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Tuesday 2 January 2018 | 15 Rabia II I 1439 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 22 | Number 7394 | 2 Riyals

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Emir sends greetings ‘Turkish Souq’ to President of Sudan DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to provide 5m sent a cable of congratulations to President of the Republic of Sudan Omar Hassan Al Bashir, on the anniversary of his coun- items online try’s Independence Day. The Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani IRFAN BUKHARI Qatar Post yesterday sent a similar cable to Pres- THE PENINSULA launched new ident Al Bashir, on the anni- versary of his country’s Inde- DOHA: Expanding existing e-commerce platform pendence Day. multi-faceted cooperation (turkishsouq.qa) that between Qatar and Turkey, will provide access Emir greets Qatar Post (Q-Post) yesterday to up to 5 million launched e-commerce platform President of Cuba – Turkish Souq – in partnership Turkish products Minister of Transport and Communications, H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti (centre), Faleh Al Naemi with Turkish Post (PTT). ranging from clothing, (fourth right), Chairman and Managing Director of Qatar Post, Kenan Bozgeyik (fourth left), CEO of DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh The new e-commerce shoes and accessories Turkish Post, Fikret Ozer (third right), Ambassador of Turkey, and other officials at the inauguration Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani platform (turkishsouq.qa) will as well as vehicle of Turkish Souq, at Mondrian Doha, yesterday. PIC: KAMMUTTY V P / THE PENINSULA sent a cable of congratulations provide access to up to 5 million to the President of the Council Turkish products ranging from parts and everything of State and the Council of clothing, shoes and accessories in-between, all at a Ministers of the Republic of as well as vehicle parts and eve- flat delivery rate of Volume of e-trade touches QR4bn Cuba, Raul Castro, on the rything in-between, all at a flat anniversary of his country’s delivery rate of QR50. QR50. THE PENINSULA The minister said that Qatar was keen to Independence Day. The event was attended by develop e-commerce market and increase The Deputy Emir H H Minister of Transport and Com- DOHA: Minister of Transport and Communica- exchange level reaching QR10bn by 2022. He Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad munications H E Jassim bin Saif constructive co-operation in tions H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti has said that said that the government was encouraging Qatari Al Thani also sent a similar Al Sulaiti, Qatar Post Chairman the fields of post, transport, the volume of e-trade in Qatar at the end of companies in this regard. cable of congratulations to and Managing Director Faleh Al ports, and aviation, whose December is QR4bn. On Turkish Souq, the Minister said that it was Raul Castro. Naemi, Managing Director of foundations were laid by Emir Talking to media after launching Turkish Souq a great step that will give access to Qatar’s pop- Turkish Post (PTT), Kenan H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad e-commerce platform, the minister said that the ulation to Turkish market. He said the service Qatar rejects Likud’s Bozgeyik, the Ambassador of the Al Thani and the Turkish Pres- volumes of e-trade were on the rise. “Qatar Airways was cheap as Qatar Post would charge only QR50 Republic of Turkey, Fikret Ozer ident Recep Tayyip Erdogan alone handed shipping of 25percent of e-commerce for shipping. The minister said that as many as annexation move of and other dignitaries. cannot be overemphasised,” items, 14percent of their cargo was handled by other 1,500 companies in Qatar were working in elec- West Bank, Jerusalem Ahmet Arslan, Turkish Min- the Minister added. Qatari companies while the rest was shipped by tronic businesses and “our target to take the ister of Transport, Marine Affairs Qatar Post Chairman and other foreign companies,” he said. number to 5000 by 2020.” DOHA: The State of Qatar has and Communications also Managing Director Faleh al affirmed its total rejection of addressed the gathering via Naemi said that Qatar Post had the decision of Israel’s ruling FaceTime from Turkey. launched “Connected” service all the good work PTT (Turkish of cooperation between two home delivery by Qatar Post for Likud party to impose Israeli Speaking at the event, H E two years ago allowing people Post) has done and purchase countries’ postal services. “Later all shoppers and items pur- law on settlements in the Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti said that to shop in the US and UK. quality products from trusted on, we will offer reciprocal chased can be delivered within West Bank and the occupied the launch of the platform would “Today, we are launching Turkish merchants and Qatar services allowing Qatari e-com- two business days anywhere in Jerusalem and their annex- revolutionise e-commerce in our latest e-commerce service, Post will ship them to their merce companies to sell their Qatar. ation to Israel. Qatar. “The depth of Qatari- Turkish Souq. From today, our doorstep,” Al Naemi said. products in Turkey.” Turkish bilateral relations and citizens can take advantage of He said it was the first phase Turkish Souq offers free →CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 →SEE ALSO PAGES 4 & 7

Bus driver fined Nine malls expected to QR5,000 after road rage fight open in three years SACHIN KUMAR space stands at approximately 1.63 million THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA square metre (sqm). Opening of new malls indicates the DOHA: The Court of First DOHA: Shoppers in Qatar are set to be strength of Qatar’s robust economy and Instance levied a bus driver spoilt with choices as many new malls will shows that the country is moving fast on who assaulted another open gates over the next three years. the growth trajectory, despite the illegal motorist in road rage fight with Around nine malls are expected to open blockade imposed by siege countries since a fine of QR5,000. over the next three years, offering June 5. Northgate Mall, Place Vendome, The Public Prosecution had customers a wide range of shopping, dining Doha Mall, Doha Oasis, Katara Plaza, Al referred the driver to a criminal and entertainment experiences. Waab Mall are among the malls which will trial for assault and deliberately “Currently, there are around nine new be opened over the next three years while causing bodily harm to the malls under various stages of construction, some others announced partially opening victim, a car driver, who suffered out of which four have experienced soft this year. “Qatar’s retail market continues severe physical damage. openings, or launched in phases and have to outperform all other asset classes. One According to the case filed, Festival rides expansion plans that are slated to be of the primary reasons for this robust the motorist was driving on a delivered within a 3-year period,” said a growth is the high disposable income of a The giant slide is one of the exciting features at this year’s Souq Waqif crowded street, and was leaving report by KPMG on Qatar’s real estate sector. significant section of the population,” noted Spring Festival which runs until April 25. →SEE ALSO PAGE 4 a roundabout, when the bus “This will take the overall organised retail the report. PIC: RAYNALD C RIVERA / THE PENINSULA driver on the left side tried to space in excess of 2 million sqm,” it added. turn and overtake his car. The Currently, the overall organised retail →CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 car driver in his attempt to avoid the bus entered the muddy road. The bus was carrying many passengers, who also insulted the car driver. When the bus Ministry of Education receives 37,000 job applications stopped and the car driver approached the bus driver to THE PENINSULA received the applications through applications immediately after 800 job vacancies for the posts and the number of candidates talk to him, the passengers and its website from various Arab they start receiving the applica- of teachers and administrators targeted is about 900. bus driver hit the former and DOHA: The Ministry of nationalities following the tions. The interview process is from all nationalities for the next The Ministry also said it is drove off. Education and Higher Education announcement made by the Min- scheduled to take place in Qatar academic year 2018-19. The job going to sort out the applica- The car driver noted the announced yesterday that it istry to fill vacant posts and the and some of the interviews will vacancies are in the public tions as per the requirements bus number and filed a com- received some 37,000 applica- opening of the submission of be in a number of Arab countries schools. With regard to gender and the shortlisted applicants plaint with the police who tions from individuals interested these jobs during the period from during the months of January and and nationalities, the Ministry will be called for interview. The tracked the bus and the driver. to fill hundreds of academic, 15 to 31 December. February. said posts are for (males and applicants will be notified about The driver admitted his administrative and special The Ministry said in a The Ministry of Education females), administrative jobs fulfilling the requirements mistake. education posts. statement that its work teams and Higher Education in mid- (males only) and special edu- according to first-come-first- The Ministry said it has have started sorting the December, announced about cation posts (male and female) serve basis. 02 HOME TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2018

Al Muraikhi meets Azerbaijan Ambassador FM gets message from Afghan Minister PM greets Sudan President QNA

DOHA: Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani sent yesterday a cable of congrat- ulations to the President of the Republic of Sudan Omar Hassan Ahmad Al Bashir, on the anniversary of his coun- try’s Independence Day. Greetings to Cuban President DOHA: Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani sent Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met yesterday Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al yesterday a cable of congrat- with Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Qatar, Dr Tofiq Abdullayev, Thani has received a written message from Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic ulations to President of the on the occasion of the end of his tenure in the country. The Minister of State for Republic of Afghanistan Salahuddin Rabbani, pertaining to bilateral relations and Council of State and the Foreign Affairs thanked the Ambassador of Azerbaijan for his efforts in promoting means of developing them. The message was received by Minister of State for Foreign Council of Ministers of the the bilateral relations and wished him success in his new tasks. Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi during his meeting with Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba Raul Castro, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to Qatar, Faizullah Kakar, yesterday. on the anniversary of his country’s Independence Day. Advisory Council reviews draft laws on judiciary

THE PENINSULA law amending some provisions The Speaker initiated He said while deliberating on proposed draft laws, where they inventory and control nuclear of the civil and commercial the draft laws, the Council lis- revealed their views and con- materials whether used or pro- DOHA: The Advisory Council pleadings law promulgated by the members’ tened to the explanations of Min- firmed the importance of devel- duced in all activities. yesterday reviewed a number of Law No. 13 of 1990. deliberations on those ister of Justice and reviewed the oping the judiciary work and in Regarding the danger of draft laws related to the judiciary A draft law amending certain draft laws, explaining recommendations of the reconciling the laws, especially these materials on humans and after studies prepared by the provisions of Law No. 12 of 2005 that it came as an Supreme Judiciary Council. those with direct relation with the environment, some of the legal committee of the council. regarding cases and procedures Al Mahmoud said the draft the lives of citizens and their jobs. provisions of the draft law pro- Following the discussion of of appeal to Court of Cassation implementation to the laws reflect a great development They also stressed on making vided for deterrent penalties the drafts laws and reports pre- in non-criminal articles. A draft directives of the Emir in the path of the judicial system litigation easier, faster and more against those who contravene its sented by the concerned com- law amending certain provisions H H Sheikh Tamim bin in the country and added to efficient as slow justice is a kind provisions and to coordinate mittee the Council decided to of Law No. 19 of 2008 to Hamad Al Thani which building its our independent of injustice, as the Emir said in them with the International submit its recommendations on determine blood money for judiciary and justice to facilitate his speech addressing the Atomic Energy Agency. all these draft laws to the manslaughter. were mentioned at the litigation. He added that it comes Council. In light of that, the Council government. Draft law amending some opening of the 46th as part of the legislative and legal The draft laws added decided to submit its recommen- At the outset of the regular provisions of Law No. 10 of 2002 ordinary session of the development in the country to numerous articles to the devel- dations on all these draft laws to weekly meeting held under the regarding the Public Prosecution. Advisory Council. cope with the economic, social opment of the judiciary, speeding the esteemed government. Chairmanship of its Speaker H E Draft law amending certain pro- and urban boom, which is all up cases and, in addition, estab- At the end of the meeting, the Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al visions of the criminal procedure based on the religious justice lishing conciliation and recon- Advisory Council received a Mahmoud, the Council reviewed law promulgated by Law No. 23 The directives stress the impor- inherited from older ciliation centers in civil and com- report on the participation of its the report prepared by its Legal of 2004. Draft Law on Concili- tance of work on developing the generations. mercial disputes with the aim of delegation in the Nato PA Joint and Legislative Affairs Com- ation and reconciliation centers justice systems, ensuring the Al Mahmoud explained that settling disputes through concil- Seminar of the Mediterranean mittee on the following laws in civil and commercial independence of the judiciary, justice, integrity, the realisation iation in an optional and free and Middle East Special Group related to the judiciary. disputes. to not prolong litigation, which of the right and the support of manner. (GSM) and the Sub-Committee The report was prepared The Speaker initiated the recognises the importance of the oppressed are meanings, In addition to the draft laws on Transatlantic Defense and upon a task requested by the members’ deliberations on those justice, ensures the development values, and teachings deeply related to the work of the judi- Security Cooperation (DSCTC), Council to the committee in draft laws, explaining that it of the judicial system and rooted in the Qatari society and ciary, the Council also reviewed held in Rome, Italy. order to conduct further studies came as an implementation to strengthens its ability to cope will remain the base of the State the report of the Legal and Leg- The Council also reviewed on the draft laws. the directives of the Emir H H with the rapid developments wit- since its establishment by its islative Affairs Committee on a another report on its delegation’s The draft laws include Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al nessed by our society in all fields, Founder Sheikh Jassim bin draft law on the national system participation in the 22nd session amendment of certain provisions Thani which were mentioned at as well as taking the necessary Mohammed bin Thani. for the accounting and control of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary of the judiciary law promulgated the opening of the 46th ordinary measures to provide all possibil- The members of the Council of nuclear materials, which Union Executive Committee in by Law No. 10 of 2003. A draft session of the Advisory Council. ities to do so. had a wide discussion on the included committee’s work to Morocco. HMC’s Heart Failure Clinic receives 1,700 patients in 2017

QNA Heart Hospital and specifically the protect their health. Heart Failure Clinic, has introduced “Eating well, drinking plenty of DOHA: Heart Hospital’s Heart a number of new services and pro- water, exercising regularly, and Failure Clinic received over 1,700 grams to improve the quality of care getting a sufficient amount of sleep patients with heart failure during provided to patients. Heart failure in are all important elements of main- 2017, accounting for close to 9,000 its early stages can often be managed taining good health. visits to the hospital over the span of with medication and a healthy “Small actions like limiting one’s a year. lifestyle. consumption of salt, walking to “Since its official opening in 2015, However, as the disease strengthen the heart muscle, not the Heart Failure Clinic has received progresses, the heart becomes smoking, and trying to limit exposure patients of many different national- weaker, and treatment becomes to stress and anxiety can all go a long ities through referrals from health more complex. way towards protecting one’s centers, other departments within One program introduced by the health,” Dr Badr said. A Ministry official affixing the closure notice. HMC hospitals, and from private Heart Failure Clinic that is providing Chairman of Cardiology at Heart sector hospitals and clinics. Most of care to patients with congestive heart Hospital, Dr Nidal Ahmad Asaad the patients we see at our clinic are failure is the short stay service. added that patients should speak over the age of 70. In fact, patients This service provides targeted with their physician if they suspect MEC shuts building materials below the age of 60 years make up care for patients who require brief they have a heart condition. only 20 to 25 percent of the total hospitalisation but do not need to Dr Asaad added that anyone company for one month number of patients that we treat,” stay in hospital overnight. experiencing signs of a heart attack Consultant Cardiologist at Hamad Congestive heart failure is a should seek immediate medical THE PENINSULA descriptions, advertisements, and mis- Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Heart chronic heart disease that affects the attention. leading statements. Hospital and Head of the Heart heart muscle. “Patients who experience heart DOHA: The Ministry of Economy and The Ministry said in a statement that the Failure Clinic, Dr Amr Badr said. It hinders the heart’s ability to failure may require treatment for Commerce yesterday announced the one- administrative closure declaration shall be In recent years there has been an pump sufficient amount of blood to cardiac arrhythmias (irregular or month closure of a building materials published at the expense of the company that increase in the incidence of patients meet the body’s needs. abnormal heart rhythm). Today we company, located in the Industrial Area, committed the violation in accordance with seeking medical attention for heart Common signs and symptoms of have many heart-assistive tech- for displaying and selling counterfeit Article (18) of Law No. (8) on Consumer Pro- failure, Dr Badr added. heart failure include shortness of nology tools at our disposal. Each sanitary ware. tection. The law stipulates that the closure “The Heart Failure Clinic is breath, extreme fatigue and year, we provide implantable cardiac The inspection campaign falls within decision shall be published on the Ministry’s equipped with state-of-the-art tiredness, and feet and leg swelling. devices to between 150 and 180 the framework of the Ministry’s efforts to website and in two daily newspapers at the medical equipment, including an Coronary heart disease, which is patients,” said Dr Asaad. monitor markets and commercial activ- expense of the violating company. electrocardiograph, radiography, and the result of coronary artery disease, Dr Asaad added that Heart Hos- ities in order to crack down on violations, The Ministry stressed that it will not ultrasound equipment, as well as is a common form of heart failure. pital is committed to continuing to price manipulation, and counterfeit and tolerate any violations of Consumer Pro- cardiac assessment and re-evalu- It can lead to a heart attack or improve and provide new services substandard products. tection Law and its regulation. The Min- ation devices. stroke, especially if the patient has and treatment options to patients The company was fined and closed istry said it will refer those who violate “Apart from providing state-of- diabetes and is a smoker,” Dr Bader with heart disease. for a one-month period in line with the laws and ministerial decrees to competent the-art services and quality said. Dr Badr stressed the importance “We have introduced a system Article (7) of Law Number (8) of 2008. authorities, who will, in turn, take appro- equipment, we counsel patients on of early diagnosis of heart disease as of remotely monitoring patient Article 7 compels suppliers to clearly priate action against perpetrators in order how to take their medication and a strategy to prevent implants while they are in their display on the product’s package the type to protect consumer rights. educate them about the importance complications. home. and nature of the item as well as other rel- The Ministry urged consumers to of a healthy lifestyle,” Dr Bader “We encourage our patients to “This allows us to detect any evant data in line with the law’s imple- report violations or submit complains and noted. be their own health advocate and to defect in their device and take imme- menting regulations. The law also pro- suggestions to its consumer protection and He added that in recent years, make lifestyle choices that will diate action,” Dr. Asaad said. hibits the display of fraudulent anti-commercial fraud department. TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2018 HOME 03 Farm projects to ensure year-round supplies Nine malls expected to SANAULLAH ATAULLAH Now local products THE PENINSULA are available in the open in DOHA: Sheikh Dr Faleh bin market. The market is three years Nasser Al Thani, Assistant stable and the prices Under-Secretary for Agriculture of vegetables have Continued from page 1 and Fisheries Affairs at the started falling. Good Over the years, retail Ministry of Municipalities and malls in Qatar have per- Environment, has revealed two quality vegetables formed well, with high occu- major agricultural projects to from local farms pancy, increasing rental levels continue the production of vege- are available in the with subsequent demand tables round-the-year that will from new tenants. increase the self-sufficiency of market. The report added that Qatar. North Gate Mall, a mixed-use “We have two big projects on development, with a Gross state level that will contribute in percent self sufficiency that will Leasable Area (GLA) of increasing the agricultural pro- be great achievement. 92,000 sqm retail space, has duction remarkably and con- Regarding the market share started handing over spaces tinue throughout the year,” said of local poultry production, Al for fit-out and is expected to Al Thani while speaking at a Thani said local production of have a soft opening in the Rayan TV talk show. “We want fresh chicken increased 99 per- first quarter of 2018. United to ensure production through out cent of total consumption of the Development Company the year,” said Al Thani. country from 50 percent before (UDC) launched ’04’ Mall in He said that with entering in blockade. “During first quarter La Plage, South District in third month of this season, the (Q1) of 2018 we will achieve The Pearl, and is expected to TOP AND BELOW: Locally produced vegetables are displayed in a market. agricultural production more than 100 percent self-suf- add 40,000 sqm of GLA once increased about 60 percent from ficiency in the production of completed by the end of 21 percent last year. fresh chicken,” said Al Thani. 2018. He said that during agricul- He said that Qatar also The second quarter of tural season production of achieved about 30 percent self- 2017 witnessed the launch of some vegetables used to reach sufficiency in egg production and Doha Festival City, which very close to self-sufficiency plans are afoot to increase the increased the overall supply like cucumbers and tomatoes production about 55 percent of organised retail space in that achieved about 100 per- soon. Qatar to more than one mil- cent and upto 60 percent self- Regarding dairy products, lion sqm of leasable space, sufficiency respectively during Assistant Under-Secretary said distributed across 19 shop- the season. that the production of milk is ping malls. “There are 9,00 productive increasing on daily basis. Expected to be fully oper- farms with the agricultural area “Local milk production ational by the year end, Doha measuring 11,000 hectors,” said started meeting 72 percent of Festival City spans over Al Thani. total consumption of Qatar from approximately 250,000 sqm He said that now local prod- merely 17 percent before of GLA is the country’s largest ucts are available in the market. blockade. In less than six months, shopping destination, noted The market is stable and the Qatar will achieve self-suffi- the report. prices of vegetables have started ciency in milk production over The second quarter also falling. Good quality vegetables 100 percent,” said Al Thani. noticed the soft opening of Al from local farms are available in Regarding livestock, he said Hazm Mall. the market. that animal production increased Al Hazm Mall will add “With the implementation of 20 percent totalling 1.4 million 36,000sqm of leasable area new projects and turning more animals including sheep, goat, that will primarily feature farms into productive, we will cow and camels. luxury brands along with food be able to meet a big portion of “Plans are afoot to increase and beverage outlets and is the need of local market,” said the strategic reserve of Qatar’s expected to have a grand Al Thani adding that if local pro- livestock to six months,” said Al opening towards the end of duction would achieve 60 to 70 Thani. the year. Citizens, residents see a promising 2018

AMNA PERVAIZ RAO “I strongly believe that 2018 will be a year THE PENINSULA filled with opportunities for people living in Qatar. 2017 was the toughest, yet the DOHA: The citizens and expa- productive year for the State of Qatar. The triates have lauded the achieve- ments of the State of Qatar increase in oil prices will result in launching accomplished in year 2017 and new projects this year. Private sectors will be the promise of productive 2018. given chances to work more this year, which Citizens believe that 2017 include medical, construction, retail and all has made Qatar self-sufficient and productive. The unjust siege other sectors,” said Jassim Al Mansoor, a Qatari imposed by the neighbouring citizen. countries has been defeated by the citizens of Qatar and expa- triates belonging to different of Qatar. The increase in oil will become stronger in sectors also claim that blockade prices will result in launching coming days.” has made Qatar a stronger new projects this year. Private Al Yami added: “I am proud country. sectors will be given chances to of Qatar and the people living Fahad Al Saiari, a citizen told work more this year, which in Qatar. The way Qatar man- The Peninsula: “This New Year include medical, construction, aged the crisis has been remark- is not like any other New Year, retail and all other sectors,” said able. We were able to deal with it’s unusual for the state of Qatar Jassim Al Mansoor, a Qatari every sector within no time. As due to the blockade imposed by citizen. part of Qatar National Vision our neighbouring countries. “2018 will be promising and 2030, we have successfully Qatar has become more inde- optimistic year. 2017 has made managed projects we had envi- pendent and self- sufficient. everyone living in Qatar united; sioned earlier.” Qatar has given the right sup- all expatriates or locals. We Expats also praised the end- port to everyone living in Qatar stood up together with our less efforts made by the people no matter if they were nationals leader, Emir H H Sheikh Tamim living in Qatar in year 2017 and or expatriates.” bin Hamad Al Thani, and we expect to live a better year “We pray that we must promise to do this all our lives,” ahead. achieve the goals we have aimed he added. Muhammed Akhtar, an for in 2018. Qatar has always Muhammad Al Yami, a expat living in Qatar for more been keen to be up-to-date in Qatari businessman, expressed than 19 years said: “Qatar has technology sector; we aim to his affection towards the made us feel proud, the way bring more high technology sys- country expecting more from people in Qatar dealt with crisis tems to our country. The year Qatar by saying: “2018 is the they faced in 2017 made Qatar 2018 will be more successful by year of ‘change’, people living more powerful. We aim high in the grace of Allah.” in Qatar will feel more proud by 2018 in order to witness more Talking to different citizens the up-coming unexpected and successful events taking place belonging to various sectors outstanding projects. in Qatar.” revealed that the morale of “The blockade imposed on “We all managed to com- Qatari nation is high and they us has made us very strong plete the projects already set think that Qatar has become a nation. We have set up our to done in 2017. We being stronger country after over- own factories and started expats in Qatar have also coming the crisis. manufacturing goods like become one nation standing “I strongly believe that 2018 dairy products, agricultural tall with our Emir. 2018 will be will be a year filled with oppor- products and many more. a fruitful and colorful year for tunities for people living in Relationships with countries our beloved country Qatar and Qatar. 2017 was the toughest, yet like Pakistan, Iran, Turkey its innovative and energetic the productive year for the State especially Kuwait and Oman people.” 04 HOME TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2018 Kahramaa SMS service to inform utility usage rate

THE PENINSULA and the importance of conserving The aim of the SMS service is to alert consumers data through its website (km. The corporation has also resources which is part of the when they exceed the level of the optimal rate qa) and the smartphone appli- taken legal proceedings against DOHA: Qatar General Elec- National Program for Conserva- of rationalisation, in order to achieve the goal cation to benefit from the SMS those who have proved that they tricity and Water Corporation tion and Energy Efficiency “Tar- service. wasted electricity or water and (Kahramaa) will launch this sheed” “rationalisation”. of the programme to reduce the consumption of In accordance with a detailed refused to reconcile and pay the month an SMS service to inform This is to alert consumers electricity and water per capita to the optimum study of the National Program fines imposed. subscribers in the residential when they exceed the level of the consumption rate and help the subscribers and for rationalisation and energy Offenders have a chance to sector about their monthly optimal rate of rationalisation, encourage them to become a partner in the efficiency, “rationalisation” of reconcile and pay 50 percent of consumption of electricity and in order to achieve the goal of the actual consumption patterns the fine. water and the amount of the the programme to reduce the Tarsheed initiative. of all segments of the residential According to the law, the bill. consumption of electricity and sector has been determined by fines imposed are QR15,000 for Kahramaa said in a state- water per capita to the optimum the average rate of moderate water and QR10,000 for ment issued on Sunday that the consumption rate and help the consumption pattern and rate in addition to alerting them consumption for each electricity. service comes within the initia- subscribers and encourage them encourage them to reduce waste not exceed the ideal rate. This is category. Tarsheed programme target tive ‘be a partner in rationalisa- to become a partner in the Tar- of resources and avoid the to help subscribers control the The company said it has for the next five years is to tion’, to notify the subscribers sheed initiative. increase of the bill. monthly consumption of elec- registered 25,000 warnings and reduce per capita consumption about their actual monthly con- Kahramaa launched the ini- In the campaign, which tricity and water to the optimum violations against the offenders of electricity to seven percent sumption rate. tiative of be Partner of Tarsheed received a positive response consumption rate. of the provisions of the law of and a total of 25 percent over 10 The aim of the SMS service is in the summer of 2016 by from the public, Kahramaa sends Kahramaa invited sub- rationalisation No. 20/2015 years and 15 percent for water to raise awareness about the con- sending text messages to edu- a monthly message to the con- scribers to register with the since its enforcement two years consumption and by 35 percent sumption of water and electricity cate consumers about the sumers about the consumption corporation and update their ago. over 10 years by 2022. Huge number of people enjoy Spring Festival

RAYNALD C RIVERA mostly families, enjoyed Luxury Flying Chair, Self Control THE PENINSULA yesterday. Bees, Kite Flying Ride, Dragon The Western Square was Roller Coaster, Energy Storm, DOHA: A huge number of people bursting with excitement as chil- Run Horse, Water Land Chariots, opted to spend the first day of dren took the wheel at the Kids Crazy Wave, Frog Jump, Bumper the year enjoying the various Driving School which teaches Cars, Speed Car, Heli Racer, offerings at the Souq Waqif them how to drive, provides a Crazy Car, Mini Pendulum Ride, Spring Festival yesterday, feel of driving in a neighbour- Samba Balloon Ride and Luxury including some fresh and hood and more importantly how Carousel, in addition to carnival exciting features brought by local to drive safely. skill games. entertainment provision It was an amazing adventure Rides and games are priced company QSports. for others who tried zip-lining from QR10 to QR35. A Gold Pass Said to be the biggest and or descending the Giant Slide or worth QR150 is also available longest entertainment extrava- getting active in the largest out- providing a visitor chance to try ganza in the country, the festival, door trampoline park in Qatar. all rides for the day. which saw its official launch on Inflatable bumper cars, trackless Hundreds of visitors were Sunday, runs for four months train and gigantic inflatables entertained by a variety of acts and features over 60 attractions including pirate ship and bouncy staged by a motley of artistes and activities including 36 castles as well as the biggest-of- including dancers, stiltwalkers and One of the rides at the Spring Festival in Souq Waqif. amusement rides and games its-kind ocean ball pool are clowns. They also took the oppor- spread on two separate locations among the other features at the tunity to have their photos taken slash, smoothies, karak and performances on National Sport Committee of the Private Engi- in the Souq. venue. with a number of mascots roaming coffee, among others which Day. neering Office in collaboration While Zone A, which is The theme park at Al Ahmed around the festival venue . many festival visitors sampled. As one of the major offerings with QSports and strategic con- located at Al Ahmed Square, Square includes a host of amuse- More than 30 food trucks and Running until April 25, the of the upcoming Shop Qatar sultant Russell Lloyds and is encompasses a theme park with ment rides including Octopus carts offer a variety of culinary festival promises to be the coun- 2018, the festival will also wit- sponsored by QNB. 25 amusement rides for all ages, Ride, Disco Tagada, Romantic delights to satisfy visitors’ pal- try’s largest outdoor entertain- ness a number of other offerings It is open Sundays to Zone B which is at the Western Coffee Cup, Mini Roller Coaster ates including burgers, crepes, ment event this year which also such as shopping and hotel pro- Wednesdays from 3pm to 10pm, Square contains an inflatable Ride, Happy Swing, Music waffles, corn on a cob, pancakes, highlights over 40 live entertain- motions, among others. Thursdays from 3pm to 11pm, park with unique and interesting Express Ride, Moon Embracing potato rolls and French fries as ment shows and street perform- Souq Waqif Spring Festival Fridays from 2pm to 11pm and features that many visitors, Ride, Helicopter Tanks War, well as beverages including juice ances, as well as special is presented by the Organizing Saturdays from 12pm to 9pm.

Qatar rejects Likud party’s decision to annex West Bank and Jerusalem settlements Bollywood content QNA In a statement yesterday, the in accordance with established The statement reiterated now available on Foreign Ministry said that the international terms of reference Qatar’s firm and permanent posi- DOHA: The State of Qatar has decision constituted a serious vio- and the Arab Peace Initiative. tion in supporting the Palestinian affirmed its total rejection of the lation of the rights of the Pales- The Ministry’s called on the cause and the steadfastness of the Ooredoo tv with decision of Israel’s ruling Likud tinian people. international community to Palestinian people to ensure the party to impose Israeli law on It added that the execution of assume its responsibilities and to establishment of an independent Starz Play settlements in the West Bank and the decision would undermine compel Israel to respect the res- Palestinian state on the 1967 bor- the occupied Jerusalem and their international efforts to implement olutions of international ders with East Jerusalem as its annexation to Israel. the two-state solution legitimacy. capital. THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Starz Play, the fastest growing on-demand video streaming service in the Mena region, and Ooredoo, announced yesterday a new collaboration to provide a vast catalogue of premium Hindi content for viewers to enjoy on their Ooredoo tv. The new Bollywood content will further supple- ment Starz Play’s existing 10,000 hours of the best Hollywood movies, documentaries, children’s enter- tainment, same-day-as-the-US series, and Arabic content in full HD and 4K. Existing and new customers can now access the new Hindi content by simply pressing the ‘Home’ button on their Ooredoo tv remote control, then selecting ‘Clubs’ and the ‘Yupp Flix’ icon on the main screen. All new Ooredoo Fibre Home Entertainment cus- tomers can enjoy free access to the Starz Play service, and Ooredoo tv customers not on the new Fibre plans can subscribe to Starz Play for as little as QR50 per month. Speaking about the new content, Manar Khalifa Al Muraikhi, Director of PR and Corporate Commu- nications, Ooredoo Qatar, said: “We invest heavily to ensure a range of international content is avail- able for all our customers, and we’re delighted that Starz Play has enabled our viewers to enjoy Hindi content on demand. Ooredoo tv is becoming the big- gest and best choice for entertainment in Qatar, and we look forward to announcing further updates in 2018” Starz Play has confirmed that the service will also be offering content in other Indian regional languages such as Tamil and Malayalam in the near future which will also be available to Ooredoo tv customers. Ooredoo tv is available now via Ooredoo Shops, Starlink, TechnoBlue and Jumbo outlets. The service has no upfront charges, no equipment costs and no ongoing contracts. Furthermore, existing Mozaic TV customers who migrate to Ooredoo tv will be awarded a 30-day free subscription to Starz Play. TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2018 HOME 05 TII offers language courses for children and adults THE PENINSULA Designed to target both includes Arabic, French, German, Man- children and adults, the darin Chinese, and Spanish. During two- DOHA: Continuing its initiative to hour classes every Saturday, children engage the community with different courses are delivered by will gain an opportunity to practice the languages and cultures, the Translation experienced instructors, language of their choice through well- and Interpreting Institute (TII), part of who actively support structured lessons that integrate diverse the College of Humanities and Social language learning for activities, such as art and crafts, drama, Sciences at Hamad Bin Khalifa Univer- games, and music. Registration is open sity (HBKU), will be offering a range of people with diverse cultural until January 15 and classes are sched- popular community language classes at backgrounds. uled to begin on January 20. its facilities in Education City. The launch of the Spring semester Designed to target both children and public courses comes as the latest in a Ahmet Arslan addressing the launching ceremony of Turkish Souq via FaceTime adults, TII’s Language Center courses are textbook learning with audiovisual and series of initiatives undertaken by TII to from Turkey. Kenan Bozgeyik, CEO of Turkish Post (PTT) is holding the phone. delivered by experienced instructors, who multimedia resources as well as struc- promote a culture of learning and cele- PIC: KAMMUTTY VP/THE PENINSULA actively support language learning for stu- tured classroom discussions. To be held brate languages in the wider community. dents with diverse cultural backgrounds, during the University’s Spring semester, Recently, TII commemorated UN Arabic irrespective of their current proficiency all seven language courses at TII are Language Day to promote the integral role Turkey keen to enhance level. After a round of initial placement presently open for enrollment until Jan- of the Arabic language in the history of tests, all registered students will be allotted uary 10. The program of classes, begin- human advancement. Furthermore, the an appropriate language command level. ning January 16, is conveniently timed institute is currently in preparation to ties with Qatar: Minister Inmaculada Villasuso, Coordinator, to accommodate those interested in mark the importance of Mandarin Chi- Spanish Language, TII, “At the TII Lan- learning or developing their chosen nese on the forthcoming occasion of the IRFAN BUKHARI He said that he and his counter- guage Center, we work to offer the best language. Chinese New Year in February. THE PENINSULA part, Qatar’s Minister of Transport and quality of Spanish courses in Qatar. Led For children between the ages of 5 To register online, log on to http:// Communications HE Jassim bin Saif by a team of qualified and experienced and 12, the list of languages at TII’s Lan- tii.qa/language-center and www.tii.qa/ DOHA: Ahmet Arslan, Turkish Minister al Sulaiti, were expanding bilateral native Spanish teachers, our program pre- guage Center this coming semester kids-courses. of Transport, Marine Affairs and cooperation in transport and commu- pares students to communicate in Spanish Communications has said that Turkey nication sector. from day one in a friendly environment. wants to enhance cooperation with “The relationship between Turkey Furthermore, during each of the cultural Qatar in all fields. and Qatar has gone a long way and activities and events that we regularly He was addressing the launching the two brotherly countries are part- organise – including film screenings and ceremony of Turkish Souq, an e-com- ners in progress. It is my great pleasure workshops – students get a chance to merce platform launched by Qatar to witness the launch of yet another engage with the Spanish-speaking com- Post in collaboration with Turkish Post platform for bilateral trade relation- munity in Qatar, helping them to boost (PTT) via FaceTime from Turkey. ship between the two countries,” he their confidence when in conversation The minister expressed his delight said. with native speakers and allowing them at the successful launch of the plat- The minister added that Turkish to immerse themselves more fully in the form as well as the fraternal relation- Souq platform would greatly enhance new culture.” ship between the two countries. Arslan trade and give access to products at TII applies the same level of curric- said that cooperation between two cheaper rates to the consumers in ular quality, class environment, and stu- countries’ postal services was an indi- Qatar. dent engagement efforts across all other cator of brotherhood and long-lasting Ahmet Arslan said: “Our cooper- language programs as well. relations between two countries. ation with Qatar will not be limited to Adults may register for Arabic, “This cooperation will not be lim- e-commerce. It will become wide- French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chi- ited and will cover all areas and this spread in other fields and will pave nese, Portuguese, and Spanish language bilateral cooperation will also help us the way for the two countries to work courses. Each course utilizes a blended cooperate with other countries as well.” together elsewhere.” learning approach, building on classic A language class in progress.

PHCC opens registration at Turkish Souq’ Muaither Health Center to provide 5m items online THE PENINSULA Wellness Centre in Muaither pro- Continued from page 1 vides comprehensive health DOHA: The Primary Health Care services such as family medicine Qatar Post’s new ecom- Corporation (PHCC) has opened clinics, including a vaccination merce platform is dynamic a registration for Health and clinic , non-communicable dis- and easy to use for online Wellness Centre in Muaither, eases clinic, maternity clinic, shopping with wide range of which is expected to open during post-natal clinics, the women products and diverse items. the first quarter of this year. wellness clinic, well baby clinic, Q-Post has partnered up Residents of Muaither 55, Abu smoking cessation clinic, med- with the Turkish Post to give Sidra, Rawdat Abu Al Hiran, Al ical commission and travel vac- you access to Turkish vendors Mearad and Al Sailiya are eligible cination clinic. Also laboratories, directly. It offers an interna- to register with the Health and pharmacy, radiology unit, dental tional shopping and shipping Wellness Centre in Muaither, said clinic, nutrition and diet clinic, service directly from Turkey to PHCC in a statement yesterday. physiotherapy , and early customers’ doorsteps in Qatar. PHCC called on citizens who screening services for breast and Q-Post charges a flat wish to transfer their medical bowel cancer are available at the shipping rate of QR50 for all files from Abu Nakhla Health Health and Wellness Centre in orders regardless of the Safari Hypermarket announces lucky draw winners Center , Al Rayyan Health Center Muaither. number of items in an order. and Abu Baker Al Siddiq Safari Hypermarket Group announced the 6th and final lucky draw winners of Win 20 Toyota Camry Health Center to the Car Promotion for the last five cars. The draw was held at Safari Mall, Abu Hamour, yesterday in the Health and Wellness presence of Ministry official and Safari management and staff. The winners are: Romeo Mesa Doeillo Jr, Centre in Muaither, to (Coupon No: 1211709); M D Abul Koyer Ayub Miah, (3633244); Anas V C, (1125228); Aida Mousa Madini, visit the primary health (2908745), and Seraj Miah, (4397898). care website or go to their health center to complete the transfer procedures. The new Health and

MEC recalls Ford models

THE PENINSULA

DOHA: The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Almana Motors Company, dealer of Ford vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Ford F-150 and Explorer model of 2016 because the seat track pivot link bolt for the front power seat may loosen and/ or fall out. The ministry said the recall campaign falls within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicles’ defects and repair them. The Ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will com- municate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out. 06 HOME / MIDDLE EAST TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2018 Many activities lined up at ExxonMobil Qatar stand

THE PENINSULA There is always General Coordinator said: “It is something fun taking a great privilege to welcome our DOHA: An action-packed enter- fans once again to Doha in the tainment programme awaits place at the Public 26th edition of the world-class visitors at the Qatar ExxonMobil Village, and visitors of event, Qatar ExxonMobil Open Open 2018, ExxonMobil Qatar all ages can enjoy the is a symbol of the strategic and has announced. live music; magicians; enduring partnership between As the title sponsor of the the Energy Company ExxonMobil tournament, ExxonMobil Qatar restaurants and cafes; and QTF aimed at taking the is organising a special line-up of and traditional Souq. sport to higher heights and creative activities at its stand in bringing the community of Qatar the Public Village each year that the finest tennis and caters to visitors of all ages. promises to be a spectacular entertainment.” “The Qatar ExxonMobil Open one.” “As we are about to experi- is our top sporting event of the “At ExxonMobil, we draw our ence another exciting week of year, and we’re excited to be inspiration from the Qatar top-level tennis, I would like to bringing it back to Doha with the National Vision 2030 as we con- appreciate everyone, especially Qatar Tennis Federation, our tribute to education, health, and the committees that have worked valued partner of 26 years. We’ve developing human potential assiduously to ensure a suc- built a great partnership with the towards building a sustainable cessful event yet again.” He federation, and we’re proud that future for Qatar. The Qatar Exx- added. all the time, energy and effort our onMobil Open is an example of People stand in queue at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2018 counters for the tickets. Marking the 26th anniver- combined teams have invested how we’re supporting Qatar as sary of the tournament, this over the years has placed the it sets global standards for excel- year’s Qatar ExxonMobil Open tournament on major global lence in various industries and Users of the simulator will match, the winning player ran- by the stand each day of the will run till January 6, bringing sports calendars,” said Saleh Al sectors,” Al Mana added. experience the thrills and spills domly serves tennis balls into the tournament. some of the world’s top players Mana, Vice-President and Gov- At the centre of the numerous of racing a competition motor- audience, and the lucky specta- There is always something together to compete for the ernment Affairs Director for Exx- activities that will take place at bike, simulating accelerations tors who catch them can then fun taking place at the Public Vil- trophy and a share of the prize onMobil Qatar. ExxonMobil Qatar’s stand is a and brakes. Visitors of the stand head to the ExxonMobil Qatar lage, and visitors of all ages can money. Confirmed tournament “The tennis world waits in racing motorbike simulator that can try out the motorbikes and stand at the Public Village and enjoy the live music; magicians; participants include Dominic anticipation for the Qatar Exx- comes in a set of two. The sim- even compete against one claim wonderful prizes. restaurants and cafes; and tra- Thiem, Pablo Busta, Tomas Ber- onMobil Open, and they certainly ulator is mounted to a motion another to win a daily prize for Those visiting the stand ditional Souq. With its myriad of dych and Richard Gasquet. have a lot to look forward to this platform and has a functioning the shortest lap time. increase their chances of actu- things to see and do, the Public Tickets for the six-day event year. From the tennis stars taking throttle, hand brake, foot brake, The “ExxonMobil Minute” is ally seeing tennis stars up close Village is an incredible venue are available to the public online part, to the tennis action on clutch and shift lever, all of a popular feature of the tourna- and may even be fortunate that is not to be missed during at www.qatartennis.org, as well centre court, and the entertain- which contribute to the ultimate ment, and is also part of the 2018 enough to get a tennis ball signed the tournament. as at various locations across ment, this year’s tournament riding experience. activities. At the end of each by the tennis players who pass Tareq Zainal, Tournament’s Doha. SC extends its programmes to Saudi, UAE introduce 10 local schools, up from three THE PENINSULA addition, we have partnered with football pitches and implemented VAT in New Year blow Qatar Players Association to sustainable programmes where DOHA: In Qatar, in collaboration appoint ambassadors for our pro- football is used to develop human AFP retail palaces. None of the Gulf Arabia. Riyadh-based Jadwa with Your Health First, Supreme gramme who promote the ben- capacity and empower young states levy any personal income Investment predicted that infla- Committee for Delivery and efits of our training schemes and leaders while teaching our core DUBAI: Saudi Arabia and the tax and none have any plans to tion could reach as much as five Legacy is now delivering its act as inspirational role models messages.” Next year promises to United Arab Emirates introduced do so. percent after the new measures. programmes in ten local schools, for our beneficiaries.” be another landmark 12 months value-added tax from yesterday, The International Monetary Saudis reacted sarcastically up from three the year before. During the recent World in the Generation Amazing story. a first for the Gulf which has long Fund has repeatedly urged Gulf on social media to the new sales SC’s key initiatives – Inclu- Innovation Summit for Education “We are aiming to reach more prided itself on its tax-free, states to diversify their revenues tax. “They are even taking taxes sive Generation, Green Genera- in Doha, SC showcased its pro- than 2,500 workers and 4,500 cradle-to-grave welfare system. away from oil, which accounts for on car parking. I am afraid they tion and Healthy Generation – grammes, both at Qatar National children in Qatar, while also Saudi Arabia compounded more than 90 percent of the Saudi will next tax the air,” wrote have directly benefitted more Convention Centre and during looking to implement our school the New Year blow for motorists budget and 80 percent in the UAE. Ahmed bin Fatima. than 1,000 children during 2017. Doha Learning Week. “Partici- programmes in other Gulf coun- with an unannounced hike of up Both Riyadh and Abu Dhabi Saudi Arabia, whose Soon we will expand the pro- pating in these events helped to tries.” Overseas, in collaboration to 127 percent in petrol prices with asked all companies with earn- economy contracted by 0.5 per- gramme to 20 schools, SC says on highlight our work to local, with Street Football World, SC is immediate effect from ings of $100,000 or more a year cent last year for the first time its website under title “2017 in regional and international audi- also aiming to reach six new com- midnight. to register in the VAT system. since 2009, has introduced a raft review: Generation Amazing ences, particularly as it included munities in India and the Philip- They are the latest in a series The UAE finance ministry said of measures to raise revenue and grows locally and internationally. various events attended by FIFA pines, where the committee will of measures introduced over the that VAT returns will be used “for cut spending as it bids to balance We have also published six chil- World Cup winner Xavi Hern- build two community centres and past two years to boost revenues infrastructure development ... (to) its books. Last month, it cut the dren’s books in partnership with andez – our most famous Gener- six football pitches. “Each one of and cut spending as a persistent upgrade public services ... and government subsidy on electricity Maktaba Library. These are ation Amazing ambassador.” these pitches will become key slump in world prices has led to boost UAE economy supply for the second time in two helping to further reinforce our Another of SC’s great achieve- community hubs and places ballooning budget deficits. competitiveness.” years, leading to a sharp rise in core messages and inspire young ments in 2017 is benefitting its where our football for develop- The five percent sales tax The hike in fuel duty in Saudi bills. Riyadh posted budget defi- people about the potential of the programmes outside Qatar. “We ment programmes will be deliv- applies to most goods and serv- Arabia was the second in two cits totalling $260bn over the past 2022 FIFA World Cup.” have partnered with Street Foot- ered through various partners on ices and analysts project that the years. High-grade petrol rose 127 four fiscal years and does not Also on the local front, SC has ball World, a global NGO that har- the ground. Also next year and two governments could raise as percent from 24 cents a litre expect to balance its books before significantly expanded its nesses the power of football for Generation Amazing is aiming to much as $21bn in 2018, equiva- ($1.09 a gallon) to 54 ($2.46), while 2023. To finance its mounting coaching structure, after part- good causes, to support the launch a new initiative where lent to 2.0 percent of GDP. low-grade petrol rose 83 percent public debt, the kingdom has nering with Qatar Football Asso- delivery of Generation Amazing football will be used to help chil- But it marks a major change from 20 cents a litre (91 cents a withdrawn around $250 billion ciation to incorporate 50 new projects overseas. Since 2010, dren and young people in post- for two super-rich countries gallon) to 36.5 ($1.66). The intro- from its reserves over the past coaches who are currently being Generation Amazing has been trauma situations, such as refu- where the mall is king. Dubai has duction of VAT coupled with the four years, reducing them to trained to deliver football for operating in Jordan, Lebanon, gees and other people who have long held an annual shopping fes- increase in fuel duty is expected $490bn. It has also borrowed development sessions to both Nepal, Pakistan and Syria. In all been displaced due to conflict or tival to draw bargain hunters to bring an abrupt end to a year around $100bn from the interna- schoolchildren and workers. “In these communities we have built natural disasters.” from around the world to its glitzy of negative inflation in Saudi tional and domestic markets. TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2018 MIDDLE EAST 07 10 dead in Iran unrest as Rowhani defiant

AFP confirmed more than 400 people were arrested since the outbreak TEHRAN: Ten people were killed of the unrest, of which around overnight in the worst violence 100 have been freed. yet seen in Iran’s protests, local Judiciary chief Ayatollah media reported yesterday, as Pro-regime rallies Sadegh Larijani joined Rowhani President Hassan Rowhani played were held across in warning against illegal action. down the unrest and vowed those several towns and “Those who have rightful breaking the law would be dealt demands must be guided in with. cities, but videos on lawful ways and those who riot US President Donald Trump, social media showed and commit sabotage and chaos who has repeatedly criticised seemingly widespread and set fire to public property... Tehran over four days of demon- anti-government must be confronted decisively,” strations, said it was “time for a he told the state broadcaster. change” and that the Iranian protests in cities “The country must have dis- people were “hungry” for including Kermanshah, cipline,” Larijani added. freedom. Khorramabad and Verifying rumours and videos Sunday night was the dead- Shahinshahr. remained challenging due to liest since the angry demonstra- travel restrictions and sporadic A group of men pulling a fence in a street in Tehran, yesterday. tions broke out on Thursday and blocks on mobile internet and spread across the country in the rioters and lawbreakers”. popular social media sites biggest test for the regime since “Our nation will deal with this including Telegram and years. They are hungry for food Rowhani acknowledged yes- groups such as bus drivers, mass protests in 2009. minority who chant slogans Instagram. & for freedom. Along with terday. The authorities have teachers and factory workers Six people were killed in the against the law and people’s The protests began as dem- human rights, the wealth of Iran blamed external forces for regularly protesting against western town of Tuyserkan after wishes, and insult the sanctities onstrations against economic is being looted. TIME FOR fomenting violence, saying the unpaid wages and poor shots were fired, state television and values of the revolution.” conditions in second city CHANGE!” majority of social media reports conditions. reported, while a local lawmaker Pro-regime rallies were held Mashhad on Thursday but quickly After initial silence, state were emanating from regional Meanwhile, Israel’s intelli- said two people had been shot across several towns and cities, turned against the Islamic regime media began showing some rival Saudi Arabia or exile gence minister voiced encour- dead in the southwestern town but videos on social media as a whole, with thousands footage of the demonstrations groups based in Europe. agement for Iranian anti-gov- of Izeh. showed seemingly widespread marching in towns across Iran to on Sunday, focusing on young Authorities ruthlessly put ernment protesters but added Two others, included a anti-government protests in cities chants of “Death to the men attacking banks and vehi- down the 2009 protests, which that Israeli policy was not to get teenage boy, were run down and including Kermanshah, Khorram- dictator”. cles, an attack on a town hall in followed a disputed presiden- involved in Tehran’s internal killed by a fire engine stolen by abad and Shahinshahr. Trump, a fierce critic of Tehran, and images of a man tial election that gave hardliner affairs. Four days of demonstra- protesters in the western town of A school for clergy and gov- Tehran, used one of his first burning the Iranian flag. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad a tions in Iran have posed the Dorud, the state broadcaster said, ernment buildings were torched tweets of 2018 to again lash out Rowhani came to power in second term. At least 36 people boldest challenge to its clerical bringing the total death toll in the in the northwestern town of at a favourite target. 2013 promising to mend the were killed in the 2009 unrest, leadership since pro-reform protests to 12. Takestan and videos showed “Iran is failing at every level economy and ease social ten- according to an official toll, unrest in 2009. At least four Rowhani tried to play down police using tear gas and water despite the terrible deal made sions, but high living costs and while the opposition says 72 people have been killed as some the unrest, saying: “This is cannon to disperse a small pro- with them by the Obama admin- a 12 percent unemployment rate died. confrontations with police nothing.” test in Tehran’s Enghelab Square istration,” Trump tweeted, refer- have left many feeling that In the years since, many turned violent. “I can only wish “Criticism and protest are an on Sunday evening. ring to the nuclear pact agreed progress is too slow. middle-class Iranians have success to the Iranian people in opportunity not a threat,” he said The authorities did not give under his predecessor Barack “We have no problem bigger abandoned hope of securing the struggle for freedom and in a statement on the presidency details on who was responsible Obama. than unemployment. Our change from the streets. But democracy,” Israeli Intelligence website, adding that the Iranian for the fatal shootings. “The great Iranian people economy needs an operation. low-level strikes and demon- Minister Israel Katz said in an people would “respond to the The authorities have have been repressed for many We must all stand together,” strations have continued, with Army Radio interview.

Over 10,000 civilians dead in Syria in 2017 NEWS BYTES ANATOLIA said. Also, 316 civilians, including 58 women were killed. Separately, 913 children and 54 women were killed civilians were killed by unknown Jordan denies dismissal of princes ANKARA: A total of 10,204 civilians by the PKK/PYD terror group in Syria sides. AMMAN: Jordan’s royal palace warned it would were killed mainly by the Bashar Al while another 1,421 civilians, including According to the report, 2,019 civil- take legal measures against anyone spreading what A total of 4,148 Assad regime in Syria in 2017, 281 children and 148 women were ians in the suburbs of Damascus, 1,512 it said were lies about the ruling family, just days civilians, including according to a report of the London- killed by Daesh terrorists. civilians in Raqqa, 1,352 in Aleppo, as after King Abdullah relieved his brothers from top 754 children and 591 based Syrian Network for Human Attacks carried out by Russian well as 1,324 others Deir ez-Zour and army posts in a major shake-up. The King, a staunch women were killed by Rights (SNHR) released yesterday. forces killed 1,436 civilians, including 1,256 civilians in Idlib were killed. Also, US ally, said that his brothers Prince Ali and Prince The report said 2,298 children and 439 children and 284 women while 882 civilians in Daraa, 852 in Hama and Faisal and his cousin Prince Talal — who all had high torture and attacks 1,536 women were among those killed. 1,759 civilians were killed in attacks 781 in Homs as well as 198 in Hasakah military ranks — would be retiring from the armed carried out by the A total of 4,148 civilians, including of the US-led coalition. and 28 other civilians in Quneitra prov- forces. He said the move was part of a reorganisa- Assad regime last 754 children and 591 women were In the clashes between military ince were killed. The report said 211 tion of the armed forces’ hierarchy and structure. year, the report said. killed by torture and attacks carried dissidents and anti-regime groups, 211 civilians in 2017 were killed after Prince Faisal was head of the Royal Air Force and out by the Assad regime last year, it civilians including 47 children and 30 regime’s tortures. deputy chief of staff, while Prince Ali had for years been in charge of the royal guards responsible for the king’s protection. Talal Bin Mohammad, a Sand- hurst graduate who was and an officer in the elite special forces, was also sent into retirement. They Pence again were all given honorary promotions. A palace state- ment on Sunday said it would pursue legal measures postpones against those who propagated “lies and false claims” in social media and online websites with the goal Mideast trip of driving a wedge between the royal family and ordinary Jordanians. BLOOMBERG

WASHINGTON: Vice-Pres- 12 dead in Syria air strikes: Monitor ident Mike Pence, who post- BEIRUT: Air strikes on one of the last villages still poned a Middle East trip held by the Islamic State group in eastern Syria after Arab leaders killed 12 civilians, including four children, a moni- denounced the new US tor said. The strikes were carried out late Sunday policy on Jerusalem, isn’t on the village of Susa in Deir Ezzor province, the scheduled to visit Israel in Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. “Twelve January, either, according to civilians from a same family, including four chil- an Israeli official. dren, were killed,” Observatory head Rami Abdel Foreign Ministry Rahman said. The Britain-based monitoring organi- spokesman Emmanuel Nah- sation, which has a broad network of sources on the shon said the visit isn’t ground, said the strikes were likely conducted by included in the schedule of the US-led coalition that launched air raids against high-level dignitaries in Jan- New Year fireworks IS in Syria and Iraq in 2014. uary, without elaborating on Fireworks explode over downtown Beirut, Lebanon, during New Year’s celebrations, early yesterday. the reason for the delay. White House and Pence 17 held for FETO links across Turkey spokespeople didn’t have TOKAT: At least 17 suspects, including on-duty sol- immediate comment. diers, former judges and prosecutors, were arrested The vice-president had across Turkey for suspected links with the Fetullah planned to meet with Egyp- Terrorist Organization (FETO), the group behind last tian President Abdel-Fattah Abbas slams West Bank annexation vote year’s defeated coup, according to a security source. El Sisi and Israeli Prime Min- FETO and its US-based leader Gulen orchestrated ister Benjamin Netanyahu in AFP He said in a statement that the all of historic Palestine.” The Likud the defeated coup attempt of July 15, 2016, which December and deliver a White House “has refused to condemn central committee backed a resolu- left 250 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured. speech to the Israeli Knesset, RAMALLAH: Palestinian President Israeli colonial settlements as well as tion urging Israel to extend sover- In central Tokat province, fifteen suspects, includ- but the visit was put off until Mahmoud Abbas yesterday harshly the systematic attacks and crimes of eignty over all settlement areas in the ing former judges, prosecutors and lawyers, were this month. condemned a vote by Israel’s ruling the Israeli occupation against the people West Bank and called for unlimited arrested as part of a probe into the terrorist organi- The official reason given party in support of annexing large of Palestine.” “We hope that this vote settlement construction. Netanyahu, zation. The arrests came after the Tokat’s Chief Public was a critical Senate vote on parts of the West Bank and criticised serves as a reminder for the interna- who is a member of the central com- Prosecutor’s Office issued arrest warrants. In capi- the tax reform bill, but the the United States for its silence. tional community that the Israeli gov- mittee, was not present for the vote. tal Ankara, two on-duty soldiers were detained for postponement followed Arab Abbas said the non-binding vote by ernment, with the full support of the US Taking such a measure could effec- their membership in FETO. The counter-terrorism objections to President the central committee of Prime Minister administration, is not interested in a just tively end hopes for a two-state solu- units arrested two army officers following the tes- Donald Trump’s decision to Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party and lasting peace,” Abbas said. tion to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict timony of former Lt. Burak Akin, who had admitted recognise Jerusalem as Isra- “could not be taken without the full sup- “Rather its main goal is the con- as there would be little area left for a his own FETO membership on December 27, 2017. el’s capital. port of the US administration.” solidation of an apartheid regime in Palestinian state. 08 AFRICA TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2018

Deby promises Sudan to activate to hold delayed deals signed with elections in Turkey recently Chad this year AFP

Agreements with Turkey will focus on the N’DJAMENA: The President organisation and management of the industrial of Chad, Idriss Deby, said zones, small and medium industries, the general elections, scheduled exchange of experience, expertise and experts for 2015 but much postponed, would be held in 2018. between the two countries, in addition to “I am happy to announce, making the best use in the fields of science and on the cusp of the New Year, technology and the introduction of technology that legislative elections will from Turkey. be organised in 2018,” Deby said in a televised address, urging all politicians to show responsibility and patriotism QNA the two countries, in addition to in the run-up to the poll. making the best use in the fields The country’s parliament KHARTOUM: Sudan’s Ministry of science and technology and Sudan’s President Omar Hassan Al Bashir arrives to address the nation during the 62nd Anniversary was due to be dissolved on of Industry started implementing the introduction of technology Independence Day at the Palace in Khartoum. June 21, 2015, but the consti- the agreements and memoran- from Turkey. tutional court extended its dums of understanding it signed He pointed out that the indus- term. with its Turkish counterpart tries include the fields of textiles, two countries. on industry, linking the and employment properly, Deby, who took office in during Turkish President Recep clothing and various leather Adding that there are several economic sectors, restarting compared to 60,000 workers 1990 and won a contested fifth Tayyip Erdogan’s recent visit to industries, in addition to food factories established in the past suspended factories and were trained last year. term in April 2016, delayed Sudan, which laid down the industries, iron and steel, manu- and is expected to jump to $10bn, encouraging the states to put the Sudanese State Minister at polls still further last bases of the strategic economic facturing of spare parts for cars and the industrial sector will manufacturing industries within the Ministry of Industry said that February. partnership between the two and machinery manufacturing. receive the largest share where their priorities and provide the the programmes of localisation The opposition derided his countries in the industrial fields. On the future prospects for there are 12 fields covered by necessary support for them to of technology will give priority comments that the country did Sudanese State Minister at cooperation with Turkey, the sponsorship and development promote their industries. to the benefit of value-added, not have the financial means the Ministry of Industry, Abdo Sudanese Minister said that his exchange agreements, which can He pointed out that the year pointing out that the industries to hold polls before 2019 and Dawood Suleiman, said in a country looks forward to ben- be increased, pointing out that 2018 will also see the training of related to meat and gum, Arabic have dubbed the current remarks to Qatar News Agency efiting from the Turkish excel- this year will see the 100,000 skilled and technical and oils, especially peanut crops, parliament illegitimate. He that agreements with Turkey will lence in the fields of large transformation of the agreed workers to form a large addition sesame and sun flower and declared that “this major focus on the organisation and capitals and advanced technol- plans into joint work to strengthen the institutional cotton seed and feed, will electoral event is awaited by management of the industrial ogy to invest in Sudan and add programmes. capacity and make human flourish during the coming Chad’s entire political class” zones, small and medium indus- value to national products and The Minister also highlighted resources have a better period in which will continue to and would be a source of tries, the exchange of experience, move them to global markets for the plans for the current year, contribution to the conservation implement the five-year “great political fervour”. expertise and experts between the benefit of the peoples of the stressing that Sudan will focus and maintenance of resources industrial programme. Deby also announced the creation of an “inclusive national forum” in the oil- producing nation to bring together political organisa- UN urges DR Congo leader to keep promise to step down tions to examine in detail “different approaches to AFP December 2018, prompting fears that Troops fired tear gas into churches and secretary-general Michaelle Jean said in a (political) reform. Kabila may seek to extend his rule. bullets in the air to break up gatherings at statement, urging “free, transparent and “We have to pay close UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary- “The Secretary-General urges all Catholic masses, in one case arresting 12 credible elections in DRC”. attention to peace and secu- General Antonio Guterres has urged Congolese political actors to remain fully altar boys at a protest in the capital. “The DR Congo, rich with mineral wealth rity, which are primordial Democratic Republic of Congo President committed to the 31 December 2016 politi- Secretary-General calls on the government but plagued by violence, has not had a conditions for progress,” said Joseph Kabila to abide by an agreement to cal agreement, which remains the only and national security forces to exercise peaceful transition of power since inde- Deby, warning the country it leave power, after at least eight people died viable path to the holding of elections, the restraint and to uphold the rights of the pendence from Belgium in 1960. must not drop its guard in “the in protests against his rule. peaceful transfer of power and the con- Congolese people to the freedom of speech Kabila succeeded his assassinated fight against terrorism.” Kabila, in power since 2001, signed a solidation of stability in the DRC,” Guterres’ and peaceful assembly,” the statement said. father Laurent Kabila in 2001 and refused Chad is an ally of the West deal with opposition groups a year ago office said in a statement. The head of La Francophonie, the to step down at the end of his second and in sub-Saharan Africa in agreeing to step down once his current Eight people were killed on Sunday and world organisation of French-speaking final term in December 2016. Elections had tackling radicalism. But a term ends and new elections are held. dozens arrested as Congolese security nations, on Monday blasted what she called been due to take place by the end of 2017 prolonged slump in oil prices But violence has swelled in the giant, forces cracked down on protesters who “unspeakable attacks” against worshippers under a church-mediated deal but were has taken a heavy toll on the troubled African nation after the date of defied a government ban to demonstrate and other civilians. “Participating in a further delayed, and the poll is now sched- country’s economy in recent the new vote was pushed back to in Kinshasa and other cities. protest is a fundamental right,” uled for December 23, 2018. years. Mali president Toll in Boko Haram eyes amnesties under ‘national attack on villagers consensus’ law increases to 25 AFP AFP were always escorted by troops BAMAKO: Mali will adopt a to protect them from jihadists. law on “national consensus” KANO: The number of loggers “Yesterday they went to the that may amnesty rebels who killed in a Boko Haram attack logging without security escort took part in a revolt in 2012, in northeast Nigeria has risen to and it was evident some inform- President Ibrahim Boubacar 25 following the discovery of ants alerted Boko Haram that Keita said in a New Year’s more victims, survivors and the loggers had no security speech. militias said. protection,” he said. Keita, in a nationwide Motorcycle-riding gunmen The attackers were believed message, said the law would attacked a logging site where to have come from Boko Har- draw on a so-called charter people were loading firewood am’s main enclave in Sambisa for peace, unity and national into vehicles some 20km from forest which is accessible from reconciliation, which he the state capital Maiduguri. the logging site, he said. received in June as the out- Four bodies were initially The militants have increas- come of a two-year-old peace recovered, but search teams ingly targeted loggers in their pact between the government later found 21 more victims in armed campaign, accusing them Thousands gather on New Year day in Durban and Tuareg rebels aimed at the surrounding area. of spying and passing informa- A general view taken yesterday in Durban shows thousands of New Year party revellers and holiday shoring up Mali’s shaky secu- “We found 21 more bodies tion to the military and the local makers gathering on the North Beach during the New Year day. According to local police sources, close to rity. The “draft law on after search teams combed the militia fighting them. 100,000 people spent the day at the beach. The city situated on the east coast of the African Continent national consensus... (will) bushes when many people In August Boko Haram fight- attracts thousands of local and international tourists boosting the local economy at this time of the year. include exemption from didn’t make it back to the village ers decapitated three loggers prosecution for all those who after we were attacked,” logger near Aisa-Wulomari village, are implicated in armed Bunu Gana, who survived the 40km from Maiduguri while rebellion but who do not have attack, said. returning to the city. blood on their hands,” he said. “Fifty-three of us set out to In April eight loggers were It will also include “meas- the logging site from Bakin killed and their bodies burnt by One dead, 28 hurt in Cameroon suicide attack ures of conciliation”, he said. Muna (village) but only 28 made the insurgents at Kayamla vil- These will be implemented it back after the attack. lage, 10km from Maiduguri QNA A female suicide Boko Haram, the group has after trials that are currently “We found four bodies at the while collecting firewood in a bomber blew herself killed at least 2,000 civilians under way are fast-tracked to site which made us to search for bush. YAOUNDE: A female suicide and military personnel and conclusion, and after compen- those missing,” said another Boko Haram’s eight-year bomber blew herself up in a up in a cafe in kidnapped a thousand more in sation for victims is speeded logger, Haruna Dahiru. campaign of violence has killed cafe in Cameroon’s far north Cameroon’s far north the country’s far north, accord- up. Ideas include a programme The loggers were displaced over 20,000 people and dis- region, killing at least one region, killing at ing to the International Crisis to rehabilitate “all those who by Boko Haram from nearby placed some 2.6 million from person and wounding 28 Group. lay down their weapons and Mujtari, Zangale, Anzamala and their homes, sparking a dire others. Witnesses said the least one person and Since the group emerged publicly undertake to renounce Kumbulla village who turned to humanitarian crisis in the woman entered the cafe on wounding 28 others. eight years ago, it has launched violence,” Keita said. But he logging to feed their families, region. Most of the displaced rely Sunday night before detonating attacks in Nigeria, Cameroon, insisted the package is “neither militia leader Ibrahim Liman on food handouts from aid her explosive vest in Bia, a Niger and Chad, and caused the a reward for impunity nor an said. agencies while others have village close to the border with Haram militants in recent years. deaths of at least 20,000 people avowal of weakness, and even He said the victims had been turned to felling trees in this arid Nigeria. The area has seen Since 2014, when Cam- and the displacement of more less a denial of right for the logging at the site for seven region for firewood which they frequent attacks by the Boko eroon began its fight against than 2.6 million. victims.” months without incident as they sell to buy food. TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2018 ASIA 09 Rajinikanth Fog blankets Delhi; flights disrupted IANS Flights can land in visibility below 50 metres if pilots are NEW DELHI: A thick blanket of trained in CAT IIIB — which is launches fog engulfed the national capital Category Three. and its suburbs on the New Year The Northern Railways said Day with visibility dropping to over 50 trains coming to Delhi zero, hitting domestic and inter- were running late and 20 were website, app national operations at the Delhi rescheduled. Some 15 were can- airport and delaying trains celled. The Met Department said departing from and arriving to the shallow fog would continue IANS Delhi. throughout the region all With mercury at 5.7 degrees through the day. The maximum CHENNAI: Superstar Celsius, dropping a notch below temperature was likely to hover Rajinikanth, who made waves the season’s average on Sunday around 23 degrees Celsius. on Sunday by plunging into “I have created a night, hundreds of passengers Pollution levels in the cap- electoral politics, yesterday web page — www. braved the morning chill as they ital also shot up. The Air Quality launched a website and an app remained stranded for hours at Index (AQI) at various places in inviting people to sign up in his rajinimanram.org the airport and Delhi railway Delhi fell to the “hazardous” campaign to bring about a — where members stations. category. political change in Tamil Nadu. of my registered “Delhi woke up to worst fog Many took to Twitter to Even as established polit- fan associations of the season. Most of the north- share pictures of their areas cov- ical parties by and large western plains are in its grip. Day ered by the blinding fog as the appeared to play the wait-and- and unregistered temperature will fall signifi- hashtag #delhifog was among watch game, Rajinikanth associations and cantly,” Mahesh Palawat, Vice the most trending topics on the uploaded a one-minute video people who want a President at Skymet Weather, microblogging site. extending New Year greetings good change in Tamil said, adding the minimum tem- “I wanted to say Hello 2018 and thanking all those who sup- perature of 5.7 degrees was by clicking the sunrise, but with Nadu’s politics can ported his entry into politics. “lowest minimum of the season”. A woman crossing a track as a train waits amid heavy fog and air this fog I can’t even see my “I have created a web page register with their All the terminals at the Indira pollution at Sahibabad station in Ghaziabad, yesterday. reflection to say hello to myself,” — www.rajinimanram.org — names and voter Gandhi International (IGI) Air- tweeted @virenrawat48, posting where members of my regis- ID to coordinate port were packed with passen- The flight operations at the some flights to take off around a picture of all haze. @pinky- tered fan associations and gers, who drove on fog-covered airport were halted for about 11am. A visibility of at least 125 chandran tweeted that it was unregistered associations and ourselves.” roads to catch their morning five hours. However, the visi- metres is needed for a flight to “interesting start to the New people who want a good change flights. The visibility which was bility improved as the late take off. Arrivals at the airport Year. In the plane from 6am, in Tamil Nadu’s politics can reg- added, needed to be changed. 1,500 metres at 3.30am dropped morning sun broke through the were also baldy hit as only some waiting to takeoff. No complains ister with their names and voter Meanwhile, former AIADMK rapidly to zero at 5.30am. blinding cloud cover, allowing aircraft were allowed to land. though.” ID to coordinate ourselves. “Let MP K C Palaniswamy claimed us bring a good change in Tamil that his party was not perturbed Nadu. Hail Tamil people and by Rajini’s announcement. Ever Tamil Nadu,” he said in the since 1996, the AIADMK has Free education for Bengaluru’s video, which had a logo made been working on a strategy of NEWS BYTES famous by him in his super-hit ‘anti-DMK+Congress+Rajinikant first baby girl born in 2018 film “Baba” with words “Truth, factor’ and the actor’s Sunday Vijay Gokhale to replace Labour, Elevation”. announcement that he would IANS Pushpa M, 25, wife of Gopi M, Accusing political parties of float a party was not worrying, 25, is also their first child. “We Jaishankar as Foreign Secretary “looting” the people, he said. BENGALURU: The first New are very grateful to the civic Rajinikanth on Sunday said he “There is a widespread per- Year baby girl born at 00:05 authorities for this scheme and NEW DELHI: Vijay Gokhale, who as envoy in Beijing played a key would float a new party to ception that Rajinikanth is yesterday at a civic hospital in helping us with our child’s edu- role in the resolution of the Doklam stand-off with China, was pursue “spiritual politics” and taking a political plunge at the the city’s western suburb would cation,” the child’s father said. yesterday named the new Foreign Secretary to replace S Jais- vowed to contest the next Tamil insistence of BJP. His announce- get free education up to the The infant’s mother works hankar who retires this month. The appointment of Gokhale, Nadu Assembly elections. After ment that he would practice degree level from the city civic on contract at the state secre- currently Secretary (Economic Relations), was cleared by the years of uncertainty, the `spiritual politics’ will cost his body, said an official. tariat, while the father also Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, an official statement 68-year-old bus conductor- proposed party the minority “The first baby girl born five works on a contract basis as a said. The 1981-batch Indian Foreign Service officer is widely turned-heartthrob of Tamil votes,” AIADMK spokesperson minutes after Sunday midnight sales engineer in the city. believed to have played a key role as then Indian ambassador to cinema told cheering sup- Palaniswamy said. in the New Year at the Rajaji- “My wife and I together China when he led the negotiations to resolve the over 70-day porters here that his decision In 1996 Rajinikanth nagar civic hospital has been manage to make less than about Doklam crisis. Gokhale along with Jaishankar led India’s diplo- was a “compulsion of time”. declared that if J Jayalalithaa chosen for free education up to Rs20,000 each month after all matic outreach to the US and Japan in explaining to them New Alleging that politics in the was voted back to power, even under-graduation from the the work we put in. This scheme Delhi’s stand on the issue and winning their support that built up country had gone “very wrong”, God would not be able to save interest earned out of Rs5 lakh would definitely help us and the pressure on China. Gokhale has served Indian embassies in Rajinikanth said: “Under the Tamil Nadu. That statement that will be deposited in a bank our child,” Gopi said. “We hope Germany and Malaysia and missions in Hong Kong, Hanoi and guise of democracy, political was said to have played a major by the BBMP,” its spokesman L our girl gets good education. We New York. He will take over from Jaishankar who was appointed parties are looting their own role in the victory of the DMK- Suresh said. dream to see her become a pol- Foreign Secretary on January 29, 2015, for two years and given a people.” Such a system, he TMC combine then. The lucky baby girl, born to itician one day,” he added. one-year extension in January last year. Jaishankar retires on January 28. India, Pakistan exchange 27th KERALA BYTES list of nuclear installations NEW DELHI: India and Pakistan yesterday exchanged, through Ockhi: Kin of 25 fishermen diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad, a list of their nuclear installations and facilities for the 27th consec- who died get Rs2.2m each utive year, a statement said. The exchange was done under the THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Chief Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installa- Minister Pinarayi Vijayan yesterday handed tions between India and Pakistan, according to a Ministry of over Rs2.2m each to the family of 25 fish- External Affairs statement. The Agreement, which was signed on ermen who died when Cyclone Ockhi struck December 31, 1988, entered into force on January 27, 1991. It the southern districts of Kerala on November provides, inter alia, that the two countries inform each other of 30. The function was held near here at the nuclear installations and facilities to be covered under the Agree- coastal hamlet of Vizhinjam. The amount ment on the first of January of every calendar year. The first such comprises Rs20 lakh announced by the Kerala exchange took place on January 1, 1992. government and Rs2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund. According to the latest Hearing, speech-impaired boy figures released by the state government, the total number of dead from Kerala include 79, repatriated to Pakistan while 143 fishermen are still missing. Speaking CHANDIGARH: A hearing and speech impaired 12-year-old boy on the occasion, Vijayan assured that in three from Pakistan, arrested for accidentally straying into the Indian months time after completing all the neces- Registration queue territory in May last year, was yesterday handed over to Pakistani sary paper work by the police, the families of authorities, officials said. “The Ministry of External Affairs allowed People standing in line to check their names on the first draft of the National Register the missing fishermen would also be given the repatriation of Hasnain. Accordingly, he was handed over to of Citizens (NRC) at Kamrup in Assam, yesterday. The NRC has been in works for Rs2.2m each. Pakistani authorities at the Attari border,” Faridkot Deputy years to identify and evict “illegal foreigners” settling in the state. Commissioner Rajiv Prashar said. The Border Security Force personnel detained the boy when he inadvertently crossed over Actor Dileep to move court to the Indian side in the Ferozepur sector of Punjab on May 1, 2017. Prashar said the boy had been lodged in the observation home KOCHI: With the Malayalam actress abduc- since May last year. His identity was revealed from a Pakistani tion case trial set to commence, one of the Rs20 denomination note recovered from his pocket. The Pakistan accused, actor Dileep, is set to move the court Share experiences with fellow High Commission in New Delhi had confirmed that his father Javed against the police for failing to provide crucial Iqbal was a resident of Lahore in Pakistan. His case came to light documents for his counsel’s perusal. Dileep’s researchers, scientists told on December 2 when a tweet by a Pakistani journalist Mehr Tarar counsel has been asking for a copy of the highlighted his plight. visuals of the actress being harassed while she IANS “To reach our true potential and to was taken around in a vehicle in Kochi for take Indian science to its rightful glory, Govt, opposition face-off likely around two hours before she was dumped near KOLKATA: Prime Minister Narendra we should be like a quantum particle the home of a popular director. When the Modi yesterday urged the country’s that escapes its confinement. This is even today on instant divorce demand was first raised, a lower court had scientists and researchers to come out more important today, as science NEW DELHI: The government and the opposition seem headed allowed for the actor and his counsel to take of “confinement” and share their expe- becomes hugely multi-disciplinary and for a face-off in the Rajya Sabha today when the bill to criminalise a look at it in the presence of the court. riences with fellow scientists of other requires concerted efforts. triple talaq is taken up for consideration with non-BJP parties keen However, now he wished to have a copy of it, institutions and national laboratories. “I am told that our science depart- on referring it to a Select Committee for detailed scrutiny. The which the police was not willing to give. His “For one reason or another, we have ments are now working on a multi- opposition parties are slated to meet today morning to decide their counsel had also asked for certain other docu- confined ourselves into isolation. We pronged approach. I understand that a course of action on the bill which was passed on Thursday by the ments pertaining to the case, which was not hardly cooperate, collaborate and share portal is being developed for sharing of Lok Sabha, where the government has a clear majority. The govern- handed over and this would also be pointed our experiences with fellow scientists scientific infrastructure that would allow ment lacks a majority in the upper house and is making efforts for out in the petition. According to the police, of other institutions and national labo- transparent and efficient tagging and the bill’s smooth passage by reaching out to some opposition parties. these were all vital evidences in the case and ratories,” he said in his address, deliv- sharing of resources,” he said. Modi said The Muslim Women Bill, 2017 has been listed for consideration the privacy of the victim was also to be taken ered through video conferencing, at the he is sure that scientists and researchers and passage in the Rajya Sabha today, when the house meets after into consideration, hence they were unwilling inauguration of the Curtain Raiser Cer- of India with their “out of box thinking” a three-day break. The Congress and some other parties demanded to part with it. emony on famed scientist Professor S N would continue to provide “creative in the Lok Sabha that the bill should be sent to the Standing Bose’s 125th birth anniversary. technological solutions”. Committee but the government rejected the demand. 10 VIEWS TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2018 Size and cause of protests in Iran ESTABLISHED IN 1996 ABDOLSALAM SALIMIPOOR ANATOLIA

CHAIRMAN ANY Iranian cities have SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI witnessed massive demonstrations of the groups EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mthat came together in the last few days to protest against the economic, DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI political and social conditions, including [email protected] “poverty, unemployment” in the country without a call being made from any ACTING MANAGING EDITOR political personality or group. The demonstrations in Iran began in MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED Mashhad, the second-largest city of the [email protected] country and one of Iran’s religious and spiritual cities. The protests then spread to Nishapur, Shahrud, Kermanshah, Qom, Rasht, Yazd, Qazvin, Zahedan, Ahvaz and many other cities. Yesterday, university students came out at the Tehran University campus, chanting slogans. EDITORIAL In fact, these protests did not suddenly appear. In the past year, the victims who have lost their investments in bankrupt financial companies — reaching some A leap forward 6,000 — especially in Tehran and some other cities, have organized small-scale demonstrations and have raised their atar’s economy is gaining momentum. voices using harsh slogans. Defying the nearly 7-month blockade It is estimated that there are several imposed by the neighbouring countries, million people who have been suffering in Qatar’s economy staged a swift Iran in this way. State and government Q turnaround in third quarter in 2017 with agencies intervened only when the real GDP growing sharply by 5.5 percent, compared demonstrations got bigger. to the previous quarter. On year-on-year basis, the These people are among the majority of GDP showed a growth of 1.9 percent to QR208.92bn. participants in the recent demonstrations. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt However, this time the poor section of the imposed the unjust blockade in a desperate effort to society and opposition political groups also they have been declared bankrupt by weaken country’s economy. But Qatar, in a strategic seem to have joined them. financial institutions that — almost all — move, developed new trade routes, supported the The main point of the demonstrators is belong to the conservatives. The private sector and injected additional capital into about living conditions in the country, government accepted only to pay the banks. Also, the Qatar Central Bank’s international poverty, unemployment, the concentric debts of companies “Caspian” and Iran’s First Vice-President reserves and foreign currency liquidity rose in structure of Iran’s economy and foreign “Alborz”, which are under the guarantee Eshaq Jihangiri said this November. The reserves and liquidity, a measure of policy, which in turn reveals the of the Central Bank of Iran. Failure to weekend: “Economic issues the central bank’s ability to support the riyal relationship cover the debts of other bankrupt currency, increased to $36.9bn last month from between these companies may cause demonstrations to were being used as an excuse $36.1bn in October. three groups. spread further. and something else, behind A breakdown of the country’s economic activities Among the If the debt is paid by the state’s the curtain, is going on.” data in real GDP terms shows a strong performance slogans used by budget, objections of other parts of by manufacturing and wholesale and retail trade The demonstrations protesters are: society would be encountered. On the sectors. While manufacturing segment grew by 10 in Iran began in “Do not spend other hand, it is clear that the government both the government wing and the percent on quarter-on-quarter, wholesale and retail our money in cannot cover all these debts because of conservatives have gone to blame each trade segment rose by 10.9 percent. The figures Mashhad, the Syria, Gaza and the serious lack of financial resources. other, claiming that they are not linked to released by the Ministry of Development Planning second-largest Lebanon”, Many scenarios are being discussed the incidents. Iran’s First Vice-President and Statistics reaffirm that the blockade has failed city, and one of “People have about the organisers of recent events. Any Eshaq Jihangiri said this weekend: to make any negative impact Iran’s religious been broken street demonstration in Iran can only be “Economic issues were being used as an on the economy. down to the level held after getting permission and excuse and something else, behind the Even the International and spiritual of begging” and compliance of the security forces of the curtain, is going on.” Monetary Fund (IMF) has cities. The protests “those who see Interior Ministry and the Iranian leader. The Iran — official daily newspaper of reconfirmed that the then spread to Reza Shah Although the government had Hassan Rowhani government-- also said in blockade has not impacted Nishapur, Shahrud, Pahlavi as a declared the demonstrations an article published yesterday on the front Even the IMF the implementation of key symbol of “unauthorised and illegal”, forces of the page: “Some people think that public is a has reconfirmed projects in Qatar. The initial Kermanshah, Qom, modernization of police and the Islamic Revolutionary toy to reach their targets.” that the concerns that the disruptions Rasht, Yazd, Qazvin, the country are Guard Corps did not in any way interfere On the opposite side, the Imam of blockade could impact the Zahedan, Ahvaz and praying to him”. with the events. Considering that the Friday Prayers in Tehran said in this week’s implementation of many other cities. Other demonstrations continued for several sermon: “We should not leave social space has not infrastructure projects has slogans include: days, it is also quite clear that no “random blank so that people’s minds are not impacted the been mitigated by the “Leave Syria and arrest” was made. poisoned, and blurred with unbalanced implementation availability of an inventory of look at our In the protests of recent days, words.” Hossein Shariatmadari, one of the of key projects construction materials and of conditions”, “Neither Gaza, Nor Lebanon, contrary to what happened before, strong politicians of the conservative wing alternative, and competitive, my life is for Iran”, “Damn Hezbollah”, “We especially during the events that took and the director of Keyhan newspaper in Qatar. sources of imports, IMF noted don’t want Islamic republic”, place in 2009 in favor of the reformist linked to Iranian Supreme Leader, said: in its latest report. “Independence, freedom, Republic of Iran” wing, this time both the reformist and the “The suffering of the people on the subject Qatar has rerouted its and “People have begun to beg”. conservative wings are being targeted in of livelihood, the new sedition of trade through Kuwait and Oman, and alternative Undoubtedly, authorities of the two the slogans. This was received with troublemakers.” food supply sources have been established, allaying political wings in Iran were expecting an astonishment by authorities of both The Revolutionary Guards Army also fears of potential shortages. Qatar is also incident to erupt, by means of the wings, as well as political commentators. said: “Some groups are after new sedition.” accelerating efforts to further diversify sources of intelligence and security institutions they Despite everything, these Mentors of the Iranian President imports and external financing, and to enhance had. However, they chose the path of not demonstrations, by gaining a political Rowhani, such as international relations domestic food processing, IMF noted in its report on obstructing the people and allowed them to dimension, have evolved into a stage that and political specialist Ferzane Rustayi, ‘Economic outlook and policy challenges in GCC express their dissatisfaction with the was not expected by the authorities. For believe that the demonstrations of the countries.” economy. The fate of the victims’ this reason, with the spread of the oppositions have paved a way to publicise In a far-reaching decision, a significant focus on investments remains uncertain because demonstrations throughout the country, their objections. strengthening the private sector has been laid in the new budget for fiscal 2018. Priority will also be given to SMEs sector and the 2022 FIFA Cup-related projects. The budget will also support diversification and aims to increase government spending on all Corruption’s threat in Romania projects. Efforts to push and support national products has borne fruits. All infrastructure projects Romanian Parliament passed, under pressure from Brussels. legislators are proposing measures are ahead of schedule. Last week, the Romanian to strip police and prosecutors of Qatar’s economy is growing by leaps and bounds with scant debate, three new laws Parliament passed, with scant vital powers, such as the ability to and has withstood all the pressures despite the that would curtail the powers of debate, three new laws that would use evidence from surveillance blockade. New laws are in place to diversify the an anti-corruption agency and curtail the powers of an anti- cameras.They would ban public economy and attract foreign investments with key compromise the independence of corruption agency and compromise statements about investigations and focus on achieving self-reliance in all sectors. the independence of judges and trials and require that criminal judges and prosecutors. prosecutors. The attack on the suspects be allowed to witness National Anti- Corruption police interviews with their Directorate is particularly accusers. THE WASHINGTON POST significant, as it has been One of the biggest beneficiaries responsible for hundreds of would be the PSD’s most powerful HE Democratic revolution prosecutions of senior officials in figure, Liviu Dragnea, who has been QUOTE OF THE DAY that swept across Central the past decade, including 72 convicted of vote-riggingand is TEurope following the collapse members of Parliament. under investigation for other of the Soviet empire is in danger of That neutering of the judiciary crimes, including the misuse of $25 We appeal to the being reversed. Hungary in recent is not enough for members of the million in EU funds. The big loser is Iranian government to years pioneered the construction of ruling Social Democratic Party Laura Codruta Kovesi, the respect the rights a de facto autocracy behind a shell (PSD), which has been at the center courageous head of the anti- of the demonstrators of hollowed-out democratic of Romania’s endemic corruption. corruption authority; the word in institutions. Poland is now pursuing Its leaders are now proposing Bucharest is that the government to assemble and to the same course. The European dozens of amendments to the will follow up its “reforms” by peacefully raise their Union, to which both belong, criminal code and the code of seeking her dismissal. Fortunately, voices. appears unable to deter them. criminal procedure that would there is significant resistance from Perhaps because of that, a third shield political leaders from Romanians to this corrupt post-communist country, Romania, prosecution for offenses ranging counterrevolution. President Klaus Sigmar Gabriel is rushing to reverse anti- from bribery to sexual harassment. Iohannis has been strongly critical German Foreign Minister corruption reforms it adopted In their zeal to protect themselves, of the legislation passed last week. TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2018 VIEWS 11 Administration’s position on climate change is all over place

HERE was never Bundle up!” he tweeted. Research Program, the federal Gallaudet, who said that the Why it exists, and whether it’s really much doubt that What’s been more coordinating body for climate document’s findings “directly a good or bad thing. Donald Trump surprising, however, is the change research across the relate to the priorities of this As the Post noted, climate Tdoubted the science of wide variety of positions taken government, recently released administration” - namely, science seems to be far less climate change. He had by the broader Trump a report that is completely national security goals in the fettered at science focused tweeted to that effect administration on the matter - incompatible with this view, fast-changing Arctic region. agencies than at regulatory CHRIS MOONEY repeatedly before becoming where nobody but the finding that there is “no Even at the EPA - which agencies - with NASA and THE WASHINGTON POST president. He told this president seems to talk like the convincing alternative took down a scientifically NOAA a prime example of the publication he wasn’t a “big president, and where at times, explanation” for the planet’s accurate web page about former and the EPA of the believer” in human-caused it isn’t even clear whether warming other than human climate change and where latter. At the same time, NASA climate change. other members of the causation. rolling back the Obama and NOAA do not yet have That he has now used a administration are Somewhere in the middle, administration’s climate permanent administrators in bout of cold weather to mock representing Trump’s views. but perhaps closer to Pruitt, is change policies is a top priority place. Yet during the climate change - committing Consider the following Secretary of State Rex - the planet’s warming is administration of George W. the most basic of errors on the three sets of “administration” Tillerson’s view that carbon accepted as a premise, at least Bush - which, like the Trump topic, which is to confound any views on climate change: dioxide is changing the in technical documents. administration, tried to slow- given day’s weather and with Scott Pruitt, administrator atmosphere but “our ability to The draft Regulatory pedal action on climate change long-term trends in climate - of the Environmental predict that effect is very Impact Analysis that the - scientists at NASA and NOAA should not come as a surprise. Protection Agency, has limited.” Tillerson says he agency released to analyze the complained of having their “In the East, it could be the questioned whether we can knows the change is costs and benefits of rolling work or ability to COLDEST New Year’s Eve on measure “with precision” the happening; he’s just not clear back President Barack communicate with the media record. Perhaps we could use a role of humans on the climate, on the consequences or how Obama’s Clean Power Plan interfered with, and scientific little bit of that good old Global and he suggested therefore bad they’ll be. greatly downgraded documents were edited by Warming that our Country, but that humans are not the Meanwhile, and as The government estimates of the political actors. not other countries, was going primary driver of global Washington Post recently economic cost of emitting a ton The difference, really, to pay TRILLIONS OF warming. chronicled, two of the US’s top of carbon dioxide into the seems to be that the more DOLLARS to protect against. The US Global Change Earth-science agencies, NASA atmosphere - but it still said tightly organized Bush and the National Oceanic and each ton has a cost. administration didn’t much Atmospheric Administration, That, itself, is tantamount to appreciate having the routinely release new accepting that global warming president’s message analyses and products that is real and has at least some contradicted and potentially document just how warm the impact on the world. At times, it undermined by federal planet is, just how much of its isn’t even clear if top scientists. Whereas in the ice is melting, just how rapidly administration officials are thinly staffed and often chaotic That he has now used a its seas are rising, and more. actually reflecting the Trump administration, such a bout of cold weather to They, like the federal President’s own views on push toward message mock climate change climate change science climate change. US Ambassador consistency has really never - committing the most program, show little sign of to the United Nations Nikki taken hold. being censored or suppressed. Haley said earlier this year that On the one hand, letting basic of errors on Indeed, earlier this month, Trump “believes the climate is scientists and climate science the topic, which is to NOAA released a report changing, and he believes doubters alike say what they confound any given finding that the Arctic is now pollutants are part of that think, and then wrestling with warmer than it has been in at equation.” the contradictions, seems in day’s weather and least a millennium and a half. There are at least two many ways consistent with a with long-term trends The document’s release was questions we should ask about nation that celebrates free in climate - should not embraced by none other than this not-very-consistent speech but also pays ample tax come as a surprise. Trump appointee and acting approach to climate change in dollars to employ an army of NOAA administrator Tim the Trump administration: government scientific experts.

THE JAPAN NEWS were not wiped out in one fell swoop, Workers’ Party of Korea, has trumpeted the destruction could spread to Japan. It a policy of placing equal emphasis on OW can Japan protect its is no wonder that the sense of anxiety strengthening his nation’s nuclear peace and prosperity, which about what could be the most horrific capability and rebuilding the economy. have continued for more situation to affect Japan since the end of This differs from the “military-first D-RING ROAD Hthan 70 years? 2018 will be a World War II has been mounting. politics” adopted by Kim’s father, Kim POST BOX: 3488 year in which a carefully thought-out The Japanese government has a Jong Il. Kim Jong Un chose a difficult DOHA - QATAR strategy - and the resolve and ability to grave responsibility to handle the course of satisfying both the military take action to appropriately implement threat, as it views that menace as a and people. The possibility of turmoil [email protected] it - are sought. “national crisis.” The Self-Defense within the regime snowballing into self- Tensions triggered by North Korea Forces and the US military should step disintegration cannot be small. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE are growing. North Korea tested a up their cooperation, and the nation’s North Korea should be pressed to TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 nuclear device more than 10 times as missile defense should be steadily hold dialogue to relinquish its nuclear FAX: +974 4455 7758 powerful as the atomic bomb that was reinforced. Assuming that the worst- and missile development programs dropped on Hiroshima and launched case scenario happens, steps should be through bargaining that continues to MANAGING EDITOR intercontinental ballistic missiles. If ensured for the evacuation and contain Pyongyang but does not drive it TEL: 4462 7505 North Korea comes to possess protection of citizens in Japan and to lash out. To achieve this, maintaining technologies enabling the Japanese living in South Korea, as well the international encirclement of North DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR miniaturisation of a nuclear weapon as dealing with evacuees who would Korea will be essential. The resolve to TEL: 4455 7769 and the reentry of such a warhead into arrive from the Korean Peninsula. engage in a long-term approach will Earth’s atmosphere, it would possess Of course, the goal to strive for is to also be needed. LOCAL NEWS SECTION the capability to launch a nuclear strike prevent war from erupting and resolve The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 TEL: 4455 7743 on the US mainland. the current standoff through diplomacy. shocked the world. It was triggered by Since the Cold War ended, the In close cooperation with the United the Soviet Union bringing nuclear BUSINESS NEWS SECTION States and South Korea, the government weapons into Cuba. While applying TEL: 4462 7535 should tenaciously continue to military pressure on Moscow, US encourage China, which holds President John F. Kennedy tenaciously SPORT NEWS SECTION significant control over the lifelines of continued behind-the-scenes TEL: 4455 7745 North Korea strategy North Korea’s economy, to exercise negotiations with Soviet Premier Nikita influence over North Korea. Khrushchev and finally managed to ONLINE SECTION A half-baked solution that leaves realize the removal of the nuclear TEL: 4462 7501 needed to change North Korea with even part of its weapons. [email protected] nuclear capability would create A nuclear war was averted at the problems for the future. last moment because Kennedy persisted PUBLIC RELATIONS tension to stability The Nuclear Nonproliferation in his stance of seeking a diplomatic TEL: 4455 7613 Treaty (NPT) recognizes the United solution to the crisis. [email protected] States, Russia, China, Britain and To overcome the North Korean United States, which has France as states possessing nuclear crisis under the US initiative and bring ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT overwhelmingly dominant military weapons. In addition, India and about stability in the region, it is TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 power while maintaining a “nuclear Pakistan have developed nuclear arms, essential for US President Donald FAX: 4455 7870 balance” with Russia and China, has and Israel is also said to possess these Trump to exercise self-restraint against [email protected] been at the forefront of ensuring global weapons. To prevent heightened impulsive actions, and at the same time security. North Korea, which regards concern among the international not to easily concede. CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT the United States as an enemy, is community, each of these nations As long as Trump’s words and TEL: 4455 7857 attempting to break this stable rigidly maintains a restrained actions are unpredictable in some ways, [email protected] international order with the objective of approach to the use of nuclear the support of military experts, preserving its own dictatorial regime. weapons. including Defense Secretary Jim Mattis SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION UN sanctions and steps Pyongyang is totally different. North and National Security Adviser H.R. TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 independently taken by nations Korea is a rogue nation that uses its McMaster, will remain indispensible, as FAX: 44557819 including China have restricted trade nuclear program as a tool for saber- does appropriate advice and moves by [email protected] Tensions triggered with North Korea and deepened its rattling diplomacy and has had no Japan and other US allies. by North Korea isolation. Pyongyang has been exposed qualms about breaking a slew of It is hoped that Japan will deepen its to military pressure applied by international promises. If sanctions relationship with the United States at All thoughts and views are growing. North Washington. Even so, the international slapped on North Korea were lifted, it many levels, not only between the Korea tested a community is not certain whether could sell its nuclear and missile leaders, but also between both expressed in these nuclear device North Korea’s reckless behavior can be technologies to nations in the Middle countries’ cabinet members; columns are those of the more than 10 times stopped. East and terrorist organizations to bring government officials; and “uniforms,” writers, not of the The United States insists “all options in foreign currency. This would invite members of the US military and the newspaper. as powerful as are on the table.” Will the international disaster on a global scale. SDF. Unless East Asia’s situation the atomic bomb community leave the solution of the Be that as it may, it is worth taking a dramatically changes, the Japan-US that was dropped issue to US military might? Conversely, cool-headed look at North Korea. alliance will continue to be a linchpin of All correspondence on Hiroshima will North Korea lash out? In such a According to UN. estimates, North Japan’s diplomatic and security policies. regarding Views and volatile situation, an accidental Korea’s gross domestic product is about A source of worry is the impact that Opinion pages should be and launched outbreak of hostilities could happen. $16 billion (about ¥1.8 trillion). Per the inward-looking stance of the Trump intercontinental The fighting could spread to every capita, this is less than one-50th of the administration, which touts its America send to editor-in-chief ballistic missiles. corner of the Korean Peninsula. If North figure for Japan. First policy, could have on international office or mailed to the Korea’s medium-range ballistic missiles Kim Jong Un, chairman of the relationships. [email protected] 12 ASIA TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2018 Pakistan plans to take over JuD, FIF

REUTERS Marked “secret” choke the fund raising of all pro- a document from scribed outfits in Pakistan”. ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s finance ministry In a written reply to Reuters, government plans to seize he also said Pakistan wasn’t control of charities and financial directed law taking action under US pressure. assets linked to Islamist leader enforcement and “We’re not pleasing anyone. Hafiz Saeed, who Washington governments in We’re working as a responsible has designated a terrorist, nation to fulfil our obligations to according to officials and docu- Pakistan’s five our people and international ments reviewed by this news provinces to submit community.” agency. an action plan for a Spokesmen for the JuD and Pakistan’s civilian govern- ”takeover” of Saeed’s FIF both said they could not ment detailed its plans in a secret comment until they receive offi- two charities, Jamaat- order to various provincial and cial notifications of the govern- Hafiz Saeed (centre), who heads Jamaat-ud-Dawa and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation in Pakistan and has federal government departments ud-Dawa (JuD) and ment’s plans. been designated as terrorist by the US waves to supporters after his recent release from house arrest. on December 19, three officials the Falah-e-Insaniat “We don’t have any intima- who attended one of several Foundation (FIF). tion about any crackdown so according to two counter-ter- taking over ambulance services for comment. high-level meeting discussing the far,” FIF spokesman Salman rorism officials. and accounting for other vehi- In August, JuD officials crackdown said. Shahid said. “No one has asked Participants at the meeting cles used by the charities. formed a new political party, the Marked “secret” a document us about our work or assets.” raised the possibility that the It says law enforcement Milli Muslim League, and backed from the finance ministry The LeT could not be reached Saeed could not be reached for government’s failure to act agencies will coordinate with candidates who fared relatively directed law enforcement and for comment. The December 19th comment. He has frequently against the charities could lead Pakistan’s intelligence agencies strongly in two key parliamen- governments in Pakistan’s five document, which refers to denied having ties to militants to UN sanctions, one of the three to identify the assets of the two tary by-elections. The JuD pub- provinces to submit an action “Financial Action Task Force and says the charitable organi- officials said. charities and examine how they licly disavows armed militancy plan by December 28 for a ”take- (FATF) issues”, names only sations he founded and controls A UN Security Council team raise money. The document also inside Pakistan, but offers vocal over” of Saeed’s two charities, Saeed’s two charities and ”actions have no terrorism ties. is due to visit Pakistan in late directs that the name of JuD’s support for the cause of rebel Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and the to be taken” against them. He says he promotes an January to review progress 200-acre headquarters, Markaz- fighters in Indian-administered Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation The FATF, which is an inter- Islamic-oriented government against UN-designated “ter- e-Taiba, near the eastern city of Kashmir and has called for Paki- (FIF). The United States has national body that combats through doing good works. If the rorist” groups. ”Any adverse Lahore be changed to something stan to retake Kashmir. Nuclear- labelled JuD and FIF “terrorist money laundering and terrorist government follows through comments or action suggested else “to make it known that the armed India and Pakistan have fronts” for Lashkar-e-Taiba financing, has warned Pakistan with the plan, it would mark the by the team can have far- Government of “Punjab solely fought two wars over the dis- (LeT), a group Saeed founded in it faces inclusion on a watch list first time Pakistan has made a reaching implications for Paki- manages and operates the puted region. 1987 and which Washington and for failing to crack down on major move against Saeed’s net- stan,” the official said. Markaz (headquarters)”. Washington, which has India blame for the 2008 attacks financing terrorism. work, which includes 300 sem- The December 19th docu- The move to seize the char- offered a $10 million reward for in Mumbai that killed 166 people. Asked about a crackdown on inaries and schools, hospitals, a ment gave few details about how ities could spark some concern information leading to Saeed’s Saeed has repeatedly denied JuD and FIF, Interior Minister publishing house and ambulance the state would take over Saeed’s from the powerful military, conviction over the Mumbai involvement in the Mumbai Ahsan Iqbal, who cochaired one services. charities, pending the plans sub- which has proposed plans to attacks, warned Islamabad of attacks and a Pakistani court saw of the meetings on the plan, The JuD and FIF alone have mitted from the provincial gov- steer Saeed and the JuD into repercussions after a Pakistani insufficient evidence to convict responded only generally, saying about 50,000 volunteers and ernments. It did say it would mainstream politics. The mili- court in late November released him. he has ordered authorities “to hundreds of other paid workers, involve government entities tary did not respond to a request him from house arrest. Stay of Afghan refugees may be extended NEWS BYTES

INTERNEWS holders,” said one official, who is Officials conceded that vol- programme is likely to be started Trump threatens to dealing with the affairs of the untary repatriation programme from March 2018. “The govern- cut aid to Islamabad PESHAWAR: As 1.4m registered refugees. under which the UN agency paid ment may give them (refugees) Afghans lost their refugee status He said that Prime Minister $200 cash assistance to every ref- two more extensions after AFP in Pakistan yesterday, Ministry of Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was likely Afghan refugees ugee upon return to their country, December 2018 in view of secu- States and Frontier Regions to grant extension to refugees on have already availed was going very slowly. The cash rity situation in Afghanistan,” said WASHINGTON: President (Safron) sought one year more the recommendation of the cab- extension in their assistance was $400 per head in a source. Donald Trump yesterday extension to continue their legal inet within the next two weeks. 2016. On the other hand National suggested he would cut off stay in the host country. Officials Afghan refugees have already stay five times. The They said that hardly 48,000 Database Registration Authority foreign aid to Pakistan, revealed that the ministry had availed extension in their stay five government has refugees went back to their (Nadra) has registered 670,000 accusing Islamabad of sent summary to the Prime Minis- times. The government had intro- commitments that country under the programme in undocumented Afghan nationals harbouring violent ter’s Secretariat and suggested to duced PoR card system for the there would be no 2017 compared to the around during the six months long drive extremists and lying about extend stay of the refugees till registered refugees to legalise 400,000 refugees in 2016. Some across the country. The registra- it. “The United States has December 2018. their stay and protect them from forced return of 200,000 more undocumented tion drive, which was launched foolishly given Pakistan The Afghans possessing Proof harassment at the hands of law refugees. Afghan nationals also returned in August last, would complete in more than $33bn in aid of Registration (PoR) cards have enforcement agencies. The card to their country in the same year. first week of January. The over the last 15 years, and automatically lost their legal system was introduced with the The voluntary repatriation authority has registered 350,000 they have given us nothing status. “The government has no assistance of UNHCR in 2009. government that there would be programme has been suspended Afghan citizens in Khyber but lies & deceit, thinking other option, but to give another The government has commit- no forced return of refugees since October last due to winter Pakhtunkhwa of the total of our leaders as fools,” extension to the PoR card ments with UNHCR and Afghan despite expiry of PoR cards. in Afghanistan. The return 670,000 registered people. Trump said in his first tweet of 2018. US-Pakistan ties have taken a nosedive under Trump, who in August HEC awards declared that “Pakistan often gives safe haven to agents of chaos, violence, and terror.” Earlier this scholarships to month, Trump had already hinted that he may cut off the aid for good. ”We 251,000 students make massive payments every year to Pakistan. INTERNEWS 412 PhD scholars proceeded for They have to help,” he said research abroad, each for a in unveiling his national ISLAMABAD: The Higher period of six months. While security strategy. Education Commission (HEC) under bilateral agreement for of Pakistan by 2017 has so far Hungarian Scholarships, 157 awarded over 251,000 schol- students proceeded to Hungary 2018 significant for arships to Pakistani students for PhD, MS and BS studies, the Pakistan: Army Chief including, among others, 8,700 statement said. indigenous, 9,550 overseas, and Besides embarking upon INTERNEWS 9,500 need-based scholarships. the execution of US-Pakistan In a statement issued here Knowledge Corridor, HEC RAWALPINDI: The year Mourning Afghan blast victims Saturday by HEC, it said that as launched Allama Muhammad 2018 is of immense signif- many as 200,700 students of Iqbal Scholarship Programme icance for Pakistan, both Afghan mourners carry the coffin of a bomb attack victim who targeted at funeral ceremony, in Jalalabad, 114 districts have benefited for Afghan National Students internally and externally yesterday. from Prime Minister’s Fee under which 3,000 scholar- with monumental chal- Reimbursement Scheme for ships will be awarded to Afghan lenges, a tweet by ISPR DG Less Developed Areas. students. HEC also signed a Major General Asif It said that the HEC has Memorandum of Under- Ghafoor quoted Chief of marked pivotal milestones to standing with Turkey to avail Army Staff General Qamar QAU ranked among world’s top varsities promote higher education, scholarships for Pakistani youth Javed Bajwa as saying. research culture and techno- to study in Turkish universities. Ghafoor tweeted: “A INTERNEWS Islamabad, secured 559 global and Technology, Islamabad, logical advancement with focus HEC held a plenty of sessions momentous year is over. rank and 95th Asian rank. The (905), University of Punjab, on human resource develop- to discuss modalities of Paki- 2018 is of immense signif- ISLAMABAD: The Quaid-i- ranking, based on university’s Lahore, (1051), COMSATS, Islam- ment, local and foreign collab- stan-UK Knowledge Gateway icance for Pakistan both Azam University of Pakistan has academic research and reputa- abad, University of Agriculture, oration, and improved tertiary with all the stakeholders. internally and externally stood out again by being the tion, allow students to compare Faisalabad, (1092), and Univer- education access rate. HEC also launched Oppor- with monumental chal- country’s only varsity to win a universities around the world. sity of Karachi, Karachi, (1209). During the year 2017, HEC tunities for students of Balo- lenges. Challenges are place among the world’s top Among the other Pakistani Overall, the Harvard Univer- awarded 395 overseas schol- chistan and FATA under which convertible into opportu- 600 universities. universities making it to the sity (US) was ranked the world’s arships, 1068 indigenous schol- a total of 3,900 students from nities. Part we have done, In the 2018 United States rankings are the Aga Khan Uni- best university followed by the arships in various disciplines. these areas will be extended remaining we can, and News and World Report Global versity, Karachi, (765), the Massachusetts Institute of Tech- Under International Research financial support for shall do together. University Rankings, the QAU, National University of Sciences nology (US). Support Initiative Programme education. TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2018 ASIA 13 HK protesters warn China to stay clear REUTERS Thousands marched would be regarded as mainland through the streets territory governed by mainland HONG KONG : After a year that laws. saw democracy advocates in of Hong Kong on New ”We are here to tell the gov- Hong Kong jailed and ousted Year’s Day to warn ernment that we will not give from public office, thousands China not to meddle up,” said Joshua Wong, one of the marched through the streets of further in the city’s democracy activists jailed last Hong Kong on New Year’s Day year, but who is now out on bail to warn China not to meddle affairs and undermine pending an appeal. ”We have further in the city’s affairs and its autonomy. encountered many difficulties undermine its autonomy. last year, including some of us Over the past year, Hong lawmakers from the legislature being sued and jailed, but we will Kong, a former British colony for failing to take proper oaths stand with Hong Kong people. which returned to Chinese rule of office. We will fight for the rule of law, in 1997, has experienced what The city’s reputation as one fight for Hong Kong, fight for the critics and pro-democracy activ- of Asia’s most robust legal juris- future, fight for the next ists describe as an intensifying dictions has also come under a generations.” assault on its autonomy by Chi- cloud amidst accusations of a Two protesters who dressed na’s Communist Party leaders. politicisation of certain legal up as People’s Liberation Army This is despite Beijing’s cases. The protesters, who soldiers said they were con- promises to grant the city wide- included many middle-aged and cerned about the reach of Chi- ranging freedoms including an elderly citizens, held up banners na’s security apparatus. Others independent judiciary, under a and chanted the march’s main called for full democracy as the Angry protesters marched through Hong Kong on New Year, yesterday against what they described so-called “one country, two sys- theme to ”Protect Hong Kong” only lasting means to safeguard as suppression by Beijing. tems” framework. Besides the during a walk of several kilome- the city’s way of life. The organ- controversial jailing of several tres to the city’s government isers of the march said some protesters who tried to later was where the 2014 pro-democ- can,” said Andy Lau a marcher. prominent young activists for headquarters. Others decried an 10,000 people had showed up. gather in a forecourt of the gov- racy protests first kicked off The Hong Kong government, in unlawful assembly over the mas- unprecedented move by China’s Police, however, put the figure ernment’s headquarters skir- when a group of protesters a statement, said it “fully respects sive 2014 “Occupy” pro-democ- parliament last week that said at 6,200. mished briefly with security stormed over a fence and faced right of Hong Kong people to racy protests, authorities also part of a high-speed railway sta- The demonstration was guards. off with local police. take part in processions and their ejected six pro-democracy tion being built in Hong Kong largely peaceful, though some The so-called “Civic Square” ”Everyone’s doing what they freedom of expression”. Rohingya refugees face fresh misery NEWS BYTES Five IS militants QNA At the same time, the refu- increasingly vulnerable to in Rakhine. gees fear being stuck for many exploitation by landowners Bangladesh government killed in US air strike LONDON: After a year that has years to come in the camps while the massive influx is announced late on Friday that seen them subjected to a brutal which have ballooned to rank forcing poor Bangladeshi it had prepared a list of 100,000 QNA Burmese military crackdown among the biggest in the world. The latest UN figures labourers out of work. Rohingya refugees to be repat- described as “ethnic cleansing” And in a new development suggest an exodus of “Now there are so many riated in a first phase. KABUL: At least five mili- by the UN and US, Rohingya along the border, goodwill from 655,000 people has Rohingyas that we are not get- Burmese officials will now tants affiliated with the Muslim refugees face the pros- local Bangladeshi communities taken place across Bur- ting any work,” says 60-year old consider the list, and both sides (ISIS) group were killed in pect of a concerning new devel- towards their embattled fellow ma’s northwest border Aminah Khatun. say people will only be moved an air strike conducted in opment in 2018 across the Muslims is being stretched to the “We used to get some 500- willingly. eastern Nangarhar prov- border in Bangladesh. limit. in just four months. 600 taka, but they are much But many Rohingya remain ince of Afghanistan. Conditions in the camps of Tensions are building over cheaper,” she says. terrified the Burmese military According to the local Coxs Bazar continue to deterio- land and wages, while refugees “And the prices of food, fruit will force them into detention government officials, the rate as more Rohingya refugees desperate for cash to buy daily The building tension is piling and vegetables have almost dou- camps, alongside some 120,000 air strike was carried out arrive, and those trapped here necessities are exposed to pressure on the Bangladeshi bled. We used to pay 1,200 in central Rakhine who were on Saturday in the vicinity have one of two grim options for exploitation by landowners. authorities, who are mindful of Takka (Bangladesh currency) for driven out of their villages fol- of the restive Achin dis- the future, the British Inde- The latest UN figures suggest the clashes that were sparked in a sack of rice, now its 2,000.” lowing intercommunal violence trict, Afghan Khaama pendent newspaper reported on an exodus of 655,000 people has the early Nineties when a more As the humanitarian crisis five years ago. Press reported yesterday. its online edition . taken place across Burma’s modest influx of fewer than nears its fourth month, a pre- The local community in The officials further added In the past weeks, Bangla- northwest border in just four 300,000 Rohingyas crossed the liminary agreement between Coxs Bazar has so far sympa- that the US unmanned desh and the Burmese govern- months. border. Bangladesh and Burma to repat- thised with the plight of the aerial vehicle targeted the ment have assembled a working After abandoning burning Then they were also fleeing riate “expeditiously” the Rohingyas. But while some have ISIS militants in Mamand group to arrange the repatria- villages, their crops and liveli- persecution in Burma and, again, Rohingya is setting nerves on taken economic advantage of area of Achin, leaving five tion of Rohingyas back across hoods, the refugees have settled faced forced repatriation and edge among the refugees who the situation, others ask when of them dead. the border, which if forced inter- along the hilly borders of Coxs poor conditions in Bangladesh. fear they will have no guaran- the repatriation process will According to the offi- national observers say would be Bazar district on land belonging According to NGOs working tees for their safety, or equal start, even as refugees continue cials, several light and unsafe. to locals. in the area today, Rohingyas are rights with the Buddhist majority to arrive. heavy weapons belonging to the ISIS militants were also destroyed in the air strike. Pakistan, Indian Pakistan summons US ambassador security advisers IANS met in Thailand ISLAMABAD: The Paki- stan Foreign Office IANS During the meeting, summoned US Ambas- Janjua raised the issue sador to Pakistan David ISLAMABAD: A meeting of targeting of civilians Hale yesterday night and between Pakistan’s National lodged its protest against Security Adviser Lt Gen Nasser along the Line of Con- US President Donald Khan Janjua (retd) and India’s trol while Doval spoke Trump’s tweet wherein he National Security Advisor Ajit of infiltration. accused Pakistan of “lies Doval took place on December and deceit”, the media 27 in Thailand, a media report reported. said. The US Embassy con- According to Dawn online, firmed that Ambassador this was confirmed to the daily sides are secretly working to Hale was summoned by by a senior National Security mend fences,” the daily said. the Foreign Office at 9pm. Division official. Both sides had also agreed Informed sources said During the meeting, Janjua to keep the meeting secret, but Foreign Secretary Teh- raised the issue of targeting of once reports about it began mina Janjua sought an civilians along the Line of Con- appearing in Indian media, explanation from the trol while Doval spoke of Pakistani officials started ambassador over the US Rescuers work at the site of where a ferry carrying some 45 people capsized at Tanjung Selor, North infiltration. sharing details about the President’s tweet. Trump’s Kalimantan, yesterday. “The meeting was good. Mr interaction. announcement follows an Doval’s tone and tenor was Pakistani officials are of increasingly tense back- friendly and positive,” the the view that the meeting was and-forth between Wash- source who had been briefed useful and it might help in Boat capsizes off Borneo; eight dead ington and Islamabad after about the meeting told Dawn. restarting some sort of engage- the US President unveiled According to the Pakistani ment at the diplomatic level. AFP Some 33 people have so far boats to ferry people around its his administration’s official, the context of the Gen Janjua had on been rescued and navy per- 17,000 islands, but has a patchy National Security Strategy. meeting was important as it Thursday met with former JAKARTA: At least eight people sonnel have been dispatched to safety record. He had then reminded came after Islamabad allowed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif died and several others remain search for the remaining pas- In July last year, at least Pakistan about its obliga- death row convict and sus- at his Jati Umra residence in missing after a passenger boat sengers, but he said high waves eight people drowned in an tion towards helping the pected Indian spy Kulbhushan Raiwind, which lasted five capsized off the coast of Borneo are impeding operations. accident suffered by a boat on US because it got “massive Jadhav to meet his family hours, and included discus- yesterday, an official said, in the ”We don’t know yet what the same route from Tarakan to payments” from Wash- members. sions on matters of national latest deadly maritime accident has caused the accident and Tanjung Selor. ington every year. “We However, India and Paki- security, relations with Paki- in Indonesia. how exactly it happened. But On New Year’s day last year have made it clear to Paki- stan later got into a diplomatic stan’s neighbouring countries The ferry was carrying some we’ll try to figure that out and at least 23 people had been died stan that while we desire spat over the treatment of the and terrorism. 45 people when it sank just min- are now focusing on finding the when a tourist boat from Jakarta continued partnership, we wife and mother of Jadhav and Dawn had cited a PML-N utes after leaving Tanjung Selor remaining passengers,” Mulyadi burst into flames. The boat was must see decisive action the way the meeting was con- leader quoting Sharif as saying in North Borneo province, said told this news agency. carrying about 250 local holi- against terrorist groups ducted by the Pakistani side. at the meeting: “There is a dire Gusti Anwar Mulyadi a senior It is the latest boat accident daymakers to celebrate the New operating on their terri- “But when seen together, need to improve ties with the official of the local search and in the vast Indonesian archi- Year on Tidung island near tory,” Trump had said. it becomes clear that both neighbouring countries.” rescue agency. pelago, which relies heavily on Jakarta. 14 ASIA TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2018 Kim vows Korea will mass-produce nukes

AFP The North Korean has striven to create a warhead leader said he is capable of targeting the US SEOUL: North Korean leader mainland with an atomic Kim Jong-Un warned the United prepared for talks and warhead. States yesterday he has a may send a team to US President Donald Trump “nuclear button” on his table but the Winter Olympics has responded to each test with offered an apparent olive branch in South Korea. his own amplified declarations, to South Korea in a New Year threatening to “totally destroy” message, saying he was prepared Pyongyang and taunting Kim, for talks and may send a team to nation. He reiterated his claim saying he was on “a suicide the Winter Olympics there. that his country had achieved its mission”. Kim struck a generally goal of becoming a nuclear state But far from persuading Kim People watch a TV broadcasting a news report on North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-Un speaking during defiant note after a year of rising but insisted the expansion of the to give up his nuclear drive, ana- a New Year’s Day speech, in Seoul, yesterday. tensions marked by the North’s weapons programme was a lysts say Trump’s tough talk may multiple missile launches and its defensive measure. have prompted the North Korean sixth and most powerful nuclear “We should always keep leader to push through with his “The nuclear button is always test — purportedly of a hydrogen readiness to take immediate dangerous quest. “(The North) on my table. The US must realise We must mass-pro- bomb. “We must mass-produce nuclear counter-attacks against can cope with any kind of this is not blackmail but reality.” duce nuclear nuclear warheads and ballistic the enemy’s scheme for a nuclear nuclear threats from the US and When asked for a response missiles and speed up their war.” The North claims it needs has a strong nuclear deterrence to Kim’s claim that he had a warheads and deployment,” he said in his nuclear weapons to protect itself that is able to prevent the US nuclear button on his desk, North Korean ballistic missiles and annual televised address to the from a hostile Washington and from playing with fire,” Kim said. Trump said “We’ll see, we’ll see”, leader Kim speed up their in comments to reporters during Jong-Un said that the New Year’s Eve party at his deployment. Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Kim also sugared his speech Some analysts said Kim may sanctions on the country with a conciliatory tone towards be trying indirectly to lower the throughout this year... as a whole Seoul, indicating for the first time temperature with Washington. the emphasis is on peace rather that the North is considering At a time when the risk of a than confrontation”. taking part in the South’s Winter US pre-emptive strike is “higher In December the United Olympics next month. than ever”, Koh Yu-Hwan, polit- Nations Security Council unani- “(The Olympics) will serve as ical science professor at Dongguk mously passed new, US-drafted a good chance to display our University, said the speech indi- sanctions against Pyongyang, Korean people’s grace toward cated Kim was using the Olym- restricting oil supplies vital for the the world and we sincerely hope pics gesture to “shift from con- impoverished state. the Games will be a success,” he frontation to peaceful coexistence The most recent set of sanc- said. with the United States”. “When tions, which the North slammed The North and the South he said a nuclear launch button as an “act of war”, also received should “depart from the past, is always on his desk, he is hinting the backing of China -- the coun- improve relations and take deci- it is not necessary for the North try’s sole major ally and economic sive measures to make a break- to stage nuclear or ICBM tests in lifeline. through in efforts to achieve the foreseeable future,” Koh said, Observers say Washington reunification”, he said. adding however that Kim also must open talks with the North South Korea’s presidential wanted to build “massive nuclear to defuse tensions but that Blue House welcomed the dia- retaliation capabilities”. remains a challenge. logue offer. “Should the Olym- Professor Yang Moo-Jin of the Pyongyang has always said it pics be staged successfully, it will University of North Korean will only deal with the US from a contribute to peace not only on Studies in Seoul said Kim “is position of equality as a nuclear the Korean peninsula but in the extending an olive branch toward state. Washington has long Visitors look through binoculars during a visit to the Imjingak peace park near the Demilitarized Zone region and the world as well,” it the South as the US is expected to insisted that it will not accept a (DMZ) dividing the two Koreas in the border city of Paju, yesterday. said in a statement. keep up with pressure and nuclear-armed North.

Bangladesh 191 injured in Philippine NY celebrations prosecutors seek AFP setting off powerful fireworks in enforce law and order measures. death for son the belief the bangs will drive He has also waged an unprece- MANILA: Nearly 200 people away bad spirits. dented drug war which has of Khaleda Zia were injured during tradition- Health Secretary Francisco claimed thousands of lives and ally raucous New Year celebra- Duque said 191 people were hurt led rights groups to warn he may tions in the Philippines despite during the 2018 revelry — down be orchestrating crimes against AFP President Rodrigo Duterte’s 77 percent compared to the humanity. order limiting the use of fire- average over the past five years The President’s June order DHAKA: Bangladesh prose- crackers, the health minister said — but added his department stated that firecrackers may only cutors yesterday demanded yesterday. might recommend a total fire- be used in areas approved by the death sentence for the son The order signed in June cracker ban to ensure zero local governments and under the of opposition leader Khaleda restricted the noisy explosives casualties. supervision of trained and Zia for his alleged role in a to community fireworks displays ”We are relatively pleased — licensed people. deadly 2004 grenade attack in an attempt to curb the bloody relative because there are still Duque said most of this in which current prime merrymaking that leaves scores injuries but pleased because of year’s injuries occurred on the minister Sheikh Hasina was of Filipinos dead or injured each the substantial reduction in fire- streets of the capital Manila, with injured. year. The Philippines is mainly works-related injuries,” Duque A child injured by firecracker is seen at the Jose Reyes Memorial illegal matchstick-sized “pic- More than 20 people Catholic but the violent New told reporters as he thanked Medical Center in Manila yesterday. colo” firecrackers remaining the were killed in the assault on Year festivities draw on ancient Duterte for issuing the order. top cause. a rally led by Hasina when superstitions and Chinese tradi- Asked how to further mini- think the end goal really is to ban Duterte, 72, won elections in Among those hurt was an she was in opposition and Zia tions, with people firing guns and mise injuries, Duque said: “I fireworks completely.” mid-2016 vowing to strictly 11-month-old baby, he added. was in power. Zia’s son Tarique Rahman, who lives in exile in London, says the criminal conspiracy case against him is part of a political witch- China’s movie box office hunt. Zia and Hasina have been arch-rivals for three revenues increase decades, during which they have alternated in power. REUTERS more total movie screens after With the marathon trial years of rapid expansion in nearing a close, prosecutors BEIJING: China’s movie box theatre networks. on Monday sought death sen- office revenue rose 13.45 China added 9,597 screens tences for Rahman and 48 percent last year to 55.91bn last year to reach 50,776 in others, including the then- yuan ($8.59bn), more than total, the media regulator said. home minister and the chiefs tripling the 2016 growth rate That compares to just over of major intelligence agen- as foreign films won a larger 40,000 screens in the United cies. Chief prosecutor Syed share of ticket sales compared States, according to data from Rezaur Rahman told AFP that to the previous year, said the US-based National Associa- meetings to plan the attack Xinhua News Agency. tion of Theatre Owners. were held at Tarique Rah- Domestic films recorded The movie “Wolf Warrior man’s office in Bangladesh ticket sales of 30.1bn yuan in 2” was China’s highest- Nationalist Party headquar- 2017, accounting for 54 per- grossing film last year, raking ters. “He assured all sorts of cent of total box office, Xinhua in 5.68bn yuan in ticket sales. administrative and monetary reported, citing data from the After disappointing box help to the killers.” State Administration of Press, office growth in 2016, regula- The prosecutor, summa- Publication, Radio, Film, and tors announced that all sales rising his speech to the court, Television. Domestic films in grosses would include service said a brother of a minister in 2016 accounted for 58 percent fees for each ticket purchased Zia’s administration who fled of total box office. China is the online. This boosted last year’s People’s Liberation Army flag-raising ceremony to Pakistan had distributed second-largest movie market growth, although movie- the grenades to the killers. He globally after the United makers see little of the addi- Members of People’s Liberation Army take part in the flag-raising ceremony to mark the New Year, the said the aim had been to kill States, though it already has tional revenue. first since it took over the duty from paramilitary police, on Tiananmen Square in Beijing, yesterday. Hasina and leaders of her Awami League party. TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2018 EUROPE 15

Fireworks explode around the London Eye during New Year’s celebrations in central London just after midnight, yesterday. Four stabbed to death in London Detectives AFP 2017, more than half of them Earlier, at around 7.30pm “It is heart-breaking that, at Metropolitan Police said under the age of 25. (1930 GMT), a 20-year-old man a time when so many of us are Monday that 77 people died launched four LONDON: Four young men were Detectives launched four was stabbed in West Ham in east contemplating what lies ahead from knife crime in the city separate murder stabbed to death in unrelated separate murder investigations London, while in Tulse Hill, in in 2018, four families are dealing between January 1, 2017, and investigations into incidents in London on New into the overnight attacks, which the south, a 17-year-old boy was with the grief of losing a loved December 22. the attacks, which Year’s Eve, while a fifth is in a took place away from the city killed at around 10:40pm. one to senseless violence and In November, Mayor Sadiq critical condition in hospital, centre, where more than In the early hours of yes- the callous use of knives as Khan’s office revealed that 40 took place away police said yesterday. 100,000 people had gathered terday morning, a 20-year-old lethal weapons,” said police of those killed since the start of from the city centre, The unusually concentrated to watch the New Year’s Eve man was fatally stabbed in Old commander Neil Jerome. the year were under the age of where more than spate of violence will add to fireworks. Street, a busy area filled with Police registered almost 25. Khan has launched a major 100,000 people had growing concerns about knife An 18-year-old man was bars and clubs east of the city 12,100 knife attacks in London campaign to reduce knife crime, crime in the British capital, stabbed in Enfield, north centre. in the year to March 2017, which including giving some high-risk gathered to watch which is at its highest level for London, late on Sunday evening, A second man in his 20s was left more than 4,400 people schools metal detectors, while the New Year’s Eve five years. and later died in hospital. Five hurt in the same incident, and injured -- the highest figures in the government is also looking fireworks. At least 80 people were men have been arrested, police was taken to hospital suffering five years. into tougher measures for killed in stabbings in London in said. critical stab injuries. A spokeswoman for the people carrying knives.

All vehicles Bulgaria takes over revolving EU presidency destroyed in Liverpool blaze AFP The presidency, which rotates between different against president Recep Tayyip starting EU membership nego- Erdogan in 2016. tiations, and will host the first AFP SOFIA: Bulgaria, the European EU member states, will give Bulgaria the Bulgaria’s diplomatic skills EU-Balkans summit in 15 years Union’s poorest member state, opportunity to chair meetings and set agendas, will also be put to the test when in May. LIVERPOOL: A blaze has yesterday took over the bloc’s as the bloc grapples with the record influx of tortuous Brexit negotiations “A Europeanisation of the destroyed every vehicle left six-month revolving presidency migrants, management of its borders, rising resume in March, which will Balkans is necessary to prevent in a 1,600-capacity car park with the ongoing migrant crisis focus on the parameters and the Balkanisation of Europe,” serving the British city of and Brexit among the top items populism and Britain’s EU divorce. length of a post-March 2019 Borisov warned. Liverpool’s indoor arena, on its agenda. transition period and future Sofia will mark the start of police said yesterday. “Bulgaria will take charge trade links with London. its presidential duties with a The Liverpool Interna- of the EU presidency at a key Bulgaria the opportunity to responsible for them. A net recipient of EU funds, concert on Monday at the cap- tional Horse Show, taking moment for the union ... May chair meetings and set agendas, The system currently puts Bulgaria backs further cohesion ital’s Palace of Culture fea- place in the northwest Eng- the slogan ‘strength in unity’ as the bloc grapples with the too much pressure on frontline between member states despite turing contributions from each lish city’s neighbouring guide us,” conservative and record influx of migrants, man- states Greece and Italy, but a likely reduced budget across member state. 11,000-seater arena, was can- pro-EU Prime Minister Boyko agement of its borders, rising countries have been divided the bloc by 2020 as a result of Taking up the presidency celled due to the fire, which Borisov wrote in a post on populism and Britain’s EU over how to replace it. Brexit. also gives Bulgaria an oppor- broke out after dark on Facebook. divorce. To solve the refugee crisis, Sofia is also expected to use tunity to improve its image as Sunday. “I am confident that we Taking over from Estonia, Sofia is also expected to push Brexit as an opportunity to push the bloc’s most corrupt country. Nobody has been seri- shall work with success on our Bulgaria will have to manage a for normalised ties with for closer EU ties with Western It wants to convince peers ously injured in the blaze, the priorities, on continuity,” added June deadline for EU leaders to Turkey, with which Bulgaria Balkan countries. that after ten years in the EU, local Merseyside Police said, Borisov. agree an overhaul of the so- shares a 260km border. It hopes to reignite acces- it is finally ready to join the while all horses are accounted The presidency, which called Dublin Regulation, under Relations have soured dra- sion talks with Montenegro and visa-free Schengen travel area for. rotates between different EU which the country where an matically between the bloc and Serbia, while helping Albania and move towards entering the “Initial investigations member states, will give asylum seeker arrives is Turkey since the failed coup and Macedonia move closer to eurozone. indicate that an accidental fire within a vehicle caused other cars to ignite,” the force said. “We believe that all vehi- cles parked in the car park Czechs, Slovaks mark 25 have been destroyed and advise owners to contact their years since ‘Velvet Divorce’ insurance companies.” Liverpool Mayor Joe AFP Slovaks held an annual meeting Anderson said the blaze on the Velka Javorina moun- started in a four-wheel drive BRATISLAVA: Czechs and tain straddling the Czech- vehicle on the third level. Slovaks yesterday marked a Slovak border that first began Horses which had been on quarter century since the in 1845. Since 1992, the gather- the first level were moved to January 1, 1993 split of Czech- ings have protested the split. the arena, he added. oslovakia into two independent “We had no problem being “The flames and the states, an amicable parting together. We had a problem smoke was unbelievable,” dubbed the “Velvet Divorce”. with how to be together,” said Kevin Booth, 44, who was It came on the heels of the former Slovak foreign affairs heading to the horse show peaceful 1989 “Velvet Revolu- minister Milan Knazko said. with his family. tion” that ousted communism While recent surveys sug- “It was frightening. We and ushered in democracy on gest that around half of Slovaks could hear the bangs of car the back of peaceful protests as are happy with independence, windows exploding,” he said. the Soviet bloc began to a 1990 Czechoslovak opinion Spectacular fireworks A reception centre was set Fireworks explode by the Ancient Acropolis in Athens during the New Year celebrations. crumble. poll showed that just under 10 up for people unable to get The split was not triggered percent of Slovaks wanted their home due to the fire and by popular demand, nor was it own country while in the Czech locals volunteered to take in decided in a referendum; it part of the federation only five or transport those left largely resulted from the ina- percent of respondents wanted stranded. “The people of Liv- bility of negotiators to strike a to go it alone. “Czechoslovakia Storm cuts power to 65,000 households in France erpool never let us down with satisfactory new partnership didn’t fall apart like the Soviet their generosity and everyone deal in democratic times. Union, and it was not torn apart REUTERS cuts but 30,000 have now been Meteo France kept the French has now been accommodated Slovak-born Czech Prime like the former Yugoslavia. It reconnected said Enedis, which Atlantic coast areas south of or given a lift,” Anderson said. Minister Andrej Babis spoke via just split,” Knazko said. An PARIS: Winter storm Carmen has mobilised 1,500 staff to Brittany on orange alert, but All people and horses telephone yesterday with his actor-turned-politician that has cut power to about 65,000 restore fix power lines. downgraded the threat level in involved in the show were Slovak counterpart Robert Fico played a popular role in the households in western France Enedis, a unit of French most other areas of western counted safe, the arena said. who dubbed the divorce “an Velvet Revolution, Knazko was and is moving south, power grid state-controlled utility EDF , said France. Winds with speeds of up The area was evacuated unprecedented example of a one of the four members of the company Enedis said yesterday. in a statement the storm was to 140 kilometres per hour bat- along with some nearby peaceful split of a federal Slovak delegation that held Earlier yesterday, some now moving to the regions of tered the country’s Atlantic coast apartments due to the smoke. republic” in a Facebook post. talks with Czechs in the summer 40,000 households in the Brit- Poitou-Charente, Pays de Loire in mid-afternoon but no serious Twelve fire trucks were Hundreds of Czechs and of 1992 on the split. tany region experienced power and Aquitaine. Weather service damage was reported. sent to tackle the blaze. 16 EUROPE TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2018 Macron vows ‘French renaissance’ this year AFP Announcing a “grand Sitting in front of a wall- percent approval rating, up social project” in 2018 hanging marked “fraternity” seven points. PARIS: President Emmanuel Macron said: “I believe in suc- The turnaround has been Macron vowed to pursue his that would cover cess but what good is success if attributed both to the weakness reform agenda with the “same the health sector only a few succeed, feeding into of the opposition, to his record intensity” in 2018 and kickstart and housing for the selfishness and cynicism?” in implementing his campaign a “French renaissance” in his first Announcing a “grand social pledges and his leadership on the New Year’s address as leader, homeless among project” in 2018 that would cover international stage. which comes as the economy other areas, he also the health sector and housing for In his first months in he office picks up. extolled the virtues the homeless among other areas, he pushed through labour and Despite winning May’s pres- of work as a way of he also extolled the virtues of tax reforms with only mild resist- idential election on a promise to work as a way of “helping eve- ance, played good cop and bad ditch politics as usual Macron “helping everyone ryone find their place” in society. cop with US President Donald stuck with tradition in Sunday’s find their place” in Lamenting the “irreconcil- Trump and Russia’s Vladimir televised address from the Elysee able divisions that are corroding Putin, acted as mediator in Leb- society. French President Emmanuel Macron delivering his New Year wishes Palace, which began and ended our country,” he appealed to the anon’s political crisis as well as with the national anthem. French to not reason solely in from the Elysee Palace in Paris. hosting a global climate summit. Seated at his desk, wearing the 40-year-old centrist said, terms of what the traditionally He has also benefitted from a dark suit and tie, Macron cited promising to “continue to do that protectionist French state could do for you, ask what you can do “Europe is good for France.” an upswing on the economic some of his achievements in his for which you elected me.” do for them. for your country.” France’s youngest-ever pres- front. Europe’s second-biggest first seven months in his office, But the former investment “Ask yourselves every That “conquering French ident enters 2018 on a high note, economy is projected to grow by including his overhaul of the banker, who has been labelled morning what you can do for the spirit” would help breathe life with polls showing voters 1.9 percent in 2017 -- up from a labour code. the “president of the rich” by the country,” he urged, echoing into a “French renaissance,” he warming to him again after previous estimate of 1.6 percent “These profound transfor- leftist opposition, also attempted former US president John F. said. having soured on him in his first -- and unemployment is at its mations... will continue with the to reach out to those who feel left Kennedy’s inaugural speech in He also pledged to continue months in office. lowest level in three years, albeit same strength, the same rhythm behind by his pro-business 1961, in which he told Americans: to work with Germany to reform A Harris Interactive poll pub- still at relatively high 9.4 and the same intensity in 2018,” policies. “Ask not what your country can the European Union, insisting lished Friday gave him a 52 percent. Spain: Catalan crisis cost ‘¤1bn’ Praljak’s suicide German NY AFP Spanish radio. “However, in the elections in a bid to head off the fireworks fourth quarter, it’s become a secession drive. MADRID: Spain’s foreign burden.” De Guindos estimated But separatist parties won impossible to claim 2 minister claimed yesterday that the crisis could “easily have cost the most seats in the December the Catalan independence crisis a billion euros” ($1.2bn). 21 vote, and with the Catalan AP had cost the country “a billion” Spain was plunged into its issue likely to drag on well into euros as fallout from the turmoil deepest political crisis in dec- 2018 there are fears the crisis detect: Inquiry FRANKFURT: Two people continued to hamper growth in ades when separatists in Cata- could hamper Spain’s recovery have died from fireworks the wealthy region. lonia’s regional government from the 2007-2008 financial AFP detainees at the UNDU (United injuries during New Year Luis de Guindos said slow- declared independence in crisis. Nations Detention Unit) and the celebrations in Germany, but down in growth in Catalonia, October following a banned ref- More than 3,100 companies THE HAGUE: The potassium ICTY premises” at the Hague, the country avoided a repeat which accounts to around a fifth erendum on the topic. have already moved their legal cyanide that Bosnian Croat war where Praljak was detained, of the mass groping in of Spanish GDP, was hampering Led by Prime Minister Mar- headquarters from Catalonia, criminal Slobodan Praljak used Jallow said. He added: “The Cologne two years ago amid the eurozone’s fourth largest iano Rajoy, Madrid invoked including major banks and retail to commit suicide in court could small size of the object, the lim- heightened security and economy as a whole. powers provided for by Spain’s firms. De Guindos blamed not have been detected before itations in the rules on intrusive efforts to protect women from “Catalonia used to have constitution to suspend the “enormous uncertainty, concern he drank it, said the UN tribu- searches, and the nature of the sexual harassment. growth above that of Spain, it region’s cherished autonomy, and a loss of confidence gener- nal’s internal probe released. screening equipment available In the Brandenburg was one of the drivers of the sack its government and parlia- ated by the previous (Catalan) Praljak killed himself in at both the UNDU and the ICTY region outside Berlin, police Spanish economy,” he told ment, and call fresh regional government”. front of UN judges in The Hague premises all contributed to said Monday that a 35-year- late last month, just seconds making it difficult to detect the old man died after igniting after they upheld his 20-year contraband.” fireworks, and a 19-year-old jail sentence for war crimes Dutch prosecutors are still suffered fatal head injuries committed during Bosnia’s trying to determine how after he set off a homemade 1990s conflict. The 72-year-old Praljak was able to obtain the device. Multiple fireworks was rushed to hospital, where vial of poison and bring it into injuries also were reported he died the same day. court. across the country. “There are no measures “It is not possible to conclu- Police in Cologne said that would have guaranteed sively state when and how the there were seven cases of detection of the poison at any poison came into Mr. Praljak’s sexual harassment, while stage,” Justice Hassan Jallow possession,” the judge said. Berlin police reported 13 and said in a statement. “It is important to note at seven arrests as several hun- The International Criminal the outset that there was no dred thousand people cele- Tribunal for the former Yugo- intelligence available to UNDU brated at the city’s Branden- slavia (ICTY) launched the staff or ICTY staff in general, burg Gate. inquiry earlier this month to indicating that Mr. Praljak was Police sought to prevent shed light on how Praljak man- in possession of the poison,” he a repeat of the incident two aged to bypass tight security to added. Jallow also issued rec- years ago in Cologne when smuggle toxic liquid into the ommendations on search prac- hundreds of women were courtroom and commit suicide tices and training courses for groped and robbed, mostly by on November 29. security personnel to be shared groups of migrants. There Preliminary results released with other courts. were also concerns about following an autopsy showed Since Praljak’s death, Croats possible terror attacks in the that the Bosnian Croat com- have paid multiple tributes to wake of the attack on mander died from heart failure the late general, laying flowers December 19, 2016 in which after swallowing potassium and lighting candles in town an asylum seeker drove a cyanide during a court hearing squares in Croatia and Bosnia. truck into a Berlin Christmas broadcast live around the Praljak, who worked in film market and killed 12 people. In search of food world. “My review has not and theatre before joining the exposed any gaps or flaws in military, remains a hero to Gulls fly over the Chiemsee lake yesterday in the Bavarian village of Seebruck, southern Germany. the ICTY legal framework with many Croats despite his Man arrested regard to the treatment of conviction. over death of club worker Italian President calls for realistic proposals AP LONDON: Police have REUTERS in his unusually brief 10-minute since Oct. 23 on Friday, a day arrested a 31-year-old man address. after Mattarella dissolved in the killing of a young club ROME: President Sergio Matta- Italy’s economy, the euro parliament. worker who was last seen rella urged political parties to zone’s third-biggest, probably The ruling Democratic Party alive on Christmas Eve. make realistic proposals to grew this year at its fastest rate (PD) is promising up to 50 bil- Police say the man is tackle Italy’s problems, espe- since 2010, but remains among lion euros ($60 billion) in tax being questioned on suspi- cially joblessness, ahead of an the most sluggish in Europe. cuts, while the centre-right Forza cion of murdering Iuliana election in March. Unemployment remains above Italia (Go Italy!) wants to bring Tudos. He has not been Although the presidency is 11 percent, while youth jobless- back the lira for domestic use charged or identified. largely ceremonial, Mattarella ness is about 35 percent. alongside the euro and introduce The man was taken into does have the power to pick Though Italy has the largest a flat income tax. custody yesterday from an prime ministers and dissolve public debt in the euro zone after The anti-establishment address in east London. parliament, which he did this Greece’s, all the main political 5-Star Movement has floated the The 22-year-old woman’s week to open the way for a forces are pledging to raise the idea of holding a referendum on body was found in a park in March 4 election. budget deficit if they win the Italy’s euro membership if the north London. She had been “The duty to make adequate election, with policies ranging European Union refuses to rene- stabbed in the abdomen and proposals - realistic and concrete from the expansive to the gotiate its stringent fiscal rules. suffered a head injury. This file photo shows Italian President Sergio Mattarella (left) talking ones - is a must given the dimen- outlandish. Opinion polls now suggest no Tudos worked in a pop- with Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni at the Quirinale Presidential sion of the problems our country Italy was at the heart of the one will win a parliamentary ular club in the crowded Palace in Rome, Italy. faces,” Mattarella said during a euro zone debt crisis in 2011, and majority, which may force Mat- Camden neighbourhood in traditional end-year speech the impending vote is seen the tarella to intervene to try to north London. The area is broadcast live on national next source of potential insta- break a political deadlock. come up short of a majority in of Italy, 14 and 5 percent filled with clubs and restau- television. bility in the currency bloc. A centre-right alliance built both houses. respectively. rants. She had last been seen “Yet again I must underscore The premium that investors around Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Polls suggest Forza Italia will Five-Star Movement leads leaving Camden by bus. that jobs remain the primary and demand to hold Italian rather Italia looks set to take the largest get around 16 percent and its opinion polls with more than 27 Police were alerted when she most serious social issue, espe- than German 10-year govern- number of seats, according to the partners, the right-wing percent of the vote, followed by failed to show up at a planned cially for the young,” he added ment bonds reached its widest most recent polls, but is likely to Northern League and Brothers the PD on around 24 percent. party with friends. TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2018 AMERICAS 17

LEFT: Fireworks light up the sky near the Statue of Liberty during the New Year celebrations in New York City, United States, yesterday. TOP: Revellers celebrate the New Year in Times Square in Manhattan. BOTTOM: New York City Department of Sanitation workers clean the streets after the New Year celebrations in Times Square in Manhattan.

Trump predicts 2018 ‘will be a tremendous year’

AP shared Trump’s tweets, many Asked for his reaction to Trump said the stock as he declares of his country: Country rapidly grows stronger there distrust him as he’s refused North Korea leader Kim Jon Un’s market will continue “We gave birth to the modern and smarter, I want to wish all PALM BEACH, FLA.: President to re-certify the nuclear deal and remarks about having a nuclear to rise and that world and we will shape tomor- of my friends, supporters, ene- Donald Trump bid farewell to because his travel bans have button on his desk, Trump row’s world with the strength mies, haters, and even the very 2017 with a lavish party at his blocked Iranians from getting US responded by saying, “We’ll see.” companies are going and skill of American hands.” dishonest Fake News Media, a private club, before kicking off visas. Guests gathered in the dec- to continue to come Trump cited his success in Happy and Healthy New Year. 2018 with angry tweets about Heading into the party at orated ballroom included senior into the US, at “a rapid placing a justice on the Supreme 2018 will be a great year for Iran and Pakistan. Mar-a-Lago on Sunday night, White House advisers Ivanka clip.” Court, his efforts to cut regula- America!” It was not immediately clear Trump predicted 2018 will be a Trump and Jared Kushner, tions and his big win on over- The White House said Trump why the president decided to “tremendous year.” Trump’s sons Eric Trump and hauling taxes, which he falsely been briefed on New Year’s Eve comment on Pakistan. Trump said the stock market Donald Trump Jr. and Treasury self-tribute touching on what he described as the “largest tax cut security precautions around the The US has long accused will continue to rise and that Secretary Steven Mnuchin. sees as the high points of his in the history of our country.” country and will continue to Istanbul of allowing militants to companies are going to continue Since taking office, President achievements and rhetoric from Trump offered the video with monitor those efforts. Trump operate relatively freely in Paki- to come into the US, at “a rapid Trump has made frequent visits his first year in office. He gave a a New Year’s Eve message: offered his condolences Sunday stan’s border regions to carry out clip.” He also cited several to his for-profit properties. He plug to American exceptionalism, “What a year it’s been, and we’re to the victims of a shooting in operations in neighbouring accomplishments, including the has refused to divest from his too. just getting started. Together, we suburban Denver that killed one Afghanistan. tax overhaul, opening the Arctic real estate and hotel empire, In the video running 3½ min- are MAKING AMERICA GREAT sheriff’s deputy and wounded six On Iran, Trump seemed to be National Wildlife Refuge to oil drawing criticism from ethics utes, scenes of Trump with mil- AGAIN! Happy New Year!!” other people, including four dep- responding to widespread anti- drilling, and repealing the indi- experts. itary personnel, Border Patrol He later offered another uties. He tweeted: “We love our government protests there. vidual mandate from the Earlier in the day, Trump agents and other world leaders Twitter message, loaded with his police and law enforcement - While some Iranians have national health care law. capped 2017 with a video are set to a stirring soundtrack signature bombast: “As our God Bless them all!”

16-year-old Freezing NY welcomes 2018 amid tight security boy accused of AGENCIES of tourists gathered to welcome Some two million zilian tourists. Hader Ghulam, 27, a Pakistani the new year on the Strip, where people braved New Some two million people student based in Oklahoma vis- gunning down NEW YORK: With a burst of just three months earlier 58 York’s coldest New braved New York’s coldest New iting the city for the first time. confetti and fireworks, throngs people died in the deadliest mass Year weather for a century to He said he was impressed by his family of revellers ushered in 2018 in a shooting in modern US history. Year weather for a welcome 2018 in Times Square, the security measures and felt frigid Times Square as the glit- Police cruisers, dump trucks century to welcome with police enforcing intensely “pretty safe.” AFP tering crystal ball dropped. and other large vehicles blocked 2018 in Times Square, strict security. Amber Gerrits, a student It was the second-coldest on key intersections to try to pre- Residents and tourists faced from Michigan, said she was not NEW YORK: A teenage boy record, with the temperature vent anyone from plowing into with police enforcing the worst New Year freeze since worried. in the US state of New Jersey only 10 degrees (minus 12 crowds filled with people intensely strict 1917, with temperatures of nine “I think it’ll be all right,” she was in police custody degrees Celsius) in New York at wearing glittery hats, tiaras and security. degrees Fahrenheit (minus 12.7 said, adding that “a lot of layers” yesterday after being accused midnight. other 2018-themed parapher- Celsius). of clothing helped prepare for of gunning down his family Partygoers bundled up in nalia. The Nevada National After two attacks in the city temperatures which the National on New Year’s Eve with a extra layers, wearing warm hats Guard activated about 350 sol- After 17 minutes of a multi- inspired by the Islamic State Weather Service warned were semiautomatic rifle, author- and face masks, dancing and jog- diers and airmen, while federal colored show in the skies, singer group, in December and “dangerously cold.” ities said. ging in place to ward off the cold. authorities also deployed addi- Anitta led the party on stage with October, security was tightened “And we plan on not Police were called to a There was also tighter secu- tional personnel. her single “Vai Malandra,” a song with more than 20 roads closed. drinking too much water,” the home in the city of Long rity than ever after two terrorist A roughly eight-minute fire- that scored 84 million views on Barricades and sand-filled 21-year-old said, referring to the Branch, about 90km south of attacks and a rampaging SUV works display at the top of seven YouTube in two weeks. Some of trucks were in place, along with difficulties of finding a public New York, at 11:43pm on driver who plowed into a crowd of the city’s world-famous the city’s most traditional Car- bomb-sniffing dogs and more bathroom among the huge Sunday in response to a on the very spot where the party casino-hotels started ten seconds nival samba schools performed officers on the ground. crowds. report of shots fired and takes place. The party went off before midnight yesterday. later. Police also carried out two The celebrations in Times found four people dead, Mon- with no major problems. Sprays of gold, red and green New Mayor Marcelo Crivella rounds of security screening on Square featured music perform- mouth County Prosecutor “Auld Lang Syne” and “New lightened the sky on time for said he believed the celebrations everyone who entered the Times ances, fireworks, 3,000 pounds Christopher Gramiccioni said York, New York” played as the 2018. would bring 3 million people to Square security perimeter, the (1,360 kilograms) of confetti and in a statement. crowds cheered. Tourism officials expected the iconic beach, which would largest in history. 25,000 balloons. The victims were the sus- The coldest ball drop cele- 330,000 people to come to Sin mean nearly half of Rio’s popu- On entering the secured Mayor Bill de Blasio and this pect’s father Steven Kologi, bration was in 1917, when it was City for the festivities on the Las lation. But locals said Brazil’s area, revelers emptied and dis- year’s special guest, activist 44; mother Linda Kologi, 42; only 1 degree (minus 17 Vegas Strip and downtown’s Fre- economic crisis is still impacting carded their purses and other Tarana Burke -- leader of the sister Brittany Kologi, 18; and Celsius). mont Street. one of the city’s biggest parties. small bags, which were not #MeToo movement against family friend Mary Schultz, The Golden State went green Rosy-cheeked visitors took In 2017, 2 million people showed allowed. sexual harassment -- pressed a 70. The suspect’s brother and when the calendar turned to selfies and livestreamed the cel- up at Copacabana beach, a After a mass shooter in button at midnight to start the grandfather were apparently 2018 in California. ebration amid temperatures in number that hasn’t changed October killed 58 people in Las traditional dropping of a large unharmed. They “thankfully The moment is significant the mid-40s (4 Celsius), much much over the years. Vegas by firing into a crowd luminous ball down a pole. left the home and came out but will not be met with a non- warmer than most of the U.S. Almost 2,000 policemen from his hotel room, police also Among the celebrities joining OK,” Gramiccioni said at a stop pot party. Rio de Janeiro’s main party patrolled the Copacabana deployed personnel to hotels the party were Mariah Carey -- press conference Monday, Some Californians ushered was celebrated with fireworks region after yet another violent and restaurants for the first time. whose performance last year according to ABC News. in the new year. erupting on Copacabana beach year on the streets. Rio’s hotel “This is like the most exciting was plagued with technical Prosecutors did not Las Vegas police officers sur- after the clock struck midnight association said occupation is day in my life. I am very com- problems -- Neil Diamond, Nick release a motive for the rounded hundreds of thousands to usher in the new year. nearly total, but mostly by Bra- mitted (to facing the cold),” said Jonas and Camila Cabello. killings. 18 AMERICAS TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2018 12 dead in Costa Rica plane crash AFP The plane that a single-engine turboprop Cessna 208 Caravan. Its flaming SAN JOSÉ: Ten Americans flying crashed was a single- debris was scattered across a from a vacation hotspot on Costa engine turboprop wooded mountain close to the Rica’s tropical Pacific coast died Cessna 208 Caravan. beach town of Punta Islita. on Sunday when the small plane Images posted by the coun- they had just boarded crashed Its flaming debris try’s public security ministry and burst into flames shortly was scattered across showed blackened wreckage, after take-off, officials in the a wooded mountain some in flames, with only part of country said. close to the beach the tail recognisable. A list of the passengers given The cause of the crash was by local media showed five town of Punta Islita. unknown. Solis said in his state- shared the same last name, sug- The cause of the crash ment that his government “gives gesting they were related. was unknown. its commitment to do everything “The government of Costa necessary to work with the rel- Rica profoundly regrets the atives of the victims to give them deaths of 10 US passengers and the plane that came down what they need in this difficult two Costa Rican pilots in the air belonged to Nature Air, a moment.” accident,” which occurred in the domestic airline that services He said emergency services country’s northwestern Gua- routes across the country and launched into action when the Wreckage in flames after a plane crashed in the mountainous area of Punta Islita, in the province of nacaste region, Costa Rican Pres- also provides aircraft for charter. alarm over the crash was given ident Luis Guillermo Solis said in Guanacaste is a popular at 12:13pm (1813 GMT). Guanacaste, in Costa Rica, yesterday. a statement posted to social vacation destination, especially The process of recovering the Palmer, Bruce Steinberg, Irene Islita, where the tourists boarded. that Retana, 52, was her cousin. media. this time of year, when its pris- bodies continued into the night, Steinberg, Matthew Steinberg, The passengers had paid “You will remain in our A US State Department offi- tine beaches and jungle provide with investigations into the William Steinberg, Zachary $2,300 for their flight, it said. hearts, dear Juan Manuel cial said: “We confirm the deaths a respite for tourists fleeing the causes of the accident set to Steinberg, Leslie Weiss and The two pilots were identi- Retana,” she wrote. of multiple US citizens in an air- northern hemisphere’s winter. begin yesterday. Sherry Wuu. fied as Juan Manuel Retana Chin- This time of year is particu- plane crash in Costa Rica,” Americans are by far the biggest The Costa Rican newspaper The newspaper reported the chilla and Emma Ramos. larly busy in Costa Rica’s coastal adding that assistance was being group of tourists visiting Costa La Nacion gave the names of the plane had taken off from the cap- Former Costa Rican presi- resort areas as tourists and locals provided to the affected Ameri- Rica. 10 passengers as: Thibault Astruc, ital San Jose at 11:37am for the dent Laura Chincilla -- Solis’s alike spend end-of-year holidays cans. Costa Rican officials said The plane that crashed was Amanda Geissler, Charles small sealed airstrip in Punta predecessor -- said on Twitter in the sun.

Pregnant teen US, N Korea closer to war: Former military chief fatally shot AFP incredibly dangerous climate Barack Obama, questioned ability that both Jim Mattis and on Nov. 28 it test-launched an exists out there in that uncer- whether Trump can be con- H.R. McMaster and John Kelly intercontinental missile capable in Venezuela WASHINGTON: The United tainty with how this all ends up,” strained by US Defense Secre- have,” he said. of striking the United States. States is now closer than it has he said on ABC’s “This Week.” tary Jim Mattis, National Secu- Trump warned in a speech Republican Senator Lindsey AFP ever been to a nuclear war with “One in particular that is top of rity Adviser H.R. McMaster or to the UN General Assembly in Graham, who warned Sunday of North Korea, a former top US the list is North Korea.” White House chief of staff John September that the United States a sharp increase in the risk of CARACAS: A pregnant military officer warned on “We’re actually closer, in my Kelly. “will have no choice but to totally pre-emptive attack if North 18-year-old Venezuelan Sunday, saying he saw little view, to a nuclear war with “Will he follow through on destroy North Korea” if forced Korea conducts any more tests, woman was fatally shot in the prospect of a diplomatic solu- North Korea and in that region his rhetoric? Or will we actually to defend itself or its allies. said Trump had decided early on head in Caracas as she waited tion. than we have ever been,” he said, be able to get to a situation In August, he vowed to to deny North Korea the capa- in line at a National Guard Mike Mullen, a former adding, “I don’t see the oppor- where it could be solved peace- unleash “fire and fury” on North bility to strike the United States outpost to buy ham for her chairman of the US joint chiefs tunities to solve this diplomati- fully?” Mullen asked. Korea if it continued to threaten with a nuclear-tipped missile. New Year’s meal, relatives of staff, attributed the rising cally at this particular point.” “I’m just more inclined to see the United States or its allies. “2018 will be a year of said. danger to Donald Trump’s Mullen, who served as the over time that the rhetoric seems Pyongyang conducted its opportunity and extreme Alexandra Conopio, who “incredibly disruptive” presi- top US military adviser to both to be where the president is, and sixth nuclear test September 3 danger,” Graham said on CBS’s was five months pregnant, dency. “And in my view, an presidents George W. Bush and that will limit the constraining and, despite escalating sanctions, “Face the Nation.” was shot as she and other res- idents of the Antimano neigh- borhood in the west of the capital waited to buy ham at subsidized prices, her stepfa- Chicago homicides ther said. “We had been waiting since 9 o’clock Saturday fall 16% last year night, just chatting with each other, and at 3 am, some REUTERS Police reported drunken guardsmen came and told us to leave,” said the CHICAGO: Homicides in 650 homicides in stepfather, Alexander Cisnero. Chicago fell 16 percent in 2017 an annual report on The group of residents while shootings were down and crime statistics, down refused to leave and after firearms arrests were up, police from 771 in 2016. some discussion with the uni- said yesterday, marking a formed guardsmen, two of reduction in bloodshed that Shooting incidents them opened fire, Cisnero made the city a symbol of US fell 22% and the charged. gun violence and an object of number of shooting A 20-year-old man iden- criticism for President Donald tified as Luis Medina suffered Trump. victims fell by 892 a hip wound in the incident, Police reported 650 homi- people, a 21% drop. but he was expected to sur- cides in an annual report on vive. The suspected shooter crime statistics, down from 771 was detained, according to a in 2016. Shooting incidents fell progress we made last year - to police report seen by AFP. 22 percent and the number of reduce gun violence, to save Pork products have been shooting victims fell by 892 lives and to find justice for in short supply during the people, a 21 percent drop. victims.” holiday season in crisis-hit Meanwhile, gun arrests Chicago initiated police Venezuela, sparking multiple increased 27 percent and police reforms in 2017 after a federal protests over the past week reported seizing more than investigation found officers Bright welcome in Caracas and other cities. 8,600 illegal weapons. routinely violated people’s civil Falling oil prices, political Thousands of people celebrate New Year’s Eve at Copacabana Beach, South Zone of the Rio de Police attributed the drop rights, citing excessive force unrest, and corruption have Janeiro, Brazil, yesterday. to putting more officers on the and racially discriminatory decimated the country’s streets, investing in new tech- conduct. The city hired more economy. nology and a smarter policing than 1,100 new police officers strategy. in 2017, and the department The city was also coming off issued a new policy on use of a high baseline after the force. Crime fell by 43 percent number of homicides in 2016, in Englewood district and 26 US courts to seek harassment protections which represented a nearly 60 percent in Harrison, the first percent spike from the previous two districts to employ so- AFP recommendations by May 1. The “Events in recent months -- including law clerks -- on year. called Strategic Decision Sup- memo came just days after Alex have illuminated the depth of the issues of confidentiality and The United States’ third port Centers, police said. WASHINGTON: Chief Justice Kozinski stepped down from his problem of physical harassment reporting of instances of miscon- largest city still ranks No. 1 in The centers use predictive John Roberts unveiled a plan on post at the influential San Fran- in the workplace, and events in duct, our educational programs, murders, with more than the crime software to enable a Sunday to help shield US court cisco-based US Court of Appeals the past few weeks have made and our rules for investigating two largest cities combined. more efficient deployment of employees from physical harass- for the 9th Circuit after he was clear that the judicial branch is and processing misconduct New York and Los Angles each officers, install more cameras, ment, acknowledging the judi- accused of inappropriate behav- not immune,” Roberts wrote in complaints.” had fewer than 300 homicides set up gunshot detection sys- cial branch is “not immune” after iour by at least 15 former clerks his 2017 State of the Judiciary “These concerns warrant in 2017. tems and send real-time noti- a powerful appellate judge and staffers. Report. serious attention from all quar- Overall crime for other fications and intelligence data retired over misconduct allega- The Romanian-born “The judiciary will begin ters of the judicial branch,” he offenses - including sexual to officers on their smart- tions. Kozinski is the highest-ranking 2018 by undertaking a careful added. Relationships between assault, robbery, aggravated phones, the department said. The top US Supreme Court judiciary official ensnared in a evaluation of whether its stand- judges and their law clerks have battery, burglary and vehicle The deployment of more justice has already tasked swirling nationwide reckoning ards of conduct and its proce- especially come under scrutiny, theft - was down 2 percent, than 7,000 body cameras was Administrative Office of US on physical harassment and dures for investigating and cor- and because the chambers police said. the largest of its kind in the Courts chief James Duff to abuse, which has toppled a recting inappropriate behaviour operate under strict confidenti- “I am proud of the progress United States, the report said. review procedures to protect number of powerful men in are adequate to ensure an exem- ality rules, there is concern that our officers made in reducing “Crime and killings in Chi- court employees from physical entertainment, politics, business plary workplace for every judge harassment goes unreported. gun violence all across the city cago have reached such epi- misconduct, according to a and the media. and every court employee.” The current and former law in 2017, but none of us are sat- demic proportions that I am memo released on Wednesday And nearly 700 current and Roberts said he expected clerks and law professors wrote isfied,” Chicago Police Super- sending in Federal help. 1714 that also spelled out existing former law clerks had sent Rob- Duff’s working group to “con- that they believe “significant intendent Eddie Johnson said shootings in Chicago this year!” recourse. Duff said he was set- erts a letter seeking action to sider whether changes are changes are necessary to address in the report. “In 2018, we are the Republican president wrote ting up a working group that better handle physical harass- needed in our codes of conduct, the potential for harassment of going to work to build on the on Twitter in June. would provide a report and ment in the workplace. our guidance to employees employees. TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2018 HOME 19 20 HOME TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2018

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 04.58am Falcons and hunting festival kicks off in Doha 06.20 am SHOROOK QNA Al Mahshadi added that in the past they were using live houbara in the first ZUHR 11.38 am MAGHRIB 04.57 pm DOHA: On the first day of the 9th Qatar year with 30 or 40 houbara, but now ASR 02.36 pm ISHA 06.28 pm International Falcons and Hunting they replaced the live houbara in order Festival, which started yesterday and to preserve this bird by electronic hou- WEATHER TODAY continues until January 27, participants bara used in previous experiments and showed good performance in the during the period of seven years of the festival, which means that the coming festival and this idea was a success in days will be full of surprises. order to preserve the houbara bird in In all, 55 participants took part in the country, but after the emergence yesterday’s competitions, falcons of production farms for the houbara scored record time, breaking the in Qatar which contributed to 19-second barrier. A falcon owned by increasing the production of these spe- Nasser Al Humaidi nicknamed Al- cies of birds, now we use live houbara Jazira achieved a timing of 18 seconds instead of the electronic, because live and 92 percent in 400 meters. Houbara is considered as the origin of Ten participants qualified in this hunting and contribute in enriching competition, Nasser Mohammed Al competitions. Humaidi, Abdullah Saeed Al Nuaimi, Member of the Organizing com- Salem Saad Munikhar, Saud Ateeq Al mittee of the festival Mubarak Thamer Buraidi, Khalid Rashid Aba Al Zamat, Al Subaie said that the morning period Mohammed Yousif Al Mannai, Hilal on the first day of the festival was Saad Al Mohannadi, Musnad Ali Al A participant on the first day of the 9th Qatar International Falcons and delayed due to heavy fog, in order to Mohannadi, Abdullah Abdulhadi Al Hunting Festival, yesterday. ensure the safety of the participants and Marri and Ali Khaled Al Marri. to give the birds a chance to see the The Chairman of the Organizing target clearly. The Festival is one of the Committee of the 9th Qatar Interna- QNA that this festival is the least we people who took part in the festival largest falconry and hunting festivals in tional Falcons and Hunting Festival offer to our dear country and to the and its tournaments, pointing out that the region. It is characterised by strong and President of Al Gannas Associa- Qatari youth, especially hunters and other festivals organized during the competition and great public attendance tion Ali Bin Khatam Al Mahshadi told falconers. There are about 1,700 young year are qualifying for this big event. from different GCC countries. 13oC 23oC Minimum Maximum Qatar Charity hands 50 Al Jazeera launches Hazy to misty / foggy at places at first be- comes moderate temperature with slight dust to blowing dust at places and scat- residential units to Gazans website in Mandarin tered clouds. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA bridges among cultures and

HIGH TIDE 05:30 – 16:15 LOW TIDE 12:30 – 22:30 enhancing the exchange of COURTESY: Qatar Meteorology Department DOHA: A total of 50 Pales- DOHA: Al Jazeera Media information, which our late col- tinian families received the Network yesterday launched a league Dr. Ezzat Shahrour keys of their newly recon- news website in the Mandarin always sought to achieve structed apartments worth language, coinciding with the through his television reports QR8m in Al Dafer Tower in 17th anniversary of the and his work as a Bureau Chief Gaza Strip. Aljazeera.net website. The new for Al Jazeera in China.” In collaboration with Mandarin website will be the Dr. Yaser Bishr, Al Jazeera’s the Palestinian ministry of first of its kind from an Arabic Executive Director of Digital, Public works, Qatar Charity news provider, targeting a said “The website aims to fill the has rebuilt the tower that Chinese population of one and media gap in China to build was destroyed during the half billion people. bridges between Arab and Chi- war on Gaza in 2014, said a The Mandarin website nese people. It will act as a release. comes as part of Al Jazeera’s gateway to more than 700 mil- This project is part of a strategy to engage with Chinese lion internet users in China to series of reconstruction audiences following the suc- promote values of tolerance, projects conducted by Qatar Palestinian families receiving keys of their newly reconstructed cessful launch of its content on respect, rights, and liberties Charity in the Gaza Strip, apartments in Al Dafer Tower in Gaza Strip. popular Chinese social media while adhering to professional including: the reconstruc- platforms Weibo, Meipai and principles.” He also added “This Scientists announced they had success- tion of 400 housing units Qatari government and residents back. WeChat. The project was over- project comes as part of Al fully cloned an animal without the pres- destroyed during the war, people of Qatar for their Naji Sarhan, Minister of seen by Al Jazeera’s late bureau Jazeera’s digital strategy to ence of a gene that would cause a the furnishing of hundreds continuous support for the Public Works in Palestine, chief in Beijing, Dr. Ezzat reach our followers and audi- human body to reject a transplant. of units for the poor and Palestinian people and their thanked the state of Qatar Shahrour, who passed away on ences wherever they are.” needy families, as well as cause”. and its people for their con- December 23, 2017. Mohammed Al Mukhtar Al supporting other sectors Haloub also emphasized tinuous support to Palestine Commenting on the launch, Khalil, Manager of Al Jazeera such as health and educa- on the important role that in various sectors, appreci- Dr. Mostefa Souag, Acting Net website, said on the launch tion through in dozens of Qatar Charity plays for the ating Qatar’s role in the Director General of Al Jazeera “The Mandarin website focuses Relief and development betterment of the Pales- reconstruction of Gaza strip Media Network said “Today we on providing its Chinese audi- projects. tinian society as part of its and the improvement of its are witnessing another of Al ence with news from the Middle Qatar Charity’s Director humanitarian mission to infrastructure. Jazeera’s milestones in East as well as local and of the Palestine Bureau said advocate the rights of those Sarhan praised Qatar expanding our services to a regional news. In the coming “It is an absolute pleasure less privileged. Charity’s efforts in shel- large Chinese audience”. He days, we will be launching a to announce the completion On behalf of the people tering those affected by war further stated, “with the launch website in the Bahasa Indone- of works in Al Dafer Tower, of Gaza strip, Mr. Haloub in Gaza strip, and its unwa- of Al Jazeera’s Mandarin web- sian language from Jakarta. We as the project has been fully expressed his joy to have vering will to support con- site, we continue to increase will be evaluating the success funded by Qatari support seen Al Dafer Tower being struction projects in the our global reach with unique of these projects as we consider worth QR8m. We thank the reconstructed and taking its region. editorial content, while building launching in new languages.”

Best Buddies holds ‘You Are My Quadrantids meteor showers to Partner’ festival for the disabled light up Qatar Sky tomorrow night

QNA The aim of the festival healthy peers on the other, Quadrantids meteor is for promoting because of the ability of sport to shower will appear DOHA: Best Buddies Initiative the values of social achieve real communication and over Northeast Qatar, a non-profitable NGO integration without barriers. under the umbrella of Qatar inclusion, and The Executive Director of horizon of Qatar sky Foundation for Social Work, has improving the quality Best Buddies Qatar added that and all Arabic area organised a social sports festival of life of persons sports contribute to raising the skies. at Dahl Al Hamam Park with the with intellectual capacity of people with disabil- aim of promoting the values of ities, and that the organization social inclusion, and improving and developmental of such sporting events contrib- THE PENINSULA the quality of life of persons with disabilities. utes to breaking barriers and intellectual and developmental speeds social communication. DOHA: The first meteor showers disabilities in Qatar through She stressed that the inte- during 2018 will be seen over Quadrantids meteor shower is usually active every year from last sports, in addition to activating with disabilities as active mem- gration of sports in societies has Qatar sky and Northern Hemi- week of December until second week of January. the role of parents, and the bers of society, and as an inte- become a civil demand, as it can sphere from the evening of various social groups as active gral part of it. remove barriers and differences Wednesday (January 3) until can see it with naked eye from the Earth, where the average partners in the integration She explained that the idea between the people, and dawn of Thursday, astronomers more dark places and places shower, when it arrive its peak, process. of integrating people with intel- through it the initiative’s vision called it “Quadrantids meteor without light and environment will be in between 80 Quadran- The Initiative’s partners, as lectual disabilities, and their and objectives are realized. showers”, Qatar Calendar House pollutions (pure sky), moreover tids meteor per hour. According well as the parents of persons families into one team in an Abu Alfain thanked the Min- (QCH) yesterday announced. residents can take a nice photo to Astronomer Experts in with disabilities, and the attend- open and distinctive place such istry of Municipality and Environ- Quadrantids meteor shower for Quadrantids meteor by using observe meteor. ants of Dahl Al Hamam Park as Dahl Al Hamam Park was the ment for hosting the event in Dahl is usually active every year from recent digital cameras, but they Orionid meteor is created by participated in the festival, result of an integrated project Al Hamam Park, as well as the last week of December until must increase exposure time of debris from “EH1Comet”; where which was held under the slogan of the idea of social sports inte- Qatar Diabetes Association, for second week of January, while camera while taking photo to get Earth passes through the dust of “ You are my partner” gration, which the initiative has their contribution to health edu- its peak will be from evening of a best picture for Quadrantids and debris it leaves behind The Executive Director of been working on for some time cation. She also valued the effec- January 3 until dawn of January meteor. Dr. Beshir Marzouk during January every year. Best Buddies Qatar, Laalei Abu through scientifically and effec- tive participation of families and 4 every year, astronomer expert added. The best time for observing Alfain, said that, the establish- tively selected games and sports parents of disabled people, and at (QCH) Dr. Beshir Marzouk said. Quadrantids meteor shower Quadrantids meteor is after ment of the social sports inte- activities for people with disa- their attention to social commu- Qatar residents and resi- will appear over Northeast midnight until dawn time, while gration festival by the initiative bilities in order to enable them nication with their children in dents of all Arabic region coun- horizon of Qatar sky and all the best location to can comes within the framework of to form continuous bilateral order to achieve sports integra- tries not need to astronomical Arabic area skies. Quadrantids observing it is a darker location the firm belief that social sports friendships between people with tion, and participation in such tar- telescopes to see Quadrantids meteor showers is one of impor- without light and environmental integration is a right of persons disabilities on one hand , and geted festivals. meteor shower; because they tant and best meteors seen from pollution.