BUSINESS | 21 SPORT | 28 S Africa’s energy Belmadi hails Al sector eyes Qatari Duhail’s ‘great victory’ investments against Al Ain

Thursday 10 May 2018 | 24 Sha’baan I 1439 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 23 | Number 7522 | 2 Riyals

Qatar ranked 2nd in Global Defence Minister, Zimbabwe President review bilateral ties Mobile Engagement Index

THE PENINSULA The report indicates Transport and Communications, that more than H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti. DOHA: Qatar is first among “This indicator does not only Arab countries and second in the 50 percent of look towards Qatar’s leadership world, behind only South Korea, phone owners in in technological infrastructure in terms of engagement with Qatar use at least development, but also it includes mobile services and applications once per month users development and their for a second year in a row, high ability to use and deal with revealed a report by GSMA Intel- mobile Internet modern technology,” said ligence. communication. Mohammed Ali Al Mannai, Pres- As per the report, Qatar ident of CRA. reached the highest score 6 on The report indicates that the GSMA Global Mobile to ensure that all consumers in more than 50 percent of phone Engagement Index (GMEI). This Qatar have access to a broad owners in Qatar use at least is due to the high usage, partic- range of high quality and once per month mobile Internet ularly for messenger and VoIP reliable telecommunications communication (voice and video applications where Qatar services. calls), social networking and ranked highest in the world. “I would like to thank the entertainment as playing games, “The result of the report is Qatari service providers, con- watching online video or lis- firmly in line with Qatar sumers and stakeholders for tening to online music. National Vision 2030 strategic supporting the nation’s vision The results also show that goal of enabling the devel- and for their contribution to up to 49 percent of all phone opment of a sustainable digital reach such high levels of digital owners in Qatar use at least society in the State of Qatar, and engagement throughout the once per month digital com- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, H E Dr. Khalid bin Mohamed Al it is an outcome of our keenness country,” said Minister of merce like purchasing goods Attiyah, met the President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa. They discussed bilateral relations online or financial services, like transferring money or paying and ways to enhance them, and issues of common concerns. Qatar first among Arab countries utility bills. in terms of engagement with GMEI is based on the usage patterns of 50,000 adult survey mobile services and applications. respondents across 50 countries in 2017, and it helps interpret engagement levels among Qatar calls for sparing region from nuclear arms race smartphone and non-smart- phone owners across an array QNA In a statement issued yes- repercussions of the decisions of use cases and services, 26 terday, the Ministry of Foreign taken by these parties. mobile use cases were moni- DOHA: The State of Qatar said Affairs said that the State of In this context, the State of tored in 10 categories; tradi- it is following closely the devel- Qatar, like the rest of the GCC Qatar stresses that the main pri- tional communication, Apps, opments of the Iranian Nuclear states, was not party to this ority is for the Middle East to be Mobile Internet communication, Deal (JCPOA) signed in 2015 agreement, but given its geo- a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone navigation, Internet, lifestyle, between Iran and the (P 5+1) graphical location and its and to stop the arms race by financial services, social net- countries, and adapted by the political and historical relations regional powers. working, entertainment, digital UN Security Council in reso- with the parties of the agreement, commerce. lution number 2231. would be directly affected by any →CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 Winter vegetable markets Unesco lauds Qatar for protecting cultural heritage to close on Saturday SANAULLAH ATAULLAH Representative in the Arab States institutions which have their the ideas and many other things THE PENINSULA of Gulf & Yemen. own private collections. like understanding the meaning THE PENINSULA customers without middlemen, “Qatar is investing a lot in Speaking on the contribution of preserving cultural heritage offering fresh vegetables and DOHA: The United Nations culture. For example we are in of Qatar to Unesco, Paolini said: and what we should do as a col- DOHA: The three winter vege- poultry products to the cus- Educational, Scientific and a fantastic facility, Qatar “Qatar is an active member of lective communities for the pro- table markets in Al Mazroua, Al tomers coming straight from the Cultural Organisation (Unesco) National Library (QNL), which Unesco in many instances with tection of cultural heritage and Khor-Dakhira and Al Wakrah local farms at attractive prices. has lauded Qatar for making is a precious jewel to preserve special focus on education. H H the role and interaction of the will close on Saturday after “The upcoming Saturday remarkable investments in the cultural heritage,” said Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, EU with this part of the world in witnessing huge rise in will be the last day for the protecting cultural heritage in Paolini while speaking with The Chairperson of Qatar Foun- exchanging knowledge. production and sales in the winter vegetable markets in this the country and rest of the world Peninsula on the sidelines of an dation (QF), is Unesco Special “On the occasion of Europe season. season. We know that many which creates an opportunity to event held at QNL Auditorium Envoy for Basic and Higher Edu- Day, the European Union During this season, people like these yards to con- interact with different commu- yesterday to observe Europe Day cation. Qatar is contributing to Member-State Embassies based beginning from October and tinue until the end of Ramadan, nities. under “2018 European Year of ‘Heritage at Risk’ fund which in Qatar have decided to work ending this month, the sales of but we can’t because the pro- “I think Qatar is doing already Cultural Heritage”. helps us to do emergency resto- together with Qatari authorities vegetables and fruits jumped duction falls during summer a lot for protecting its own her- She said that Qatar has ration and intervention in some to organise an event linked to by 50 percent this season com- and there is shortage of some itage and also presenting its her- world heritage sites, two major regional countries which are in the 2018 European Year of Cul- pared to previous season said vegetables,” Abdul Rahman Al itage to the world which led to museums, one is open and need of quick response for the tural Heritage,” said Ambas- official at the Ministry of Munic- Sulaiti, General Supervisor of engage in conversation to know another one is yet to open. Edu- protection of cultural sador of Bulgaria in Qatar, Metin ipality and Environment. Agricultural Product Yards told each other through exchange of cation City has invested a lot in heritage.” Kazak in a key note speech at The winter markets serve as The Peninsula. cultures which helps us to live its programme for the conser- Speaking on the importance the event. platform for farmers to sell their peacefully together,” said Dr. vation of culture and heritage. of the event, she said: “It is products directly to the →CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 Anna Paolini, Director, Unesco Apart from this, there are several excellent opportunity to share →CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

THURSDAY 10 MAY 2018 74 percent of Arabs support democracy: Survey SIDI MOHAMED The survey is based on face- the most ability. The average is a consensus among future outcomes: fully 45% THE PENINSULA to-face interviews conducted with number was 5.6 regionally, with respondents which believes that agreed with the statement that 18,830 individual respondents in respondents in Saudi Arabia being the original uprisings were the Arab Spring “will achieve its DOHA: Seventy four percent of 11 separate Arab countries. predictably the least able to crit- directed against dictatorial aims,” despite acknowledging Arabs support democracy The results announced yes- icize the government, and regimes, as popular movements present setbacks. This is com- Included with compared to 17 percent who terday at Doha Institute for respondents in Lebanon and aimed at supporting the tran- pared to 34% who agreed with could be said to oppose it, Graduate Studies showed that Tunisia being the most. sition to democracy and in the opposing statement that “the today’s edition is a according to the results of the when people were asked the Regarding their view of Arab protest against financial and Arab Spring has come to an end,” special supplement 2017-2018 Arab Opinion Index question of how much they are Spring, close to a majority of administrative corruption. and that the old regimes have announced by The Arab Center able to criticize the government Arabs (49%) regard the peaceful The Arab public is neatly returned to power. on Education For Research and Policy Studies using a sliding scale, with one protests which formed the Arab divided, too, over the present yesterday. being the least ability and 10 being Spring of 2011 positively. There state of the Arab Spring and its →CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 02 HOME THURSDAY 10 MAY 2018

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everyday new deals THURSDAY 10 MAY 2018 HOME 03 Qatari Amiri Air Force concludes exercise

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, at the military exercise ‘Lahoub 7’ concluded yesterday at Al Qallayel area.

THE PENINSULA in all fields and to improve the level of knowledge. The exercise included several objectives, DOHA: Under the patronage and presence of including the strategic objective, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for resistance to any potential aggression, highlighting Defence Affairs, H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al the combat readiness of forces, logistical and tac- Attiyah, the military exercise ‘Lahoub 7’ concluded tical support, and exchange of experiences with yesterday at Al Qallayel area. US and Italian forces to improve efficiency and The event was also attended by Chief of Staff establish a stable mechanism of action. Major-General (pilot) H E Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Among the most important aircraft involved Ghanem and Commander of the Amiri Air Force in the exercise is the Mirage aircraft and Faget, and Major General (Pilot) Mubarak Mohammed Al C-130 aircraft. Khayarin and a number of Senior officers from The exercise included various units and forces Qatar Armed Forces. of the Qatari Armed Forces represented by the It began on April 29 and continued until May Qatari Amiri Air Force, the Joint Special Forces, the 9. It proved the ability of the forces to plan and Qatari Amiri Land Forces and the Military Police, implement joint operations to develop common as well as The Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), actions at the tactical level, to enhance concepts US and Italian forces. Qatar calls for sparing New vehicle registration rises 19% in March

THE PENINSULA region from N-arms race 2018, registering an annual month. Registered marriages bulletin also showed that the increase of 1 percent. during the month stood at 348 total value of water DOHA: The total number of The bulletin showed that whereas the total number of consumption witnessed a CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 actors should take into account registered new vehicles total number of building divorces reached 110 . In regard monthly increase of 9.2 percent The State of Qatar stresses that the price of their efforts to increased to 6,332 in March permits reached 712 permits with Social Security value, the as compared with last month. the need for collective action denuclearize the Middle East 2018 compared 5,319 new during March 2018, recording month of March 2018 witnessed Total broad money supply by the international community shall not be another escalation vehicles in February same year, a monthly increase of 11.3 a significant decrease in (M2) recorded about QR601.7bn to ensure the prevention of a that the peoples of the region showing a month-on-month percent in comparison with the number of Social Security during the month of March possible nuclear arms race, cannot bear. rise of 19 percent, showed the previous month February 2018. Beneficiaries as it reached 2018 showing an annual where parties end up losing The State of Qatar values data released yesterday by the In regard to traffic cases, a 13,677 individuals, whereas the increase of 16.1 percent trust in one another. the efforts of all international Ministry of Development total of 583 traffic cases were total value of Social Security compared with March 2017 The process of the denu- and regional actors and the Planning and Statistics. recorded during March 2018, reached QR77.5m during March from last year. On the other clearization of the region pri- partners of the agreement who The Ministry released the showing a monthly increase of 2018. hand, cash equivalents marily aims at laying the foun- seek to defuse any possible 51th edition of Qatar Monthly 23.8 percent in comparison In regard to electricity and (including deposits) attained dations of peace and stability escalation and find solutions to Statistics bulletin. with the previous month water consumption rates, the for QR821.5bn during March in a manner that contributes to denuclearize the region. It is in The demographic statistics February 2018 where it bulletin showed that the total 2018. The figure recorded an the preservation of human lives the best interest of all parties to showed that the total reached only 471 traffic cases. electricity utilisation value annual increase of 9.1 percent as well as pushing forward the exercise self-restraint, deal population of Qatar has A total of 2,126 live births during March 2018 was 2350.7 in comparison with March 2017 process of development to wisely with the situation and try increased from 2.66 million were registered during March GWh attaining a monthly from last year, as it recorded achieve prosperity for all the to resolve existing differences during March 2017 to almost 2018 while 195 death cases increase of 9.4 percent as approximately QR752.7bn peoples of the region. Thus, all through dialogue. 2.69 million at end of March were recorded during the compared with last month. The during the month.

Ministry launches project to Unesco lauds Qatar for protecting cultural heritage recycle construction waste CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 DOHA: The Ministry of Municipality and Environment has launched The event, which was co-sponsored by EU a project in collaboration with three private companies to recycle Member-State Embassies in Qatar, with the construction waste available in huge quantity at Rawdat Rashid support of EUNIC (the European cultural to produce primary materials. The project aims to recycle about cluster in Doha), took place in partnership with 41 million tonnes waste in five years to produce primary mate- the Qatar National Library (QNL) during the rials including aggregates, fillers that are used in laying foundation current Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of roads and buildings. of the European Union. The event included a The project also aims to get rid of the heap of construction panel discussion - “Where the Past Meets the waste to meet the requirement of the urban development of the Future: Working Together to Preserve our Cul- country. Nine companies qualified for bidding, out of which five tural Heritage”. “We held a panel discussion companies submitted their proposals. Finally, the Committee with our partners in Qatar to share experience awarded the project to top three companies at three locations on and work together to preserve our cultural her- April 17. The recycling project will help rehabilitate Rawdat Rashid itage,” said Kazak. environmentally as any other types of waste will be taken to He said that it was a wonderful discussion Mesaieed area from January, 2019. on how to work to preserve cultural arts and objects during this challenging time of war in Syria and Yemen. “To promote our culture in Qatar we are The Bulgarian Ambassador to Qatar, Metin Kazak, speaking at the Europe Day held at planning to organise EU Film Festival in forth- Winter vegetable markets to the Qatar National Library yesterday, as the panelist, Keen Wieringa, Stephane Ipert, Dr coming autumn in collaboration with Doha Film Institute and European Jazz Festivals Ferhan Sakal, Dr Anna Paoloni and moderator, Mona Hamed Hussain, look on. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA close on Saturday which will be held most probably in November CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 at Katara,” said Kazak. “We also hold crush “Most of the vegetables and fruits now are coming from green- courses of European languages in collaboration world with huge collection of cultural heritage,” more museums. Our museum aims at sharing house farms and not from open farms because the production in with French institute in Qatar so we are really said Kees Wieringa, Director of the Museum. knowledge though culture and targeted to summer is less,” Al Sulaiti said, adding that these markets will working to develop cultural ties with Qatar.” He said that a delegation from the Museum enable everybody from all over the world can reopen in next season in 2018/2019 from the middle of October. “Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim AI Thani plans to visit Europe, US and rest of the world find something related to his/her heritage,” “We expect more farms to participate in the next season.” Museum is one of the largest museum in Arab to increase the collection. “We will construct said Wieringa. Until now there are more than 75 farms participating in the yards and sell their products directly to the customers without any middlemen or brokers. These farms are offering 60 percent of veg- etables and fruits, Al Sulaiti pointed out. Regarding the next the season, he said the Ministry apart from the three current yards which 74 percent of Arabs support democracy: Survey is in Al Mazroua, Al Khor-Dakhira and Al Wakrah, new winter CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 markets are expected to open in Al Ruwais, Al Shihaniya and Al only 11% of Arabs defined them- Palestine (87%, up from 79% last women), who conducted Sailiya. They will cater to the needs of various places and will offer About the role of religion, selves as “Not religious”. year); Syria (81%) and Iraq 45,000 hours of face-to-face opportunity to residents to visit the yards and benefit from its prices. most Arabs define their own When asked to look at spe- (82%). interviews, covering a “The upcoming season which will begin from the middle of October religiosity in one of three ways: cific US foreign policy areas, The fieldwork was carried total of 760,000 kilometers will be more attractive for customers because of the possibility of “Religious to some extent” (65%) vast majority of Arabs had neg- out by an overall team of 840 across the population clusters prices falling compared to the local market,” he said. or “Very religious” (21%), and ative views of US policy towards individuals (half of whom were sampled. 04 HOME THURSDAY 10 MAY 2018 NHRC workshop discusses rights of workers in Qatar

QNA The workshop workers’ rights is explained by a discussed the number of amendments to laws DOHA: The National Human related to their rights and con- Rights Committee (NHRC) advantages of the ditions in order to achieve the organised a workshop on the law regulating the greatest possible guarantees of rights of workers in the State of entry and exit of decent work, in an approach that Qatar and the advantages of the expatriates. depends on work as much as law regulating the entry and exit possible to promote the dignity of expatriates. of the workers and provide them Dr Mohammed Saif Al Kuwari (right), a member of the NHRC, and other participants at the workshop. The workshop’s objective is with health care and safety in the to identify the international and frameworks regulating them, workplace, as well as to achieve regional mechanisms of workers’ whether the labour law as a the necessary stability regarding freedoms, saying that the com- workers’ rights in international In its third session, the rights and highlight the interna- whole or law No. 21 of 2015 reg- their legal status and residence mittee strives to monitor, conventions and treaties; and the workshop reviewed the situation tional workers’ rights context ulating the entry and exit of in the State, in full conformity promote and protect the rights role of the International Labor of workers ‘rights in the State of from the perspective of interna- expatriates and their residence, with international charters and of workers, in a way that ensures Organization, NGOs and civil Qatar as well as the assessment tional conventions and treaties, as well as reviewing the situation instruments and the permanent smooth and effective embod- society. The second session dis- of the situation of workers’ rights as well as the role of non-gov- of workers’ rights in the State of constitution of the State of Qatar. iment of their rights. cussed the national framework in the NHRC’s report according ernmental organisations and Qatar in the light of the reports Al Kuwari stressed, at the On the sidelines, a number of for workers’ rights, the labour law to the latest report and statistics civil society in the promotion and of the NHRC and from the same time, the great interest of sessions were held. The first in Qatar and the guarantees on received complaints, in protection of workers’ rights. political and legal perspectives. the NHRC as a national insti- addressed topics, including inter- granted to workers, and a reading addition to the situation of The workshop also aims to Dr Mohammed Saif Al tution for the protection and pro- national framework for workers’ of the law No. 21 of 2015 regu- human rights in Qatar and the focus on the national framework Kuwari, a member of the NHRC, motion of human rights within rights and international and lating the entry and exit of expa- progress achieved and short- of workers’ rights in the State of said in a speech at the workshop its objectives of promoting and regional mechanisms for the pro- triates and its role in promoting comings in terms of policies and Qatar, especially the legal that Qatar’s interest in promoting protecting human rights and tection of workers’ rights; workers’ rights in Qatar. procedures. Japan donates books to TBZ school First zone of Al Wakrah Beach Ambassador of Japan to Qatar, Seiichi Otsuka visited Tariq Bin Development Project opens Ziyad Independent Secondary School for Boys for book donation on May 7. Books were handed over to the school’s Principal Hamad Al Mannai. TBZ school is currently the only independent school in Qatar that teaches Japanese language in secondary school’s curriculum.

Milaha’s Oshairij links Qatar with Iraq directly

THE PENINSULA Ashghal officials at the first zone of Al Wakrah Beach Development Project. DOHA: Oshairij vessel, affil- THE PENINSULA iated to Qatari maritime Beach Development Project to reduce electricity consumption. transport and logistics serve Al Wakrah area The lightening poles will be dis- conglomerate Milaha, has DOHA: The Public Works residents. tributed along the beach to launched a direct container Authority ‘Ashghal’ yesterday Ashghal is developing the enable the beach users to use it feeder service between Qatar announced the completion of beach of Al Wakrah, which is at night. Also a 2,500-metre- and Iraq. The ship departed the main works of the first zone composed of three zones cov- long metal fence along the beach Hamad Port on Monday and of Al Wakrah Beach Devel- ering an area of 335,000 square will be built with three arrived at Umm Qasr Port opment Project, which is metre, and is designed to entrances. yesterday. composed of three zones. become a leisure destination The remaining works in the The new service will be This is during the visit of suitable for families. project will be completed by July initially served with this only Abdul Aziz Al Mansoori, Tech- Eng. Khalid Abdulla and include 12 buildings for Oshairij ship on its way to Iraq port. one vessel (Oshairij) with a nical Affairs Manager at Al ALNajjar, Project Engineer at public toilets distributed among 1,015 TEU capacity and 110 Wakrah Municipality, to the Buildings Project Management the three beach areas, and three reefer plugs. The service takes a electronics, building materials and (Kuwait)-Hamad Port completed section of the project, Department, stated that 2,100- equipped buildings to be used transit time of only two days, other cargo. rotation. The direct con- which will be opened to public metre of the interlock for the as a cafeteria in the future as making it particularly ideal for dry The new service follows a Hamad tainer feeder service on May 15, 2018. pedestrian walkways com- well as three guard rooms. and refrigerated foodstuffs, Port-Umm Qasr-Shuwaikh between Qatar and Iraq The opening of this zone is pleted, also 120 pergola will be The project also includes enhances their already- part of an integrated plan implemented to provide shaded 600 parking spaces on an area growing trade and eco- developed by Ashghal for the areas for families. Currently, all of 20,000 sqm, where all the nomic relations and pro- development of the Corniche the pergolas for zone 1 are parking lots for Zone 1 are com- vides Iraqi customers areas in Doha City, Al Wakrah installed. The project also pleted. It is worth mentioning and partners with more City, Al Khor and Al Shamal. includes three green areas cov- that the project was launched in flexibility via providing Al Mansoori expressed his ering 25 thousand square October last year and Ashghal bigger seaport cov- contentment with Ashghal meters. In addition to the devel- has been keen to open this part erage and making nav- achievement and he stressed on opment of 98 solar lighting poles of the project to the public ahead igation faster. the importance of Al Wakrah to preserve the environment and of schedule.

Diversion on Street No. 213 in Umm Enaig Area in Al Khor

DOHA: The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced that it will implement a temporary diversion on Street No. 213 in Umm Enaig Area in Al Khor, for a distance of 150 metres in both directions. The diversion will start tomorrow and will last for 30 days. Traffic in both directions will be diverted to a road parallel to the closed road. The traffic change is required to enable the works of laying sewer rising mains as part of design, build, operate and maintain of Al Thakhira sewage treatment work, transfer pumping station and associated pipelines. THURSDAY 10 MAY 2018 HOME 05 06 HOME THURSDAY 10 MAY 2018

Gang members Occupancy at Ezdan Hotels hits record high specialised in house theft arrested QNA

DOHA: The Ministry of Interior has arrested a gang of five Asian nationals who specialise in house theft. In a press statement, the Ministry of Interior said that the criminal investigation department of the Ministry received reports from a number of people that their homes were stolen. By intensifying investiga- tions and gathering infor- mation about their identity and the manner in which they The Curve Hotel Wael Al Telbani, Ezdan Hotels Group GM. Ezdan Hotel - West Bay committed the crimes, it was clear to the security author- THE PENINSULA hotel brand names. Ezdan continuous renovations plus yearly promotions, plus special providing international brands ities that they are a group of Palace headquarters in a stra- targeting diversified tourist offers in national, religious and of cafes and restaurants sur- Asian nationals specialising DOHA: Ezdan Holding Group tegic location at the heart of markets from different regions cultural occasions. rounding the towers of Ezdan in theft, the Ministry of owned hotel, Ezdan Hotel West Doha City and will be an around the world. Such high Al Telbani pointed out to the in West Bay, thus providing all Interior said. Bay, has realised significant landmark as soon as it opens. rates also come on the back- huge development witnessed by the services at the guests’ door- A security team was occupancy rates in 2018 amid The hotel provides an array of ground of hosting sport cham- Hotel Ezdan West Bay in terms steps effortlessly. formed to arrest the gang and insecurities and challenges high-end services that meet the pionships, conferences and of facilities and amenities It is worthy to mention that were able to reach the five hitting the local market. demands of customers seeking thanks to Qatar’s support for including ceremony and event Ezdan Hotel chain is the largest accused as they were leaving Also The Curve Hotel, an quality services, with a capacity this vital sector through taking halls that had undergone hotel in the West Bay, with more a house, red-handed, the affiliate of the Group, has of 194 hotel rooms and suites, several measures that con- revamping in compliance with than 3,000 hotel rooms and Ministry of Interior said. notched up above 75% in occu- he reiterated. tributed to the boom of hospi- international standards, as well several other facilities such as The gang was carrying pancy rate despite being a Al Telbani remarked that the tality and tourism sector in as other facilities in the hotel the spacious event and con- money, expensive watches startup hotel, with less than one Group’s chain of hotels are not Qatar.” such as the swimming pools and ference centre, in addition to and tools used to carry out year since opening, Wael Al impacted by current fluctua- Commenting on seasonal restaurants, children play- Ezdan Palace, the first five-star theft and open safe boxes. Telbani, Ezdan Hotels Group tions and insecurities affecting promotions at the hotel, the grounds, gymnasiums, massage hotel owned by the Group. It The accused confessed to General Manager, stated. the domestic market, saying, hotel group GM affirmed that and spa centre and the exqui- also owns The Curve Hotel, the thefts they committed and Al Telbani said that Ezdan “Turnout for accommodation at the strategy of the company is sitely constructed lobby with which is located on a distin- informed the police about the Palace is the first of kind in the Group’s hotels is not based on providing fully pliable different entrances. guished location on Doha’s Cor- places they had robbed. Qatari hospitality market, being touched, contrariwise, the solutions for guests and a wide- He emphasized that Ezdan niche with a capacity of more They were then sent to a 100% Qatari established hotel, Group recorded significant range of customised booking Hotels Company has created an than 600 hotel rooms and a the competent authorities to without any foreign supervision occupancy rates thanks to prices that suit all demands integrated community of deluxe services and high-end complete the investigation or intervention from global services, facilities and including daily, weekly and services in its hotels by facilities. with them.

Qatar TV wins 2 awards from Sidra Medicine joins global Arab Information Ministers council alliance to study brain diseases THE PENINSULA CAIRO: Qatar Television won The alliance will a pioneering hospital in the two awards from the Council analyse genetic data region, hosting some of the of Arab Ministers of Infor- DOHA: Sidra Medicine has and brain scans from world’s top researchers and mation for Arab televisions launched an ambitious part- clinicians. for 2018, announced by the nership with ENIGMA, the Qatari patients and The Sidra Medicine team Council yesterday during its world’s largest brain mapping compare it with other includes Dr Xavier Estivill, 49th session held at the head- project, to study brain health and diverse worldwide Division Chief of Translational quarters of the Arab League. disease among the Qatari popu- Medicine, Dr Muhammad Waqar The first prize was for lation. populations to better Azeem, Chair of Psychiatry and “pulse of economy” pro- The partnership is Sidra understand diseases Dr. Mohammad Haris, Principal gramme, while the second Medicine’s latest project aimed that affect the local Investigator in Functional and was for the “clinic” pro- at advancing personalised med- population. Molecular Imaging. gramme. Permanent Repre- icine in the country. ENIGMA, which began in sentative of Qatar to the Arab The alliance will analyse 2009 and grew to involve over League Ambassador, H E Saif genetic data and brain scans Our partnership with ENIGMA 900 scientists from 35 countries, bin Muqaddam Al Buainain, from Qatari patients and will allow us to access interna- has performed the largest brain chaired the delegation of the compare it with other diverse tional datasets to better under- scanning studies of diseases glo- State of Qatar at the meeting worldwide populations to better stand diseases such as autism bally. Studies have ranged from of the Council of Arab Min- understand diseases that affect and diabetes, which are high on epilepsy to depression and isters of Information. the local population. The target Qatar’s healthcare agenda.” schizophrenia. of the new study is an in-depth “It will enable us to con- They are designed to investigation into the mecha- tribute to advancing research in compare vast biobanks of brain Qatar takes part Sidra Medicine research team members pose for a picture. nisms of epilepsy, autism, dia- these fields and put Qatar’s sci- scans and genetic data from dif- in Arab Justice betes and diseases of the brain. entific expertise on the global ferent countries to better under- Commenting on the part- healthcare map. The alliance also stand diseases and how they Medicine, we bring a vast methods for understanding Ministers’ meet nership, Dr Rashid Al Ali, Deputy offers the opportunity for many progress over time. resource of data, expertise and abnormalities in the human Chief Research Officer, stated, of our investigative researchers Paul Thompson, a neurosci- infrastructure to help tackle brain and relate them to changes CAIRO: The sixty-second “Sidra Medicine is committed to to continue with their research entist from the Keck USC School pressing problems in brain in our DNA. We are seeking new meeting of the executive office advancing the understanding of development and collaborate of Medicine, in Los Angeles, who disease. Sidra Medicine’s scien- treatment targets and new direc- of the council of Arab ministers the epidemiology and mecha- with peers on new programs.” leads the international ENIGMA tists are international leaders in tions to treat brain diseases in of justice was held at the head- nisms of diseases to develop pre- Sidra Medicine’s partici- study, said, “In planning this genetics and neuroscience. the Qatari population and across quarters of the General Secre- ventive and therapeutic tools. pation highlights its position as long-term study with Sidra Together, we will develop new the world.” tariat of the Arab League. The meeting was chaired by Dr Fahad Mohamad Al Afasi, Kuwait’s Minister of Justice and Minister of Awqaf and Islamic 3 students from Doha Academy Al Waab honoured Affairs, and deputy head of the executive office. Qatar was THE PENINSULA represented by Ambassador Hassan Al Mutawa, Deputy Permanent Representative of DOHA: Dr Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh Al Thani, Chair- Qatar to the Arab League. The person of The Al Faleh Group for Academic and Educa- meeting discussed a number tional Services, and founder of the AFG College with the of topics including fight against University of Aberdeen in Doha presented special awards terrorism, the unification of to three outstanding students from Doha Academy Al Arab legislation, the estab- Waab recently. lishment of a network of Arab She presented a special award to Aya Hamdy El judicial cooperation in com- Banna, who achieved the highest mark in the Middle bating terrorism and organized East for IGCSE Physics and the highest mark in Qatar crime, and the draft of an Arab for IGCSE Mathematics (January 2017 series). agreement to regulate the sit- Dr Sheikha Aisha commented, “I’m very proud to uation of refugees in Arab have such exceptionally academically talented students countries. in Doha Academy, we strive to provide the best quality It also discussed means of education for our students; clearly our students are enhancing cooperation thriving.” between the secretariats of the Dr Sheikha Aisha also presented awards to Abdul Arab ministries of justice and Rahman Al Abiad and Baha’ Ibrahim Aburayya for interior, the special account of receiving special recognition from EDEXCEL Pearson the council of Arab ministers for outstanding results in GCE/IAL examinations, June of justice and the efforts of the 2017 series. Dr Sheikha Aisha further commented, “I Arab center for legal and really hope to see such excellent students enroll in AFG Dr Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh Al Thani presenting judicial research. College with the University of Aberdeen.” awards to the outstanding students. THURSDAY 10 MAY 2018 HOME 07 Seminar highlights role of Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation

Kuwait University celebrates the Award of the importance of translation as Sheikh Hamad for Translation as one of the the language of human important cultural initiative which the State awareness and bridge of minds. The Sheikh Hamad Awads of Qatar has presented for Arab culture in the for International Translation and recent years. Understanding focuses on understanding human thought THE PENINSULA through knowledge of what civ- The seminar was attended by ilizations have produced in order Dr Hanan Al Fayyad and Dr to advance humanity and KUWAIT: The Language Center Emtinan Al Samadi who talked promote peace and stability. of the Faculty of Arts at Kuwait about the award and its intel- It has undertaken to University yesterday hosted an lectual and scientific dimensions encourage translation from and a seminar on translation and its of spreading the culture of trans- to Arabic in many languages; role in communication taking as lation from and to the Arabic. International in addition to a model the “Sheikh Hamad Dr Hanan Al Fayyad and Dr. English, Turkish was chosen in Award for Translation”. Emtinan Al Samadi from Qatar the first year, followed by The sponsor of the event, Dr University, reviewed the Sheikh Dr Hanan Al Fayyad (left) and Dr Emtinan Al Samadi during the seminar in Kuwait, yesterday. Spanish in the second year, and Abdulhadi Al Ajmi, Chairman of Hamad Award for Translation French in the third year. the Language Center and and Understanding and its role For her part, Dr. Noura Al awards and their impact on the Hanan Al Fayyad and Dr. In year 2017, the Award was Assistant Dean of the Faculty of in enhancing cultural dialogue Mullaifi, Professor at Kuwait Uni- public culture and the efforts of Emtinan Al-Samadi as represent- expanded to include new cat- Arts, said in his opening speech between people worldwide and versity, started her speech Qatar in this context. atives of the Sheikh Hamad egory in which five Eastern lan- that the event is part of the encourage cooperation between greeting Qatar and its people. The symposium, which was Award for Translation and called guages: Chinese, Japanese, Qatari-Kuwaiti cooperation in academic translators. It is worth mentioning that attended by a large number of for further cultural and scientific Persian, Urdu and Malay were academic and scientific fields. In their presentations, the the media tour which is being academics and interested in cooperation between Kuwait added. In order to enhance com- Kuwait University celebrates two academic addressed the organized by the author and translation and intellectuals from University and the Award. munication between the Arab the Award of Sheikh Hamad for vision, mission, philosophy and media personal Saadia Mufrih Kuwait and Arab nationals and The tour is part of a series of culture and the world’s cultures, Translation as one of the objectives of the Award in its will include holding press con- students, concluded with open activities aiming to introduce the the award was awarded in 2018 important cultural initiative fourth season and talked about ferences and meetings in cultural dialogue in which Dr. Fayadh Award and expand the circle of to five new languages: Italian, which the State of Qatar has pre- the languages of the new coun- institutions and libraries such as and Al-Smadi answered ques- participation. The three cate- Russian, Japanese, Bosnian and sented for Arab culture in the tries that will be included in the the Museum of Music Lounge, TV tions raised by participants. gories of the Awards worth two Swahili, with a total value of recent years. award for coming season. and radio talks about cultural Dr. Al-Ajmi honored Dr. million US dollars emphasizing $2,000,000.

QICDRC sponsors 4th Annual International Pakistan pavilion inaugurated at Project Qatar THE PENINSULA Arbitration Summit Industries Limited (IIL), Inter- of Pakistan. national Steel Limited (ISl) and Pakistani exporters DOHA: Qatar International DOHA: Ambassador of Pakistan Cables Limited (PCL), are viewing the oppor- Court & Dispute Resolution Pakistan to Qatar, Shahzad all of which come under the tunities that arose in the Centre (QICDRC) was platinum Ahmad, inaugurated the umbrella of Chinoy Group of market due to the sponsor at the 4th Annual Pakistan Pavilion at the 15th Companies. supply gap created by International Arbitration Edition of Project Qatar Exhi- Additionally, one of the the blockade, with keen Summit. bition being held at the Doha leading paint brands from interest. The Annual International Exhibition & Convention Pakistan, Brighto Paints is It is pertinent to Arbitration Summit is an Centere (DECC), in an participating with the mention that Pakistan’s important event for arbitration. impressive ceremony. assistance of its local dis- exports to Qatar rose by The 2018 edition is the fourth He was accompanied by tributor Unique Trading. more than 65% in the edition of the summit, which the Commercial Secretary of The five companies sup- first nine months of the provides an opportunity for the Embassy of Pakistan, ported by TDAP include current financial year experts from all over Asia to Salman Ali. The ambassador Hilton Enterprises and Ehsan (1st July 2017 to 31st discuss arbitration and its went to each of the stall and Sons Pvt Ltd (both dealing in March 2018) in com- dimensions in settling disputes was briefed by the exhibitors safety wear and gloves), parison to the same Pakistan’s Ambassador to Qatar, Shahzad Ahmad (center), inaugurating in various fields. about their respective Rafique Engineering Indus- period in the previous Pakistan Pavilion at the 15th Edition of Project Qatar Exhibition. .On behalf of Faisal Al- products, said a statement tries Pvt Ltd (manufacturers financial year. Sahouti, CEO of QICDRC, issued by the embassy. of Royal fans), Marnite Noora Al-Qahtani, Case Pro- This year, the Pakistan Industries (dealing in fin- gression Manager at QICDRC, Pavilion comprises of five ished marble and granite delivered the introductory companies supported by the products) and ACE logistics remarks at the beginning of the Trade Development Services. session. Noora Al Qahtani Authority of Pakistan (TDAP); At the TDAP’s booth, highlighted the importance of four companies entirely Marvel Paints and Siddiqsons the role of the Qatar Interna- funded by the private sector are being represented, tional Court in the field of arbi- and an additional booth Pakistan has more than tration in the State of Qatar and managed by TDAP itself doubled its participation its effective role in supporting where two more companies from the previous edition and creating the appropriate are participating. which is a testament to the environment for a healthy The self-funded com- efforts made by Pakistani arbitration environment. panies include International exporters and the Embassy QU, Nama sign collaborative agreement

THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Qatar University (QU) signed a collaborative agreement with the Social Development Center (Nama) yesterday, to establish collabo- ration in the field of volun- teerism, community service, student leadership, entrepre- neurship, and sports activities, as well as all social initiatives, projects and programs. The agreement was signed Maryam Abdul Latif Al Mannai (left), and Dr Khalid Al Khanji by QU VP for Student Affairs Dr signing the MoU. Khalid Al Khanji and Nama Acting Executive Director specialised in skills and help them in the field of volun- Maryam Abdul Latif Al Mannai, knowledge, and workshops spe- teerism, leadership and entre- in the presence of officials from cialised in directing and guiding preneurship. It will also serve both institutions. entrepreneurs. to provide them with the The terms of the Other areas of collaboration opportunity to participate in agreement include collabo- include the promotion of entre- various training programs, ration between both institu- preneurial culture in the State which will contribute to tions on spreading the volun- of Qatar through the devel- boosting their skills, teering values among youth opment of advanced digital knowledge and values.” through creating opportu- training, rehabilitation, and Maryam Abdul Latif Al nities for them to experience awareness programs that align Mannai said: “We are pleased to volunteering work and social with rapid changes in the sign this collaborative entrepreneurship at home business world, as well as the agreement with Qatar Uni- and abroad as a real tem- implementation of research versity with the aim to develop porary work and as part of projects and studies for human capacities and to support living the reality of humani- strengthening the entrepre- the goals of Qatar National tarian work. neurial ecosystem in the State Vision 2030. We expect that this Both parties will collaborate of Qatar. collaboration will contribute to to develop programs, volun- In his remarks, Dr Khalid Al- the achievement of distinctive teering opportunities, com- Khanji said: “We are pleased to social work, and various events, munity-based students’ cam- partner with the Social Devel- programs and activities that paigns, and community lead- opment Center (Nama). This serve the local community, ership programs. They will also agreement will have a positive inside or outside the implement training programs impact on our students as it will university.” 08 HOME THURSDAY 10 MAY 2018 Gynecology services to shift to WWRC from tomorrow

THE PENINSULA Inpatient services, including imaging, clinical diagnostics, and a labor and delivery, will also 24-hour in-house pharmacy. DOHA: From 6am tomorrow (Friday), permanently relocate to She added that the new Emergency Women’s Hospital will stop admitting the Women’s Wellness and Department at WWRC will also see the patients experiencing obstetrical and introduction of a new triage service that gynecological emergencies and the Research Center as of 6am will allow staff to treat maternity service will be permanently transferred on Friday morning. This patients more quickly. to the new Emergency Department at will be followed by the full Commenting on the enhanced the Women’s Wellness and Research relocation of the neonatal services, Dr. Huda Abdulla Al Saleh, Center (WWRC) – one of Hamad Executive Director of Quality and Safety Medical Corporation’s (HMC) new intensive care unit (NICU) and Head of the Emergency Department Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City next week. at Women’s Wellness and Research hospitals. Center said. “As of Friday, May 11, the Inpatient services, including labor Women’s Wellness and Research and delivery, will also permanently for patients at HMC for 40 years. She The multidisciplinary care team at the Women’s Wellness and Research Center Center will be fully operational. The relocate to the Women’s Wellness and said she is excited about the move and (WWRC). new Emergency Department will Research Center as of 6am on Friday the enhanced ability the new location provide pregnant women experiencing morning. This will be followed by the will provide to support women and on Friday morning. Our new facility will be equipped with a separate signs of labor or an obstetric or gyne- full relocation of the neonatal intensive their families. department at WWRC will be double and spacious waiting area for both cology medical emergency with imme- care unit (NICU) next week. “Since 1988, the Women’s Hospital the size of the Women’s Hospital Emer- women and men and will house support diate care and the new maternity triage Shaikha Mahboub Al Dosari, has been providing emergency services gency Department and will offer much services within the same area, including system will allow us to have a dedi- Assistant Executive Director of Ambu- for hundreds of thousands of women more comfort and convenience for our a counter where patients can register cated team responsible for rapidly latory Services at Women’s Wellness in Qatar. I am excited about the tran- patients.” and pay for their treatment and dedi- assessing each maternity patient and and Research Center has been caring sition of our Emergency Department According to Al Dosari, the new cated services such as advanced clinical determining the level of care required.” CNA-Q and University of Aberdeen sign articulation deal Holiday Inn Doha offers unforgettable Iftar experience THE PENINSULA Atlantic-Qatar, presided over by Dr. Sheikha Aisha Faleh Al Thani, THE PENINSULA DOHA: The College of the North Chairperson and Founder of AFG parents socialize and enjoy Atlantic-Qatar has signed its first College with the University of Ramadan gatherings with in-country block transfer artic- Aberdeen, Dr. Karen Foster, DOHA: Merging elegant design friends and family. The ulation agreement for degree Provost of University of and the flavours and style of children visiting the tent will pathways. Aberdeen Qatar, Qatar, Dr. Arabia, Holiday Inn Doha – enjoy traditional Garangao The College has reached an William Radford, President of The Business Park will be songs and generous gifts of agreement with the University College of the North Atlantic in forging its way forward as the sweets and nuts. of Aberdeen for credit transfer Canada, and Dr. Ken MacLeod, latest location for the holy “As this is our inaugural that facilitates pathways towards President of College of the North month of Ramadan with the Ramadan here, we are com- a Bachelors (honours) of Atlantic-Qatar. launch of its luxurious and mitted to offer our guests a Business Management and “I am delighted that we have elegantly-set Ramadan tent. truly warm and hospitable Bachelors (honours) of signed this agreement with The officials of College of the North Atlantic-Qatar (CNA-Q) and Al Masa Ramadan tent will experience. Al Masa Ramadan Accountancy and Finance for CNA-Q,” said Dr Sheikha Aisha University of Aberdeen after signing the agreement. host an unforgettable Iftar Tent is spacious and beautifully CNA-Q’s business adminis- Faleh Al Thani. “It has always experience that includes an lit and has an elegant and tration, business management, been part of our vision at AFG academic year. Furthermore, Training Sector Strategy. Col- array of interactive cooking vibrant simplicity to it,” said banking and office adminis- College with the University of this agreement will allow grad- laboration between various edu- stations featuring delicious tra- Bruno Hivon, General tration graduates. The Aberdeen to work collabora- uates to apply for degree pro- cation sub-sectors ensures stu- ditional Arabic and Interna- Manager, Crowne Plaza and agreement allows students to tively with existing higher edu- grams both here in Qatar and dents have diverse avenues tional favourites as well as a Holiday Inn Doha – The transfer into University of cation providers to help build in Scotland directly.” through which to gain lavish buffet spread that Business Park. Aberdeen in Qatar or to the Qatar’s knowledge economy in “This initiative provides knowledge and skillsets, and includes over 100 dishes. “We will continue to strive home campus in Scotland. line with H H the Amir’s vision. pathways for further and higher credentials in demand by the Traditional Middle Eastern for the best Ramadan expe- The articulation agreement We look forward to welcoming education for diploma grad- labour market,” said Samah specialties such as hot and cold rience by presenting an unfor- was signed yesterday at a cer- more graduates from CNA-Q uates, and is in direct alignment Gamar, Vice President Academic mezze, slow roasted lamb Ouzi gettable culinary experience emony at College of the North to our Doha campus in the next to Qatar’s Education and at CNAQ. with oriental rice and tasty combined with an alluring Arabic sweets and desserts are ambiance, genuine care and all on the menu. comfort.” Bruno added. Sohour will be no less To celebrate the debut of 2014-2015 special; a merging of hot and Al Masa Ramadan tent, guests cold delicacies along with a can enjoy a “Special Ramadan model Polaris selection of traditional Arabic Offer” for their stay in Holiday pastries using the highest Inn Doha – The Business Park bikes recalled quality ingredients to satiate that includes a double room those late night desires. and Iftar for two persons for DOHA: The Ministry of Al Masa Ramadan tent only QR499. The events team Economy and Commerce, in offers a family-friendly envi- can ensure personalised cor- collaboration with Protech ronment where kids are porate bookings of 50 to 300 Powered Sports Co., dealer of welcome and entertained with guests for both Iftar and Polaris bikes in Qatar, has special activities designed to Sohour in Al Masa Ramadan announced the recall of keep them busy while their tent. Polaris RZR XP 1000 and RZR XP4 1000 bikes models of 2014-2015 over potential defect in the heat shield. The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that bike dealers follow up on bike defects and Safari promotion winners repairs. The ministry said that it will coordinate with the Safari Win 10 Nissan Patrol Car Promotion’s second lucky draw was held at Safari Mall in Abu Hamour. dealer to follow up on the Saiful Islam Noor and Mehabub Rahiman received the keys of 2 Nissan Patrol cars from Safari Group maintenance and repair Chief Coordinator Shaheen Backar and Safari Hypermarket Showroom Manager Lince Sebastain. works and will communicate with customers to ensure that Holiday Inn Doha – The Business Park offers family-friendly the necessary repairs are Ramadan tent. carried out.

QU hosts lecture on ‘Climate Issues and Continued Life-long Learning’ THE PENINSULA (GSC) Director Dr. Mahjoob Education, Culture and On the sidelines of the Zweiri. Science, she put citizenship as event the 2018 class of ORYX DOHA: Qatar University (QU) Maria van der Hoeven part of the curriculum and GTL Student Award winners hosted a lecture on “Climate stressed the importance of organized the collaboration were recognized for their con- Issues and Continued Life-long being conscious and an between industry and schools. tribution to help build a Learning” delivered by Maria agent of change for a better She also noted that science is knowledge economy in Qatar. van der Hoeven, former world. She underlined the the starting point of research, Abdulqader Al-Khouzaam, Minister of Education, Culture global awareness of climate development, education and M.Sc. in Environmental Engi- and Science and Former change in the planet Earth economic growth. Maria van neering, and Shifa Shaikh, Minister of Economic Affairs pointing to the position of der Hoeven noted that the M.Sc. in Environmental Engi- at The Netherlands, and the United States regarding huge challenge of this century neering, who are both from Former Executive Director at this issue. is to ensure that energy tran- Qatar University, were rec- the International Energy She underlined the role of sition happens in a beneficial ognized in the Masters cat- Agency (IEA). politics as an instrument of and sustainable way for our egory, while Khalid Al Khoori, The event was attended by change and the importance future. Ph.D. in Sustainable Energy, QU Chief Strategy and Devel- of education referring to Dr. Darwish Al Emadi said: Hamad Bin Khalifa University opment Officer Dr Darwish Al- Nelson Mandela’s quote “It is a great opportunity for (HBKU), and Ms. Dhabia Al- Emadi and QU officials and “Education is the most pow- our students to get a face-to- Mohannadi, Ph.D. in Chemical Maria van der Hoeven (left), former Minister of Education, Culture and students, as well as represent- erful weapon which you can face meeting with Maria van Engineering, Texas A&M Uni- Science and Former Minister of Economic Affairs of The Netherlands, and atives of Oryx GTL and Gulf use to change the world”. der Hoeven. The topic of the versity, were recognized in Qatar University Chief Strategy and Development Officer Dr Darwish Al Intelligence. It was moderated She noted that during her discussion is extremely the top tier award section of Emadi, during the event. by QU Gulf Studies Center tenure as Minister of important and relevant to QU.” Ph.D. THURSDAY 10 MAY 2018 HOME / MIDDLE EAST 09 HIA opens two additional transfer points THE PENINSULA With its latest through the State of Qatar. We initiative, HIA can will continue to work together DOHA: Hamad International now ensure that at to achieve excellence in security Airport’s (HIA) commitment to in Qatar’s award winning providing a seamless transfer least 95 percent of its airport”. experience for its passengers and transfer passengers Saeed Yousef Al Sulaiti, Vice maintaining world-class queue for under five President of Airport Security at standards of security has led to minutes, which is HIA said: “At HIA, our goal is to an initiative to further improve ensure that our facilities and its transfer product. HIA has an industry-leading services provide our passengers increased security screening achievement. with a hassle-free journey. This capacity and reduced queuing can only be achieved when we time in its transfer areas. It has tackle key issues that passengers also further improved customer achievement. HIA exceeded this have, such as long waiting times service in the transfer areas, now mark during the month of April and queues. The project took a providing an industry-leading 2018, where out of the more than total of eight months to roll out customer service promise. one million transfer passengers and has been praised by a Qatar’s award-winning that were screened, 99.5 percent number of international security airport recently opened two queued for under five minutes. regulators ranging from those additional transfer points, To further enhance customer within the UK, US and New bringing the total to four separate satisfaction in the transfers areas, Zealand. HIA is recognized as transfer areas spread across the a new customer service and one of the safest airports in the north and south nodes of the ter- security training package has Baggage Screeing section at Hamad International Airport. world and continues to meet the minal, reducing walking times been introduced. The airport has highest standards of safety and to transfer areas for passengers had 500 of its staff undergo an Security team in close cooper- the one million customers to improve the security processes world-class security.” and increasing its overall security extensive and challenging six- ation with the Ministry of Interior screened in March, 90 percent at the airport to make it more HIA’s services for transfer screening capacity. week training program in order and Qatar’s Civil Aviation of the customers rated their efficient and customer friendly. passengers have also previously With its latest initiative, HIA to ensure high safety and security Authority. experience as either good or This is a great combined effort been recognized by the Skytrax can now ensure that at least 95 standards are met while simul- Passengers are also being excellent. by HIA, Qatar Civil Aviation World Airport Awards 2018 percent of its transfer passengers taneously providing exceptional given the opportunity to share Brigadier Essa Arar, Director Authority and the Ministry of where the five-star airport was queue for under five minutes, customer service. The screening their customer satisfaction of Airport Security Department Interior to improve the expe- honored as the World’s Sixth Best which is an industry-leading is being conducted by the HIA feedback then and there. Out of said: “We are constantly trying rience of passengers traveling Airport for Transit Passengers. Aster marks World Hand Hygiene Day

THE PENINSULA Assurance, spoke about the need and for supporting WHO Save Lives: Clean importance of Infection Control among Your Hands campaign which aims to DOHA: Aster DM Healthcare has healthcare professionals. progress the goal of maintaining a global marked the World Hand Hygiene Day World Hand Hygiene Day is an profile on the importance of hand with a series of activities. Four-day awareness program to increase hygiene in health care and to ‘bring long events were held at the Aster awareness and instances of effective people together’ in support of hand Hospital and Aster Medical Centers hand hygiene initiated by World Health hygiene improvement globally. with the support of Ministry of Public Organization globally. This year the Commenting on the initiative, Dr Health to enhance patient safety and campaign theme is “It’s in your hands - Sameer Moopan, Chief Executive officer, to spread awareness among healthcare Prevent Sepsis in Healthcare”. This Aster DM Healthcare- Qatar said, “At professionals, patient and family theme brings to light the need for a Aster Hospital and Medical Centers we members. greater focus on hand hygiene and ensure that strict compliance to the The final ceremony and gift distri- infection prevention and control pro- infection control protocols is maintained bution for various competitions were grams in the on-going global battle with zero tolerance to any errors. Aster held at Aster Hospital. Dhouha Ammar against antibiotic resistance. Hospital which was opened in Doha, Dhouha Ammar Hamdani, Infection Control Observer, and Dr Nahla Hassan Hamdani, Infection Control Observer, Studies have shown that although in the last one year has performed over Sharaf, representing MoPH, evaluating a poster competition related to World and Dr Nahla Hassan Sharaf, repre- compliance rates are improving, signif- 500 surgeries and we have been able Hand Hygiene Day, held at Aster Hospital. senting Ministry of Public Health; Dr icant percentage of health care workers to maintain 100 percent compliance Nazar Moopan, Medical Director and fail to consistently wash their hands to infection control protocols of MOPH healthcare service to the patients at in preventing infection in healthcare Chief Of Medical Staff - Aster DMH between patients. Most of studies has resulting in zero infection rates post the hospital and clinics. facilities. As a part of our commitment Qatar; Dr Kapil Chib, Chief Operating strongly correlated that the basic cause surgeries. The continuum and Commenting on the initiative, Dr toward community for spreading Officer - Aster Hospital; Dr Raghu K, of any disease is infection spread adherence to the principles by the Patel, said that Aster is committed to awareness we have educated more than Medical Director - Aster Hospital; Dr through the hands. doctors, nurses and paramedics has ensure quality and patient safety in 3200 students in last year. Mahesh Patel, Senior Manager, Quality Hamdani, appreciated Aster efforts helped us in delivering quality which hand hygiene play a crucial role Several foreign varsities attend ABP Fair Qatar Foundation to host THE PENINSULA talk by Tamer Almisshal

DOHA: Under the umbrella of Pre- THE PENINSULA University Education at Qatar Foundation, opportunity to facilitate thought- The Academic Bridge Program’s coun- provoking discussions and seling team organised a university fair DOHA: Qatar Foundation (QF) is encourage critical thinking, while inviting 21 universities from around the set to host a talk by Al Jazeera docu- challenging claims, decisions, and world. mentary filmmaker, Tamer assumptions.” Universities from countries including Almisshal, at Qatar National Library Tamer Almisshal is a Pales- the US, Hong Kong, Germany, and Swit- on May 13. tinian filmmaker and television zerland, offering a number of different Almisshal will talk about his journalist with years of experience majors, visited the LAS building in Edu- film, The Hidden Is More Immense, covering conflict and reporting cation City (ABP-EC), to meet with per- which explores the foiled coup from war zones. He has extensively spective students and inform them about attempt in Qatar in 1996. During covered the Palestine-Israel con- the educational opportunities they the discussion, which is open to the flict for Al Jazeera. He has also provide. public, Almisshal will shed light on worked for the BBC, and, in 2015 The event held at the ABP-EC campus his experiences during the making presented at #TEDxShujaiya; the was open to the public, apart from ABP of the documentary. An open floor first TEDx in the Gaza Strip. For students, school counselor’s, high school Q&A session will follow the talk. most of his life, he has been based students, and their parents attended. University Fair organised by the ABP highlighted education opportunities for students. Mayan Zebeib, Chief Commu- in Gaza covering Israel’s numerous Jacqueline Nottingham the ABP’s nications Officer, QF, said: “We are wars and incursions, as well as the counselor said: “Students should learn delighted to be hosting Tamer Alm- subsequent sieges. He has also about universities all over the world. It’s and grow.” Academic Bridge Program this year; the isshal. This event is just one covered the wars in Libya and Syria. not only about location, but it’s about the The Academic Bridge Program All Qatar University Fair was held on example of how we, at Qatar Foun- “With such a wealth of best fit for their comfort level, study organises many university fairs yearly the 16th of January, and was also open dation, constantly strive to provide knowledge, expertise, and expe- methods, and lifestyle choices. Majors of to insure students studying at the ABP to the public. In addition, students at the access to knowledge and infor- rience, we want to encourage the study, programs, and career discovery is are never in short of options and edu- Academic Bridge Program constantly mation, and, in doing so, work to whole community to attend Tamer just a small part of opening up the next cational opportunities. This is not the take advantage of university fairs and foster social engagement among the Almisshal’s talk at Education City,” phase of exploration for students to learn first large scale fair organized by the visits organized specifically for them. local community. This event is an said Zebeib.

Iraq to close airports and border crossings Palestine unveils plans for next week’s ‘Nakba’ rallies during election ANATOLIA Gaza Strip and in Arab villages continue their struggle and will when he unilaterally recognized Israel since March 30, when Pal- BAGHDAD: Iraq will close inside Israel -- will include sem- not abandon their right to an Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and estinians began holding open- its airports and border RAMALLAH: Palestinian organ- inars, marches and protests, independent state with East vowed to relocate Washington’s ended demonstrations to crossings for 24 hours during izers have announced the activ- according to Mohamed Alyan, Jerusalem as its capital”. embassy to the flashpoint city -- demand the “right of return” to Saturday’s election, the first ities planned for next Tuesday’s coordinator of the National Next week’s activities, he a move scheduled for next their homes in historical Pal- held since it defeated Islamic rallies, which will coincide with Committee for the Commemo- added, were also intended to Monday (May 14). estine from which they were State (IS) militants, the elec- the 70th anniversary of Israel’s ration of the Nakba. “express our rejection of the According to Alyan, May 15 driven in 1948. Since the rallies toral security committee establishment in 1948 — an event Speaking at a press con- recent US decision to recognize will also be a day of “confron- began some six weeks ago, at said. Arabs refer to as “The Nakba” or ference in Ramallah, Alyan said Jerusalem as Israel’s capital”. tation” with the Israeli army “in least 47 Palestinian demon- The shutdown will come “The Catastrophe”. the planned activities were Last December, US President all border areas”. strators have been killed and into effect at midnight The activities — which will meant to send the message that Donald Trump sparked an inter- Tension has mounted on the hundreds more —possibly thou- tomorrow. take place in the West Bank, the “the Palestinian people will national outcry Gaza Strip’s eastern border with sands — injured. 10 VIEWS THURSDAY 10 MAY 2018 Why Trump torpedoed ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN Obama’s Iran deal SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

JOHN HUDSON PHILIP RUCKER ACTING MANAGING EDITOR & THE WASHINGTON POST MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected] he lobbying campaign to save the Iran nuclear agreement was intense and took months. British TPrime Minister Theresa May raised the deal with President Trump in more than a dozen phone calls. French EDITORIAL President Emmanuel Macron pressed him on it during an elaborate state visit. So did German Chancellor Angela Merkel in a one-day work trip in April. Destination of choice But for Trump, the decision to torpedo one of President Barack Obama’s sig- ith ever-growing number of attractions, Qatar nature foreign policy achievements had has become a favourite destination in the effectively been made last October, national security adviser John Bolton Even as European leaders pressed Wregion for tourists from around the world. when he declared that Iran was not in told reporters Tuesday. “The president Trump with these arguments, the presi- The growth of Qatar’s tourism sector is founded on compliance with the deal and called on wanted to let all the efforts go forward, dent’s advisers reminded him over and concrete steps taken by government and Qatar Tourism European allies to negotiate better terms. and he did, right up until just a few days over again of what he had promised as a Authority in last few years. Even unjust blockade The foundation was laid even before the May 12 deadline.” candidate, according to another White imposed against Qatar in June last year has failed to earlier, in fact, as Trump declared the Unlike in October, Trump’s Cabinet House official. This is the same approach affect the trend. Iran accord one of the “worst” deals in put up little resistance to a decision many some advisers, including former chief The recent figures released by QTA regarding latest US history at his campaign rallies — viewed as a fait accompli, given the pres- White House strategist Stephen K. cruise season also paint the same picture as they even mocking its architect, former sec- ident’s March firing of two key Iran deal Bannon, took with Trump last year when indicate that a total of 65,675 visitors arrived on Qatar’s retary of state John F Kerry, as weak for defenders: Tillerson and national security trying to urge him to withdraw the United shores during 2017/18 season, marking a 39 percent having fallen off his bicycle during a visit adviser H R McMaster. In their place, States from the Paris climate accord. increase compared to the previous season. to Geneva for negotiations. For Trump’s Trump installed two hawks and staunch “One of the most powerful persuasion “To us cruise tourism is one of the most important longtime advisers, the only surprise in critics of the Iran deal: Bolton and Sec- tools that anybody could possibly have sectors that will help us excel and grow as a desti- Tuesday’s announcement shredding the retary of State Mike Pompeo. with Trump is to simply point out that you nation. “The probability of people visiting the desti- Iran deal was that it took the president “Everyone’s on the same page now,” said you were going to do this during the nation is 16 times higher that they visit Qatar on a 15 months to make. said one White House official, noting campaign,” the White House official said. cruise ship and they enjoy their experience,” Hassan This isn’t the first time Trump has that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, “I’ve seen it over and over again. He Al Ibrahim, Acting Chairman of QTA, said. had to decide whether to continue to whose department oversees economic shrugs his shoulders and says, ‘I told eve- The visitors were on board 22 cruise ships, 14 of waive sanctions against Iran. The first sanctions, also shared the president’s rybody this is what I was going to do.’ ” which were mega-ships. The cruise season, which ran two times, his State Department — then instincts to withdraw, even though In the first major foreign policy from October 2017 until led by Rex doing so was expected to have eco- speech of his campaign, in April 2016, April 2018, witnessed five Tillerson — nomic ramifications. Mattis, perhaps Trump outlined his opposition to the maiden voyages to Doha, advocated realising he was outnumbered after the Iran deal. For a man who sees much of made by MSC Splendida, waiving the ouster of Tillerson, refrained from life through the prism of winning and Mein Schiff 5, Crystal Sym- sanctions to aggressively rehashing his earlier oppo- losing, Trump said he saw no chance of phone, Europa 2 and provide sition, said the White House official who, winning without first walking away. The recent figures Crystal Serenity. The leaders of the European like others, spoke on the condition of The American architects of the Iran released by QTA The data collected by three European allies time to anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter. deal condemned Trump’s regarding latest QTA shows that most vis- governments issued address the In recent weeks, administration offi- announcement in unusually harsh cruise season itors aboard cruise ships a joint statement United States’ cials have been strategising over how to terms. Obama, who rarely reacts pub- this season were European, concerns manage the economic fallout, including licly to Trump’s actions, issued a lengthy also paint the with the largest portion saying they “regret” about the possible spikes in oil prices, and have statement calling Trump’s decision “a same picture as being German (44 percent, the American agreement prepared a number of contingencies, a serious mistake.” Kerry said the with- they indicate 20,275 visitors). Italian and decision and vowed and work on White House official said. drawal “breaks America’s word.” that a total of British visitors formed the to continue to abide fixes. Trump’s decision opens up a deep rift Former vice president Joe Biden said it second and third largest The with US allies in Europe who for months will “isolate the United States from 65,675 visitors groups respectively. In by the agreement. second time, have been locked in painstaking staff-level nearly every world power.” And former arrived on Qatar’s addition, more than 1200 Trump, as talks with their American counterparts, led CIA director John O. Brennan called it shores during Brazilians came to Doha on well as Vice- by Brian Hook, director of policy planning “foolish” and “dangerous.” board various cruise ships. President Pence, expressed skepticism at the State Department. The French, But within Trump’s orbit, the pres- 2017/18 season, QTA also conducted but were persuaded by the secretary of German, British and US delegations held ident was cheered for following through marking a 39 visitor satisfaction surveys state to give the Europeans more time. In monthly meetings in an effort to find on something he vowed to do as a can- percent increase throughout the season, the administration’s private talks, offi- common ground and avoid sparking a didate. In a statement designed to use compared to the which showed that 94% of cials said, Defence Secretary Jim Mattis new conflict in the Middle East. the foreign policy announcement to gal- cruise visitors were sat- agreed with Tillerson to explore the pos- On Tuesday, the leaders of the three vanize Trump’s supporters, campaign previous season. isfied with their overall sibility of a supplemental agreement that European governments issued a joint manager Brad Parscale said, “Over and visitor experience. The would extend the deal’s restrictions and statement saying they “regret” the over again, President Trump has proven same percentage con- curb Iran’s ballistic missile activity and American decision and vowed to con- that a promise made is a promise kept.” firmed they would recommend Qatar as a destination nuclear fuel production. tinue to abide by the agreement. Trump himself has felt confident that for family and friends. The president’s aides argued Trump’s decision to impose sanc- his decision to withdraw would not cause QTA’s projections show continued growth in the Tuesday that Trump gave US allies more tions on companies that do business global disruption — in part because of cruise tourism industry over the coming years. With than enough time to come up with terms with Iran, after a brief grace period, has experience. When he considered with- the completion of the Doha Port redevelopment, and he would find satisfactory, but many set off a scramble in European capitals drawing from the Paris climate accord the associated capacity increase which will allow the Europeans privately said that is disin- as they seek to protect their companies and moving the US Embassy in Israel to port to receive two mega-ships at once, Qatar is genuous because the president has long from punitive US measures. If European Jerusalem, some advisers warned that expected to attract 500,000 cruise tourists by 2026. said he intended to rip up the deal. companies stop all commerce with Iran, those moves would result in significant The number of tourists visiting Qatar is not limited “He didn’t get out of the deal until experts fear that Tehran may conclude upheaval in America’s relationships with to only cruise ships as the vacationers from across the now because he gave repeated opportu- that the deal is of little value and resume key allies, not to mention economic and world are choosing Qatar as a destination of choice to nities to try to fix the deal,” White House developing its nuclear program. security challenges. spend leisure time with quality. Recently, Director of Qatar Tourism Authority’s offices in China has said that number of Chinese tourists to the State of Qatar in the past four months reached about 20,000, a rise of 68 percent over the same period last year. South Africa looks to accelerate land redistribution

ANATOLIA Ramaphosa said in his men. Freedom Day speech in He resident Cyril the city of Bloemfontein. said Ramaphosa said The 24th anniversary Ramaphosa said that despite the social- his ruling African was marked of the coun- PNational Congress try’s Freedom Day, when economic challenges, his government was (ANC) needed to “intensify the first democratic and trying to eradicate poverty by providing QUOTE OF THE DAY radical economic trans- non-racial elections were social grants, access to health care and the formation”, which held on April 27, 1994, fol- The decision of US includes the expropriation lowing the dismantling of provision of houses to the poor. President to recognise of land without the white minority regime Jerusalem as the compensation. known as apartheid. there was a need to made, let us use this capital of Israel and to Earlier this year, the “So many of our transform the ownership, Freedom Day to affirm approve the transfer of South African parliament people still experience control and management our determination to the US embassy to it is adopted a motion to hunger, millions are still of the economy so that intensify the struggle for amend the constitution so unemployed, many still do black South Africans and economic freedom for all what encourages the as to allow the expropri- not have houses, elec- women were fully repre- our people,” he said. aggression of occupation, ation of land without tricity or clean water,” he sented and could equally He said that despite violence and tension. compensation. Most of the said. benefit. the social-economic chal- land in South Africa is Ramaphosa said there Many companies and lenges, his government Yousef Al Mahmoud owned by white nationals. were still huge gaps in businesses in South Africa was trying to eradicate Palestinian Authority “While we [ANC] have wealth and opportunity are still owned by white poverty by providing done much to address the between white and black nationals. “As we cele- social grants, access to Spokesperson racial and gender distor- South Africans. He added brate the freedoms we health care and the pro- tions of the past, so much there were also inequal- have achieved and the vision of houses to the more remains to be done,’’ ities between women and great advances we have poor. THURSDAY 10 MAY 2018 OPINION 11 New security arrangements for MENA region

reedom is indivisible; the more and more divisions and important. Implementing energy effi- more effectively and help the chains on any one of my conflicts. ciency measures and removing fossil industry mobilize much-needed people were the chains As Joost Hiltermann, the MENA fuel subsidies could curb demand in investment. The aim should be to on all of them, the chains Programme Director of Crisis Group, the region, manage expected increases improve market transparency by “F in expenditure on imports (for net on all my people were the chains on said in the first session of the con- developing more effective ways of me,” says Nelson Mandela in his auto- ference, “Outside powers have had importers) and free up resources to exchanging information, and co- ELIF SELIN CALIK biographical book Long Walk to multiple interests in the Middle East continue securing revenue from operating on policies to enhance ANATOLIA Freedom. Mandela takes the readers and North Africa: its stability, its exports, as well as achieve environ- the efficiency of the oil and gas by the hand and shows them that eve- hydrocarbon resources, individual mental goals.” sector. ryone is equally subject to oppression states’ forced allegiances with super- In the third session, “Energy and During the session, Kabariti and that liberation is a collective need. powers, its markets, and at times, its Security Challenges for the Middle addressed that issue by underlining Regarding this point that Mandela products and its labor.” Regarding East”, former Minister of Energy and the importance of achieving made, today people in the MENA this, we can look at the conflicts in the Mineral Resources of Jordan Malek mutually beneficial outcomes in the region need leaders who foster an MENA region and see many outsiders Kabariti made an important point that region. “Producing countries are as environment of freedom and liberty (the US, Russia, the EU and its member “in the region our major problem is to much concerned about security of rather than fear. states). There is a real danger in us not use properly and efficiently the demand as consuming countries Last Sunday, President of Al Sharq focusing on the deeper drivers of natural sources especially water. As are about security of supply. Forum Wadah Khanfar clearly these conflicts. Therefore, the out- the industrial revolution changed eve- Working together, consumer and pointed out the importance of pow- siders’ role and impact on how con- rything in the 19th century, ‘the green producer governments can erful leadership in the MENA region in flicts evolve must be understood from revolution’ will change everything in improve the mechanisms by which his keynote speech of the conference the perspective of interventionist and our region because the prices of oil we meet our common challenges. entitled “Towards New Security therefore destabilizing policies in the have been increasing. But, on the But they need to identify this The crisis in the Arrangements For The Mena Region” region. other hand, the prices of renewable objective as a priority and take the MENA region is organised by Al Sharq Forum and Energy and security challenges for energy is dramatically decreasing.” first steps,” he said. multi-dimensional AMEC. “There will be hope if we have the Middle East As stated during the His point is very crucial in that the We must admit that a stable and runs very proper leadership to transform the part of the conference on energy, the Middle East does not have any choice MENA region will invite broader region,” he said. He underlined the MENA region, which has some of the but to be successful in wielding engagement and provide a positive deep. Since the importance of authentic leadership to world’s largest fossil fuel-producing renewable energy because in the oil catalyst for regional cooperation Arab uprisings, the successfully guide new public man- countries, has been an important producing heart of the Middle East, despite the growing energy self- number of conflicts agement and public governance goals player in supply energy (mainly in the the investments we have seen in sufficiency of outside powers, has increased. But, and offered only one way of envi- form of oil and natural gas) to the renewables at increasingly reasonable whose aim is to get a slice of this sioning and constructing a real world. According to a report published costs are really game-changing. regional cake while the innocent the main problem balance for the future of the region. by Aramco, the MENA region has the Making investment in this area will nations are trying to build security is that the region’s “Leadership in a crisis situation is very largest proven natural resources glo- show that the region is following a in the region. lack of unity at its different from leadership in a time of bally, with 57% of the world’s oil and growing global trend. In conclusion, we can say that normal conditions. We have been in 41% of its natural gas. But, today we According to IRENA (International with no grand bargains or even birth has remained need of a proper leadership to see multiple challenges when it comes Renewable Energy Agency), one lasting local settlements in sight, the the leitmotiv transform the society and to resolve to energy in the MENA region. There is trillion dollar has been invested in distressing diagnosis is that the of its troubled the multiplying deep conflicts in the a massively growing demand from the renewable energy around the world world may face prolonged insta- existence, with its Middle East and North Africa since the countries of the region. and the sector has outpaced the bility in the MENA region, spread 2011 Arab uprisings”. According to Dr David Jalilvand investment in fossil fuel generation in over multiple battlefields, such as divisions inviting The crisis in the MENA region is from the Oxford Institute for Energy the last five years. In addition to that, Syria and Yemen. As it was stated more foreign multi-dimensional and runs very Studies, the MENA region is paradoxi- it would be worth mentioning that in during the sessions, the current set interventions, which deep. Since the Arab uprisings, the cally experiencing “energy security November 1896, Thomas Edison of intersecting conflicts worsened in turn generate number of conflicts has increased. But, challenges as countries struggle to uttered important words about future by external interventions bear some the main problem is that the region’s balance export revenues, domestic developments, such as renewable resemblance to the Thirty Years’ more and more lack of unity at its birth has remained consumption and power sector devel- sources of energy. He said, “I’d put my War of Europe, which was perhaps divisions and the leitmotiv of its troubled existence, opment. To address the challenges, money on the sun and solar energy. the first “world war” or appeared conflicts. with its divisions inviting more foreign demand- and supply-side resource What a source of power. I hope we that way to Europeans. interventions, which in turn generate management will be increasingly don’t have to wait till oil and coal run out before we tackle that.” The region definitely has things to learn from this prescient statement of Edison. As the MENA region is a rapidly growing energy consumer and the rise in regional energy con- D-RING ROAD sumption comes at increasingly POST BOX: 3488 greater economic costs, (also keeping DOHA - QATAR in mind that the rising oil prices in the [email protected] world markets, since the early 2000s, have raised the cost of imported oil) renewable energy options, such as EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE wind and solar energy, overlooked for TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 decades owing to nonexisting com- FAX: +974 4455 7758 mercial incentives, could offer the region a valuable energy alternative to MANAGING EDITOR fossil fuels. TEL: 4462 7505 On the other hand, deepening the dialogue between oil and gas pro- DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR ducers and consumers will enable all TEL: 4455 7769 energy players to handle uncertainty LOCAL NEWS SECTION TEL: 4455 7743

BUSINESS NEWS SECTION ANDREW CAWTHORNE & banners on stage. Crowds wave pic- only major political figure on the scene TEL: 4462 7535 FRANCISCO AGUILAR tures of his beaming mustachioed right now,” said Hebert Garcia, a visage, albeit sometimes with Chavez’s former general and minister who split REUTERS SPORT NEWS SECTION face floating above him. “Our com- with Maduro several years ago. TEL: 4455 7745 mander (Chavez) left us, but we must “So this election is like putting an carry on the fight, don’t leave me image in front of someone and saying ONLINE SECTION alone!” Maduro implored at a recent ‘choose’ — but there’s no one else to TEL: 4462 7501 rally. “Five years ago, I was a novice choose from!” he said from the United [email protected] Venezuela’s leader candidate. No more. Now I am a States, where he works as a consultant, mature president, ready, experienced, evading corruption charges by the PUBLIC RELATIONS with the balls to confront the oligarchy Maduro government. pushes own image TEL: 4455 7613 There are several other names on and imperialism.” Maduro’s approach [email protected] seems a bold one. Polls show the the ballot sheet — former state gov- defunct Chavez is still the most popular ernor Henri Falcon and evangelical in campaign ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT political figure by far, while the Christian pastor Javier Bertucci being TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 incumbent president’s own ratings the most prominent. But many oppo- FAX: 4455 7870 have sunk — along with Venezuela’s sition supporters see them as stooges [email protected] uring his 2013 presidential economy. and “collaborators” participating in a campaign, Nicolas Maduro Yet the strategy reflects Maduro’s sham to legitimise Maduro’s “dicta- CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT opened rallies with an emo- absolute confidence of winning a new torship.” Some polls actually give a lead TEL: 4455 7857 tional recording of Vene- six-year term. to Falcon, who broke with the main- [email protected] D stream opposition’s boycott of the vote. zuela’s national anthem sung by the And why not? The two most recently-deceased Hugo Chavez. popular opposition figures are barred But the widespread abstention SUBSCRIPTION & In a strategy that earned him a from the election, state resources are at anticipated, Maduro’s formidable DISTRIBUTION narrow victory, Maduro surrounded his service, loyalists control potentially political machinery, the vote-winning TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 himself with images of the popular pesky bodies like the judiciary and power of state handouts, coercion of FAX: 44557819 former president, played footage of his election board, and the opposition has government employees, and the pro- [email protected] socialist mentor anointing him as suc- split bitterly over whether to abstain Maduro makeup of the election board cessor, and proclaimed himself “the from the vote. make Falcon’s task Herculean. son of Chavez.” This time around, in a Furthermore, within the ruling As confident as Maduro may appear strangely unanimated presidential race “Chavismo” movement, Maduro out- right now on the political stage, his All thoughts and views boycotted by the mainstream oppo- maneuvered would-be rivals, such as Achilles Heel remains the economy. expressed in these columns Scarcity of food sition, Maduro has deliberately rele- powerful party No. 2 Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela is suffering a fifth year of are those of the writers, and medicines gated the Chavez props. to make his candidacy a fait accompli. recession with a double-digit con- Ignoring his personal unpopularity, Maduro’s consolidation of power began traction expected for 2018, inflation is not of the newspaper. is widespread, fueled by rising hunger and violent with the 2017 defeat of opposition pro- the highest in the world, and the and hundreds of crime as the oil-reliant economy tests, then a purge this year of former minimum monthly salary is worth All correspondence thousands have left implodes, the 55-year-old former bus Chavez loyalists critical of him, like barely $2 at the black market exchange regarding Views and the country in recent driver and foreign minister has placed former oil czar Rafael Ramirez. rate. himself front-and-center of the cam- Now Maduro wants to drive home Scarcity of food and medicines is Opinion pages should be years — increasingly paign for the May 20 vote. the advantage, trying to establish his widespread, and hundreds of thou- send to editor-in-chief by foot, bus and At rallies, he dances to a catchy reg- own brand above government power sands have left the country in recent office or mailed to the even bicycle. gaeton tune “Todos con Maduro” (Eve- struggles. years — increasingly by foot, bus and ryone with Maduro), amid huge ‘M’ “For good or for bad, Maduro is the even bicycle. [email protected] 12 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA THURSDAY 10 MAY 2018

Iran has drawn up Europe works to save Iran nuclear deal plan to cope with US withdrawal French President Macron and his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rowhani agree to seek REUTERS ‘continued implementation of nuclear deal’. BEIRUT: Iran has drawn up a plan to cope with America’s French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said withdrawal from the nuclear deal, Iran’s government the United States should not consider itself spokesman said yesterday, the world’s “economic policeman”. according to the Islamic Republic News Agency. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, France’s “The Management and Foreign Minister Le Drian, and the International Planning Organization of Iran have drawn up a plan Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) all said Iran was that is proportional to the honouring its commitments under the accord. conditions of America’s exit from the nuclear deal,” gov- ernment spokesman REUTERS Mohammad Baqer Nobakht undermine what he called “a hor- said. WASHINGTON/PARIS: rible, one-sided deal that should He did not give any Dismayed European allies sought have never, ever been made”. details on the specifics of the to salvage the international The fruit of more than a plan. nuclear pact and preserve their decade of diplomacy, the The Iranian government business with Iran yesterday after agreement was concluded in 2015 has assigned budgets to deal President Donald Trump pulled by the United States, France, Iranian women chant slogans during an anti-US demonstration outside the former US embassy with various scenarios related the United States out of the Britain, Germany, Russia, China headquarters in Tehran, yesterday. Iranians reacted with a mix of sadness, resignation and defiance to the nuclear deal, he said. landmark accord. and Iran. to US President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal, with sharp divisions among officials US President Donald “The deal is not dead. There’s It was designed to prevent on how best to respond. Trump’s decision to withdraw an American withdrawal from the Iran obtaining a nuclear bomb in from the nuclear deal will deal but the deal is still there,” return for the removal of sanc- hardliners in Iran’s political withdrawal, the RIA news agency appeared sceptical whether they lead to a loss of trust in the French Foreign Minister Jean- tions that had crippled its scene, at the expense of mod- said. could deliver, saying: “I don’t trust United States from the inter- Yves Le Drian said. economy, not least by Wash- erates like Rouhani who had Merkel said that, while the these three countries.” The national community, Nobakht Iranian Supreme Leader Aya- ington threatening to penalise pinned their hopes on the deal to existing deal should not be called chances of saving the deal said. tollah Ali Khamenei said: “Mr businesses anywhere in the world boost living standards in Iran, into question, there should be dis- without Washington depend “Today no country can Trump, I tell you on behalf of the that traded with Iran. with limited success so far. cussion of “a broader deal that largely on whether international coordinate their plan based Iranian people: You’ve made a Trump complained that the France’s Foreign Minister goes beyond it”. firms are willing and able to keep on the reliability that they will mistake... I said many times from deal, the signature foreign policy Le Drian, German Chancellor British Foreign Secretary trading with Iran despite the reach an agreement with the first day: don’t trust America.” achievement of his Democratic Angela Merkel and the Interna- Boris Johnson spoke of a “follow- threat of US sanctions. America,” Nobakht said. A government spokesman said predecessor, Barack Obama, did tional Atomic Energy Agency on agreement” but said it was In a sign of what may be in Iran’s President Hassan Iran had drawn up a response not address Iran’s ballistic missile (IAEA) all said Iran was hon- now up to Washington to come store, Trump’s ambassador to Rowhani, whose position proportional to Washington’s program, its nuclear activities ouring its commitments under up with concrete proposals. Berlin tweeted, within hours of could be weakened by a blow withdrawal. beyond 2025 or its role in con- the accord. Macron said he wanted a broader taking up his post, that German to Iran’s economy, struck a French President Emmanuel flicts in Yemen and Syria. “The region deserves better discussion with all relevant businesses should halt activities more pragmatic tone in a tel- Macron, who like other European His decision raises the risk of than further destabilisation pro- parties on the development of in Iran at once. French Finance evised speech, saying Iran leaders had lobbied Trump to deepening conflicts in the Middle voked by American withdrawal,” Iran’s nuclear programme after Minister Bruno Le Maire said the would negotiate with keep the agreement, urged his East, puts the United States at Le Drian said. The European 2025, when key elements of the United States should not consider European Union countries, Iranian counterpart Hassan odds with European diplomatic Union said it would ensure sanc- current deal expire, as well as itself the world’s “economic China and Russia. Rowhani in a phone call to keep and business interests, and casts tions on Iran remain lifted, as Iran’s ballistic missile programme policeman”. Britain, France and “If at the end of this short respecting the deal, and consider uncertainty over global oil sup- long as Tehran meets its and wider Middle East issues. Germany said they would do all they period we conclude that we broader negotiations. plies. Oil prices rose more than 2 commitments. Iranian officials will next could to protect their business can fully benefit from the Trump announced on percent, with Brent hitting a The Kremlin said Russian week meet counterparts from interests in Iran, yet it was unclear JCPOA with the cooperation Tuesday he would reimpose US 3-1/2-year high. The deal could President Vladimir Putin was France, Britain and Germany. how far they would be able to shield of all countries, the deal will economic sanctions on Iran to also strengthen the hand of “deeply concerned” by the But Iran’s Khamenei firms from US sanctions. remain,” he said.

President Buhari too unwell to govern: Nigerian opposition Yemen rebels fire 2 missiles at Saudi capital AFP AFP “unquestionably” fired at the heard in the city, according Masirah TV. Maliki accused in 2015, aimed at rolling back city “with the intention of to a photographer. Yemen’s the Houthis of firing the the Houthis and restoring the ABUJA: Nigeria’s RIYADH: Two ballistic hitting inhabited areas”, he Houthi rebels quickly missile from the northern internationally recognised main opposition missiles were fired at the added. claimed responsibility for Yemeni province of Saada government to power. party has said Pres- Saudi capital Riyadh Maliki blamed the attack attacking “Riyadh Dry Port and of “deliberately targeting The Huthis have in ident Muhammadu yesterday, according to the on “militiamen and ter- and other economic targets” populated civilian zones”. recent months intensified Buhari (pictured), is coalition battling rebels in rorists, vassals of Iran” who in the Saudi capital with He said such “hostile missile attacks against Saudi unfit to run the neighbouring Yemen who try to “threaten the security Burkan 2H ballistic missiles. action” proves the Arabia. country after he claimed the attempted attack. of Saudi Arabia, the region State-run Saudi Press Agency involvement of Iran in the The latest salvo came a again left for London Saudi Arabia’s air and the world”. said the country’s air Yemen conflict, repeating day after US President on medical grounds. defences “intercepted” one Earlier yesterday, Al defences hours earlier had Riyadh’s long-standing claim Donald Trump exited the The 75-year-old of the missiles, while another Ekhbariya state television also intercepted a ballistic that regional rival Tehran is Iran nuclear agreement, former military ruler crashed into a desert area said the country’s air missile targeting the supplying the Huthis with which he criticised for last year spent five south of Riyadh, coalition defences had intercepted the southern city of Jizan. ballistic missiles. excluding measures to curb months in London spokesman Turki Al Maliki two missiles over Riyadh. The rebels also claimed Saudi Arabia launched a Tehran’s ballistic missile seeking treatment for said. The missiles were Two explosions were the Jizan attack, via their Al military coalition in Yemen programme. an undisclosed illness that he said required mul- tiple blood transfusions. He flew out again on Tuesday, citing a request from his doctor, and pledged to be back in Nigeria on Saturday. But the Peoples Democratic Party Hezbollah and allies emerge (PDP) said in a statement it was an admission that he was “unwell, ailing and unfit to attend to state stronger from Lebanon vote matters”. The disclosure had “put to rest specu- REUTERS lation on the health status of the president, as well as his attendant inability to effectively govern”. The party also hit out at what it said were the BEIRUT: The heavily armed Shia movement Hezbollah “deception, lies and beguiling” of the president’s together with groups and individuals that are politically office about the head of state’s health. aligned to it won at least 69 of Lebanon parliament’s 128 Before the last election in 2015, the PDP — seats in an election on Sunday. then in power under president Goodluck Jonathan The result is a boost for the Iran-backed group, which — claimed that Buhari had terminal prostate declared it “a victory” for the “choice of the resistance”, a ref- cancer. Buhari rejected the assertion and claimed erence to its powerful arsenal that has been a major point of a leaked medical report showing he was being contention in Lebanon for years. Differences — and in some treated for the condition was faked. cases conflict - between some parties in the Hezbollah-aligned But with so many absences and uncertainty camp means it does not operate with unified goals in domestic about his condition, his health is likely to become politics, and Hezbollah does not see eye to eye with its allies a major issue as he seeks re-election in February on all issues. But for Hezbollah it has been politically vital to Israeli forces patrol the border with Lebanon, near Kfar Kila, yesterday. A deadly conflict next year. In particular, there will be questions have their support for its possession of arms, which it says are between Israel and Hezbollah erupted in 2006 and fears of an even deadlier and more about whether he will be able to manage months needed to deter Israel and - in more recent years - to protect of rigorous campaigning. devastating war have cast an abiding gloom over Lebanon. Lebanon from Islamist insurgents in Syria. Independent candidates get most votes in Tunisia’s municipal election REUTERS chance to establish decentralization an economy that is struggling. Bouhouchi said. The independent its secular partners in the party polled fewer votes cements and local governance. Tunisia is Some Tunisians have crossed by candidates do not act as a bloc national government. its importance as a governing TUNIS: Independent candidates hailed as the Arab Spring’s only sea to Europe illegally in search so their apparent victory may not “This result is a reward for partner. The major parties in Tunisia’s first free municipal democratic success because pro- of work while others have turned translate into a proportionate the new tolerant and democratic recorded hundreds of thousands election gained more votes than tests toppled autocrat Zine El to militant Islam. degree of control of the country’s Ennahda,” said party official Lofti fewer votes than in parlia- major parties Ennahda and Abidine Ben Ali in 2011 without trig- Independents got 32.2 350 municipal councils. Zitoun on Tuesday. Nidaa Tounes mentary elections in 2014, in part Nidaa Tounes, officials said citing gering major violence. percent of the vote, the Ennahda Ennahda presents itself as a official Borhan Bsais said the because of growing criticism preliminary results. But enthusiasm for demo- party 28.6 percent and Nidaa democratic Muslim party and on results “mean that the two over Ennahda and Nidaa Tounes, Sunday’s election is seen as key cratic change has turned to anger Tounes party 20.8 percent, Sunday it claimed victory and majors parties will still govern” which are governing coalition to a democratic transition and a over low living standards amid election commission official Riad said it will continue to work with and added that the fact that the partners along with other parties. THURSDAY 10 MAY 2018 ASIA 13 Modi ranked 9th among 75 most powerful in Forbes list Modi, who is ranked 9th and Ambani at 32, are the only two Indians on the Forbes World’s Most Powerful People list.

IANS

NEW YORK: Prime Minister Narendra Modi figures among the 10 most powerful people in the world in US magazine India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses an election Forbes’ 2018 list that is topped campaign rally in Bengaluru, India. Sporty spirit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, An Indian worker packs footballs ahead of the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup at a manufacturing unit while Reliance Industries (RIL) person, whether the candidate effort to tackle climate change, in Jalandhar, yesterday. Chairman Mukesh Ambani is the is powerful in multiple spheres as warming affects millions of only Indian businessman to and whether the candidates his country’s rural citizens,” it feature in the list of 75. actively used their power. said, adding that Modi “remains Modi, who is ranked 9th and Xi tops the list for the first hugely popular”. Ambani at 32, are the only two time, replacing Russian Pres- Ranking Trump in third Indians on the Forbes World’s ident Vladimir Putin, who drops position, the American mag- Home, `.5m for surrendering Maoists Most Powerful People list. to second place after being azine said he “has seen limited “There are nearly 7.5 billion named the most powerful success pushing his agenda IANS package is to help all those who hold high ranks in the hierarchy humans on planet Earth, but person in the world for four through a Congress controlled fell into the trap of the Maoists and will be given `.5m each, while these 75 men and women make years in succession. by his own party, is under inves- THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: and joined them. “But the reha- those in the other two categories the world turn. Forbes’ annual “Xi Jinping seizes the top tigation by multiple law The Kerala government bilitation package will have all would be given `.3m - in instal- ranking of The World’s Most spot for the first time ever after enforcement agencies, and can’t yesterday announced a package the necessary safeguards to ments. Apart from the instalment Powerful People identifies one China’s congress amended its shake off scandals arising from deal, including a house and ensure that there will be strict payments, special allocation of person out of every 100 million constitution in March, broad- his personal and business life - lump sum payment of up to monitoring as no one will be `25,000 would be paid to those whose actions mean the most,” ening his influence and elimi- but he’s still Commander in `.5m, for all those Maoists, who allowed to get away after getting who get married, `15,000 for Forbes said. nating term limits. He enjoys a Chief of the world’s greatest are willing to surrender and all the benefits. Through this those who wish to study and According to Forbes, to cult of personality not seen since economic and military power.” reintegrate themselves into the package we wish to see that `10,000 for three months would compile the list it considered Chairman Mao,” Forbes said. Earlier this year, Putin was re- mainstream. such people are gainfully be given to all those who attend hundreds of candidates “Modi has raised his profile elected Russia’s President for a This decision was taken at employed,” it said. vocational training to equip them- worldwide, from various walks as a global leader in recent years fourth term with nearly 77 the weekly cabinet meeting pre- The package has been for- selves to make them employable. of life, and measured their during official visits with US percent of the vote. sided over by Chief Minister mulated, based on the status of The package also includes a power along four dimensions of President Donald Trump and Xi “That’s the largest margin of Pinarayi Vijayan, a statement the surrendering Maoists, who payment of maximum of `25,000 whether the person has power Jinping. victory for any candidate for the issued by the Chief Minister’s have been divided into three for surrendering their AK 47 guns over lots of people, financial He has also emerged as a office since the fall of the Soviet office said, adding the main categories of A, B and C. and lower amounts for other resources controlled by each key figure in the international Union,” Forbes said. reason for coming out with this Category A are those who guns, rifles and pistols.

Two border BJP wants voting put off in RR Nagar constituency guards dead IANS lamination machines and many while the former has been doing where fake voter IDs were Munirathna “the kingpin”, Union in bomb blast voter ID cards were burnt before such activities. allegedly found, was “never Minister Sadanand Gowda also AFP Bengaluru: A day after 9,746 police reached the spot. Still they “This is biggest threat to rented” and belongs to Manjula demanded postponement of voter ID cards were seized from recovered around 1 lakh coun- democracy. This is subversion of Nanjundmuri, who has been voting in the constituency. a flat in Rajarajeshwari Nagar terfoils of Form-6. This shows a election. This is what Congress assosiated with Congress’s local “After investigations, the NEW DELHI: Militants Assembly constituency in deep conspiracy to derail free does. If it’s not getting real votes, MLA N. Munirathna. truth will be out. This election exploded a bomb yesterday Karnataka, the BJP yesterday and fair election,” it creates fake voters... It’s the “This flat was never let out. should be postponed and only outside an Indian paramil- accused the Congress of hatching Union HRD Minister and philosophy of Chief Minister Sid- So, she (Manjula) should also be then democracy will survive,” he itary headquarters in the a conspiracy to “derail” free and party’s in-charge for Karnataka daramaiah and Rahul Gandhi. arrested. All the proofs of call said. restive northeastern state of fare polls and demanded that polls Prakash Javadekar said . Voting must be immediately records and others must be State’s Chief Electoral Officer Manipur killing two soldiers, voting be postponed in the Raising a pointing finger at countermanded,” he said. forensically examined by the (CEO), Sanjiv Kumar, on late a force spokesman said. assembly segment in Bengaluru the Congress, he said the The BJP leader claimed that police and cyber crime Tuesday night said 9,746 voter No group immediately Urban district. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) the flat in Jalahalli area in the department,” Javadekar said. cards have been seized from a claimed responsibility for the “Five laptops, scanners and never indulges in such activities, Rajarajeshwari constituency, Calling Congress MLA flat in the constituency. attack on the Border Security Force (BSF) base in the state capital of Imphal. But dozens of tribal, nationalist and small Australia shows commitment rebel groups operate in the remote region near the to expand ties with India: Envoy Myanmar border. About a dozen paramili- IANS Australia’s commitment to India taries were taking part in an as a first tier partnership”. “The operation to check roads NEW DELHI: Following the opening of the Consulate outside the base when the Australian governments General in Kolkata will take the improvised explosive device decision to open a new total number of Australia’s dip- went off, a force spokesman Consulate General in Kolkata lomatic posts in India to four, said. and extend the Australia-India in addition to the High Com- Strategic Research Fund mission in New Delhi and Con- (AISRF), Australian High sulates General in Mumbai and Myanmar soldier Commissioner Harinder Sidhu Chennai.” “The Consulate said yesterday that this shows General in Kolkata will held with drugs her country’s commitment to strengthen bilateral trade, par- expand ties with India. ticularly in the mining and worth $3.6m Welcoming the announce- resources sectors. We look AFP ments that were part of the forward to strengthening our Asutralian national budget, engagement with West Bengal Sidhu said that this will “cement and surrounding states.” YANGON: A Myanmar soldier Big catch... and two others in northern Rakhine state have been A wild leopard looks out from a cage after it was caught on the outskirts of Siliguri in northeast arrested over a cache of CBI books 40 in candidate India, yesterday. The leopard was captured by forestry department officials after days of roaming methamphetamine pills in the area and causing concern for worried residents. worth $3.6m, authorities said, recruitment scandal in Army as a lucrative drug trade IANS Army but it was later found that courses through a region they were ineligible. The can- reeling from the army’s brutal LUCKNOW: The CBI has regis- didates in connivance with the expulsion of Rohingya tered a case against 40 persons touts, middlemen and uniden- Myanmar policeman, who said scribes Muslims. alleging irregularities in the tified official of Headquarter Army Private Aung Kyaw appointment of 34 ineligible Recruiting office in Lucknow were framed, details sting operation Naing and villager Aung Than candidates in the Indian Army got selected for the posts of sol- Htay were arrested at a REUTERS during a recruitment drive by diers for technical, general, sentenced to a year in jail for request for comment after the checkpoint in Rakhine’s Rath- its Headquarter Recruitment sentry, clerical and medical violating police discipline, gave hearing. edaung township on May 7 Office here in Uttar Pradesh in duty, the FIR said. YANGON: A Myanmar a blow-by-blow account of how Myanmar government with nearly 200,000 meth 2016-17. The CBI filed the FIR fol- policeman now serving a prison he says a police chief ordered spokesman Zaw Htay said: “It tablets, according to a In the FIR, the central lowing an April 19 complaint of sentence gave more details to a subordinates to give “secret” will be carried out according to Facebook post from the gov- agency named 40 persons, its own Inspector Pradeep court yesterday about how he documents to Reuters reporter the law. The court is free, ernment’s Information including candidates and uni- Kumar Singh who was part of says two Reuters reporters were Wa Lone in a sting operation. impartial, independent and Committee. dentified middlemen, accusing the investigation of the case framed by police, in what has “I gave the testimony as I reliable. We guarantee that the Police then searched the them of using forged docu- since December 12 last year. All become a landmark press know and as I saw,” Moe Yan defendants will have their own home of the villager’s mother ments during the selection the accused have been booked freedom case for the Southeast Naing told reporters after the rights, which means choosing and found eight massive bags process. The Central Bureau of under charges of criminal con- Asian nation. hearing. He said he did not their own lawyers etc.” The of stimulants on the top floor, Investigation (CBI) said the 34 spiracy, cheating, forgery, Police captain Moe Yan regret giving his testimony. court in Yangon has been amounting to a total of 1.7 candidates got selected and criminal misconduct and Naing, 47, who since his original Lead prosecutor Kyaw Min holding hearings since January million pills worth $3.6m, the even joined training in the hacking with computer system. testimony on April 20 has been Aung did not respond to a to take a call on this case. statement said. 14 ASIA THURSDAY 10 MAY 2018 World Bank denies Seven dead in Kabul suicide bomb blasts AP

Nawaz Sharif KABUL: Suicide bombers struck two police stations in Afghani- stan’s capital yesterday, killing at least seven people and laundered money wounding 17, officials said. Interior Minister, Wais Ahmad Barmak, said a total of INTERNEWS The bank’s denial has eight suicide bombers took part served a serious blow in the attacks, one of which was ISLAMABAD: In a blow to the to the credibility claimed by the Islamic State credibility of the anti- of NAB that took group and the other by the corruption watchdog, the World Taliban. Bank yesterday rejected the an extreme step of In the first attack, in western claim that its two-year-old launching money Kabul, the attackers hurled hand report on remittances levelled laundering inquiry grenades and blew themselves $4.9bn money laundering alle- against Sharif up, setting part of the station on gations against former Prime fire, Barmak said, adding that a Minister Nawaz Sharif. without first verifying third suicide bomber was shot The local office of the the facts. and killed by police. He said two Washington-based multilateral police were killed in the attack agency issued the press release and two police and a civilian hours after the National against Sharif without first ver- were wounded. IS claimed the Accountability Bureau (NAB) ifying the facts. The denial attack in a brief statement announced the launch of an would also give a major boost carried by its Aamaq news Police officers are seen after a suicide bomber blew himself up near to a Police station, foreign inquiry against Sharif into to the beleaguered former agency. embassies and government offices in central Kabul, Afghanistan, yesterday. money laundering allegations. prime minister who has been The second attack unfolded NAB yesterday spurred to complaining against ‘witch- in the city centre, where a security forces. The Taliban spokesman Wahid Majroh said suicide bombings claimed by IS action about two years after a hunting’ by NAB and courts. suicide bomber struck the claimed responsibility for the a total of seven people were last week killed at least 25 private TV channel alleged that The former prime minister, entrance to a police station in attack in a statement sent to killed and 17 wounded in the people, including nine jour- $4.9bn was laundered from who has been disqualified by order to clear the way for media. Najib Danish, spokesman attacks. nalists who had rushed to the Pakistan to India in 2016. the Supreme Court for con- another four bombers. Barmak for the Interior Ministry, said the Both the Taliban and IS fre- scene of the first attack. It was “In the past day, there have cealing facts, is already facing said “two or three” more violence ended after almost quently target Afghanistan’s the deadliest assault on been media reports citing the NAB references in an account- attackers were holed up in a seven hours. Western-backed government reporters since the fall of the World Bank’s Remittances and ability court. However, an nearby building, trading fire with Public Health Ministry and security forces. Twin Taliban in 2001. Migration Report of 2016. These inquiry into money laundering media reports are incorrect,” allegations would have created according to the World Bank. serious problems for him amid It added that the World global drive against money Italian woman Bank’s Remittances and laundering and terror financing. Earthquake rocks Afghanistan, Pakistan Migration Report was an effort The allegations might also ‘strangled to AP to estimate migration and create problems for the country. just across the border, in a districts in the northeastern remittances numbers across the The Financial Action Task Force remote part of Tajikistan. Takhar province of Afghanistan. death’ in Gujrat world. “The report does not has already decided to place KABUL: A magnitude 6.2 earth- A spokesman for Afghani- In Islamabad and Kabul, people AFP include any mention of money Pakistan on a list of the coun- quake rocked Afghanistan and stan’s disaster management fled their offices and homes and laundering nor does it name tries that financially support various parts of Pakistan authority, said two small recited verses from the Holy any individuals,” according to terrorism, with effect from June. yesterday, sending people racing children were injured when Quran in the streets. Earlier yes- ISLAMABAD: Pakistani the WB handout. The money laundering alle- out of buildings in the two their home collapsed and one terday, a magnitude 5.1 earth- police yesterday said an The bank’s denial has gations against the then sitting capitals and injuring at least 13 of them was listed in critical quake rattled parts of eastern Italian woman who died served a serious blow to the prime minister would have people and damaging dozens of condition. Abdul Razak Zinda, Pakistan, near the border with under suspicious circum- credibility of NAB that took an further weakened Pakistan’s homes in both countries. a senior official at a disaster Afghanistan. That quake caused stances last month was extreme step of launching case in the eyes of the interna- The US Geological Survey management agency, said 45 a stampede at a school in Bannu, strangled to death, in a case money laundering inquiry tional community. said the temblor was centred houses were damaged in three injuring at least 10 students. that made headlines in Italy over claims she was murdered in a so-called honour killing. Police in the eastern city 5 lawmakers leave of Gujrat launched an inves- tigation into the death of Sana Cheema — of Pakistani origin Australian Parliament and believed to have been in her mid-twenties — after allegations she had been murdered by relatives spread due to foreigner ban online. Her body was later exhumed and an autopsy per- AP British citizenship that she had formed, leading to the dis- inherited from her father. covery she had been brutally CANBERRA: Five Australian She had applied to assaulted. lawmakers were forced from renounce her British citizenship “It has now been con- Parliament yesterday in an and paid the British Home firmed that she was strangled ongoing legal wrangle over a Office an administration fee 32 to death. And according to the 117-year-old constitutional ban days before the July 2 election. report, her neck was also on dual citizens standing for But the Home Office didn’t reg- broken,” Irfan Sulehri, a election. ister that she was no longer senior police officer in Gujrat Five by-elections that will British until August 16. said. A second police officer result from the latest turmoil The court ruled unani- from Gujrat, Waqar Gujjar, create opportunities for Prime mously yesterday that the confirmed the findings of the Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s senator was disqualified. forensics report. Quake memorial conservative coalition to But an independent law- increase its single-seat majority maker and three Labor legis- The destroyed Xuankou Middle School, the memorial site for the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, in in the House of Representatives, lators quit the House of Repre- Yingxiu near Beichuan in Sichuan province. where parties need a majority sentatives on the strength of the Taliban advance to govern. ruling because of complications on Bilchirgh But a firmer grip on power or delays in ridding themselves could be short-lived, with Aus- of British citizenship. district compund tralia facing a general election All four said they would run AP within a year and potentially as again at by-elections that could China stealth fighter conducts drills over sea early as August. be held as early as June 16. Opposition Sen. Katy Gal- Another Labor lawmaker also KABUL: Taliban insurgents AP Senior Col. Shen Jinke posted to US F-22 and F-35. With its lagher became a test case in the recently quit for family reasons, have advanced on a district the service’s microblog. He stealthy capabilities, speed and High Court in its interpretation and a by-election for his elec- compound in northern BEIJING: China’s homebuilt called that a “further upgrade of maneuverability, it potentially of the ban on dual nationals torate will likely be held on the Afghanistan, officials said J-20 stealth fighter has the air force’s combat capabil- represents a major upgrade to being elected to Parliament. same date. yesterday, with one reporting conducted sea training for the ities.” China said in February Chinese air power. The ban had already ended the The court had ruled in the capture of the district by first time, the air force said that the plane had obtained Though developed domes- careers of nine lawmakers last October that a dual national the insurgents and another yesterday. initial operational capability and tically, the J-20 is believed to year. Gallagher had argued that could be elected to Parliament saying heavy fighting was still The recent mission took the was being introduced into have initially relied on Russian although she was a dual only if a foreign law created an underway. plane or planes out to sea for combat units. First flown in 2011, engines for propulsion due to national when she was elected insurmountable obstacle to The battle for the com- drills under “actual war condi- the J-20 is China’s answer to manufacturing problems in in 2016, she had taken all rea- renouncing that second citi- pound in the Bilchirgh dis- tions,” air force spokesman fifth-generation jets such as the China. sonable steps to renounce the zenship, Porter said. trict, in the northern Faryab province, came a day after the insurgents captured the dis- trict compound in the remote Tala wa Barfak district, in the Australia hikes aid in Pacific as China pushes for influence northern Baghlan province. The Taliban have captured AFP commitment to the Pacific — to Canberra and other regional —said Beijing wanted to establish national income despite a sig- several districts in different fund projects including an capitals have become increas- a permanent military base in nificant boost to government parts of the country from SYDNEY: Australia is refo- undersea communications cable ingly alarmed at China’s push Vanuatu. The extra Aus$200m revenues from a pick-up in com- Afghan security forces since cussing its foreign aid to Papua New Guinea and the into the Pacific which could in aid, which will also go towards modity prices and employment 2014, when the US and Nato programmes in a move to win Solomon Islands. potentially upset the strategic a new High Commission in growth. “This budget was an formally concluded their hearts and minds in the island The government said the balance in the region. Tuvalu, means the Pacific now opportunity to show leadership combat mission and shifted nations of the Pacific, as an reorientation of its aid priorities, Australia’s Lowy Institute represents some 30 percent of and use some of the unexpected to a supporting role. increasingly assertive China revealed in a budget on Tuesday, estimates China provided Canberra’s total aid budget, revenue to repair past damage Mohammad Hashim, a flexes its muscles in the region. reflected “the fundamental US$1.78bn in aid, including con- which stood still at Aus$4.2bn. to aid,” said Marc Purcell, Chief member of parliament from The country has pledged importance to Australia of the cessional loans, to Pacific nations Aid agencies were quick to Executive of the Australian Faryab province, said the more than Aus$1.3bn (US$970m) stability and economic progress between 2006-16. And reports criticise the freeze in overall aid Council for International Taliban captured the district —its largest ever aid of Pacific island countries”. last month — which were denied funding, at just 0.23 percent of Development. headquarters in Bilchirgh, THURSDAY 10 MAY 2018 ASIA / EUROPE 15

Philippine Chief North Korea frees American detainees Justice returns to office amid AFP The family of Tony Kim Trump and North Korean leader support for South Korea, where ouster moves voiced their gratitude to “all of Kim, scheduled to take place 30,000-plus US military per- AP WASHINGTON: North Korea those who have worked toward within weeks. sonnel are stationed. has freed three American Pyongyang granted and contributed to his return Trump said a time, date and Since coming to office Trump detainees, President Donald home” — and specifically location have been decided for has embarked on a campaign of MANILA: The embattled Phil- Trump announced yesterday, the three men thanking Trump for “engaging that historic summit, although “maximum pressure” on the ippine Chief Justice returned hailing a diplomatic victory “amnesty,” a US directly with North Korea.” US officials said there are still North Korean regime. to office yesterday after ahead of a planned summit with official said, and they “Mostly, we thank God for some details to be worked out. A series of provocative North taking two months of leave Kim Jong-Un. are now on their way Tony’s safe return,” the family Pompeo told reporters the Korean missile tests have been amid efforts by President Pyongyang granted the three said in a statement. “We ask that administration would “in the met with US sanctions and a Rodrigo Duterte’s adminis- men “amnesty,” a US official back to the United you continue to pray for the next handful of days be able to tougher Chinese stance on cross tration to oust her from the said, and they are now on their States with Secretary people of North Korea and for announce date and time.” border trade. Supreme Court. way back to the United States of State Mike Pompeo. the release of all who are still Possible locations include Officials in Washington Chief Justice Maria with Secretary of State Mike being held.” Singapore and the Demilitarized believe the punitive economic Lourdes Sereno “is deter- Pompeo. Trump, meanwhile, Zone that separates North and measures have prompted fuel mined to see this through to Two of the men, agricultural good health,” Trump tweeted. described the release as “a South Korea. shortages in North Korea and the bitter end. No backing expert Kim Hak-song and former The White House said all gesture of good will” and said he The meeting will discuss increased tension inside the out,” her spokesman and professor Tony Kim were three men were able to walk would be on hand when Pom- North Korea’s nuclear and bal- regime. lawyer Jojo Lacanilao said as arrested in 2017, while Kim unassisted onto a US Air Force peo’s three “guests” land at listic weapons programme, North Korea official Kim Sereno returned to work in Dong-chul, a South Korea-born plane that carried them and the Andrews Air Force Base outside which may soon give Pyongyang Yong Chul, who met Pompeo in defiance of calls for her to American businessman and secretary of state out of North Washington tomorrow. the capability of striking the con- Pyongyang, insisted the coun- step down. pastor in his 60s, was sentenced Korea. Trump acolytes declared the tinental United States. try’s openness to talks was “not Sereno is facing an to 10 years’ hard labor in 2016. A second plane, with more release an unbridled political Trump has demanded that the result of sanctions that have impeachment bid in the “I am pleased to inform you robust medical equipment, victory, evidence, Vice-President North Korea give up its nukes, been imposed from outside,” but House of Representatives, that Secretary of State Mike waited for them at Yokota Air Mike Pence said, that “strong while Kim has offered few indi- a change in regime focus. which is dominated by Pompeo is in the air and on his Force Base, just outside Tokyo. leadership and our America First cations about what he is willing “We have perfected our Duterte’s allies, but Solicitor- way back from North Korea with “All indications are their policies are paying dividends.” to concede or what he will nuclear capability. It is our policy General Jose Calida has sep- the 3 wonderful gentlemen that health is as good as could be The men’s release appears demand in return. to concentrate all efforts into arately petitioned the everyone is looking so forward given they been through,” said to pave the way for a much- North Korea has often economic progress in country,” Supreme Court to remove to meeting. They seem to be in Pompeo. anticipated summit between insisted that the US withdraw he said. Sereno for allegedly failing to file statements of assets and liabilities in past years, a charge she denies. US & Philippine troops Five policemen storm ashore in drills among dead in AFP the security equation,” political analyst Victor Andres Manhit W Java prison riot SAN ANTONIO: US and Phil- said. ANATOLIA ippine troops stormed ashore Though the bulked-up from the disputed South China manoeuvres — including a live- Sea yesterday for military exer- fire component that was dropped JAKARTA: Indonesian author- cises that President Rodrigo last year — took place on a naval ities yesterday confirmed five Duterte had promised to scrap, base just 180km east of the Fil- police officers and an inmate but quietly allowed to carry on. ipino-claimed Scarborough were killed in a prison riot on The decades-old tradition Shoal that China has controlled Tuesday night in West Java. appeared headed for the history since 2012, the drill’s leaders “We can confirm the books last year as a newly- barely mentioned Beijing. incident led to several casu- elected Duterte pivoted toward “We are an island nation. alties. Six people died over the China — and away from long- That’s why we need to improve course of events. Five of them time ally the US. our capabilities on amphibious were our colleagues and one But the number of troops operations,” Philippine Major- victim was an inmate we taking part in the drills has General Emmanuel Salamat said. were forced to neutralise as increased by a third from last “We’re not concerned about A US Marines Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) driving past Philippine Marines as they simulate an he attempted to grab an year to 8,000, a return to figures Scarborough. We’re concerned amphibious landing as part of the annual joint military exercise at the beach of Philippine Navy’s officer’s weapon,” national seen in years past when the exer- about what we’re doing here.” training camp, in San Antonio, Zambales, yesterday. police spokesman cises served as a thinly-veiled China claims most of the Muhammad Iqbal said. deterrent to a rising China. South China Sea, a strategic Chinese trade and investment. Analysts said Philippine ippine leader Gloria Arroyo. According to reports, the The reason for Duterte’s waterway believed to harbour He has also cut two major Defence Secretary Delfin US Marine Lieutenant- standoff developed into a change of heart on the two-week significant oil and natural gas annual naval exercises with the Lorenzana, a retired general and Colonel Daniel Gaskell, who took hostage situation between drills codenamed “Balikatan”, or deposits, but their assertion was US and last year reduced the ex-defence attache to Wash- part in the landing exercise yes- inmates and prison officials at “Shoulder-to-Shoulder”, may be ruled illegal in 2016 after Balikatan contingent to 5,400 ington, and other advisers had terday, sidestepped media ques- the National Police’s Mobile down to what experts see as Duterte’s predecessor Benigno American and Filipino troops. helped moderate Duterte’s tions on Duterte’s anti-US claims. Brigade Mako Brimob careful efforts by the Filipino Aquino filed suit before an inter- The renewed ramping up of position. “We are welcomed here, detention centre, which houses military to restrain their unpre- national maritime tribunal. the US-Philippine war games “He (Lorenzana) could walking in the airport, imprisoned IS militants. dictable president. Duterte has since reversed coincides with improving ties handle, in a very effective way, throughout your country, (but Police officer Iwan Sarjana “The fact it’s being done course and set the ruling aside, with Washington under Pres- most of the president’s biases also) by the Filipino armed forces was reportedly held captive by under this administration means along with long-simmering ident Donald Trump, who has without ruffling feathers,” said who we’ve interacted with,” he prison inmates and the police they (Duterte’s government) now friction over competing claims said drug dealers should face the Roilo Golez, a former national said. “So we’re really happy to were allegedly in negotiations have a better understanding of to the waters, in order to court death penalty. security adviser of former Phil- be here.” to defuse the situation.

Woman dies after Liquid chocolate spills onto Polish highway emergency call Italy’s populists seek AFP highway A2 between the closed down the highway. mocked in France western towns of Wrzesnia and A cleaning crew armed with last-gasp govt deal WARSAW: A tanker truck Slupca. shovels, an excavator and hot AFP BLOOMBERG turned a stretch of highway into After flipping over, the water pressure washers have break with former premier Poland’s sweet spot when it spilt tanker came to rest across lanes begun chipping away at the Berlusconi. STRASBOURG: French 12 tonnes of liquid chocolate and the chocolate barred traffic chocolate that turned rock solid ROME: Italy’s populists made Mattarella had been authorities have opened an after crashing through a traffic in both directions. The driver in the open air. a last-ditch effort to form a expected to name the premier inquiry into the death of a barrier. was hospitalised with a broken “It will take several hours,” government together, asking of what he calls “a neutral gov- young woman just hours after Local police said it was arm. local firefighter chief Bogdan President Sergio Mattarella to ernment” as early as yesterday her distress call to emergency unclear why the truck belonging Passing vehicles left choc- Kowalski said. delay by 24 hours his plan to after political parties failed to services was mocked by the to a candy maker slammed into olate tire marks across several “Once it hardens, choco- appoint a non-partisan premier. agree on a ruling coalition in operator, prompting a public the central reservation on kilometres before authorities late’s worse than snow.” Luigi Di Maio of the anti- two months of negotiations outcry. establishment Five Star since inconclusive March 4 Naomi Musenga, 22, Movement and Matteo Salvini general elections. dialled France’s emergency of the euroskeptic League met Di Maio said early yes- dispatch number in December yesterday at the Rome par- terday: “It’s not a veto on Ber- last year complaining of strong liament, according to two law- lusconi; it’s a wish to talk to the stomach pains. makers who declined to be League. Full stop.” He said “we In a recording of the named discussing confidential want to form a government three-minute call obtained talks. A senior League official with two political forces and not only recently by her family, confirmed in a text message four,” in remarks cited by Musenga’s voice can barely that Salvini and Di Maio met. newswire Ansa. be heard as says “It hurts all The two parties notified Renato Brunetta, a senior over” and “I’m going to die...” Mattarella that “talks are under lawmaker with Berlusconi’s “You’re going to die, cer- way to reach a possible gov- Forza Italia, said the center- tainly, one day just like eve- ernment accord, and that to right alliance could be pre- ryone else,” the female pursue this they need 24 hours,” served even if the League and operator responds. She is also the presidency said in an Five Star form a government heard mocking Musenga’s emailed statement. without the ex-premier’s party. complaints with a colleague, Mattarella granted the “If they want to form a gov- before telling the victim to request, a senior state official ernment, let them do it,” he call a doctor for a house visit. said in a text message. said. “The alliance remains Five hours later Musenga Five Star has offered to because it’s worth a great deal again calls the emergency govern with the League, which to us, but no one can ask us to services, which finally dis- leads a center-right alliance, do more than that.” patch the ambulance that but has insisted on the League The March 4 elections brings her to a hospital in breaking with its junior ally, resulted in a hung parliament, Strasbourg, eastern France. Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia with the center-right bloc Hot chocolate poured out over the A2 highway between Wrzesnia and Slupca near Poznan, western But she died shortly after party. ahead of Five Star but both Poland, yesterday. arriving from a heart attack. Salvini has so far refused to short of a majority. 16 EUROPE THURSDAY 10 MAY 2018 UK unveils post-Brexit security plans with EU AFP and has also raised the question of Galileo’s use of Britain’s LONDON: Britain outlined its overseas territories as moni- proposals yesterday for close Being frozen out toring bases. security cooperation with the EU The Times newspaper after Brexit, but these risk being due to security meanwhile reported yesterday undermined by the bloc’s refusal concerns could that the government is looking to share sensitive data on the have implications at ways to ban British-based Galileo satellite project. technology companies from Prime Minister Theresa May for the rest of transferring sensitive infor- has called for a deep trade and the partnership, mation overseas. security relationship with the government Elsewhere, the document set Brussels after Britain leaves the document warns. out plans for a new treaty European Union in March 2019, allowing Britain to continue and hopes to have a deal agreed using EU internal security in principle by October. operational in 2026. measures such as the European A document presented to the Being frozen out due to Arrest Warrant, participate in Russian servicemen driving Koalitsiya-SV self-propelled Howitzers during the Victory Day parade, European Commission last week security concerns could have agencies such as Europol, and at Red Square, in Moscow, Russia, yesterday. and published yesterday outline implications for the rest of the continue the swift and secure plans for a treaty on internal partnership, the government exchange of data and criminal security and models of cooper- document warns. records. ation on foreign policy and in “The arrangements for any Britain also wants to agree Russia shows off military might at parade defence operations. UK cooperation on Galileo are ways to allow it to contribute to AFP But officials have been taken an important test of the depth EU defence missions on a case- will be sacred for every family,” aback by Brussels’ decision to of operational cooperation and by-case basis, as well as defence Putin said, greeting a watching deny London access to information-sharing envisaged research projects and defence MOSCOW: Russia rolled out its crowd including veterans encrypted signals from the EU’s under the security partnership,” planning. latest military hardware on decked out in medals on a bright Galileo satellite navigation it said. It points to the common Moscow’s Red Square yesterday sunny morning. system, citing legal issues about It demands continued threats faced by all European for the annual parade to mark Around 1.6 million people sharing sensitive information British access to the secure countries, from terrorism to Soviet victory over Nazi recognised as World War II vet- with a non-member state. signal and a right to compete for illegal immigration, cyber Germany as President Vladimir erans are still alive in Russia, the Britain played a major role contracts. threats and aggression, which Putin (pictured) begins his labour ministry said. in developing the $12bn project, Britain is looking into devel- has been blamed for a March fourth Kremlin term. Putin poured scorn on those, an alternative to the US’ GPS oping its own, separate system chemical weapons attack in the “Our people fought to the who he said, are trying to which is expected to be fully if the EU maintains its position, English city of Salisbury. death. Not one country faced “rewrite history” and downplay such an invasion,” Putin said in the Soviet Union’s role in over- a speech as veterans and some coming the Nazis. 13,000 troops marched past in The major new equipment “Today people are trying to Migrants rescued in Berlin court upholds teacher’s a perfectly choreographed mil- on display included a Terminator erase the feat of our people in itary spectacle marking 73 years tank designed to be used in war saving Europe from slavery, Greece after being since victory in World War II. zones involving nuclear weapons from extinction, from the headscarf ban in classroom Much of the new military and weapons of mass destruction, horrors of the Holocaust,” Putin AP held hostage wasn’t unconstitutional. equipment on display has been and a MiG-31 supersonic inter- warned, saying they are trying It noted that the teacher had tested out in Syria, the defence ceptor jet carrying a high-pre- to “forge, rewrite and misin- AP BERLIN: A Berlin court has agreed to follow the neutrality ministry said. Altogether the cision Kinzhal (Dagger) missile. terpret the events of the war.” ruled that a law prohibiting a law when she was hired. parade featured 159 types of Putin presented the Kinzhal “We won’t ever let them do THESSALONIKI: Greek teacher from wearing a head- Such bans are decided on a hardware including 75 missile system in March during this.” police said yesterday they had scarf in a public school doesn’t state level in Germany and in aircraft. his state of nation address, He watched the parade rescued 50 migrants who had violate her constitutional right 2015 the Federal Constitutional For the first time, the parade saying it could “overcome all alongside Israeli PM Benjamin been held hostage in northern to religious freedom. Court on appeal struck down a included drones, which were existing and, I think, prospective Netanyahu, with whom he was Greece, allegedly by two The dpa news agency law in North Rhine-Westphalia wheeled across the square on air and missile defence systems.” set to hold a meeting later yes- Pakistani men who were reported that the Berlin labour that forbade headscarves, but trailers, as well as a de-mining A pair of SU-57 stealth terday, as well as Serbian Pres- extorting their families for court ruled that the city-state’s exempted “Christian and robot used by the military in fighter planes, a fifth generation ident Aleksandar Vucic. The money. so-called neutrality law Western educational and cultural Syria’s Palmyra and Aleppo and jet reportedly tested in Syria, national leaders later took part Many of those rescued, banning all religious clothing values or traditions” from its ban. an unmanned tank. There was also took part in the flypast. in a ceremony with Putin at the who included five teenagers, for public teachers, police The Berlin court ruling can even a snowmobile to be used “This is a holiday which has Memorial to the Unknown were in bad physical con- officers and judicial employees be appealed. by Arctic units. always been, is now, and always Soldier by the Kremlin walls. dition, having been given minimal food and water. One man required hospitalisation for pneumonia and dehydration. Germany approves new migrant reunification rules The migrants — 38 Paki- REUTERS stanis, 10 Bangladeshis and said the draft law was a “respon- applicants in Germany, many of two Sri Lankans — had been sible balance” between the gov- whom have been granted sub- held in a complex of aban- BERLIN: Chancellor Angela ernment’s duty to keep families sidiary protection. doned buildings east of the Merkel’s cabinet agreed on rules together and the authorities’ The new rules, to go through city of Thessaloniki, where yesterday to allow a limited capacity to cope with large parliament in coming weeks, most had been brought six number of family members to numbers of migrants. envisage a degree of flexibility days ago, although some were join migrants in Germany, “In this difficult area, we in the first five months. more recent arrivals. ending a long-standing dispute (coalition parties) have shown If a full contingent of 1,000 Authorities were alerted between the parties in her two- that we can work effectively people is not used, spare places to their plight by relatives month old right-left coalition. together to steer and manage can be carried over to future who received demands for The issue had dogged rela- migration and also to set limits.” months. This was a compromise money for them to be tions between Merkel’s conserv- More than 1.6 million to accommodate the SPD’s released. ative bloc and the Social Demo- migrants have arrived in demand for permanent flexibility, Two men were arrested crats (SPD) in the coalition talks Germany since 2014, many which the conservatives rejected. on suspicion of kidnapping and in government. There are fleeing wars in the Middle East, People with a criminal and blackmail, among other also divisions among the con- causing concern about inte- record or viewed as a potential charges, and were to appear servatives, with the Bavarian German Justice Minister Katarina Barley (left) with German Interior gration problems in Germany, security threat will not be before a prosecutor later in CSU taking a harder line than Minister Horst Seehofer (right) during the weekly cabinet meeting Europe’s biggest economy. entitled to reunifications. the day to be formally Merkel’s CDU. at the Chancellery, in Berlin, yesterday. Under pressure to limit new However, in a controversial charged. Under the new rules, 1,000 arrivals, Merkel’s government move, exceptions have been The rescued men told close relatives of people with can move to Germany per month minors and the parents of suspended family reunions in granted for individuals who had police they had each paid ‘subsidiary status’, who enjoy a on humanitarian grounds from minors. March 2016 - a move that espe- previously been under suspicion between $1,780 to $3,600 to lesser degree of protection than August. Interior Minister Horst See- cially affected Syrians, the but have since reformed and be smuggled into Greece. those granted full refugee status, This applies to spouses, hofer, a Bavarian conservative, biggest group of asylum work with authorities. Legoland sets up royal wedding replica Macron to get Charlemagne Prize for European vision REUTERS castle, surrounded by 500 REUTERS spectators, recreating the real in the early ninth century. LONDON: Attraction park life procession that is planned The French leader Legoland has unveiled a mini- for the big day on May 19. PARIS: Emmanuel Macron will impressed the prize committee ature model of this month’s The scene is completed by become the second sitting with his “vision of a new Europe royal wedding of Prince Harry miniature models of Queen French president to win the and the re-establishment of the and Meghan Markle at Elizabeth and the Duke of prestigious Charlemagne Prize European project”. In their Windsor castle, built by a Edinburgh along with best for offering a “vision of a new citation, they call Macron “a team of 11 model-makers who man Prince William, his wife Europe”, and Germany’s Angela head of state with a claim to used almost 60,000 pieces of Kate and their children Prince Merkel will deliver the official European leadership”. Lego bricks. George and Princess Char- speech commending his efforts. Francois Mitterand was the The replica includes a lotte, and Meghan Markle’s Macron will receive the last sitting French president to 60-brick Markle in her parents. award - given out annually since receive the award, winning it wedding dress and veil, with Lego said the wedding 1950 - at a ceremony rich in sym- jointly with German Chancellor Harry by her side. scene replica, which took 752 bolism in the Coronation room Helmut Kohl in 1988. The couple are riding in a hours to build, will be on per- of Aachen town hall in Germany. Merkel has demonstrated brick-built carriage being manent display at its theme Aachen was the residence of her personal esteem for Macron A Lego display shows Britain’s Prince Harry (left) and bride-to-be US drawn by horses along park, just 5 km from the real Charlemagne, often called the in agreeing to deliver the “lau- actress Meghan Markle in their carriage for their wedding day procession Windsor Great Park’s Long Windsor castle to the west of “father of Europe”, who managed dation”. She herself received at Legoland, in Windsor, yesterday. Walk towards the London. to unite much of western Europe the prize in 2008. THURSDAY 10 MAY 2018 AMERICAS 17 US & allies to address Iran deal shortcomings

AFP backing, is now in a minority among the president’s increas- WASHINGTON: The United ingly hardline coterie of close States will keep working with We will continue to aides. allies to prevent Iran from Along with former secretary obtaining nuclear weapons, work alongside our of state Rex Tillerson and former Defense Secretary James Mattis allies and partners national security advisor HR said yesterday, a day after Pres- to ensure that Iran McMaster, as well as chief of staff ident Donald Trump withdrew John Kelly, Mattis was one of the from a deal aimed at doing just can never acquire a original “axis of adults” seen as that. nuclear weapon, and tempering Trump’s volatility. Mattis, a retired four-star will work with others But with Tillerson and general who saw his Marines to address the range of McMaster both out, and Kelly’s killed by Tehran-backed militias relationship with Trump Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Joseph Dunford (left) and Secretary of Defense James Mattis in Iraq, has frequently lambasted Iran’s malign influence: reportedly strained, Mattis must (second right) with Senator Patrick Leahy (second left), and Senator Brian Schatz during a Senate Iranian actions in the Middle East. US Defense Secretary now navigate potentially more But he has been a staunch James Mattis precarious waters. Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense hearing on Capitol Hill, in Washington, DC, yesterday. advocate of America’s long- McMaster’s replacement standing alliances and became John Bolton is an Iraq War-era Then last month, he said the walked away from the JCPOA Democratic Senator Dick a quiet defender of the Iran deal Trump defied the wishes of hawk who has advocated mil- deal allowed for “pretty robust” because we found it was inade- Durbin said Trump’s decision to as Trump mulled pulling out. major world powers by itary action in both Iran and inspections of Iranian facilities. quate for the long-term effort,” pull out of the deal was “not only “We will continue to work announcing on Tuesday that the North Korea, and Secretary of Still, Mattis blasted Iran for he added, using the formal wrong but reckless,” and ques- alongside our allies and partners United States would pull out of State Mike Pompeo was an its “malign activities,” including abbreviation for the accord. tioned whether the US would be to ensure that Iran can never the historic nuclear accord and opponent of the Iran deal. its support for Syrian President Senators asked Mattis if the able to convincingly work with acquire a nuclear weapon, and will impose new sanctions on Tehran. In October, the Pentagon Bashar Al Assad and for backing US withdrawal from the deal allies in the future on Iran. work with others to address the The agreement puts limits on chief said it was in the US Huthi rebels in Yemen. presaged a military conflict with “Now that the United States range of Iran’s malign influence,” Iran’s nuclear programme in national interest to remain in the “We have not seen any Iran. is walking away from it, I cannot Mattis told a Senate panel. exchange for lifting international Iran deal, and in January, he said drawdown or reduction in Iran’s While the Pentagon always believe it will inspire any confi- “This administration remains sanctions. it was “imperfect” but added that malicious activities and malign maintains military options, there dence among our allies about our committed to putting the safety, Mattis, who is seen as a voice “when America gives her word, activity across the region,” Mattis is no “default” to war, Mattis word and our reliability in the interests and well-being of our of moderation in Trump’s cabinet we have to live up to it and work said. responded, saying diplomacy future when it comes to these citizens first.” and enjoys broad bipartisan with our allies.” “At the same time we have remains the preferred path. agreements,” Durbin said.

More human remains found in Brazil NYPD tests new tool to detect credit card skimmers AP building rubble professor at University of machine. This extra read head The device looks like a long technology has been an obstacle Florida, said. allows criminals to make a copy credit card that can be slid into for small retail businesses and GAINESVILLE: Patrick Traynor, After three years of study, of the card’s information as a a card slot in a gas pump or ATM. gas stations where criminals AP a cybersecurity expert, was in Traynor and two Florida consumer swipes it. It’s attached by a wire to a cell- have flourished. New York in February working graduate students invented a Skim Reaper was built to phone-sized box with a small Steven Weisman, a cyberse- SAO PAULO: Brazilian fire- with police to help identify a way device they call the “Skim detect when more than one read readout screen that says “pos- curity expert and professor at fighters have found more to detect credit card skimmers Reaper,” a credit-card thin head is present, Traynor said. sible skimmer!” when multiple Bentley University in Massachu- human remains yesterday in on ATMs when he got a financial gadget that slides into card The NYPD has four full-time, read heads are detected. setts, said the Skim Reaper could the rubble of a building that fraud alert: His own information reader slots and can easily and trained detectives tasked with “I’ve been doing skimming be a “revolutionary, watershed caught fire and collapsed in had been stolen while he was in quickly detect if an ATM or gas finding credit-card skimmers for approximately five years now moment” in the battle against Sao Paulo. town. pump has been compromised. installed on ATMs at bodegas, but and I have never used anything skimmers. The Fire Department said It wasn’t the first time. In five The New York Police say the problem is too wide- like this or have known of any- Right now, it costs about $50 on Twitter that body parts years he’d had his personal Department (NYPD) is testing spread to be stopped with those thing like this,” said NYPD Det to make each Skim Reaper, were found with the help of information stolen by credit card the Skim Reaper with some resources. James Lilla of the Financial Traynor said, but his team is a search dog. skimmers — devices illegally early success in its effort to rid “The problem is that it’s tran- Crimes Taskforce. “It’s definitely working daily to get that number Cpl. Israel Bone said the installed on ATMs and gas station the streets of the pervasive sient, they come in and place the an assist we can use to combat down. medical examiner will pumps that “skim” consumer devices. device and move on. In early ATM skimming.” NYPD’s Flanagan said more determine if they belong to a credit card numbers — a half- The Secret Service said January we were getting killed,” The advent of debit and testing needs to be done but he third victim. dozen times. skimmers steal more than a Deputy Inspector Christopher credit cards with protective chips is impressed with early results. The remains of two other “I’ve got 15 years of expe- billion dollars from US con- Flanagan of the NYPD Financial that inserted into special readers Mainly, it allows untrained people were found earlier. rience in the field of information sumers annually, money that Crimes Task Force said, referring have helped some retail busi- officers to be employed in the Other remains were security. If I can’t protect myself often funds organised crime. to a January spike in skimming- nesses combat skimming. anti-skimming effort, where found on Tuesday. Fire- reliably, who else possibly can?” Most credit card skimmers related crimes. But the higher cost of the before trained investigators were fighters initially said they Traynor, a computer information work by installing an extra “read In February, Traynor gave new readers and complexity of needed to identify the illegal appeared to be those of a science and engineering head” inside or outside a NYPD five Skim Reapers to test. switching over to a new devices. child, but the Public Security Department later said the medical examiner’s prelim- inary assessment was that the bone fragments belonged to Republicans move an adult. to force DACA vote Former California REUTERS given up predicting whether he governor dies would sign or veto legislation. WASHINGTON: A breakaway So far, about two dozen of BLOOMBERG group of Republicans in the US the House’s 236 Republicans House of Representatives have signaled support for the SACRAMENTO: George planned yesterday to defy their initiative, including Represent- Deukmejian, the governor of leaders and join with Demo- atives Jeff Denham of Cali- California who more than crats in an attempt to force fornia, Carlos Curbelo of Florida doubled the size of the prison action on legislation that would and Will Hurd of Texas, whose system in the US’ most protect young, illegal immi- districts have Hispanic popu- populous state during his two grants from deportation. lations. They hope to move pro- terms in office during the The rare move could trigger cedurally to force votes on four 1980s, has died. He was 89. a House debate next month on competing bills. He died yesterday at his four bills to replace the Coupled with strong Dem- home in Long Beach, Cali- Deferred Action for Childhood ocratic backing, the initiative fornia, according to the New Arrivals (DACA) program, which has a potentially powerful coa- York Times, citing Steve President Donald Trump lition behind it. Merksamer, Deukmejian’s Uber flying taxi prototype opposes, and potentially break A group of Republican former chief of staff. a congressional stalemate on House members has scheduled Attendees viewing a subscale-sized model of the Uber flying taxi concept eCRM-003 during the Deukmejian, a Repub- immigration. a press conference today to second annual Uber Elevate Summit at the Skirball Center, in Los Angeles, California, yesterday. Uber lican, was elected governor Congress has struggled for discuss their plans. in 1982 after a narrow victory won’t build the flying taxi itself but aviation company partners will use the eCRM-003 (common years to overhaul immigration Since taking office in over Los Angeles Mayor Tom reference model) as a framework around which they can build aircraft for the Uber Air aerial ride- law, deadlocked over an issue January 2017, Trump has Bradley, whom he defeated hailing service. that Trump exploited to great moved on several fronts to again in a landslide four years effect in the 2016 presidential clamp down on legal and illegal later. campaign and that is already immigration. key in races heading into Last September he November’s congressional announced he was terminating elections. former Democratic President Under the bipartisan effort, Barack Obama’s 2012 DACA Trump rules out Demilitarized Zone for Kim summit whichever of the four bills gets program, which has protected the most votes, and at least a from deportation about AFP named the DMZ and Singapore it would not be. derailed. “A lot of good things majority of the House, would 800,000 undocumented as possible sites for the landmark Trump has said that the date can happen, a lot of bad things be sent to the Senate for people who were brought to the WASHINGTON: US President meeting, told reporters at the and venue for the summit have can happen.” consideration. United States illegally as Donald Trump yesterday ruled White House the time and place now been set, but cautioned that “I believe that both sides will House backers think that if children, mainly from Mexico out the Demilitarized Zone that would be announced “within the arrangements were still negotiate a deal. I think it’s going they can pull off the legislative and Central America. divides the Korean peninsula as three days.” being worked out. to be a very successful deal. I feat, enough members of the Moves in Congress to a venue for his upcoming Asked if the meeting would “Everything can be scuttled,” think we have a shot at making Senate would vote for a bipar- replace DACA with legislation summit with Kim Jong-Un. be held in the DMZ, as Trump he said, when asked if the it successful. But lots of things tisan bill to ensure passage. allowing them to live and work Trump, who had previously had suggested last week, he said summit plans could yet be could happen.” Trump has proven to be erratic legally in the US collapsed in the and many lawmakers have Senate in February. 18 AMERICAS THURSDAY 10 MAY 2018 Haspel vows not to resume interrogation scheme Mexican

Facing opposition and interrogation programme,” candidate over her role at a she told the Senate Intelligence secret CIA prison in Committee. “In retrospect it is clear... that CIA was not prepared shot dead Thailand in 2002 to conduct a detention and inter- AFP where Al Qaeda rogation programme.” detainees were But Haspel refused to MEXICO: A candidate for waterboarded, Haspel condemn the 2002-2005 pro- state legislature in Mexico’s gramme, during which scores of upcoming elections was shot made clear she would Al Qaeda suspects were cap- dead, authorities said, at least not support such tured, whisked to “black sites” the sixth politician murdered activity in the future at secret locations around the in the past 10 days in what has if she is confirmed as world, and subjected to brutal become a blood-soaked interrogations that for some campaign. CIA Director. included repeated water- Abel Montufar Mendoza, boarding. Pressed on why she a mayor who was running for AFP did not object at the time, Haspel a legislative seat in the violent said she and colleagues were fol- state of Guerrero, was found lowing orders. dead inside his car in the city WASHINGTON: Gina Haspel, She also said the programme of Ciudad Altamirano, said Donald Trump’s nominee to lead as a whole produced “valuable Roberto Alvarez Heredia, the the CIA, vowed yesterday that information” that helped disrupt state’s security spokesman. the spy agency will not engage more plots after the September “We have confirmed that Gina Haspel is sworn-in before testifying to the Senate Intelligence Committee on her nomination to in torture of detainees under her 11, 2011 attacks, though would it is the state legislature can- be the next CIA Director in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, yesterday. watch, even if ordered by the not say whether that was a result didate Abel Montufar president. of waterboarding and other Mendoza,” who was running Facing opposition over her severe techniques. “I think we did extraor- moral standard that this country Pressed over whether she for the ruling Institutional role at a secret CIA prison in “Like all of us who were in dinary work. To me the tragedy has decided to hold itself to. I would resume an interrogation Revolutionary Party (PRI), Thailand in 2002 where Al the counter terrorism centre and is that the controversy sur- would never, ever take CIA back programme, and allow torture, if Alvarez said. Qaeda detainees were water- working at CIA and those years rounding the interrogation to an interrogation program,” ordered by Trump, she said she The candidate’s body was boarded, Haspel made clear she after 9/11, we all believed in our program... has cast a shadow Haspel told the panel. would not. “My moral compass is riddled with bullets and would not support such activity work. “We had been charged over what has been a major con- “I support the law. I would strong. I would not allow CIA to naked from the waist down, in the future if she is confirmed with making sure the country tribution to protecting this not support a change in the law,” undertake activity that I thought said a police source who as CIA Director. wasn’t attacked again, and we country. she said. was immoral, even if it was tech- spoke on condition of “Having served in that had been informed that the tech- Haspel said that the CIA is Democrats worry that nically legal. I would absolutely anonymity. tumultuous time, I can offer you niques in CIA’s programme were now bound by the Defence Trump and top aides are not not permit it.” “America is looked At least six candidates for my personal commitment, legal and authorised by the Department’s Army Field opposed to the use of outlawed at all over the world as an example the July 1 general elections clearly and without reservation, highest legal authority in the Manual, which specifically techniques in interrogations, and to everyone else in the world, and have now been murdered that under my leadership CIA country and also the forbids torture like water- Trump has appeared to extol we have to uphold that. And CIA since April 29 in various inci- will not restart such a detention president.” boarding. “I support the higher Haspel’s record in the program. is included in that,” she added. dents around the country. One million people enter Colombia from Venezuela: Red Cross AFP (IFRC), Emanuele Capobianco, said in a phone interview in leaving Venezuela, some with needs to be better assessed,” tough sanctions. The South said that not all have stayed in Geneva, specifying that this their belongings strapped to the including from a public health American country is in partial GENEVA: At least one million Colombia as displaced people, movement had occurred “since backs. While the group is standpoint amid rising cases of default on its debt and suffers people have entered Colombia with some moving on to other mid-2017.” diverse, with some only looking malaria, diphtheria and other severe shortages of food and from Venezuela since President countries in the region. With the economic crisis in to work in Colombia for a short serious ailments affecting those medicines despite sitting atop the Nicolas Maduro’s government “To date we know that Venezuela intensifying, an esti- period before returning home, migrating. planet’s biggest proven oil descended into crisis last year, a approximately one million mated 37,000 people were now most are on the move because Maduro’s alleged crackdown reserves. senior Red Cross official said people have entered Colombia moving across the Colombian they cannot meet their basic on opposition and bid to consol- Caracas has been printing yesterday. through official migration points, border each day, he added. needs in Venezuela, Capobianco idate control of the country has money as foreign reserves The Health Director at the and we don’t know how many On a recent trip to the region, explained. triggered a tough global dwindle, and the national cur- International Federation of Red have entered Colombia through Capobianco said he witnessed “a He described the situation response, notably from the rency, the bolivar, has become Cross and Red Crescent Societies unofficial migration points,” he constant stream of people,” as a “humanitarian crisis that United States which has levied nearly worthless. THURSDAY 10 MAY 2018 HOME 19 20 HOME THURSDAY 10 MAY 2018

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 03. 28 AM 133 nurses to graduate from UCQ SHOROOK 04. 52 AM FAZEENA SALEEM programme by the Sidra Medicine to THE PENINSULA ZUHR 11. 30 AM MAGHRIB 06. 11 PM study nursing. ASR 02. 58 PM ISHA 07. 41 PM “Sidra Medicine supported me and DOHA: As Qatar’s healthcare system gave me the chance to be a nurse and is expanding with an increased serve my county,” said Abeer. WEATHER TODAY demand of nurses as well, 133 students Abeer, who is the third sibling of from the University of Calgary in Qatar the family to take up nursing as a pro- (UCQ) are graduating on May 13. fession and her father Mohammed UCQ offers two unique streams Mohsen Alhajjaji, says, “Four years ago leading to a Bachelor of Nursing degree when Abeer came and told me that she and a Master of Nursing programme. would like to be a nurse, I believed in The campus, through its education her decision and knew that she is going programmes and other activities sup- to be a great nurse. I am very proud of ports the health and wellness of the her and will always be supporting her people of Qatar, in line with Qatar during her career.” National Vision 2030. “ Qatar is a fast growing country This year’s class includes 120 stu- and us, as citizens, have the obligation dents graduating with bachelor’s to be part of this development. The degrees and 13 with master’s degrees. healthcare sector is improving. Among them 13 are Qataris. Recently, a new hospital was opened Abeer Mohammed Alhajjaji, a which is Sidra Medicine and the Qatari graduating with a Bachelor of country is supporting all citizens to Nursing, told The Peninsula, “I am a enroll in many medical fields such as Yousef Abu Kharmh, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Nursing at UCQ, very ambitious person. I love to work nursing, medicine and pharmacy. caring a patient at a hospital. on my skills and plans as much as I Therefore, we should understand the can. In all years during studies at the effort done by the country to engage university, something kept me moti- its people in this significant devel- field and found nursing to be more provide valuable care and advice to vated and enthusiastic to achieve reach opment,” he added. optimal on communications with their communities and families. the best from me.” UCQ provides graduates with not patients and family. While, Blessy Jhon, an Indian res- But, she said, his greatest inspi- only medical knowledge, but also fun- “I want to help, support, and make ident graduating with a master’s ration was and would always be the damental skills, relevant to family, people feel better. It is a positive feeling degree in nursing, says, she was o o belief that he had a role as a nurse and community and hospital settings. This when I help people with their suffering encouraged throughout by the faculty 29 C 36 C responsibility. year among the graduating students and encourage them to live a healthy during her study period at UCQ and Minimum Maximum Abeer says she had a dream to be 18 are male. lifestyle,” he said. her first priority is providing compre- a healthcare professional since the age Yousef Abu Kharmh, a Jordanian Students gain a unique life expe- hensive patient care in Qatar based on Scattered clouds with a chance of light of seven. She was impressed by pres- resident in Doha, who is graduating rience at UCQ. The medical knowledge the knowledge and skills she has rain may be thundery at places and slight entation made at her school by the with a Bachelor of Nursing, says that and skills fostered throughout the UCQ gained. dust to blowing dust at times. UCQ and was later got scholarship he was interested in the healthcare programme enable graduates to

HIGH TIDE 00:15 – 14:30 LOW TIDE 08:30 – 17:45

Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department MIA to tantalise taste buds during Ramadan

THE PENINSULA in the MIA Auditorium, designed which includes rich Middle by the French architect Philippe Eastern and Mediterranean DOHA: The Museum of Islamic Starck. The offer includes mezze, exotic Moroccan soups Art (MIA) has announced the homemade French specialties and lavish Iranian desserts. launch of a new culinary expe- and exquisite Arabic flavours. Along with IDAM’s Executive rience for Qatar residents during IDAM, an award-winning Chef, Damien Leroux, the res- the holy month of Ramadan, restaurant by the Michelin taurant’s staff worked to create featuring an unforgettable tea starred Chef Alain Ducasse, will the exceptional and eclectic service at the MIA Café and an be offering the local community selection of juices containing exceptional Iftar menu at IDAM. a chance to indulge in the local flavours, spices, fresh Both locations feature Arabian haute culinary and chamomile, rosemary and fruits, world-class menus and stunning culture experience for Iftar. providing a new take on a views of the Doha skyline. Vis- Located on the top floor of MIA, tasting experience — something itors to MIA are invited to the restaurant will offer an IDAM has become known for unwind and try a new take on enchanting Arabian experience since first welcoming patrons A file photo of the Museum of Islamic Art. tea time at the MIA Café located with a three-course Iftar menu, five years ago.