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QIB profit surges AFC Asian Cup: by 14.5% Buoyant Qatar eye to QR2.75bn Saudi scalp in battle in 2018 for supremacy

Thursday 17 January 2019 | 11 Jumada I 1440 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 23 | Number 7774 | 2 Riyals

Amir to patronise Qatar Police College graduation ceremony today

THE PENINSULA “Since its establishment in graduation of the first batch of Director of Training Department. Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Jabar explained that the training DOHA 2013, the Police College has been the College, a Higher Committee “The Qatar Police College is Hamoud Al Noaimi said that the included specialised courses such a prominent pillar of the Ministry was established under the chair- distinguished among its counter- 85 Qatari graduates will be dis- as diving, paragliding and thun- Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin of Interior for preparing and manship of Major General parts around the world in terms tributed to various military derbolts training to ensure the Hamad Al Thani will patronise qualifying officers with a degree Abdullah Yousuf Al Mal, Adviser of curricula, training and qualifi- bodies in the country. graduates are qualified at the best the graduation ceremony of the of BA in Law and Police Sci- to the Minister of Interior and cation programs that have not He also pointed out that the level to cope with the major chal- first batch of graduates of the ences,” said Brigadier General Vice-President of the Supreme been approved in many police presence of some graduates in lenges and dilemmas related to Ministry of Interior’s Qatar Police Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al Council of the Police College.” colleges. He pointed out that the the first batch of the College, the security fields. College, today. Mahna Al Marri, Director- The press conference was scientific and training curriculum from Kuwait, Jordan, Palestine Al Subaie added that 388 stu- The graduation ceremony of General of Police College. attended by Lieutenant Colonel pursued by the College aims to and Yemen, came in response to dents from the first, second, third the first batch includes 108 grad- Al Marri said in a press con- Dr. Jabar Hamoud Al Noaimi, prepare a modern policeman who the directives of the Qatari Min- and fourth batches would par- uates, of which 85 are Qataris, ference held yesterday at the Director of Administrative and has the ability to meet all the chal- istry of Interior to provide an ticipate in the military parade to while the others are from Kuwait, Police College headquarters that Economic Affairs Department, lenges in the field of work,” Al opportunity for all. be held as part of the graduation Jordan, Palestine and Yemen. “for preparation of the and Major Fahd Al Subaie, Marri said. Major Fahd Al Subaie ceremony of the first batch. Qatar-Turkey trade volume increases sharply by 54%

MOHAMMAD SHOEB exports to Qatar increased by 61 Treasury of Turkey, told The THE PENINSULA percent to touch $1.2bn Peninsula on the sidelines of (QR4.37bn) in 2018, and for this the opening ceremony of Bilateral trade volume between year, Turkey has set a target to ‘Turkey Expo by Qatar’, Qatar and Turkey continued to expand its export to Qatar yesterday. witness double-digit growth in between $2.5bn and $3bn, with Nebati added: “The bilateral 2018. The combined value of the two-way trade volume economic cooperation between trade exchange between the two exceeding over $5bn. Qatar and Turkey is expected to countries hit QR7.28bn ($2bn), “The cooperation between deepen and expand in the registering a sharp jump of Turkey and Qatar is growing coming years as government about 54 percent compared to in all fields, including officials as well as business previous year (2017), said the business, trade and leaders from both sides are visiting Turkish minister, investment. Trade volume working very closely.” yesterday. between the two countries has Nebati inaugurated jointly Trade exchange between seen remarkable growth over the third edition of the ‘Turkey Qatar and Turkey increased by the last two years. Expo by Qatar’ at DECC with over 46 percent by the end of In 2018 it reached over Sultan bin Rashid Al Khater, 2017, compared to the same $2bn, and expected to make Under-secretary of the Ministry Qatar and Jordan review bilateral relations period of 2016, to reach new record this year,” Nureddin of Commerce and Industry Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani met QR4.73bn ($1.3bn). Turkey’s Nebati, Deputy Minister for (Qatar).`P2 yesterday with Minister of Interior of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Samir Ibrahim Mbaidin, and his accompanying delegation. They discussed a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern, especially in security fields. They also reviewed relations of cooperation between the two brotherly countries and means of enhancing them.

400 electric car charging stations QU ranked 32nd among planned by 2022 top global universities THE PENINSULA DOHA THE PENINSULA DOHA Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) Qatar University (QU) ranked is planning to set up 400 electric 32nd globally among the top 100 car charging stations by the end universities in the Times Higher of 2022 to encourage the use of Education classification and electric and hybrid vehicles. university rankings. Kahramaa, represented by The Times Higher Education the National Program for Con- (THE) Emerging Economies servation and Energy Efficiency Summit concluded yesterday with research impact, industry (Tarsheed), inaugurated 8th the announcement of the results income and international electric car charging station, yes- of the world rankings of the Times outlook. Ranking high among terday at Qatar Scientific Club. Foundation for Higher Education stiff competition with interna- Sultan bin Rashid Al Khater, Under-secretary at the Ministry of Economy and Industry, cutting It is part of the green vehicles ini- for the year 2019, an important tional universities proves as a a ribbon with Nureddin Nebati, Deputy Minister for Treasury of Turkey, and Fikret Ozer, tiative to provide a clean, healthy event for higher education insti- testament to QU’s quality in Ambassador of Turkey, to Qatar to mark the opening of 'Turkey Expo by Qatar' at DECC, yesterday. and safe environment for future tutions around the world. faculty, academic programs, the PIC: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA generations. `P5 Phil Baty, Chief Knowledge solid partnerships that have Officer at Times Higher Edu- grown exponentially throughout cation announced the results, the years and a growing inter- where QU continued to be national reputation. ranked first in the International Dr. Hassan Al Derham, Pres- Outlook Indicator category, an ident of Qatar University said: British PM May survives no-confidence vote honour it has held since 2015. “Research was and will continue The International Outlook to be the cornerstone of our AFP history — 432 votes to 202 — biggest crisis in a generation. to parliament on Monday with Indicator used by THE is made efforts and we understand our LONDON over the divorce terms she The opposition Labour Party an alternative Brexit strategy up of three components: pro- role as Qatar’s first national reached with Brussels. could try to oust her government devised through cross-party portion of international stu- institution of higher education. British Prime Minister Theresa She emerged victorious in again in the hope of triggering talks with the opposition. dents, proportion of interna- "QU is a vital partner for May yesterday survived a parliament’s first no-confidence snap elections before Britain’s There is now an assumption tional faculty and international Qatar’s future prosperity and we no-confidence vote sparked by vote in a British government in scheduled March 29 Brexit date. among many European dip- collaboration. are currently taking the lead in the crushing defeat of her Brexit 26 years yesterday by a 325-306 And May herself is working on lomats that Brexit will have to It was also announced that advancing a rich, sustainable deal just weeks before the UK margin, a majority of 19. the tightest-possible deadline as be delayed to avoid a potentially QU was ranked at the Top 100 research culture throughout our leaves the European Union. But it may have only been a Britain prepares to leave the bloc catastrophic “no-deal” breakup. universities in the Emerging teaching and learning envi- A stunning 24-hour span pyrrhic victory for the hobbled that for half a century defined its May notably refused to rule Economies Ranking, taking 32nd ronment and within the wider saw May on Tuesday dealt the but determined premier as she economic and political relations out the idea when quizzed about place for the year 2019. educational and research heaviest drubbing by parliament tries to steer the world’s fifth- with the rest of the world. it in parliament earlier yes- The Emerging Economies spectrum in Qatar and the in modern British political biggest economy through its She has promised to return terday. `P12 Ranking measures teaching, region.” `P3 02 HOME THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 2019

Qatar-Turkey trade volume Amir sends Qatar, Gambia discuss ways to strengthen bilateral ties condolences to increases sharply by 54% President of Kenya FROM PAGE 1 exchange rate is hovering DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim The Turkish Deputy around 5.5 per dollar. bin Hamad Al Thani sent yesterday Minster noted that there are Minister Nebati said a cable of condolences to the huge investment opportu- that taking advantage of the President of the Republic of nities in the real estate sector exchange rate, a lot of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, for the of Turkey given the prices investors from Qatar and its victims of the attack on a hotel are much cheaper now than neighbouring countries are complex in the capital, Nairobi. many other markets, espe- buying properties. The gov- H H the Amir expressed in the cially for the foreign ernment’s recent policy cable strong condemnation of the investors owing to the decision to offer citizenship attack, confirming the State of exchange rate advantage. to foreign investors has also Qatar’s solidarity with the Republic Although the Turkish evoked huge response over of Kenya in facing violence and lira has made a significant the last two months. Under terrorism. Deputy Amir H H Sheikh recovery over the last few this policy, foreigners with Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani also months after hitting a an investment of $250,000 sent a cable of condolences to the record low of 7.22 per dollar are getting Turkish citi- President of the Republic of Kenya, in August last year when it zenship, and enjoy almost Uhuru Kenyatta, for the victims of lost almost a third of its all benefits as native cit- the attack on a hotel complex in value by December 2018. izens do except voting Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khallifa Al Thani met yesterday the capital, Nairobi. Prime Minister But it is relatively much rights. Al Khater said: “This with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Dr Mamadou and Interior Minister H E Sheikh weaker against the US is an additional input to Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Tangara, and his accompanying delegation, on the occasion of their visit to the country. During the dollar providing great enhance the economic ties Al Thani also sent a cable of meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and ways of developing and strengthening them, in advantage to the investors and trade exchanges condolences to the President. QNA addition to a number of regional and international issues of common concern. and tourists. Currently the between the two friendly Turkish currency and dollar countries.” Cabinet praises Amir’s directives and initiatives QNA extension of Qatar’s continued with the African Union to end the dialogue sessions and the fruitful 2017 and 2019. Foreign Affairs’ decision No. 87 DOHA humanitarian support to the suffering of those African discussions that took place The Cabinet stressed that this of 2016 on forming a permanent brotherly Syrian people inside migrants and provide them with during it, praising at the same achievement and global excel- committee to study and review Prime Minister and Interior and outside Syria to alleviate a decent life. time the signing of agreements lence is the result of H H the the allowances of currency dif- Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin their suffering and to stand by The Cabinet welcomed the and the memorandum of under- Amir’s directives and the success ferential and the nature of dif- Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani their side in these harsh results of the second Qatar-US standing, as well as the joint of the comprehensive security ficult areas listed in the list of chaired the Cabinet regular conditions. Strategic Dialogue held in Doha communique which included a strategy of the Ministry of members of the diplomatic and meeting held at the Amiri Diwan, The Cabinet also paid tribute on Sunday, under the chair- common desire to develop and Interior, as well as the efforts of consular corps for 2011. yesterday. to H H the Amir’s initiative to manship of Deputy Prime Min- strengthen bilateral cooperation the ministry’s employees and the It also approved a draft Following the meeting, Min- establish a fund, sponsored by ister and Minister of Foreign relations in various fields in use of the latest information memorandum of understanding ister of Justice and Acting Min- the African Union, to cover the Affairs H E Sheikh Mohamed bin order to serve the interests of technology in the field of crime on the conduct of political con- ister of State for Cabinet Affairs costs of evacuating irregular Abdulrahman Al Thani and US both countries and the stability control. The Cabinet reviewed sultations on issues of common H E Dr Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al African immigrants in Libya to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and prosperity of the region. topics on its meeting’s agenda. interest between the Ministry of Nuaimi stated that at the outset their countries and reintegrating with the attendance of senior The Cabinet also hailed the The Cabinet approved a draft law Foreign Affairs of the State of of the meeting the Cabinet hailed them into their communities as officials from both countries, State of Qatar for being the safest amending some provisions of Qatar and the Ministry of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin well as contributing $20m to this during which many aspects of country among Arab countries Law No. 4 of 2008 on real estate Foreign Affairs and Caricom Hamad Al Thani’s directives to fund. the strong bilateral relationship and globally by winning first leasing. Affairs of the Commonwealth of allocate $50m to support the The Cabinet affirmed that were discussed, including coop- place in terms of safety and The draft law adds some pro- Dominica, and a draft memo- Syrian refugees and displaced this initiative reflects His High- eration in the fields of regional security, according to the annual visions relating to conciliation in randum of understanding for persons who suffer tough ness’s keenness in the issues of security, defense, education, report of the crime index 2019 criminal cases provided for by cooperation in the field of humanitarian conditions as a development and peace in culture, law enforcement, anti- issued by “Numbeo”, thus main- the law, and gives the status of tourism and business activities result of displacement and the African countries and in the sta- terrorism partnerships, trade taining the number one position law enforcement powers to the between the Government of the cold winter weather. bility of their peoples, calling on cooperation, energy and labor. in the Arab world during the competent municipal staff. State of Qatar and the Gov- The Cabinet said that this the international community to The Cabinet commended the period (2015-2019), as well as The Cabinet also approved ernment of the Kingdom of supreme directive comes as an support this fund and to work positive atmosphere during the achieving first place globally in the adoption of Minister of Morocco. THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 2019 HOME 03 Shura Council Speaker arrives in Morocco India is crucial The Speaker of the Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdulla bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, arrived in Rabat to market for Qatar participate in the conference of the Association of Senates, Shura and Equivalent Councils in Africa and the Arab World. The conference Airways: Al Baker focuses on the experiences of national reconciliation which led to political stability, social peace and peace-building. He was greeted upon arrival at Rabat International Airport by the Vice-President of the House of Councillors of the Kingdom of Morocco, Abdelkader Salama, and Acting Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Qatar to Morocco, Khalid bin Mohammed Al Dosari. Chief of Staff attends graduation ceremony Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, with other of founding course of Amiri Guard dignitaries at the Global Aviation Summit in Mumbai. THE PENINSULA India has become the QNA DOHA fourth largest civil DOHA aviation market after A Qatari delegation led by the United States, The Chief of Staff of Qatari Minister of Transport and Armed Forces, Lieutenant Communications H E Jassim bin China and Japan, and General (Pilot) H E Ghanem bin Saif Al Sulaiti, which also is a crucial market for Shaheen Al Ghanim, and the included the Chairman of Qatar Airways, said Amiri Guard Commander, Major Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority, Qatar Airways Group General Hazza bin Khalil Al Abdullah bin Nasser Turki Al Shahwani, attended yesterday Subaey and Qatar Airways Chief Executive, morning at the Barzan camp the Group Chief Executive, Akbar Akbar Al Baker, while Amiri Guard School Graduation Al Baker, attended the Global attending the Global ceremony of the founding course Aviation Summit, a two-day No. 29, and the opening of the event that concluded yesterday Aviation Summit, a main pedestrian field at the in Mumbai, India. two-day event that Barzan camp. Al Baker addressed key concluded yesterday The ceremony was also leaders of the aviation industry, in Mumbai. attended by Chairman of Col- including senior airline and leges and Institutes Major airport executives as well as General Mohammed bin Hamad government officials and senior Al Nuaimi. Commander of dignitaries in a panel discussion again to be able to participate Recruits Training Institute Major titled: ‘Airports of the Future in this important panel dis- General Rashid Nasser Al Hajri, and Building Great Aviation cussion. India has become the who is also the Deputy Com- Business’. Alongside Al Baker fourth largest civil aviation mander of the Amiri Guard and on the panel were key industry market after the United States, the Inspector-General, also influencers, including Director China and Japan, and is a The Chief of Staff of Qatari Armed Forces, Lieutenant General (Pilot) H E Ghanem bin Shaheen Al attended along with assistants General of International Air crucial market for Qatar Ghanim, and the Amiri Guard Commander, Major General Hazza bin Khalil Al Shahwani, at the Barzan of the Commander of the Amiri Transport Association, Alex- Airways. Guard, as well as a number of camp during the Amiri Guard School Graduation ceremony of the founding course No. 29. andre de Juniac and speakers “With the Indian gov- departments and groups leaders from around the world of ernment planning to invest in and officers of the armed forces. framework of joint cooperation comes in conjunction with the weapons and formations that aviation. developing more than 20 major At the beginning of the cer- between the security authorities. opening of the main pedestrian won the praise of the audience. The panel session focused airports and several smaller air- emony, the Acting Commander The course is considered the field at Barzan camp. It comes Afterwards, the general report on the need for development ports over the next five years, of the Amiri Guard School, Lieu- core of building the character of within the framework of the of the 19-week session was and modernisation of aviation it’s a very exciting time for the tenant Colonel Mohammad the soldier, as he instills in development and modernization reviewed with 187 recruits infrastructure in India, as well aviation industry in India, and Rashid Falih Al Hajri, said the himself the rules of control and witnessed by the Amiri Guard at participating. as identifying financial oppor- we look forward to discussing founding course No. 29 comes military connection, and enable the level of facilities, buildings At the end of ceremony, the tunities by governments glo- these topics this week in this year with participation of a him to perform his military and training fields. Chief of Staff of the Armed bally and introducing new Mumbai.” large number of members of the duties to the fullest. The graduates made a Forces honored the first grad- policy innovation that can The Global Aviation Summit armed forces, within the The graduation ceremony number of performances using uates and wished them success. increase the financial sustain- was organised by the Airports ability of low-traffic airports. Authority of India (AAI) and The panel discussed these chal- Ministry of Civil Aviation lenges, as well as how to build (MoCA) in collaboration with Qatar, Oman discuss defence relations beIN targets great aviation businesses that FICCI to discuss the future of meet customer expectations the aviation industry, to identify Saudis with while still delivering return on growth areas and to better investment. understand how technology- new website Akbar Al Baker, said: “I am driven innovation will change very pleased to be in India once air travel globally. AFP DOHA

Qatar’s beIN media group yesterday stepped up its campaign against Saudi- backed piracy, launching a website exposing what it says is wide-scale theft of its programmes. The “reveal all” beoutq.tv website went live with the aim of holding the pirate oper- ation to account, a statement said. “What started out as a concerted and targeted campaign against beIN has now morphed into the largest commercial theft The Amiri Guard Commander, Major General Hazza bin Khalil Al Shahwani, yesterday met with that’s ever been seen in Sultanate of Oman’s Assistant Chief of Staff for Administration, Commodore Shamis Mohammed the world of sport and Hudaib Al Habsi, and the accompanying delegation who are currently visiting the country. During entertainment,” Tom the meeting, they discussed relations of common interest between the two brotherly countries in Keaveny, beIN’s man- the military field and means of supporting and developing them. aging director in the Middle East region, said in the statement. “This Saudi-sup- ported plague of piracy represents an existential QU ranked 32 among top global universities threat to the economic model of the industry.” FROM PAGE 1 beyond, with a growing number organisation and various leaders The website details Al Derham added, “QU has a of master and PhD programs, in the field of higher education programmes beINg ille- strategic plan for the years thereby instilling a compre- and industry, which aims to gally broadcast in more ahead. We are implementing a hensive plan for success that share experiences in building and than 20 countries, a holistic response to support our directly benefits each of our developing knowledge econ- timeline of events and students, beginning at the high students.” omies that will benefit societies points that the finger at school level through various pro- The summit included experts with emerging economies and several prominent Saudi grams, right up to graduation and from the Times Higher Education in developing countries. figures. 04 HOME THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 2019 Qatar, Argentina review bilateral ties Students exchange program likely between Qatar, Australia

SANAULLAH ATAULLAH A proposal of student collaborations between two THE PENINSULA exchange programme countries in education and other between Qatar and sectors,” Professor Mohamad Higher number of students from Australia, simplification Abdallah told The Peninsula on Qatar are likely to go to Australia of admission procedures the sidelines of the event. He said to get quality education under for Qatari students in that the issue was discussed with students exchange programs. Australian Ambassador about A proposal of student Australia and ways for exchange program for Qatari exchange programme between enhancing cooperation students to go to Australia and Qatar and Australia, simplifi- between two countries vice-versa. cation of admission procedures in the field of education Ideas were given in the for Qatari students in Australia were discussed in a round- meeting for example students and ways for enhancing coop- table discussion hosted exchange, Abdallah said: “How eration between two countries to attract more Qatari students in the field of education were by Embassy of Australia to to study in Australia like those discussed in a round-table dis- Qatar. going to America and England.” The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E Dr Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, met cussion hosted by Embassy of He said that a common yesterday with Ambassador of the Republic of Argentina to the State of Qatar, Carlos Hernandez. During Australia to Qatar yesterday. concern was that Australia is the meeting, bilateral relations between the two countries were discussed and ways of boosting them, The event ‘Round-table Dis- University (HBKU), Qatar Foun- very far country and it not much in addition to discussing issues of joint interest. cussion with Professor dation, Abdullah bin Zaid Al known among Qatari population Mohamad Abdalla’ was attended Mahmud Cultural And Islamic specially in term of education, by a visiting Australian dele- Center, Doha International schooling and university. gation sponsored by Council of Center for Interfaith Dialogue “The purpose of the visit was Attorney-General meets Foreign Minister of Gambia Australia Arab Relation run by (DICID) and Holy Quran Radio. also to explore initiatives of col- the Department of Foreign Members of the visiting Aus- laborations academically and Affairs and Trade, Ambassador tralian delegation Professor otherwise so we can enhance the The Attorney-General of of Australia to Qatar, Dr Axel Mohamad Abdallah, Director of understanding between two the State of Qatar, H E Dr Wabenhorst and a number of the Center for Islamic Thought countries,” said Abdallah. Ali bin Fetais Al Marri, met representatives from local edu- and Education (CITE) run by Replying about the Islamic yesterday with the Republic cation sector. University of South Australia and schools in Australia, a member of Gambia’s Minister of The representatives included Associated Professor Graham said that there are 62 Islamic Foreign Affairs, International from 15 different institutions, Hardy, Dean and Head of School schools in Australia. Joint rela- Cooperation and Gambians organisations cross sectional of Education, Division of Edu- tionship between Qatar and Aus- Abroad, Dr Mamadou representation from higher edu- cation, Arts and Social Sciences, tralia is quite high, said a Tangara, who is currently cation universities, school sector, University of South Australia member adding that already visiting the State. During the cultural sector, interfaith dia- responded the questions and they had signed an MoU with meeting, they exchanged logue like Ministry of Education concernes raised by the Qatar University last July as a views on a number of issues and Higher Education, Qatar participants. result of the of the visit they of common concern and University, Hamad Bin Khalifa “There is huge potential of made last year. ways of strengthening legal cooperation between the two countries.

Ezdan Palace Hotel opens Palermo Restaurant

THE PENINSULA DOHA

Ezdan Palace Hotel, the five-star indigenous hotel in Qatar, cele- brated the opening of the new Palermo Restaurant. Located on the second floor of the hotel is the third International restaurant after TolaiTola and Red Orchid Professor Mohamad Abdalla, Director of Centre for Islamic Thought and Education at University Thai Restaurant. The official of South Australia; Axel Wabenhorst, Australian Ambassador to Qatar, and other officials, during a ribbon cutting ceremony was graced by the presence of Ambas- roundtable discussion with Professor Mohamad Abdalla, Director of Centre for Islamic Thought and sador of Italy, Pasquale Salzano, Education held at the Australian Embassy yesterday. PIC: BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA Ambassador of Sweden, Ewa Polano, and the Ezdan Hotels The Ambassador of Italy, Pasquale Salzano; Ambassador of Sweden, Group General Manager, Wael El Ewa Polano, and other officials at opening ceremony. Telbany and the celebrations were covered by media outlets. Qatar deposits accession instrument to 1988 protocol “We at Ezdan Palace Hotel served in a friendly and a relaxing a large selection of tasty delights are very excited to welcome atmosphere. Palermo seats can for both seafood and meat lovers. for 1966 International Convention on Load Lines Palermo. With the desire to offer admit over 150 people and serves Palermo is opened daily from 6pm our cherished guests an amazing audience with open kitchen. to 11pm. For reservations, guests QNA for the 1966 International d’Affaires of the Embassy of the dinning experience and ultimately It also includes two VIP dining can call 4007 1111 / 4007 1340 or LONDON Convention on Load Lines in State of Qatar to the United creating lasting memories,” Ezdan rooms with a pool view and email [email protected]. preparation for the entry into Kingdom Mohammed bin Hotels Group management said. uniquely decorated family The five-star Ezdan Palace is the Qatar has deposited with the force of the Convention for the Abdullah Al Jaber. Palermo is poised to offer friendly dining area, as stated by latest hospitality project intro- International Maritime Organi- State of Qatar. The meeting discussed the dinners comprising an exciting Ezdan Hotels Group duced by Ezdan Holding Group zation (IMO) the original copy of This came during a meeting relations between the State of array of fresh, authentic home management. and features a prime location on the State of Qatar’s instrument with HE Secretary General of the Qatar and the IMO and means of and handmade Italian cuisines The family style menu offers Al Shamal Road. of accession to the 1988 Protocol IMO Kitack Lim and Charge supporting and developing them. HEC Paris honors class of 2018 at Graduation Ceremony

FAZEENA SALEEM The graduates are was not only facilitated by the THE PENINSULA now better equipped faculty. But the participants and to further advance their desire to learn was also an HEC Paris in Qatar celebrated their successful essential part. With this, the grad- academic achievements of more uates have also set the foundation than 100 participants of class of careers, whether as for future learning,” he added. 2018 during the graduation senior figures within Since joining Qatar Foun- ceremony yesterday. Of the total their organisations, dation in 2010, HEC Paris has graduates more than half are or as entrepreneurs graduated 586 students in Qatar. Qatari. This year’s graduating class “The experience of HEC Paris included 28 Executive MBA taking advantage of is a remarkable example of how (EMBA) and 77 Specialized Master expanding business France and Qatar can reach excel- in Strategic Business Unit opportunities, and lence in their cooperation in the Management (SBUM) participants. field of higher education,” said They graduated in the helping to further Gellet, Ambassador of France in presence of Dr Ibrahim Al Naimi, diversify Qatar’s Qatar. While more than half of the Undersecretary of the Ministry of EMBA graduates of class 2018 are economy. Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh bin Khalifa al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and Higher Qataris, 10 different nationalities Education; Franck Gellet, French Ambassador to Qatar; Professor Eloic Peyrache, Associate Dean Education,Franck Gellet, were present in the class including Pre-experience and Master Programs of HEC Paris and Professor Nils Plambeck, Dean and CEO of Ambassidor of France in Qatar, their organisations, or as entre- Australian, British, French, Indian, HEC Paris in Qatar with other officials, during the Graduation Ceremony for HEC Paris 2018 in Qatar Hisam Nourin, Executive Director, preneurs taking advantage of Jordanian, Kuwaiti, Lebanese, held at St. Regis Hotel yesterday. PIC: BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA Strategy, Administration and expanding business opportunities, Mexican, Omani and Swedish. A Projects at Qatar Foundation and and helping to further diversify quarter of the EMBA graduates are several other dignitaries at the St. Qatar’s economy,” said Dr Nils women. The class of 2018 has also year’s SBUM graduates also Class of 2018 given to Noof Ahmed Cohort 1 was received by Nisreen Regis Hotel. “The graduates are Plambeck, Dean and CEO of HEC seen a higher ratio of female included Egyptian, French, Indian, Al Thani and Abeer Al Khalifa Al Malek and Best Thesis for the now better equipped to further Paris in Qatar. intake to male in both SBUM Lebanese and Yemeni nationals. during the ceremony. Specialized Master 2018 Cohort 2 advance their successful careers, “It has been a very enriching cohorts. About two-thirds of the Also the award for the Best The award for the Best Thesis was awarded to Tamader Eid Al whether as senior figures within journey for all involved. Learning SBUM graduates are female. This Capstone Project for the EMBA for the Specialized Master 2018 Muhannadi. THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 2019 HOME 05 UDC awards contract for designing master plan of Floresta Gardens to Parsons

THE PENINSULA Floresta Gardens will offer a variety of DOHA community living options, characterised by Haussmannian-style architecture. The precinct, United Development Company which will be home to 5,000 residents, consists (UDC), one of the leading Qatari public shareholding companies of 145,967 square meters of developable in Qatar and the master land and a gross floor area of 267,471 square developer of The Pearl-Qatar meters. The project will be home to 10 mid-rise and Gewan Islands, has selected residential towers and 114 villas within three Parsons to provide master planning and infrastructure gated villa compounds, and a 2,452-square consultancy services for the meter retail center. development of Floresta Gardens, which will have a distinctive architectural feature tie-in points for three gated building, The Pearl-Qatar. The at The Pearl-Qatar. villas. event was also attended by Parsons scope of services Ibrahim Jassim Al Othman, senior officials from both includes the design of master UDC President and CEO, and companies. plan, infrastructure, landscape, Gregg A. Welch, Parsons, Senior Commenting on the signing public realm and retail center, Vice President and MEA Built of contracts, Al Othman said: as well as the schematic design Environment Division Manager, “The distinguished Floresta of the precinct’s 10 mid-rise res- co-signed the contract on Gardens’ development will play idential towers and utilities January 16, 2019, at the Oyster an important role in UDC’s future growth plans for The Pearl-Qatar. Through inspired designs and high-quality living Ibrahim Jassim Al Othman, UDC President and CEO, and Gregg A Welch, Parsons, Senior Vice-President spaces, we are confident that the and MEA Built Environment Division Manager, signed a contract for the designing of Floresta Gardens’ precinct will be a highly sought master plan and infrastructure works. after investment opportunity for both local and external investors. This distinctive project reflects Floresta Gardens will offer villa compounds, and a 2,452- expanding portfolio of projects, UDC’s commitment to offer inte- a variety of community living square meter retail center. which includes real estate devel- grated real estate projects that options, characterised by Hauss- It is worth mentioning that opment, property management, boost Qatar’s position as an mannian-style architecture. The the tenders for the infrastructure and infrastructure and utilities. attractive lifestyle precinct, which will be home to works and the construction The company focuses on iden- destination”. 5,000 residents, consists of works of the retail center in the tifying and investing in long- Gregg A. Welch commented: 145,967 square meters of devel- Floresta Gardens will be shared term projects that contribute sig- “Our team is excited to create a opable land and a gross floor with the contractors during nificantly to Qatar’s growth and high-quality residential com- area of 267,471 square meters. March 2019. development. The Pearl-Qatar munity that offers a diverse life- The project will be home to UDC is one of the foremost Island remains one of the iconic style, with stunning waterfront 10 mid-rise residential towers luxury real estate development mixed-use urban development A computer-generated image of Floresta Gardens at The Pearl-Qatar. and public realm views.” and 114 villas within three gated companies in Qatar with an projects developed by UDC.

Ooredoo announces deployment 400 electric car charging stations by 2022

SACHIN KUMAR of 5G network in Al Shahaniya THE PENINSULA

THE PENINSULA Doha as part of their annual towers have already been Qatar General Electricity and DOHA winter tour. Accompanied by installed across Doha. Water Corporation (Kahramaa) senior executives from Waleed Al Sayed, Ooredoo is planning to set up 400 electric Ooredoo announced yesterday Ooredoo, the team was intro- CEO said: “2018 was a phe- car charging stations by the end that it had deployed its 5G duced to the traditional Qatari nomenal year for us at Ooredoo of 2022 to encourage the use of network in Al Shahaniya, in line sport of camel racing, with in our journey towards 5G, and electric and hybrid vehicles in with its aim of allowing all its players taking part in two races we’re delighted to see 2019 Qatar. Kahramaa, represented customers to enjoy the alongside Ooredoo Qatar CEO shaping up the same way. by the National Program for Supernet across the region and Waleed Al Sayed. PSG coach, Ensuring areas are comprehen- Conservation and Energy Effi- further afield. Thomas Tuchel, won the first sively covered by our 5G ciency (Tarsheed), inaugurated The deployment of the 5G race, with the Brazilian network is a key step towards 8th electric car charging station, network means as soon as superstar Neymar won the making sure our customers will yesterday at Qatar Scientific An electric vehicle charging station was opened yesterday at 5G-enabled devices are com- second, and each collected a be the first in the world to Club. Qatar Scientific Club in the presence of Kahramaa officials. mercially available, customers cheque for $25,000 to be used benefit from the life-changing The inauguration is a contin- PIC: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA in the area will be able to for the development of Com- possibilities 5G will bring, and uation of the first phase of the access the super-fast network munity and Social Responsi- we’re proud to say we are well launch of electric car charging speeds and superior efficiency bility Programmes of Paris on track with our coverage stations in Qatar as part of the station is a continuation of the and hybrid vehicles in Qatar. and reliability offered by the Saint-Germain Foundation. progress. green vehicles initiative to efforts of Kahramaa, represented Managing Director of Qatar futuristic technology. Ooredoo was the first to The camel racing event provide a clean, healthy and safe by Tarsheed, for the preparation Scientific Club Fatima Al This latest 5G development launch a live, commercially today with Paris Saint Germain environment for future of the necessary infrastructure Mohannadi said that since the and the resulting super-fast available 5G network, and has was an excellent example of generations. for electric vehicles in the announcement of Kahramaa that internet speeds proved useful made incredible progress how 5G is already changing On the occasion of the inau- country, where 400 stations are it has started to install the electric today when the Shahaniya towards ensuring all elements lives, offering super-fast guration, the Conservation and planned to be established in vehicle charging stations in camel race track played host will be ready to go as soon as internet speeds, and we look Energy Efficiency Department cooperation with the private Qatar, the club worked on being to French football team Paris the first devices are available. forward to seeing what other Manager in Kahramaa, Eng. sector by the end of 2022 in the one of the first to support of this Saint Germain, who visited A large number of network differences it can make soon.” Abdulaziz Al Hammadi, said the context of encouraging electric positive initiative.

Around 50 new cases of sarcoma diagnosed at HMC each year

THE PENINSULA accurate diagnosis will lead to DOHA either delay in treatment or the disease being incorrectly Early diagnosis and the latest treated. This can often result in management techniques in an unfavorable prognosis so it bone and soft tissue sarcoma is extremely important for indi- were the focus of Hamad viduals who have an unex- Medical Corporation’s (HMC) plained, persistent lump, even Sarcoma Awareness Day if it is painless, to seek medical symposium, held yesterday at advice. This is especially Hajar Auditorium. important in cases where there Sarcoma is a rare form of is a progressive increase in the cancer that can affect any part size of a previously stationary of the body but most commonly lump, a new occurrence of pain Dr Mohamed Al Ateeq Al Dosari and Dr Ahmed Mounir occurs in the bones, muscles, in an existing lump, or unex- tendons, cartilage, nerves, fat, plained bone and/or joint pain,” and blood vessels in the arms Symptoms of bone pain, a mass or swelling, and said Dr Mounir. or legs. There are around one and soft tissue restricted movement in a joint. Patients who are suspected hundred different sub-types of sarcoma include Dr Ahmed Mounir, Senior Con- to have bone sarcoma will now sarcoma. bone pain, a mass sultant Orthopedic Surgery and receive an urgent referral, Dr Mohamed Al Ateeq Al Clinical Lead of the Sarcoma within 48 hours, to the Bone Dosari, Senior Consultant and or swelling, and Service at Hamad General Hos- and Joint Center. He said the Head of the Orthopedic Surgery restricted movement pital noted that the symptoms new urgent referral pathway is Department at Hamad General in a joint. of bone sarcoma can some- the first disease-specific elec- Hospital said the symptoms of times be confused with a sports tronic referral system at HMC bone sarcoma can vary injury or with growing pains in for suspected cancer cases. depending on the size and expert doctors and nurses led children and young people. Speaking about the location of the tumor. by the Orthopedic Oncology “Unfortunately, in its early Sarcoma Awareness Day sym- “Every year thousands of team at both Hamad General stages, patients with sarcoma posium, Dr Ahmed Elramadi, people around the world are Hospital and the Bone and Joint usually do not have any wor- Specialist at the Orthopedic diagnosed with sarcoma with Center,” said Dr Al Dosari, who risome symptoms, or they have Surgery Department at Hamad approximately 50 new cases is also Director of HMC’s Bone vague symptoms that mimic General Hospital, said a key being diagnosed in Qatar each and Joint Center. other non-cancerous condi- aim of the event was to raise year here at HMC. These cases The most common tions such as lipoma, a cyst, or awareness of the disease and are managed by a dedicated symptoms of bone and soft sports injuries.” to improve treatment and care multidisciplinary team of tissue sarcoma include bone “The absence of early and standards. 06 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 2019 Five US soldiers among 20 dead in IS attack in northern Syria

AFP & REUTERS According to only reported two previous US QAMISHLI, SYRIA nationals being killed in combat in Pentagon statistics, Syria, in two separate incidents. A suicide attack killed US serv- yesterday’s blast The Britain-based Observ- icemen in northern Syria yesterday, in the Syrian town atory, which relies on a network causing the United States to suffer of Manbij was the of sources in Syria, said it was the its worst combat losses in the first such suicide attack in the city war-torn country since 2014 as it deadliest attack for in 10 months. Speaking at a gath- prepares to withdraw. US coalition forces ering in Washington of US ambas- The bombing claimed by the in Syria since they sadors, Vice President Mike Pence Islamic State group comes after US deployed in 2014. did not comment on the attack and President Donald Trump’s shock just said that the United States announcement last month that he would ensure the defeat of IS, also The aftermath of a suicide attack in the northern Syrian town of Manbij, yesterday. was ordering a full troop with- Erdogan said he did not believe known as ISIS. drawal from Syria because the the attack in the Syrian town of “We’ll stay in the region and jihadists had been “largely Manbij would impact US President we’ll stay in the fight to ensure that zone” in northern Syria fol- with the jihadists confined to (30km) security zone along the defeated”. Donald Trump’s decision to ISIS does not rear its ugly head lowing a suggestion by Trump. an ever-shrinking enclave of Syrian border... set up by us”. Turkish President Recep withdraw from Syria - “because I again,” he said. But senior Kurdish just 15 square kilometres The YPG-led forces Tayyip Erdogan said 20 people saw honourable Trump’s determi- The bombing comes as Syrian political leader Aldar Khalil (under six square miles). fighting IS in a statement said were killed in the bomb attack in nation on this point,” he said. Kurds present in areas around said any Turkish deployment Ankara has welcomed they would provide “necessary northern Syria, including five US The Syrian Observatory for Manbij reject any Turkish presence in Kurdish-held areas was Washington’s planned with- support to set up the safe zone” troops. A US official had earlier Human Rights said two Americans in a planned “safe zone” to include “unacceptable”. He said the drawal of some 2,000 US -- if it came with international said four US troops had been killed soldiers, nine Syrian civilians, and Kurdish-held areas along the Kurds would accept the troops from Syria, but the guarantees to “prevent any and three wounded in the blast, five US-backed fighters were killed frontier. Turkey has repeatedly deployment of UN forces along future of Kurdish fighters has outside interference”, in an which an Islamic State-affiliated in the attack on a restaurant in the threatened to attack Washington’s a separation line between poisoned relations between the apparent reference to Turkey. site said was the work of a suicide northern city of Manbij near the Syrian Kurdish allies who Ankara Kurdish fighters and Turkish Nato allies. The Turkish army has bomber. Others said only two had Turkish border. views as “terrorists” on its southern troops. But “other choices are On Monday, Erdogan and launched two major operations been killed. Rubble littered the outside of flank. unacceptable as they infringe Trump had a telephone con- in Syria in recent years, with “The information I have is the eatery in the city centre and its Washington, which has relied on the sovereignty of Syria and versation to ease tensions after the latest seeing Turkish troops news pointing toward that there facade was blackened by the blast, heavily on the Kurds in its cam- the sovereignty of our auton- the US leader threatened to and their Syrian rebel allies are five US soldiers and 20 died in footage from a Kurdish news paign against IS in Syria, has omous region,” Khalil said.. “devastate” Turkey’s economy seizing the northwestern total,” Erdogan said in a news con- agency showed. According to Pen- sought guarantees for their safety The Kurdish People’s Pro- if Ankara attacked Kurdish enclave of Afrin from the ference with the Croatian president tagon statistics, yesterday’s blast after Trump’s pullout tection Units (YPG) have been forces in Syria, and called for Kurds last year. Critics have in Ankara. The attack appears to was the deadliest attack for US announcement. a key US ally in the fight a “safe zone”. Erdogan said he accused Turkish troops and be the deadliest on US forces in coalition forces in Syria since they On Tuesday, Turkey’s Pres- against IS. They have taken and Trump had a “quite pos- their proxies of military occu- Syria since they deployed on the deployed in 2014. ident Recep Tayyip Erdogan said heavy losses in a campaign itive” conversation in which pation of Syrian sovereign ground there in 2015. The US Department of Defence Ankara would set up a “security now nearing its conclusion, they spoke of “a 20-mile territory.

Iran state TV’s Kenya hotel siege over; militants and at least 21 victims dead anchorwoman REUTERS rifles crossing the car park. The attack arrested in US NAIROBI was claimed by Somali group al Shabaab, an Al Qaeda affiliate fighting to topple the AP/TEHRAN Kenyan security forces have killed the mili- weak UN-backed government and impose tants who stormed an upscale Nairobi hotel Islamic law. Air strikes against the group A prominent American compound, taking at least 21 lives and have stepped up under US President anchorwoman on Iranian forcing hundreds of others into terrifying Donald Trump, but Tuesday’s attack state television’s English- escapes, the government said yesterday. showed it retains ability to strike outside language service has been More than 700 civilians were evac- Somalia’s borders. Neighouring Kenya, a arrested by the FBI after uated from the dusitD2 complex after a hub for expatriates, became a frequent flying into the US, the broad- 20-hour, overnight siege that echoed a target for al Shabaab after sending troops caster reported yesterday. 2013 assault that killed 67 people in Nai- into Somalia to try to create a buffer zone The FBI did not immediately robi’s Westgate shopping centre in the along the long, porous border. respond to requests for same neighbourhood. At least two groups of people were comment. Some hid under desks as bullets shat- trapped throughout the night, with gunfire The reported detention of tered plate glass doors. Others jumped continuing as dawn broke. Some sent text Press TV’s Marzieh Hashemi, from windows, or ran out under fire. messages out begging for medical help. born Melanie Franklin of New Fifty people believed to have been in Eleven Kenyans — including two best friends Orleans, comes as Iran faces the complex remained unaccounted for by People pray during the funeral of Feisal Ahmed Rashid and Abdallah Mohamed who worked to help Somalia - an American increasing criticism of its own mid-afternoon, the Kenya Red Cross said, Dahir who were killed in an attack on an upscale hotel compound, at the Langata 9/11 survivor, and a British development pro- arrests of dual nationals and raising the prospect of a higher death toll Muslim cemetery, in Nairobi, Kenya, yesterday. fessional were among the casualties. others with Western ties, pre- even after President Uhuru Kenyatta viously used as bargaining declared the militants defeated. chips in negotiations with “The security operation at dusit world powers. complex is over, and all the terrorists elim- American dead in Kenya attack was 9/11 survivor “We will not spare any inated,” Kenyatta told the nation in a tele- legal action” to help her, said vised address, looking drained and grave. AFP/NEW YORK his mother Sarah and brother Jonathan Spindler was a graduate of the Uni- Paiman Jebeli, deputy chief “As of this moment, we can confirm that 14 confirmed his death on Facebook and to versity of Texas at Austin and the New of Iran’s state IRIB broad- innocent lives were lost through the hands The American man who was among the several US media outlets. York University law school. He spent time caster. Press TV said of these murderous terrorists.” 14 people killed in an attack on a luxury “It’s with a heavy heart that I have to in the Peace Corps in Peru. Hashemi, who has worked at Kenyatta did not specify how many hotel complex in the Kenyan capital report that my brother, Jason Spindler, On September 11, 2001, Spindler was the state broadcaster service assailants there were, but CCTV clips Nairobi was a consultant who survived passed this morning during a terror attack working for investment bank Salomon for 25 years, had been showed at least five dressed in black. the 9/11 attacks, and specialised in in Nairobi,” Jonathan wrote on Facebook, Smith Barney in the World Trade Center. arrested after arriving at St. One is seen waiting outside the res- emerging economies. in comments visible only to his friends. The main Twin Towers collapsed Louis Lambert International taurant before blowing himself up in a Authorities did not formally name “Jason was a survivor of 9-11 and a fighter. after being hit by two passenger jets com- Airport on Sunday. Jebeli cloud of debris just after 3pm (1200 GMT) Jason Spindler as one of the victims, but I am sure he gave them hell!” mandeered by Al Qaeda operatives. alleged that her son, Reza on Tuesday. Four others then shoot assault Hashemi, had been arrested as well. Lambert Airport spokesman Jeff Lea declined comment, referring questions Palestinians launch bid for Zimbabwe police arrest scores to the FBI. full membership in UN UNSC approves in harsh crackdown on protests up to 75 Yemen AFP UNITED NATIONS AP clutching a Bible when police Zimbabwe’s largest telecom truce monitors HARARE bundled him into their car in the company, Econet, sent text mes- The Palestinians will launch a bid to become a full member of the capital, Harare. He had sages to customers saying it had REUTERS/UNITED NATIONS United Nations even though such a move will be blocked by the Zimbabwe police armed with organized what became been forced by the government United States, the Palestinian foreign minister said. AK-47 rifles arrested a prom- nationwide anti-government to shut down internet service. The United Nations Security The Palestinians have the status of non-member observer inent activist and pastor protests in 2016 against mis- “The matter is beyond our Council unanimously state at the world body and full membership would amount to yesterday, along with scores of management and then-Pres- control,” it said. Service began approved yesterday the international recognition of Palestinian statehood. others, in a harsh crackdown ident Robert Mugabe’s long stay to return in the evening. deployment of up to 75 Any request to become a UN member-state must first be over protests against dramatic in power. “They are alleging that Armed police and soldiers observers to Yemen’s port city approved by the Security Council, where the United States has fuel price hikes in the econom- he incited violence through broke up groups of more than of Hodeidah for six months veto power, before it is endorsed by the General Assembly. ically shattered country. Twitter and other forms of social five people in Harare, while des- to monitor a ceasefire and “We know that we are going to face a US veto but that won’t As some hungry Harare res- media in the central business peration for food forced some redeployment of forces by the prevent us from presenting our application” for full UN mem- idents reported being tear- district,” said Beatrice Mtetwa, people to venture into the warring parties. bership, Palestinian foreign minister Riyad Al Maliki told jour- gassed by police when they ven- the pastor’s lawyer. streets. But virtually all shops After a week of UN-spon- nalists. The Palestinians will begin lobbying Security Council tured out for bread, President Eighty-two people appeared were closed. Police fired tear gas sored peace talks in Sweden members with a view to presenting the application for UN mem- Emmerson Mnangagwa in court in Harare on charges of after a crowd tried to overrun a last month, the Iranian- bership in “a few weeks,” said Maliki. denounced what he called public violence. There were wide- shopping center that opened to aligned Houthi group and The Palestinians presented a request for UN membership in “wanton violence and cynical spread reports of violence as Zim- sell bread. Soldiers with AK-47s Saudi-backed Yemen gov- 2011, but the application never came before the Security Council destruction.” He noted a right to babwe faced a third day of pro- took charge of the long line. ernment forces reached a for a vote. Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas addressed a protest and said he understands tests over what has become the “This kind of life is ceasefire deal on Hodeidah, ceremony at the United Nations marking the start of the Pales- the “pain and frustration,” but world’s most expensive gasoline. unbearable, we have soldiers at the entry point for most of tinian chair of the Group of 77 and China, raising their profile by he appeared to side with author- This is the country’s worst unrest fuel queues and now soldiers Yemen’s commercial goods leading the biggest UN bloc of developing countries. ities who blame the opposition since deadly post-election vio- again are controlling the bread and aid, and a lifeline for mil- Abbas charged that Israel was hampering development in the for unrest. lence in August that saw six queue,” one man said. “Are we lions of Yemenis on the verge Middle East and renewed his commitment to a two-state solution. Pastor Evan Mawarire was people killed. at war?” of starvation. THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 2019 ASIA 07

Two HC judges Indian govt proposes new Emigration Bill elevated to IANS Under the proposed Bill an Emigration nodal authorities will be setup desks, migration and mobility Supreme Court NEW DELHI by the respective states and partnerships, labour and man- Management Authority will be set up by the Union Territories that will be power cooperation agreements IANS The government has proposed Centre to ensure the overall welfare and chaired at the principal secretary aimed at strengthened the NEW DELHI to introduce a new Emigration protection of emigrants. Bureau of Emigration level and will have represen- welfare and protection of the Bill to replace the existing Policy and Planning and the Bureau of tation from the home, NRI, Indian work force abroad. The government yesterday Emigration Act 1983 in view of labour and skill departments. The proposed Bill also takes elevated Karnataka High a paradigm shift in the nature, Emigration Administration will be set up as part These authorities will work in into account the increasing inci- Court Justice Dinesh pattern, directions and volume of the Authority. close coordination with other dents of human trafficking, illegal Maheshwari and Justice of migration over the last 35 competent authorities of the recruitment, illicit trafficking of Sanjiv Khanna of the Delhi years. Central government to ensure drugs, harbouring offenders High Court to the Supreme According to the proposal The EMA will be led by a sec- and the Bureau of Emigration safe, orderly and regular migration under the garb of recruitment or Court even as a controversy made by the External Affairs retary-level officer from the Administration will be set up. and address various aspects those offering emigration services raged over their recommen- Ministry, the Emigration Bill 2019 External Affairs Ministry, the These bureaus will be led at related to migrants who return. without due process. dation by the apex court’s proposes to constitute an Emi- nodal Ministry for all emigration- the joint secretary level and will The proposed Bill makes It proposes to provide for collegium. gration Management Authority related matters and will have rep- take care of day-to-day opera- mandatory registration and inti- stringent punishment, in par- The government issued (EMA) by the Centre to ensure resentation from the Home Min- tional matters and will be mation of all categories of Indian ticular for categories classified the notification disclosing the the overall welfare and pro- istry and the Ministry of Human responsible for all emigration- nationals proceeding for overseas as aggravated form of offences appointments by President tection of emigrants. Resource Development. related issues as well as the employment as well as students with regard to women and Ram Nath Kovind on a day It will be the overarching It will also have represen- welfare and protection of Indian pursuing higher studies abroad. children. the Bar Council of India also authority to provide policy tation from the states and the nationals abroad. The Bill has comprehensive The External Affairs Ministry joined issue, terming as guidance, undertaking a com- recruitment industry on a The Bureau of Emigration provisions including insurance, has sought comments from the “unjust and improper” the prehensive review and stock- rotation basis. Administration will have offices pre-departure orientation, skill general public latest by January collegium “recalling and taking on emigration man- Two new bureaus, the Bureau in different parts of the country. up gradation, legal assistance, 20 before it being tabled in reviewing” its earlier recom- agement related matters. of Emigration Policy and Planning According to the proposal, migrant resource centres, help Parliament mendation of Jan 12. The notification said they are being appointed with immediate effect from the date they assume charge. KCR, Jagan to hold further The appointments come even as the collegium decision to reverse the earlier talks on proposed front recommendation of elevating the Chief Justices of Rajasthan IANS is the son of Chandrashekhar and Delhi High Courts HYDERABAD Rao, along with three other Pradeep Nandrajog and leaders of the party, met Jagan Rajendra Menon respectively Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) at his Lotus Pond residence. and instead pushing the Working President K T Rama Rao After nearly two-hour names of Maheshwari and yesterday held preliminary talks meeting, KTR, as Rama Rao is Khanna. with YSR Congress Party Pres- popularly known, and Jagan On Tuesday, Justice ident Y S Jaganmohan Reddy on spoke to the media persons. The Sanjay Kaul of the Supreme the proposed Federal Front and TRS leader said KCR, who also Court had written to the Chief they agreed to hold further talks, spoke to Jagan over phone, Justice Ranjan Gogoi with an sources in the two parties said. would soon visit Andhra Pradesh objection against sidelining Jagan, as leader of Oppo- to hold further talks with him. Nandrajog saying he was the sition in Andhra Pradesh KTR said their meeting was senior most among the judges Assembly, welcomed the initi- part of KCR’s efforts to form a in the zone of consideration ative and agreed to hold further front as an alternative to both and a wrong signal would go talks with Telangana Chief Min- the National Democratic out if he was passed over. ister and TRS President K Alliance (NDA) and the United Chandrashekhar Rao, when the Progressive Alliance (UPA). latter visits Andhra Pradesh. Jagan said he welcome Parliament to meet He told reporters after KCR’s initiative to create a meeting Rama Rao and other national platform by bringing Business as usual despite snow from Jan 31, interim TRS leaders that they had pre- together like-minded regional budget on Feb 1 liminary discussions over the parties to fight for the protection A Kashmiri fruit vendor waits for customers during a snowfall on the outskirts of Srinagar, yesterday. proposed front. Rama Rao, who of the rights of the states. IANS NEW DELHI

Parliament will meet from Sheila Dikshit wants Congress to win all Delhi LS seats January 31 to February 13 for the Budget session with IANS leaders for the party’s victory. she hoped that the candidates “The Aam Aadmi Party is not going for an alliance with the interim budget to be NEW DELHI She said her target is “to get will be decided soon. “Let’s see a very polished party. For AAP. presented on February 1, it Congress active and get all Con- when the high command instance why did they do all “Anyway, for me, I mean was officially announced Inducted as Delhi Congress Pres- gressmen together.” Asked about announces.” Dikshit said she is that...Rajiv Gandhi having got the they are the ruling party of Delhi yesterday. ident ahead of the crucial Lok her target for the Lok Sabha not in favour of an alliance with award (Bharat Ratna). What have so that relevance is there but The session will begin Sabha elections, Sheila Dikshit elections, she said: “I hope to win the ruling Aam Aadmi Party they got to do with it. They never otherwise they are an irrelevant with address by President says her target is to win all the all the seven. We will target all (AAP) in the capital and prefers gave the award 22 years ago. party.” Asked if the AAP was in Ram Nath Kovind to the joint seven Lok Sabha seats in the the seven and then see”. that the party go it alone. Why did they pick it up? They touch with the party’s central sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya national capital. Asked when the party will However, at the same time just pick up things. I don’t think leadership, she said: “No, not Sabha. The 80-year-old leader, who declare its candidates as the AAP she also does not rule out a tie they think before what they are with us in anyway. I don’t think It will be the last session assumed office as the Delhi Con- has sounded its potential candi- up with the AAP. doing,” the three-time chief min- so.” Pressed further on the issue, of the sixteenth Lok Sabha as gress chief yesterday, said she dates and the BJP already has “No, I am not in favour of it ister of Delhi said when she was Dikshit said she had no idea. the elections are likely to be will mobilise all workers and sitting MPs in all the seven seats, (alliance with AAP),” she said. asked about the reasons for not “Nobody has spoken about it.” held in April-May.

Congress gears up for show of strength in Karnataka

IANS BENGALURU

The political drama over alleged “Operation Lotus” to destabilise the Karnataka government continued yesterday with the Congress preparing for an apparent show of strength by calling a meeting of its legislators on January 18 while the BJP kept up suspense with its shepherded MLAs remaining locked up in a luxury resort in Gurugram near the national capital. Coalition partners Congress and JD(S) claimed that Bharatiya Janata Party’s bid to topple its coa- lition government has failed. Both Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Deputy Chief Minister G Par- ameshwara claimed that the JD(S)-Congress coa- lition is safe and they had the numbers. However, senior BJP leader Murlidhar Rao, General Secretary in charge of Karnataka, said the coalition government will fall due to internal rivalry — not the BJP pulling it down. Top BJP sources said the MLAa in Gurugram may be returning home in the next few days. The MLAs, housed in the ITC Grand Bharat luxury hotel, were unfazed by the winter chill of the north and were seen relaxing or playing cricket and other games on the plush lawns. “All the Congress legislators are with us and eve- rything is all right in the party. Some legislators may be away but they will be back in Bengaluru soon,” Parameshwara told the media here. 08 VIEWS THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 2019 Brexit Britain sends out a ‘Mayday’ ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF NICK DEARDEN DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI AL JAZEERA [email protected] ever before has a British prime minister been ACTING MANAGING EDITOR defeated in parliament as MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED heavily as Theresa May on NTuesday. By 230 votes, she lost the [email protected] motion on her deal for exit from the EU, a deal which has been two years in DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR the making. One hundred eighteen of MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI her own MPs voted against her deal - [email protected] that’s the vast majority of Conserv- ative MPs who aren’t on the govern- ment’s payroll. In any normal time, such a defeat would lead to the immediate resig- nation of the prime minister and a general election. But with her Con- EDITORIAL servative Party utterly divided, and few of her colleagues willing or able to swap places with her, May carries on. May’s party is now bitterly divided. Solidarity with displaced Syrians In fact, that division is how we got into British Prime Minister Theresa May speaking after winning a confidence vote, in this calamitous situation. For decades, London, yesterday. mir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s a part of the British ruling class, repre- directive to provide $50m grant to the displaced sented by the Conservative Party, has consensus, she tacked hard right, little power over the rules that govern ASyrians and the Syrian refugees is a reflection been desperate to leave the EU, which making a red line of her consistent us. She could potentially get through of Qatar’s solidarity with the Syrian people and its com- they see, incredibly, as a left-wing desire to rid Britain of migrants. This parliament with some Labour back- passion towards the underprivileged people who are conspiracy. They want to get back to strategy has disastrously backfired. benchers, but it’s a long shot and suffering from the harsh winter conditions in different the days when Britannia ruled the After two years of stubbornness surely not a long-term option for refugee camps. The State’s grant will provide an urgent waves and could force “free” trade on and secrecy, she failed to win over Britain. relief package and several development programmes any country we wanted to. those in her own party, increasingly May could call an election, though through Qatar Fund for Development to the Syrian ref- With his usual arrogance, David powerful with the Tory grassroots, would be in serious danger of losing it, ugees in Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and the displaced Cameron thought he could easily beat who will settle for nothing less than and after her last disastrous electoral people within Syria. this right-wing element of his own the hardest of Brexits, premised on the performance (where she lost her Out of the $50m grant, $20m will go for the support party. But after imposing five years of idea that only chaos in the country will majority, following the referendum), of the displaced people within Syria, $10m each for deep aus- give them the space to create the that seems unlikely. She could prepare the programmes supporting refugees in Jordan, Turkey terity, which deregulated, free-market economy to crash out of the EU, though unlike and Lebanon. From the grant allocated for Syrian ref- started to they dream of. In the words of a some of her backbenchers, she seems ugees in Lebanon, $5m will be given to support the undermine former minister, Brexit is about com- to realise that such an outcome would relief campaign in Arsal, being supervised by Qatar the social pleting the Thatcher revolution. unleash chaos. She could threaten to Charity. fabric of It is to these people that gov- crash out, in the hope that MPs will Qatar Fund for Development, in coordination with May seems Britain, he ernment minister Geoffrey Cox turned change their minds and vote for her its partners such as the White Helmets and related to favour fatally mis- in the debate and asked: “What are deal - though the scale of defeat makes United Nations agencies, will be responsible for judged his you playing at? What are you doing? that option look like too high a gamble. spending the grant in direct renegotiation, own unpop- You are not children in the play- Corbyn also needs to decide his humanitarian relief pro- but that will only ularity. ground, you are legislators. We are next move. To date, he has tried to grammes to alleviate the work if she is When those playing with people’s lives.” reframe the debate, away from Brexit, hardships of those who reel prepared to drop in northern But the rebels ignored him and and towards traditional left-right divi- under the freezing condi- industrial voted down the deal. Those in par- sions, to unite working-class voters tions of the severe winter all her previous towns, liament who support a hard Brexit (no behind a vision of radical change. In a Qatar has been a and snow fall. “red lines” and who’ve been deal at all with the EU) hope that this sense, he wants to undermine the staunch supporter An initiative under the negotiate a very forgotten by vote will lead to Britain crashing out of causes of Brexit. This is a laudable of humanitarian auspices of Qatar Charity close relationship British gov- the EU altogether. Remainers, on the goal, and will be much needed in the efforts across the and several business people ernments for other hand, believe it makes the whole years ahead, but at the moment it and philanthropists with Brussels - decades, notion of Brexit impossible to achieve. seems nearly impossible to achieve world through gathered more than QR214m something more joined their It’s a high-stakes game, and they can’t given where British politics currently its varied efforts towards the Arsal Relief akin to a Norway votes with both be right. The Tories are desperate are. It also causes disquiet among his party members who are solidly remain through a variety campaign run on Qatar TV. relationship, the usual to avoid a general election and May’s of organisations It is a proof of values, prin- anti-immi- right-wing allies from the north of and get more so every day. ciples and morals of the which would grant bigots, Ireland, who prop her government up, We are left with one other option - within and Qatari people and their significantly limit it was won’t give up the power they have to put the matter back to the British outside the sympathy towards the suf- damage. enough for over this parliament. So, she will public in a referendum. No doubt this country. fering brothers and sisters. Brexit to almost certainly be victorious. carries risks. For one, assuming Qatar has been a win, albeit In office without power, ideas or remain was on the ballot, it could lose staunch supporter of narrowly. strategies, May struggles on, with a again, practically forcing the country humanitarian efforts across Theresa May then came to power very limited range of options. Par- into a no-deal Brexit. Second, the the world through its varied as the Brexiteers’ champion. She has liament has demanded May return on racism whipped up by the first refer- efforts through a variety of organisations within and been utterly intransigent. She has Monday with a new plan - one that endum could be dramatically outside the country. Qatar has been at the forefront in failed to speak to the half of the county they will be able to amend. May seems increased. Very few people want to the fight for the rights and freedom of Syrian people that voted “remain”. She has refused to favour renegotiation, but that will return to the climate of the last refer- who have been suffering from a war perpetrated by to talk to the opposition in order to only work if she is prepared to drop all endum. Corbyn particularly is nervous their own leaders. It is worth recalling the historic and come up with a solution that margin- her previous “red lines” and negotiate about losing potential leave voters in a humanitarian position of H H the Amir to cancel all alises her own extremist backbench a very close relationship with Brussels future election, and is fed up that this the celebrations of National Day in 2016 in solidarity MPs. She has alienated most European - something more akin to a Norway issue has been used by the right-wing with the people of Aleppo who were subjected to the leaders with her nationalistic lan- relationship, which would significantly of his party to consistently undermine worst repression, torture, displacement and genocide. guage. Rather than building limit damage, but leave the UK with his leadership. On that day Qatari people rallied in Darb Al Saai to express their support to Aleppo and a huge sum was collected to help the brothers there. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani Syrian Kurds fear returning home due to YPG/PKK threat recently reiterated Qatar’s firm stance on bringing about a political solution to the Syrian imbroglio that HALIL FIDAN at an education center that he opened and would not leave their houses. satisfies the citizens of that country. While some ANATOLIA in the Haliliye district with the support Because of the pressure of terrorists, regional countries seek normalisation of relations with of Istanbul-based Humanitarian Relief many Kurdish families migrated to the criminal regime in Damascus, the official position yrian Kurds who took refuge in Foundation (IHH). Recalling the suf- Turkey and Europe.” of Qatar were welcomed with gratitude by the Syrian Turkey after fleeing the vio- fering of Syrian people because of the “People fled cruelty in their people. lence inside their country are conflicts and pressure of the terror country, where they grew up and own afraid of returning home group, he said Turkey hosts them in their lands and homes because the Sbecause of the threats and inhumane the best way and enables them to con- YPG/PKK doesn’t want anybody apart acts of the YPG/PKK terror group. tinue their professions. from their own people. They only Turkey, which hosts more Syrians “I cannot thank Turkey, the accept their own ideology.” The terror QUOTE OF THE DAY than any other country in the world, Turkish government and its people group does not allow people to practice has been offering all kinds of support enough. Turkish people have hosted their own religion, Hasan continued. Before there can be any to war-torn families regardless of their us in the best way for years. God bless He said, “They are torturing reli- positive discussions about ethnicity, religion or sect since the them,” he said. “Turkish government gious people, falsifying Islam, banning the way forward the start of the civil war in Syria. treats us the same way as everyone worships. What they are saying in the government must remove The country has spent more than else. Regardless of Kurds or Arabs, name of the religion conflicts with clearly, once and for $32 billion from its own national they are offering the same aid to eve- Islam.” “That’s why we cannot return all, the prospect of the resources for helping and sheltering ryone ... It protects everyone. to our country,” he added. “We surely refugees since 2011. Turkish officials recently blasted a want to return. We want to practice catastrophe of a no-deal Muhammed Mashar Hasan, 57, has U.S. conflation of “Kurds” with the our religion comfortably just like eve- Brexit from the EU and been staying in southeastern Sanliurfa terror group, saying an expected rything.” The Syrian scholar voiced his all the chaos that would province for around six years, and is Turkish operation in Syria will target a hope for the war to be over, stability come as a result of that. among the thousands of Syrians who terrorist group which threatens Arabs, provided, terrorists gone and order took refuge in Turkey that continue to Turkmens, and Kurds in Syria alike. established in Syria one day. Another do their business just as they did in Hasan said: “If Kurds were com- Kurdish-origin Syrian, Salih Ibrahim, Jeremy Corbyn their own country. fortable in the places that YPG/PKK living in Sanliurfa also complained Britain’s opposition leader Hasan, an Islamic scholar, teaches captured, they would not flee there about the terror group’s actions. THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 2019 OPINION 09 To be effective, Russia sanctions have to be removable

he congressional Democrats’ Vladimir Putin or to scare Russian of his former shares will end up in the The US can use the measures to opposition to a proposal to “oligarchs” (a questionable though hands of the Russian state and a Deri- stake out its implacable positions lift US sanctions against the much used term) and officials with the paska-founded charity, Treasury will on issues such as Russian companies founded by the prospect of tougher US restrictions, have clearly described ways aggression in Ukraine, but Putin TRussian billionaire Oleg Deripaska the Deripaska sanctions only would of making sure he doesn’t actually run can use them to argue that the US is raises an important question: Is the have achieved the desired result the businesses, including by Russia’s enemy forever and that its punitive policy designed to achieve if they’d remained in place indefi- demanding an independent board of sanctions won’t be lifted whatever LEONID BERSHIDSKY specific goals or primarily to make a nitely. Then, there would be no clear directors and ongoing reporting Russia does. BLOOMBERG statement? way out for Russian billionaires requirements. Treasury’s deal contains a more The sanctions against United Co. except to urge Putin to make foreign Brian O’Toole, a former top US nuanced plan for changing Russia’s Rusal, En+ Group Plc and EuroSi- policy concessions, especially on sanctions official under the Obama behavior. It’s trying to make Treasury’s bEnergo JSC will expire on January 19 Ukraine, which would have been a administration who is now a senior working with Putin toxic for stance signals that unless Congress takes action. On fruitless effort. fellow with the Atlantic Council, is a wealthy Russians as a way to the sanctions are Tuesday, the Senate advanced a reso- But Treasury ostensibly had a dif- Putin critic, and he isn’t naive about undermine the regime. The signal is about specific targets lution to prevent the Treasury ferent goal. “In this case, the objec- Russian billionaires’ craftiness. He probably based on flawed logic: Not Department from removing the tives of the sanctions were to reduce has, however, praised Treasury’s working with Putin is not an option and can be lifted by restrictions. The sanctions, along with Deripaska’s ownership in and sever achievements in the Deripaska case. for a wealthy Russian with any following specific those against another billionaire, his control of these entities,” Andrea “Deripaska has been ousted from a assets in the home country. Money rules. That undermines Viktor Vekselberg, were the most Gacki, director of the department’s control of the company that has doesn’t rule in Putin’s Russia, force the eternal enmity serious US moves against Russian Office of Foreign Assets Control, defined him for the better part of a does. The owners of big fortunes are entities; they shook the aluminum wrote to Congress in December. quarter century, and he won’t see a Putin’s hostages rather than his argument somewhat, market, where Deripaska’s companies That goal has been achieved. Deri- cent from that ousting,” O’Toole sincere allies. But even if the US and it signals that the are major players, and alarmed paska has agreed to reduce his stake wrote. “He also won’t see a cent from sanctions professionals are overop- West’s approach to Russian business moguls. Some bil- in En+, his erstwhile holding his remaining holdings in EN+ until timistic about what they can lionaires hurried to remove their company, from about 70 percent to OFAC decides to lift the sanctions on achieve, their approach makes more Russia is rules-based assets from the London Stock 44.95 percent, not to vote more than him.” sense than Schumer’s. rather than motivated Exchange. 35 percent of En+ shares and to give This, he argued, should help “peel Treasury’s stance signals that by an irrational hatred. If the goal is to make a hostile up any attempts to control the sanc- away” from Putin those “oligarchs” the sanctions are about specific statement directed at President tioned businesses. Even though some who don’t owe him their entire for- targets and can be lifted by fol- tunes; Deripaska, after all, made his lowing specific rules. That under- money under Putin’s predecessor mines the eternal enmity argument Boris Yeltsin. The business titans somewhat, and it signals that the would think twice about doing the West’s approach to Russia is rules- Kremlin any favors. Separately, based rather than motivated by an O’Toole stressed that independent irrational hatred. Whether wealthy third parties now would vote the Der- Russians find that signal believable ipaska shares that go to the Russian and, ultimately, somehow align state and the charity foundation. with the West depends on how These arguments, which portray clearly the rules of the game are the Deripaska deal as a meaningful defined and whether they’re fol- achievement by US sanctions techno- lowed unflinchingly by Western crats, apparently have fallen on deaf nations themselves. The Treasury ears: Senate Minority Leader Chuck professionals are doing their part; Schumer continues to cam- whether, under the Trump admin- paign against the deal, demanding a istration, the US is capable of Senate vote on it. He said the sticking to any clear set of rules is agreement would benefit Deripaska, another matter, but Congress who had “effectively acted as agent of should be encouraging rules-based Russian President Vladimir Putin’s behavior, not undermining it. interests abroad” and argued against listing sanctions on his companies until Special Counsel Robert Mueller has finished his investigation. This isn’t just about politics. Schumer’s ruthless stand aims to punish Russia until Putin changes his behavior. But Putin is unlikely to D-RING ROAD A file photo of Russian aluminium tycoon Oleg Deripaska leaving after the talks of Russian President Vladimir Putin bend, making the sanctions a POST BOX: 3488 with South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the Kremlin in Moscow. statement more than anything else. DOHA - QATAR [email protected]

he Indian government has which lacks teeth to bite (in case of with 2017 as the base year. It is cur- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE TEL: unveiled its long-awaited non-compliance). In India, where a rently a mid-term five-year action 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: National Clean Air Pro- (legally) notified plan (GRAP) by gov- plan, with 2019 as the first year and +974 4455 7758 gramme (NCAP) that aims at a ernment to reduce pollution failed, an initial funding allocation of Rs 300 T20-30 percent reduction of partic- the implementation of the NCAP will crore. However, the government MANAGING EDITOR TEL: ulate matter (PM) concentration over be a challenge in its current form.” emphasised that international expe- 4462 7505 the next five years, with an overall Dahiya said they hope that India’s rience and national studies indicate DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MAYANK AGGARWAL goal of mitigating air pollution and environment ministry will show more that a significant change in terms of TEL: 4455 7769 IANS improving air quality in the country, seriousness in implementing the plan air pollution initiatives will only be which has some of the world’s most and strengthen it. visible in the long term. Thus, after a LOCAL NEWS SECTION polluted cities. The need to ensure compliance of mid-term review, the programme TEL: 4455 7743 the plan is an important factor that may get extended for 20-25 years. will determine the success of the plan. The other main features of the BUSINESS NEWS SECTION Director of Climate Trends, Aarti NCAP include a substantial increase in TEL: 4462 7535 Khosla, stressed that “solutions to the number of monitoring stations across problem of air quality will come faster the country including in rural areas, India’s plan to breathe SPORT NEWS SECTION if there is strongest political will at the increased focus on indoor air pol- TEL: 4455 7745 top”. “The plan does not have an asso- lution, an air quality forecasting easy is out, but targets ciated enforcement, regulation or system and city-specific plantation ONLINE SECTION compliance mechanism. It is basically plans for the non-attainment cities TEL: 4462 7501 a wish list. The question, which was and towns. It also focuses on research [email protected] are not legally binding the question even before, is that it is and monitoring with source appor- okay to have all these plans but what tionment studies, health impact PUBLIC RELATIONS will happen in terms of strengthening studies, review of standards and TEL: 4455 7613 emphasis on enforcement and sec- The time-bound plan, targeting a enforcement which really is the [email protected] specific PM level reduction by 2024, is missing piece. They have not toral interventions. The NCAP highlighted that with encouraging, following the draft addressed it,” Khosla said. ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT version in April 2018 that drew crit- Even the NCAP admits that non- 4,000 cities in the country, just 703 TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 icism for having no clear targets. compliance is an issue. It noted that manual monitoring stations in 307 FAX: 4455 7870 However, the key challenge lies in the the experience of authorities so far cities reflects a limited reach and [email protected] implementation of the NCAP, particu- “indicates lack of regular monitoring needs augmentation. “It is proposed larly as the targets are not legally and inspection as the major reason for to augment it to 1,500 stations from CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT binding in the current plan. With no non-compliance”. To deal with the existing 703 stations,” said the NCAP. TEL: 4455 7857 mechanism to legally enforce the issue, it stressed that “trained man- It also proposed to set up 75 moni- [email protected] targets, there is concern that the plan, power and regular inspection drive toring stations in rural areas. The while good in intention, might not be will be ensured for stringent improved monitoring will be helpful SUBSCRIPTION & effective. implementation”. in determining status and trends of air DISTRIBUTION The plan is significant given that quality. In addition, the plan aims to The key challenge The NCAP comes after years of TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 public outcry and continuous intense around a million lives are lost every increase the existing number of con- FAX: 44557819 lies in the pressure from the judiciary, media year due to air pollution. According to tinuous ambient air quality moni- [email protected] implementation and experts on the government to a study published in The Lancet in toring stations (CAAQMS) from the 134 of the NCAP, take action on India’s toxic air pol- December, of the total deaths in India stations in 71 cities and 17 states, with lution. Though it has been welcomed in 2017, 1.24 million deaths, equiv- a special focus on the Indo-Gangetic particularly as the by experts as a step forward, some alent to 12·5 percent of total mortal- plain. “Impetus will be on low-cost All thoughts and views targets are not believe it would be stronger with ities, could be attributed to air pol- indigenous real-time monitoring sta- expressed in these columns legally binding in legally-binding targets and provision lution. The continued outcry against tions,” said the plan. are those of the writers, the current plan. for action against its air pollution intensified few years ago On plantation plans, NCAP aims to non-implementation. when the capital Delhi and adjoining link to India’s target of additional not of the newspaper. With no mechanism “We need to give credit (to the regions in northern India consistently forest and tree cover of 2.5 to 3 billion to legally enforce recorded “severe” levels of air pol- tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent government) that there is a plan now. All correspondence the targets, there This is a step in the right direction, but lution during the winter season, from by 2030. “There needs to be more regarding Views and is concern that the in its current form it lacks the November to February. focus on the western regions of India ambition to achieve breathable air,” The plan, launched by India’s (Rajasthan and Gujarat) for enhanced Opinion pages should be plan, while good in Sunil Dahiya, senior campaigner with environment minister Harsh Vardhan tree cover, which will reduce wind- send to editor-in-chief intention, might not Greenpeace India, told Mongabay- last week, sets a national level target blown dust within the country and office or mailed to the be effective. India. “It needs to build on missing of 20-30 percent reduction of PM2.5 will also act as barriers for trans- links. It’s basically a plan of plans and PM10 concentration by 2024, boundary dust,” the plan noted. [email protected] 10 ASIA THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 2019 Jailed Sharif accused of illegally allotting land

ANATOLIA KARACHI An investigation team formed by the Supreme Court submitted its report to a three-member Testing times are not over for bench headed by Chief Justice accusing the Pakistan’s incarcerated former three-time premier Nawaz Sharif of allotting Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as a fresh investigation has accused a huge piece of land attached to the shrine of him of “illegally” allotting a famous Sufi Baba Fariduddin Ganj Shakar in shrine’s land to a local politician Pakpattan district of Punjab to a local politician. in 1986 when he was the chief minister of northeastern Punjab province. investigation report. Sharif has name of his underage sons An investigation team been convicted in two of a total during his first term as premier formed by the Supreme Court of three corruption cases against in the early 1990s. last month submitted its report him, and exonerated in the third. Sharif, however, denied the to a three-member bench In the first case, Sharif, 69, charges, and accused the “estab- headed by Chief Justice Mian was sentenced last July to 10 lishment” — a term meant to Saqib Nisar in capital Islamabad years in jail in a corruption case designate the country’s powerful on Tuesday. The report accused by an accountability court in the army — and a section of the the three-time premier of capital Islamabad, but the judiciary of “targeting” him and allotting a huge piece of land Islamabad High Court suspended his family. attached to the shrine of famous the conviction in September. His In July 2017, he was disqual- Sufi Baba Fariduddin Ganj daughter and potential political ified by the Supreme Court over Tilling for livelihood Shakar in Pakpattan district of heir Maryam Nawaz and son-in- the Panama Papers scandal, A Pakistani farmer works in the field on the outskirts of Lahore, yesterday. Punjab to a local politician. law Mohammad Safdar had also which also led to the filing of the The investigation team rec- been sentenced to seven years three corruption cases. Not long ommended that the land in and one year in prison respec- after, the top court also barred question be retrieved and a tively in the same case. The two him from holding the leadership criminal proceedings be ini- are on bail. of his party. tiated against the jailed premier. In the second case — known Sharif served as premier in The latest development as Al Azizia — Sharif got seven 1990-1992, 1997-1999, and Pakistan applying pressure over came a day after Supreme Court years in jail for owning assets 2013-2017, unable to complete upheld the suspension of the beyond known income sources even a single five-year term. His Sharif’s jail term handed down in December. Sharif also chal- two previous governments were last July in the Panama Papers lenged the second conviction in dismissed over corruption Afghan talks: Taliban officials case. Sharif, who is already the Islamabad High Court, charges and through a bloodless serving a seven-year term after which will start the hearing on military coup in 1992 and 1999, REUTERS Mohibullah had been released Iran, supporting the Taliban’s being convicted in another cor- his appeal this week. respectively. PESHAWAR yesterday and spokesman Zabi- stance. ruption case last month, has Last September, at the His younger brother, and hullah Mujahid said he was safe. Officials in Islamabad say denied the fresh charge. directive of the Supreme Court, three-time chief minister of The arrest of a senior Taliban The move came as talks Pakistan is keenly aware that The top court gave a two- the National Accountability Punjab — the country’s most leader in Pakistan this week between Taliban represent- Afghanistan will continue to week deadline to Sharif and the Bureau accused Sharif of cor- populous province — Shehbaz underlines a push by the atives and US special envoy need huge amounts of foreign Punjab government to submit ruption by making assets in Sharif is already in NAB custody government in Islamabad to Zalmay Khalilzad hit a stum- aid to keep its shattered their responses to the Saudi Arabia and the UAE in the over a housing scam. pressure the insurgents to open bling block after the insur- economy afloat after any peace talks with the Afghan gents issued a statement on settlement and have been government, Taliban officials Tuesday threatening to stall working closely with the United said. peace talks. States. Hafiz Mohibullah, a senior Khalilzad, who arrived in Islamabad fears that any US citizen among dead in Kabul truck bomb attack military commander who has Kabul on Tuesday, was due to hasty withdrawal of foreign been closely involved in talks meet Taliban representatives forces could trigger an uncon- AFP authorities had previously confirmed that one of with the United States, was last week but the meeting was trolled collapse of the Afghan KABUL their citizens was also killed in the attack. arrested in Peshawar, close to cancelled. government, leaving a vacuum It was not clear if they were included in the the border with Afghanistan, at The Taliban have so far that could send tens of thou- A US citizen was among those killed in a powerful four dead, with some Afghan officials giving con- the weekend but was subse- refused to talk to the Afghan sands of refugees across the truck bomb attack against a heavily fortified flicting tolls. “We have launched an investigation quently released. government, which they dismiss border. foreign compound in Kabul this week, officials and it has not finished yet. Once we finish the “After his arrest, Pakistani as a puppet regime put in place The Afghan government said yesterday, as the government continued investigation we will be able to release the final authorities started raids on by foreign powers. regularly accuses Pakistan of investigating the blast site. toll,” Najib Danish, the interior ministry many other houses of the According to Taliban providing support to the The Taliban have claimed responsibility after spokesman, said. The powerful blast ripped through Taliban movement, their friends sources, the dispute highlights Taliban. the bomb detonated near the Green Village com- surrounding neighbourhoods, shattering the and commanders in different a split that has emerged among Pakistani officials deny this pound in east Kabul on Monday. Afghan author- windows of surrounding houses and shops. It came places in Pakistan,” said one countries with an interest in the but say they have a degree of ities have said at least four people were killed and as US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad visits the region senior Taliban leader, who region, with Pakistan and the influence which they have 113 wounded. An official at the US embassy in for meetings aimed at bringing an end to the 17-year spoke on condition of United States pushing the been using to try to persuade Kabul said an American citizen was among the war in Afghanistan, which by some estimates was anonymity. Taliban to open talks with Kabul the movement to accept peace fatalities, but gave no further information. Indian the world’s deadliest conflict zone in 2018. The Taliban confirmed that and other countries, including talks.

Four shot dead Rohingya exodus from India as Pakistan police raid to Bangladesh hits 1,300 militant hideout AFP signatory to the UN Refugee COX’S BAZAR, BANGLADESH Convention, arrested 230 Rohingya in 2018 -- the most AP At least 1,300 Rohingya Muslims in years as Hindu hardliners PESHAWAR have crossed into Bangladesh called for the displaced Muslims from India since the start of the to be deported en masse. Pakistani police said security year, an official said, as fears of The round-ups in India, forces raided a militant deportation to Myanmar spark and fear of deportation to hideout, killing three an exodus. Myanmar, have driven even suspects, including the New Delhi has faced sharp more of the stateless Muslims mastermind of last year’s criticism for turning members into Bangladesh, where a bombing that killed 35 Shiites of the persecuted minority over million Rohingya live in giant at a food market. A civilian to Myanmar in recent weeks, refugee camps in the country’s was also accidentally killed despite the army there being southeast. in the shootout. accused of atrocities against the Nayana Bose, a spokes- Police officer Rohingya. The United Nations woman for the Inter Sector Mohammad Khalid says the and rights groups accused India Coordination Group (ISCG), raid took place in the north- Passing out parade of disregarding international which includes UN agencies western town of Hangu on law and returning the Rohingya and other foreign humanitarian A Special Task Force (STF) member performs during their passing out parade in Kalutara, Sri Lanka, Tuesday. to possible danger in Buddhist- organisations, said the pace of yesterday. He says a commander, majority Myanmar. new arrivals had escalated Mohammad Islam, was India, which is not a since January 3. among the militans killed. Khalid says Islam had orchestrated the November 23 bombing at the market in the town of Klaya in the Bangladesh garment factories dismiss hundreds of workers Khyber Pukhtunkhwa province. The Islamic State group AFP million workers at 4,500 fac- and tear gas at protesters in a key hanging on factory gates factory manager gave a lower total at the time claimed respon- DHAKA tories make garments for global industrial town outside the informing them of their dismissal of around 400 workers fired for sibility for the attack, saying retail giants H&M, Walmart and capital Dhaka. The demonstra- along with photos of their faces. damaging equipment during the it targeted “Shiite Bangladesh factories making many others. tions died down this week after “This is unjust. The owners strike -- with more than half from apostates.” clothes for Western brands have Protests by thousands of the government agreed to raise are doing it to create a climate one Ashulia plant called Metro Sunni extremists often sacked hundreds of workers employees over low wages salaries, but many returned to of fear so that no one can dare Knitting and Dyeing. targeted Shias in this Islamic after more than a week of strikes began earlier this month, work on Wednesday to discover to stage protests or demand fair Metro Knitting’s general nation. IS has carried out and clashes over wages, police prompting scores of manufac- they had been laid off. wages,” the leader said, speaking manager Atiqul Islam told AFP several attacks, though and trade unions said yesterday. turers to halt production. A top union leader said at on condition of anonymity. that the company has reported authorities say it has no The country’s $30bn clothing One worker was killed and least 750 workers at various “Police told me not to create nearly 300 workers to police for organized presence in industry is the world’s second- more than 50 injured last week companies in the manufacturing trouble. Otherwise I’ll be disap- smashing the factory’s CCTV Pakistan. largest after China. Its some four after police fired rubber bullets hub of Ashulia had found notices peared.” Police and a senior cameras and computers. THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 2019 ASIA 11

Indonesia vows to N-talks: US, South Korea push Palestinian rights at UNSC mull incentives for Kim AFP JAKARTA

BLOOMBERG South Korea’s Foreign “final, fully verified Indonesia will do everything SEOUL Minister said that the denuclearisation.” possible to advance the rights allies were reviewing Kim warned in his New of Palestinians when it assumes The US and South Korea are Year’s address that he could be its position at the United discussing “corresponding various packages forced to take a “new path” in Nations Security Council measures” to reward North of incentives that talks if Trump didn’t relax sanc- (UNSC), the foreign ministry Korea’s steps toward denuclear- Washington could tions pressure. He pressed for US said yesterday. isation, South Korea’s Foreign bring to the table in concessions to reward his deci- Ministry official Febrian Minister said, as President sions last year to halt weapons Ruddyard said it would make Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un the meeting. tests and dismantle some testing sure issues facing the Pales- prepare for a possible second facilities, without offering addi- tinians were not buried, and it summit. confirmed that Kim Yong Chol tional steps. would offer unwavering Foreign Minister Kang — a senior North Korean official “If the United States takes a support for their bid to become Kyung-wha told a news con- who last year delivered Kim credible action in response to our a full member of the UN. ference yesterday in Seoul that Jong-Un’s letter to Trump before proactive and preemptive efforts Palestinians have the the allies were reviewing various their first summit — will transit and responds to the corre- status of non-member packages of incentives that through Beijing today en route sponding measures, the rela- observer state at the world Washington could bring to the to another location. CNN tionship between the two coun- body. Full membership would table in the meeting. While Kang reported that Kim Yong Chol was tries will move forward at a good amount to international rec- provided few details other than due to meet US Secretary of State and rapid pace through the ognition of statehood. “We to say restarting stalled business Michael Pompeo in Washington process of taking more certain have always reiterated that projects were being discussed, this week. and innovative steps is,” Kim said once we are elected we will the term can cover everything Negotiations between the US on January 1. push the Palestine issue in any from sanctions relief to moves to and North Korea have sputtered While South Korea wasn’t form,” Ruddyard said. formalise the end of the 1950-53 since Trump and Kim signed an independently considering Indonesia would prioritise Korean War. “Between South agreement during their first resuming cooperation projects the rights of refugees, woman Korea and the US, we are closely meeting in June to “work toward at a North Korean mountain and children, but influencing consulting what kinds of denu- complete denuclearisation,” resort or the joint factory park in the US decision to recognise clearisation measures should be without defining the phrase or the North, Kang said such moves Sirisena on five-day visit to Philippines Jerusalem as Israel’s capital followed and what the United setting any deadlines. were part of the “various com- would be hard, he said. Indo- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (right) shakes hands with States and the international com- North Korea argues the deal bination of corresponding nesia, along with Germany, his Sri Lankan counterpart Maithripala Sirisena after reviewing a munity can do as corresponding implied a step-by-step approach, measures” being discussed. Belgium, South Africa and the measures,” she said at a New where each of its actions are met “Details of the results will be gen- guard of honour during a welcoming ceremony at the Malacanang Dominican Republic, started a Year’s news conference. by US responses, while Trump erated during the negotiations Palace grounds in Manila yesterday. Sirisena is in the Philippines two-year term as a non-per- Chinese Foreign Ministry administration officials assert between North Korea and the for a five-day state visit. manent member of the spokeswoman Hua Chunying that Kim accepted his country’s United States,” she said. Security Council this year. Australian PM backs security treaty with Vanuatu Malaysia imposes AP CANBERRA ban on events Australia’s Prime Minister has brushed off Vanuatu’s resistance to a bilateral security treaty after a meeting in the involving Israelis South Pacific island nation that comes amid concerns about growing Chinese influence in the region. REUTERS of Sarawak from July 29-August Prime Minister Scott Morrison on KUALA LUMPUR 4. Swimmers from some 70 Tuesday became the only Australian countries are expected to leader to visit Vanuatu apart from Malaysia has imposed a ban on compete in the event which is Prime Minister Bob Hawke in 1990. But Israelis participating in any an important milestone towards Hawke was in the capital Port Vila to event hosted by the Southeast next year’s Tokyo attend the Pacific Islands Forum, and Asian nation after barring Paralympics. not for a bilateral meeting. athletes from attending the The International Paral- The Vanuatu Daily Post reported World Para Swimming cham- ympic Committee (IPC) said in that Vanuatu Foreign Minister Ralph pionships in July. a statement that it was “bitterly Regenvanu said his government col- Foreign Minister Saifuddin disappointed at the stance of leagues “haven’t responded positively Abdullah said that Malaysia’s the Malaysian government. yet” to Australia’s proposal for a Cabinet had decided on the “While we continue dia- bilateral treaty. Morrison told reporters measure last week. logue with the local organising in Port Vila that a bilateral security The majority-Muslim committee and the National treaty was still an option. Vanuatu offi- country does not maintain Paralympic Committee, the IPC Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is presented with a gift as he arrives in Port Vila, cials did not immediately respond to a formal diplomatic relations Governing Board will be dis- Vanuatu, yesterday. request for comment. with Israel and has long sup- cussing this matter at its ported a two-state solution to meeting in London next week,” the conflict between Israel and it added. the Palestinians. “World Championships Australian towns among hottest spots on Earth “Even if we have already should be open to all eligible committed to hosting an event, nations and athletes. We will AFP warmest on record, with temper- Among the towns in South state endured the devastating they (Israelis) will not be explore all options open to us SYDNEY atures nearing 50 degrees Celsius Australia state experiencing their “Black Saturday” bushfires that allowed (into the country),” the to try and ensure the full par- (122 degrees Fahrenheit) in some hottest temperatures on record left 173 dead in the nation’s worst minister said. ticipation of all eligible ath- Australian towns were among the spots, the Bureau of Meteorology was tiny Tarcoola in the region’s natural disaster. The desert town “Secondly, Malaysia will not letes.” Israeli athletes have been hottest places on Earth this week said. “With South Australia far north, which reached 49 of Coober Pedy — where some host any event that has repre- banned in the past by countries as a severe heatwave hit the conti- breaking some all-time records degrees Celsius. The city of Port residents live underground to sentation from or participation that do not formally recognise nent’s southeast, with forecasters yesterday, it would certainly put Augusta recorded a temperature escape the harsh conditions — of Israel.” Israeli athletes have Israel. They have also competed warning of more record-breaking this region as one of the warmest of 48.9 degrees Celsius, almost equalled its temperature record been barred by Malaysia from without national symbols, typ- temperatures before the weekend. parts of the world yesterday, if not one degree higher than its pre- of 47.4 degrees Celsius. In the attending the World Para ically under the flag of the The past four days were the warmest,” the bureau’s senior vious record set on February 7, state’s capital Adelaide, the tem- Swimming Championships sports federation running the among the country’s top 10 meteorologist Philip Perkins said. 2009 — the same day Victoria perature was 41.9 degree Celsius. scheduled for the eastern state event.

China brushes off international concern Philippines arrests, over death sentence for Canadian hands over to China REUTERS briefing in Beijing, Chinese BEIJING Foreign Ministry spokeswoman corruption fugitive Hua Chunying said Canada’s China said yesterday that it was “so-called allies could be AP “not worried in the slightest” by counted on ten fingers” and did MANILA mounting international concern not represent the views of the over the death sentence handed wider international community. Philippine officials have turned over to China to a Canadian for drug smug- “I can very clearly state that we a former government official wanted for alleged gling. Monday’s sentence for are not worried in the slightest,” economic crime and corruption. Robert Schellenberg for smug- Hua said of the mounting Xie Haojie was arrested on Sunday in gling 222kg of methampheta- outcry, adding that a majority Manila in an operation coordinated with mines prompted Canadian of Chinese supported severe Chinese authorities. The 49-year-old is wanted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau punishment for drug crimes. back home on charges of corruption that to accuse China of “arbitrarily” Schellenberg’s sentence has amounted to $210m. Officials from the Phil- applying the death penalty. further strained relations ippine Bureau of Immigration handed him over The United Nations said it between China and Canada, Wednesday to China’s authorities in Manila for was opposed to the death already aggravated by the deportation. penalty apart from exceptional December arrest of Meng Li Shulei, vice chairman of China’s National circumstances, and Australia’s Wanzhou, chief financial officer Supervisory Commission, says the case involved acting foreign minister Simon of Huawei Technologies, on a US a huge amount of money that made Xie “a very Xie Haojie is escorted by Chinese police officers after being presented to the media, Birmingham said he was extradition request as part of an terrible social influence.” Xie was presented to following his arrest on Sunday, at the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission office “deeply concerned” by the case. investigation into suspected vio- the media in the Philippines but did not make Speaking at a daily news lations of US trade sanctions. in Manila, Philippines, yesterday. any statement. 12 EUROPE THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 2019 May wins no-confidence vote, but still beset by Brexit

AP May won a narrow LONDON victory, 325 votes British Prime Minister Theresa to 306 votes, on an May (pictured) survived a opposition motion no-confidence vote in seeking to topple Parliament yesterday to remain in office - but saw more of her her government and power ebb away as she battled trigger a general to keep Brexit on track after election. lawmakers demolished her European Union divorce deal. May won a narrow victory, British parliamentary history - 325 votes to 306 votes, on an was devastating for May’s lead- opposition motion seeking to ership and her Brexit deal. avoid an election that could bring topple her government and Opposition Labour Party a left-wing Labour government trigger a general election. leader Jeremy Corbyn responded to power. Now it’s back to Brexit, with the no-confidence motion, Had the government lost, where May is caught between the and urged the government to “do Britain would have faced a snap rock of her own red lines and the the right thing and resign.” election within weeks, just hard place of a Parliament that May, who leads a fractious before the country is due to leave MPs deliver the result of a confidence vote, after Parliament rejected Prime Minister Theresa May’s wants to force a radical change government, a divided Par- the European Union on March Brexit deal, in London yesterday. of course. liament and a gridlocked Brexit 29. After winning the vote, May process, said she was staying put. Political analyst Anand promised to hold talks with May said an election “would Menon, from the research group promised to consult with senior single market or customs union Caroline Lucas said May’s intran- leaders of opposition parties and deepen division when we need UK in a Changing Europe, said lawmakers from across the membership is the only plan sigence had led to the current other lawmakers, starting imme- unity, it would bring chaos when May had a remarkable ability to political spectrum on her next capable of winning a majority in crisis. diately, in a bid to find a way we need certainty, and it would soldier on. moves. Parliament. They fear the alter- “This is a national calamity forward for Britain’s EU exit. bring delay when we need to “The thing about Theresa But she also said any new native is an abrupt “no-deal” of the prime minister’s own Legislators ripped up May’s move forward.” May is that nothing seems to faze Brexit plan must “deliver on the withdrawal from the bloc, which making,” Lucas said. “Today has Brexit blueprint on Tuesday by The government survived her,” he said. “She just keeps on referendum result,” which May businesses and economists fear to be the day when we start to rejecting the divorce agreement yesterday’s vote with support going.” May’s determination - or, has long interpreted to mean would cause turmoil. change the conversation about she has negotiated with the EU from May’s Conservative Party as her foes see it, her inflexibility ending the free movement of Labour lawmaker Ben Brexit.” Faced with the deadlock, over the last two years. That it and its Northern Irish ally, the - might not be an asset in a situ- workers to Britain from the EU Bradshaw accused May of being lawmakers from all parties are would lose was widely expected, Democratic Unionist Party. Many ation calling for a change of and leaving the EU’s single “in a total state of denial” about trying to wrest control of the but the scale of the rout - 432 pro-Brexit Conservatives who course. The prime minister has market and customs union. how radically her Brexit plan Brexit process so that Parliament votes to 202, the biggest defeat voted against May’s deal, backed until Monday to come up with a Many lawmakers think a needed to change. can direct planning for Britain’s for a government in her in the no-confidence vote to new Brexit plan, and has softer departure that retained Green party legislator departure.

Bulgaria activists France to ‘accelerate preparations’ for no-deal Brexit win case to save

AFP scheduled a meeting to decide tweaks being made to the employers’ group MEDEF called demonstrators in France who heritage site PARIS on France’s response to the agreement which British Prime on businesses to prepare for “the have been demanding citizen- British parliamentary vote. Minister Theresa May spent two worst”. Some 30,000 French sponsored referendums on pro- AFP France is speeding up prepara- “The scenario we don’t want years negotiating with Brussels. companies export to Britain, posals that prove popular with SOFIA tions for a “no deal” Brexit after is a no deal and the risks multi- “Maybe we’ll make improve- according to the French finance the public. “When there are dif- the British parliament over- plied yesterday,” a source in ments on one or two things, but ministry, with goods worth some ficult decisions to be made it’s Environmentalists in Bulgaria whelmingly rejected a divorce President Emmanuel Macron’s I don’t really think so because ¤31bn in 2017. usually elected officials that take scored a victory yesterday in agreement negotiated with the office said. we’ve reached the maximum of The federation of French them because of the constraints a long-running court battle EU, the government said France has like other what we could do with the deal,” wine and spirits exporters (FEVS) involved. The hard decisions are to prevent enlargement of a yesterday. European nations been pre- he said. expressed alarm at the possibility rarely taken by referendum,” he ski resort in the Pirin moun- Prime Minister Edouard paring for a scenario in which France’s Europe Minister of exports to Britain being sud- argued during a meeting with tains, a Unesco World Philippe will meet with key min- Britain crashes out of the EU with Nathalie Loiseau said yesterday denly hit by high tariffs. mayors in Normandy on Heritage site. isters today to look at a “possible no divorce deal, and has already that the EU could extend the “This vote is harmful to the Tuesday. Bulgaria’s supreme acceleration so that state services been recruiting extra customs deadline for Brexit beyond long-standing and fruitful “Look at what our British administrative court over- are ready in the event of Britain agents to be deployed in Channel March 29 if Britain requested it. trading relationship between our friends are going through,” he turned controversial changes leaving the European Union ports. But she stressed that other two countries,” FEVS president said, adding that Brexit “speaks made by the government in without a deal”, government President Emmanuel Macron EU nations considered the deal Antoine Leccia said. volumes... about what these ref- 2017 to the management plan spokesman Benjamin Griveaux late on Tuesday indicated there already on the table to be “the Macron held up Brexit as a erendums, which appear to be for Pirin National Park. The said. Ministers had already was a small chance of minor only one possible”. French cautionary tale for “yellow vest” good ideas, can result in.” changes opened up 48 percent of the park’s 40,000 hectares of majestic pine forests to potential con- struction of new ski runs and Mayor’s murder in lifts in the Bansko ski resort — Bulgaria’s biggest. The court based its ruling on sec- tions from a law on protected Poland sparks anger areas that “allow only main- tenance, not the building of new sports facilities in the against hate speech national parks”. “This is an important victory for us, even if we know that investors will AP threw off communism 30 years continue their attempts to WARSAW ago, with massive amounts of build (in Pirin),” Konstantin hate speech and even death Ivanov from the Bulgarian Poles yesterday heatedly threats against prominent office of conservation group condemned the power of hate figures being expressed WWF said. speech to trigger real-life publicly. violence after the assassination “Stop hate speech,” the of a popular liberal mayor, with major daily Rzeczpospolita many calling for stronger actions wrote yesterday in a front-page Serbia acquits against those who threaten appeal, citing a “brutalisation of others. public debate” and “a wave of suspects in US Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras addresses the Greek Parliament in Athens yesterday, on the Not only did the killer, an hatred that spills both from tra- second day of a two-day debate on a confidence vote he called after his coalition collapsed in a ex-convict, take the life of the ditional media and the Internet.” embassy torching 53-year-old Gdansk mayor, “I have no doubt that this wave row over a planned name change deal with Macedonia. Pawel Adamowicz, but he emboldened the murderer of AP stabbed him during a popular Pawel Adamowicz to act,” wrote SERBIA fundraising concert by the Great editor Boguslaw Chrabota. Greek PM wins confidence vote Orchestra of Christmas Charity, “Even today, with the entire A Serbian appeals court has which raises money for life- country in mourning... Internet acquitted the suspects in the saving medical equipment. trolls are congratulating the AFP Despite the victory, the sub- completion of a property deal 2008 rioting and torching of Both the mayor and the murderer, making him into a ATHENS sequent fate of Tsipras’ gov- with the church that was the US embassy in Belgrade organisation are prominent national hero, demanding a ernment — and whether he will recently blocked by senior after a rally against Kosovo’s symbols of openness and tol- repeat of such acts.” Other city Greek Prime Minister Alexis complete his four-year term bishops. “We do not seek (the declaration of independence. erance, leaving many Poles to mayors who, like Adamowicz, Tsipras yesterday survived a which ends in September — is support of) 151 lawmakers just The Appeals Court of Bel- interpret the attack as a double have also received death threats confidence vote after a row over unclear. to complete our term, but in grade said yesterday it has blow to those values. appealed Wednesday to justice a landmark name deal with He now faces an immediate order to carry out specific overturned suspended prison Police are checking to see if officials to more effectively Macedonia sunk his four-year challenge to also push through political initiatives,” government sentences for four suspects the assailant, who was recently prosecute such activity. coalition. parliament the controversial spokesman Dimitris Tzanako- and confirmed an earlier released from prison, has psy- Poland’s ruling party leader, A total of 151 lawmakers name deal with neighbouring poulos told Open TV on acquittal of three more people chiatric problems. The assailant Jaroslaw Kaczynski, was not supported Tsipras’ government, Macedonia, which has sparked Wednesday. by a lower court. The court stabbed Adamowicz three times present at the session, a gesture including several independent protests in both countries. Yet many Greeks think the says prosecutors have failed in the heart and abdomen and that critics denounced as a sign MPs, the official count showed. In a speech to parliament, elections could take place earlier to provide enough evidence told the crowd Sunday evening of disrespect. Kaczynski’s “The government today the 44-year-old leftist leader on than October and may even be to back the indictment. that it was revenge against Civic spokeswoman said his absence asks for a vote of confidence, Tuesday insisted his government called to coincide with European One person died when the Platform, the now-opposition was just a “coincidence.” The which is tantamount to a vote “has another nine months and and local elections in May, if not American and other Western party that was in power when charity that Adamowicz sup- for stability and the country’s very important tasks to carry sooner. embassies were attacked by he was imprisoned for bank ported is Poland’s largest non- political credibility on the out,” pointing to elections in Another protest will be held groups of nationalists and robberies. profit organization and has European and global stage,” October. in Athens on Sunday against the soccer hooligans angry over The brutal killing took place become a model of civic Tsipras told the chamber ahead Among his goals are a agreement with Skopje to what they perceived as as Poland is more bitterly engagement and humanitari- of the vote. “We will win and revision of the constitution, a rename the country the Republic Western support for Kosovo’s divided than at any time since it anism in its 27 years. we will carry on,” he said. minimum wage increase and the of North Macedonia. statehood. THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 2019 EUROPE 13 Kremlin rubbishes claims that Trump a Russian agent

AFP The aide said Russia’s actually been tough on Russia,” MOSCOW she said. relations with the The bombshell reports came Russia yesterday dismissed as US were “at rock as Washington special prose- ridiculous reports questioning bottom” and “nothing cutor Robert Mueller presses on whether US President Donald has happened in the with a huge investigation into Trump has acted as an agent for alleged Russian efforts to Russia as controversy mounted context of developing influence the 2016 presidential over his alleged ties to the them”. election — and the possibility Kremlin. Moscow colluded with Trump’s Trump has denied explosive Russia’s behalf after he fired the campaign. Earlier yesterday, news reports that he hid details FBI’s then-director James Russian Foreign Minister Sergei of discussions with President Comey in 2017. Lavrov wondered why the Vladimir Putin and that the FBI Trump slammed this report complex Mueller probe has been investigated him as a potential as “a lot of fake news” and called almost leak-proof, implying it national security risk who might the then-leaders of the FBI who had not turned up any strong be acting on behalf of Russia. decided to investigate him evidence. “No facts have been Asked about the issue by “known scoundrels, I guess you presented and there haven’t journalists in Moscow, Putin’s could say dirty cops.” In been any leaks, which is very foreign policy advisor Yuri addition, The Washington Post strange for the American Snow-laden landscape Ushakov said: “Why comment reported on what it said were political system,” Lavrov told a A snow-covered landscape in Brotterode, Germany. on something stupid? How can unusual lengths taken by Trump news conference. the US president be an agent of to hide details of his conversa- Asked whether the Kremlin another country?” tions with Putin. had influenced the transparency The aide said Russia’s rela- The Post story said Trump of Trump’s talks with Putin, he tions with the US were “at rock personally acted to prevent expressed disgust that US jour- bottom” and “nothing has hap- notes taken by his interpreter nalists were even covering the pened in the context of devel- during one-on-one meetings issue. “For the American press, German police raid far-right group members oping them.” with Putin from being shared this is a lowering of journalistic Trump himself said on with aides. He allegedly took the standards,” he retorted. AP police in the southwestern state any arrests. Authorities say Monday that he “never worked notes away and ordered the Suspicions over Trump’s BERLIN of Baden-Wuerttemberg said about 40 people are under for Russia” and told reporters: interpreter not to divulge the links to Russia have been fuelled more than 100 weapons, investigation. “It’s a disgrace that you even ask contents. by his past as a real estate Authorities have conducted including air guns, swords, The group’s members are that question.” But the White House developer selling to wealthy raids in several parts of machetes and knives, were suspected of glorifying Nazism The US president was rejected the Post report, with Russians and never-fulfilled Germany on suspected members seized in yesterday’s raids on 12 and, in some cases, of har- responding to a report in The spokeswoman Sarah Sanders plans to build a Trump Tower of a far-right group calling itself properties. They also found bouring “violent fantasies.” New York Times that said the calling it “so outrageously inac- in Moscow, as well as his the National Socialist Knights of membership lists. Investigators say they have FBI had opened an investigation curate it doesn’t even warrant a decision to hold his Miss Uni- the Ku Klux Klan Deutschland. Seventeen people were tar- found no evidence of links to into whether he was acting on response.” “President Trump has verse competition there in 2013. Prosecutors and regional geted but there was no word of other Ku Klux Klan groups.

Germany to extend Macron’s party reclaims top spot from Le Pen in European survey Weidmann’s term REUTERS published yesterday showed party has come ahead of the RN decried the violence of a “hateful the conservative Republicans PARIS Macron’s centrist movement since late October, when Le Pen mob” in his New Year address, party, which has lost 5 points at Bundesbank with 23 percent of voting inten- jumped ahead of Macron for the while his government has since August, to 10 percent. It is French President Emmanuel tions compared to 18 percent in first time. branded the protesters followed by the far-left France AFP Macron’s party moved back the last poll in early December A number of other polls have agitators. Insoumise at 9.5 percent. FRANKFURT AM MAIN ahead of Marine Le Pen’s far- while Le Pen’s Rassemblement shown a rebound in Macron’s Le Pen launched her cam- The hard-right Debout la right party in a poll of voting National (National Rally, or RN) popularity in the last few weeks, paign for the May 26 election France is on 7.5 percent, while Germany’s finance ministry intentions for the May 2019 — formerly the National Front in a sign parts of the public with an appeal to the “yellow the Greens are seen getting 6.5 yesterday said it planned to European parliament elections, — fell to 21 percent from 24 approve of the harder stance he vest” movement that has rattled percent of the vote and the extend current Bundesbank the survey showing signs of a percent previously. It is the first has taken against “yellow-vest” the government. The increase in Socialists, which held the French president Jens Weidmann’s rebound in Macron’s popularity. time Macron’s Republique en protesters after riots in Paris and voting intentions for Macron’s presidency less than two years contract by another eight An Ifop poll Marche (Republic On the Move) other French cities. Macron party coincides with a decline for ago, trail behind at 4 percent. years, keeping the central bank chief in the race to replace Mario Draghi at the European Central Bank. “We can confirm that the Swedish PM inches federal government intends to propose prolonging Jens Weidmann’s term at the head closer to new mandate of the Bundesbank,” a min- istry spokesman said. The extension still has to be for- AFP The Liberals and the Centre had mally greenlighted by the STOCKHOLM until now been part of a four- German cabinet, a step con- party alliance with the sidered a formality. Swedish Prime Minister Stefan conservatives. Weidmann, 50, took the Lofven and his outgoing coalition Together, the coalition and helm of the powerful Bun- comprising the Social Democrats the two centre-right parties hold desbank in 2011. His term is and the Greens yesterday moved 167 seats in parliament, eight due to end on May 1. one step closer to a second term. short of a majority. “Jens Weidmann is a pas- The development came after During the previous four- sionate central banker and the ex-communist Left Party year mandate, the Social Dem- Bundesbank president and is vowed not to oppose Lofven’s ocrats and Greens had relied on looking forward to a second nomination as prime minister the Left’s support in parliament term,” the bank said in a later this week in parliament. to pass legislation. But this time, statement. The Scandinavian country the Left was excluded as Lofven Although Chancellor looks set to finally get a gov- shifted his government toward Angela Merkel’s government Swedish left party leader Jonas Sjostedt answers journalists’ questions after a meeting with the ernment more than four months the centre, prompting calls from has not openly endorsed Wei- Speaker of the Swedish Parliament Riksdagen yesterday in Stockholm. after September’s inconclusive some members of the Left to vote dmann to succeed ECB chief election. against him when parliament Draghi, whose mandate Last week, the Social Dem- convenes to elect a new prime government,” he said, referring are the conservative Moderates the party was giving the new expires in November, it’s cus- ocrats and Greens announced minister on Friday. to a conservative government and the Christian Democrats, government carte blanche. tomary for the high-profile they had reached an agreement But Left leader Jonas Sjostedt backed by the far-right Sweden who together hold 92 seats, and The Left is adamantly post to be held by an acting to form a minority coalition, with announced yesterday the party Democrats. the anti-immigration populist opposed to a proposed plan, as central bank governor from the informal backing of two would abstain during the vote, Under Sweden’s political Sweden Democrats, who hold 62 part of the new coalition’s the 19-nation euro area. centre-right parties, the Liberals paving the way for Lofven’s system, a government can seats. agreement with the two centre- Weidmann was the only and the Centre. The four parties election. “If we were to vote no operate as long as a majority of The Left warned meanwhile right parties, to ease Sweden’s governing council member to have presented a 15-page policy on Friday, we would likely end lawmakers do not vote it down. that it while it would let Lofven strict labour laws and introduce vote against the crisis-fighting document outlining their agenda. up with a blue-brown Opposing Lofven and his allies be elected PM, that did not mean market rates for rents. tool. Romanian top court’s wiretap ruling puts graft trials at risk

REUTERS SRI placed the two institutions powers that could only be have convicted thousands of and his appeal is ongoing. Last year the European Com- BUCHAREST in a constitutional conflict with granted by the legislature. public officials, including law- He is also under investigation mission said that proposed parliament. Wednesday’s ruling means makers and ministers and their on suspicion of forming a changes to the judicial system A Romanian Constitutional Court The SRI had been collecting that such evidence could now be investigations have exposed con- criminal group to siphon off cash and criminal code signalled a ruling yesterday regarding wiretap evidence and other types struck down from ongoing inves- flicts of interest, fraud and the from state projects, some of them reversal of a decade of demo- wiretap evidence threatens to of proof on behalf of prosecutors tigations and trials, the latest award of state contracts in EU-funded. The case has yet to cratic and market reforms. put an end to ongoing investiga- based on court warrants - as they blow dealt to the fight against exchange for bribes. go to trial. Dragnea denies all the The European Parliament tions including for high-profile were legally mandated to assist corruption and the judiciary Among those convicted is charges. also passed a non-binding reso- corruption cases. with investigations - but the since the Social Democrats came Social Democrat leader Liviu Transparency International lution urging a greater fight In a case brought by the party’s case partly hinged on the into power two years ago. Dragnea. He has a two-year sus- ranks Romania as one of the EU’s against corruption, condemning ruling Social Democrats, the protocols not being made public. The court ruling would have pended jail sentence in a vote- most corrupt states and Brussels police brutality during anti-graft court ruled that cooperation pro- The Social Democrats have no impact on cases already tried rigging case. He has also been has kept its justice system under protests and demanding an end tocols signed by prosecuting argued that by signing the pro- and sentenced. sentenced to 3-1/2 years in jail in special monitoring since it joined to what it called the erosion of units with the intelligence agency tocols, prosecutors gave SRI Anti-corruption prosecutors a separate abuse of office case, the bloc in 2007. the rule of law. 14 AMERICAS THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 2019

Senate upholds Russia, US fail to save missile treaty decision to ease Russia sanctions REUTERS US Under-Secretary missiles with a range between Secretary-General Jens to intimidate and control some BRUSSELS for Arms Control and 500kms and 5,500kms. “We Stoltenberg said after a meeting of their neighbours.” AP International Security, weren’t able to break any new at Nato in which Thompson Russia denies any such WASHINGTON The United States yesterday Andrea Thompson, ground yesterday with Russia,” briefed allies. strategy and accuses US Pres- rejected a Russian offer to save Thompson said of the January 15 But he said the alliance now ident Donald Trump of using The Senate has narrowly a landmark treaty that keeps said Moscow was meeting with Russian Foreign needed to be prepared for the Moscow as a pretext to quit the upheld a Treasury nuclear missiles out of Europe refusing to allow Ministry officials. collapse of the INF treaty and INF. Earlier yesterday, Russian Department decision to lift because it could not be properly proper inspection “Based on yesterday’s dis- that he had asked military Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov sanctions from three verified, setting the stage for of a new Russian cussions and corresponding authorities to look into the con- said Moscow was ready to save companies connected to Washington to withdraw from rhetoric today, we see no indi- sequences, although he declined the pact and the United States Russian oligarch Oleg Deri- the pact next month. missile system that cation that Russia would choose to go into details. had not properly considered paska. After a meeting in Geneva Washington says compliance,” Thompson said. European allies are worried Moscow’s proposals and prevent A vote to move forward between Russian and US offi- breaks the 1987 The United States and its about the deployment of US mis- a new arms race in Europe. on a Democratic resolution cials, US Under-Secretary for Nato allies want Russia to siles in Europe, as happened in But Thompson said the to reverse Treasury’s decision Arms Control and International Intermediate-range destroy its 9M729 nuclear- the 1980s, while being caught up Russian side only offered a look failed yesterday on a 57-42 Security, Andrea Thompson, said Nuclear Forces Treaty. capable cruise missile system, in nuclear competition between at the cruise missile system, a so- vote, just short of the 60 votes Moscow was refusing to allow which Washington says could Moscow and Washington. called static display, which she needed. The vote came up proper inspection of a new Gorbachev and ratified by the US allow Russia to strike Europe at “This is part of a pattern said would not verify the true short even though several Russian missile system that Senate, eliminated the medium- short notice, and comply with where Russia is investing in, range of its warheads. Republicans had criticized the Washington says breaks the 1987 range missile arsenals of the the INF. modernising, exercising and Moscow says the range puts sanctions move and 11 of Intermediate-range Nuclear world’s two biggest nuclear Without a deal, a US with- testing nuclear weapons,” them outside the treaty and the them voted with Forces Treaty (INF). powers and reduced their ability drawal over six months will start Stoltenberg said. “I think the distance they can fly is not as Democrats. The INF treaty, negotiated by to launch a nuclear strike at short from February 2. whole idea is for Russia to try to long as Washington alleges, At issue is a December then-President Ronald Reagan notice. “Russia must come back into be able to reestablish a sphere meaning Moscow is fully com- announcement from the and Soviet leader Mikhail The treaty bans land-based compliance,” Nato of influence where they can try pliant with the INF. Treasury Department that the US would lift sanctions on the companies linked to Deri- paska, including the alu- minum giant Rusal. Pence urges US The Treasury Department says the Russian companies have committed to separating diplomats to promote from Deripaska, but Demo- crats say he hasn’t relin- legal immigration quished enough control.

AFP spreading crime, despite sta- Canadian WASHINGTON tistics that immigrants are less likely to commit offenses than kidnapped in US Vice-President Mike Pence native-born Americans. yesterday urged US diplomats The US government has Burkina Faso to emphasise that the United been shut down for nearly a States still welcomes legal month as Trump demands that REUTERS immigrants, amid unrelenting Congress provide $5.7 billion to OUAGADOUGOU pressure from President Donald construct a border wall, a key Trump to seal off Mexico with promise from his presidential A Canadian national was Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro speaks during a meeting with military high command members a wall. campaign. Despite Pence’s kidnapped in an area of in Caracas, Venezuela. “I urge you to assure our remarks, the Trump adminis- Burkina Faso that the allies this administration will tration has cut down on government has warned is continue to stand for legal admission of refugees. under growing threat from immigration, even while we The United States accepted Brazil, Argentina step up pressure on Maduro jihadist attacks, Security address the humanitarian and 22,491 refugees in the year Minister Clement Sawadogo security crisis on our southern through September, according REUTERS pressing ahead with negotia- agendas of free-market, said yesterday. border,” Pence told 180 US to State Department figures, BRASILIA tions that are already underway, business-friendly reforms and Sawadogo said the man ambassadors and chiefs of below the available cap of such as an almost completed the strengthening of democracy was abducted around 19;45 mission abroad who were back 45,000 and the lowest level in Brazil’s far-right President Jair free-trade accord with the in the region. GMT on Tuesday by a dozen at the State Department for an 40 years, with particular reduc- Bolsonaro and Argentina’s Pres- European Union. Bolsonaro and Macri agree gunmen on a mining site annual meeting. tions on people from the Middle ident Mauricio Macri said after Bolsonaro’s commitment to on joining the United States in owned by Vancouver-based “The United States supports East. The Trump administration their first meeting yesterday that Mercosur contrasted with his ramping up pressure for dem- Progress Minerals near legal immigration. In fact, we is lowering the cap further for they agreed on opposing Vene- criticism of the customs union ocratic change in Venezuela, northern Burkina Faso’s celebrate it. And America has a the current fiscal year to zuela’s authoritarian during his election campaign, whose leftist government they border with Niger. proud record of support for ref- 30,000. The United States government, with Macri calling when he said it had become a consider illegitimate. Progress Minerals chief ugees,” he said. Pence’s nonetheless welcomes more Venezuelan President Nicolas leftist political forum and not a “Our cooperation with executive Adam Spencer remarks amount to a tacit rec- refugees than any other Maduro a “dictator.” tool to boost trade. Argentina on the Venezuelan declined to comment. ognition of the effect on the US country, although others They also agreed to continue But since he took office on question it the clearest example In addition, a Canadian image of Trump’s tough talk on including Canada and Australia integrating their economies by January 1, Mercosur’s two largest of a convergence of positions man and an Italian woman unauthorised immigrants, accept more on a per capita “perfecting” the South American members are now working in and shared values,” Bolsonaro went missing earlier this whom the US leader accuses of basis. trade bloc Mercosur and tandem on conservative said after meeting with Macri. month, Sawadogo said. “We have alerted our entire security presence to find these people,” he said. Canadian Foreign Min- Pelosi asks Trump to delay State of Union address ister Chrystia Freeland said yesterday that the gov- REUTERS administration’s goals for the appeared to take aides by sur- ernment is aware a Canadian WASHINGTON upcoming year, in the House of prise. It pointed out that she had is missing in Burkina Faso Representatives chamber before invited Trump to make the State and is working with local With the partial US government a joint session of Congress and of the Union address at the authorities. “The relevant shutdown dragging into its 26th the majority of the Cabinet. Capitol but said the shutdown Canadian agencies are very day, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Democrats took control of complicated the situation. much engaged in this difficult yesterday urged President the House after last November’s “Sadly, given the security situation,” Freeland said in Donald Trump to reschedule his congressional elections. During concerns and unless government Quebec. State of the Union address - a the shutdown, Trump has rou- re-opens this week, I suggest we Attacks by militants have move that could deny the pres- tinely blamed them for the work together to determine surged in the country in ident the opportunity to use the stalemate, although he had another suitable date after gov- recent months and Burkina pageantry of the speech to attack earlier said he would take ernment has re-opened for this Faso has declared emergency Democrats in their own chamber responsibility. address or for you to consider in several northern provinces over the impasse. In comments to reporters on delivering your State of the since December 31. Security With Trump’s address set for Wednesday, Pelosi suggested Union address in writing to the has deteriorated in Burkina January 29, Pelosi wrote him a that if Trump would not agree to Congress,” Pelosi wrote. Faso in the past three years letter citing security concerns reschedule the speech until the Representative Jim Jordan of as militants with links to Al because the Secret Service, government reopens, he could the House Freedom Caucus, a Qaeda and Islamic State, Federal workers left unpaid or furloughed by the extended partial which is required to provide deliver it from the Oval Office group of conservative Repub- many based in neighbouring government shutdown stand in line for fresh food and coffee at security for the address, has not instead, a setting that would lack licans who are close allies of Mali, seek to increase their received funding during the the World Central Kitchen in Washington, US, yesterday. the grandeur of a congressional Trump, said Pelosi’s move influence across the poorly dispute. address. The White House had showed the lengths to which policed scrublands of the The standoff was triggered of funding for his promised wall Presidents traditionally deliver no immediate comment on Democrats will go to obstruct the Sahel region just south of the by Trump’s demand for a round on the US-Mexico border. the address, which lays out the Pelosi’s request, and her letter president. Sahara Desert in West Africa. Northern California braces for heavy rain, snow storm AP rises on small rivers and creeks canyon community in Northern flooding occurs, this can quickly Flood and high wind watches meteorologists predicting as SAN FRANCISCO and debris flows in burn scar California. The neighbouring become a dangerous and life- were scheduled for the Sacra- much of 5 feet (1.5 meters) of areas, including Butte County. town of Paradise was virtually threatening situation,” the Butte mento area, with the weather snow in upper elevations and Light rain fell in some parts of That’s where a November incinerated two months ago by County Sheriff’s Office warned. service warning that gusts could wind gusts of up to 100mph on Northern California yesterday wildfire killed 86 people and the Camp Fire that killed 86 The northern part of the state lead to power outages, downed ridgetops. In the mountainous ahead of a Pacific storm expected destroyed nearly 15,000 homes. people and destroyed nearly could see the strongest storm of trees and tough driving community of Truckee where it to bring heavy rains and strong The storm was expected to 15,000 homes. the year with heavy rain in the conditions. snowed on Tuesday, residents winds that could unleash arrive yesterday afternoon and The National Weather San Francisco Bay Area, leading A blizzard warning for much were preparing for the storm by mudslides at the site of the dead- will continue into today. Service issued a flood watch for to a widespread flash flood of the Sierra Nevada and Lake clearing driveways and buying liest wildfire in state history. An evacuation warning was the county beginning late watch beginning in the Tahoe was set to go into effect wood and food in case they have There could be water level in place for Pulga, a Wednesday afternoon.“If afternoon. Wednesday night, with to stay indoors. THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 2019 HOME 15 Qatar Airways launches new cinematic Hollywood-style campaign

THE PENINSULA and serenity of the airline’s A380 led by director Ben Scott, whose DOHA lounge and the compelling mix of background in production design tradition and modernity of Doha was central to bringing to life the Qatar Airways starts the year with — before the family finally return vision of a world like never before. the launch of the airline’s biggest to their QSuite flat-bed - and then Working with him was director of and most cinematic brand drift off to sleep in award-winning photography John Mathieson - the campaign to date, ‘A World Like comfort. twice Oscar nominated cam- Never Before’. Inspired by Qatar Airways Group Chief eraman who previously shot Glad- Hollywood and produced by some Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: iator and Phantom of the Opera - of the movie industry’s most “This campaign embodies every- and production designer Jonathan talented creative minds, the thing at the heart of Qatar Airways’ Lee who art directed feature films commercial takes passengers on brand values, as well as the pride ‘Star Wars Episode 2’ and a magical journey to a fantasy we share in providing exceptional ‘Elizabeth’. world that will capture their hearts service to our passengers across Director Ben Scott of RSA and imagination. the globe. Films said: “Qatar Airways have The campaign, launched today “The aim is to inspire and been extremely bold in giving me globally, shows how flying with delight the viewer, and open them the freedom to make this film. It Qatar Airways transforms the up to the possibilities that Qatar takes its cue from the period of entire experience of travel - and Airways, as the world’s fastest first-class travel, by using the craft turns the familiar into something growing airline, has to offer with and technique from the golden truly magical. Everything that gateways to more than 160 days of the Hollywood musical. Qatar Airways passengers see and exciting destinations around the We have created a fantastical do becomes an experience like world. journey around the world. Some- never before. “We want people to see the thing I hope feels like a dream The centrepiece of the new world in a new and exciting way… come true.” A still from ‘A World Like Never Before’ campaign. global campaign is a charming and Like Never Before.” 180 Kingsday Executive Cre- visually stunning film portraying Qatar Airways Senior Vice ative Director, Kalle Hellzen, said: one family’s journey with Qatar President Marketing and Cor- takes the passenger on a magical associate with the airline.” ‘A crafted art direction represents the “Qatar Airways is a remarkable Airways. porate Communications, Salam journey. world like never before’ was con- premium experience of flying brand that creates experiences The fairy-tale voyage takes Al Shawa, said: “This brand film is Our ultimate goal was to ceived and created by 180 Qatar. The film combines set that transform. I am very proud of them from their flight through to different than anything Qatar create a Hollywood-style film Kingsday – Qatar Airways’ agency design, special effects and the way creative ambition, talent the romantic streets of Paris, to the Airways has ever done before. In that would not look out of place of record – and produced by iconic seamless choreography - more and teamwork have combined to vibrant ice-rink and parades of many ways travel is a dream, a on the big screen and which London production company, RSA akin to a Hollywood blockbuster deliver this campaign - the next New York City, the hustle and fantasy - and we have focused on epitomises the five-star image Films (Ridley Scott Associates). than a TV commercial. The world- evolution in the brand’s incredible bustle of Hong Kong, the comfort these elements to create a film that passengers have come to The filmic and beautifully renowned production team was story.”

WCM-Q professor’s book recounts Al Koot insurance now students’ Tanzanian accepted at Sidra Medicine journey

THE PENINSULA DOHA

The life-changing experiences of WCM-Q medical students in Tanzania. a group of ten medical students on a service learning trip to awe-inspiring landscapes, and the wealth of exotic animals including Tanzania have been shared in a challenges of providing healthcare lions, cheetahs, hippos, rhinos, book compiled by Weill Cornell in a low-resource setting. The crocodiles and elephants, among Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) book is illustrated with more than many others. professor Dr Dietrich Büsselberg. 300 photographs taken by Dr Dr Büsselberg, professor of The 154-page book, entitled Büsselberg, a keen amateur pho- physiology and biophysics, said: Experiencing Tanzania: Reflec- tographer, who accompanied the “Tanzania is an extraordinary tions of a Medical Service Learning students on the ten-day trip. country of incredible natural Trip Through the Eyes of Aspiring He captured the students as beauty, but it is also a low-income The officials of Sidra Medicine and Al Koot during the signing ceremony. Physicians, features articles by they toured the country helping country where accessing students recounting their impres- to provide free health checks for healthcare is often very difficult sions of the east African country, local people, as well as viewing for the majority of the THE PENINSULA are excited for further its people, wildlife and the spectacular scenery and a population. DOHA announcements in the near future.” Sidra Medicine, the specialist Ahmed Rafee Al Emadi, women’s and children’s The deal marks an CEO of Al Koot Insurance and Birlites excel in international mathematics tournament hospital has signed its first important step for Reinsurance Company, said, insurance partner in an Sidra Medicine only “We are glad to have this THE PENINSULA agreement with Al Koot two months since agreement with Sidra Medicine DOHA Insurance and Reinsurance as a Qatari world-class scien- Company, a leader in health its official grand tific organization. This part- The flag of Birla Pubic insurance in Qatar. opening in November nership will make a significant School was held high on The agreement will provide 2018 as it clinches difference to our insured January 11 and 12 at Al Koot’s client base of resi- an agreement with members who need specialized Mumbai when the three dents in Qatar access to Sidra care. students, who took part Medicine’s private medical a leading healthcare Previously many patients in the INFINITY 2019, services as part of their pre- insurance provider in had to travel abroad for spe- scored gold and silver in ferred provider network. the country. cialist pediatric treatments, but most of the challenges For pediatric patients, this the addition of Sidra Medicine encountered by them. includes access to Sidra Med- as one of our care providers INFINITY is an A P Sharma, Principal; Shirly Rappai, Senior Vice-Principal and other icine’s world-class specialized an agreement with a leading means that they have access annual prestigious Inter- officials of the school with Aniket Panda, Hrisheekesh R, Sai Prajwal who children’s services and multi- healthcare insurance provider to world-class care on their national Mathematics won INFINITY 2019, International MATH Tournament. disciplinary teams across pedi- in the country. doorstep. It is a real testament Competition organised by atric cardiology, neurology, Peter Morris, CEO of Sidra to Qatar’s pioneering spirit and Aditya Birla World took part. QUIZZITCH, they faced a tough urology and plastics and Medicine, said: “I am abso- sustained commitment to its Academy in association with BITS As a team, Sai Prajwal of XII battle and gained a very close craniofacial reconstruction. lutely delighted that we are human and social Pilani. The competition is designed A, Aniket Panda of XII H and third position. They were awarded Sidra Medicine also offers working Al Koot and we look development.” and open for students studying in Hrisheekesh R of XII E won the with certificates, medals and win- obstetrics and gynecology forward to caring for Al Koot’s Al Koot Insurance and Grade 11 or 12 in a school affiliated much cherished trophy for Poster ner’s trophy by distinguished services for women and treats members. Reinsurance Company’s part- to any Board of Education. High making, “Bulb your Ideas”. In the Mathematicians like Dr. James and cares for pregnant women As a Qatar Foundation nership with Sidra Medicine for school students from schools Individual round, ‘Math Chal- Tanton and Dr. Souvik Bhattach- with fetal complications. entity, it is only fitting that our its existing clients who live in across India and outside partake lengers’, out of 93 participants aryya. They were guided by Head The deal marks an first agreement is with a Qatar means that they now year after year in this exciting and both, Aniket Panda and of the department,senior math important step for Sidra Med- leading health insurance pro- have direct billing access for enriching experience since 2014. Hrisheekesh R, won the gold teachers and accompanied by icine only two months since its vider based in this country Sidra Medicine services not In this competition students from medal and Sai Prajwal won the Shiju Mathew for the official grand opening in which works with some of the considered public, which 38 schools of different countries silver medal. In the MATHS tournament. November 2018 as it clinches top Qatari organisations. We includes maternity.

Qatar makes first appearance in South Asia Travel & Tourism Exchange THE PENINSULA National Tourism Council (QNTC) Indian cities to Doha offered by DOHA and consists of representatives Qatar’s award-winning national from hospitality partners and tour airline, Qatar Airways as well as In a bid to strengthen and grow operators. Indigo, Jet Airways and Air India the destination’s presence and Thanks to Qatar’s openness, Express. In 2018, Qatar welcomed appeal in the Indian market, Indian citizens can now enter more than 400,000 Indian vis- Qatar is making its debut Qatar visa free. The visa waiver itors, representing a 20% increase appearance in South Asia Travel is valid for 30 days from the date compared to the previous year. & Tourism Exchange (SATTE) at of issuance and entitles its holder Qatar’s pavilion will the 26th edition being held in to spend up to 30 days in Qatar, showcase the country’s New Delhi from January 16 to 19. during either a single trip or on expanding tourism and hospi- Qatar’s delegation to the indus- multiple trips. tality options. The delegation try’s most prominent trade event In addition, there are 176 includes representatives from the The officials pose for a photo after the event. in India is being led by Qatar flights every week connecting 8 Hotels and two DMC’s. 16 MORNING BREAK THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 2019

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 05. 01 AM Photography expo sheds light on Italian heritage SHOROOK 06. 21 AM

ZUHR 11. 44 AM MAGHRIB 05. 09 PM RAYNALD C RIVERA THE PENINSULA ASR 02. 46 PM ISHA 06. 39 PM

The best of classical Italian art WEATHER TODAY captured on lens by three of the most important contemporary photogra- phers of their generation is on show at “A Focus on Italian Heritage” exhi- bition which opened on Tuesday at Katara Cultural Village. Olivier Roller, Camilla Borghese, and Riccardo Ajossa take a fresh look at iconic ancient Italian sculptures, architecture and paintings in this first- of-its-kind exhibition in Qatar pre- sented by the Italian Embassy in coop- eration with Katara and curated by Spazio Nuovo Roma. “We organised this exhibition together with the Italian Embassy in Doha to present the best of Italian clas- sical art revisited by three young pho- tographers. This is the first time the three artists have been assembled in an exhibition which we did specially for Doha,” Paulo Perez Mouriz, Co- Director of Spazio Nuovo Roma, told local media at the exhibition launch. Adorning the walls of Gallery 1 at Katara Building 19, a selection of 16 o o stunning photos in which each artist Spazio Nuovo Roma Co-Director Paulo Perez Mouriz (right), explains one of the pieces on display as Italian Ambassador 18 C 28 C focused on specific aspects of their Pasquale Salzano (third right) and Katara Human Resources Director Said Al Dosari (second right) with other diplomats and dignitaries look on at the launch of “A Focus on Italian Heritage” exhibition at Katara on Tuesday. Minimum Maximum subjects provides art connoisseurs and enthusiasts a new alternative vista into the otherwise familiar works of art. architecture in Rome, Borghese pays the idea of undulations of the sea, in Greco-Roman art as their subject. Some clouds and blowing to dusty at plac- es, cold by night. “Olivier Roller photographs the a lot of attention to natural Roman light doing so the paintings which are orig- “What visually links their compositions sculptures not to emphasise their in taking the photos and the exact time inally figurative turns into an utmost is their aptness at highlighting and

HIGH TIDE 02:34 – 11:22 LOW TIDE 08:05 –19:42 beauty but show the character and when a photograph was taken is indi- abstract piece of art with its reflection unveiling details and key elements of Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department personality of the emperors and figures cated in each photo, according to on the water. the subjects, so as to reveal the intrinsic portrayed in his photos,” explained Mouriz. While officially opening the exhi- and hidden meaning, that would have Mouriz. Ajossa, on the other hand, photo- bition, Italian Ambassador Pasquale otherwise eluded comprehension at a Specialising in architecture dating graphs some of the most beautiful Salzano, said the three artists share the first glance,” said Salzano. from the Roman Empire to the Ren- Italian paintings reflected on the water same devotion to photography as their The envoy stressed that “every art aissance period and the Baroque of the sea of South Italy and plays on medium and the sublime piece on show is a visual and emotional journey into the classical architecture, painting and sculpture which have made over the centuries and still make Italy a great source of inspiration and beauty highly admired around the world.” He also underlined the important contribution of contemporary photog- raphy to cultural diplomacy being a potent tool to share cultural heritage and stimulating people’s feelings and ideas. “In this regard, Italy and Qatar has the same vision. Both our countries are committed to preserve, promote and make their respective cultural heritage as much accessible as possible in order to encourage the inclusive devel- opment and dialogue between com- munities and generations, as it is also highlighted in the Qatar National Vision 2030,” said Salzano. “I am particularly proud that the increasing people-to-people contacts achieved through art and the more intense cultural exchanges have largely contributed to strengthen the bonds of friendship between Italy and Qatar,” he added. The exhibition is open to the public One of the photographs on display at “A Focus on Italian Heritage” exhibition. until January 30.

Acclaimed artist Ala Bashir 60pc of coffee varieties opens solo exhibition at face ‘extinction risk’ AFP Al Markhiya Gallery PARIS Three in five species of wild coffee are at risk of extinction as a deadly RAYNALD C RIVERA exhibition reflect challenging mix of climate change, disease and deforestation puts the future of THE PENINSULA periods in Iraq’s history such as the world’s favourite beverage in jeopardy, new research warned the Iraq-Iran war, Ameriya yesterday. More than two billion cups of coffee are consumed every Around 100 sketches spanning shelter bombing, sanctions on day, but the multi-billion-dollar industry is reliant on wild varieties over 50 years of internationally Iraq and invasion of Iraq. grown in just a few regions to maintain commercial crop variety and acclaimed Iraqi-British artist Leaning towards surre- adapt to changing threats posed by pests. Ala Bashir’s artistic journey, alism, Bashir’s art is known for Scientists at Britain’s Kew Royal Botanic Gardens used the latest some of which created during its portrayal of the human con- computer modelling techniques and on-the-ground research to predict Iraq’s turbulent times, are on dition. He has exhibited widely how the 124 coffee varieties listed as endangered might fare as the planet display at Al Markhiya Gallery in Baghdad, Belgrade, Bonn, continues to warm and ecosystems are decimated. Some 75 coffee at the Katara Art Centre. Cairo, Doha, Dublin, Leicester, species were assessed as being threatened with extinction: 13 classed as Titled “Salient Times,” the London, New York, Moscow, critically endangered, 40 as endangered, including coffea arabica, and exhibition by the pioneering New Delhi, Paris, Rabat, Rome, Internationally acclaimed artist Ala Bashir (right), introducing 22 as vulnerable. “Overall, the fact that the extinction risk across all Iraqi painter, sculptor and Tunis and Vienna, among one of his works to Fire Station Director Khalifa Al Obaidly at the coffee species was so high —nearly 60 percent — that’s way above normal plastic surgeon opened on others. His paintings and sculp- opening of “Salient Times” exhibition at Al Markhiya Gallery at extinction risk figures for plants,” Aaron Davis, head of coffee research at Tuesday to a warm reception tures are on permanent display Katara Art Center on Tuesday. Kew, said. “It’s up there with the most endangered plant groups. In another from Doha’s vibrant art at museums in different coun- way, it’s hardly surprising because a lot of species are hard to find, grow in community. tries such as Jordan, France, restricted areas... some have a population only the size of a football pitch.” Global Speaking to local media at Iraq, Qatar, the UK and the US. Bashir earned his Bachelors of In 2002, Bashir earned the coffee production currently relies on just two species: Arabica and robusta. the launch event, Bashir was He said the Iraq Revolution Medicine and Surgery (MBCHB) State Award for Medical Arabica, prized for its acidity and beyond words explaining the vast Exhibition which opened in from the Iraqi College of Med- Science, Iraq’s highest medical flavour, accounts for roughly 60 expanse of his oeuvre on show Baghdad on September 20, 1958 icine in 1963 while also award, and in 2003, the State percent of all coffee sold worldwide. which documents important merely two months after the attending the Baghdad Institute Award for Fine Art, Iraq’s It exists in the wild in just two moments in Iraq’s history. July 14 Revolution served as his of Fine Arts (1959-1962). In highest art award. In 2005, he countries: Ethiopia and South “I spent more than 50 years induction to the world of art. 1970, after serving in the Iraqi authored The Insider: Trapped Sudan. The team at Kew accessed to create these sketches, some To him the purpose of “art Air Force (1963-1966), he in Saddam’s Brutal Regime, an climate data recorded in Ethiopia of them I made during very is not for entertainment, instead obtained his Fellowship from astonishing testimony of a man going back more than 40 years critical events in the history of art is ought to provoke the the Royal College of Surgeons, who found himself an unwilling to measure how quickly the cof- Iraq,” he said, adding this is the mind, stir thought on the Edinburgh (FRCSEd) and confidant to one of the most fee’s natural habitat was being Freshly harvested red coffee cherries first time that he is exhibiting meaning and purpose of our trained as a plastics and recon- infamous dictators in history. eroded by deforestation and are seen at a farm in Shebedino the sketches in Qatar. existence.” structive surgeon in the UK and The exhibition is open to the rising temperatures. district of Sidama, Ethiopia. Certain collections in the Born in Baghdad in 1939, France in 1971-1972. public until March 8.