-point action plan in connec- landslides, fl ooding quoted the airlines as saying. tion with the judicial reform. “Those willing to the travel on “The Supreme Court would NAC planes can book tickets by remain in touch with the Nepal DPA said Kumod Dhungel, a local a 10-year-old girl playing with using their foreign exchange- Bar Association in this regard,” he Kathmandu police offi cer. her cousin fell into sewage and based international travel cards said, pledging to fulfi l his offi cial “A 55-year-old woman and was drawn into a swollen river. from anywhere in the world,” the duty by remaining with the juris- a 45-year-old man and his She died hours later in a hos- NAC said in a statement. dictions fi xed by the constitution. t least four people have 13-year-old daughter were pital on Saturday. Another girl However, the state-owned airline He said there was widespread been killed and three swept away in the fl ood,” he who fell into a pit in the city was said it was working on adjusting the public complaint that justice de- Ahave gone missing after said, adding that the nine peo- rescued by passersby. system in domestic currency also. livery is very slow in the country, heavy monsoon rains over the ple who were injured in the These incidents have NAC spokesman Rabindra Kumar saying slow service is no service. weekend triggered landslides incident were being treated in prompted the government to told Xinhua that the online A meeting of the constitution- and fl ooding across Nepal, of- a hospital in the capital Kath- instruct authorities to raise booking system would help al council on June 29 had nomi- fi cials said yesterday. mandu. safety standards on roads under reduce the cost of tickets for nated Parajuli’s name and sent Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba A 75-year-old woman A 29-year-old man was construction in Kathmandu. travellers as the commission to for the parliamentary hearing. and a 45-year-old man killed after being swept away by The monsoon in Nepal, be paid to the third parties for He had taken charge of the died early on Sunday when a fl ooded river in south-eastern which lasts from July to Sep- ticketing service will be reduced. Supreme Court as the acting a fl ooded river swept away Nepal on Sunday, local media tember, causes disastrous land- Currently, the airline has been chief justice on June 7 when Su- their home in Chhatiwan vil- reported. slides and fl ooding every year, outsourcing the ticketing jobs to shila Karki, the fi rst female chief PM meets lage in north-eastern Nepal, In an incident in Kathmandu, killing hundreds of people. travel agencies. justice of the country, retired. president Bangladeshi cricketer is ahead of granted bail in dowry case

By Mizan Rahman On Sunday, the court framed Communication Technology Act. her at a rented house. He then cabinet rejig Dhaka charges against Sunny in a Sunny appeared in the court pestered Nasrin for 2mn taka as dowry case fi led by Sultana. yesterday. His lawyer presented dowry, as per the case dossier. The court also issued arrest documentation of his treatment Sunny was arrested in January Agencies sonal visit to Thailand, will Dhaka court yesterday warrant as Sunny could not appear for the bail petition. Sunny did after Sultana sued him in a case Kathmandu return home. granted bail to Bang- before the court as he has been not speak during the hearing. under the Information and Com- Expressing his confi dence Aladesh cricketer Arafat suff ering from chikunguniya. The case accuses him of as- munication Technology or ICT Act. over the timely completion Sunny in a dowry case fi led by On April 5, the court granted saulting Sultana for dowry. The Later, the plaintiff went on epalese Prime Min- of all three levels of elections, Nasrin Sultana, who claimed to interim bail to the cricketer. case was started in January. Five to fi le two more cases under the ister Sher Bahadur Nidhi said the rumour sur- be Sunny’s wife. Sultana fi led the case against months later it was transferred Dowry Prohibition Act and the NDeuba yesterday met rounding the extension of Dhaka Metropolitan Magis- the cricketer and his mother for to the court of Magistrate Zakir. Women and Children Repression President Bidya Devi Bhandari the parliament by a year was trate Jakir Hossain passed the demanding 2mn taka as dowry Sunny, the spinner of the na- Prevention Act. amid growing speculation baseless. order after Sunny surrendered on January 23. tional cricket team, married Sul- The 30-year-old has revealed about the expansion of an Delay in expansion of the before the court seeking bail, She also fi led another case tana in 2014 without his family’s that he has two wives; Sultana is Arafat Sunny ... in the corridor of eight-member cabinet which eight-member cabinet was said his lawyer. under the Information and consent and started living with the second. uncertainty has been delayed due to pow- mainly due to power sharing er-sharing dispute between dispute between the ruling the ruling Nepali Congress Nepali Congress and CPN- and CPN-Maoist Centre. Maoist Centre. The meeting was held at Besides the Dahal-led Mao- Rastrapati Bhawan and the ist party, leftist CPN- United Lanka’s war-torn district set for image makeover University two leaders discussed con- and pro-Hindu Rastriya Pra- temporary issues and the lat- jatantra Party are likely to est political situation in the join the Nepali Congress led IANS National Park and a host of other located in the Northern prov- eff orts, reports Xinhua news faces charge country, offi cials said. government. Colombo sites which have been identifi ed ince of Sri Lanka and was a agency. Senior leader of Nepali “Talks were held with ruling as having considerable tourism strong hold of the Tamil Tiger Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has Congress Bimalendra Nidhi, Nepali Congress party for the potential, the ministry said in rebels during the country’s civil seen mega growth following the of animal who is close to Deuba, said the inclusion of our party’s repre- ri Lanka will transform the statement. confl ict which ended in 2009. end of the island’s civil confl ict much-talked cabinet expan- sentative in the cabinet,” Sunil former war-torn northern Many projects have been Sri Lanka has been named between government troops and sion would take place within a Manandhar, a senior leader of Sdistrict of Mannar into a carried out to make the dis- Asia’s Leading Destination at the Tamil Tiger rebels which cruelty couple of days. the CPN-United, said. major tourism hub, the tourism trict tourist-friendly, with the World Travel Awards Cer- ended in May 2009. Speaking at a programme Nidhi also said the govern- ministry has said. a beachfront area of around emony, the tourism ministry has Amaratunga said securing the in Kathmandu yesterday, Ni- ment was committed to hold- The district of Mannar has 300 acres to be identifi ed as said. Leading Destination along with AFP dhi said the expansion would ing provincial and Parliamen- been positioned as the main hub a resort area for accommoda- Tourism Minister John Ama- Leading Adventure Tourism Colombo take place soon after CPN- tary level elections within the for visiting the region’s key at- tion purposes, according to ratunga said the award was Destination accolade will con- Maoist Centre chief Pushpa stipulated time frame of nine tractions, including the famed the statement. an important milestone in Sri tinue to draw the spotlight on Kamal Dahal, who is on a per- months. Madhu Church Shrine, Wilpattu The district of Mannar is Lanka’s tourism promotional Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan university was fending off allegations of Aanimal cruelty yesterday after being accused of inhu- manely killing dozens of cats and View from the top dogs in a mass cull on campus. Bangladesh approves stringent Tranquiliser darts were used to sedate the stray animals at the prestigious University of Mor- law for illegal trade of organs atuwa but many died from the dose, activists said. “This is cruel and brutal treat- By Mizan Rahman Shamim briefed reporters after Organ donation is the do- ment of animals and we want Dhaka the meeting. nation of biological tissue or action taken against those re- Without the government ap- an organ of the human body, sponsible,” animal rights activist proval, Shamim said, no hospital from a living or dead person to Wibodha Ambeygoda said. he Bangladesh cabinet can conduct human organ trans- a living recipient who needs a She said university authorities yesterday approved the plantation in the country while the transplantation. removed paralysed animals from Tdraft law, ‘Transplan- public hospitals having specialised In the name of organ dona- the campus and dumped them tation of Human Organs Act, units in this regard can do the job tion, illegal trade of organs has 20km (12 miles) away to die. 2017’, aiming to check illegal without taking any approval. reportedly been going on in the A spokesman for the univer- trade of human organs keep- He also said private hospitals country for over a decade. sity said a private company was ing a provision for three years have to apply to the authorities Wealthy recipients and bro- contracted to cull the stray ani- of rigorous imprisonment or concerned to do the job within kers trick the poor and illiterate mals from the campus. one million taka fi ne or both for 60 days of enactment of the law. people into selling their organs Sri Lanka has strict fl ora and violation of the law. As per the proposed law, by making false promises like fauna laws, and cruelty to ani- The approval came from the there will be a medical board in high prices and jobs and travel- mals is punishable with up to fi ve regular weekly meeting of the cab- every hospital for deciding the ling to foreign countries. years in jail. inet held at the Cabinet division of transplantation matter and a The existing law stipulates Six people were jailed in March the Secretariat with Prime Minis- National Cadaveric Committee imprisonment for three to sev- People watch from the hilltop of Swayambhunath Stupa as monsoon cloud looms over the valley last year after posting photos on- ter Sheikh Hasina in the chair. to oversee the human organs en years, 300,000 taka as fi ne in Kathmandu yesterday. line showing them skinning a sea Additional Secretary Ashraf transplantation in the country. or both for violating the law. eagle alive. Gulf Times 18 Tuesday, July 18, 2017 COMMENT

Chairman: Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah Editor-in-Chief: Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor: K T Chacko Why do homes in cities

P.O.Box 2888 Doha, Qatar [email protected] become unaff ordable? Telephone 44350478 (news), 44466404 (sport), 44466636 (home delivery) In many of the world’s inequality can worsen and the risk of of the areas used to compute median The rise in housing prices, relative Fax 44350474 social polarisation – and even serious price and median rent may vary. In to income, is unlikely to be sudden, urban centres, homes are confl ict – can grow. some cities, higher-priced homes may not least because speculators, becoming prohibitively As this year’s Demographia tend to turn over more rapidly than anticipating the change, may bid up International Housing Aff ordability in others. And some cities may be prices in advance. They may even expensive for people with Survey shows, there are already inhabited by larger families, implying overshoot, temporarily pushing the moderate incomes massive disparities across major global bigger houses than in other cities. ratios even higher than necessary, cities (measured by the ratio of median But it seems unlikely that the errors creating a bubble and causing GULF TIMES home prices to median household could be so signifi cant that they unnecessary angst among residents. By Robert J Shiller income). A high ratio correlates with would change the basic conclusion: But this tendency can be mitigated, New Haven high pressure for people to leave. home aff ordability around the world if civil society recognises the This year’s survey, which covered 92 is highly variable. The question, then, importance of preserving lower- cities in nine countries, showed that, is why residents of some cities face income housing. Many of the calls to nequality is usually measured as of late 2016, Hong Kong had the extremely – even prohibitively – high resist further construction, residents Washington Post least aff ordable housing, with a price- prices. must understand, are being made by comparing incomes across households within a country. to-income ratio of 18.1. That means In many cases, the answer appears by special interests; indeed, they IBut there is also a diff erent kind that paying off a 30-year mortgage to be related to barriers to housing amount to a kind of rent seeking of inequality: in the aff ordability of on a median-price home would cost a construction. Using satellite data by homeowners seeking to boost report unmasks homes across cities. The impact of this median-income buyer more than half for major US cities, the economist their own homes’ resale value. In his form of inequality is no less worrying. of their income – and that is without Albert Saiz of MIT confi rmed that recent book The New Urban Crisis, In many of the world’s urban interest. Mortgage rates are low in tighter physical constraints – such the University of Toronto’s Richard centres, homes are becoming Hong Kong, but not zero, suggesting it as surrounding bodies of water or Florida decries this phenomenon, UAE’s duplicity prohibitively expensive for people is just about impossible for a median- land gradients that make properties comparing opponents of housing with moderate incomes. As a income household to purchase a home unsuitable for extensive building – construction to the early-19th- city’s real-estate prices rise, some there without access to additional tend to correlate with higher home century Luddites, who smashed the Even during the early days of the Saudi-led quartet’s inhabitants may feel compelled to funds from, say, a parent, or, if the prices. mechanical looms that were taking illegal attempt to isolate Qatar politically and leave. Of course, if that inhabitant buyer is an immigrant, from abroad. But the barriers may also be their weaving jobs. economically, it was abundantly clear that they had, to already owned a house there that they After Hong Kong, the list continues political. A huge dose of moderate- In some cases, a city may be can sell, they may regard the price with Sydney (12.2), Vancouver (11.8), income housing construction would on its way to becoming a “great use a very mild idiom, shot themselves in the foot. increase as a windfall that they can Auckland (10), San Jose/Silicon have a major impact on aff ordability. city,” and market forces should be As the weeks dragged on their position grew claim by departing. If not, however, Valley (9.6), Melbourne (9.5), and Los But the existing owners of high- allowed to drive out lower-income increasingly untenable, with the vast majority of they may be forced out with no Angeles (9.3). Next come London and priced homes have little incentive to people who can’t participate fully compensation. Toronto – at 8.5 and 7.7, respectively – support such construction, which in this greatness to make way for civilised nations warming up to Qatar’s calm and The consequences are not just where housing is extremely expensive, would diminish the value of their own those who can. But, more often, a collected approach which eschewed hollow rhetoric economic. People may be forced out but incomes are also high. investment. Indeed, their resistance city with a high housing-price-to- and bombast in favour of proactive diplomacy and of cities where they have spent their Meanwhile, some attractive world may be as intractable as a lake’s edge. income ratio is less a “great city” thoughtful engagement. entire lives. Leaving amounts to losing cities are quite aff ordable, relative As a result, municipal governments than a supply-constrained one lifelong connections, and therefore to incomes. In New York City, the may be unwilling to grant permits to lacking in empathy, humanitarian There was hardly a statement of aggression from can be traumatic. If too many lifelong median home price stands at 5.7 expand supply. impulse, and, increasingly, Qatar’s leaders while Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain inhabitants are driven out by rising times median household income. In Insuffi cient options for diversity. And that creates fertile and Egypt resorted to all sorts of political trickery and housing prices, the city itself suff ers Montreal and Singapore, that ratio is construction can be the driving force ground for dangerous animosities. threats that were not expected of nations bound by from a loss of identity and even 4.8; in Tokyo and Yokohama, it is 4.7; behind a rising price-to-income – Project Syndicate culture. and in Chicago, it is 3.8. ratio, with home prices increasing deep historical, religious and family ties. As such people depart, an expensive Maybe the fi gures for these over the long term even if the city has zRobert J Shiller, a 2013 Nobel Some of the things said and written by the city gradually becomes an enclave of outlier cities aren’t precise. They acquired no new industry, cachet, or laureate in economics and Professor acquiescent media in those four countries would high-income households, and begins are hard to check, and there must talent. Once the city has run out of of Economics at Yale University, is classify as plain underhandedness besides being to take on their values. With people be inconsistencies across cities, available building sites, its continued co-author, with George Akerlof, of of various income levels increasingly countries, and continents. For growth must be accommodated by the Phishing for Phools: The Economics of downright puerile and cheap. But as they say you divided by geography, income example, the geographical boundaries departure of lower-income people. Manipulation and Deception. sow the wind and reap the whirlwind, and all of it has eff ectively boomeranged on them, exposing the duplicity in their dealings not only with Qatar, but also with the world at large. All the while Qatar has not wavered from its original stance that the pro-Iran comments posted on the Qatar News Agency (QNA) website that triggered off the senseless blockade in June were the result of a hacking carried out by elements inimical to the country – forces that were jealous of its prosperity and its growing status across all fi elds of human endeavour, especially politics, media, sport, education and social development. And as if more proof was needed to vindicate Qatar’s watertight position, top US intelligence Qatar stands offi cials on Sunday categorically named vindicated on the UAE as the country illegal blockade responsible for the hacking, as reported by Saudi-led by the venerable and quartet highly infl uential Washington Post which was picked up by all the major news agencies and reported by most newspapers and television stations As of late 2016, Hong Kong had the least aff ordable housing, with a price-to-income ratio of 18.1. across the world. According to US intelligence offi cials, senior members of the UAE government had discussed the plan to hack Qatari websites on May 23 with the intention of causing an artifi cial crisis and turmoil in the region in a bid to A Volvo moment for antimicrobial resistance achieve their dubious political motives in connivance with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain. By Jim O’Neill chairing the G20 this year, and could Still, countries such as the US identifi ed as urgent priorities, it will London be expected to bring bold proposals to and Brazil could now have their own free others from their conventional Qatar said yesterday that the Washington Post the table. “Volvo moments”: policymakers strait jackets, and force them to stop report proves beyond doubt what it had been saying In the run-up to this year’s G20 simply need to tell food producers thinking so narrowly about quarterly all through – that the controversial comments were ecently, Volvo issued an summit in Hamburg, I started to worry what will and will not be allowed. returns. posted by hacks. inspiring announcement: that Germany would fall short of these And the private sector, too, needs In the Review on AMR, we it will no longer produce expectations. But, if anything, Germany to show leadership on this front. recommended 27 interventions “The information published in the Washington gasoline- or diesel-fuelled under-promised and over-delivered. Food producers and retailers should that could solve the AMR crisis Post ... revealed the involvement of the United Arab R cars after 2019. Volvo executives The lengthy communique issued at the follow in the footsteps of the Devon- for a generation. So far this Emirates (UAE) and senior Emirati offi cials in the may be anticipating that traditional end of the Hamburg summit includes a based bacon producer that recently decade, however, three US-based hacking of Qatar News Agency,” Qatar’s government vehicles will be less profi table in the statement on AMR that is bolder than I committed to using only antibiotic- pharmaceutical manufacturers have future. But whatever their motive, would have expected. free pigs. Will Walmart, Asda, Tesco, already spent more money buying communication offi ce said in a statement. their decision has resonated widely. Not only have G20 leaders and others now do the same? back their own shares than would The report “unequivocally proves that this hacking Within 24 hours, French President reaffi rmed their previous support To win the war against AMR, we be needed to see those interventions crime took place”, it added. Emmanuel Macron announced that for eff orts by the World Health must stop doling out antibiotics like through. Pharmaceutical companies The UAE has, understandably, denied the France would prohibit the sale of Organisation, the Food and sweets. To that end, we will need new have essentially become balance- gasoline- and diesel-fuelled cars by Agricultural Organisation of the technologies and other measures to sheet managers fi rst, and drug-makers Washington Post story. But what else can it do? Having 2040. United Nations, and the Organisation change how antibiotics are prescribed second. Someone needs to fl ip that lost its legal and moral standing on the issue, it will do Volvo’s decision confi rms that for Animal Health to tackle AMR. and administered. For example, in the model on its head. its best to stick to its stance. things are changing for the auto They have also taken important steps Review on AMR, which I chaired, we The Review also proposed But for how long, that is the question. Sooner rather industry, and it sends a positive in three crucial areas: agricultural urged developed countries to require, market-entry rewards to message in the fi ght against climate usage, diagnostics, and the market by 2020, that certain diagnostic tests encourage innovation. If the major than later the UAE would have to come down from its change. But, more important, it for new useful drugs. There are clear be conducted before antibiotics can be pharmaceutical producers were to imaginary high horse and admit its mistake. demonstrates that people and opportunities for breakthrough prescribed. make meaningful investments in organisations are still capable of commitments in each of these three By enacting such a policy, any antibiotics research, they could vastly taking big, bold steps to solve major areas. developed country can now establish improve the current environment To Advertise challenges. In agriculture, G20 countries itself as a global leader. So, too, can for developing new drugs. The G20’s Among the many global problems have promised to restrict the use companies that commit to providing proposed “R&D Collaboration Hub” [email protected] today, the fi ght against antimicrobial of antibiotics outside of veterinary the necessary diagnostic technology at will, one hopes, help in this eff ort. Display resistance (AMR) desperately needs medicine. That alone is a big step an aff ordable price, or pharmaceutical Only when the industry comes Telephone 44466621 Fax 44418811 a similar breakthrough commitment. forward, given that, in big countries companies that support such together will AMR go the way of the For advocates, AMR’s appearance such as the United States, and possibly technologies as a complement to new gasoline- and diesel-powered car. - Classified on the G20’s agenda last year, at China and India, antibiotics are now gram-negative antibiotics, which Project Syndicate Telephone 44466609 Fax 44418811 the group’s summit in Hangzhou, used more for growth promotion in will have to be set at a higher price to China, represented a major triumph. agriculture than for fi ghting infections discourage overuse. zJim O’Neill, a former chairman of Subscription But G20 leaders’ 2016 statement on in humans. The European Union has Which pharmaceutical company Goldman Sachs Asset Management [email protected] AMR was not as bold as it could have prohibited this practice for a decade will be the Volvo or Tesla of its and a former UK Treasury Minister, been, because they did not want to now, but its policy has not spread industry? If one company takes is Honorary Professor of Economics set the bar too high. They knew that globally because vested interests in the lead on developing new drugs at Manchester University and former 2017 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Germany, an enthusiastic champion major food-producing countries have to respond to antibiotic-resistant Chairman of the British government’s in the fi ght against AMR, would be stood in the way. pathogens that the WHO has Review on Antimicrobial Resistance. Gulf Times Tuesday, July 18, 2017 19 COMMENT Venezuela’s rebels with a cause

At least 115 protesters have economic opportunities. In 2016, combined with years of economic 70% of all protests were driven by mismanagement, has left young died in Venezuela since economic concerns, with the demand Venezuelans with high expectations the opposition-organised for jobs chief among them. The but no real prospects. The Maduro government hasn’t reported offi cial government’s only solution seems to street protests began on unemployment rates in over a year. But be stepped-up repression. April 1. More than 50 of it is clear that Venezuelans –especially The tears that Arteaga shed for young people who cannot aff ord food his instrument and his country, like those killed have been and housing – are suff ering more than the images of mourners at young younger than 30, and ever from their country’s deepening protesters’ funerals, illustrates this economic crisis. dynamic perfectly: young people took many were just teenagers Young people are particularly to the streets to demand change and dangerous to the regime because opportunity, and the government – a By Anne-Marie Slaughter they have nothing to lose now, and government built on promises that and Fabiana Perera everything to lose later. As one student it cannot keep – responded with Washington, DC leader said in 2014, “We have to beatings and bullets. Having failed to protest because [the government] is meet its commitments, it is betraying stealing our future.” Older people, by its supporters’ children with the he image of Wuilly Arteaga contrast, tend to make the opposite violence it once reserved for the crying after Venezuelan calculation: they do not want to risk country’s elites. security forces destroyed the possessions and livelihoods they The question now is who will give This violin has been seen by have now for an uncertain future. Still, up fi rst. The unoffi cial motto of the millions of people around the world. when their own children take to the 2014 protests was “El que se cansa, The 23-year-old Arteaga had joined streets, they sometimes follow. pierde” (“You tire, you lose”). But on in the protests against Venezuelan The regime has only itself to blame that occasion, the opposition blinked President Nicolas Maduro’s for today’s protests. Like a Latin fi rst, and the protests fi zzled out with government by playing patriotic American Donald Trump, Chavez the start of the World Cup. songs. His look of despair speaks to came to power on a wave of populism This time, the opposition has what many in Venezuela are feeling as in 1998, and frequently boasted of made more concrete demands, and they wonder how much longer their his eff orts to reduce unemployment. has vowed to stay in the streets until country must suff er violence and His government invested heavily those demands are met. They are misrule. in tertiary education; and by 2010, calling on the government to hold At least 115 protesters have died Venezuela ranked fi fth worldwide in a fair presidential election, free in Venezuela since the opposition- university enrolment. Many of the all political prisoners, and open organised street protests began on new public universities established a humanitarian corridor for the April 1. More than 50 of those killed during this period were closely country to receive much-needed have been younger than 30, and many aligned with the regime. In interviews, food and medicine. were just teenagers. They include students have said the regime required Maduro has blamed the protesters people like Neomar Lander, a 17-year- their participation in pro-government for the country’s shortages. But he old protester who was reportedly rallies; but it also promised them will need more than populist rhetoric shot at point-blank range with a Wuilly Arteaga crying after Venezuelan security forces destroyed his violin. government jobs after graduation. to mollify the people this time. teargas canister, and Yeison Mora, To fulfi l this promise, the regime Venezuelans have spoken loud and also 17, who was shot in the face while diverse than the anti-Maduro protests before he died in 2013. In 2007, it own right to protest. And now, a new tapped the country’s large oil revenues clear: they are tired of populism, and participating in a demonstration in the in 2014, which seemed to comprise was young people who led protests generation of young people has joined at the time to expand the public they will not tire of the streets. – country’s southwest. mostly middle-class Venezuelans. against Chavez’s government when it with the alumni of those previous sector. But spending oil revenues to Project Syndicate Estimating the size and Second, many of today’s protesters are shut down the popular Radio Caracas waves to demand elections and the educate students for jobs that depend demographics of protest crowds is young. Television, and replaced it with a end of the regime. on future oil revenues is hardly a zAnne-Marie Slaughter is President always diffi cult; but two things about Young people have spearheaded state-run television channel. Then, The current protests have gone sustainable economic model. This and CEO of New America. Fabiana today’s protests in Venezuela are three waves of protest against the in 2014, they demonstrated against on for more than 90 days. Young became readily apparent in 2014, when Perera, a PhD candidate at The George already clear. First, they are much Chavista regime, established by the country’s rampant violent crime Venezuelans are speaking out against oil prices started plummeting. Washington University, is a 2017 broader and more socioeconomically Maduro’s predecessor, Hugo Chavez, under Maduro, and in support of their high unemployment and the lack of The collapse of oil prices, Foreign Policy Interrupted Fellow. Weather report Voice for freedom snuff ed out Three-day forecast TODAY High: 43 C bloodshed. For his eff orts he was Low : 34 C By John Timpane Inshore:Hot daytime with scattered The Philadelphia Inquirer thrown into prison, for the rest of his clouds and humid by night with life subject to incarceration, under misty at places later. the government’s eye, forbidden to n Thursday July 13, the publish in China. (He tried to keep WEDNESDAY announcement came: Liu publishing under various names.) He High: 39 C Xiaobo, who won the 2010 couldn’t go to Sweden to receive his Low: 34 C ONobel Peace Prize, had Nobel; too busy being in prison. Sunny died at 61 of liver cancer in a hospital The Croatian musician and activist in the northeast city of Shenyang, Nenad Bach once brought home to China. He lived most of the last 30 me what it was like growing up in the THURSDAY years of his life under some sort former Yugoslavia. High: 41 C of house arrest, imprisonment or “Day to day,” he said, “life was Low: 33 C restraint. pretty much the same as it is here. You Sunny Because of tight censorship, most get up, go to work, do what you do. But Chinese had no idea Liu had even in the back of your mind, you know won the Nobel. China resisted all they can take everything away from Fishermen’s forecast you, at any time, whenever they want.” eff orts to free him, or even secure him Liu Xiaobo OFFSHORE DOHA emergency treatment abroad. That’s what they did to Liu Xiaobo. Wind: SW-NW 03-12/15 KT Liu’s miserable death reminds us according to the Committee to Our own America is now convulsed They could have done it by killing Waves: 1-3/4 Feet of something true all over the world: Protect Journalists. Not all these are over “fake news,” “sourceless him, as the powerful do to dozens of INSHORE DOHA Wind: NW-NE 05-15 KT It is dangerous to write in the public government-driven; about 40% of reporting,” and a “failed press.” Plenty journalists and writers every year. But Waves: 1-2/3 Feet sphere. attacks on journalists are by IS or of yelling. Lots of chest-beating. they chose the more perfect revenge: So it was, long before the printing similar extremist groups. Eruptions of aggressive words. All life as prison, where you live having Around the region press. Long before Giordano Bruno’s Those in power must surely think that hogwash, though, is actually a lost everything, and know it, minute Weather Weather agony at the stake in 1,600 or Galileo’s writers can change things. Why else good thing, a sign of healthy, vigorous, by slow, empty minute, until you die, today Max/min tomorrow Max/min 1,642 death under house arrest, all the would you chase a poet like Pablo eff ective, free media. as reports tell us, from cancer, septic Abu Dhabi P Cloudy 40/35 Sunny 42/35 way through to the 2015 Charlie Hebdo Neruda (another Nobel winner) Sure, you can bully reporters, shock, and respiratory and renal Baghdad Sunny 50/34 Sunny 49/32 Dubai attack in Paris and beyond, writers over the mountains, as Chile did in or you can at least try. You can failure. P Cloudy 41/35 Sunny 45/33 Kuwait City Sunny 44/32 Sunny 43/29 have been hounded, murdered, locked 1948-49 (as recounted in the great mischaracterise what they do, even In the name of Liu Xiaobo, who died Manama M Sunny 42/33 Sunny 40/33 up, or otherwise suppressed. movie “Neruda”)? Why chase down lie about it. A truly free media world horribly for truth, I hereby embrace Muscat P Cloudy 35/29 M Sunny 33/29 Who’s worried? The powerful. a blogger and hack him to death with – in which, short of libel, slander, and every insult, every bad name, every lie Riyadh M Sunny 46/31 P Cloudy 45/31 Why? They fear the contrary voice, machetes, as the Jamaat-e-Islami incitement to break the law, speech anyone wants to hurl at investigative Tehran Sunny 35/24 Sunny 36/23 the least shred of contrary fact. party did to Ahmed Rajib Haider in is protected – is and always will be journalists, essayists, poets, artists, They’re afraid it’ll spread, once out, Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 2015? Why turn messy, confusing, loud and nasty. To historians, and anyone else whose and the infection of truth will sap their 30 years of a man’s life into a living be sure, that can be wearying and sad. work challenges in public the offi cial authority. If they can’t bully it down, prison, as China did to Liu Xiaobo? But all that is far from what story, whatever that story is. they’ll choke it off at the source. (For years in the US academy, you happened to Liu Xiaobo. Want to call it fake news? Bring it You see it amid the protests in used to hear, again and again, that When the Tiananmen Square on. - Tribune News Service Venezuela, where journalists are art and literature change nothing; demonstrations broke out in 1989, he routinely harassed, threatened, the best it could do, in this view, was left his safe post as a visiting scholar zJohn Timpane is the books/fi ne arts thrown in jail. You see it throughout tighten the chains of language and at Columbia University and hurried editor/writer for the Philadelphia the Middle East, and in Somalia, institutional coercion around us. home. At the square, he joined in a Inquirer. Readers may e-mail him at a leading site of such attacks, Sounds quaint, I know.) hunger strike and tried to head off [email protected] Live issues Nursing while pregnant safe for most healthy mothers Around the world Weather Weather today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Cloudy 31/22 By Anne Harding While many women will decide to prematurely, or that nursing during for the idea that breastfeeding Athens 28/21 Sunny wean after getting pregnant, it is not pregnancy will deplete a mother’s women were more likely to deliver Beirut Sunny 31/27 Sunny 31/25 Reuters Health T Storms 32/25 uncommon for women to continue to nutritional stores. prematurely or to miscarry. Evidence Bangkok 31/26 S T Storms Berlin M Sunny 24/14 M Sunny 28/18 nurse, Melissa Kotlen, an international To investigate these and other on the eff ects of nursing during Cairo Sunny 40/26 Sunny 38/24 ealthy, well-nourished board-certifi ed lactation consultant potential risks of breastfeeding pregnancy on fetal and infant growth, Cape Town M Cloudy 16/08 M Cloudy 16/12 women who breastfeed based in New York, told Reuters Health in pregnancy, Lopez-Fernandez as well as on the growth of the nursing Colombo S T Storms 29/26 T Storms 29/26 while pregnant don’t seem in a telephone interview. and her team reviewed 19 studies child, was mixed. Dhaka S T Storms 33/27 T Storms 31/26 Hong Kong T Storms S T Storms 30/28 “If you’re healthy, you’re low risk, published between 1990 and 2015 Mothers who become pregnant 29/27 Hto increase their risk of Istanbul T Storms 24/21 M Sunny 27/20 delivering prematurely, miscarrying, you’re not on bedrest, there’s really and including a total of about 6,300 while nursing should not be overly Jakarta Cloudy 31/24 P Cloudy 32/24 or having a low-birth-weight baby, no problem with continuing to nurse women. concerned about their nutritional Karachi P Cloudy 31/27 M Cloudy 31/27 the authors of a new research review while you’re pregnant,” Kotlen said. They found some evidence status, as long as they are eating and London P Cloudy 26/19 P Cloudy 25/17 Manila T Storms T Storms 32/26 conclude. “Most of these moms end up tandem that women who nursed during drinking well, Kotlen said. “Your 33/25 Moscow S Showers 22/11 P Cloudy 21/11 But Gemma Lopez-Fernandez of nursing once the baby’s born anyway.” pregnancy gained less weight, had body knows exactly what it needs to New Delhi S T Storms 35/28 S T Storms 36/28 Corporacio Sanitaria Parc Tauli in But even pediatricians and fewer fat reserves and lower levels of take in. If you’re pregnant and you’re New York P Cloudy 29/23 I T Storms 32/24 Barcelona, Spain, and colleagues obstetricians can fall prey to haemoglobin – the molecule in red nursing, your body is going to know Paris Sunny 34/23 S T Storms 32/18 write in the journal Women and Birth unproven but common beliefs about blood cells that carries oxygen. But the very quickly you need to eat a little Sao Paulo Rain 12/09 Showers 13/12 Seoul S T Storms 31/24 S T Storms 32/24 that more research is needed on nursing during pregnancy, Kotlen reviewers note that most research on bit more and you need to drink a Singapore P Cloudy 30/26 M Cloudy 30/26 the implications of nursing during added, for example that nipple the issue was done in the developing little more.” Sydney Sunny 21/08 Cloudy 16/07 pregnancy for mothers and children’s stimulation will trigger the release world. Lopez-Fernandez was not available Tokyo Clear 33/26 Cloudy 32/24 health. of oxytocin and bring on labour The investigators found no support for an interview by press time. Gulf Times 20 Tuesday, July 18, 2017 QATAR

QFB shows loyalty, support ‘Tamim Al Majd’ mural unveiled at Doha Golf Club

Qatar First Bank (QFB) has installed a ‘Tamim Al Majd’ mural in a show of loyalty, support and solidarity with His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the wise leadership and the people of Qatar. At a signing ceremony led by QFB’s chairman and members of the board of directors, executive management and bank staff collectively signed the board and wrote messages expressing their support for His Highness the Emir and the nation. At the ceremony, QFB chairman Abdullah al-Marri said: “We are proud of our national identity and we back our wise leadership. Through the installation of the ‘Tamim Al Majd’ mural, we symbolically express our loyalty and allegiance to Qatar. Today, we renew our pledge to continue eff orts towards achieving Qatar’s goals in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.” Along with the senior and executive management, all bank staff gathered to sign the mural placed on QFB Lounge at the QFB building. The lounge will remain A ‘Tamim Al Majd’ mural has been unveiled at Doha Golf Club to express solidarity with His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad open over the coming days for all visitors and citizens wishing to sign on the mural. al-Thani and the country. PICTURE: Nasar T K

Siege countries miscalculated steps against Qatar: Australian Claims Committee begins newspaper An Australian newspaper reported yesterday that the countries putting Qatar under siege might have miscalculated their moves, weeks after the siege, QNA reports from reviewing complaints Canberra. The newspaper in an article titled he Compensation Claims Progress so far He reviewed some of the com- “Qatar beats the Gulf blockade” Committee has started plaints and also heard from the noted that the Qatari economy is Treviewing and classifying z The committee receives 800 complaints and 266 calls over applicants during the visit. simple in its basic structure and is the complaints received at the the past week Arrayah spoke to some of the not dependent on intricate supply offi ce during the fi rst week of its z On Sunday, the committee received 188 complaints and 43 Qataris who approached the chains. The article also noted that operation. calls from individuals committee for compensation trade between GCC members, An offi cial source told local Ar- z The committee likely to receive 2,954 complaints registered in view of the damage caused apart from oil, was less than 10%. abic daily Arrayah that the com- with the NHRC to them by the blockade and the The article also said that Qatar mittee received 800 complaints z Qatar Chamber receives 500-plus complaints adverse impact on their inter- may be in a better position to and 266 calls over the past week. ests in the siege countries. weather the storm than the UAE These are now being studied by Juma al-Buainain, one of or Saudi Arabia due to its smaller legal experts to determine the 500-plus complaints received said the committee will con- them, said he had made a book- population and its sovereign steps that need to be taken. by Qatar Chamber from diff er- tinue receiving complaints and ing worth 62,000 Saudi riyals wealth fund. It also said that the Complainants whose fi les do ent private companies and or- claims that are linked to the on- at a hotel in Makkah for Umrah Off icials at the Compensation Claims Committee. ability of Saudi Arabia and the not contain all the required doc- ganisations. going blockade. with his family. He was not able UAE in dealing with Qatar will uments will be contacted by the Further, the committee will The decision to establish the to visit the place due to the cri- ing QR70mn”. His projects and assistance. Al-Marri stressed be limited, as their economies offi ce and asked to furnish the receive all related complaints committee was announced re- sis and asked for a refund of the properties there include farm- that he had lost all confi dence were aff ected by the decline in missing papers, the daily states. registered with diff erent govern- cently in order to pursue com- sum. However, the hotel refused land, livestock, vehicles, houses in making investments or do- oil prices. They also won’t be able On Sunday, the committee ment entities and departments pensation claims potentially to return the money. and farm equipment. However, ing business in the blockading to pressure the State of Qatar’s received 188 complaints and 43 for perusal and due action. worth billions of dollars over Al-Buainain then submitted a he could not access his property countries. trade partners as Riyadh is at the calls from individuals. Currently, the committee the country’s blockade by the claim at the committee, support- and business after the blockade Besides damage caused by lack beginning of an attempt to open The source also pointed out is accepting claims and com- Saudi-led bloc. ed by all relevant documents. came into force, the daily noted. of access to business and prop- up its economy and establish that the committee would also plaints from individuals only, Salem bin Rashid al-Mu- Salim al-Marri, another Besides, people in Saudi Ara- erty, the complaints also included itself as a place to do business, receive 2,954 complaints regis- while those of government en- raikhi, Assistant Undersec- citizen, said he had lived in bia refused to off er any help cases where people were not al- which will prove to be a challenge tered with the National Human tities and organisations will be retary for Legal Aff airs at the Saudi Arabia since 2009 and as they feared that the Saudi lowed to continue their education if they try to put pressure on Rights Committee (NHRC). taken directly from them, ac- Ministry of Justice, visited the made “huge and diversifi ed authorities would take action or treatment in the siege coun- global firms that have business These are in addition to the cording to Arrayah. The source committee on Sunday morning, investments there exceed- against them for providing any tries, the daily added. with Qatar. 9/11 families could sue UAE for alleged role in attacks

By Jamie Merrill ing Breitweiser, and New York High points Middle East Eye lawyers, pointed to the 9/11 Commission report fi nding as z Two of the 19 hijackers who flew planes on September9, 2011 into justifi cation to add the UAE to the Pentagon and the World Trade Center towers were from the he families of hundreds of the defendant lists in a string UAE, while 15 others were Saudi people killed in the 9/11 of court cases currently being z Nearly 3,000 people died in the attacks Tattacks are considering brought against Saudi Arabia z Victims’ families have to take legal action before a statute of adding the United Arab Emirates under the Justice Against Spon- limitations on court challenges over the attacks expires in January 2019 (UAE) as a defendant to a legal sors of Terrorism Act (Jasta), z Court documents for one case allege the Dubai Islamic Bank case against Saudi Arabia for its which was passed in September “knowingly and purposefully provided financial services and other roles in the outrage, Middle East 2016. forms of material support to Al Qaeda Eye (MEE) can reveal. Two of the 19 hijackers who Nearly 3,000 people died fl ew planes into the Pentagon when hijacked airplanes crashed and the World Trade Centre other source of support that UAE’s ambassador to the US, into New York’s World Trade towers were from the UAE, while might be identifi ed.” warned politicians that coun- Centre, the Pentagon building 15 others were Saudi. There are currently at least tries at risk of being sued in US and a Pennsylvania fi eld in Sep- The 9/11 Commission report, seven court challenges against courts would be “less likely to tember 2001. which was published in July Saudi Arabia seeking to take ad- share crucial Until now the attention of 2004, and accompanying docu- vantage of Jasta, which provided information and intelligence”. the victims’ families and their ments, made more than 70 men- a legal exemption to the legal This comes after the UAE’s legal representatives has been tions of the UAE and found that principle of sovereign immunity foreign minister, Anwar Gargash, focused on Saudi Arabia, which most of the attackers travelled so families could take the Saudi tweeted in September that Jasta it is alleged helped support the through Dubai on their way to and other governments to court. would have “serious and attack through its alleged fund- take part in the attacks. The rubble of the World Trade Center smoulders following a terrorist attack on 11 September 2001 in New Lawyer Jim Kreindler, who is enduring” repercussions. ing of Al Qaeda training camps It was found that $120,000 York. A hijacked plane crashed into and destroyed the landmark structure. representing 850 victims in a le- The role played by the UAE and its support for the group, was transferred from attack gal claim against the Saudi gov- in lobbying against Jasta was including weapons, funding and ringleader Khalid Sheikh Mo- Bank nor the UAE embassy in of operations for staging and The report also detailed how ernment, said Saudi is “by far described as “alarming and ex- logistical support. hammed, now facing a military London responded to request for prepping the hijackers who even- US military planners missed the the biggest, most culpable de- tremely telling” by 9/11 families. Victims’ families have to take trial in Guantanamo Bay, to plot comment from MEE over alleged tually were made the ‘muscle’ chance to target Osama bin Lad- fendant” but refused to rule out “Clearly, if you have done legal action before a statute of facilitator Abdul Aziz Ali in Du- links to the 9/11 attackers and men aboard the planes on 9/11. en at an Afghan camp in February expanding the case to include nothing wrong, then you have limitations on court challenges bai. The money was then wired funding for the tragedy. “They were provided a safe 1999. US offi cials failed to launch UAE at some point in the next 18 nothing to worry about when it over the devastating attacks ex- to fund the hijackers in the US. A New York legal source, who haven in Dubai by two of the de- an air strike or missile attack months. comes to Jasta... So to me, learn- pires in January 2019. The legal focus is currently on asked not to be named as they fendants in the 9/11 trial now go- over fears the Al Qaeda leader He told MEE: “Most active ing that information sets off Kristen Breitweiser, who lost the larger alleged role of the gov- were working on a possible le- ing on in Guantanamo: Mustafa was meeting with “visitors from families are aware of the role huge alarm bells, sort of gets the her husband Ronald in the 9/11 ernment of Saudi Arabia, which gal challenge involving the UAE, al-Hawsawi and Ali Abdul Aziz a Gulf state”. played by the UAE in 9/11. If we system blinking red,” said 9/11 attacks, told MEE that the UAE is only moved to ban Al Qaeda in said it was common knowledge Ali. The 9/11 report identifi ed wanted to paint with the broadest widow Kristen Breitweiser. “on the radar” of victims’ fami- 2013, but more than 700 de- that the UAE had been involved “The banking system in the these visitors as high-level UAE brush possible we could identify ‘Quite frankly, the hypocrisy lies and their legal teams. fendants were initially named in “extensive lobbying against UAE was used by Hawsawi to offi cials. It appears UAE offi - other entities that provided some is galling for Saudi... Why don’t “The UAE needs some at- across at least seven courts chal- Jasta alongside Saudi Arabia.” funnel money and material sup- cials then tipped off Bin Laden to support to the attackers, but to they look in the mirror?’ tention and our lawyers need lenges: These included a number They said: “It’s also interest- port to Mohammed Atta [one of thwart future eff orts to kill him. get this case to the fi nish line it is The Jasta lobbying revela- to start delving into it in a more of Middle East banks, including ing that a bank from the UAE, the 9/11 ringleaders] in the Unit- Terry Strada, who lost her important to focus on the entity tion came amid an ongoing row concerted way,” said Breitweiser, the Dubai Islamic Bank, chari- the Dubai Islamic Bank, is a de- ed States. Most of the hijackers husband Tom in the attacks on most involved and most critical between Gulf monarchies after a high-profi le activist and mem- ties and individuals from across fendant in at least three of the travelled from Dubai… on their New York, told MEE: “As for me, in supporting Al Qaeda.” Saudi Arabia and the UAE sev- ber of the “Jersey Girls”, four the Gulf. court cases moving through the way to the US and to take part in I would consult my attorneys and He added that Saudi Arabia ered diplomatic ties and trans- women from New Jersey whose Court documents for one case, courts.” 9/11.” look to where the evidence leads. was the “elephant in our sights” port links with Qatar, accusing it husbands were killed on 9/11 fi led in New York in December, Gordon Haberman, whose Haberman added that much Our counsel, on our behalf, have but that “there may be reasons” of supporting terrorism. and went on to campaign for a alleged the UAE’s Dubai Islamic daughter Andrea Lyn Haber- of the information on ties to the been and continue to pay close at- to add other defendants “for the Breitweiser added: “Quite national commission of inquiry Bank “knowingly and purpose- man was killed after American UAE has been in the “public do- tention to the evidence regarding victims”. frankly, the hypocrisy is galling into the attack. fully provided fi nancial services Airlines Flight 11 slammed into main for years” but that it was his the sources of support for Al Qae- Discussions over expanding for Saudi to be putting the screws “I’m simply going to say this and other forms of material sup- World Trade Center 1, told MEE hope that the “passage of Jasta in da leading into the 9/11 attacks. the legal campaign to include to Qatar in the manner that they - to me, their hands don’t seem port to Al Qaeda... including the that it was “frustrating” that ties the US will give pause to nations, “They have been careful in UAE have intensifi ed after the are - sanctioning or blockading clean and I think their role in the transfer of fi nancial resources to between the UAE and terrorism prior to their funding and fa- presenting our claims – for ex- UAE warned it could withdraw the Qataris for their funding of 9/11 attacks and their connec- an Al Qaeda operative who par- have not been explored thor- cilitating terror groups and their ample, claims against Saudi intelligence cooperation with the terrorism. Why don’t they look tion to the hijackers bears fur- ticipated in the planning and oughly since the 9/11 Commis- members”. Arabia were brought only after US in an attempt to block Jasta. in the mirror, require the same ther investigation.” executions of the September at- sion report was released. Lawyers say there is extensive amassing a compelling body of Leaked e-mails reported by list of measures and demands In a series of interviews, rela- tacks”. He told MEE: “The UAE was evidence to link Saudi Arabia to evidence. I would anticipate a The Daily Telegraph last month of themselves - open their own tives of 9/11 victims, includ- Neither the Dubai Islamic certainly a country used as a base the attacks. similar approach regarding any show how Yousef al-Otaiba, the books for all to see?”