www.thepeninsula.qa SATURDAY 11 JANUARY 2020 Volume 24 | Number 8133 16 JUMADA I - 1441 2 RIYALS

BUSINESSBUSIN | 13 SPORT | 19 Lebanon’s Al Duhail beatt banks solvent but Al Sailiya to enterenter foreign support Qatar Cup needed final

Defence Minister Katara to open holds phone talks with Pakistan Amber Centre as counterpart QNA — DOHA

Deputy Prime Minister and expo ends today Minister of State for Defence Affairs H E Dr. Khalid bin RAYNALD C RIVERA Located in Building Mohamed Al Attiyah held last THE PENINSULA 48, the permanent morning a telephone conver- sation with Federal Minister for The Cultural Village Foun- Katara Centre for Defence of Pakistan, H E Pervez dation—Katara will open today Amber is expected to Khattak. a permanent centre for amber be a meeting place During the call, they dis- coinciding with the conclusion cussed the latest developments of the second Katara Interna- for experts, amateurs in the region, and the necessity tional Kahraman Exhibition. and traders of amber. of reducing escalation, empha- Located in Building 48, the It will organise sizing the importance of sta- Katara Centre for Amber is bility in Iraq. expected to be a meeting place various activities, for experts, amateurs and including training and traders of amber. It will organise educational workshops, EU ministers back various activities, including training and educational work- and provide a review Iran deal; fear IS shops, and provide a review of of specifications resurgence specifications and standards, and standards, and People visitng the HBKU Press pavilion at the the 30th edition of Doha International Book Fair at and everything related to the AP — BRUSSELS Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), yesterday. PIC: BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA quality of amber. In addition, the everything related to centre will also coordinate with the quality of amber. The EU reiterated its support international institutions in the for the nuclear deal brokered amber industry. Qatar’s private publishing firms with Iran, also expressing Amber is fossilised resin Top Kahram Pavilion, a local concerns yesterday that the originating from trees and the company which offers amber escalating tensions in the region seas and the process of their stones. make huge presence at book fair could lead to a resurgence of the formation takes thousands of This year the exhibition saw Islamic State’s activities. years. Amber found in the Arab more than 90 stalls repre- The EU’s top diplomat world is called Kahraman and senting 13 Arab and other SIDI MOHAMED types of publications like chil- Hamad Bin Khalifa University Josep Borrell called the urgent beads made of natural and foreign countries. THE PENINSULA dren’s books, history books and Press pavilion. meeting of European foreign authentic Kahraman amber has The participating coun- literature adding, “This is the He further said: “The affairs ministers in Brussels after been famous among the Arabs tries include Qatar, Turkey, The 30th edition of Doha Inter- second year in a row that Lusail pavilion includes children’s the US killing of Iranian general, since ancient times. Iraq, Kuwait, Sweden, national Book Fair is witnessing Publishing House participated books, health books, fiction and Qassem Soleimani, in a drone In the Gulf region, amber Lebanon, the United the largest participation of in the book fair. We always par- non-fiction, academic books attack in Iraq on January 3. has a cultural significance since Kingdom, Germany, Russia, private publishing houses of ticipate in all Arab and interna- and biographies. Also, books at Tehran responded earlier the olden days specially when Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Qatar through hundreds of titles tional book exhibitions.” the pavilion include translation this week with missile strikes at it comes to Islamic prayer Latvia. Representatives of of Qatari and Arab authors as “Our pavilion includes from/to 14 languages includes US bases and announced it beads. associations and interna- well as multiple translations of books of Qatari writers and English, Spanish, French, Greek would no longer respect limits Meanwhile, a large number tional bodies specializing in foreign writers. foreign and Arab diplomatic and Turkish.” set under the 2015 nuclear deal of people have turned up at the amber are also taking part Among the Qatari pub- figures. We have publications The participation of the on how many centrifuges it can expo which opened on at the exhibition. lishing houses participating in on all subjects: philosophy, lit- Qatari publishing houses comes use to enrich uranium, fuelling Wednesday at Building 12. The exhibitors praised the the Fair with many important erature and Qatari history. We along 335 other publishers from fears Iran could quickly start The exhibition is marked by invaluable opportunity pro- books include Katara Publishing also have books which have 31 countries around the world. building a nuclear arsenal. the participation of leading vided to them by the organisers House (with 150 titles), Hamad been translated into seven lan- In the past two days, the “We need to understand companies in the amber to exchange experiences and Bin Khalifa University Press (over guages including English, Fair witnessed a great turnout that the fight against Daesh is industry from all over the world ideas and to enhance cooper- 100 new titles), Roza Publishing French, Russian, German, by the public. The visitors also not over,” said NATO secretary and from Qatar. There has been ation and commercial relations House (115 titles), Dar Al Watad Turkish and Urdu.” attended various cultural general Jens Stoltenberg, who a huge interest from amber between merchants from all (35 titles) and Lusail Publishing The Hamad Bin Khalifa events being organised on the attended the meeting in the EU enthusiasts and customers who over the world, especially with House with 126 titles. University Press also partici- sidelines of the Book Fair capital and referred to an have been excited at the large the distinguished participation Speaking to The Peninsula, pating in the Fair for the tenth exhibition. alternative name for the number of products on display of the most prominent com- Fatima Al Rifae, director of pro- year in a row, as part of its com- This year, the Book Fair Islamic State group. “We have which are available at rea- panies and entities working in duction and distribution at mitment to encourage the love includes 797 pavilions in an made enormous progress but sonable prices. the field of amber, making it a Lusail Publishing House said: for reading and knowledge area of 29,000 square metres. Daesh can return.” “We have noticed that the major international platform “We are participating in the Fair among members of society in The number of pavilions for In an attempt to avoid an exhibition is witnessing a large that contributes to developing with more than 120 Lusail pub- Qatar and the Middle East. Arabic books is 559, repre- escalation between Iran and the turnout of people and since its this sector locally. They lications and through our “We are participating in the senting 228 publishing houses, United States, EU leaders have first launch it has succeeded in expressed their appreciation pavilion, about 15 other pub- Fair with over 100 new titles in and the number of foreign intensified diplomatic activities, attracting attention and this is and gratitude to Katara. lishing houses are also dis- English and Arabic languages, pavilions is 91 representing 35 trying to keep alive the nuclear what encouraged us to partic- The exhibition is still open playing their books.” in addition to translated works foreign publishing houses, deal while making sure the ipate this year for the first today from 9am to 1pm and She said that Lusail pavilion from languages around the while the number of publishing US-led anti-IS coalition con- time,” Mohamed Larry from 4pm to 10pm. `P3 at the Fair offered different world,” said a representative of houses for children is 72. tinues to operate in Iraq. `P11 Qatar ExxonMobil Open draws high praise from foreign media professionals

QNA — DOHA expressing her great impression of the The Qatar ExxonMobil Open tennis visit. She also praised the trip as tournament has received high enjoyable, adding that she went on the praise from foreign media profes- first day of the tournament to Souq sionals who are covering the major Waqif, one of the oldest markets in sporting event, especially as the Qatar. tournament is held annually at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open tennis start of the ATP season. championship, Bellemare praised the The media professionals also Qatar Tennis Federation and the pro- hailed the tournament’s pro- fessional people who handle things gramme, which includes a trip pre- very smartly and provide all possi- pared by the organising committee bilities for all media, lauding the for them to visit Sealine beach and services provided at media center dunes where they spent a full day has all, while wishing to visit Doha experiencing the Qatari nature again to attend Qatar Total Open amid the wonderful climatic championship which will be conditions. organized by the Qatari Federation The trip included, as well, a next month. visit to the Qatar National Museum Nina Pantik from tennis.com, and the Museum of Islamic Art. expressed her happiness at visiting They also visited Qatar Doha and cover the tournament, National Library, an important cul- which she said is one of the most tural monument in the region. important tennis tournaments in the Prior to that, they visited the Al 250-point category. Shaqab foundation and expressed She added that this is the third great admiration for its giant time that she comes to Doha to cover equestrian sports facilities. Qatar ExxonMobil Open and Qatar Corentin Moutet of France returning the ball to Stan Warwinka of Switzerland during their semi-final match of Qatar ASPA SPORTS’s reporter Total Open, while praising the ExxonMobil Open 2020 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha yesterday. Corentin Moutet won Michelle Bellemare said she is vis- services available during the the match and will take on Andrey Rublev of Russia in the title clash today. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA iting Qatar for the first time, championship. 02 HOME SATURDAY 11 JANUARY 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY FAJR05.00 am SUNRISE 06.21 am 17oC 20oC Expected thunder rain at north/strong and high sea. ZUHR 11.42 am ASR 02.42 pm Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 05:18 – 15:52 LOW TIDE 12:49 – 23:26 MAGHRIB 05.04 pm ISHA 06.34 pm W ALRUWAIS: 17o↗19o W ALKHOR: 14o↗20o W DUKHAN: 15o↗18o W DOHA: 17o↗20o W MESAIEED 17o↗20o W ABUSAMRA 16o↗20o

OFFICIAL NEWS Katara displays Iraq’s art and culture Qatar condemns attack on Niger military camp THE PENINSULA — DOHA We are constantly working to provide Doha: The State of Qatar strongly In order to encourage the condemned the attack on a mili- various initiatives aimed at various facilities tary base in Niger and resulted in introducing the cultures of and encouragement deaths and injuries. peoples and building bridges of In a statement issued yester- communication between them, for everything that day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the Iraqi Market opened would contribute reiterated the State of Qatar’s firm yesterday at Cultural Village- position on rejecting violence and Katara. to building bridges terrorism, regardless of the motives The market is organised by of communication and reasons. Katara in collaboration with between cultures and The statement expressed the con- Iraqi Hands Initiative. The dolences of the State of Qatar to the opening was attended by Dr. peoples: Dr. Khalid bin families of the victims and the govern- Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, Ibrahim Al Sulaiti ment and people of Niger, wishing a General Manager of the Cultural speedy recovery for the injured. QNA Village-Katara and Omar Al Barzanji, Ambassador of Iraq to encouragement for everything Qatar condemns attack Qatar. that would contribute to on Mali military base The Iraqi Market offers building bridges of communi- aspects of the Iraqi heritage and cation between cultures and Doha: The State of Qatar condemned original art, such as handicrafts, peoples,” he said. the attack on a military base that fashion and plastic arts, in For her part, Dr. Shatha includes the United Nations peace- addition to a children’s corner, Faraj Al Numan, Chairperson keepers in northern Mali and resulted at the entrance 2. of the Iraqi Initiative and in injuries. On this occasion, Al Sulaiti responsible for the Iraqi Market, In a statement issued yesterday, expressed his admiration for the thanked Katara, headed by Dr. Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager of the Cultural Village-Katara, and other dignitaries the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiter- beautiful Iraqi artefacts and Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, during the opening of Iraqi Market at Katara. ated the State of Qatar’s firm position works presented by the Iraqi General Manager of the Cultural on rejecting violence and terrorism, market that evoke Iraq’s culture Village Katara for the encour- to show talents, heritage and The Iraqi Market will last for along with two painters, regardless of the motives and reasons. and ancient civilization. agement of the Initiative that Iraqi history through our crea- three days and is working to expressing her desire to repeat The statement expressed the “The Iraqi Market is an had a great impact on the effec- tions in artefacts. So, we created highlight the various symbols the experience in a way that wishes of the State of Qatar of a opportunity for visitors of tiveness of the Iraqi Market in a gathering that we called Iraqi of Iraqi culture through arte- allows her to include other speedy recovery for the injured. QNA Katara to learn about the this organisation. Hands Initiative, thanks for facts and artwork, she added. artistic and literary fields such culture of this ancient country, She further said: “We, Katara which supported us and Al Numan pointed out that as poetry and training work- Qatar condemns and we are constantly working women of the Iraqi community provided us with this beautiful the market records the partic- shops and lectures to reflect the explosion at to provide various facilities and in Qatar, thought about a way place to organise our event.” ipation of 30 Iraqi craftsmen, richness of Iraqi culture. mosque in Pakistan DOHA: The State of Qatar has strongly condemned the explosion which tar- Principal of MES receives multiple awards geted a mosque in the city of Quetta in southwestern Pakistan, killing a THE PENINSULA — DOHA The school also won the region with 97.6 percent. number of people and wounding others. award of excellence for its “The accolades and honours In a statement issued yesterday, Hameeda Kadar, Principal of creditable performance in accomplished vouch for the the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiter- MES Indian School received CBSE National Sports and consistency in the quality of ated the State of Qatar’s firm position awards of excellence from the Games for the academic year education imparted at M.E.S, on rejecting violence and terrorism, Gulf Council at the recently 2019-20. which is the outcome of the regardless of the motives and reasons. concluded 32nd CBSE Gulf Prin- In the Class XII CBSE dedicated members of the The statement stressed the State of cipals’ Conference held at examination 2019, the school school faculty and perseverance Qatar’s total refusal to target places Jaipur, India by virtue of the stood third in the Gulf region and diligence of students,” said of worship and intimidate peaceful school’s outstanding academic and entered the top ten the school principal. people. The statement expressed results in Science, Commerce position in the foreign school The school management condolences of the State of Qatar and Humanities Streams in category as Dithi Dineshan, congratulated the principal, to the families of the victims, and to Class XII CBSE Examination and the school topper emerged teachers, students and parents the government and people of Paki- for excelling in Class X Exami- as one among the high for this phenomenal stan, wishing the injured a speedy Hameeda Kadar, Principal of MES Indian School receiving the award. nation held in March 2019. scoring students in the Gulf achievement. recovery. QNA Grand opening of QATAR Esports WEGA Global Games on January 16 THE PENINSULA — DOHA Games Grand Ceremony to cel- multi games competition fea- ebrate Esports and live the turing CSGO, DOTA2, Street Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) passion of gaming and to share Fighter V, and eFootball PES and Truxtun Capital have an epic digital experience, to series. The programme includes announced the Grand witness and feel cutting edge four big moments: the Grand Ceremony of the QATAR Esports technology in an immersive Ceremony DOHA at Khalifa WEGA Global Games, to be held visual journey launching the International Stadium on the in Khalifa International Stadium QATAR Esports WEGA Global 16th of January 2020, the WEGA on January 16 at 8 pm to launch Games edition 2020, 2021 and Champions on March 2020, fol- the long-term partnership 2022. lowed by a world-wide online signed on March 24, 2019. This alliance between AZF competition starting September Hosted by Aspire Zone and Truxtun will offer 2.3 billion 2020, the QATAR Esports WEGA Foundation and organised by gamers players across the world Global Games, and the Global Truxtun Capital, the QATAR the chance to meet, share and Games Great Final December Esports WEGA Global Games compete. 2020. Aspire Zone Foundation and Truxtun Capital officials during the announcement of the Grand Ceremony are honoured to invite the fans For this first edition, The The WEGA Champions on of the QATAR Esports WEGA Global Games. and players to its Official Global Global Games are a unique March 2020, open for middle east players to compete and cel- Alkuwari, Chief of Marketing at always look for new concepts so proud to launch this out- ebrate Esports, in the state-of- AZF, commented: “On this and innovative events, and we standing eSports tournament in the-art facilities of Aspire Zone. occasion, I would like to hope that this tournament will partnership with Aspire Zone. The best players/teams will emphasise that collaborating be an additional platform As a Fintech company pro- be entitled to a range of prizes with Truxton Capital in this through which we highlight viding an innovative digital including cash ones, Esports championship underpins our Qatar’s capabilities in organ- financial platform, it was a stra- personal coach sessions until approach at Aspire Zone Foun- ising international events, espe- tegic decision to invest in a December 2020, and being a dation as we seek to expand the cially that the Egames industry market expecting 6 billion guest honour of the Global scope of our business in the field is currently one of the most players in the next 10 years. Games Great Final in December of sports entertainment “spor- promising industries that Looking ahead to the next FIFA 2020. tainment”, especially after achieve an annual growth of up World Cup, when all eyes will The Global Games achieving a great success in the to 40 %, attracting many groups, be on Doha, our technology and Worldwide online competition world of professional sports, and formal federations for the services will significantly allows the best gamers/teams talent development, sports Egames are being established enhance the entire player expe- to qualify for the Great Final in science and technology, and in many countries now.” rience and transform funda- December 2020 in Doha. sports medicine.” Patrick Moynier, President mentally the esports economic Mohammed Mubarak Alkuwari added: “We of Truxtun Capital said: “We are model. DPS-MIS Indian School holds 6th Alumni Meet THE PENINSULA — DOHA were enthusiastically intro- This was followed by the To make memories, the duced to the event by Mohok, Alumni News Broadcast, with alumni were called for a photo The 6th Alumni Meet of Arsh and Laeba with passionate a humorous twist by Gandharv shoot. A game of Antakshari, DPS-MIS was held on anecdotes concerning school and Apekshith, highlighting the followed by the DPS-MIS Quiz, December 17, 2019 at the School life, followed by a thrilling ‘noteworthy’ events at school. further delighted the Auditorium with the motto ‘Welcome Dance’ which ener- After that, a game of ‘Dumb attendees. ‘Never Forget Your Roots’ to gised the audience. Charades’ was conducted to The open floor for alumni emphasise the beauty of school A Tongue-Twister, which enchant the audience. gave them the opportunity to life. had to be repeated aloud by Principal, Asna Nafees’s showcase their experiences and It was evident in the way volunteering alumni, also added speech highlighted the positive talents. the alumni reunited with their to the delight of the attendees. growth of the students in This was followed by teachers and friends, and After a warm welcome speech various fields and wished the another dazzling group dance recalled each other with stories by the Head Boy Faiz Asim alumni the very best in their to bid goodbye to the alumni. of the wonderful time at Mohinuddin, Arya and Thuslim future endeavors. The group The meet formally concluded school. got the audience on their toes dance was a spectacle of talent with the vote of thanks by the More than 80 alumni with the ‘Guess the Song and energy that succeeded in Head Girl, Advaita Manikandan Attendees during the 6th DPS-MIS Alumni meet attended the programme. They Challenge’. rocking the audience. Nair. SATURDAY 11 JANUARY 2020 HOME / MIDDLE EAST 03 Traffic Department takes strict action on reckless driving

SIDI MOHAMED Department said on its Twitter make them comply with safety THE PENINSULA account. requirements. The Traffic Department also The measures also include The Ministry of Interior (MoI), took action against a number new conditions and require- represented by the General of vehicles whose drivers com- ments for registration of rental Directorate of Traffic, has mitted serious traffic violations shops of motorbikes, dune apprehended a number of in Sealine area as follows: 84 buggies and other vehicles used reckless drivers and seized their vehicles (sound violations), 15 for transporting tourists. vehicles in the Sealine area. vehicles (tinted glass windows), According to the Department’s Major traffic violations in addition to 9 vehicles for statistics for 2018, the Sealine include reckless driving, drifting and 5 vehicles for area ranked fifth in the list of drifting and hiding vehicle’s hiding number plates. areas witnessing traffic deaths. number plates among others The Department said that it Last days, the Department that endanger the lives of will not hesitate from taking implemented a campaign to people and the property of road any legal action against reckless hold reckless drivers and per- users. drivers recommending that petrators of violations such as Reckless drivers will also be everyone must respect the awkward driving, manipu- referred to the Public Prose- traffic law and avoid violations lation, concealment of vehicle cution to take legal actions and wrong behavior that plates and other serious traffic against them according to the endanger the lives of road violations that endanger the type of violation they com- users. lives and property of road users. mitted, the MoI said in a post To address the serious issue The campaign focused on the on its official social media of traffic accidents at the Sealine Sealine region and other areas accounts. area resulting from reckless in the country. Yesterday, five traffic acci- dune bashing, the General The General Directorate of dents took place in Sealine area Directorate of Traffic has taken Traffic seized 474 vehicles, Katara International Kahraman expo ends today with no deaths but one serious a number of measures this year whose drivers committed grave The Cultural Village Foundation-Katara will open today a permanent centre for amber coinciding with injury. The vehicle drivers will including conducting round- traffic violations, presented the conclusion of the second Katara International Kahraman Exhibition. A large number of people be apprehended and sent to the the-clock traffic patrols and them to the Public have turned up at the expo which opened on Wednesday at Building 12. Public Prosecution, the Traffic inspection drives on shops to Prosecution. Kaffeinated Festival pulls coffee lovers to Katara Qatari Forum for Authors THE PENINSULA — DOHA launches new identity The Kaffeinated Festival is QNA — DOHA witnessing a great turnout as this year 25 stores specialising in Qatari Forum for Authors launched on Thursday its new coffee in various types and identity at its booth in the 30th Doha International Book flavors are participating in it. Fair, which is currently held at the Doha Exhibition and Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Convention Center and will continue until January 18 with Sulaiti, General Manager of the the participation of 335 publishing houses from 31 Arab and Cultural Village-Katara toured foreign countries. various sections of the festival Director of Culture and Arts Department at the Min- along Ambassador of Cuba to istry of Culture and Sports Hamad Mohammed Al Zakeeba Qatar, Emilio Caballero said that the establishment of the Qatari Forum for Authors Rodriguez. came within the Ministry’s priorities to create an umbrella On this occasion, Al Sulaiti for the authors and provide the appropriate environment affirmed that the Kaffeinated for intellectual and literary creativity in Qatar, noting that Festival comes within the the Ministry worked to create an appropriate environment framework of Katara’s efforts to for the authors and give space for private publishing houses open up to the various initiatives, to practice its role in printing the authors’ books. projects and ideas that would He explained that the Ministry of Culture was in provide additional support in A view of Kaffeinated Festival at Katara. charge of printing and already produced a lot of valuable fields of culture and tourism. books, but it is time to open the door for the private sector He said that people and in partnership with Katara, will coffee lovers to learn about the coffee or from the target social to perform its task of assuming publishing and printing, coffee lovers will get a lot of continue until January 18 from various ways of preparing coffee groups, or at the level of the and this resulted in several publishing houses emerging knowledge about the varieties of 10am to 10pm, providing many through various techniques, sponsors and companies spon- distinctively during the current version of the coffee during their visit to Kaf- activities that introduce the public including traditional methods or soring the festival. exhibition. feinated Festival. “It will also be to coffee, its history and its place through modern machines. It also opens the way for Director-General of the Qatari Forum for Authors an opportunity for Qatari youth in the Qatari and Arab cultures The current edition of Kaf- young people and coffee lovers Maryam Yassin Al Hammadi reviewed the “new identity” to exchange knowledge and and how it relates to social tradi- feinated Festival is witnessing a to meet and exchange experi- of the Forum during an introductory presentation depicting experiences, especially for those tions as one of the most important remarkable expansion, whether ences in the world of coffee, and its strategic goals and plan and reviews the most important interested in setting up projects symbols of generosity. in terms of the participating review their successful projects activities that she supervised since the forum was estab- in this field.” The festival also includes entities and stores specialized in and exchange their experiences lished by the decision of the Minister of Culture and Sports This event, which is organised training workshops that enable making varieties and types of with shops and cafes owners. in 2018. ‘Planting Trees’ event Israel frees 2 more Syrians in swap for soldier’s remains AP — MAJDAL SHAMS, GOLAN “This is a very special were released yesterday had victory for the Syrian will,” said to take place today HEIGHTS been arrested separately in Sidqi al-Maqt, one of the freed moment. This is a 2015 — one on charges of prisoners as he arrived in a QNA — DOHA Israel released two more Syrian moment of victory for spying for Syria and the other symbolic visit to the Quneitra prisoners back to the occupied the Syrian will,” said for killing another Syrian citizen border checkpoint. The Ministry of Culture and Sports will launch today the ‘Planting Golan Heights oyesterday, a in the Golan Heights. Al-Maqt, 53, was serving an Trees’ event within the ‘Doha OIC Youth Capital 2019’ activities, second goodwill gesture to Sidqi al-Maqt, one of The two arrived at the 11-year sentence for charges in cooperation with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Russia for helping find the the freed prisoners. Druze village of Majdal Shams, including espionage and Friends of the Environment Center, Katara Hospitality and Hotel remains of an Israeli soldier located in the part of the Golan treason. The other, Amal Abu Park. missing for over 35 years. Heights that Israel occupied in Saleh, 26, was sentenced to The ‘Planting Trees’ event aims to commemorate Doha’s The latest release was part discovered Baumel’s remains. the 1967 Middle East war and seven years for attacking an hosting of the activities of Doha OIC Youth Capital 2019, to promote of a swap that began last April. Russia is a close ally of the later annexed. Relatives and Israeli ambulance and killing a sustainable development to achieve the Qatar National Vision That’s when Israel, with help Syrian government in the coun- friends waving Syrian flags Syrian wounded in the ongoing 2030, to emphasize the value of planting in the Islamic religion, from Russia, recovered the try’s ongoing civil war, while greeted the men. fighting in neighboring Syria. and to achieve institutional partnerships between ministries. remains of the soldier, Zachary Israel frequently strikes targets Most of the Golan’s Arab It’s unclear if the exchange A group of young participants from the OIC member states Baumel. In return, Israel linked to Iran and the Lebanese and Druze residents, who make was related to Israeli efforts to will plant a number of trees during this event as a contribution released two Syrian prisoners group Hezbollah, which back about half of the area’s 50,000 release an Israeli woman to increasing the green area and promoting environmental devel- to their home country that same the government. population, declined Israeli cit- detained while transiting opment, and introducing the different types of trees and plants month. The goodwill gesture’s izenship as a show of loyalty to through a Moscow airport in and their different environments by giving information on each Baumel, a US citizen from timing game came just a few Syria. They hold Israeli resi- possession of a few grams of tree and its source. New York, went missing in 1982 days after Russian President dency status, but an identity marijuana. The inauguration will be attended by community members along with five other Israeli sol- Vladimir Putin made a rare visit crisis has simmered for Russia upheld the seven- from the OIC Member States, as well as a number of ambassadors diers during a fierce battle with to Damascus and met with decades. and-a-half-year imprisonment from these states, completing the inauguration ceremony with a Syrian forces in Lebanon. President Bashar Assad. “This is a very special sentence against the tourist, miniature environment of each state’s community. Russian special forces The two Syrian men who moment. This is a moment of Naama Issachar. Turkey is guarantor of EU security: Hungary ANATOLIA — BRUSSELS Even as Turkey and the EU has not drawn criticism. player, but is trying to get back have been at loggerheads over On January 2, Turkey’s par- into the game,” he added. Hungary’s Foreign Minister a number of issues, Hungary has liament passed a motion He said the EU’s most asked the new EU foreign policy traditionally praised Turkey’s allowing the government to important goal is to make the chief to use softer language on role in EU affairs. send troops to Libya’s UN-rec- international community Turkey, as it safeguards At their meeting, EU foreign ognised Government of respect the UN arms embargo. European security, Peter Szij- ministers discussed recent National Accord (GNA), which At the meeting, Ghassan jarto told reporters in Brussels developments in both Libya and has been besieged by forces of Salame, the UN special repre- after an extraordinary meeting Iraq. Prior to that, various Khalifa Haftar. The warlord sentative for Libya, briefed EU of EU ministers yesterday. European leaders and EU offi- supported by Egypt and the ministers on the growing threat “We have a way more cials urged a diplomatic solution United Arab Emirates has made of terrorism that the influx of complex relationship with and rejected what they called significant advances in recent fighters from Syria and Sudan Turkey,” Szijjarto said he had “foreign interference” in the weeks. pose, saying around 700,000 told Josep Borrell, who took up Libyan conflict. Since the ouster of late migrants in Libya might soon his role as the EU’s top diplomat Borrell on Tuesday criticised leader Muammar Gaddafi in decide to leave for Europe due in December. the military aid Turkey offered 2011, two seats of power have to the conflict. Stressing Turkey’s pivotal to Libya’s UN-recognised gov- emerged in Libya: one in The EU foreign ministers role for the EU, including the ernment as “foreign inter- eastern Libya and the other in also discussed the US-Iran Hungary’s Foreign and Trade Minister Peter Szijjarto during the 2016 migrant deal between ference that the EU rejects.” Tripoli, which enjoys the UN tension and Iraq’s security sit- 13th International Circus Festival in Budapest, on Wednesday. Turkey and the bloc, he added: Turkey says it is helping and international recognition. uation in the wake of last week’s “Turkey is the guarantor of EU’s Libya’s internationally recog- According to Szijjarto, US killing of Iran’s Qasem Sole- de-escalation in the region and He expressed his regret on security, it halts migration and nized government at the request Turkey and Russia are the key imani in Iraq. reaffirmed the EU’s com- the US withdrawal from the 2015 is a member of the Nato as of Tripoli, also arguing that actors in Libya. Borrell was given a strong mitment to a regional political nuclear deal, but said he hoped well.” interference by other countries “The EU is currently not a mandate to contribute to solution. Iran would return to the deal. 04 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA SATURDAY 11 JANUARY 2020 Iran denies missile downed Ukrainian plane The Iranian civil aviation chief US blames Iran for jetliner said Tehran had invited “Americans, downing, pledges probe Canadians, the French, Ukrainians AP — WASHINGTON The US promised “appropriate action” yesterday in response and the Swedish” to to its assessment that an Iranian missile was responsible for be present during the downing a Ukrainian jetliner that crashed outside Tehran, as investigation. the Iranian government denied playing a role in the killing of all 176 people on board. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo became the highest-level AFP — TEHRAN US official to directly pin the blame on Iran, after Canadian, Australian and British leaders announced similar intelligence con- Iran’s civil aviation chief denied clusions. “We do believe it is likely that that plane was shot down yesterday that a missile downed by an Iranian missile,” he said. Pompeo said an investigation would a Ukrainian airliner which continue into the incident and that once it was complete he was crashed killing all 176 on board, “confident that we and the world will take appropriate action as dismissing Western claims of a a response.” Leaders said the plane appeared to have been unin- catastrophic mistake by tentionally hit by a surface-to-air missile. Tehran’s air defences. “What is obvious for us, and what we can say with certainty, Ukraine said its experts had is that no missile hit the plane,” Ali Abedzadeh, head of Iran’s gained access to the black box national aviation department, told a press conference. “If they flight recorders as US Secretary are really sure, they should come and show their findings to the of State Mike Pompeo repeated Red Crescent workers checking the debris from the Ukraine International Airlines plane, that crashed world” in accordance with international standards, he added. it was “likely” an Iran missile after take-off from Iran’s Imam Khomeini airport, on the outskirts of Tehran. Hassan Rezaeifar, the head of the Iranian investigation team, downed the plane. said recovering data from the black box flight recorders could The denial came as Tehran The majority of the pas- been unintentional. Canadians affairs of the Canadian victims”, take more than a month and that the entire investigation could faced mounting international sengers on Ukraine Interna- have questions, and they a rarity since the two countries stretch into next year. He also said Iran may request help from pressure to allow a “credible” tional Airlines Flight PS752 were deserve answers,” Trudeau told cut diplomatic relations in 2012. international experts if it is not able to extract the flight investigation into the crash, dual national Iranian-Cana- reporters. Abedzadeh rejected The civil aviation chief said recordings. The ballistic missile attack on the bases in Iraq caused which several Western govern- dians but they also included the claim, saying “any remarks Tehran had invited “Americans, no casualties, raising hopes that the standoff over the killing of ments blamed on an accidental Ukrainians, Afghans, Britons made before the data is Canadians, the French, Gen. Qassem Soleimani would end relatively peacefully, though missile strike. “One thing is for and Swedes. Vadym Prystaiko, extracted (from the plane’s Ukrainians and the Swedish” to Iran has sent mixed signals over whether its retaliation is com- certain, this airplane was not hit the foreign minister of Ukraine black box flight recorders)... is be present during the investi- plete. If the US or Canada were to present incontrovertible evi- by a missile,” Iran’s civil avi- which has sent around 50 not an expert opinion.” gation. European Union foreign dence that the plane was shot down by Iran, even if uninten- ation chief Ali Abedzadeh said, experts to Tehran to take part Trudeau’s comments came ministers urged Iran to be tionally, it could have a dramatic impact on public opinion in after Tehran invited the US, in the Iran-led inquiry, told as video footage emerged that transparent. Iran. The Iranian public had rallied around the leadership after Ukraine, Canada and others to reporters: “Our team has now appeared to show the moment “The important thing now the killing of Soleimani last Friday, with hundreds of thousands join the investigation. access to the black boxes”. the airliner was hit. is that everything is completely joining the general’s funeral processions in several cities, in an The Boeing 737 crashed on Prystaiko said Ukraine sees The footage, which The investigated. Nothing must be unprecedented display of grief and unity. Wednesday shortly after Iran “full cooperation” from Iran, New York Times said it had ver- swept under the table,” German But sentiments in Iran are still raw over the government’s launched missiles at US forces adding that Ukrainian experts ified, shows a fast-moving Foreign Minister Heiko Maas crackdown on large-scale protests late last year sparked by an in Iraq in response to the killing also had access to plane frag- object rising at an angle into the said. The US National Trans- economic crisis exacerbated by US sanctions. Several hundred of a top Iranian general in a US ments and the crash site. sky before a bright flash is seen, portation Safety Board said it protesters were reported to have been killed in the clampdown. drone strike in Baghdad. Canadian Prime Minister Justin which dims and then continues had received formal notification Those fissures could quickly break open again if Iranian It is Iran’s worst civil avi- Trudeau said that multiple moving forward. Several of the crash from Iran and authorities are seen to be responsible for the deaths of 176 people, ation disaster since 1988 when intelligence sources indicated seconds later an explosion is would send a representative to mainly Iranians or dual Iranian-Canadian citizens. Iran still the US military said it shot down an Iranian surface-to-air heard and the sky lit up. join the probe. Iran’s foreign points to the accidental downing of an Iranian passenger jet by an Iran Air plane over the Gulf missile downed the plane after Iran’s foreign ministry said ministry also invited US plane US forces in 1988 - which killed all 290 people aboard - as proof by mistake, killing all 290 it took off from Tehran. a Canadian delegation was on maker Boeing to “participate” of American hostility. people on board. “We know this may have its way to Tehran to “handle the in the probe.

Tunisian parliament US announces new set to reject new sanctions on Iran government REUTERS — TUNIS after missile strikes Tunisia’s parliament looked poised to reject a proposed AP & REUTERS — WASHINGTON already reinstated all the US new government after only sanctions that were eased one party said it would support The Trump administration under the 2015 nuclear deal, it in a vote of confidence, yesterday announced a new which has caused significant meaning a complex coalition- wave of sanctions on Iran economic hardship in Iran and building process may need to following this week’s missile cut its oil exports to historic start again. strikes by the Islamic Republic lows. Designated prime minister on US bases in Iraq. Iran this week launched the Habib Jemli urged parliament Secretary of State Mike strikes in retaliation for the U.S. to support his proposed Pompeo and Treasury Sec- drone strike that killed Revo- cabinet as the debate began on retary Steven Mnuchin said the lutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Friday morning, before a vote new sanctions will target eight Soleimani, the country’s most expected later in the day. senior Iranian officials involved powerful commander, in However, the only party in “destabilizing” activities in Baghdad last week. in the deeply fragmented par- the Middle East as well as Tues- Meanwhile, the US special liament to say it will back his day’s missile strike, which envoy for Iran Brian Hook said government is the moderate Iraqi anti-government demonstrators protest in the city of Karbala in central Iraq, yesterday. Thousands came in retaliation for the US yesterday it seems that Iran has Islamist Ennahda, which nom- of Iraqis rallied across the country, reviving a months-long protest movement against the government killing of a senior Iranian concluded its retaliation for the inated Jemli as prime minister and adding criticisms of both the US and Iran to their chants. general in a drone strike. US killing of senior Iranian after coming first in the Oct. 6 Mnuchin said President commander Qassem election with 53 of the 217 Donald Trump will issue an Soleimani. seats. executive order imposing sanc- “It would seem that Iran The parties that have tions on anyone involved in the has concluded its response in US rejects Iraq’s request to already said they will vote Iranian textile, construction, retaliation for the killing of against it have a combined 120 manufacturing or mining Qassem Soleimani,” Hook told seats, so Jemli would need to sectors. They will also impose reporters. “That’s a question for open talks on troop pullout peel off some of their MPs as separate sanctions against the Iran. I’m not speaking for them. well as winning over all inde- steel and iron sectors. We hope that Iran starts BLOOMBERG — BAGHDAD Abdul Mahdi’s demand the Middle East nation fol- pendents to secure the 109 “As a result of these actions making better decisions and during a phone call with Sec- lowing a 2003 invasion to oust seats needed for majority we will cut off billions of dollars does not continue to pursue its The US rejected Iraqi Prime retary of State Michael Pompeo Saddam Hussein. support. of support to the Iranian aggressive and expansionist Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi’s is the latest sign of eroding ties “His Excellency demanded regime,” the treasury secretary foreign policy either directly or request to begin talks on the between the countries after the that the US Secretary of State Zimbabwe public said. The administration has through its proxies.” withdrawal of American troops, US killed a top Iranian general send officials to Iraq to work with the State Department in Baghdad. out mechanisms to implement workers reject govt Haftar rejects truce as forces advance saying it’s open to discussing The drone strike on Qassem the decision of the parliament offer to double pay “force posture” in the country Soleimani, who oversaw Iran’s for the safe withdrawal of BLOOMBERG — TRIPOLI and the financial “partnership” foreign military operations, troops from Iraq,” according to REUTERS — HARARE between the two nations. outraged Shia politicians in a statement from the Iraqi Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar rejected an offer by “Any delegation sent to Iraq Iraq, many of whom have close prime minister’s office. Zimbabwe’s public sector Russia and Turkey for a cease-fire in the country’s nearly nine-year would be dedicated to dis- ties to Tehran. Their majority Pompeo told reporters at workers yesterday rejected a conflict as his forces make new advances. Turkey and Russia, which cussing how to best recommit in parliament was enough to the White House that Abdul government offer to nearly back opposite sides in an increasingly violent proxy war between to our strategic partnership -- win a non-binding vote on Mahdi “didn’t quite characterize double salaries for the lowest regional powers, called for a cease-fire to take effect from Sunday. not to discuss troop withdrawal, expelling US forces, though the conversation correctly.” He paid employees because it was The call to pause hostilities came after Haftar, based in the but our right, appropriate force Sunni Arab and Kurdish legis- said that “we are happy to con- not enough to cushion them east of the country, said he seized the coastal city of Sirte— a posture in the Middle East,” lators boycotted the session. If tinue the conversation with the against soaring prices, their symbolic and strategic gain in his 10-month campaign to take State Department spokes- it happened, a US pullout would Iraqis about what the right union said. Tripoli, seat of the U.N.-recognized Government of National woman Morgan Ortagus said in bring an end to 17 years of structure is” but “we’re going The southern African Accord, or GNA. a statement. American military presence in to continue that mission.” nation’s economy is experi- encing its worst crisis in a decade while poor rains are seen worsening the food Turkey says ceasefire will be implemented in Syria’s Idlib tomorrow security situation at a time some 8 million people face REUTERS — ISTANBUL Idlib province towards the been seeking for several from their country’s nearly nine operation delivering supplies hunger after a drought last Turkish border in recent weeks. year-old civil war. President will expire at midnight if a year. Turkey’s Defence Ministry said weeks, as towns and villages The announcement came Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said deadlocked UN Security Council The top public workers’ yesterday that it had agreed have been pounded by Russian a day after a Russian defence Turkey cannot carry the burden cannot reach a last-minute deal union Apex Council said the with Russia that a ceasefire will jets and Syrian artillery since ministry official was quoted of more refugees from Idlib, to extend its authorization. government had offered to be implemented tomorrow in a renewed government assault as saying that a ceasefire had where up to 3 million people Syrian President Bashar al- increase the salary for the northwestern Syria’s Idlib last month. already been implemented at live. Assad, backed by Russia and lowest paid employee to 2,033 region to stem the flow of Turkey’s defence ministry 1100 GMT on Thursday, in Many Syrians still in Idlib Iran, has vowed to recapture Zimbabwe dollars ($123.68) civilians uprooted by the said attacks by air and land line with agreements with are completely dependent on Idlib, the last rebel-held swathe from 1,033 Zimbabwe dollars violence. would halt at one minute past Turkey. cross-border aid, according to of territory. Turkey has for a month. There would also be Hundreds of thousands of midnight on Sunday under the Some 3.6 million Syrians the United Nations, but a six- years backed Syrian rebels a one-off allowance of 750 people have fled attacks in ceasefire, which Ankara has have sought shelter in Turkey year-long United Nations fighting to oust Assad. Zimbabwe dollars. SATURDAY 11 JANUARY 2020 ASIA 05 Indefinite Internet shutdown is illegal: Supreme Court

REUTERS — NEW DELHI/SRINAGAR Indefinite suspension of the internet violated India’s India’s Supreme Court said yesterday that an indefinite shutdown of the internet in telecoms rules, the court said, Kashmir was illegal, rebuking the government ordering authorities to review for the communications lockdown imposed all curbs in Kashmir in a week. after it withdrew the Muslim majority region’s autonomy in August. “Freedom of internet access is Indefinite suspension of the internet vio- a fundamental right,” Supreme lated India’s telecoms rules, the court said, Court justice N V Ramana said. ordering authorities to review all curbs in Kashmir in a week. “Freedom of internet Demonstrators display placards as they attend a protest rally against a new citizenship law, in Kolkata, India, access is a fundamental right,” Supreme blackouts lasted for more than 4,000 hours, yesterday. Court justice N V Ramana said. costing Asia’s third-biggest economy $1.3bn, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu- according to a report by website Top10VPN. nationalist government has frequently used In Kashmir, the blackout has severely dis- internet shutdowns as a tool to quell dissent rupted the lives of millions and has had an India’s protesting women vow to in troubled parts of the country. impact on everything from college admis- Last month, authorities imposed an sions to businesses filing tax returns. internet clampdown in parts of the capital For Yasin Tuman, who runs a travel fight on against citizenship law and in areas of the eastern state of Assam agency in Kashmir’s main city Srinagar, the and Uttar Pradesh in the north as protests loss of internet access has hit his business AFP — NEW DELHI civil rights anthem “We Shall emotion. “I will fight this law until raged against a new citizenship law that hard, as tourists stay away. Overcome” and chant against the my last breath.” Muslims see as discriminatory. “I’ve suffered losses of 7 million rupees Every night, 75-year-old Noor- Citizenship Amendment Act, Gul Bano, 51, her face covered The shutdown in Kashmir, which has (nearly $100,000) in the past five months,” nissa braves the freezing cold to passed last month by Modi’s Hindu with a veil, described the protest as been on for more than 150 days, is the longest he said. The government says it was nec- help block one of the main roads nationalist government. “a fight for our identity”. Suffering such outage in any democracy, according to essary to block the internet to stop agitators into the capital of India, in a protest The law has added to the fears some of the lowest temperatures in digital rights group Access Now. orchestrating mass, potentially violent, pro- that is at the forefront of a rising of India’s 200 million Muslims. It Delhi for decades, Noornissa sleeps The government has argued that the tests against its decision to revoke Kashmir’s challenge to Prime Minister gives Hindus, Buddhists, Sikh and on the street, wrapped in blankets blackout in Kashmir was needed to maintain special status. It also ordered a massive Narendra Modi. Tens of thousands other minorities who have fled with only her silver hair visible. The order in a Himalayan region where security deployment of security forces, and after some of people have taken part in protests neighbouring countries the right women with her include grand- forces have been fighting a long-running sep- protests in the initial days anti-government against the citizenship law and more to Indian citizenship — but Muslims mothers and younger women, aratist insurgency. The Supreme Court’s demonstrations have died down. than 25 people have been killed. are excluded. Modi has insisted the many with toddlers in tow. A tent decision, which also asks authorities to make Gouhar Geelani, a journalist and writer For nearly four weeks, Noor- law is “humanitarian” and that has been put up to block the wind. public all orders on internet shutdowns, from Kashmir, said Modi’s Hindu nationalist nissa and more than 200 other Muslims have nothing to worry about, Stray goats walk around the road should enable more scrutiny of suspensions, party had used the internet clampdown “to women have sat and slept across but opponents are not convinced and alongside the protesters. The internet freedom activists said. control the Kashmir narrative by placing the four-lane road between Delhi have held rallies across the South Shaheen Bagh protest is a sign that “This sheds light on the rationale behind restrictions on mainstream media and social and the satellite city Noida, gaining Asian nation — often met with police “the pushback has begun across internet shutdowns which then can be chal- media platforms.” nationwide attention as protests force. Authorities have warned the India”, according to Syeda Hameed, lenged as being constitutional or propor- Stricter regulations are necessary to safe- erupted across India over a con- Shaheen Bagh protesters that the head of the Muslim Women’s Forum. tionate or not,” said Nikhil Pahwa, digital rights guard users and the nation’s security as the troversial citizenship law that police will clear the road if they do People bring blankets, hot tea, snacks activist and editor of MediaNama, a Delhi- internet has emerged as a “potent tool to critics say is anti-Muslim. not leave, but the women are deter- and meals for the women. The doors based publication. “So if the state is forced to cause unimaginable disruption to the dem- Men stand guard as the mined to stay. “I was born in India of nearby homes are always open for be transparent, they will be more accountable.” ocratic polity,” India’s technology ministry women, from the mainly Muslim and I want to die here,” Noornissa the women if they want to use the In 2019, India’s documented internet has previously said. area of Shaheen Bagh, sing the US said, her frail frame shaking with bathroom.

Vietnam refinery signs deal with 7 Suu Kyi visits China border state as Xi's visit looms firms for major AFP — MYITKYINA, MYANMAR “from a wider perspective”. maintenance work An environmental Myanmar leader Aung San Suu assessment commissioned by REUTERS — HANOI Kyi made a rare trip to a region the government five years ago bordering China days before advised against the dam’s con- Vietnam’s Binh Son Refining President Xi Jinping is expected struction, saying it could alter and Petrochemical Co said it to push for controversial port the flow of the Irrawaddy River. has signed deals with seven and dam projects during a visit Myitsone is one of several contractors to conduct major to the country. Beijing-backed projects in maintenance work at its Dung Wearing traditional ethnic Myanmar, including a deep-sea Quat refinery from June. attire Suu Kyi danced with a port in Rakhine state’s The 130,000-barrel-per- street procession yesterday in Kyaukphyu that will serve as day refinery will be shut for northern Kachin state’s capital China’s gateway to the Indian maintenance from June 12 Myitkyina, a day after sup- Ocean. Northern Rakhine was through August 1 this year, the porters cheered her arrival at the site of brutal military oper- company said late on the airport. ations against Rohingya Thursday. She urged a crowd of thou- Muslims in 2017 but Kyaukphyu The contractors include sands to “focus on the present” was largely unscathed. firms from Malaysia, South and called for peace in the Analysts say Myanmar has Korea, Thailand and Vietnam, remote region, where insur- drifted closer to Beijing thanks Binh Son said, without dis- gents have clashed with the to the Asian giant’s backing of closing the value of the deals. army over autonomy and Suu Kyi over the crisis, which Dung Quat refinery, Viet- resources. shattered her reputation in the nam’s first of its kind, became She did not mention the west even as she remains operational from 2009. This China-backed Myitsone dam, a popular at home. will be the fourth time it $3.6 billion project halted in Xi is also expected to meet undergoes major 2011 in the face of widespread army chief Min Aung Hlaing, maintenance. opposition. who has been accused of over- Vietnam’s second refinery, A proposal to reinstate the seeing the crackdown against the 200,0000-barrel-per-day dam drew thousands of pro- the Muslim minority that drove Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi (centre), attending the 72nd Kachin State day ceremony Nghi Son, was also shut down testers onto the streets last year. more than 740,000 people into in Myitkyina, upper Myanmar, yesterday. for more than a month from Myanmar is a vital piece of neighbouring Bangladesh. October for maintenance. China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Suu Kyi defended her Xi’s $1 trillion vision for mar- Xi and top Myanmar political Luo Zhaohui. Suu Kyi was an opponent country against allegations of Symbols allocated itime, rail and road projects and military leaders are Asked about the dam in of the project before her party genocide at the UN’s top court across Asia, Africa and Europe. expected to discuss the initi- Kachin, Luo said the two sides swept to power in 2015 elec- in The Hague last month in a for Dhaka mayoral During his two-day visit to ative, according to a briefing by “are still maintaining close tions, but in March last year she case that is expected to last candidates the country starting January 17, China’s Vice Foreign Minister communication on this”. called on people to consider it years. AGENCIES — DHAKA The Election Commission has AAP says no alliance for Sri Lankan PM vows to safeguard allocated symbols for mayoral candidates of the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Delhi Assembly election economy if Mideast tensions escalate Dhaka South City Corporation IANS — NEW DELHI (DSCC) elections scheduled to IANS — COLOMBO Rambukwella said that Sri be held on January 30. Delhi’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party will not have an alliance with any Lanka’s Ministry of External Awami League candidate party, including the Congress, for the February 8 Assembly elec- Sri Lankan Prime Minister Affairs has reached out to Sri Atiqul Islam got “boat” while tions, a party leader said. The leader, who did not want to be iden- Mahinda Rajapaksa (pictured), Lankan nationals living in Iran BNP aspirant Tabith Awal tified, said the AAP is confident that it will come back to power has said that the government and will make arrangements for received “sheaf of paddy” on its own, and dismissed all talks of any tie-up. will take quick steps to safe- their return to home country symbols for DNCC elections. “We are not going for an alliance with any party in the guard the island country’s should tensions escalate In the DSCC polls Awami Assembly elections. We are winning the elections on our own and economy if tensions in the further. League mayoral candidate all the speculations of going with any other political party are Middle East further escalate, it Rambukwella said there are Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh is incorrect,” the leader said. The AAP was formed in 2012 and the was reported yesterday. an estimated 100 Sri Lankans contesting against BNP Arvind Kejriwal-headed party overthrew the 15-year rule of the Rajapaksa, also the coun- in Iran presently. aspirant Ishraque Hossain. Congress, led by three-time Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, in 2013. try’s Finance Minister, told the Tensions heightened Mohammad Saifuddin of In the 2013 Assembly elections, the Congress had secured a vote media that the Sri Lankan gov- between the US and Iran after Jatiya Party got “plough” symbol, share of 24.55 per cent, the BJP had secured 33.07 per cent vote ernment expected the US and Iranian Major General Qasem Abdur Rahman of Islami share and the AAP had secured 29.49 per cent. Iran not to opt for war but to Soleimani was killed in a drone Andolan “hand fan”, Bahrane As the BJP, the single-largest party, had bagged 31 seats, five settle issues through negotia- attack ordered by President Sultan Bahar of National Peo- seats less than the required majority in the 70-member house, tions, reports Xinhua news will be given to the matter in Donald Trump on January 3 in ple’s Party(NPP) the AAP and the Congress, with 28 and eight seats, subsequently agency. the coming weeks, he added. Baghdad. “mango,”Akteruzzaman alias joined the hands to form a government but it only lasted 49 days. However, the government Iran is Sri Lanka’s fourth Iran retaliated the killing by Ayatullah of Bangladesh Con- In the 2015 Assembly polls, the AAP bagged 67 out of 70 seats has begun assessing the impact biggest tea buyer, the Prime launching a missile attack on gress “green coconut” and with its vote share jumping up to 54.34 per cent. The BJP’s vote a war-like situation could have Minister said. Wednesday at two military Abdus Samad Sujan of Gano share was 32.19 per cent, while that of Congress had shrunk to on Sri Lanka if the tensions Meanwhile, government bases in Iraq that houses US Front “fish”. 9.65 per cent. The BJP managed to get three seats only. escalate, and that full attention spokesperson Keheliya troops. 06 ASIA SATURDAY 11 JANUARY 2020

Pakistan, Russia Canadian biker converts to Islam agree to launch joint diplomatic ANATOLIA — KARACHI going through for years and Rosie Gabrielle, a Never resonating with what way. Through kindness, & fulfill my desire to be free”. solo motorcyclist I was brought up with, I humbled grace of the people I effort for peace Rosie Gabrielle, a solo motor- Attired in pinkish white denounced my religion 4 years met along my pilgrimage, cyclist from Canada, arrived in shalwar-kameez (local dress), from Canada, arrived ago, going down a deep path of inspired my heart to seek in the region Pakistan 10 years ago to explore her head covered with a dupatta in Pakistan 10 years spiritual discovery. Exploration further. Living in a Muslim the beauty of Pakistan’s pictur- (sheet), and holding a copy of ago. She praises of self, and the great Divine. I country for 10 + years and INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD esque North. the Holy Quran, Gabrielle never let go the sight of the traveling extensively through Her Instagram account is posted a picture of herself on Pakistan and its Creator, in fact, my curiosity these regions, I observed one Pakistan and Russia have full of pictures not only showing Instagram on Thursday. people for helping her and connection only grew thing; Peace. A kind of peace agreed to launch a joint effort the dazzling colors of Pakistan She had an announcement. stronger. Now no longer dic- that one can only dream of aimed at ‘restoring peace’ in but also her affection for local “I converted to Islam,” read the achieve her ultimate tated by fear, I was able to fully having in their hearts. the region with rising tensions people and culture. title of her story she pegged to goal — “to get rid of explore this righteous path. Unfortunately Islam is one between the United States and She travelled across explain what “led me to take the pain I have been As time passed, the more I of the most misinterpreted and Iran in the backdrop, official Pakistan, especially the this big decision”. She gives experienced, the more I wit- criticized religions world wide. sources said here yesterday. northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, credit to her love for nature and going through for nessed the true nature and And like all religions, there are The agreement came which borders neighbouring beauty that brought her to years and fulfill my calling for my life. I wanted to many interpretations. But, the during a telephonic conver- China, and is home to the snow- Pakistan, and ultimately led her desire to be free”. be free. Free of the pain and core of it, the true meaning of sation between Foreign Min- capped peaks, glaciers and to “ find peace that one can only shackles that was hell. Liber- Islam, is PEACE, LOVE & ister Shah Mehmood Qureshi lakes. She was captivated by the dream of having in their hearts”. ation from the anger, hurt and ONENESS. It’s not a religion, but and his Russian counterpart, majestic peaks, breathtaking Following is a statement special relationship to God. misalignment. I wanted peace a way of life. The life of Sergei Lavrov, according to plateaus, and glistening waters. she posted on Instagram: As My path was far from easy in my heart, forgiveness and the humanity, humility and Love. officials of the Foreign Office. But on top of it all, she mentioned previously, this last and I carried a lot of anger in most profound connection with For me, I was already tech- During the phone call, the rejoiced in the love, grace, and year was one of the hardest in my heart from a lifetime of all. And thus started my journey. nically a “Muslim”. My Shahada two leaders discussed issues affection she received from the my life, and all life’s challenges pain, always begging God, why The universe brought me to (Muslim profession of faith) was pertaining to soaring tensions locals. She praises Pakistan and have led me to this point here me? Until ultimately coming Pakistan, not only to challenge basically a re-dedication of my in the Middle East, including the its people for helping her and now. From a young child, to the conclusion that all is myself to let go of the last life to the path of Oneness, con- overall situation in the region. achieve her ultimate goal — “to I’ve always had a unique con- meant to be, and even my suf- remaining traces of pain and nection and Peace through the Qureshi expressed to his get rid of the pain I have been nection with creation and fering is a gift. ego, but also to show me the devotion of God. Russian counterpart that an increase in tensions among the states could dent a severe blow to peace and stability in the Strong winds create region. He added that both sides, Iran and the US, have to show restraint in order to overcome the Australian ‘megablaze’ current situation. Qureshi, while reiterating AFP — EDEN, AUSTRALIA burning in the state, with just Pakistan’s stance, made it clear over 50 not yet under control. that Pakistan will neither be a Gale-force winds in Australia On Kangaroo Island off party to any new conflict in the merged two enormous fires into South Australia, the largest region nor will its land be used a megablaze spanning an area town was cut off as firefighters against any regional or neigh- four times the size of Greater battled dangerous infernos, bouring country. London yesterday, while tens forcing some residents to flee The two foreign ministers of thousands rallied to again to the local jetty. also agreed to make joint demand action on climate The catastrophic bushfires efforts for regional peace. change. have killed at least 26 people, A day earlier, Prime Min- “The conditions are difficult destroyed more than 2,000 ister Imran Khan had said today,” said Shane Fitzsimmons, homes and scorched some ten Pakistan “will never get rural fire service commissioner million hectares (100,000 involved” in other countries’ for New South Wales state, after square kilometres) — an area wars and said Pakistan would days of relative calm. larger than South Korea or Por- become a country that would “It’s the hot, dry winds that tugal. University of Sydney sci- “serve as an example for other will prove once again to be the entists estimate one billion Muslim countries around the real challenge.” Temperatures mammals, birds and reptiles world and lead them”. soared above 40 degrees have been killed in the fires. “Pakistan will never par- Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) The Insurance Council of ticipate in anyone else’s war Smoke rises from the Eden Woodchip Mill, from a fire that has been blazing for days, after bushfires in parts of New South Wales and Australia estimated losses from again,” he said. “Pakistan will came close the previous week to Eden, Australia, yesterday. neighbouring Victoria, where the fires have so far totalled become a country that attention was focused on the Aus$939m ($645m). encourages peace in other two fires that linked to form yet The severe conditions have do more to tackle global warming websites and politicians across fires,” Graham said. countries.” “This [peace another monster blaze of more been fuelled by a prolonged and reduce coal exports. “Change the globe have promoted the Prime Minister Scott Mor- between US and Iran] will be than 600,000 hectares. drought and worsened by the politics not the climate,” read theory that arson is largely to rison yesterday tried to parry our biggest effort,” said the Fire service spokesman climate change, with experts one sign, reflecting an increas- blame, rather than climate journalists’ questions about premier. “I even told Donald Anthony Bradstreet said it is warning that such massive ingly charged argument over the change, drought or record high whether climate change would Trump that I will help establish believed the blaze was sparked blazes were becoming more cause of the fires. temperatures. make horrific bushfire seasons peace between Iran and the by dry lightning. A “state of dis- frequent and intense. Australia Researchers say the bushfire Timothy Graham, a digital the norm. “Look, we have US,” he added. aster” was extended 48 hours experienced its driest and hottest emergency has sparked an online media expert at the Queensland covered that on a number of Last week, as tensions ahead of yesterday's forecast of year on record in 2019, with its disinformation campaign “unprec- University of Technology, said occasions now,” he said testily. flared between the two coun- scorching temperatures, and highest average maximum tem- edented” in the country’s history, his research showed half of the Towamba volunteer fire- tries, Islamabad had urged evacuation orders were issued perature of 41.9 degrees Celsius with bots deployed to shift blame Twitter users deploying the fighter Tony Larkings, 65, said Tehran and Washington to for areas around the New South recorded in mid-December. for the blazes away from climate hashtag displayed bot- and battling the fires in recent exercise “maximum restraint” Wales-Victoria border. In Sydney and Melbourne, change. One hashtag in particular, troll-like behaviour. “Our weeks had been a “hot, dirty following the killing of top New South Wales Premier thousands of people again took #arsonemergency, has gained findings show a concerted effort and dangerous” task. “It’s been Iranian commander Qassem Gladys Berejiklian said there to the streets to demand Aus- traction rapidly and conserv- aimed to misinform the public horrendous. It’s never been like Soleimani at an airport in were more than 130 fires tralia’s conservative government ative-leaning newspapers, about the cause of the bush- this before,” he said. Baghdad. US approves $2.75bn fighter Blast inside seminary jet sale to kills 14 near Quetta ANATOLIA — KARACHI According to Langov, the nature Singapore of the blast is yet to be known, AFP — SINGAPORE At least 14 people, including a senior however, he suspected that it was the police official, were killed in anex- act of a suicide bomber. The United States has plosion that took place inside a reli- “I cannot confirm that [the nature approved the sale of up to 12 gious seminary in southwest Pakistan of the blast], but I suspect it was a F-35 fighter jets — one of the yesterday evening, officials and local suicide attack”, he said. most advanced warplanes media reported. The deceased included a deputy ever built — to Singapore for The blast occurred inside a sem- superintendent of police. around $2.75bn, officials said inary located in southern outskirts of There was no immediate word of yesterday. Quetta — the capital of southwestern responsibility for the attack. The city-state last year said Balochistan province — during sunset Footage aired on local broad- it planned to buy four of the prayer, Mir Zia Langov, provincial caster Geo News showed broken jets, with an option to pur- home minister, told Anadolu Agency. glasses, caps, blood-soaked pieces of chase eight more, picking the Some 19 people were also injured clothes, and other belongings scat- Lockheed Martin model over in the blast, second in the past two tered across the floor of the semi- rivals from Europe and China. days in the city. Two people were nary’s prayer hall. Singapore has one of the killed and over a dozen others injured Health officials fear a rise in the region’s best equipped armed in an improvised explosive device death toll as condition of various Security officials gather at a mosque after a bomb blast in Quetta yesterday. forces and spends a large blast at a busy market on Wednesday. injured was stated to be critical. chunk of its national budget on defence. The State Department had approved the jet sale, said the US Defence Shisper glacier melt threatens Pakistan’s future Security Cooperation Agency, adding Congress had been notified and must now also AFP — SHISPER GLACIER threatening the safety of the beyond its path: The mighty Indus Water Treaty, which aims blocking or disturbing drinking give the green light. people and homes below. Indus River is reliant on sea- for fair usage. water and irrigation channels,” “Singapore is a strategic The villagers of Hassanabad “People’s lives, properties sonal melt for more than half of “The Shisper glacier is Baig warned, adding that friend and major security coop- live in constant fear. Above and animals are in danger,” its flow and changes in Paki- increasing its length and width, changing weather patterns were eration partner and an them the vast Shisper glacier warns villager Basir Ali. stan’s ice fields affect this. furthermore it is also moving also creating more glacial lakes. important force for political sta- dominates the landscape: A Flash floods caused by That has implications not downhill,” explained Shehzad The UNDP estimates that bility and economic progress in river of jagged black ice glacial lakes, ice and rock falls, just for those living in its basin, Baig of the Gilgit-Baltistan Dis- more than 3,000 glacial lakes the Asia-Pacific region,” said the moving towards them at as and a lack of clean and acces- but for the whole nation, which aster Management Authority. have been formed in the region, agency. It added that the deal much as four metres per day. sible water are all serious risks relies on it for much of its food. He warned climate change with 33 posing an imminent “will not alter the basic military Climate change is causing for those close to its path. Shifting water levels also meant there was heavier threat of ‘outburst floods’, known balance in the region”. most glaciers worldwide to “When a glacial lake bursts have implications for the fragile snowfall during the winters and as GLOFs, that could impact as The city-state spent shrink, but due to a meteoro- there is an enormous amount relationship between nuclear- warmer temperatures in the many as seven million people. several years assessing which logical anomaly this is one of a of not only ice, water and debris armed neighbours Pakistan and summers, leading to the ice Last year the surging Shisper fighter jet should replace its few in the Karakoram mountain that falls through, but also mud India. Already ranked among mass producing more melt- glacier effectively dammed a ageing fleet of F-16s before range in northern Pakistan that and this has devastating effects, the planet’s most water- water, swelling the Hunza meltwater stream from a neigh- choosing the F-35s. It is a are surging. it basically destroys everything stressed nations according to River, a churning mountain bouring glacier creating a large supersonic plane whose This means hundreds of that comes in its way,” said the World Resources Institute, tributary of the Indus. lake. Authorites were forced to advanced stealth character- tonnes of ice and debris are Ignacio Artaza of UNDP Pakistan. both need the Indus and its trib- “This may cause harm to the issue safety warnings to Has- istics allow pilots to avoid pushing down the valley at ten But repercussions of the utaries. Their access to the local community and deprive the sanabad and local villages before detection by radars. times the normal rate or more, Shisper glacier surge extend far water is governed by the 1960 people of the Indus basin the water was drained. SATURDAY 11 JANUARY 2020 ASIA 07 China, Indonesia tread with caution amid tension ANATOLIA — JAKARTA on Natuna Besar island that the China and Indonesia have backed away from 200 nautical miles (370km). International Studies (CSIS), disputed waters belong solely Beijing maintains that it has his- called on Indonesia to resolve China and Indonesia have to Indonesia. “We have a dis- an imminent conflict after they dispatched torical evidence proving control tensions in the Natuna waters backed away from an imminent trict here, a regent, and a gov- warships and planes to claim the ownership of territory. through diplomatic means. conflict after they dispatched ernor. There are no more of the Natuna islands in the South China Rejecting China’s claims, “Indonesia does not rec- warships and planes to claim debates,” he said. Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry ognize China’s unilateral claim the ownership of the Natuna Earlier, Chinese Foreign Sea. Both countries have now called for believes that Natuna waters are about the nine-dash line,” she islands in the South China Sea. Ministry Spokesman Geng maintaining peace and stability in the region. part of its Exclusive Economic told Anadolu Agency. Both countries have now called Shuang claimed sovereign Zone (EEZ), according to the 1982 Meanwhile, Professor of for maintaining peace and sta- rights and jurisdiction over UNCLOS. “Indonesia will never International Law at the Uni- bility in the region. waters and the islands. shipping. Chinese spokesman, He further said that three recognize the 9 PRC [People’s versity of Indonesia, Hikma- The tensions in the region “Chinese fishermen have however, stressed that Beijing Chinese vessels were operating Republic of China] dash lines as hanto Juwana, said that the escalated when Chinese fishing long been engaging in fishery would like to work with Indo- in Natuna waters until Tuesday the drawdown is contrary to the UNCLOS has already rejected boats and coast guard vessels activities in waters near the nesia to continue managing dis- morning. China claims the sea 2016 UNCLOS Tribunal Chinese so-called historical were spotted maneuvering in Nansha islands, which has all putes through bilateral dialogue and land features contained judgment,” said the ministry in a claims. “EEZ waters are referred the waters around the islands along been legal and legit- to maintain friendly relations within the nine-dash line in the press statement last week. to by China as Traditional Fishing last week. imate,” said Geng, using the and ensure peace and stability South China Sea, encircling as Experts believe that China’s latest Grounds,” said Juwana in a press ‘’A Chinese coast guard Chinese name of the area. in the South China Sea. much as 90% of the contested manoeuvres were not incidental, release. He said while Article 51 vessel was spotted near the Natuna islands border the The Chief of the Indonesian waters. The line runs as far as but a very well thought out plan. of the UNCLOS accepts the islands. We have taken precau- South China Sea, most of which Marine Security Agency 2,000km from the Chinese “China wanted to check concept of traditional fishing tions,’’ said Indonesian Navy is claimed by China despite (Bakamla) Vice Admiral mainland to the waters near the Indonesia’s current alertness on rights, it does not recognize tra- Spokesman Fajar Tri Rohadi. competing claims from other Achmad Taufiqoerrachman also coastlines of the Philippines, Natuna. It is part of a large sce- ditional fishing grounds. Indonesian President Joko Southeast Asian nations stressed that his country was Malaysia, and Vietnam. nario related to the Belt and The Natuna islands come Widodo on Wednesday visited including Vietnam, the Philip- not interested in waging war According to the United Road Initiative (BRI), trade wars under Indonesia’s Riau Island Natuna islands to make a pines, and Malaysia. with China. Referring to Pres- Nations Convention for the Law with the U.S. and Beijing’s global Province administration. Bor- political statement that his The waters around the ident Widodo’s instructions, he of the Sea (UNCLOS), a nation aspirations,” said Dinna Winsu, dered by Vietnam and Cam- country was not backing down. islands are believed having rich said Indonesia will not com- has sovereignty over waters, an expert in international rela- bodia to the north, Singapore, The country also deployed reserves of undiscovered oil and promise on the issue of sover- extending 12 nautical miles tions. Fitri Bintang Timur, an and Malaysia to the west, the fighter jets and warships in the gas. The islands are located on eignty, but at the same time will from its land and exclusive international relations observer waters are believed to be rich region. Widodo told reporters a crucial passage for commercial take measurable actions. control over economic activities at the Center for Strategic and in squids, crabs, lobsters.

Ice build-up may Huge rival rallies have caused on final day before Kazakh air crash AFP — NUR-SULTAN Taiwan votes A build-up of ice may have caused a passenger plane AFP — TAIPEI the two sides of the Taiwan crash in Kazakhstan last Strait have become frosty and month in which 12 people died Taiwan’s presidential rivals are at their lowest ebb,” he said. but dozens survived, a state held massive rallies yesterday Taiwan bans publishing commission said yesterday. night in a final push to convince polls within 10 days of elections The plane, operated by voters on the eve of a closely but Tsai has led comfortably budget carrier Bek Air, was torn watched election that looks set throughout the campaign. Her apart and its nose crushed on to infuriate China and send party currently has a parlia- impact with a two-storey ripples far beyond its borders. mentary majority, which ana- building minutes after taking off Some 19 million people are lysts expect it to retain. from Almaty on December 27. eligible to vote today to choose Beijing has made no secret Deputy Prime Minister between two leaders with very of its desire to see Tsai ousted. Roman Sklyar said the plane’s different visions for Taiwan’s Her Democratic Progressive wings had not been de-iced, future — in particular how close Party leans towards inde- causing a build-up that the the self-ruled island should tack pendence, and Tsai rejects Bei- World Muslim Congregation in Dhaka commission had identified as to its giant neighbour. jing’s view that Taiwan is part the most likely cause of the Beijing views Taiwan as part of “one China”. Muslim faithful pray as they attend the World Muslim Congregation, also known as “Biswa Ijtema”, crash. “Work on treating this of its territory and has vowed to In the four years since Tsai during Friday prayers at Tongi, on the outskirts of Dhaka. aircraft with anti-icing fluid one day retake the island, by won a landslide victory, Beijing was carried out only partly,” force if necessary. But China is has tightened the screw, sev- said Sklyar. also Taiwan’s largest trade ering official communications “The aircraft commander partner, leaving it in a precari- with her administration while decided to treat only the stabi- ously dependent relationship. ramping up economic and mil- Protest-hit Hong Kong sees liser with anti-icing fluid — the President Tsai Ing-wen, itary pressure. It also poached wings of the aircraft were not who is seeking a second term seven of Taiwan’s few processed.” Sklyar also read out and is the frontrunner, has remaining diplomatic allies, surge in depression, PTSD excerpts of the pilot’s dialogue pitched herself as a defender hopeful that a stick approach with his co-pilot that indicated of Taiwan’s liberal values would convince voters to AFP — HONG KONG September-November 2019. burden,” said professor Gabriel a disagreement between the against the increasingly author- punish Tsai at the ballot box. The increase corresponds to Leung, dean of medicine at the pair prior to the crash. itarian shadow cast by Beijing But the campaign appears to Nearly one in three adults in an additional 1·9 million adults University of Hong Kong, who The plane was carrying under President Xi Jinping. have backfired, especially in the Hong Kong reported symptoms with PTSD symptoms in the co-led the research. almost 100 passengers when Her main competitor Han last year after Xi gave a particu- of post-traumatic stress dis- city of 7.4 million. The researchers used it crashed into the building but Kuo-yu, 62, favours much larly bellicose speech stating Tai- order during months of often Up to 11 percent of adults numerous surveys carried out most survived without being warmer ties with China — wan’s absorption into the violent social unrest in the city, reported symptoms of on 18,000 people between seriously hurt. Twenty-one saying it would boost the mainland was “inevitable”. according to a study published depression, from around two 2009 and 2019 in what they people were still being treated island’s fortunes — and accuses Taiwanese voters were in The Lancet medical journal percent before the Occupy pro- said was the largest and longest for their injuries yesterday. the current administration of increasingly rattled by China’s yesterday. tests, and 6.5 percent in 2017, the study of the population-wide Viktor Sorochenko, head of needlessly antagonising Beijing. hardline response to pro- And around one in 10 had study estimated. “One in five impact of social unrest on the Moscow-based Interstate Huge crowds hundreds of democracy protests in neigh- symptoms of probable adults now reports probable mental health in the world. Aviation Committee and thousands strong and a daz- bouring Hong Kong and the depression, figures comparable depression or suspected PTSD, They warned that their another member of the com- zling sea of flags — green for mass internment of Uighur to those seen in areas of armed which is comparable to those findings may underestimate the mission, noted that ice build-up Tsai, red and blue for Han — Muslims in Xinjiang. conflict or following terrorist experiencing armed conflicts, extent of mental health problems had been found as the cause of greeted both candidates during The results of Saturday’s attacks, the decade-long study large-scale disasters, or terrorist as they did not include under- a crash involving another their raucous last rallies. “This vote will also be closely led by researchers from the attacks,” the study said. 18s, who make up a large pro- Fokker-100 in France in 2007. election will determine if Tai- watched by regional powers University of Hong Kong found. The researchers also found portion of protesters. Hong Kong The jet operated by an Air wanese people can bravely and in Washington, especially Prevalence of PTSD that heavy use of social media has been battered by seven France subsidiary crashed choose democracy and given the parlous state of US- symptoms was six times higher to follow socio-political events months of unrest, with millions imediately after takeoff from freedom despite pressure from China relations. Taiwan has than after the last major pro- appeared to increase the risk marching and frequent violent Pau airport on a domestic China,” Tsai told supporters. long been a potential flashpoint democracy “Occupy” protests of probable depression and sus- confrontations in which police flight to Paris in January 2007. But Han told his crowd it between Beijing and Wash- in 2014, rising from about five pected PTSD. “Hong Kong is have fired tear gas and rubber No one on board was seriously was time to mend ties with ington, which remains the percent in March 2015 to under-resourced to deal with bullets, while protesters have hurt although a lorry driver Beijing. “Interactions between island’s main military ally. almost 32 percent in this excess mental health responded with petrol bombs. died in the incident. Warm winter Ghosn escape proves fresh woes for famed headache for ailing Nissan Japan festival AFP — TOKYO Nissan has remained largely “For the moment there is silent, waiting until January 7 nothing new in Mr Ghosn’s alle- AFP — TOKYO Out of Japan and free to speak to release a statement calling gations against Nissan,” Koji to the media, a fugitive Carlos his decision to flee “extremely Endo, an automotive analyst at Organisers of Japan’s famed Sapporo snow fes- Ghosn is proving a fresh regrettable” and insisting it had SBI Securities, said. “But if tival are being forced to truck in an unprece- headache for his old firm Nissan uncovered “numerous acts of Ghosn continues with his neg- dented amount of extra powder to build their as it struggles to rebuild its rep- misconduct” by the tycoon. ative campaign... the market signature sculptures after an unseasonably warm utation. The tycoon who once The firm faces its own legal will get more sceptical about winter. The festival, which opens in three weeks headed the carmaker jumped proceedings linked to the case, Nissan’s fundamental recovery in the capital of Hokkaido in northern Japan, is bail and fled Japan last month which limits what it can say, a and its brand image,” he said. a major draw for the region, attracting more than while awaiting trial on financial source close to Nissan said. And internally there is “no A February 10, 2017 file picture shows a couple 2.7 million visitors last year. misconduct charges. And he has “We have responsibilities, we doubt” that seeing the firm taking a selfie in front of the Arc de triomphe de The main attraction is a display of around 200 not pulled any punches when must respect the law, we have slammed so publicly is hitting l’Etoile snow statue during the Sapporo Snow snow and ice sculptures built by local residents, it comes to the firm he helped obligations. It will be painful, but morale, Endo said. “I’ve been told officials and volunteers, with help from Japan’s Festival in Sapporo. turn around. we have to do it.” Ghosn mean- that lots of people continue to armed forces. But organisers have been forced to He accuses executives there while, in Lebanon and appar- resign from Nissan, young engi- lay on a record number of trucks to bring in snow start of November has been less than half of an of effectively setting him up, in ently beyond the reach of Jap- neers” in particular, he added. from Sapporo’s suburbs, and also from towns as average year, according to the Japan Meteoro- a bid to block his plans for anese prosecutors, “can say what The Ghosn scandal has far as 30km away, Fumiya Onoue, an official at logical Agency’s local Sapporo observatory. further integration with Nis- he wants, he has no more con- already cost Nissan dearly. Its Sapporo’s tourism office said yesterday. Snow melted on high temperatures in mid- san’s French partner Renault. straints,” the source said. market cap has fallen more “We are trying hard,” he said. “This is unprec- December and a low atmospheric depression at And in a press conference on In a lengthy and at times than $10bn since his arrest. edented.” The task is complicated by the need the end of the year that brought in warm air, an Wednesday in Lebanon, where combative press conference on Bloomberg News has also for pristine samples, perfect for sculpting. “The official there said. But he was cautious about he emerged after his audacious Wednesday, the former auto reported that Nissan spent snow should be free of dirt, stones or snow- blaming climate change for the poor snow showing. escape, he slammed the firm’s magnate once again accused $200 million on lawyers, inves- melting agents because they could cause the The 71st festival begins on January 31 and runs executives, accusing them of Nissan executives of plotting his tigators and private detectives breakdown of sculptures,” he said. through February 11, with the main sculpture losing shareholder value and downfall and sought to rebut during the scandal, a claim that Accumulated snowfall in the city since the event opening on February 4. pursuing a vendetta. the charges against him. insiders dismiss. 08 VIEWS SATURDAY 11 JANUARY 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected] EDITORIAL US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi participating in a bill enrolment ceremony at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. Exemplary treatment Pelosi’s delay tests public QATAR has always shown tremendous and laudable sense of responsibility when it comes to provision of care to its elderly population. Through a number of health and social welfare initiatives, the government of Qatar opinion on impeachment is providing best possible care to its elderly people thus setting an example for those countries of the world where this segment of society usually faces hardship third in the nation’s history. “There will be no unfair new and neglect. There’s nowhere near the 67 rulebook written solely for Pres- Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh votes needed for conviction in ident Trump,” McConnell said Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani on Thursday the Senate, where Republicans Thursday. His plan is to start the officially inaugurated Daam Specialized Care Center, a with Majority Leader Mitch trial and have the senators first of its kind facility in the Middle East to care elderly McConnell hold a slim 53-47 decide later if they want to hear patients who require long-term medical care outside of majority. But a handful of Repub- more testimony. “I’ve said for the hospital setting. LISA MASCARO lican senators who will decide months that this is our preferred Earlier a number of healthcare services are already AP how things go are suddenly route.” available for elderly people of the country like Geriatric infused with new power, and But the longer the Pelosi- and Long-Term Care Department at HMC, HMC’s Falls clouded with political risk. Just 51 McConnell standoff drags on - Prevention Clinic, Private Nursing Service and Home Democrats know they don’t have votes will set the rules. As McCo- itself a piece of history as the two Health Care Service, Enaya Specialized Care Centers the votes to convict President nnell works to hold them in line, legendary leaders refuse to budge among others. The Daam Specialized Care Center under It became Donald Trump when the Senate Democrats will try to sway four over perhaps the most conse- the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) will provide an a defining convenes as the Court of GOP senators, particularly those quential role of Congress - so do advanced care system for patients above the age of 60 Impeachment. So they are up for re-election this year, to the questions. It hasn’t been a and who are well enough to be discharged from hos- moment, one pursuing the case in the court of join in calling for a more wit- risk-free strategy for Democrats. pital but still require specialized medical treatment that that stunned public opinion. nesses and documents that The White House mocked Demo- is often long term. It became a defining moment, McConnell is reluctant to allow. crats with a video Thursday The new facility will accommodate 68 patients in 44 Washington, one that stunned Washington, Republican Sen. Susan Collins showing all the lawmakers who private rooms providing occupational therapy, recrea- when when Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she would be open to said impeachment was ‘’urgent,” tional therapy, physiotherapy, and medical and nursing declined to immediately transmit hearing new testimony. Alaska only to now stall the proceedings. care, all in a comfortable, home-like environment. Speaker the charges to the Senate after GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski Lawmakers in both the House “Unlike a traditional hospital environment, the Daam Nancy Pelosi the House impeached Trump. expressed discomfort with the and Senate have publicly aired Specialized Care Center has been tailored to meet the declined to The abrupt move vexed the leader’s close coordination with their exasperation with the delay, needs of our longer-term care patients. The Daam Spe- Republican president and his the White House. Utah Sen. Mitt one embarrassingly backtracking cialized Care Center joins HMC’s existing Enaya Spe- immediately party, annoying some, angering Romney said he’d like Bolton to the comments. cialized Care Centers, which have been caring for transmit the others, and caused a political appear. Rather than the swift Republicans say the public is patients since 2010,” said the Minister of Public Health firestorm as the days turned to Senate trial that was expected to on their side as McConnell H E Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari. charges to weeks. It’s now approaching a have started by now, Trump’s invoked Founding Father Alex- Working for many years, Enaya Specialized Care the Senate month. While the delay is pro- impeachment has become a ander Hamilton to warn against Center also provides an advanced care system for long- ducing an avalanche of theories serial disruption to the presi- “a procrastinated resolution of term patients with chronic illnesses and degenerative after the and strategies about the sudden dency that is grinding into 2020. impeachments.” Thousands diseases that restrict their ability to care for themselves. House impasse, it hasn’t much changed “Many things have been flocked to the first Trump rally of In response to Qatar’s growing elderly population, the widely expected final verdict: accomplished,” Pelosi said the year late Thursday in Toledo Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) continuously impeached Trump’s acquittal of charges he Thursday. The stated goal of cheering him on with shouts of expanding its geriatric medicine services with the Ger- Trump. abused power and obstructed Democrats is a public airing of “USA!” They chuckled along as iatric and Long-Term Care Department now operating Congress in pressuring Ukraine the trial rules before Pelosi the president derided Pelosi. across multiple sites and hospitals. to investigate Joe Biden. names House managers to In fact, polling throughout the In the same manner, HMC’s Falls Prevention Clinic, Yet in the lull, something else present the case to the Senate. impeachment proceedings has located at Rumailah Hospital and the first clinic of its happened. New evidence and How much time will they be consistently shown the public type in the country, is an important element of HMC’s documents emerged, including given? For how many days? Will closely divided over whether elder care services. Separately, Private Nursing Service emails showing more of the there be more witnesses and tes- Trump should be impeached and and Home Health Care Service at Hamad Medical Cor- administration’s internal deliber- timony allowed? removed from office. poration (HMC) provide multidisciplinary homecare ations over Trump’s actions. Those are all answers McCo- A Monmouth University poll focusing on improving mobility, physical, and mental Former White House national nnell will only provide when he conducted in early December health of elderly patients. security adviser John Bolton is ready. The ever tight-lipped found that about 6 in 10 Amer- announced he would be willing Republican leader sees no reason icans said Democrats in Congress to appear, if a subpoena was to deviate much from the last are more interested in bringing sent. Attention shifted from the time the Senate convened as an down Trump than pursuing the airy Constitutional arguments for impeachment court for the his- facts, while likewise about 6 in D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR and against impeachment to the toric undertaking, for Bill Clin- 10 said Republicans in Congress earthy details of how to conduct ton’s trial in 1999. He says he’ll are more interested in defending EMAIL: [email protected] the rare Senate trial, only the show the details in due time. Trump than pursuing the facts. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758 If Ghosn has something to say, he should say it openly in court MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI are based on flimsy grounds. conference, Ghosn expressed unfair that he had been DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 It is clear they provide no disgust at being basically pro- placed in a solitary cell and Carlos Ghosn has held his first reason that could justify hibited from contacting his detained for a long period. LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 press conference since escaping abroad. wife while he was out on bail. However, in Japan, courts arriving in Lebanon, the Justice Minister Masako Ghosn’s wife was involved impartially decide on the BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 country he fled to while on bail Mori held two press confer- in the management of a necessity of detention, so after being indicted for crimes ences after Ghosn had spoken company to which Ghosn is Ghosn’s criticism misses the SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 including aggravated breach to reporters. Mori was quite suspected of funneling Nissan mark. of trust. The former Nissan right to say that Ghosn “has funds, which relates to the Most Japanese media ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 Motor Co. chairman merely been propagating . . . false breach of trust charges organizations were refused email: [email protected] repeated the same claims he information on Japan’s legal against him. Given that permission to attend Ghosn’s made previously. He offered system and its practice. That Ghosn’s wife was tied to this press conference. If this was PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 very little that was new. is absolutely intolerable.” The case, it was highly possible done intentionally to exclude email: [email protected] Ghosn insisted his arrest Justice Ministry’s website is they might have destroyed media outlets whose coverage had been plotted by Nissan. carrying Mori’s comments in evidence if they had been he did not agree with, it is ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 Ghosn frequently blasted Japanese, English and French. permitted to freely contact nothing more than a self- FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] Japan’s judicial system, and It is essential that the facts be each other. Restricting their serving approach. said he had “no other choice” thoroughly explained so more access to each other was Ghosn did not discuss any CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 but to flee because he did not people can understand that unavoidable. details of how he managed to email: [email protected] think he would get a fair trial Japan’s judicial system func- Ghosn was detained for a sneak out of Japan, which has in Japan. tions fairly. total of 130 days. At the press been the subject of consid- SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 His self-centered claims During his news conference, he insisted it was erable attention. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar Killings and other barbaric violence committed /ThePeninsulaQatar by an ethnic armed group in northeastern /Peninsula_Qatar Democratic Republic of Congo against a rival group may amount to crimes against humanity /ThePeninsulaNewspaper and possibly even genocide. +974 6698 6188 Rupert Colville, UN Human Rights Spokesman SATURDAY 11 JANUARY 2020 OPINION 09 Asia’s great rivers: Climate crisis, pollution put billions at risk

Molden, director general of threat of at least 30 bursting. will not only have detri- the International Centre for In parts of China, villagers mental consequences to bil- Integrated Mountain Devel- must choose between paying lions of livelihoods but also to opment (ICIMOD). a premium for bottles or trillions of dollars of eco- The 2015 Paris agreement risking their health with the nomic growth.” saw nations commit to lim- Access to clean potentially contaminated Mass migration away iting global warming to two stream or river water. from most affected areas will degrees Celsius above pre- water, now more More than half the world’s put intense pressure on other LIZ THOMAS industrial levels as a way of population lives in Asia, but towns and cities. AFP precious than oil, curbing the worst impacts of there is less fresh water This may exacerbate ten- If urgent climate global warming. is a preserve of available per person there sions in a conflict-prone area action is not taken A lower cap of 1.5C was the rich and has than on any continent, — both within and between The year is 2100. The glaciers set, only as a goal for nations according to the UN, often countries, Wester says. rapidly, starting of the Hindu Kush-Hima- to work towards. But this become a resource leaving the most vulnerable In a 2008 report, today, and current layan region — the world’s year’s Hindu Kush-Himalaya so valuable that at risk. Goldman Sachs hailed water emission trends “Third Pole” — are vanishing (HKH) Assessment Report “Climate change is rapidly as the “the petroleum for the as the planet warms, the ice says unless it is met -- two- people — and diminishing our access to next century”, underlining continue unabated, that once fed the great rivers thirds of the region’s glaciers nations —are clean water, which will have fears its scarcity will lead to it is starting to of Asia is all but lost, and with will be lost by the end of the willing to fight for a devastating impact on unrest. it much of the water needed century. human health, access to food, Already ranked among look conceivable to nurture and grow a Running from Afghan- it. and sanitation, radically the planet’s most water- that this will entail continent. istan to Myanmar, the HKH reshaping communities and stressed nations according to Further stressed by region takes in the Tibetan cities,” Philip Alston, UN the World Resources grave threats to extreme heatwaves, erratic Plateau, and the Himalaya, Special Rapporteur on Institute, India and Pakistan’s all of humanity as monsoons, and pollution, the Hindu Kush, and Karakoram will be increased risk of extreme poverty and human access to the Indus and its waterways are in crisis and mountain ranges. floods, droughts, landslides rights, said. tributaries is governed by a we know it,” says the lives of hundreds of mil- Functioning as a vast and avalanches. “As always, the poorest dedicated treaty. David Molden, lions hang in the balance. water tower, some of the But many in Asia are people are and will be the But there have long been director general of Access to clean water, world’s largest and most already living this dystopian most affected.” fears that India, which sits now more precious than oil, important rivers, including future. Asia’s rivers feed the con- upstream, could weaponise the International is a preserve of the rich and the Brahmaputra, Yangtze, In the southern Indian tinent’s breadbaskets and the resource, as it has Centre for has become a resource so Mekong and Indus, begin city of Chennai, 2019 brought rice bowls — the Indus, threatened more than once to valuable that people — and here. a drought so severe reser- Yangtze, and Yellow basins restrict Pakistan’s access. Integrated Mountain nations —are willing to fight Its health is inextricably voirs ran dry. Residents were rely heavily on meltwater to In 2017, China withheld Development for it. linked to that of the con- forced to queue for water irrigate agriculture that helps hydrological data on the flow This apocalyptic vision is tinent: Some 1.65 billion from government tanks or sustain not only those that of the Brahmaputra and (ICIMOD). the continent’s future if people directly rely on these pay black-market prices. In live there, but national econ- Sutlej rivers, which flow from nothing is done to limit global waters -- for their lives and some cases, desperation led omies too. its territory into India. The warming, scientists and envi- livelihoods. to violence. Any change — either the move heightened tensions ronmentalists warn. But tens of millions more Northern India was initial surge of meltwater — with New Delhi as authorities “If urgent climate action rely on the agriculture, lashed by flooding as the or the later drastic decline in rely on upstream information is not taken rapidly, starting hydropower, and industries Brahmaputra and Ganges river flow could cause cata- for flood control. Geopolitics today, and current emission the rivers fuel. rivers burst their banks, with strophic food shortages, with may dictate the very survival trends continue unabated, it “This is the climate crisis more than 100 reported dead Molden warning the worst- of the Mekong, says Brian is starting to look conceivable you haven’t heard of,” ICI- and many more displaced. In case scenario, if nothing is Eyler, South East Asia pro- that this will entail grave MOD’s Philippus Wester Pakistan, thousands of glacial done to combat global gramme director for The threats to all of humanity as explains, adding that lakes have formed, with its warming, would be “star- Stimson Center. we know it,” says David alongside glacier melt, there mountain people facing the vation and conflict”. There are more than 100 Despite proclamations dams across the five coun- that we are in “the Asian tries that rely on the river. Century”, there are fears lack China alone has built 11 of proper planning for the “mega-dams” which impact coming water crisis may flow downstream in the dry stifle the economic dreams of season. The issue is not just a rapidly growing region. the loss of water flow, but Debra Tan, director of the also diminishing sediment NGO China Water Risk, adds: and a decline in migratory “Asia faces a triple threat in fish downstream. terms of water because 1) “Cambodia’s Tonle Sap some parts — including China Lake produces 500,000 tons and India have very limited of wild-caught fish per year water resources to develop, and this feeds the Khmer 2)climate change exacerbates people with 70 percent of scarcity, and 3) our cities and their protein intake. Vietnam populations are clustered needs sediment to keep its along vulnerable rivers.” delta agricultural production Every key industry on the strong,” Eyler says. continent — from electronics Without the sediment, a and automobiles to clothing key building block of any and agriculture — requires delta, the Mekong’s wetlands water but few use the may slip into the ocean faster resource judiciously. — leaving millions homeless Irrigation methods are and destitute. often inefficient and crops Alston says: “Govern- grown can be water- ments need to stop taking intensive, while many indus- access to clean water for tries still discharge untreated granted and urgently plan for water in the rivers with few how they will guarantee the facilities for recycling. right to water for everyone, A general view of the Seven Sisters Falls in Cherrapunji in the northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya. Meghalaya, home to two of Tan insists: “If the risks not just those who can afford the wettest places on earth, is among the greenest states in India but it has rapidly lost its rich rainforests over the last few decades. are not managed well, they it.” Ten years after deadly Haiti quake, survivors feel forgotten

with,” added Mitile, who has this day has scant real estate upheaval that resulted from nevertheless geographically metal plates screwed into her records. the scandal doomed the isolated and without any hip and spine. Before January The community was to village project, and the public officials to run it. That puts 12, 2010, she did not know a have 3,000 quake-resistant administrative office on site to its most vulnerable residents thing about earthquakes or homes, a market, an industrial collect rent closed, creating a at even higher risk. the damage they can do. area, police and fire stations, a sort of real estate loophole. Mitile cannot get around But on that Tuesday, more school and a pharmacy. So people kept coming to so she cannot find a job. She AMELIE BARON than 200,000 Haitians were On paper, it was a dream the complex, because all of a gets no public assistance. So AFP killed by the roaring temblor, community. But the plans sudden, it was a great deal. she has to rely on handouts many of them crushed to never came to fruition. “I came to live here becuse from neighbors. death when substandard con- Like hundreds of other rent had become too high in “Sometimes, I’ve wanted Ten years ago, Herlande crete buildings crumbled on construction sites during the my old neighbourhood,” to die,” she admits, once her Mitile was left disabled by the top of them. decade when the Petrocaribe explained William Saint- daughters aged 12 and 16 are massive earthquake that Mitile was rescued from program was running, the Pierre, who simply squatted in out of earshot. devastated Haiti. Today, she the debris eight days after the village was abandoned in one vacant house. Saint-Pierre “When my neighbours uses a wheelchair jury-rigged 7.0-magnitude quake. She 2014 with more than half the pays no rent for his two-room cook, they call my little one The community was with a piece of string, which was alive, but gravely injured. buildings undone. dwelling, and doesn’t pay any and tell her to come get a to have 3,000 quake- means she cannot go far. After months in a make- The ambitious project died taxes on his off-book drinks bowl for me,” she says, resistant homes, a Result: She is trapped in shift camp, hundreds of which in the swirling Petrocaribe business.But he also likes the tapping nervously on her her village outside Port-au- dotted the Port-au-Prince corruption controversy that safety of the village with its damaged wheelchair. market, an industrial Prince. It was meant to be a landscape after the tragedy, sparked an eruption of public neatly arranged, brightly “Before January 12 (the area, police and fire model for reconstruction of Mitile and her two daughters anger in 2018 -- anger that colored homes. quake), we got by, but now, the country after the disaster. ended up in Village Lumane remains to this day. “In the cities after five or I’m worse than a baby.” In the stations, a school Instead, the 36-year-old Casimir. Named for one of Since the middle of that six o’clock, you have to stay village, which is effectively and a pharmacy. On Mitile — who once worked in Haiti’s greatest singers, the year, the public has regularly inside, and doors have iron run by the residents them- the capital — is dependent on community -- about 20 kil- demonstrated in Haiti calling gates. Look around us -- at selves, those still suffering paper, it was a dream her neighbours to survive. ometers (12 miles) outside for more transparency in how my little wooden door, at from injuries sustained in the community. But the “The doctor told me that if Port-au-Prince -- was the funds from Venezuela’s homes without a security quake and those who came I went to physical therapy, I created by the government, Petrocaribe program were wall,” Saint-Pierre said. seeking a better life say they plans never came to might walk again, but you which offered lodging there to handled. “I’m getting too old to hear feel forgotten by the fruition. have to go into the city for about 50 people disabled in The scheme had allowed gunshots at all hours of the government. that. You need money for the quake. struggling Haiti to buy day and night,” added the “If we had to wait for them public transport and I don’t The government had petroleum products more 62-year-old. to make good on their have any,” she explained. hoped it would be an example cheaply and on credit, but it Despite some benefits, promises, we would be dead,” “That’s how I have or urban development for an was plagued by allegations of including the absence of Mitile says. become even more handi- impoverished country mired misuse of aid money allocated gang violence, Village “There is no government. I capped than I was to begin in corruption, and which to by Caracas. The financial Lumane Casimir is am my own government.” 10 EUROPE SATURDAY 11 JANUARY 2020 N Ireland parties back new power-sharing deal AFP — BELFAST This is a deal that left unattended — eventually recognises that sparking workers’ strikes. Northern Ireland’s rival parties The latest talks were yesterday said they would back we live in a shared launched in the wake of a a new power-sharing deal to society, this is a December 12 UK general revive its devolved government election that saw the pro-British for the first time since 2017 and deal that recognises Democratic Unionist Party help the volatile province that no one identity (DUP) and the pro-Irish repub- handle the pressures of Brexit. lican Sinn Fein lose votes to Republicans and unionists should be placed over smaller groups. were being pushed into an another: DUP leader Analysts attributed the main agreement by the threat of a Arlene Foster parties’ losses to voter frus- new regional election if they tration at their inability to reach missed a looming deadline on a compromise that could let a Monday. agreement “fair and government in Belfast take care The UK government in balanced”. of the region’s daily needs. London promised a large cash “This is a deal that recog- A 1998 peace accord that infusion into the tiny but stra- nises that we live in a shared ended three decades of violence Irish republican Sinn Fein party leader Mary Lou McDonald (centre) flanked by deputy leader Michelle tegically vital region if the pro- society, this is a deal that rec- over British rule of Northern O’Neill (right) and other colleagues during a media conference at the Parliament Buildings on the Irish republican Sinn Fein and ognises that no one identity Ireland in which thousands died Stormont Estate, in Belfast , yesterday. the Democratic Unionist Party should be placed over another,” requires the two main parties (DUP), which favours continued she told BBC radio. to share power. UK Prime Minister Boris ments veto rights. issues of dispute. ties to Britain, came to terms. “We are ready to go back The lack of an executive is Johnson’s EU withdrawal The draft requires the exec- The UK government addi- “Sinn Fein has taken the into the Assembly.” especially fraught with danger agreement puts pressure on utive “to provide official recog- tionally promises to deliver a decision to re-enter the power- The region’s devolved for the region because of his- local authorities to maintain nition of the status of the Irish new financial package for the sharing institution and nom- assembly at Stormont collapsed toric changes to its trade rules frictionless trade while pre- language in Northern Ireland” region that allows outstanding inate ministers to the power- in January 2017 over a scandal being imposed by Britain’s serving an open border on the and “respect the freedom of all public sector salaries to be paid. sharing executive,” party leader caused by the runaway costs of pending withdrawal from the island of Ireland. persons... to choose, affirm, Downing Street called the Mary Lou McDonald told a renewable energy scheme. European Union. Negotiations to revive maintain and develop their draft deal “a balanced package” reporters. “We’re ready to do Numerous rounds of Northern Ireland’s border Stormont have been stuck on national and cultural identity”. and that the precise amount of business,” she added. increasingly acrimonious nego- with the Republic of Ireland to disagreements over the use of It also eliminates the veto new funding would be spelled DUP leader Arlene Foster tiations failed to reach a the south provides the only the Irish language and a mech- mechanism and compels the out when agreement was earlier called the draft solution and basic services were UK-EU land frontier. anism giving minority govern- parties to build consensus on reached. France calls for ‘gesture’ from Iran over detained academics Militant found AFP — PARIS passenger plane crash near prompted Iran to attack bases charges against Adelkhah but security”, according to his guilty of 1980 Tehran. in Iraq housing US troops. she still faces charges of lawyer. France said yesterday that the “These arrests and the fact A Ukrainian passenger spreading “propaganda against The two researchers are not Italy bombing imprisonment of two prominent that they are in prison today is plane came down shortly after the political system” and “con- the only foreign academics French academics by Iran was totally unacceptable,” French takeoff on Wednesday, with spiracy against national behind bars in Iran — Australian AFP — ROME unacceptable and that their Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Western officials suggesting it security”, her lawyer said this Kylie Moore-Gilbert of the Uni- release would represent a Drian told RTL radio. had been downed — possibly week. versity of Melbourne is serving A court in Italy has sentenced “significant gesture”, as tensions “It would be a significant accidentally — by an Iranian Iran does not recognise a 10-year sentence on espi- a former far-right extremist to mount between Tehran and the gesture if Iran freed them as missile. Adelkhah’s dual French-Iranian onage charges. life in prison for his part in a West. soon as possible.” France, Britain and nationality and has lashed out Sciences Po said late last bombing at a railway station The plea for the release of France has repeatedly Germany are scrambling to at Paris for what it has year that Adelkhah and Moore- 40 years ago that killed 85 Fariba Adelkhah and Roland called for de-escalation in the keep alive a 2015 deal that described as “interference” in Gilbert had begun a hunger people. Marchal — imprisoned since latest intensification of the reined in Tehran’s nuclear pro- the cases of the academics, both strike. Moore-Gilbert has issued Gilberto Cavallini, 67, a June last year — comes as Iran Iran-US standoff, sparked by gramme, which US President from Sciences Po university in a plea to Prime Minister Scott former member of the far- is embroiled in an international the killing of top Iranian com- Donald Trump walked out of in Paris. Morrison to work for her fight Armed Revolutionary crisis over its missile attacks on mander Qasem Soleimani in an 2018. Marchal is also accused of release. Nucleus (NAR), was convicted US troops in Iraq and a American drone strike which Iran has dropped espionage “collusion against national for providing logistical support to those who carried out the attack in the northeastern city of Bologna. Bulgaria Environment Minister On August 2, 1980, a bomb exploded in the railway sta- charged over water crisis tion’s waiting room, killing 85 people and injuring more than REUTERS — SOFIA water to Pernik and its sur- 200. rounding villages despite From the 1960s to the start Bulgarian prosecutors charged numerous warnings and of the 1980s, Italy was hit by Environment Minister Neno reports of its decreasing levels. more than 12,000 attacks in Dimov yesterday with delib- “Some 97,000 people will which 362 people died. erate mismanagement over not have normal access to The most notorious act severe water restrictions faced drinking water in the next five was the kidnapping and assas- by nearly 100,000 people for months — which they would sination of former prime min- about two months in a region have had if the minister had ister Aldo Moro in 1978. of western Bulgaria. exercised his authority,” Pros- Cavallini, who has con- The water crisis, affecting ecutor Angel Kanev said. “This fessed to a number of crimes the town of Pernik and sur- is the biggest damage”. including robberies and rounding villages, has triggered The prosecutors said Dimov murder, has already spent 37 a series of protests and had allowed water supplies years in prison and was on day prompted the main opposition from the dam to industrial release, Italian media Socialists to seek a no-confi- users even when he had been reported. dence vote in Prime Minister informed from the start of 2018 But he has said he is Boyko Borissov’s centre-right that water levels there were innocent of involvement in the government. falling. Bologna attack. “I’m in prison Borissov accepted Dimov’s Dimov, who faces up to since September 1983, that’s Royal memorabilia featuring Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (centre) is displayed for sale in a store near resignation yesterday. eight years in jail if convicted, more than 37 years. These are Buckingham Palace, in London, yesterday. Prosecutors said Dimov had was arrested on Thursday after years in prison that I deserve... failed to take proper measures police and prosecutors raided I deserve the convictions, but to avoid a critical draining of a the environment ministry and I don’t accept having to pay for Meghan returns to Canada amid royal storm dam that provides drinking several institutions in Pernik. what I have not done,” he said.

AFP — LONDON It said Meghan, a former US modern face of the royal family, television actress, headed back hailed for bringing fresh energy Prince Harry’s wife Meghan has to rejoin him on Thursday and into the institution. Female journalist wins equal pay claim returned to Canada following “she may stay there for the But Harry and Meghan last the couple’s bombshell foreseeable future”. year admitted to struggling with AFP — LONDON The BBC is regularly scruti- But it defended its actions. announcement that they were An unnamed source was the spotlight following their nised over the amounts it pays “We have always believed that quitting their frontline royal quoted as saying by the Press wedding at Windsor Castle in A British female news presenter top stars and has also faced the pay of Samira and Jeremy duties, their spokeswoman said. Association news agency the May 2018 and Archie’s birth a who was paid one sixth of the several major stories about Vine was not determined by The Duke and Duchess of duchess had travelled to the UK year later. fee earned by a male presenter female staff being paid less than their gender,” it said. Sussex spent an extended “to attend some meetings” The couple have lashed out on a similar show won her their male equivalents. “Presenters — female as Christmas break in Canada with before returning to Canada at negative news coverage — discrimination case against the Ahmed, who argued she well as male — had always been their baby son Archie, before Senior royals were caught Harry calling some of it racist BBC yesterday. was owed almost $914, 000 in paid more on ‘Points of View’ returning to break the news off guard by Wednesday’s — and taken several papers to An employment tribunal back pay, welcomed the ruling. than ‘Newswatch’.” that has rocked the royal family. announcement that the couple court. ruled the corporation failed to “No woman wants to have The BBC said “Points of “I can confirm reports that wanted to “step back” from The prince also confirmed prove the disparity in pay to take action against their own View” requires the presenter to the duchess is in Canada,” the their roles. he was growing apart from his between Samira Ahmed and employer. I love working for the deal with issues “in a light- couple’s spokeswoman said, Queen Elizabeth II brother, who is second in line Jeremy Vine was “because of a BBC,” she said in a statement hearted way”, so its presenters without providing further reportedly held crisis calls on to the throne. material factor which did not released through the National have tended to be “well-known details. Thursday involving Harry, his The couple said they involve subjecting the claimant Union of Journalists (NUJ). figures in the world of light The Daily Mail newspaper brother Prince William and wanted to forge “a progressive to gender discrimination”. The BBC responded that entertainment” meriting a reported that the royals left their father Prince Charles, the new role”, split their time Both journalists present Ahmed was “an excellent jour- higher market fee. eight-month-old Archie with heir to the throne. between Britain and North shows where the viewers are nalist and presenter, and we Newswatch “deals with his nanny in Canada when they William, Harry and their America and become finan- given a chance to air their regret that this case ever had to matters seriously” on the “rela- flew to Britain earlier this week. wives have been viewed as the cially independent. opinions. go to tribunal”. tively niche” BBC News Channel. No sight of French agreement on pensions as unions hold out

AP — PARIS Prime Minister Edouard government’s plan to raise the want the pensions overhaul plan understand it, which is a serious Laurent Berger, dashed any Philippe met all major unions age for full pension eligibility to be scrapped entirely. problem,” he said. hopes for a quick solution fol- The French government and and employers’ associations for from 62 to 64. Philippe Martinez expressed The prime minister still lowing yesterday’s talks, saying labour unions appeared far negotiations that focused on Hundreds of thousands of his CGT union’s “disagreement” hopes to find some compromise “we didn’t have the answers this from reaching any compromise two key issues: the retirement protesters took to the streets with the plan. “The more the with some of the more moderate evening.” Philippe offered to deal Friday in talks over a age and how to pay for the new nationwide on Thursday to government and the ministers unions, which in his view would pursue talks on the financing of planned pension overhaul, with pensions system. denounce the government’s in charge of it try to explain weaken the protest movement. the new pension system in the strikes and protests grinding on. Unions reject the plans. Hard-left workers’ unions their bill, the less the French But the head of CFDT union, coming months. SATURDAY 11 JANUARY 2020 EUROPE / AMERICAS 11 EU warns Iran nuclear deal likely to collapse

AFP — BRUSSELS Europe has led Several other ministers at efforts to save the the talks restated the EU’s con- The EU’s diplomatic chief tinuing determination to pre- warned yesterday that it may 2015 accord, gravely serve the deal, which they say not be possible to save the Iran undermined by is vital for non-proliferation nuclear deal, as the bloc’s Trump’s unilateral and regional security. foreign ministers held emer- But Lithuania’s Linas gency talks on the Middle East. withdrawal in 2018 Linkevicius said that without Europe has led efforts to and Iran’s subsequent some substantial change, “it will save the 2015 accord, gravely winding down of its be difficult to believe that this undermined by Trump’s uni- agreement could be alive”. lateral withdrawal in 2018 and compliance, but to The highly unusual emer- Iran’s subsequent winding little effect. gency meeting was called in down of its compliance, but to response to soaring Middle East little effect. After an afternoon tensions following the killing of of talks with ministers, Josep and Germany — have all Iranian general Qasem Sole- British skyscraper climber George King-Thompson (left) with French skyscraper climber Alain Robert Borrell, the EU’s high represent- stressed their commitment to imani in an American drone as he leaves HM Prison Pentonville in north London, yesterday. ative for foreign affairs, reit- saving it, in defiance of a call by strike. Fears of all-out war have erated Europe’s continuing Trump this week to join him in subsided since US President support for the deal but warned walking away. Donald Trump made a it may be doomed. France and Germany have statement on Wednesday “We want to save this deal warned for some time that saying Tehran appeared to be Jailed British daredevil has if it’s possible,” he said, warning unless Iran returns to full com- “standing down” after firing that negotiating a new pact pliance with the terms of the missiles — without causing cas- would be a “very complex, deal, they may trigger the ualties — at US troops based in no regrets over Shard stunt highly technical process” that dispute mechanism. Iraq. But the fatal crash of a would take a long time. But the Europeans are Ukrainian airliner near Tehran AFP — LONDON second in there,” he said Robert, 57, who has been Yesterday's meeting did not expected to wait for UN in the midst of the crisis was on moments after he was released. scaling skyscrapers unaided discuss triggering the deal’s inspectors to report on what ministers’ minds, with several A daredevil jailed for scaling “I’m happy it’s over... to be around the world since 1994, dispute resolution mechanism, Iran is doing on the ground fol- urging Tehran to carry out a The Shard skyscraper without out in the open I feel like I’m flew to London from his current which could ultimately lead to lowing its latest announcement. transparent inquiry. permission or safety equipment floating.” King-Thompson, a base in Bali, Indonesia, to greet the UN Security Council reim- Earlier yesterday, French Also on the ministers’ walked free from prison yes- self-proclaimed “urban King-Thompson upon his posing sanctions on Iran. Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le agenda was the crisis in Libya, terday — and said climbing the explorer”, was jailed in October release. “George’s case is quite “Maybe we cannot avoid Drian warned that without where the UN-backed gov- London landmark was worth for breaching a civil injunction insane,” he said, noting he that the JCPOA finally is being action, Iran could soon be in a ernment is under threat from being jailed. on climbing the 1,016-foot-tall himself had climbed different cancelled because the dispute position to develop the bomb. rival strongman Khalifa Haftar. George King-Thompson, tower, one of Europe’s tallest. London towers six times without mechanism can be triggered “If they continue to unravel European powers fear the 20, was greeted by family and The six-month sentence, of being jailed. “I found it totally and I cannot exclude that this the Vienna accord then yes in ongoing chaos in Libya could friends as he left London’s Pen- which he served half, was crit- unfair, because if I am comparing happens,” Borrell said, using an quite a short period, between lead to a fresh wave of migrants tonville prison after three icised by supporters, including the treatment that I’ve had over abbreviation for the deal’s one and two years, they could trying to cross the Mediter- months behind bars. renowned free-solo climber the last 20 years and what they did formal name. have a nuclear weapon, which ranean, or allow the Islamic “I just saw it as success fee Alain Robert — dubbed the to this guy, it’s kind of disgusting.” The three European parties is unimaginable,” he told State group to gain a foothold for achieving my dream so for “French Spiderman” for his King-Thompson called Robert’s to the pact — Britain, France France’s RTL radio. to launch attacks. that reason it was worth every own spectacular ascents. support “an honour”. Fraudster jailed UK police under fire for selling duff scanners to over children trafficked British navy into drug trade AFP — LONDON REUTERS — LONDON release, according to the report. A man who sold useless under- Responding to the watchdog, water scanning technology to Police efforts to crack down on the National Police Chiefs’ Britain’s Ministry of Defence drug gangs that traffic children Council lead for county lines (MoD) in a planned fraud was in Britain are being hampered Graham McNulty said there was jailed for three years and four by a lack of coordination and room to improve, but the police months yesterday. inconsistent treatment of victims, could not solve the issue alone. Company boss Carl a watchdog said yesterday. “Schools, health and social care Tiltman, 56, used fake test Thousands of children in services, charities and others results to trick the Royal Navy Britain are estimated to be used have a critical role in ending this about its capabilities, by gangs to carry drugs from evil practice and we will con- Southwark Crown Court in cities to rural areas, according to tinue to work closely with them,” south London was told. police who consider the crime a McNulty said. Navy personnel were put growing form of modern slavery. Britain’s interior ministry at risk by carrying out “com- Yet investigations into the said it was investing £20m to pletely futile” live training drug trade are disjointed and tackle the crime, and that a operations to test the laser- often “less effective than they national coordination centre emitting kit which “produced Protest over Australian inaction on bushfires should be” due to limited police established in 2018 had made Protesters hold banners as they demonstrate against the Australian government’s inaction over climate no meaningful results what- cooperation and competing at least 2,500 arrests and pro- change despite the bushfires crisis, outside the Australian Embassy in London, Britain, yesterday. soever”, it heard. priorities, Her Majesty’s Inspec- tected more than 3,000 vul- Tiltman, a former MoD torate of Constabulary and Fire nerable people. employee, persuaded the min- & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) Phil Brewer, the ex-head of istry to place orders for spe- said. The number of suspected the Metropolitan Police’s anti- cialist sonar imaging devices Romania's PM mulls snap election British child slaves referred to slavery squad, said in October and safety equipment worth the government in 2018 for that police faced a challenge in around £1.4m. The deception AFP — BUCHAREST current anti-PSD mood to gain but he can only do so after two support more than doubled to trying to judge whether a child started in May 2017 when he control of parliament through failed attempts to install a new 1,421 from 676 in 2017, with found dealing drugs should be made presentations about what Romania’s prime minister said early polls. “It’s absolutely nec- executive. many feared to be victims of treated as a suspect or a victim. the scanning equipment could yesterday that he was in favour essary that the power returns Asked if he would step the so-called county lines trade. Gangs are luring some do, using fabricated results. of calling a snap election but to the people,” Orban told down to trigger the process, Such data for last year was not children into selling drugs by stopped short of announcing he reporters after a meeting Pres- Orban refused to answer, available. telling them they will not be pun- would step down to trigger the ident Klaus Iohannis, adding saying he was not yet willing to “Our inspection revealed ished if they say they were European process. the president was also in favour reveal his strategy though he that policing is currently too coerced, citing a defence intended Ludovic Orban’s minority of a snap election. would agree with holding an fragmented to best tackle for trafficking victims in Britain’s Parliament strips government was installed in Romania has not held a election at the same time as county lines offending,” Phil 2015 anti-slavery law, prosecutors November following a parlia- snap election in the past 30 local elections due in June. Gormley, Her Majesty’s told lawmakers last year. The jailed Catalan mentary no-confidence vote years, as the procedure is seen PSD, which has 198 in the Inspector of Constabulary, said. HMICFRS report said the gov- against the administration led as complicated and political 465-seat parliament, opposes Children caught with drugs ernment should launch a review MEP of seat by the long-entrenched Social consensus is hard to reach. The the move to have snap elections who are arrested then released into the legal defence and Democratic Party (PSD). current government would although leader Marcel Ciolacu from policy custody often do establish whether the legislation AFP — BRUSSELS National elections are to be have to step down or collapse has said his party is weighing not have ready access to should be amended, a recom- held by the end of this year, but through a no-confidence vote, launching a no-confidence vote support services, and in some mendation supported by Brit- The European Parliament Orban’s National Liberal Party opening the way for the pres- against the government “to stop cases are put on train journeys ain’s independent anti-slavery declared yesterday that jailed (PNL) hopes to seize on the ident to dissolve the parliament, Romania’s decline.". home unsupervised after their commissioner Sara Thornton. Catalan separatist Oriol Jun- queras is no longer an MEP, stripping him of the immunity his supporters hoped would see him freed. Nasa’s latest astronaut graduates almost half women Junqueras was elected to the European parliament in AFP — HOUSTON candidates from the Canadian one of their classmates paid therefore included studying the Guion Bluford the first black May but his term “ended with Space Agency (CSA), which has tribute to their character and building blocks of that program, astronaut the same year. effect from January 3, 2020” Nasa yesterday honoured its participated in a joint training shared playful and heartfelt which are still being developed: It includes Indian-American after a decision by the latest class of graduating astro- program with the US since 1983. anecdotes. the Space Launch System Raja Chari, an Air Force colonel Spanish electoral commission nauts in a ceremony at the “They are the best of the After being selected in 2017, rocket, the Orion crew capsule and aeronautical engineer; backed by a top court, Johnson Space Center in Houston, best: they are highly qualified the class completed training in and the gateway space station. Jessica Watkins, who holds a speaker David Sassoli said. a diverse and gender-balanced and very diverse, and they rep- spacewalking at Nasa’s under- Astronauts play an active doctorate in geology from UCLA The jailed pro-inde- group now qualified for space- resent all of America,” said Nasa water Neutral Buoyancy Lab, role in the development of and is the class’s only black pendence leader had just flight missions including Amer- Administrator Jim Bridenstine. robotics, the systems of the spacecraft, and the current woman; Frank Rubio, a medical written to Sassoli to ask him to ica’s return to the Moon and They include five people of International Space Station, group will eventually join the doctor and Blackhawk pilot; confirm his status as an MEP eventual journey to Mars. colour, including the first Ira- piloting the T-38 training jet ranks of the approximately 500 and Jonny Kim, a decorated Navy and thus to pressure Spain to After completing more than nian-American astronaut and Russian language lessons. people in history who have SEAL and emergency physician, keep him out of prison and two years of basic training, the Jasmin Moghbeli who flew They are the first to graduate journeyed into space. who holds both a doctorate in allow him to take up his seat. six women and seven men were combat missions in Afghanistan since Nasa announced the The group’s diversity stands medicine from Harvard and a The letter urged the par- chosen from a record-breaking and holds an engineering Artemis program to return to in contrast to the early years of mathematics degree. liament not to declare Jun- 18,000 applicants representing degree from MIT. the Moon by 2024, this time on space exploration, long domi- Asked about the difficulties queras’s seat vacant simply a wide variety of backgrounds The group, known as the its south pole, as the US plans nated by white men (including she faced in her career, because he has begun a 13-year and specialties, from experi- “Turtles”, wore blue flight to place the next man and first all 12 people who have walked Moghbeli said some had ques- sentence for his part in a banned enced pilots to scientists, engi- jumpsuits and took turns woman on lunar soil and set up on the Moon), until Sally Ride tioned her choices when she 2017 independence referendum neers and doctors. approaching the podium to an orbital space station. became the first American decided to join the military after in Catalonia. The group includes two receive their astronaut pins, as Part of the group’s training woman in space in 1983 and graduating from MIT. 12 AMERICAS / CLASSIFIEDS SATURDAY 11 JANUARY 2020

Boy kills teacher, Pelosi plans to self in Mexico send impeachment school shooting AFP — TORREON, MEXICO articles to Senate An 11-year-old boy shot and killed his teacher yesterday at a school in northern Mexico next week and wounded six other people, then killed himself, authorities REUTERS — WASHINGTON Pelosi, the top said. Democrat in the The wounded — five pupils The Democratic-led US House and a physical education of Representatives will send House, has been teacher — were taken to a formal impeachment charges engaged in a three- local hospital, where they against President Donald week cat-and-mouse were in stable condition, said Trump to the Senate as early as Governor Miguel Angel next week, House Speaker game with Senate Riquelme of the state of Coa- Nancy Pelosi said yesterday, Majority Leader Mitch huila, which borders the setting the stage for his long- United States. awaited trial. McConnell over the Panicked parents rushed Pelosi, the top Democrat in rules for Trump’s trial to the private elementary the House, has been engaged in school, the Colegio Cervantes, in the Republican- Protester Laura Albinson holds up a sign at the base of the steps of the House of Representatives at a three-week cat-and-mouse as officials evacuated the trim the US Capitol in Washington, DC, yesterday. game with Senate Majority controlled Senate. brick building and police and Leader Mitch McConnell over soldiers put it on lockdown. the rules for Trump’s trial in the debate. That means the House whistleblower’s complaint about needed to vote to do that. Riquelme said the student Republican-controlled Senate. Trump national security adviser could vote as soon as Tuesday. Trump’s July 25 phone call with Republicans in Congress have had asked for permission to go Democrats have demanded John Bolton. Pelosi also accused McCo- Ukrainian President Volodymyr lambasted Pelosi’s approach to the bathroom shortly after it include new witness tes- In a letter to House law- nnell of intending to “stonewall” Zelenskiy. A trial cannot begin since the impeachment vote, the school day began. When timony and evidence about the makers yesterday, Pelosi said a a fair trial by backing legislation until the charges, known formally pointing out that House Dem- he did not return after about Republican president’s pres- resolution to appoint “man- to dismiss the abuse of power and as articles of impeachment, are ocrats claimed it was urgently 15 minutes, his teacher, a suring of Ukraine to probe former agers” for the trial and to obstruction of Congress charges transmitted to the Senate. important to impeach Trump 50-year-old woman, went to Vice President Joe Biden, one of transmit the impeachment against Trump without a proper Trump says he did nothing before the December holiday see if anything was wrong. the Democrats running for the charges to the Senate could be hearing of the evidence. wrong and has dismissed his break only to pivot to a delaying He emerged from the right to face Trump in the brought up on the House floor “A dismissal is a cover-up impeachment as a partisan bid strategy. bathroom with two guns and November election. next week. and deprives the American to undo his 2016 election win. Republican Senator Chuck opened fire, killing his teacher McConnell effectively During last month’s people of the truth,” Pelosi said, The trial is expected to lead Grassley accused Pelosi of and wounding the group of six, slammed the door shut on that impeachment debate, the adding that she would consult to Trump’s acquittal before the throwing Congress into “unnec- who were passing through the idea this week when he said had House adopted a rule that with other House Democrats on 2020 presidential election cam- essary chaos,” saying the wait hallway, before shooting enough Republican votes to allows Democrats to bring up how to proceed on Tuesday. paign heats up, as no Repub- in submitting the impeachment himself, Riquelme said. start the trial without a com- a resolution naming House The House impeached licans have voiced support for charges would postpone ratifi- “We deeply regret this mitment to hear from additional managers quickly and vote on Trump on December 18 after an ousting him from office. A two- cation of the new US-Mexico- incident... which is shocking witnesses, including former it after only 10 minutes of investigation sparked by a thirds majority of the Senate is Canada trade agreement. for us all,” the governor told a news conference. “I want to reiterate that this sort of thing is not the US House votes to curb Trump war power on Iran norm in our schools.” Mexico is more used to seeing school shootings in the neighbouring AFP — WASHINGTON The mostly symbolic but war in the Middle East would when asked whether he would that he’d ordered the killing, United States than up close. politically charged vote, 224 to be the wrong decision.” “If the seek congressional approval for risking all-out conflict, without However, the incident was US lawmakers concerned about 194, was largely along party members of our armed services more military action against real justification. not without precedent. In rushing to war with Iran lines, with three members of have the courage to go and fight Iran. “And you shouldn’t have At a reelection campaign 2014, a 15-year-old shot and adopted a measure late on Trump’s Republican Party and die in these wars, as Con- to,” he added, “because you rally in Toledo, Ohio, Trump killed a schoolmate in central Thursday aimed at reining in joining Democrats in approving gress we ought to have the have to make split-second deci- insisted, without providing any Mexico State, and in 2017 a President Donald Trump’s the measure demanding the courage to vote for them or sions sometimes.” evidence, that Soleimani was 15-year-old shot and wounded ability to take military action president not engage in military against them,” Gaetz said. Trump signaled on “actively planning new attacks,” four classmates at a high against the Islamic republic. action against Iran unless As lawmakers launched a Wednesday that he was including against US embassies, school in the northern city of The resolution was intro- authorized by Congress. scalding day-long debate over stepping back from the brink of “and we stopped him cold.” Monterrey. duced by Democrats after Among them was Matt presidential authority, Trump war with Iran after a US drone He ridiculed his Democratic Riquelme said the boy had Trump’s order to kill an Iranian Gaetz, one of Trump’s insisted he needs no one’s strike that killed commander opponents in Congress, calling not shown behavioral problems, commander and retaliatory staunchest supporters in Con- blessing to launch attacks, Qasem Soleimani was followed them insulting names and but had told classmates that missile strikes by Tehran dra- gress who noted in a floor essentially scorning existing by Iranian missile volleys claimed that if he had consulted “today was the today,” and matically escalated tensions speech that the measure did not legal requirements for con- against bases housing American with them they would have talked to them about the first- and raised fears of a devastating criticize Trump, but said that sulting with Congress. forces in Iraq. But on Thursday leaked the secret operation to person shooter video game war between the two foes. “engaging in another forever “I don’t have to,” Trump said he fought back against criticism the “fake news”. “Natural Selection”.

Investigators to reopen case of Mexico’s 43 missing students

AFP — MEXICO CITY

A group of independent experts will be allowed to reopen its investigation into the murky disap- pearance of 43 students in southern Mexico in 2014, relatives of the missing men said. The case of the “disappeared” students from the Ayotzinapa teachers’ college still haunts Mexico, where the official probe was marred by irregular- ities and the former government refused to renew the mandate of the international experts in 2016. The experts from the Inter-American Com- mission on Human Rights (IAHCR) will now be allowed to pick up where they left off, a lawyer for the relatives said after the families met with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. “In February or March we will have new devel- opments in this investigation,” the lawyer, Vidulfo Rosales, told journalists outside the presidential palace. The 43 student activists had stolen several buses to take them to a protest in Mexico City when they were detained by police the night of Sep- tember 26, 2014, and allegedly handed over to gang members who massacred them. According to the prosecution’s case, police CHANGE OF NAME officers who were on the payroll of the Guerreros Unidos drug cartel mistook the students for members of a rival group. I, Janardanan Nair Prasannan Bhavanam, holder of India Passport No. H8423789 Peru to plant one million (Qatar ID No. 26035601949) trees around Machu Picchu hereby change my name to

AFP — LIMA PRASANNAN PRASANNA BHAVANAM JANARDANAN NAIR. Any objection, please contact the Immigration and Passport Office within 15 days Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra launched a campaign to reforest the Machu Picchu archeo- from the publication of this notice. logical site in order to protect it from mud slides and forest fires. Vizcarra has pledged to plant one million trees in the 35,000-hectare protected I, KM Mamta Singh, archeological complex that features the stunning holder of India Passport I, Wali Rakhman Mashi Khan, Inca citadel. “We’re here to begin the planting of holder of Pakistan Passport a million trees in the protected zone around the No. T8262992 Machu Picchu sanctuary,” said Vizcarra. (Qatar ID No. 28535626087) No. KS9155802 The Machu Picchu estate — which includes (Qatar ID No. 26858600194) three distinct areas for agriculture, accommodation hereby change my name to and religious ceremonies — is the most iconic site hereby change my name to from the Inca empire that ruled a large swathe of MAMTA CHANDRABHUSHAN western South America for 100 years before the WALI REHMAN MASTI KHAN. Spanish conquest in the 16th century. SINGH. Vizcarra said the ambitious target of one million trees is “a commitment from the gov- Any objection, please contact the ernment, the region, the municipality and all the Any objection, please contact the citizens who want to protect this world wonder.” Immigration and Passport Office within 15 Environment ministry specialists evoked the need Immigration and Passport Office within 15 days from the publication of this notice. to plant trees to protect not only the sanctuary but days from the publication of this notice. also the protected ecological area’s fauna and flora.