www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 24 | Number 8129 TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2020 12 JUMADA I - 1441 2 RIYALS

BUSINESS | 01 SPORT | 06

Qatar Chamber Rise of new named member of generation World Chambers excites Federation Council Rublev

Enjoy unlimited local data and calls with the new Qatarna 5G plans

Amir holds Drones give a phone conversation fillip to HMC’s with PM QNA — DOHA

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Ambulance Hamad Al Thani held last evening a telephone conver- sation with the Prime Minister of the sisterly Service Republic of Iraq, H E Adel Abdul Mahdi. THE PENINSULA — DOHA The drones help the During the phone call, they discussed the developments Hamad Medical Corporation’s Ambulance Service of events on the Iraqi arena, (HMC) Ambulance Service has teams undertake and efforts being made to begun using drones to enhance reduce tension to maintain its surveillance capability of a thorough security and stability in Iraq incident scenes. assessment of the and the entire region. The drones help the Ambu- surrounding areas. lance Service teams undertake Foreign Minister a thorough assessment of the surrounding areas, providing operator by pre-programming holds phone talks the information needed to a determined flight path. with British and ensure the very best medical Rashid Andaila, Senior Deputy PM meets Head of French Space Systems response can be delivered. Manager of Communication Indian counterparts Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, H E Dr. Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, The drones were used for Technologies at HMC’s Ambu- met yesterday with Jean-Marc Nasr, Head of the French Space Systems within Airbus Defence and the first time at the end of the lance Service said that the drones QNA — DOHA Space, President of Airbus Defence and Space (SAS). They discussed topics of mutual interest and September during the IAAF have already proved to be a val- World Athletics Championships uable addition to the service. means of enhancing them. Deputy Prime Minister and in Doha and are now being “We are still in the early Minister of Foreign Affairs, used on an as-needed basis. stages of using the drones, but H E Sheikh Mohamed bin “The introduction of the it is already clear that our ability Abdulrahman Al Thani, held drones is another step forward to fully assess incident scenes is Kahraman exhibition opens tomorrow yesterday a telephone conver- for the Ambulance Service and being enhanced. The most sation with the United King- further enhances our ability to common utilisation of the THE PENINSULA — DOHA Sulaiti, General Manager of tutions specialising in amber.” dom’s Foreign Secretary, provide high-quality emergency drones so far has been tethering Katara Cultural Village, said: “This enhances the position H E Dominic Raab. services to ’s population,” the drones one hundred metres More than 90 exhibitors from “Since the launch of the first of Qatar as an international During the phone call, they said Thomas Reimann, Executive directly above the scene, ena- 13 Arab and foreign countries edition in January 2019, Katara destination for trade and acqui- discussed the latest develop- Director of Healthcare Coordi- bling a birds-eye view of the are participating in the second International Amber Exhibition sition of amber in the world, in ments on the regional arena, nation and Support Services at incident,” said Andaila. edition of Katara International has held its rightful place as a addition to making the exhi- especially the latest develop- HMC’s Ambulance Service. “The images can be viewed Exhibition for Kahraman which permanent international forum bition an ideal global platform ments in Iraq, and ways to “The drones provide a locally through a bespoke opens tomorrow at Katara Hall for amateurs and traders in the to promote this industry and resolve the controversial detailed overview of a complex viewing case or streamed to the Building 12. amber industry. spread knowledge about the issues in the region. scene to help us better under- Mobile Command and Control The four-day exhibition will "We have opened a per- latest developments in the H E the Deputy Prime Min- stand a wide range of elements, vehicle, or any predefined HMC also see representatives of manent headquarters for amber sector,” Dr. Al Sulaiti added. ister and Minister of Foreign including the number of causal- computer. The drones also international amber bodies take at one of our buildings at the The second edition of the Affairs received yesterday a ities involved, what hazards are improve our ability to assess part in the exhibition. Cultural Village and have also exhibition is expected to see a phone call from the Minister on site, the exact location of incident scenes in difficult to The event is the first exhi- signed a set of agreements to significant jump in the sales and of External Affairs of the ambulance units, and access and reach areas, such as the Sealine bition dedicated to amber in establish training and educa- in the number of visitors from Republic of India, H E Dr S egress routes,” added Reimann. area. Through rapid assessment Qatar and the second largest tional workshops about the inside and outside Qatar, con- Jaishankar. The drones are controlled of the scene via the drone, we international exhibition on amber industry under the sidering the success of the first They reviewed the by Ambulance Service staff can quickly and accurately amber after the international supervision of international edition and the increasing latest developments in the close to the incident scene. determine which response exhibition, which is held in experts and to review specifi- number of companies partici- region, in addition to a However, the drones can fly units are best suited to the sit- Poland. cations and standards in coop- pating in the second exhibition. number of issues of long distances from the uation,’’ added Andaila. Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al eration with international insti- `P2 common concern.

Growing maritime sector Qatar’s Qatari ports wrap up successful year maritime sector is 1.4 million expected to witness SACHIN KUMAR Hamad Port, Ruwais Port boost goods traffic at the ports. Containers handled another year of strong THE PENINSULA and Doha Port handled 108,546 One of the major steps include by ports in 2019 growth as various TEUs containers, 40,836 tonnes expansions of Hamad Port. steps have been taken Qatar’s maritime sector has general cargo, 63,010 livestock The development works of by the concerned wrapped up a successful year by heads, 18,081 tonnes building Phase II of the Hamad Port, which 4,082 authorities to boost setting new volume and produc- materials and 6,238 units of consist of second container ter- Vessels received goods traffic at the tivity benchmarks in 2019. vehicles during last month. The minal (CT-2), has already begun. by ports in 2019 Hamad Port, Ruwais Port and ports had handled 63,413 tonnes As part of the development of ports. Doha Port received 4,082 vessels of general cargo; 8,467 units of CT-2, QTerminals announced and handled 1.34 million Twenty- vehicles and 62,260 livestock last month that it had placed an 108,546 Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) heads in November last year. order for 24 Terminal Trailers. Containers handled containers during the year. The container traffic at Mwani Qatar had also by ports in December “Our ports’ performance in Hamad Port, Ruwais Port and signed a container services December 2019 ended on a Doha Port had crossed 1.2 agreement in November last positive note and Mwani Qatar million mark during Janua ry- year, with the Mediterranean 40,836 tonnes looks forward to 2020 focusing November this year. Shipping Company (MSC) to use General cargo handled on the projected 2.5 percent Qatar’s maritime sector is Hamad Port as a regional hub increase in Qatar’s economic expected to witness another to manage transshipments for by ports in December growth,” said Qatar Ports Man- year of strong growth as up to 150,000 TEUs per year, agement Company (Mwani various steps have been taken growing to one million TEUs by Qatar) in a tweet. by the concerned authorities to 2023. `P3 Eventful year for Generation Amazing as it reaches 500,000 beneficiaries THE PENINSULA — DOHA Generation Amazing Executive and Crime (UNODC) and Fla- countries across Asia and the Colaba Causeway, Mumbai, and the Ministry of Education and Director Mushtaq Al Waeli said: mengo FC to deliver a football Middle East, Generation Amazing the Dr. Ambedkar School in Higher Education and the Qatar The Generation Amazing “As we enter the tenth year in for development session to has deepened its roots in these Kamptee, Nagpur. National Commission for Edu- programme is entering the 10th our journey, in alignment with impoverished youth in Rio de regions by developing a new Umesh Rathod, a 15-year-old cation, Culture and Science, the year of an inspiring journey as the United Nations Sustainable Janeiro on the sidelines of the concept of community clubs Generation Amazing participant Generation Amazing programme the Supreme Committee for Development Goals and the 2019 Copa America in Brazil. alongside 30 pitches built to date, and beneficiary spoke fondly was launched in more than 50 Delivery & Legacy’s human and Qatar National Vision 2030, In the Middle East region, giving communities with espe- about his experience, having schools. Thousands of children social legacy project, celebrating Generation Amazing has and Generation Amazing began cially limited resources access to been inspired by the visit of Xavi aged 8-12 have benefited from several accomplishments this will continue to use sport and working with the a safe place to learn and play. Hernandez to play football with the initiative, which teaches life year, including reaching football as a transformative tool Hashemite Charity Organisation Also, this year, Generation him in Mumbai in March: “In our skills and values such as 500,000 people across the to achieve socio-economic and for Arab and Islamic Relief, Amazing inaugurated new community we don’t have teamwork, communication, Middle East and Asia with its wider development outcomes Development and Cooperation football pitches in India with enough space for football; we find respect and leadership through football for development for youth, refugee communities (JHCO) to bring the football for local partner OSCAR Foun- it difficult to play. We are thankful football. programmes, the Supreme and disadvantaged commu- development programme to dation and Slum Soccer. The to Generation Amazing that they Generation Amazing’s Pro- Committee for Delivery and nities across the globe.” refugees and vulnerable com- new pitches – which are the have given us this pitch to play gramme Director, Nasser Al Khori, Legacy reported on website. In June, Generation munities in Jordan and beyond. 29th and 30th Generation on. I cannot wait to go and play pledged the programme’s ongoing Commenting on the Amazing teamed up with the On top of the programme Amazing has launched football on it.” commitment to the development achievements in 2019, United Nations Office on Drugs being currently active in eight worldwide – are located in In Qatar, with support from of youth in Qatar. `P3 02 HOME TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2020

MME distributes OFFICIAL NEWS Amir holds talks with Turkey’s 3,200 pamphlets President DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh held on Sunday on food safety evening a telephone conversation with President H E Recep Tayyip THE PENINSULA — DOHA The programme Erdogan of the sisterly Republic of Turkey. During the phone call, Doha Municipality has on food safety is they reviewed the developments distributed over 3,200 continuing on its of events in the region, especially pamphlets about food safety in and , besides what during the past four weeks, fourth week to happened recently in Iraq, and since the beginning of educate people discussed ways of calm in order awareness programmer on about their health to maintain the security and sta- food safety. bility of the region. The programme on food by distributing The conversation also dealt with safety is continuing on its pamphlets and the strategic relations between the fourth week to educate people two brotherly countries and pros- The Speaker of the Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, during the Council’s about their health by distrib- leaflets to visitors at pects for developing them. QNA regular weekly meeting, yesterday. uting pamphlets and leaflets to malls and shopping visitors at malls and shopping FM holds phone complexes, said the Ministry of complexes. Municipality and Environment Shura Council discusses draft law call with Australian (MME) in a statement. counterpart The pamphlets contain control departments that information on food safety in operate under the umbrella of on protection of industrial designs DOHA: The Deputy Prime Minis- and English. The pro- the Municipal Control ter and Minister of Foreign Affairs, gramme received over- Department. QNA — DOHA H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdul- whelming response from A number of inspectors At the outset of the meeting, the Shura rahman Al Thani, held yesterday public, with all their different with specialised scientific The Shura Council held its Council discussed a draft law amending a telephone conversation with the age groups, from shopping knowledge from the Ministry regular weekly meeting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Aus- malls to get to know the food of Public Health, veterinary yesterday under the chair- some provisions of Decree No. (17) of 2010 tralia, H E Marise Payne. Bilateral safety programme. medicine experts, science and manship of the Speaker of the organising the National Human Rights relations and issues of common A number of Doha Munic- agricultural engineering Shura Council H E Ahmed bin concern were reviewed during the ipality inspectors and doctors experts, were trained by the Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud. Committee. The Council decided to approve the phone call. have distributed pamphlets and state to advance these works At the outset of the meeting, draft law and referred its recommendations HE the Deputy Prime Minister and educational publications to the in order to ensure the safety of the Shura Council discussed a Minister of Foreign Affairs offered public at the Carrefour in both the citizen and resident draft law amending some pro- thereon to the Cabinet. the condolences of the State of Landmark and City Center consumers. visions of Decree No. (17) of Qatar to H E the Minister of For- Complex, and familiarised The programme includes 2010 organising the National eign Affairs of Australia and to them with the correct methods awareness about food safety Human Rights Committee. articles, and stipulates that a related to industrial designs, in the families of the victims of the of food safety. Over 3,200 bro- while shopping, proper han- After discussion, the Council special record shall be estab- accordance with the rules and ongoing bushfires in Australia. His chures were distributed to the dling of meat, poultry and eggs, decided to approve the above lished in the Industrial Property procedures determined by the Excellency also expressed Qatar’s public during the past four safety of handling fresh fruits mentioned draft law and Protection Office at the Ministry executive regulations. full solidarity with the Australian weeks since the programme and vegetables and juices and referred its recommendations of Commerce and Industry, to The Shura Council referred government and support for its was launched on December 13. food safety in homes. The thereon to the Cabinet. register industrial designs and the above mentioned draft law efforts to recover the country The food safety is one of the awareness programme shows The Shura Council also dis- their ownership, notifications to the Financial and Economic from the impact of the devastat- prerogatives of the Ministry of the keenness of the Ministry in cussed a draft law on the pro- of assignment or transfer of Affairs Committee to study it ing fires. QNA Municipality and the Envi- ensuring clean and healthy tection of industrial designs. ownership, licenses issued and submit a report thereon to ronment entrusted to the health food for the public. The draft law includes (38) thereon, and all other matters the Council. Qatar Airways and QDF welcome top tennis players to Qatar for ExxonMobil Men’s Open THE PENINSULA — DOHA Qatar Airways Senior Vice- President Operations, Thabet President Marketing and Cor- Musleh, said: “QDF is very Qatar Airways and Qatar Duty porate Communications, Salam proud to support the Exxon- Free (QDF) are proud sponsors Al Shawa, said: “Qatar Airways Mobil tennis open for more than of the 29th edition of the Qatar is delighted to welcome some a decade, as we believe in the ExxonMobil Open, that began of the world’s best tennis power of sports in uniting yesterday and will run until players to the Qatar ExxonMobil people of all ages and back- January 11 at the Khalifa Inter- Tennis Open 2020. It is an grounds. We are delighted to national Tennis and Squash exciting time of the year to be participate in hosting this major Complex in Doha. in Doha, witnessing top class global sporting event and are The Qatar ExxonMobil Open athletes compete in the state- excited to support the Qatar 2020 will feature several of the of-the-art Khalifa International Tennis Federation by contrib- world’s top tennis players Tennis & Squash Complex. uting to pushing the nation’s including Stan Wawrinka and “Being the national airline sports vision forward. QDF Milos Raonic. The tournament sponsor of this major ATP tour- looks forward to welcoming is one of two Association for nament emphasises our com- both local and international vis- Tennis Professionals (ATP) mitment to Qatar’s vision of itors to the tournament here in World Tour events held in the being the region’s premier Doha at our booth located at the Middle East. Past tournaments sports hub. Our long-estab- public village for some enter- have been praised for their level lished sponsorship of the Qatar tainment before the matches. of organisation with last year’s ExxonMobil Open tournament “We are also pleased to competition winning the Best displays our commitment to welcome players and visitors to ATP tournament 250 category serving world-class hospitality enjoy our award-winning retail Spectators enjoying a game as part of the 29th edition of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open at the Khalifa Award voted by the players, for and we wish every player the and dining outlets as they travel International Tennis and Squash Complex. the third time after 2015 and best of luck.” out of Qatar through Hamad 2018. Qatar Duty Free Vice International Airport after the matches. We look forward to winner and runner-up on 11th Hugo Boss, Moncler, Kenzo, the games and wish the Qatar January, 2020. Rolex and Harrods. Tennis Federation and all the Qatar Airways holds an In October 2019, QDF co- players a successful and extensive global sports spon- sponsored the Trinity Forum, enjoyable tournament.” sorship portfolio, sponsoring the world’s leading airport com- Qatar Airways and Qatar top-level sporting events and mercial revenues conference, Duty Free will mark their some of the biggest football organised by The Moodie Davitt presence at the tournament by clubs which include AS Roma, Report and held in Doha for the hosting special booths, offering Boca Juniors and FC Bayern first time. visitors a taste of their award- München. Qatar Airways currently winning services. The Qatar As official FIFA partner, operates a modern fleet of more Airways booth will feature an Qatar Airways recently spon- than 250 aircraft via its hub, interactive green screen where sored the FIFA Club World Cup Hamad International Airport tennis fans can get their photos Qatar 2019 and will sponsor the (HIA), to more than 160 desti- printed on virtual backgrounds FIFA Club World Cup 2020 nations worldwide. The world’s such as upcoming destinations edition ahead of the FIFA World fastest-growing airline has and onboard an aircraft. The Cup Qatar 2022. added several exciting new des- QDF booth will feature a photo As an award-winning travel tinations to its growing network opportunity along with a game retailer, QDF boasts more than this year, including Rabat, where visitors can guess the 90 affordable and luxury brands ; Izmir, Turkey; Malta; number of tennis balls in the as well as over 30 restaurants Davao, Philippines; Lisbon, Por- giant QDF logo-shaped con- and cafés covering an area of tugal; Mogadishu, ; tainer and share it on social 40,000 square metres at HIA Langkawi, Malaysia and media for a chance to win a and providing travellers with a Gaborone, Botswana. The hamper of Qatar Duty Free world-class shopping expe- airline will add Luanda, Angola; products. Qatar Airways will rience under one roof. Luxury Osaka, Japan; Dubrovnik, also be represented by our brands also available at the Croatia and Santorini, Greece cabin crew at the finals cer- five-star airport include Tiffany to its extensive route network Entrance to the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. emony to congratulate the & Co., Gucci, Bulgari, Hermès, in 2020.

customers. The exhibition is exhibition includes several Kahraman exhibition opens tomorrow held in the morning and activities, including lectures evening and enjoys wide and seminars dealing with the FROM PAGE 1 tests, in addition to platforms Khalid Abdul Rahim Al headquarters for amber at media coverage, which will culture and acquisition of Attractive events were for displaying rare amber Sayed, the general supervisor Katara. help take the message to all amber, and display of amber held as part of the first exhi- stones. There were also lec- of the Katara International “Headquarters for amber amber lovers and those inter- lamps, and opportunities for bition, including technical and tures and presentations about Amber Exhibition, said the will allow for exchange of ested in this trade around the exhibitors, traders and cus- craft workshops about meas- the culture and acquisition of second edition will witness the experiences between pro- world,” said Al Sayed. tomers for interactions and urements, quality, and quality amber. functioning of a special ducers, amateurs and He pointed out that the meetings. TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2020 HOME 03

Chief of Staff meets Ethiopian counterpart

Rwandan President meets Chief of Staff President H E Paul Kagame of the Republic of Rwanda met in Kigali, yesterday, with the Chief of Staff of Qatari Armed Forces, H E Lieutenant General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanim, during his official visit to the friendly Republic of Rwanda. During the meeting, they discussed topics of The Chief of Staff of Qatari Armed Forces, H E Lieutenant General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen Al common interest, and ways of enhancing them. The meeting was attended by the Chief of Defence Ghanim, met yesterday with the Chief of the General Staff of Ethiopia, General Adem Mohammed, Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force, H E Lt.General Jean Bosco Kazura; Ambassador of the State of in Addis Ababa. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral military relations, in addition to issues Qatar to Rwanda, H E Abdullah Mohammed Al Sayed, as well as a number of senior officers from the of common concern. The meeting was attended by a number of senior officers of the Qatari and Qatari and Rwandan Armed Forces. Ethiopian Armed Forces.

Qatari ports wrap 9 million enquiries made through Metrash2 last year up successful year SIDI MOHAMED transaction. Among the services, FROM PAGE 1 THE PENINSULA Among the services, which which have been have been added last year, one The agreement will play In order to promote digital added last year, one allows owners of impounded important role in transforming transformation, more than 40 vehicles to delegate someone Qatar into a vibrant regional e-services have been added to allows owners of to receive it on their behalf trading hub in the region. The Metrash2 application last year impounded vehicles when it is released by the agreement will also help in and work is under way to police. attracting more trans- develop existing services and to delegate someone Al Binali clarifies that shipment containers and add more, said an official at the to receive it on their before adding any service to encourage more international General Directorate of Infor- Metrash2, all the feedback and shipping lines to add Hamad mation Systems of the Ministry behalf when it is the public’s satisfaction should Port to their regional routes of Interior. released by the police. be taken into account in order and sign similar agreements “Currently, there are to improve the quality and in the future. 625,000 subscribers on diversification of these Hamad Port, one of the Metrash2, as well the number Department last year launched services. largest ports in the Middle of enquires that were made a new version for Metrash2 for On the age groups of people East, has led from the front in through the service last year phones and smart devices, who are allowed to use boosting Qatar maritime stand around 9 million, com- which is the fastest way to Metrash2, he pointed that one sector as it occupied the lion’s pared to the 3 million enquiries attain the Ministry’s services of the conditions for using share in the overall port traffic. in 2013,” said Major Ali Ahmed rather for their families as well. services which people usually from any place and at any time. Metrash2 is that the user must Mwani Qatar has inked Al Binali, Head of e-Services “The main feature of the need and it saves people’s time The new version included be 18 years and should hold a agreements with a number of Section of the Information e-services in the Ministry of and efforts and they can use a number of new services valid ID and smart device, and local, regional and interna- Systems Department at the Interior is that they are always various cards for payment, offered for the first time to the also the mobile number should tional players to strengthen Ministry of Interior (MoI). subject to development and such as Visa Card, Mastercard, public like payment receipts be in the person’s name. Hamad Port’s status in the Speaking to Qatar Radio, modernisation, especially Debit Card and direct transfer for all services done through All MoI e-services offered region. Hamad Port is already yesterday, he clarified that the Metrash2, which currently from the companies’ accounts Metrash2. It also allows users through Metrash2 are available making a paradigm shift in subscribers on Metrash2 are offers more than 180 to the account of the to request a copy of the in six languages, including Qatar’s economic diversifi- not just using Metrash2 e-services,” Al Binali said. Ministry. payment receipt be sent to the Arabic, English, French, cation and competitiveness, services for themselves but “Metrash2 covers all the The Information Systems e-mail for each successful Spanish, Urdu and Malayalam. import and re-export of goods.

The gathering during the inauguration of new football pitches opened by Generation Amazing in India. (RIGHT:) A match organised by Generation Amazing in association with Leeds United as both entered into a key partnership. Eventful year for Generation Amazing as it reaches 500,000 beneficiaries FROM PAGE 1 important step in the ongoing gramme to others. sessions for the public, talks a four-year agreement to col- were in attendance, broad- plan to further establish its In addition to Qatar, the and a special panel on the laborate across legacy, edu- ening the reach of the social He said: “We are proud to Football for Development Generation Amazing pro- topic. In efforts to expand its cation, digital media and CSR. legacy initiative and building be delivering these important Coaching Certification, which gramme was officially educational curriculum and Generation Amazing new outreach within Qatar and learning initiatives through is also being implemented for launched in 20 schools in ahead of the programme’s first announced its first festival, the globally. football for the next generation. the Generation Amazing , with the train the annual festival for youth held Generation Amazing Festival With half a million benefi- When we teach values like Workers Programme in Qatar. trainer sessions organised by in Doha, Generation Amazing 2019, in the last quarter of the ciaries having been reached to inclusion, tolerance, respect Workers enrolled in the our strategic partner Sabco made some key partnerships year, which was attended by date through Generation and communication, these programme are trained by Sports. in the footballing world, all partner clubs. The occasion Amazing, across eight countries create an inclusive Generation Amazing volunteers Focusing on the theme of extending its partner club list kicked off a series of festivals (Qatar, Oman, Nepal, Pakistan, generation.” through the train the trainer/ using football as an educational to prestigious names including leading up to the FIFA World Jordan, , the Philip- The programme has also peer education model and, in tool, Generation Amazing AS Roma, KAS Eupen, Leeds Cup Qatar 2022. More than 170 pines and India), the pro- trained 50 PE teachers and 45 turn, progress through its ranks offered a range of football for United and Sheffield FC. youth participants from the gramme plans to extend its coaches from GA’s strategic to learn new skills, become development sessions for Qatar In its most recent club part- international and local ambas- outreach in the next few years partner, the Qatar Football Generation Amazing coaches schools and the public at WISE nership, AS Roma and Gener- sador programmes, future by impacting the lives of 1 Association. This marks an and then deliver the pro- 2019, as well as hosting ation Amazing signed Qatari leaders and local youth million beneficiaries by 2022. MME runs blood donation campaign A person donating blood at headquarters of municipalities under the MME blood donation campaign. THE PENINSULA — DOHA in cooperation with the Blood Wakra Municipality will have Donation Center at Hamad it on Thursday (January 9). The activities of the blood Medical Corporation (HMC), The Public Relations donation campaign continue the blood donation campaign Department also urged the at the headquarters of the will continue for a period of employees of the Ministry of Municipality of Al Khor and Al five days from 8am tp 1pm. Municipality and Environment Zakhira on its second day, said The campaign activities (males and females) to partic- the Ministry of Municipality will continue today at Umm ipate in the blood donation and Environment (MME) in a Salal Municipality head- campaign to support the needs statement. quarters and on Wednesday of the Blood Donation Center Organised by the Public (January 8) at Al Sheehaniya HMC as a national and human- Relations Department at MME, Municipality headquarters. Al itarian duty. 04 HOME TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2020 QYH concludes Spain trip under Woqod opens expanded Al Hilal Petrol Station ‘Discover the World’ programme THE PENINSULA — DOHA private entities that contributed to the completion of this This trip came within Qatar Fuel “Woqod” opened project.” the framework of expanded Al Hilal Petrol Station Al Hilal Petrol Station is yesterday, that has raised its spread after expansion over an QYH’s vision to network of various petrol area of 28700 square meters encourage young stations to 98. and has 4 lanes with 12 dis- people to discover Woqod’s Managing Director pensers for light vehicles, addi- & CEO, Saad Rashid Al tional to the existing 6 dis- the world and to Muhannadi, said: “We are pensers within 3 lanes, which have a high degree of pleased to open Expansion of will serve Al Hilal area and awareness and ability petrol station in Al Hilal. Woqod their neighborhood. aspires to expand its petrol Al Hilal Petrol Stations offer to interact positively station network in the country round-the-clock services to with all civilizations. to meet the rising demand for residents, and include Sidra petroleum products and convenience store, Manual Car achieve the goal of providing Wash, Oil Change and Tire customers with access to best- Repair, and sale of LPG cyl- QNA — DOHA in-class products and services inders “Shafaf”, in addition to at their convenience and sale of gasoline and diesel Qatar Youth Hostels (QYH) comfort. Woqod has recently products for light vehicles. concluded its annual trip under accelerated the process for the Further, Al Muhannadi Discover the World programme construction of new petrol sta- added that Woqod is currently with a visit to Andalusia to tions to meet the fuel and overseeing the implementation discover its civilization on a energy needs of the country. of 14 new petrol stations, which week-long trip. Woqod team would like to most of them will be opera- This trip came within the extend their gratitude to all tional in the first quarter of year framework of QYH’s vision to concerned governmental and 2020. encourage young people to dis- cover the world and to have a Participants during their trip to a week-long trip to Andalusia. high degree of awareness and ability to interact positively with all civilizations. was presented by the Director relationship with Islamic It is noteworthy that QYH Participants were able to of the Ministry of Culture and history in various fields, the organises specific trips to see the major cultural monu- Sports’ Wijdan Center Dr. most important of which are various countries out of their ments in Andalusia, most Jassim Sultan, where he gave the humanities, music, liter- belief that one of the most notably the city of Toledo, the a detailed explanation of the ature, poetry, arts in general important goals of the youth Mosque of Cordoba, Medina various monuments and areas and architecture in particular, hostilities movement is to Azahara, the house of Almanzor visited during the trip in addition to philosophy and enable young people to dis- bin Abi Amer and the Anda- program. religious sciences of all kinds. cover the world and learn lusian house, as well as visiting QYH stated that the trip In addition to the civilization about the cultures, customs the city of Ronda, Granada, the enabled the participants to development, which was rep- and traditions of other peoples Albaicin neighborhood, the familiarise themselves with the resented in providing all the and to introduce their customs, Alhambra and Madrid. history and civilization of facilities needed by the resi- traditions and cultures to A view of the expanded Al Hilal Petrol Station. The intellectual program Andalusia and its close dents at that time. them. Gang arrested for attempt to smuggle drugs

THE PENINSULA — DOHA kilograms cocaine into the country. As part of its efforts to protect Immediately after holding the society from drug hazards, the gang the GDDE has taken the General Directorate of the necessary measures and Drug Enforcement at the the gang has been referred to Ministry of Interior, thwarted the competent authorities to an attempt to smuggle a complete the procedures in quantity of cocaine into the such cases. country. Recently, the Ministry had The Ministry said in a also succeeded in thwarting an statement on its official attempt to smuggle a large website that the the General amount of drugs into the The participants pose for a group photo after the seminar organised by Qatari Forum For Authors. Directorate of Drug country. Enforcement (GDDE), in coor- Authorities had arrested a dination with the Airport gang of five people from an Qatari Forum For Authors organises symposium Security Department, arrested Asian country, who tried to a gang consisting of two smuggle one hundred kilo- THE PENINSULA — DOHA stimulating and promoting Book Fair is distinct and different not only to commercial opera- women and a man, who grams of hashish for the culture. from previous editions due to its tions, considering that what dis- attempted to smuggle 10 purpose of trafficking. Qatari Forum For Authors Chebaro spoke about his rich program and new initiatives. tinguishes some exhibitions from organised a seminar titled “The experience in publishing and his This year the exhibition is set to the rest is its unique identity, Role of Book Fairs in Promoting participation in various book fairs host 40 Arab and Western pub- adding that the main task of such the Cultural Movement” with the around the world for 34 years, lishers within the framework of cultural events is to publish cul- participation of a number of considering that the number of the fellowship initiative in order tural content that develops the intellectuals, Qatari publishers publications does not match the to confront the cultural blockade personal knowledge and person- and other officials. The seminar numbers of the population of the and exchange cultural and lit- ality of the reader. came in the framework of prep- Arab world. erary rights.’ He also expresses Aisha Al Kuwari, CEO of Rosa aration for participating of Qatari He said that book fairs in his hope that that the number of Publishing House, said that book Forum in the 30th edition of Arab countries play a different publishers in the coming year to fairs had great importance on the Doha International Book Fair. role from the main role of exhi- reach 100 publishers. economic level. The event was attended by bitions, which is building rela- For his part, Radi Al Hajri “There are also two basic Bachar Chebaro, Executive tionships with literary rights noted that most of the exhibitions visions related to exhibitions; the Director of HBKU Press and the agents and he also spoke at in the world had become similar, first of which is that such cultural Secretary-General of the Arab length about many difficulties because in most cases the same activities are sufficient to narrow Publishers Association; Aisha that confront publishers in mar- people would move from one the geographical area of the book’s Jassim Al Kuwari, CEO of Rosa keting and selling books in exhi- exhibition to another carrying researcher, and from the publisher Publishing House; Radi Al Hajri, bitions. For Doha Book Fair, he their books, therefore to do side, they facilitate the task of Executive Director of Dar Zakrit said over 400 cultural activities something different the man- communication with the readers. and Ibrahim Al Sayed Director of are expected to be organized at agement had to keep focus on However, building cultural rela- Qatari Publishers Forum. the Fair, and called for more cultural activities. tions and encouraging reading as The speakers during the attention to cultural activities in He also said that the cultural a way of life, not a seasonal seminar highlighted the impor- the exhibition. identity of the exhibition should activity, remains the basis for The members of the gang after the arrest. tance of the role of book fairs in “This edition of the Doha be linked to cultural activities and organizing book fairs,” she added. Katara honours winners of photography competition

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The Cultural Village Foun- dation — Katara yesterday honoured the winners and participants of the photog- raphy competition in the ninth edition of Katara Traditional Dhow Festival held from December 3 to 16, 2019. The photography compe- tition witnessed around 60 entries. Saeed Mohammed Fayrouz won first place taking home QR20,000 while Imad Muhammad Ahmad Al-Hajj placed second winning QR15,000 followed by Youssef Loulidi in the The winners of the photography competition at the ninth edition of Katara Traditional Dhow Festival. Saeed Mohammed Fayrouz won first place taking home QR20,000, third place receiving while Imad Muhammad Ahmad Al Hajj placed second winning QR15,000, followed by Youssef Loulidi with third place receiving QR10,000. QR10,000. The competition jury members including Abdulaziz Ahmed Al-Buainain, were ceremony. fine art artists, including seven ninth edition of the Katara performing live painting at the Rashid Al-Kubaisi and Jassim also honored at the Katara also honored the 11 Qataris who took part in the Traditional Dhow Festival for festival site. TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2020 HOME 05 Hilton Doha The Pearl Residences opens THE PENINSULA — DOHA

One of Qatar’s most highly anticipated and sought-after residential facilities — the contemporary designed Hilton Doha The Pearl Residences - was officially declared open yesterday. Owned by the Kuwaiti- backed First Qatar Real Estate Development Company (1st Qatar), the property, the largest Hilton in Qatar and the com- pany’s first serviced residence in the country, has been hailed by 1st Qatar’s Chairman and CEO, Fahad Khalid Al Ghunaim, as a watershed moment for his The stunning 38-storey, world-class property is just 30 minutes organisation. away from Hamad International Airport and stands within The “This is our first hospitality Pearl-Qatar’s Qanat Quartier at the gateway to the island. development and one which demonstrates our confidence in the Qatari market and its sus- look forward to welcoming res- The residential unit fea- El Wahidi, General Manager, Mulberry Tavern for more while using take away cups tainability while sending a clear idents and international trav- tures signature studios, 1-2-3- Hilton Doha The Pearl Resi- casual fare, and the culturally with compostable lids, biode- signal of our commitment to the ellers to this exciting new hotel.” bedroom serviced apartments dences. “We intend to establish authentic Levantine Restaurant gradable coffee capsules and very highest of quality build and The stunning 38-storey, and duplex townhouses, all a strong reputation for superior with the menu featuring linen napkins in lieu of paper outfitting,” he said. world-class property is just 30 beautifully outfitted with the and uncompromising products popular and creative Lebanese napkins and much more all in The opening represents a minutes away from Hamad optimum in-home comforts, and services across Qatar’s dishes curated by the Lebanese line with Hilton’s goal to cut its milestone for Hilton, strength- International Airport and stands including modern kitchens, leisure and business tourism Terroir Culinary Artist and environmental footprint in half ening its presence and its com- within The Pearl Qatar’s Qanat living rooms with a sofa, des- offerings. We aim to make this international Master Celebrity and double its social impact mitment to sustainable travel Quartier at the gateway to the ignated dining areas, and breakthrough property a pre- Chef, Joe Barza. investment by 2030,” he across Qatar, according to island. A smart building, where private bathrooms in every ferred choice for long and short El Wahidi has confirmed explained. Etienne Gailliez, Hilton Country guests have digital keyless suite. Sun-drenched openable stay guests by offering every- that the residences will be El Wahidi also emphasised General Manager, Qatar. “The access features 414 stylish, fully windows, stylish gold accents thing you could want in a hotel committed to sustainability. the property’s commitment to moment that we’ve all been furnished accommodation and sophisticated lighting fix- filled with everything you need “We are striving to ensure a diverse and inclusive work- waiting for has finally arrived,” choices and comprises a series tures fill the vast open spaces in a home, as well as a local these are eco-conscious resi- force. “We are committed to he said. of high-end fine dining options, with light, and with balconies social hub and an exceptional dences through the implemen- total workplace inclusivity and “Hilton has fantastic prop- a temperature-controlled and sea views in every room, business and events option,” he tation of fully biodegradable gender diversity. Our staff will erties in Qatar across three outdoor pool, soon-to-open all guests can enjoy amazing explained. and plastic-free policies. As a represent numerous different brands, and Hilton Doha The private beach, and a kids’ club. orange-red sunsets over the The residences are comple- company, Hilton is committed cultures and backgrounds from Pearl Residences is an exciting It also houses the Signature sparkling waters of this magical mented by a range of restau- to sustainable travel and over 46 countries, of which 50% addition to our portfolio in the eforea spa & health club using island. rants which feature innovative tourism. This commitment is are women. All these efforts are country. This opening will play Elemis & Sothys Spa products, The residences’ appeal will dining options including The evident at Hilton Doha The in line with Hilton’s Travel with a key role in Qatar’s growing a 24–hour business centre and go well beyond the hardware Kitchen for exquisite interna- Pearl Residences which will Purpose corporate responsi- tourism proposition and we six hi-tech meeting rooms. structure, according to Hassan tional cuisine, the warm avoid plastic bottles and pens; bility strategy.” Ooredoo completes first phase Gear up for The Color Run presented of network upgrade programme by Sahtak Awalan: Your Health First THE PENINSULA — DOHA to enhance gaming experience The Color Run presented by Sahtak Awalan: Your Health Ooredoo is working First, an initiative of Weill with global gaming Cornell Medicine-Qatar, is taking place on January 25, providers to optimise from 7am to 12pm, at the Qatar the ping times for the National Convention Center. most popular games The sixth edition returns global gaming providers to than 10ms for some of the under the theme ‘Love Tour’ to in Qatar. Online optimise the ping times for the games, which is the lowest in celebrate the bond that ties us multiplayer games most popular games in Qatar. Qatar. together, and to raise require very low ping Online multiplayer games Speaking of the network awareness on the health ben- require very low ping times upgrade, Manar Khalifa Al efits of keeping an active times for a superior for a superior gaming expe- Muraikhi, Director PR and lifestyle. The sixth edition returns under the theme ‘Love Tour’ to celebrate the bond that ties us together, and to raise awareness on the health gaming experience, rience, and rely on optimised Corporate Communications The Color Run is a five-kil- connectivity with the gaming at Ooredoo, said: “Gaming ometer, untimed event. Color benefits of keeping an active lifestyle. and rely on optimised servers. is incredibly popular among Runners are doused from head connectivity with the Ooredoo ONE customers our customers, who are to toe in a different colored the 5k is over, the fun continues vendors, and more massive gaming servers. can now experience the technology-savvy and know powder at each kilometer mark. at the Finish Festival, a larger- color throws. The vivid color lowest ping times in Qatar for what they want. They expect Participants wear white at than-life party equipped with combinations give runners the the most popular games us to provide a superior the starting line and finish the music, dancing, photo oppor- best post-run party on the including Fortnite, Call of gaming service, working race plastered in color. Once tunities, activity booths, planet. THE PENINSULA — DOHA Duty, Battlefield, The with the best gaming pro- Division 2, Battlefront, viders, and have extremely Qatar’s leading telecommu- Rocket League, Miscreated, high standards. We’re proud nications operator yesterday Dota2 and various FIFA to say the initial phase of ICC to organise annual Dance Festival on Friday announced the completion games. Ooredoo is now our network upgrade has of the first phase of its working with gaming pro- vastly improved the gaming THE PENINSULA — DOHA Chief Guest will be P Kumaran, Bharathanatyam and Kuchipudi network upgrade viders for the next phase of experience on Ooredoo Ambassador of India to Qatar will be performed in various programme, offering its gaming enhancement ONE, and we look forward Indian Cultural Centre is organ- & Patron of ICC. forms with total of 16 Dance enhancements to the gaming which will see improvements to yet more positive changes ising the yearly Dance Festival ICC Dance students will par- performance like Bharat- experience available with for several other games. in the coming weeks as we this year on Friday, January 10 ticipate in this festival who are natyam, Kuchupudi, Mohiniy- Ooredoo ONE. Ooredoo ONE gamers are reach completion of the from 6pm onwards at Birla under the tutelage of ICC dance attam & Semi Classical dance Ooredoo is working with reporting ping times of less upgrade.” Public School Auditorium. The teacher. Metilda Solomon. forms. Harvesting season of leafy vegetables begins at schools

THE PENINSULA — DOHA and giving them the opportunity to cultivate by their own hands for Harvesting season of leafy vegetables self-reliance. which were cultivated by the school The Public Parks Department students under the initiative ‘Farm provide supports to the project of Your Country’ has begun. farming your homeland in an inte- The initiative was launched in grated technical support.Under the schools by the Ministry of Munici- initiative, the school students pality and Environment represent- compete in cultivating vegetables at ative by Public Parks Department the premises of their schools. in collaboration with Al Faisal Last year, 34 public, private and Without Borders Foundation (ALF) international schools participated in to educate students about the the initiative. importance of agriculture and Agricultural engineers from the environment. of Public Parks Department were The project aims to implement assigned to provide agricultural plans and programs in the field of guidance and instructions directly agricultural awareness for school stu- with the assistance of supervisors dents and to achieve the desired goals from each school at the rate of 10 stu- for protecting the environment from dents from each school. pollution and preserving natural The season run for four months resources. from November to February. Each The ‘Farm Your Country’ initi- school planted in 30 thermocol ative is the result of a bilateral boxes to reduce the operation cost agreement between the Ministry of of the project, especially in schools Municipality and the Environment that do not have a school garden, and Al Faisal Without Borders Foun- and the use of alternative means Students harvesting leafy vegetables in a school which they cultivated themselves under ‘Farm Your Country’ initiative. dation as community engagement in the lack of fertile land for agri- The project aims to implement plans and programmes in the field of agricultural awareness for school students and to through schools to raise awareness culture. According to the experts, achieve the desired goals for protecting the environment from pollution and preserving natural resources. of the importance of agriculture and the initiative helps educate the stu- afforestation. dents about the importance of Under the initiative school garden among students since childhood in a program. skills among the students enabling farming and agriculture in their are used to build national capability bid to boost national food security The initiative also aims at building them to meet the their food needs life. 06 HOME TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2020 HBKU College of Islamic Studies hosts Madrasa winter school

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Ebrahim Moosa, University of Notre Dame, USA; Dr SherAli The College of Islamic Studies Tareen, Franklin and Marshall (CIS), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa College, USA; Dr Waris Mazhari, University (HBKU), hosted a The Madrasa Jamia Hamdard, India; Dr. Winter Intensive School as part Discourses Project Ammar Khan Nasir, Al Shairia of the Madrasa Discourses Academy, Pakistan; and Dr. Josh Project in collaboration with the aims to equip future Lupo, University of Notre Dame University of Notre Dame in religious leaders and guest lecturers Dr Sohaira Indiana, United States. The with the tools to Siddiqui, Georgetown Uni- Winter Intensive, open to versity School of Foreign Madrasa graduates from India confidently debate Service in Qatar; Dr. Rana and Pakistan, recently in Doha. and contribute to Dajani, Hashemite University, The Madrasa Discourses Islamic thought within Jordan; and Dr. Idrees Azad, Project aims to equip future International Islamic University, religious leaders with the tools the contemporary Pakistan presented and dis- to confidently debate and con- global context. cussed topics such as the history tribute to Islamic thought within of science, tolerance, episte- The Madrasa Discourses Project aims to equip future religious leaders with the tools to confidently the contemporary global mology, evolution, and more. debate and contribute to Islamic thought. context. The collaborative has three-year period and provides Participants had the chance to a direct impact on how Islam is students an opportunity to engage in discussions following taught in the Indian subcon- engage in guided readings and lectures, posing critical ques- program, Ebrahim Moosa said: and challenging since it also to solve difficult matters such tinent. Forty-four students took open debate on contemporary tions about the past and future “We have witnessed a vast involves engaging with contem- as blasphemy, along with other part in the School, which is one societal and global issues. of Islam in South Asia. In transformation in the two pre- porary knowledge in Muslim issues.” of two yearly meetings of the This year’s theme was ‘An addition, students had the vious cohorts of Madrasa Dis- religious thought. This is part of CIS continues to support group. Throughout the rest of Encounter of Western and opportunity to visit the National courses. This means that after some of the most gratifying transformative programs the year, students also attend Muslim Humanities: Science, Library of Qatar, the Slavery two years the participants ask work I am doing in my career. such as the Madrasa Dis- intensive training through vid- Hermeneutics, Tolerance’. Over Museum and the Museum of deeper and more complex On the ground in both India and courses Project that con- eoconferencing. The full the five-day workshop, faculty Islamic Art. questions. Many find the return Pakistan, participants are con- tribute real-time change in program extends over a members for the program, Dr On the impact of the to tradition both exhilarating fidently posing new questions the field. QRCS implements food security project for poor families in Nepal

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Under the project, local farmers and 100 families, distribution of 100 cows to small landlords received equal supplies 100 families to produce dairy milk, and The representation mission of Qatar Red of basic agricultural resources such as networking with dairy product manu- Crescent Society (QRCS) in Nepal has seeds and fertilizers, to enable them to facturers in Chitwan. completed a project to support food work in spite of the abject poverty, low Nepal is one of the poorest Asian security and livelihood for rural families standard of living, and lack of gov- countries, with a long history of unrest in southern parts of the country, in coop- ernment subsidies. and recurrent disasters. Under its eration with Nepal Red Cross Society Also, heads of sheep were dis- strategy of empowering the vulnerable (NRCS). tributed, whether to be used in agricul- and building safe and resilient commu- With $133,781 funding from Eid tural activities or as a source of milk. Pri- nities, QRCS began operating in Nepal Charity, the project covered a total of ority was given to the families with in 2013, with water and sanitation 21,840 beneficiaries in Chitwan District, female breadwinners. projects. In the aftermath of the 2015 Province No. 3. The purpose of the According to the progress reports, earthquake, a representation mission project is to improve food security the project distributed 3,000 kg agricul- was established to undertake emergency services, by enhancing agricultural and tural seeds (5kg per family) and 9,000 response. livestock breeding activities for the kg of fertilizers (5kg Diammonium phos- The scope of work was expanded to poorest families. Representatives of QRCS with the beneficiaries of the food security project in Nepal. phate [DAP] and 10kg urea per family) include livelihood, food security, health The project has 700 families (3,640 to 600 families (3,000 persons). care, shelter, and emergency relief. So persons) as direct beneficiaries, in Other achievements included mar- far, these operations have benefited addition to 3,500 families (18,200 Mangalpur, Jagatpur Bazaar (Bharatpur Bagauda, Madi Kalyanpur, Ayodhyapuri, keting training for 700 families, livestock around 1.7 million persons, with a total persons) as indirect beneficiaries in Metropolitan City), Madi Gardi, Madi and Rapti Piple. breeding and dairy farming training for value of $2.9m. HEC Paris in Qatar announces appointment of new Dean Farah Qatar prepares to THE PENINSULA — DOHA of Management Studies, Human a member of the Qatar Foun- Relations, Sloan Management dation family. Our Executive launch ‘Shabab Zone’ HEC Paris in Qatar, has Review, Journal of Management MBA is ranked among the best announced the appointment of Inquiry, Strategic Organization, in the world, and so is HEC THE PENINSULA — DOHA its new Dean Dr. Pablo Martin and Frontiers of Entrepre- Paris in a wide variety of De Holan. He also joins the HEC neurship Research, and rankings. My goal is to help After the successful launch of Paris Strategy and Business reviewed by the Financial set new standards of excel- Farah entertainment centers Policy Department as a Full Times and The Economist. lence in the field of education in Qatari market (with 3 loca- professor. The arrival of Dr Martin De in Qatar, by conducting a wide tions at 01&02&03 Malls), Dr. Pablo Martin De Holan Holan marks the start of an range of programs on topics Farah Qatar is preparing to obtained his PhD from McGill exciting and ambitious era for that are of relevance to man- launch first ‘Shabab Zone’ University in Canada and has HEC Paris in Qatar, marked by agers, helping maximise our concept. served at various institutions two central goals: impact and impact” The concept will combine like IE Business School in Spain, excellence, with the core “In my new role, I hope to the traditional bowling & bil- INCAE Business School - Costa Dr. Pablo Martin De Holan objective of making significant carry on from where Dr Nils liards alleys with the state-of- Rica, EMLYON Business School contributions to the realizations Plambeck has left and continue the-art PC gaming & virtual in France and in the Middle Dr Martin De Holan is also of the objectives of Vision2030 with the growth of this reality games. East. He has been a visiting co-editor of the Journal of Man- and the creation and devel- remarkable organization. Along The first location is professor at Krannert School of agement Inquiry, a scientific opment of a knowledge with the whole team, I hope to positioned in the heart of The concept will combine the Management (Purdue Uni- journal in the field of Organi- economy in Qatar. support the transformation of Doha, the concept will hold traditional bowling & billiards versity), Massachusetts Institute zation and Management Commenting on his new Qatar into a competitive, a billiards lobby, pool alleys with the state-of-the-art of Technology, Sun Yat Sen Theory. He is an accomplished role, Dr Martin De Holan said, knowledge-based economy tables, pinball lounge, table PC gaming & virtual reality games. College (China), and over 30 researcher, and his work has “I am honored to take over as that shows the path to other tennis, fuss ball, arcade other institutions in five been published in journals like Dean of a world class insti- Nations around the world, along arena, PC gaming & VR new facility that defies cat- continents. Management Science, Journal tution like HEC Paris in Qatar, the lines of Vision 2030.” games merged together in egories and labels. PISQ holds in-house MoCI recalls Chevrolet teachers training Silverado LD workshop 2019-20 models of

THE PENINSULA — DOHA strengths and weaknesses. This 2014-2018 was suggested that the activ- Pakistan International School ities should be planned to THE PENINSULA — DOHA Qatar (PISQ) has held an enhance not only their physical in-house training workshop to and intellectual growth but The Ministry of Commerce and enhance the capacity of social and emotional as well. Industry, in cooperation with teachers at its primary wing She also emphasised the Jaidah Automotive, dealer of facility. importance of appropriate Chevrolet in Qatar, has Held under the supervision classroom arrangement. The announced the recall of Chev- of Vice Principal, Fauzia Tahir, teachers were also encouraged Teachers of Pakistan International School Qatar during the training workshop. rolet Silverado LD models of four-day training workshop and motivated to do their job 2014-2018 due to faulty aimed at upgrading the capacity effectively by observing programming of the Electronic of teachers to secure a bright professionalism. teachers and they were asked the participants. Computer, and Urdu were Brake Control Module (EBCM). future for the students. The second session was to make learning objectives The third session was again meant to plan and present their The recall campaign comes The first session began with conducted by the Heads Aca- through a group activity. full of knowledge. Vice Prin- lessons in the light of given within the framework of the a motivational lecture by the demics of Primary Wing. The The second half of the cipal, Primary Wing started the information. The group Ministry’s continuous efforts Vice Principal, Primary Wing to first half of the session was session was hosted by Uzma. day by highlighting the different members from each subject to protect consumers and enhance teachers’ training.Tips hosted by Fameeza Nawaz. The She delivered an informative learning approaches by various used a variety of approaches— ensure that car dealers follow were given for advice and coun- session was related to language lecture about pedagogy and educationists starting from presentations, games, role up on vehicle defects and selling of students. The speaker skills. Several activities were language skills integration. She Pavlov to Simens and Downes. plays, videos, discussions. repairs. mentioned the necessity of introduced and the teachers gave useful information about She emphasised the need for The best part of the course The Ministry said that it proper classroom management were guided to launch these problem solving skills. She lesson planning by commem- was how amazing the tutors will coordinate with the and the strategies to handle the activities in the classroom. emphasized to promote content orating various methods of were. They were extremely dealer to follow up on the discipline issues according to Teachers were also guided -based learning and gave few teaching. knowledgeable and pleasant. It maintenance and repair age level of students. to plan effective learning objec- activities to teachers to polish At the end of this session was an opportunity for the works and will communicate They were given a compre- tives and their implementation their skills. teachers of all disciplines such teachers themselves to expe- with customers to ensure that hensive lecture on the charac- in the class room. A question- Her classroom activity of as Science, English, mathe- rience and try out the activities the necessary repairs are teristics of young children; their naire was distributed among the ‘Harf kahani’ was enjoyed by matics, social studies, taught in the class room. carried out. TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2020 GULF/MIDDLE EAST 07 Never threaten Iran, Rouhani tells Trump

AGENCIES — TEHRAN Soleimani, who ran Iran’s officials at Nato’s headquarters administration often waited foreign military operations and in Brussels declined to spec- until the last moment to Iranian President Hassan expanded its influence across ulate on whether an Iranian approve visas for Zarif and his Rouhani yesterday warned his the Middle East. Iraq’s par- retaliation against U.S targets aides, usually with severe travel American counterpart Donald liament reacted by asking the would trigger the alliance’s restrictions included. Trump to “never threaten the government to work to expel “collective defense” clause, As part of its agreement to Iranian nation”, after he issued U.S. troops from Iraqi soil, which obliges all 29 members host the UN headquarters, the a US strike list of 52 targets in potentially ending a chapter to respond in solidarity if one US is obligated to approve visas the Islamic republic. that began with the 2003 is attacked. for official travel to the global “Those who refer to the invasion. United Nations-Sec- Iranian Foreign Minister body. The US and Iranian mis- number 52 should also retary-General Antonio Mohammad Javad Zarif hasn’t sions to the UN didn’t immedi- remember the number 290. Guterres urged all sides to received a visa to travel to the ately reply to questions about #IR655 Never threaten the exercise restraint following the US to attend meetings later this the status of the visa request. Iranian nation,” he tweeted, US strike that killed week at the United Nations, The US mission slammed referring to the 290 lives lost in Soleimani. according to a person familiar Russia and China for blocking July 1988 when a US warship “I have been following the with the situation. a Security Council statement shot down passenger plane Iran recent rise in global tensions Prior to last week’s strike on supported by 27 countries Air 655 in the Gulf. with great concern,” Guterres Soleimani, Zarif had planned to speaking out against the “Iran- Meanwhile, mourners said at the UN. “My message is take part in a debate on orchestrated attack on the U.S. packed the streets of Tehran simple and clear: stop esca- Thursday at the UN Security embassy in Baghdad” late last yesterday as the world braced lation, exercise maximum Council on the topic of multi- year, a move it said undermined for Iran’s response to the US restrain, re-start dialogue.” lateralism. Even before Solei- “the inviolability of diplomatic killing in Baghdad of Qassem Guterres spoke after mani’s killing, the Trump and consular premises.”

Kuwait takes UN resumes grain measures against offending milling for starving companies population in KUNA — — DUBAI The war has severely The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said yesterday that The UN World Food hit food supplies in the department for combating Programme has resumed the Yemen and millions money laundering and milling of grain for food aid to of people are at risk terrorism funding issued in a starving population in Yemen December a total of 128 after a halt in late December of starvation in what precautionary measures due to shelling damage, the aid agencies describe against offending companies, agency said yesterday. in accordance with Law Artillery fire on December as one of the world’s 106/2013. 26 damaged WFP grain stores worst humanitarian The Ministry said in a press at the Red Sea Mills located on release that the measures the front line in the Yemeni crises. Supporters of the Houthis rally to denounce the US killing of Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, included the address of written port city of Hodeidah. Milling head of the elite Quds Force, and Iraqi militia commander, Abu Mahdi Al Muhandis, in Saada, Yemen, warnings to 14 realty com- resumed on December 30, the yesterday. panies, nine jewels companies, WFP said in a statement. The war has severely hit a single insurance firm and a The mill and silos have food supplies in Yemen and money exchange company. become a focal point of the millions of people are at risk of Yemenis protest in Houthi-held Up to 49 property com- conflict in Hodeidah, where the starvation in what aid agencies panies, 23 jewellery com- United Nations is trying to describe as one of the world’s panies and two money enforce a ceasefire and troop worst humanitarian crises. exchange ones were compelled withdrawal agreed a year ago Yemen has been mired in Sana'a over killing of Soleimani to abide by specific measures at peace talks in Stockholm. almost five years of conflict compatible with the laws. The Red Sea Mills lie on a since the Houthi movement AFP – SANA'A images broadcast by the the Americans and Zionists to front line between forces loyal ousted Hadi’s government from Houthis’ Al Masirah television. pack their bags” and leave the to President Abd-Rabbu power in the capital Sana'a in Hundreds of Yemenis took part Houthi official Dhaifallah Al region. The rebels are locked in Turkey may Mansour Hadi’s internationally late 2014, prompting inter- yesterday in a protest in Sana'a Shami addressed the crowd a five-year conflict with a recognised government and vention in 2015 by a Saudi-led called by Tehran-backed under giant portraits of Sole- Saudi-led military coalition. earn $119bn those of the Iran-aligned military coalition in a bid to Houthi rebels to vent anger imani and top Iraqi military It was unclear if the Houthi Houthi militia. restore his government. over the US assassination of figure Mahdi Al Muhandis, both call for reprisals was also tourism revenue The stores were off limits The United Nations has Iranian commander Qassem killed in a US drone strike in directed at Riyadh, which has for around six months from late been trying to re-launch Soleimani. Baghdad last Friday. stepped up efforts to end ANATOLIA — ISTANBUL 2018 and at risk of rotting until political negotiations to end a “We come together with “The blood of the martyrs Yemen’s conflict amid a lull in the WFP negotiated access in war which has killed tens of free men around the world to Soleimani and Muhandis is not Houthi attacks on the kingdom. Turkey may host 104m tourists February and began cleaning thousands of people and face down the American Satan,” just Iranian or Iraqi but belongs Last September, the Houthis and earn $119bn as of 2033, and milling what had been pushed millions to the brink of an announcer told the crowd at to the Muslim community and claimed responsibility for according to a new report. enough grain to feed 3.7 million famine. A year on from the the Bab Al Yaman entrance to to free men around the world,” strikes against two major oil The report — prepared by people for a month. Stockholm deal, UN-mediated the capital’s Old City. he said. The Houthis have called sites in eastern . the Turkish Tourism Investors So far just over 4,500 talks between warring parties The demonstrators cried for swift reprisals for the Riyadh and Washington Association (TTYD) and the tonnes have been milled into in the Hodeidah have so far “Death to America” and waved killings. A statement from accused Iran of being behind Turkish Industry and Business flour and dispatched, the failed to achieve a full troop banners calling for a boycott of Houthi authorities read out to the attacks, despite Tehran’s Association (TUSIAD) — statement said. withdrawal and ceasefire. US and Israeli products, in the crowd said it was “time for denials. included scenarios of tourism diversification and increasing tourism revenue per person. Oya Narin, the head of IAEA to report any relevant developments after Iran deal announcement TTYD, said tourism has the potential to be a driving force REUTERS — VIENNA United States in 2018 and reim- where it enriches uranium. It for the country’s posed crippling economic has, however, not gone far development. The UN atomic watchdog sanctions on Tehran. over the level of purity Turkey’s tourism revenue yesterday acknowledged The Islamic Republic has allowed — the deal sets a limit can reach $119bn and the Iran’s latest announcement on been responding since then by of 3.67% and Iran has stayed unemployment rate would walking away, though breaching the deal’s restric- around 4.5% in recent months, drop to 7.6 percent, Narin said, reversibly, from its nuclear tions step by step. Its latest well below the 20% it reached adding the additional tourism containment deal with major announcement came on before the deal and the revenue can raise the coun- powers and said it would Sunday. roughly 90% that is try’s GDP by 1.6 percentage report any developments “IAEA inspectors continue bomb-grade. points by 2033. promptly to its member to carry out verification and “The IAEA is aware of Simone Kaslowski, the states. monitoring activities in the Iran’s announcement regarding chairman of the TUSIAD, said The International Atomic country,” the Vienna-based a fifth step in reducing its com- tourism plays a critical role in Energy Agency is policing the agency said in a statement. mitments under the Joint Com- reducing foreign trade deficit. landmark 2015 pact that placed “The IAEA will keep its member prehensive Plan of Action “Our natural and cultural restrictions on Tehran’s states informed of any devel- (JCPOA),” the IAEA statement richness, and geographical nuclear activities in exchange opments in this regard in a said, referring to the deal by its position create so significant An Iranian flag flutters among other flags in front of the International for lifting international sanc- timely manner as official name. opportunities,” he Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) headquarters in Vienna, Austria. tions against the Islamic appropriate.” “The IAEA notes that the underlined. Republic. Iran announced on Sunday with the UN nuclear watchdog. to which it enriches uranium, (Iranian) government Turkey hosted 42.9 million That deal has, however, that it would abandon limita- Iran has already breached its stock of enriched uranium, statement also said that Iran’s tourists in January-November been fraying since President tions on enriching uranium but many of the deal’s restrictions, which models of centrifuge it cooperation with the agency 2019 period and 39.5 million Donald Trump pulled out the would continue to cooperate including on the fissile purity enriches uranium with and will continue as before.” in 2018. 27 civilians massacred in Syria’s Raqqah province

ANATOLIA — RAQQAH, SYRIA The civil war in Syria began The Syrian regime con- belongings. The aid group also in September 2018 to turn Idlib around 3 million civilians, 75% in early 2011 when the Assad tinued launching air strikes and dispatched carpets, stoves, mat- into a de-escalation zone in of them women and children. At least 27 civilians have been regime cracked down on artillery fire on civilian settle- tresses, coal, food packages and which acts of aggression are Since the start of the Syrian found dead in Syria’s Raqqah protestors with unexpected ments in the Idlib de-escalation hygiene products. expressly prohibited. Since then, crisis, Turkey’s National Intel- province, local sources said ferocity, which led to hundreds zone, where acts of aggression On December 20, the more than 1,300 civilians have ligence Organization (MIT) has yesterday. According to the of thousands of deaths and the are expressly prohibited. regime and its allies launched been killed in attacks by the played a major role in the sources, the victims, who were displacement of millions. “Recently, there has been a a military campaign mainly in regime and Russian forces in success of the nation’s cross- local sheep herders, were A Turkish aid group has mass influx of refugees from the cities of Maarat Al Numan the de-escalation zone as the border operations, Turkey’s beheaded and left in Madan and provided tents to 135 internally Idlib to Azaz and Al Bab towns and Saraqib as well as the sur- cease-fire continues to be vio- President said yesterday. Sapha districts. The wherea- displaced families in Syria. due to the intense attacks,” said rounding rural areas, capturing lated. Over 1 million Syrians Since 2016, Turkey has bouts of ten more people was Istanbul-based Humani- Hasan Aksoy, a logistics per- 35 residential areas. have moved near the Turkish launched a trio of successful still unknown, the sources said. tarian Relief Foundation (IHH) sonnel of the aid group. Airstrikes on the region border due to the intense anti-terrorist operations across its For its part, Raqqah is Being responded to the needs of ref- In the last one month, at were halted following a visit to attacks last year. border into northern Syria, to Slaughtered Silently, a local news ugees near the Turkish border least 20,000 people have fled Moscow by a Turkish delegation According to the National prevent the formation of a terrorist network, shared on its Twitter who escaped bombings in Idlib Idlib to the border towns, he led by Deputy Foreign Minister Coalition for Syrian Revolu- corridor there: Operations Euphrates account a video of the victims and are suffering severe winter added, underlining that the Sedat Onal on December 23. tionary and Opposition Forces, Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018), and identified 21 of them. conditions. families often have no Turkey and Russia agreed Idlib province is home to and Peace Spring (last October). 08 VIEWS TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

A billboard advertising jobs that are available. EDITORIAL A smart initiative Why 2020 is harder to IN A qualitative shift aimed at providing high-quality services to its customers, Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) on Sunday launched the smart registration service. The smart registration will be completed automatically by linking and inte- predict than 2019 was grating systems with both the Ministry of Municipality and Environment and the Ministry of Justice without to think the deal will not stick, Nigeria, grew at only about 2% the need to submit requests or documents. and perhaps could create new last year. Linking and integrating systems with different author- terms for intensified conflict, but Another big trend has been ities in the country enhances the ease of receiving infor- there is a decent chance the neg- the rise of right-wing populist mation effectively and efficiently, which is reflected in ative momentum has been parties in many countries. That the level and quality of services provided to the public. reversed. Whatever your view, has been a pretty solid prediction Also, customers are no more needed to submit a request recent trends are not necessarily for a few years, but now there is for shifting to a new residence or pay security money. TYLER COWEN helpful in making predictions. evidence that those parties are The landlord will also receive the notice about a transfer BLOOMBERG Chinese economic growth is no longer growing more popular. request to a house on his property for the new tenant yet another major issue where Will they retreat, as mainstream based on the rent contract, and registering the tenant My main prediction for 2020, if it past trends seem to have been parties adopt their agendas, or is as a customer to Kahramaa. can be called a prediction, is drained of their informative this just a slight pause? Again, I The new service contributes to the speedy com- trend exhaustion: For the first value. For a long time, a good would say the previous trend has pletion of subscriber transactions, saving time and effort, time in a long while, several and indeed continually verified been exhausted and this is a new and reducing the number of customers going to the The potential important trends have come to prediction was this: “The Chinese and hard-to-predict moment. service centers. The service provides automatic regis- trend of Africa an end. economy will continue to grow Another recent trend, the tration of owners with Kahramaa by linking and inte- What do I mean by that? at a rapid clip.” After that, proliferation of new #MeToo grating systems with the Ministry of Justice through the as the “next Trends ebb and flow, of course, “Chinese economic growth will cases and an accompanying rise SAK system. big thing” has but at any given moment many slow down” did well for a in publicity, may also be losing Though the service was officially launched on of them embody one of two dis- number of years. momentum. Figures such as Sunday, it started almost a month ago on experimental not (yet?) been tinct states: momentum, or Today there are mixed Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey basis to ensure the effectiveness of the service. These crystallized reversion to the mean. The first is signals. On one hand, corporate Weinstein have receded from the services come within the framework of Kahramaa’s a continuation of past progress, debt problems seem to be getting news. Could this issue come back transformation into a smart institution and the integration into a either upward or downward. The worse. On the other, there are with another major celebrity- of its system with several stakeholders in the country consistent second is a movement back signs the Chinese economy may linked scandal? Absolutely - but according to Qatar National Vision 2030 and the national series of toward “normal,” however that be stabilizing. You could argue it also might have cooled off for a development strategies. may be defined. this one either way, but looking while. The prediction that there It is worth mentioning that the performance indi- economic Now, in an especially at recent trends isn’t going to will be more #MeToo cases is no cators of the power network of Kahramaa are considered growth wide variety of areas, neither of settle it. longer so easy. the best in Arab countries and the world in terms of reli- these conditions is prevalent. Or you might have thought Are there examples of con- ability. The peak electricity demand in Qatar reached numbers. Start with the U.S. job market. that India was the obvious new trary cases, where an important 8,475 megawatts in 2019 whereas the power production Since the end of the recession, candidate for economy on the preexisting trend still seems very reached 10,578 megawatts showing a reserve power employment has been improving rise. And maybe it still is. But it much in force? Well, carbon surplus about 2,000 megawatts, which is the highest quite steadily. That has been turns out a lot of Indian eco- emissions will almost certainly in the Arab region. The excellent performance of Kah- great for the country, but with nomic data was falsified or get worse before they get better. ramaa aims at keeping pace with urban unemployment now at 3.5%, exaggerated, and the true When it comes to temperatures, development. does that trend have much Indian growth rate may be however, the global data have Last year, Kahramaa ensured the supply of elec- further to run? I am not pessi- closer to 4% than 6% or 8%. exhibited periodic flat periods or tricity on all official occasions and sporting events that mistic about the U.S. economy, Once again, the (ostensible) even declines before renewed the country witnessed. Kahramaa provided 8,116 elec- but I would say that the direction past trend turns out not to be so rises. So at least in the short run, tricity connections to new users and connected 1,500 of the next jobs report is now informative. predictability there is not so great farms with its network in 2019. Kahramaa launched harder to predict than it used to Similarly, the potential trend either. many innovative initiatives and solutions which pro- be. of Africa as the “next big One implication is that the vided fast track services to its clients including investors, How about relations with thing” has not (yet?) been crys- coming year may hold an espe- contractors and other users reducing the time to obtain China? For the last few years, it tallized into a consistent series of cially large number of surprises. the service significantly. has been fairly easy to predict economic growth numbers. The Alternatively, rational people that U.S.-China relations will economies of Ghana and (and readers of Philip Tetlock, continue to get worse. But with a Ethiopia are doing quite well, but who has studied the difficulty of new U.S.-China trade deal due to elsewhere on the continent forecasting the future) might be signed later this month, this is growth rates have disappointed; discard their hubris and not be no longer such a sure bet. I tend the largest African economy, very surprised at all. D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR EMAIL: [email protected] US energy consumption hit by economic slowdown EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758 JOHN KEMP manufacturing slowdown in consumption continued to in fuel use confirms the severe REUTERS 2015/16 and before that the grow, mostly because of the hit to manufacturing activity in MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 recession of 2008/09. Within strong increase in demand the middle of last year. Slack- US manufacturers and freight the total, industrial con- from petrochemical pro- ening distillate demand has DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 hauliers were hit last year by sumers’ electricity con- ducers. Even so, gas con- been reflected in a slowdown the sharpest slowdown since sumption fell by almost 5% in sumption rose by just 0.75% in refining activity and LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 the 2008/09 recession and it the third quarter from a year in July-September compared reduced profitability for many filtered through into a earlier, easily the biggest with a year earlier, down refining firms, including some BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 noticeable dip in energy decline since the recession. from a growth rate of 7% year of the oil majors. consumption. Use of elec- Power consumption on year in early 2018. US oil refineries processed SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 tricity, natural gas and diesel exhibits a lot of short-term The manufacturing and 17.0 million barrels per day by industrial customers all variability based on both the freight slowdown has also hit (bpd) of crude oil and other ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 showed large declines, or at weather and the state of the petroleum demand, especially inputs during 2019, down email: [email protected] least sharp slowdowns, in the economy, so the data must be consumption of the middle 300,000 bpd (1.8%) compared nine months ending in interpreted with care. distillate fuel oils such as with the previous year. US PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 September 2019. But industrial users’ con- diesel used by manufacturers, refinery processing was below email: [email protected] In July to September, sumption showed a much railroads and trucking firms. year-ago levels for 41 out of 52 industrial users’ total energy more pronounced third- Economy-wide distillate weeks in 2019, a sign of tepid ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 consumption fell 1% com- quarter slowdown than for consumption was down consumption . The manufac- FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] pared with the same period a residential customers, which almost 3.4% in August-October turing and freight recession year earlier, according to sta- suggests most of the compared with a year earlier. was even worse across Europe CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 tistics from the US Energy weakness was economic Like electricity use, distillate and Asia, as rising tariffs and email: [email protected] Information Administration. rather than weather-related. consumption closely tracks intensifying business uncer- That was the biggest In contrast to electricity, industrial output and manu- tainty have taken their toll on SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 decline since the mid-cycle industrial users’ gas facturing surveys, so the slump investment and activity. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar It is important now... to use diplomatic channels and /ThePeninsulaQatar to make clear that it is also in the interest of Iran /Peninsula_Qatar and in particular in the interest of Iraq to take the path of sobriety and not the path of escalation. /ThePeninsulaNewspaper Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission +974 6698 6188 TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2020 OPINION 09 Are the US and Iran headed toward war? East in direct contrast to the But, in the following days, Contemporary American presence in the a string of protests managed region. And this is the battle in to topple the embattled relations between which we are embroiled leader. Mossadeq and his sup- Iran and the United today. Relations weren’t porters bitterly claimed that always this strained between Britain and the the United States was respon- States exist within Iran and the United States, United States sible and had financially sup- a web of historical GABRIEL GLICKMAN despite Khomeini’s attempts convinced the Shah ported the protests. But while THE WASHINGTON POST to portray America as an exis- the CIA provided a small myths. But that tential enemy. Mohammad Reza amount of funding that was doesn’t mean On Thursday, an American In 1946, President Harry S. Pahlavi, legally the used to stir up anti-Mossadeq war between the drone killed Iran’s roving fixer Truman actually delivered an crowds, the protests spread in the Middle East, Maj. Gen. ultimatum demanding that ultimate authority organically because of the two countries is Qasem Soleimani, sparking the Soviet troops leave Iran. in Iran, to dismiss dire state of Iran’s economy. inevitable. Rather, intense, but largely partisan, At the time the Soviets were As noted by the US ambas- reactions in the United States. pressuring Iran to gain favo- Mossadeq in the sador to Iran, the protesters it is the decisions While Republicans lauded rable oil rights. The United face of this direct “seemed to come from all of the leaders of President Donald Trump, States was vocal at the new classes of people including It could appease the many Democrats worried that United Nations Security challenge to the workers, clerks, shopkeepers, both countries Soviet empire, with the action might spark a war Council about Soviet inten- Shah’s authority. students, et cetera.” that will determine with Iran. But while it is easy tions in Iran and about the While Mossadeq’s fall which Iran shared to criticize Trump for stirring importance of Iranian sover- actually owed primarily to his the outcome of a border. Shared up conflict in the Middle East, eignty, and in 1946, Soviet a role in the coup, the story is flaws as a leader, it later the current crisis. Iran has helped to create the troops finally departed. actually more complicated. became convenient fuel for Nevertheless, so long antipathy toward conditions of this current In the early 1950s, the The once-popular prime min- Khomeini’s distortions about the United States conflict. United States continued to ister had become politically America’s intentions toward as Iran continues to In fact, opposition to the support Iranian nationalism weak after two years of failure Iran. Most Iranians believed see the United States neutralized the threat United States has been a key by serving as a broker to reach a compromise with the United States had engi- of a Soviet invasion. component of the theocratic between Britain and Iran the British. Mossadeq increas- neered it to save the shah and as the Great Satan, But, this narrative regime’s identity since 1979. during a struggle over oil ingly appeared vulnerable to therefore held the United similar crises, if not The founder of that regime, rights. Truman, in fact, pro-Soviet political elements - States responsible for the also helped Khomeini Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, blocked British plans for a a threat he made clear in a shah’s brutality. necessarily all-out rebrand Iran, and labeled the United States as takeover of certain oil fields letter to Eisenhower in June In reality, during the inter- war, will continue to the “Great Satan.” This and a refinery in Iran. 1953. Mossadeq’s vulnerabil- vening decades the United assert its influence moniker was no mere slur. This history of positive ities alienated the middle class, States tried - and largely occur. in the Middle East in According to Khomeini, relations, however, often gets stirred up unrest in the officer failed - to convince the shah Western colonizers had forgotten because the United corps and, most importantly, to democratize Iran and direct contrast to the infected societies like Iran with States is blamed for the 1953 turned off the clerics (a crucial broaden his support. Instead, American presence in secular values that served to overthrow of Iranian Prime part of the story that the the autocrat suppressed all undermine the more stable and Minister, Mohammad mullahs today conveniently political groups, apart from the region. And this independent religious-based Mossadeq. overlook). The crisis peaked clerics (whom he mistakenly is the battle in which order of the past. As the most To be sure, after years of when Mossadeq made a des- viewed as an ally against we are embroiled powerful Western nation, and back-and-forth between the perate grab for power by dis- nationalists and communists), an ally of the brutal shah of Iran British and Mossadeq, solving parliament and trying thus paving the way for his principled tasks.” today. before he was deposed, the Truman came to believe that to rule by decree. own demise when Khomeini Since 2012, Iranian fin- United States was a convenient Mossadeq’s extreme positions Britain and the United capitalized on the clerical gerprints have been found target to embody the “Great were bringing Iran to the States convinced the Shah network promoted himself as propping up the brutal dicta- Satan” label. brink of collapse. This view Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, a democratizer in 1979. torship in Syria, the Houthi For the nascent Islamic was shared by his successor, legally the ultimate authority Khomeini didn’t bring radicals in Yemen, Hezbollah Republic of Iran, this nar- Dwight Eisenhower. As the in Iran, to dismiss Mossadeq democracy to Iran, but he did in Lebanon and the Pales- rative had multiple benefits. It secretary of state told his in the face of this direct chal- bring an imperial vision and tinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in could appease the Soviet British counterpart: “If Iran lenge to the shah’s authority. an antagonism toward the the Palestinian territories. empire, with which Iran did not occupy its peculiar But Mossadeq got word of his United States that manipu- Not least, Iran engineered a shared a border. Shared geographic location, the impending dismissal and lated this history for political long con in Iraq, where it antipathy toward the United problem would be much arrested the officer tasked gain. Significantly, the theo- used Shiite militias to rid the States neutralized the threat easier. It is not as though we with delivering the official cratic government that Kho- country of ISIS and then of a Soviet invasion. But, this [are] dealing with a country letter. With no official request, meini imposed saw itself as establish de facto gov- narrative also helped Kho- remote from the Soviet Union. the shah temporarily fled the the protector of Shiite ernance in the liberated ter- meini rebrand Iran, and assert It is in a bad spot.” country out of fear that Mos- Muslims worldwide - which ritories. Soleimani was a key its influence in the Middle But while America played sadeq would overthrow him. resulted in engagements far architect of these actions. beyond its own borders. This As news of the assassi- idea of an Islamic papacy nation broke late Thursday based in Iran owed itself to evening, analysts were quick the doctrine of Velayat-e to fret that the situation Fagih (rule of the juris- could easily spiral into war, prudent), which Khomeini implying that Trump’s action reinterpreted to establish had been irresponsible himself as the highest reli- because of this risk. But gious authority. these arguments overlook After Khomeini’s death in Iran’s shared responsibility 1989, that role fell to his suc- for the current tensions and cessor, Ali Khamenei, who both the Islamic Republic’s continued to paint the United stubborn insistence that it is States as the “Great Satan.” locked into struggle with the This mythology, coinciding United States and its with American interventions imperial actions. in the Middle East since 2001, Contemporary relations has served Khamenei with a between Iran and the United convenient pretext for States exist within a web of expanding Iran’s influence historical myths. But that throughout the Middle East doesn’t mean war between and for picking fights against the two countries is inevi- America and its allies. Like his table. Rather, it is the deci- predecessor, Khamenei sees sions of the leaders of both Iran engaged in an epic countries that will determine struggle against the United the outcome of the current States. As he recently told a crisis. group of Iranian students: “Do Nevertheless, so long as you think our battle with Iran continues to see the estekar (arrogance) [meaning United States as the Great the United States] will ever Satan, similar crises, if not rest? This is an essence of the necessarily all-out war, will Iranian mourners taking part in a funeral procession in Tehran for slain Iranian general Qasem Soleimani. revolution. It’s one of our continue to occur. These Houston residents dream of moving to where the air is clear

REUTERS — HOUSTON 56-year-old electrician who ambient benzene levels have Goodyear “implemented and the Centers for Disease has lived most of his life by dropped 63% to 0.34 parts per several changes that resulted Control and Prevention, could On the east side of Houston, the refineries. “It would be billion, according to data from in lower emissions from our not prove the pollutants the white plumes of the Texas better for me and the kids.” 1997 to 2019 from Texas Com- facility,” said Connie Deibel, a caused the illnesses. “In the air I feel oil and chemical refineries are Doctors have found four mission on Environmental company spokeswoman. For years, Dennys Nieto it’s this we’re all a constant backdrop for resi- lumps in his lungs and now Quality. LyondellBasell Industries, wanted to leave the neigh- dents of the Manchester more growths, according to “There’s a narrative that TPC Group and Flint Hills borhood but was only breathing. This neighborhood. the chest X-rays and medical air quality is getting worse, Resources, which operate recently able to afford to is why I want to Late at night or early in records he showed Reuters. but that’s not what the facilities near Manchester, did move her and her family to a the morning when plants The first ones were not can- emission data is showing,” not reply to requests for different part of Texas. leave from here,” burn off excess gases, the cerous. Barragan says he has Riojas said. comment about pollution in “I suffer from asthma and Nieto said of flames light up the whole sky not been able to afford The Texas Commission on the area. pain in my lungs. It feels like in the neighbourhood. imaging of the new growths. Environmental Quality, which No money to move I’m being hit in the lungs,” the Manchester Some residents say the air He hopes they are benign so enforces federal and state A 2007 study, the most Nieto said of her old neigh- area. “I want to has a chemical-based smell he can watch his children environmental laws, gives recent available, of nearly borhood. “Headaches, inflam- go somewhere that they find hard to describe grow up. Valero’s refinery the top com- 1,000 childhood cancer cases mation and pain in my throat. but disappears once they “When I work hard, I start pliance level possible, said by the University of Texas And also I have erratic blood that is far from drive a few miles away from coughing and coughing and Andrew Keese, a spokesman found children living within 2 pressure and heartbeat.” the refineries so the homes that stretch along can’t stop,” he said. “I know a for the agency. The other miles (3 km) of the Houston She checks her blood the Houston Ship Channel, a lot of people who have nearby refineries and Ship Channel had a 56% pressure and listens to her that I can repair waterway connecting the problems like that.” chemical plants earned a higher risk of contracting heart beat regularly. my life, repair my plants to the ocean. They Pollution reduced compliance rating of acute lymphocytic leukemia “In the air I feel it’s this claim that the pollution is Lillian Riojas, Valero satisfactory. than children living within 10 we’re all breathing. This is health and live taking a toll on their health, Energy Corp’s chief spokes- Of the other plants bor- miles (16 km) of the Ship why I want to leave from better.” although the scientific evi- woman, said the company has dering Manchester, Goodyear Channel. Researchers’ here,” Nieto said of the Man- dence does not prove that. worked to reduce pollution at Tire and Rubber Co has the analysis suggests an associ- chester area. “I want to go “I want to get out of here its refinery since purchasing it second highest-rating for ation between childhood somewhere that is far from and go to the country and find in 1997. compliance with environ- leukemia and air pollution. the refineries so that I can some cleaner air,” said In the 22 years since mental regulations, Keese However the study, funded by repair my life, repair my Eugene Barragan, a Valero took over the refinery, said. Houston’s health department health and live better.” 10 MIDDLE EAST TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2020 Trump warns of sanctions if Iraq expels US troops AFP & AP — BAGHDAD Trump said the US worried Saleh, a middle-aged Iraqi. Iraq from the impact of its energy sanc- “It’ll be like the era of Saddam tions on Tehran by granting Baghdad President Donald Trump (pictured), wouldn’t leave without Hussein, and worse. There won’t be a waiver to keep importing Iranian electricity.- warned Iraq that he would levy being paid for its military any cash left,” said Samer, another But Sunday’s vote could change all punishing sanctions if it expelled investments in Iraq over shopper. that. “One of the steps the interna- American troops in retaliation for a US The US has been particularly tional community could take would be airstrike in Baghdad that killed a top the years - then said if angered in recent months by repeated halting financial interactions with Iranian official. the troops do have to rocket attacks targeting the US Iraq,” speaker Mohammad Halbusi told Trump said the US wouldn’t leave embassy and American troops. MPs during the session. without being paid for its military withdraw, he would hit In response to those attacks, a “We would no longer be able to investments in Iraq over the years - Baghdad with economic senior US official at the Baghdad keep up our commitments to Iraqi cit- then said if the troops do have to embassy said months ago that Wash- izens,” he warned. withdraw, he would hit Baghdad with penalties. ington was considering a range of ways In his comments on Sunday, economic penalties. to ramp up pressure on Iraq. Trump went further than just sanctions, “We will charge them sanctions like be sent back to the past, to the days of “One possibility is sanctions, and threatening to make Iraq reimburse they’ve never seen before ever. It’ll the economic embargo,” said Hisham families relying on ration cards and limiting the cash that comes into Iraq. Washington for a “very extraordinarily make Iranian sanctions look somewhat Abbas, an Iraqi shopping in a com- slim salaries. That would be the nuclear option,” the expensive” base hosting US troops. tame,” he said. “If there’s any hostility, mercial district of the capital. The measures were lifted in the official said. “We’re not leaving unless they pay that they do anything we think is inap- On Sunday, Iraq’s parliament voted years following the US-led invasion in The US has already blacklisted Iraqi us back for it,” he said. propriate, we are going to put sanctions to urge the government to oust foreign 2003 and Iraq’s economy has slowly nationals, armed groups and even The president did not specify on Iraq, very big sanctions on Iraq.” troops from its soil, among them some tried to reintegrate with the rest of the banks for their ties to Tehran and has which base but he visited US troops in He added: “We’re not leaving until 5,200 US troops helping local forces world. It is now Opec’s second-biggest hinted more sanctions are coming. late 2018 at Ain al-Assad, built in the they pay us back for it.” beat back jihadists. crude producer and living standards But they have so far left alone Iraq’s 1980s. “Iraqis feel humiliated, and Trump’s threat to sanction Iraqis Under ex-dictator Saddam Hussein, have risen — most Iraqis own imported oil revenues, which make up more than rightly so, by the latest claims by “like they’ve never seen before” if Iraq was put under crippling global clothes, phones, cars and computers. 90 percent of the state’s budget. Donald Trump on reimbursement,” Baghdad kicks out American troops sanctions and an oil embargo seen as But after Trump’s comments, bitter US and Iraqi officials previously said Karim Bitar of the Paris-based has brought back haunting memories the toughest in history, cutting off trade memories of shortages and collapsed said that an oil embargo, like the one Institute of International and Strategic of a decade under international and financial interactions with the currencies came rushing back. imposed now on Iran, would be too Relations. embargo. outside world. Its GDP was slashed in “Everything the Iraqi people suf- hurtful to a country considered an ally “It’s delusional. It is reminiscent of “If the US imposes sanctions on half, the Iraqi dinar collapsed and fered in the 1990s will come back. The by Washington. Trump wanting to make Mexico pay Iraq, the dinar will plummet and we’ll dozens of factories shuttered, leaving economic embargo will come back,” The US has so far sought to shield for building the wall.”

Killing of Soleimani serious risk for An emotional Khamenei shows peace, says Turkey Soleimani’s death is personal ANATOLIA — ANKARA

AP — DUBAI The US killing of a top Iranian general last week threatens In a rare display of emotion from the peace throughout the region, typically reserved and measured Turkey’s foreign minister said supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali yesterday. “The killing of Khamenei cried openly yesterday at the Qassem Soleimani poses a funeral of slain Gen. Qassem Soleimani, serious risk to peace in the his most important military commander region,” Mevlut Cavusoglu told with whom he shared a deep bond. reporters at the Foreign Minis- “Oh Allah, they are in need of your try’s Directorate for EU Affairs mercy, and you are exalted above pun- in the capital Ankara. ishing your servants,” Khamenei said “We will work with other during a mass prayer as he stood over countries to reduce tensions a flag-draped casket with the remains between the US and Iran,” of Soleimani, who was killed in a US Cavusoglu added. drone strike in Iraq on Friday. To this end, Cavusoglu Khamenei’s voice cracked under the said, President Recep Tayyip weight of the moment during a funeral Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei weeping as he recites prayer in front of the coffin of slain Iranian military Erdogan has made phone calls procession unlike any in Iran’s recent commander Qasem Soleimani duing a funeral procession in the capital Tehran, yesterday. with Qatar's Amir H H Sheikh history. Police said attendees numbered Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, into the millions. ordered by President Donald Trump, the country’s mostly Shia paramilitaries, To Soleimani, Khamenei was a ven- French counterpart Emmanuel The funeral showcased the depth of has dramatically heightened the risk of including in the fight alongside the US erated spiritual figure whom he referred Macron, Iranian counterpart the bond Khamenei had with the slain war as senior Iranian figures vow to against extremists like the Islamic State to as his “dear and honorable leader.” Hassan Rouhani and Iraqi general and gave insight into how Sole- strike US military targets in response. group. In 2015, Soleimani was quoted saying: counterpart and imani’s death is being felt personally by In Iran, Soleimani was a lionised To Iran’s supreme leader, Soleimani “I ask God to sacrifice my life for you.” is set to speak with German the supreme leader. It could also impact figure who embodied Iran’s lethal reach was a loyal aide who conferred with him So close were they that Iranian Chancellor Angela Merkel and how Khamenei responds to the United in the face of crushing US pressure. He often and cemented Tehran’s footprint media is describing the slain general as British Prime Minister Boris States. The US killed Soleimani, other was a powerful commander in charge far beyond the country’s borders, Khamenei’s own Malik Al Ashtar, a ref- Johnson. Revolutionary Guard members and a of the Revolutionary Guard’s Quds helping to preserve and advance the erence to the most loyal companions of Noting that Russian Pres- senior Iraqi militia leader in a stunning Force, overseeing Iran’s proxy militias principles of the 1979 revolution that the first Shiite leader, Imam Ali. ident Vladimir Putin will pay attack on their convoy, shortly after abroad, ranging from Hezbollah in brought Iran’s Shia leadership to power. And in death, Soleimani has received an official visit to Turkey Soleimani had arrived at Baghdad’s Lebanon to armed factions in Iraq, Syria Their relationship was so close that what no man before him has in modern tomorrow, Cavusoglu said: international airport. The killing, and Yemen. In Iraq, that meant directing Khamenei was photographed more than Iran. His funeral processions have been “Our president and Putin will once embracing Soleimani in ways that spread over several days and cities, address these issues per- are customary in Iran for fathers and marking the first time Iran has ever sonally. We all have a common Slain commander’s daughter their beloved sons. honoured a single man with a multi- concern that Iraq should not In one such photograph from 2018, city ceremony. Not even Ayatollah turn into a conflict zone for Khamenei, seated on an elevated Ruhollah Khomeini, who founded the other countries.” says US faces 'dark day' platform, leans down and kisses Sole- Islamic Republic, received such a pro- Soleimani, the head of imani’s forehead. In another image from cessional with his death in 1989. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards’ REUTERS — DUBAI 2017, Khamenei is seen kissing Solei- Khamenei vowed that the Quds elite Quds force, was killed mani’s cheek during Ashoura, a religious Force’s strategy would be unchanged along with Abu Mahdi Al The daughter of the slain day of mourning among Shias. and he quickly named a successor to Muhandis, the senior com- commander of Iran’s Unlike other military commanders Soleimani, but the slain general’s mander of Iraq’s Hashd Al Quds Force told a huge in the Revolutionary Guard Corps., the standing and relationship with Shaabi force, and eight others crowd yesterday at his 62-year-old general answered only to Khamenei is not as easy to replace. on January 3. funeral ceremony in the 80-year-old Khamenei. That’s in part because their rela- Tehran that the United So revered was he by Khamenei, tionship extended beyond the war room. Israel embassies States and its ally Israel that the supreme leader awarded the Soleimani was also close with Khame- faced a “dark day” for his general Iran’s highest military order in nei’s children and had been photo- on high alert death. March. Iran’s Tasnim News Agency graphed kissing one of the sons on the “Crazy Trump, don’t reported that Soleimani is the only forehead. In a deeply personal and sym- ANATOLIA — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM think that everything is Iranian military official to receive the bolically weighty gesture, Iran’s over with my father’s Order of Zulfaqar since the 1979 Islamic supreme leader made a rare visit to Israel has put its embassies martyrdom,” Zeinab Sole- Revolution. When pinning the medal Soleimani’s home the day he was killed and consulates on high alert imani said in an address on Soleimani, the Iranian leader said to offer condolences to his grieving in the wake of the killing of broadcast on state tele- he hoped God would reward the general widow and grown children. top Iranian general Qassem vision, after US President and help him live a blissful life that ends Rather than calling him by his last Soleimani in a US drone Zeinab Soleimani, daughter of slain Iranian military Donald Trump ordered an with martyrdom. name as is customary, Khamenei airstrike, according to an commander Qasem Soleimani, speaking during his air strike on Friday that “Of course not any time soon,” referred to him as Hajj Qassem— Israeli daily. funeral procession at Tehran University in the Iranian killed General Qassem Khamenei said, adding the “Islamic another indication of how close the two Israel Hayom newspaper capital, yesterday. Soleimani. Republic needs him for years to come.” were. said diplomats have been warned to take extra precau- tionary measures and “watch their every step”. Israel’s security cabinet is EU foreign ministers to hold emergency Iran talks set to meet today to discuss possible Iranian threats fol- AFP — BRUSSELS brink of collapse since US Pres- Iranian breaches from the agreement, casting doubt on an convened an extraordinary lowing Soleimani’s killing. ident Donald Trump withdrew International Atomic Energy EU push for talks to salvage the meeting of its ruling North “Prime Minister Benjamin EU foreign ministers will hold support, was “now more Agency (IAEA) before deciding deal. Atlantic Council to discuss the Netanyahu still expects from emergency talks on the Iran important than ever”. how to respond. Borrell spoke to Iranian crisis — in particular on the government officials and min- crisis on Friday, diplomats said, European-led efforts to “Deeply regret Iran’s latest Foreign Minister Mohammad future of its training mission in isters not to comment on Sole- as tensions rise after US forces keep Iran in the deal — which announcement on #JCPOA. As Javad Zarif at the weekend and Iraq. imani’s assassination,” the killed an Iranian general in a curbed its nuclear programme ever we will rely on @iaeaorg issued a personal invitation to Iran’s 2015 nuclear accord newspaper said. drone strike. in return for sanctions relief -- verification,” Borrell tweeted, come to Brussels, but so far Iran with the United Nations Security Yet at several occasions, The announcement came have borne little fruit since using an abbreviation for the has not given a public response. Council’s five permanent Netanyahu expressed support after the EU’s diplomatic chief Trump’s decision in May 2018 deal’s formal name. EU spokesman Peter Stano members — Britain, China, for US President Donald voiced regret at Iran to pull out and reimpose “Full implementation of said there was “a lot of activity France, Russia and the United Trump’s actions, saying Sole- announcing another step away sanctions. #NuclearDeal by all is now going on” from the bloc as it States — plus has been imani “was responsible for the from the fragile 2015 nuclear Borrell will lead a meeting more important than ever, for seeks to help defuse tensions hanging by a thread since deaths of US citizens and many deal, as Tehran seethes over the of foreign ministers at 2pm regional stability & global that heightened dramatically on Trump unilaterally withdrew other innocents”. killing of Qasem Soleimani, (1300 GMT) on Friday, three security. I will continue working Friday when a US drone strike from it. Following Soleimani’s head of the Revolutionary diplomats said, to discuss the with all participants on way killed Soleimani at Baghdad Tehran said it would con- death, the Israeli army put its Guards’ covert Quds Force. fallout from the Soleimani forward.” airport. tinue cooperating “as before” forces near border with the Josep Borrell, the EU’s high killing and the future of the On Sunday, Iran said it European Commission with IAEA inspectors but the Gaza Strip and Lebanon on representative for foreign nuclear deal. would forego the “limit on the President Ursula von der Leyen leaders of Germany, France and alert as a precautionary affairs, tweeted that the accord, Borrell said the bloc would number of centrifuges” it had is expected to make a statement Britain reacted by urging Iran measure against any threats which has been teetering on the wait for further details of pledged to honour in the 2015 on the situation, while Nato has to rethink its announcement. or retaliation. TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2020 AFRICA 11 Haftar's forces say they have taken Sirte

REUTERS — BENGHAZI Sirte lies in the centre of Libya’s

Libyan forces loyal to eastern- Mediterranean coast, and has been based commander Khalifa controlled by forces loyal to Libya’s Haftar said yesterday they had internationally recognised Government of taken control of the strategic coastal city of Sirte in a rapid National Accord (GNA) since they ejected advance preceded by air strikes. Islamic State (IS) from the city with the Holding Sirte would be an important gain for Haftar, who help of US air strikes in late 2016. since April has been waging a military offensive on the capital, Tripoli, home to Libya’s inter- the city centre. and is a key source of military nationally recognised Gov- “The commander-in-chief power for the GNA. ernment of National Accord decided on a well-planned, Earlier, a resident in Sirte ’s Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerad (centre) receives Libya’s UN-recognised Prime Minister Fayez (GNA). pre-emptive strike and within city centre said by phone: “We Al Sarraj (left), upon his arrival in for talks on the Libyan crisis, yesterday. Sirte lies in the centre of less than three hours we were can see convoys of LNA inside Libya’s Mediterranean coast, in the heart of Sirte,” said LNA Sirte city... they control large and has been controlled by spokesman Ahmed Al Mismari. parts of the city now. We also conflict. Haftar’s LNA has On Saturday evening a mil- Islamic State in early 2015, GNA-aligned forces since they “It was a sudden, swift hear gunfire.” received material and military itary college in the capital was becoming the militant group’s ejected Islamic State (IS) from operation,” he said, adding There was no immediate support from countries including hit, killing at least 30 people, a most important base outside the the city with the help of US air that the advance had been comment from GNA forces. the , Jordan day after the only functioning Middle East. strikes in late 2016. preceded by several hours of The LNA advance comes as and , according UN experts airport in Tripoli faced its latest The city is just to the west of Haftar’s self-styled Libyan air strikes. Turkey prepares to send mil- and diplomats. closure due to shelling and Libya’s oil crescent, a strip of National Army (LNA) said they An LNA military source said itary advisers and experts to In recent weeks there has rocket fire. coastline along which several had taken areas surrounding forces from the city of Misrata Libya to help shore up the GNA, been an escalation of fighting, Sirte, the birthplace of key oil export terminals are Sirte including Al Qardabiya air had retreated. Misrata led the part of a trend of rising inter- shelling and air strikes around former Libyan leader Muammar located. Haftar’s forces seized base, before moving towards campaign against Islamic State national involvement in Libya’s Tripoli. Gaddafi, was taken over by the oil ports in 2016.

Wife of Zimbabwe Vice-President Kenya police arrest 3 trying to enter British Army camp freed on bail AGENCIES — NAIROBI attack, the Al Qaeda-linked assault at the airfield in coastal of its commander, Gen. Stephen lead the panel to convene a REUTERS — HARARE group’s first assault against US Lamu county, the US Africa Townsend, in the al-Shabab hearing to examining the Trump Kenyan police say they arrested forces inside Kenya. Command said. attack. Al Shabaab is linked to administration’s policy in the The wife of Vice-President three “terrorist suspects” who The attack at Manda Bay An attempt was made to Al Qaeda and has no known region later this month. Constantino Chiwenga was tried to force their way into a Airfield killed 23-year-old US breach security at Manda air- links to Iran or its proxies. “As we await further infor- granted bail by Zimbabwe’s British Army training camp on Army Specialist Henry Mayfield strip early Sunday but was “suc- “Our thoughts and prayers mation on the specifics of this High Court yesterday after the same day Al Shabaab Jr., the NBC affiliate in Chicago cessfully repulsed,” Kenya are with the families and friends latest attack, it is clear that spending three weeks in extremists attacked a military reported, citing a family Defence Forces said on its of our teammates who lost their despite US and international detention for allegedly trying base and killed three US statement. Two other Amer- Facebook page lives today,” US Army General efforts to contain al-Shabaab, to kill her husband. military personnel. icans, contractors with the US Photos showed the five Stephen Townsend, this terror organization Prosecutors say Marry An internal police report Department of Defence, were dead Al Shabaab attackers commander, US Africa remains a significant and Mubaiwa, who denies all says the three men were killed but their names have not wearing military uniforms. It Command, said in a statement. active threat,” Menendez said charges, tried to unplug Chi- arrested Sunday after trying to been released. No Kenyans was not clear whether the uni- The Manda Bay raid comes in a statement. “Although this wenga’s life support tubes in a enter the British Army Training were killed, Kenya’s military forms were Kenyan or Somali. less than a week after a US air- attack shows a clear intent to South African hospital in June. Unit in Laikipia county. The spokesman Paul Njuguna said Some Al Shabaab fighters have strike killed three members of continue targeting the United She was initially arrested on British army said in a statement yesterday. Al Shabaab has worn military uniforms in past Al Shabaab, which is based in States’ presence in the region, December 14 on separate that Kenyan police were inves- vowed retribution for Kenyan attacks. The photos also showed neigbouring Somalia and the United States continues to charges including fraud and tigating “suspicious activity” troops fighting it in neighboring an Al Shabaab flag. claimed responsibility for Sun- stand in strong partnership with money laundering. A High Court and that “we do not believe Somalia, where it is based. Also yesterday, the US day’s attack. Kenya,” Representative Eliot judgment seen by Reuters there was a direct threat to UK Five US aircraft, including Africa Command asserted that Senator Bob Menendez, the Engel, a New York Democrat showed Judge Pisirai Kwenda personnel or assets.” fixed-wing and helicopters, several unverified social media top Democrat on the Senate and chairman of the House has granted Mubaiwa bail for Meanwhile new details were destroyed and one sites, “some with links to Iran,” Foreign Relations Committee, Foreign Affairs Committee, said 50,000 Zimbabwe dollar and emerged in the Al Shabaab damaged in the hours-long posted false claims of the death said he’s hopeful the attack will in a statement. ordered her to surrender her diplomatic passport and report to a local police station once Chad withdraws forces from every two weeks. Angola: Ex-president’s daughter must repay money Mubaiwa is also required Boko Haram mission to hand over the title deeds of AP — LISBON A court in the former Portuguese November it has so far recouped her parents’ house with the colony last week froze their per- around $5bn. QNA — N'DJAMENA court, the document showed. Angola’s foreign minister says a sonal assets and their stakes in com- Isabel dos Santos, reputedly Her lawyer, Taona Nya- court order freezing the assets of a panies in Angola’s telecoms, Africa’s richest woman, is the most Chad has ended a mission spanning several months makura, said Mubaiwa could former president’s billionaire banking and retail distribution high-profile target so far of the fighting Boko Haram in neighbouring Nigeria and be released from prison today. daughter is part of a legal effort to sectors, as well as their extensive crackdown. Her father’s wherea- withdrawn its 1,200-strong force across their Her arrest has sparked recoup money owed to the holdings abroad. bouts are unknown. common border. accusations against Chiwenga Southwest African country. Isabel dos Santos is a daughter Augusto, the foreign minister, “It’s our troops who went to aid Nigerian sol- and the anti-corruption Foreign Minister Manuel of Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who said the government initially diers months ago returning home. They have fin- agency that initially arrested Augusto said during a visit to ruled the oil- and diamond-rich requested for money identified as ished their mission,” Chad spokesman Colonel Azem her. Opposition politicians say Lisbon, Portugal, that there is no nation for 38 years until 2017. being owed to the state to be Bermandoa said. “None of our soldiers remains in the vice-president is using his political motivation behind the Human rights groups have long returned. Nigeria,” he added, without specifying whether they position to influence a divorce government’s demand for more accused the former president of The government is now moving might be replaced following Friday’s pullout. settlement with Mubaiwa, than $1bn from Isabel dos Santos, stealing state money during his to a phase where it is using the law “Those who have come back will return to their while the Zimbabwe Anti-Cor- her husband and a Portuguese allegedly corrupt rule. to ensure the return of funds that sector at Lake Chad,” Bermandoa added. ruption Commission (ZACC), business partner. Isabel dos Santos Angolan President Joao allegedly were taken illegally. Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria formed a which says she illegally trans- has complained that the legal Lourenco, who replaced Dos Santos, His comments to Portuguese multinational force to fight Boko Haram in 2015. ferred $900m to South Africa, action targets her because of her has launched a crackdown on cor- news agency Lusa were published Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria formed a is conflicted. family links. ruption. The government said last by online newspaper Observador. multinational force to fight Boko Haram in 2015. Ethiopian party seeks new alliances Uganda police detain activist, foil meeting with supporters after rejecting PM's unity party AP — KAMPALA Wine of trying to lure his sup- porters into rioting. BLOOMBERG — ADDIS ABABA Ugandan police yesterday Wine came to political detained the singer and political prominence nationally in 2017 A leading member of Ethio- activist known as Bobi Wine, when, as an independent can- pia’s former ruling coalition is who was prevented from didate, he won election as a seeking fresh alliances after it holding his first public meeting lawmaker representing a con- rejected Prime Minister Abiy with supporters as a presi- stituency near Kampala. He has Ahmed’s new unity party dential aspirant. since successfully campaigned ahead of elections this year. Police fired tear gas as they for other opposition candidates, The Tigray People’s Liber- dispersed a crowd of supporters raising his profile and attracting ation Front, TPLF, said the outside the capital, Kampala. encouragement to run for Prosperity Party, which set out Gunfire was heard but it was president. to merge members of the now not clear if live rounds or rubber But he faces challenges defunct Ethiopian People’s bullets were fired. including treason charges Revolutionary Democratic The foiled meeting had been related to his alleged role in a Front, poses a “clear difference authorised by electoral author- 2018 incident in which the pres- of purpose.” The new for- ities. It was the first of several ident’s convoy was attacked mation has eight parties planned by Wine, an opposition with stones at a campaign including three members of lawmaker whose real name is event. Prosecutors have added the EPRDF, formerly a TPLF- Kyagulanyi Ssentamu. charges of annoying the pres- controlled rebel group that A police spokesman did not ident over that incident. He also governed Ethiopia since immediately respond to ques- is charged with disobeying stat- Mengistu Haile Mariam’s tions concerning Bobi Wine’s utory authority after he led a Marxist regime was over- whereabouts. In a Twitter demonstration against a tax tar- thrown in 1991. update, Wine said he and some geting social media. He denies Riot policemen use tear gas to disperse supporters of Ugandan musician-turned-politician Robert The unity party as part of colleagues in custody had been all the charges. A criminal con- Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, who were demonstrating after he was detained in Kasangati Abiy-led reforms in Ethiopia transferred from a police post viction would prevent him from town in Uganda, yesterday. envisions fair representation in his constituency to one seeking the presidency. of the Horn of Africa country’s further outside Kampala. The 75-year-old Museveni ethnic groups. The TPLF lead- Robert Amsterdam, a Police have repeatedly pre- scheduled for 2021. There are called for the retirement of is eligible to run again after law- ership is considering strategic lawyer for the activist, said on vented him from addressing growing concerns that cam- longtime President Yoweri makers passed legislation relationships with other “fed- Twitter that his client and rallies or even organising paigns could turn violent as Museveni, saying young people removing a clause in the con- eralist forces as a forum, coa- others had been “arrested musical concerts in recent security forces tighten the space must prepare to take over lead- stitution that prevented anyone lition or a front,” it said in a without reason” and he months, saying the events pose available for opposition activists ership of the East African over 75 from holding the pres- statement on its Facebook page denounced “this violation of a danger to the public. to interact with supporters. nation. Museveni, who has indi- idency. Wine was among those after a meeting on Sunday. basic rights.” Presidential elections are The singer and activist has cated he will run again, accuses who opposed the move. 12 ASIA TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2020 Protests across India after masked men go on rampage at JNU AFP/IANS — NEW DELHI The government In a statement, it said a group of masked agitators Protests were held across India has promised an barged into various hostels and yesterday after masked investigation, while mercilessly beat up the inmates assailants wielding batons and with iron rods and stick on iron rods went on a rampage at Home Minister Amit Sunday night. a top Delhi university, leaving Shah told university "For the past many days, more than two dozen injured. administrators and entry to school buildings was Controversy over Sunday’s blocked by placing heavy fur- violence at Jawaharlal Nehru police to maintain niture, flowerpots and ladders. University (JNU) comes as a order at the campus. Such a blockade has caused new challenge to the gov- great academic loss as well as ernment as it confronts major financial loss to the University nationwide protests against a Nobel economy prize and its stakeholders," the Students and supporters hold placards as they shout slogans during a protest against an attack on new citizenship bill that critics winner Abhijeet Banerjee, a teachers' body said. the students and teachers at the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus in New Delhi a day before, at say is anti-Muslim. former JNU student, said the They said teachers, staff and Osmania University campus in Hyderabad, yesterday. Some students blamed the attacks had “echoes of the years students, who try to enter their university attack on right-wing when Germany was moving offices or schools, are being activists, but they also accused towards Nazi rule”. subject to verbal abuse, Contempt plea in Supreme Court police of doing nothing to stop Modi’s Bharatiya Janata heckling, threats and physical the violence. Party denied claims by the assaults. At least 28 students and opposition Congress that it was "The entire registration teachers were injured, while responsible, and in turn blamed process has been taken hostage against police inaction at JNU doctors and nurses from a left-leaning student groups by the agitators as they IANS — NEW DELHI others. 2020, and no FIR has been reg- nearby hospital who went to which dominate the university’s destroyed the server room The plea contended the istered yet against the treat them were also attacked, politics. twice, on Saturday and A contempt plea was moved in apex court had laid down pre- offenders,” said the plea. their union said. The government has Sunday," the statement said. the Supreme Court yesterday, in ventive and remedial guidelines The plea also contended that Scores of riot police yes- promised an investigation, On Saturday, the Dean and connection with the violence in for the government and police Delhi Police deployed on the terday patrolled the university while Home Minister Amit Shah a faculty members of the School the JNU campus on Sunday, authorities to curb and handle campus neither stopped nor — the alma mater of several key — a close Modi aide —- told of International Studies were against the Delhi Police for mob violence, and then the deterred the large number of ministers in Prime Minister university administrators and humiliated, abused and physi- wilfully disobeying the top court’s court came to a conclusion that masked miscreants, who entered Narendra Modi’s Cabinet — police to maintain order at the cally assaulted by a group of direction in a lynching case no individual in his/her own JNU armed with sticks, hammers picking their way past shattered campus, which has been tense vicious agitators when they pertaining to taking preventive capacity or as a part of a group, and other weapons. “An injured glass and broken doors and since protests in November tried to enter into their offices, and remedial measures to deal which within no time assumes student who is admitted in the furniture. over fee increases. it added. with mob violence. the character of a mob, can take Trauma Centre of the All India They made no immediate The Jawaharlal Nehru Uni- According to the associ- Activist Tehseen Poon- the law into hands and deal Institute of Medical Sciences arrests, but blamed the violence versity Teachers' Federation ation, "in another incident, awala, in the plea, sought initi- with others as guilty. claimed to have been kicked by on “rival student groups”. (JNUTF) yesterday said it is another faculty member of the ation of contempt proceedings “The alleged contemnor/ police personnel in the head As condemnation of the extremely concerned about the School of Social Sciences was against Delhi Police for wilfully respondent (Delhi Police and its several times. The incident that attacks spread, more than environment of fear and bru- heckled, assaulted and his disobeying the specific direc- officials) herein, the Gov- transpired in JNU reflects the 1,000 people held a vigil in tality created by some violently mobile phone was snatched tions of the top court issued an ernment of India, has failed to Central government’s non-com- Mumbai. Other demonstrations agitating students and said it away by the nasty agitators in order on July 17, 2018, in con- take action against the masked pliance with the above cited were held in Bangalore, Kolkata condemns the violent acts of front of the School of nection with Tehseen S Poon- miscreant mob who entered the judgement of the Supreme Court and other major cities. the agitators. Languages." awala Vs Union of India & JNU Campus on January 5, of India,” added the plea. Delhi goes to Researchers develop mechanism for hydrogen production polls on February IANS — MANDI with their use, there has been — finding alternatives to fossil from the sun to bring about all photochemical water splitting, 8, counting on an impetus to develop alter- fuels,” Krishnan said in a kinds of chemical conversions but given the cost of platinum, Indian Institute of Technology native, safe fuels. Hydrogen gas, statement. that provide us today with the solar hydrogen generation has February 14 Mandi yesterday said its with its high energy yield and Water, the simplest air we breathe and the food we been out of practical reach. researchers have developed eco-friendliness has been iden- chemical compound known to eat. The researchers have IANS — NEW DELHI new materials that can use tified as a potential energy man, is made of two hydrogen Mimicking photosynthesis developed a novel multicom- sunlight for the production of vector that can herald a new atoms and one oxygen atom — the use of light for chemical ponent catalyst comprising The Election Commission hydrogen from water. hydrogen-based economy,” and is logically a good source reactions — has been one of the nitrogen doped zinc oxide yesterday announced This collaborative research said Venkata Krishnan, Asso- of hydrogen. Holy Grails of applied chemistry nanorods coated with molyb- February 8 as the date for the work by IIT Mandi and Yogi ciate Professor, School of Basic However, splitting water and there has been a constant denum sulphide nanosheets. Delhi assembly elections with Vemana University in Andhra Sciences, IIT Mandi. into hydrogen and oxygen is not quest for specialised chemicals, “Our optimised heter- the Model Code of Conduct Pradesh has been published in “The catch with hydrogen easy and is energy intensive. It called catalysts, that can take ostructure, made of 15 weight coming into effect with the American Chemical Society economy is that the gas is now has been known for decades the energy of the light to the per cent of defect-rich molyb- announcement, the EC said. (ACS) Applied Energy Materials largely obtained from fossil that light can assist in the water to split it, much like the denum sulphide nanosheets- The date of notification is journal. fuels by petroleum and natural splitting of water into its con- chlorophyll that does it effort- coated on the zinc oxide, January 14, while January 21 “With concerns of dwin- gas steam reforming processes, stituent hydrogen and oxygen lessly in nature. showed the highest H evolution will be the last date for filing dling fossil fuel reserves and which does not help with the atoms. For a long time, platinum of 17.3 mmol h-1g-1 under solar nominations. Counting of environmental issues associated problem we set out solving Nature already uses light has been used as catalyst for light irradiation,” said Krishnan. votes will take place on Feb- ruary 14. There are a total of seventy seats in the Delhi Family of dead Franco-Irish Assembly out of which the Aam Aadmi Party won sixty teen sues Malaysian resort seven the last time. Mainly three political AFP — KUALA LUMPUR parties are in the fray — the Aam Aadmi Party, the The family of a Franco-Irish teenager whose body was found in Bharatiya Janata Party and the the Malaysian jungle is suing the resort from where she disap- Congress. peared for allegedly failing to provide adequate security. Chief Election Commis- The unclothed body of 15-year-old Nora Quoirin was dis- sioner Sunil Arora said that he covered in August after a massive hunt through dense rainforest, held a meeting with the Chief not far from the resort where the London-based family had been Secretary and senior officials on holiday. last month about holding Her parents say they believe there was a “criminal element” elections. in the case as the teen had learning difficulties and would not Ninety thousand officials have wandered off alone, but Malaysian police insist there was are to be deployed for poll no sign of foul play. duty, he said. Additional sec- The family’s lawyers have filed a civil suit against the Dusun retaries will look after the Resort, not far from the capital Kuala Lumpur, seeking at least deployment of the officers. 182,000 ringgit ($45,000) in damages, according to court docu- Arora announced pick and ments. The couple, Meabh and Sebastian Quoirin, claim the drop facilities for senior cit- entrance gate to their jungle cottage was left open at all times, no izens who would like to vote. guards were stationed outside and there was no CCTV installed Postal ballot facility for people at the premises. with disabilities and senior Selling yogurt on Nepal streets citizens above the age of eighty is also available. A man carrying yogurt in earthen pots for sale walks through the premises of Bhaktapur Durbar Square in Bhaktapur, Nepal, yesterday. Pneumonia case not linked Six die in Sri Lanka to Wuhan: Singapore bus accident Coincidence that fake news law applied BLOOMBERG — SINGAPORE CITY AP — COLOMBO A case of pneumonia in Singapore in a three-year-old girl with a history of travel to Wuhan is not linked to the outbreak in the A passenger bus plunged off to politicians, says Singapore Minister Chinese city, Singaporean officials said. the road in Sri Lanka’s tea- The cause of the girl’s pneumonia is Respiratory Syncytial Virus, growing hill country yesterday, REUTERS — SINGAPORE The government has denied an unfortunate convergence, or a common cause for childhood respiratory infection, according to killing six people and injuring such suggestions saying the law, coincidence,” S Iswaran, Min- a statement from Singapore’s Ministry of Health. The case has also more than 30. Singapore’s Communications the Protection from Online ister of Communications and tested negative for SARS and MERS-CoV, the ministry said. Police said a bus belonging Minister said yesterday it was Falsehoods and Manipulation Information, told parliament. The World Health Organisation is monitoring the outbreak of to the state-run bus company a coincidence that the first few Act (POFMA), only tackles false- “But whatever the case may a mysterious lung infection in Wuhan and is in active communi- fell into a precipice near the cases brought under a new fake hoods and that legitimate crit- be, that is the situation today cation with its counterparts in China, where an investigation is small mountain town of news law were against political icism and free speech would but it does not mean that is underway to determine the cause of a pneumonia outbreak. As Madulsima, about 250km east figures and parties. not be affected. going to be the situation going of Friday, 44 people had been diagnosed with pneumonia, the of Colombo, the capital, The law came into effect in “The first few POFMA forward. Wuhan Municipal Health Commission said. leaving six people dead. October amid concern among actions appear to have been The Minister was replying The girl in the suspected case had not visited the Huanan seafood State television said the rights groups and opposition pol- issued against individuals that to a question from a nominated wholesale market associated with the Wuhan cluster, the Health dead included two children iticians it could be used to silence are either politicians or affiliated member of parliament on per- Ministry had earlier said. “As medical practitioners are on the lookout and that more than 30 people criticism of the government with political parties, or political ceptions of partisan political for cases with pneumonia who have recently returned from Wuhan, were injured and being treated ahead of a general election parties. I would say that that is bias over recent applications of Singapore is likely to see more suspect cases that will need to be at hospitals. expected within months. a convergence, some might say the law. investigated for possible links to the Wuhan cluster,” the MOH said. TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2020 ASIA 13 Pakistan won’t take sides in Iran-US confrontation: FM

REUTERS — ISLAMABAD show solidarity with Iran. Thousands of Shia of this region and when a fire to war last year. Some clashed with police in protesters marched erupts there, Pakistan can’t Qureshi said he had dis- Pakistan will not take sides in the southern city of Karachi escape,” said Qureshi. cussed the regional situation the escalating confrontation when they attempted to march in several Pakistani Pakistan is grappling with a with the foreign ministers of between neighbouring Iran on the US consulate. cities on Sunday to severe economic crisis and Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and and the United States, its “We’re clear that Paki- facing heightened tensions with others. foreign minister said stan’s soil will not be used show solidarity with neighbouring India. Its long Pakistan receives aid and yesterday, following the killing against any other state, and Iran. Some clashed land frontier with Iran is rife buys much of its oil from Saudi of Iranian military commander nor will Pakistan become a with cross-border militant Arabia, which is locked in a Qassem Soleimani in a US part of this regional conflict,” with police in the activity. power struggle with Iran across drone strike. Foreign Minister Shah southern city of Islamabad has also long had a region where they back The killing puts Pakistan, Mehmood Qureshi told the Karachi when they a tense relationship with the opposing sides in conflicts which is majority Sunni upper house of parliament in United States over the war in ranging from Syria to Yemen. Muslim but has a large Shi’ite a policy statement. attempted to march neighbouring Afghanistan, Qureshi said he feared Sole- minority and is anxious to “Pakistan has taken a clear on the US consulate. where US officials have fre- imani’s death could trigger an avoid any regional upheaval, stance that Pakistan doesn’t quently accused it of supporting upsurge in sectarian tensions, in a sensitive position. endorse any unilateral action,” the Taliban, a charge Pakistan including in Afghanistan. An ally of Saudi Arabia, he said, in the government’s Tehran’s streets for Soleimani’s denies. “We believe this could have Pakistani Foreign Minister Pakistan has a complex rela- first official response to the funeral and his daughter said But it badly needs US a negative impact on Afghan- Shah Mehmood Qureshi. tionship with Iran, with which killing of Soleimani, architect his death would bring a “dark support, both in handling its istan, and that its peace process it shares a long border. of efforts to extend Iran’s day” for the United States. severe balance of payments — where Pakistan has played Thousands of Shia pro- influence across the region. major regional conflagration. “The Middle East was and is problems and in dealing with an important role — could be testers marched in several The killing has spurred fears Yesterday hundreds of thou- volatile and this region can’t its nuclear armed neighbour affected and exploited by the Pakistani cities on Sunday to of a sands of Iranians thronged afford another war. We are part India after the two came close spoilers,” Qureshi said. US Ambassador leaves Kabul, Pakistan releases ends 2-year Afghan tenure Indian fishermen INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD AP — KABUL Taliban’s ruling council earlier announced that it would agree Pakistan has released 20 US Ambassador John Bass left to a temporary lull in fighting to Indian fishermen who had Kabul yesterday as his two-year allow a peace agreement to be been arrested for entering tenure as America’s top diplomat signed, according to Taliban offi- Pakistani territorial waters. in war-torn Afghanistan ended. cials. They have said that a Arrested by the Maritime His departure comes as US reduction in violence is on the Security Agency, the fishermen tensions with neighbouring Iran table as a topic. But the fighting had been incarcerated in the have soared following a US continues unabated as the insur- District Jail, Malir. After their airstrike in Baghdad that killed gents stage near-daily attacks release, they were handed Iran’s top general. targeting Afghan security forces over to the Edhi Foundation. Until Bass’ replacement is and their allies, while the US and The Indian fishermen will decided, Washington is Afghan forces conduct airstrikes travel to Lahore from the Can- appointing a chargé d’affaires to and anti-Taliban operations. tonment Station and will be the post, according to a Washington’s peace envoy handed over to the Indian statement from the US State Zalmay Khalilzad has been authorities at the Wagah Department. Ross Wilson, who working for more than one year border. has served as America’s ambas- to get a deal signed with the They were arrested in sador to Turkey and Azerbaijan, Taliban that would allow Wash- November 2018 after they is expected in the Afghan capital ington to withdraw an estimated allegedly entered the Pakistani in the coming weeks. 13,000 US troops from Afghan- territorial waters for fishing. The statement said Bass istan. The deal would also According to District Jail “skillfully advanced the Trump include negotiations between the Malir Superintendent Administration’s goal of reaching Taliban and representatives of No respite from air pollution Aurangzaib Kango, the a political settlement in Afghan- the Afghan government, oppo- People wearing face mask to protect themselves from air pollution in Kabul as the Afghan capital released fishermen were sen- istan that ensures terrorists can sition figures and other prom- is covered with heavy smog. tenced to six-month impris- never again threaten the United inent Afghans. The Taliban onment but their release was States from Afghan soil while however, refuse to negotiate delayed because of the process leading a large diplomatic with the Kabul government. of the completion of their doc- mission in the face of numerous But the government side is uments and nationality security threats.’’ hampered by its own unclear to ban use of single-use confirmation. In a tweet bidding Afghan- future, as definitive results of the He said some 200 Indian istan farewell, Bass said: “My Afghan presidential election in fishermen were still earnest hope is for leaders and September have still to be plastic in hotels and restaurants imprisoned in Pakistan. citizens across this country to announced, although Afghan The released fishermen find strength in unity, put aside President Ashraf Ghani claims REUTERS — DHAKA the ban on polythene under the Worldwide, around 100 were happy over their release. their differences, and work to be the winner, according to existing law, Syeda Rizwana million tonnes of plastic are They said they were treated by together to negotiate a political preliminary results. Bangladesh’s High Court Hasan, chief executive of the dumped into the ocean every the Pakistani authorities with settlement with the Taliban. Also, the Afghan government yesterday ordered the Bangladesh Environmental year, according to the United kindness. A total of 360 Indian Afghans and this beautiful and opposition politicians, as government to ban single-use Lawyers Association, told Nations. fishermen were released by country deserve nothing less.” well as some prominent Afghan plastics in coastal areas and in reporters. Scientists have found large Pakistan in 2018. The on-again off-again talks figures, have so far been unable hotels and restaurants in one “We must curb the use of amounts of micro plastic in the between the United States and to agree on a negotiating team. year to combat pollution. plastics,” the lawyer said, intestines of deep-dwelling the Taliban appear to have again The negotiations, according In 2002 the south Asian adding it caused serious health ocean mammals such as Ghosn ‘fled by stalled. The negotiations are a to Khalilzad, will decide the nation was among the first hazards and environmental whales. key pillar in Washington’s goal future face of a post-war countries to ban the use of pollution. Annually 87,000 tonnes of bullet train’; of reaching a political settlement Afghanistan and would tackle plastic and polythene bags in Concerns are growing single-use plastics, including in Afghanistan. thorny issues such as constitu- an effort to stop them collecting worldwide about plastic pol- plastic bags, bottles, cups, plates Japan vows to The latest hiccup in the talks tional reform, women’s rights, in waterways and on land - lution, especially in oceans, and straws are thrown away in appears to be the issue of what free speech and the fate of thou- although the ban has had little where nearly 50 percent of Bangladesh, according to a a cease-fire or reduction of vio- sands of Taliban fighters as well success. single-use plastic products end study by the Environment and bolster borders lence might look like if the insur- as militias loyal to Kabul’s pow- The court also ordered the up, killing marine life and Social Development AFP — TOKYO gents agree on a truce.The erful warlords. government to strictly enforce entering the human food chain. Organisation. New reports emerged yesterday on how fugitive former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn jumped bail 17 million Pakistani children in Japan, as the country’s justice minister said border controls vulnerable to worm infection would be bolstered after the escape. INTERNEWS — KARACHI loss, rectal prolapse, and physical The 65-year-old executive and cognitive growth skipped bail nearly a week ago, Health authorities have called retardation. fleeing Japan where he was for school-based deworming “The Directorate of awaiting trial on multiple counts across Pakistan. Inspection and Registration of of financial misconduct that he According to an official Private Institutions of the Sindh denies. document, around 17 million Education Department has ini- The details of his escape children aged between five and tiated a deworming programme remain spotty, with Japan 15 years are at a risk of catching in Karachi,” the document stated. saying it is still investigating how soil-transmitted helminth “The directorate has asked he slipped past strict security infections (STH) in 40 districts private schools to provide details measures imposed as part of his across the country. These infec- of teaching staff and number of bail conditions. tions are caused by intestinal students before January 10 so Citing people involved in the worms. that a comprehensive campaign investigation, Nippon Television The figure of 17 million is launched in the city by the end Network (NTV) said yesterday Dhaka University students hold placards as they take part in a rally, in Dhaka, yesterday. children was arrived at by the of the month,” it added. that Ghosn boarded a Ministry of National Health Apart from school-based “shinkansen” bullet train from Services after conducting the first programmes, health experts Tokyo’s Shinagawa station on nationwide STH survey in col- have suggested launch of an December 29. Assault of top university student laboration with the World Health awareness campaign for parents. He got off at a station in Organisation (WHO). “The deworming pro- western Osaka, arriving around The survey revealed that of gramme is a good initiative, but 7.30pm and taking a taxi to a triggers protests in Bangladesh the 17 million children, 4.6 for a long-term sustainable hotel near Kansai Airport, NTV million are in need of annual solution we need to make said. He is thought to have taken AFP — DHAKA “Rape is an unforgivable demand the perpetrator’s arrest treatment in Karachi alone. parents aware about pre- a private jet the same day from offence. In Bangladesh, the pun- within 24 hours. Soil-transmitted helminth vention and remedies,” said Dr the airport, bound for Istanbul, The indecent assault of a student ishment for rape is very slow,” “We are working to arrest infections are caused by para- Shahid Ahmed, a Karachi- where he switched planes and at a top university in Bangladesh said demonstrator Shahela, who him,” senior police official Saz- sitic worms (“helminth” means based gastroenterologist. continued to Beirut. triggered angry protests in like the 21-year-old victim of zadur Rahman said. parasitic worm) like roundworm, He also pointed out that Last week, local media Bangladesh yesterday, with Sunday’s attack is a student at Police said around 1,500 hookworm and whipworm. STH infections mainly cause reported Ghosn was caught on demonstrators urging the death the prestigious Dhaka University students joined the protests, Adult worms live in intestines anaemia and it should be security camera leaving his penalty for convicted rapists. in the capital. which remained peaceful. where they produce thousands tackled on a long-term basis. Tokyo home by himself around The South Asian nation has “We want quick executions Twice as many people of eggs every day. “The Aga Khan University noon on December 29. seen a doubling of reported rape for the perpetrators so that joined the rally. The victim in In areas that lack adequate identified iron-deficiency But the exact circumstances cases in the last year, according others are deterred from com- Sunday’s attack was travelling sanitation, these eggs contam- anaemia among women of of his departure from Japan are to activists, triggering spasms of mitting such crimes.” to a friend’s home when she was inate the soil. reproductive age after research still shrouded in mystery. public anger directed at the Demonstrators linked arms gagged, taken to a remote area STH infections can cause a couple of years ago, saying it The justice ministry said it glacial response of police and and marched along key roads in Dhaka’s outskirts and problems like abdominal pain, was an important public health did not have records of Ghosn the justice system. in Dhaka, halting traffic to assaulted. diarrhoea, blood and protein problem,” he added.w departing Japan. 14 ASIA TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2020 Asian countries brace to evacuate thousands of workers in Iraq and Iran AP — MANILA President Rodrigo impact of a possible crisis in the Duterte has Middle East and set aside con- Philippine President Rodrigo tingency funds. Duterte ordered the military to expressed fears that Iran has vowed to retaliate prepare to deploy its aircraft Philippines may and President Donald Trump and ships “at any moment’s warned that US forces would hit notice” to evacuate thousands have to carry out back at 52 Iranian targets if of Filipino workers in Iraq and massive evacuations Americans come under attack. Iran should violence break out, Iraq’s Parliament has also reflecting Asia’s growing fears if violence hits Middle called for the expulsion of all for its citizens in the increas- Eastern countries that American troops from Iraqi soil, ingly volatile Middle East. which could revive the Islamic Other Asian nations with host large numbers of State group in Iraq, making the large populations of expatriate Filipino workers. Middle East a far more dan- labour may face similar deci- gerous and unstable place. sions amid the rapidly escalating Compounding contingency tensions between the United Philippines to be prepared to plans is the uncertainty where Protesters take part in a rally in front of the US embassy, in Manila yesterday. States and Iran following last deploy military assets to repat- hostilities could possibly break week’s US airstrike that killed riate overseas Filipinos in the out. Iranian General Qassem Sole- Middle East, particularly from Military chief of staff Lt Gen their home countries arranging 1,600 South Koreans are in Iraq, dependents in Iraq and Iran, imani in Baghdad. Iran and Iraq, at any moment’s Felimon Santos Jr said Phil- evacuations is uncertain. mostly working in construction, including many who work in US South Korean government notice,” said Senator Christopher ippine forces have identified Gulf Arab states are home while another 280 who live in and other foreign facilities and ministries have discussed Lawrence Go, a close ally of the possible evacuation routes not to more than 7 million Indian Iran are businesspeople, stu- commercial establishments in strengthening protections for the Duterte, who was at the meeting. only in Iraq and Iran but other expatriates who help drive the dents or spouses of Iranians. Baghdad, the Department of nearly 1,900 South Koreans in Duterte expressed fears yes- hotspots, like Israel. region’s economy and keep its On past occasions, China National Defence said. Iraq and Iran. Indian foreign terday that the Philippines may “There are probabilities like cities teeming with doctors, has evacuated its citizens from The workers in Iran and ministry spokesman Raveesh have to carry out massive evac- that and we are improving our engineers, teachers, drivers, other countries during times of Iraq are a small fraction of the Kumar said India wasn’t uations if violence hits Middle plans just to cover everything construction workers and other conflict, political tension or hundreds of thousands of Fili- planning to evacuate any cit- Eastern countries like Saudi just in case something happens,” laborers. In United Arab natural disaster. In 2015, the pinos who are employed in izens from the volatile region Arabia that host large numbers Santos told reporters in Manila. Emirates, Indians outnumber navy transported nearly 500 countries lining the Persian “yet.” of Filipino workers. Other countries face similar Emiratis three to one. Chinese out of war-torn Yemen. Gulf. Duterte held an emergency “I’m nervous. Iran seems to dilemmas. Asians make up 40 South Korea’s Foreign Min- It evacuated 3,000 from The Philippines is a leading meeting with his defence sec- be hell-bent on a retaliation, percent of the world’s migrants, istry yesterday that government Vietnam in 2014, after the source of labour worldwide, retary and top military and which I think will come. It’s a and Middle Eastern countries agencies had discussed prepa- deployment of a Chinese oil rig with about a tenth of its more police officials Sunday to discuss matter of time ... the cry for are a common destination. rations for an escalating crisis in disputed waters elicited a than 100 million people the evacuation plans. blood is there,” Duterte said in a African migrants are also in the Middle East but had no wave of anti-China riots. working mostly as household “President Duterte ordered speech. He urged Congress to employed around the Middle immediate plans for evacua- There are more than 7,000 help, construction workers, the Armed Forces of the hold a special session on the East, though the possibility of tions. The ministry said about Filipino workers and their seamen and professionals.

Australian gallery shuts to protect More rains expected Matisse, Picasso works from smoke in Indonesia as REUTERS — SYDNEY flood toll reaches 66 The quality of air in Australia’s capital was the worst of any AFP — JAKARTA flood disaster in years. Some major city in the world 377 millimetres (14.8 inches) of yesterday as smoke drifted in Indonesians were told yesterday rain pounded sections of the from fires, prompting shops and to brace for more heavy down- vast city, with floodwaters offices to tell staff to stay home pours after record rains triggered reaching up to the second floor and the national gallery to close flooding and landslides that of some buildings after rivers its doors to protect its art. authorities said had killed at least overflowed. While not in any imminent 66 people in and around Jakarta. At least two people in danger from fire, Canberra sits Whole neighbourhoods in Jakarta’s west were hospi- between blazes ravaging the the capital — a megalopolis talised yesterday after the col- east coast and others inland, home to around 30 million lapse of a five-storey building, and its skies have been people — were submerged last which Indonesia’s search and darkened by smoke this week. week by floodwaters that forced rescue agency said may have The National Gallery of tens of thousands into temporary been caused by a build-up of Australia said it would not shelters. rainwater. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kiribati President Taneti Maamau (right) inspect a guard of honour open yesterday in part to Authorities have warned res- Authorities said yesterday in Beijing, yesterday. protect works being shown in idents to take precautions and the death toll had climbed to its Matisse and Picasso exhi- safeguard their possessions 66 with two more reportedly bition, including some bor- ahead of more pounding storms missing in Lebak, west of the rowed from the Musée Picasso China’s Xi meets leader of Kiribati over the coming weeks. capital. in Paris. “There is still potential for Flash flooding killed more “Closing our doors allows mid to heavy rainfall with than half a dozen people in us to mitigate any risk to the lightning, thunder and strong Lebak, including a seven-year- public, staff and works of art after it severed ties with Taiwan winds” in greater Jakarta, Indo- old boy who was reportedly on display,” the gallery said. nesia’s weather bureau said in a swept away by the water. The exhibition includes AP — BEIJING insistence that Taiwan is a part mainland, from which it split statement yesterday. Thousands remained in Picasso’s portraits of his wife, of China. Since her election, during a civil war in 1949. Beijing Last week’s deluge was the cramped Jakarta shelters yes- Olga, and lover, Marie- Chinese President Xi Jinping China has increasingly sought to resents Tsai for rejecting its pre- heaviest in the capital since terday as authorities pushed to Therese, both on loan from lauded Kiribati yesterday for isolate Taiwan diplomatically condition for dialogue that both record keeping began in the reach isolated communities Paris, it said. “standing on the right side of while ramping up its threat to use belong to a single China. It has 19th century, the agency said, outside the city affected by the Southern-summer fires history” during his first meeting force to annex the self-governing flown military aircraft near the leading to the city’s deadliest disaster. have devastated more than 8 with the Pacific island nation’s island republic. island and pared back Taiwan- million hectares of Australia’s leader since it severed ties with Speaking to Xi, Kiribati Pres- bound tourism to add pressure bushland and killed at least 24 Taiwan. ident Taneti Maamau reaffirmed on her government. 2 injured in Jakarta building collapse people and countless animals. Kiribati switched allegiances his administration’s commitment Taiwan has responded by Acrid, yellowish smoke has to Communist Party-ruled China to the “One China” principle and seeking to purchase arms from AFP — JAKARTA carrying people out on blanketed towns and cities, in September, leaving Taiwan expressed his “deepest respect” the US, including advanced stretchers. raising concern about public with just 15 allies as Beijing has for the Chinese government’s fighter jets. Despite the absence A five-storey building in Jakarta The structure is a mixed health. steadily siphoned them off sovereignty. of formal diplomatic ties, US law partly collapsed yesterday residential-commercial space Canberra health author- through billions of dollars in aid According to China’s official requires Washington to ensure morning, injuring at least two with a convenience store on the ities warned the city’s 400,000 since Taiwanese President Tsai Xinhua News Agency, Xi praised Taiwan has the means to defend people who were taken to ground floor and small rental residents to avoid outside Ing-wen took office in 2016. Maamau’s strategic vision and itself. hospital, authorities said. units on the upper floors. physical activity. Many busi- Tsai is favoured to win a political boldness, as demon- Last month, less than two TV images showed about “The upper floors of the nesses and government second term in this Saturday’s strated by his “standing on the weeks before this weekend’s half the building on Jakarta’s building were empty, while the departments, including the election, an outcome that would right side of history.” presidential and legislative elec- western side had caved in with second floor was a warehouse Department of Home Affairs, likely intensify China’s economic, China claims Taiwan as part tions, Taiwan’s legislature passed concrete and other debris lying and a place for employees to ordered non-essential staff to diplomatic and military pressure of its territory and wants the a law aimed at blocking political on the road. rest,” West Jakarta police chief stay home, media reported. over her refusal to accept its island to reunite with the interference from China. Rescue officials were seen Audie Latuheru told reporters. Fire-hit Australia gets $1.4bn recovery fund as troops deployed AFP — SYDNEY Prime Minister Scott Mor- of reserves, military teams were state Gladys Berejiklian said on rison, whose government has deployed across eastern Aus- Monday. Reserve troops fanned out been criticised for its slow tralia to help emergency Almost five million hectares across fire-ravaged regions in response to the emergency, services assess the damage, (50,000 square kilometres) three Australian states pledged Aus$bn ($1.4bn) of tax- restore power and deliver sup- have been razed across New yesterday after a horror payer money for a national plies of food, water and fuel to South Wales and more than 1.2 weekend, as the government recovery fund. cut-off communities. million hectares in Victoria pledged $1.4bn over two years “It’s a long road ahead and For the first time in Aus- since late September, officials to help recover from the devas- we will be with these commu- tralian history the government said. That took the total amount tating months-long crisis. nities every step of the way as also deployed its medical of land burnt close to eight Catastrophic bushfires have they rebuild,” Morrison said. assistance team — normally million hectares — around the turned swathes of land into Firefighters joined by fresh sent to other nations to lend size of the island of Ireland or smouldering, blackened hells- teams from the US and Canada support in the aftermath of their South Carolina. capes and destroyed an area were taking advantage of rainy disasters — to help evacuees. Twenty-four people have about the size of the island of and cooler conditions to tackle “There is no room for com- lost their lives so far, with over Ireland, according to official out-of-control blazes ahead of placency, especially as we have 1,800 homes damaged. figures, with authorities rising temperatures forecast over 130 fires burning across Two people are missing in A Royal Australian Navy MRH-90 helicopter crew member observes warning the disaster still has later this week. (New South Wales) state still,” New South Wales, the nation’s the fires on approach to Cann River in Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. weeks or months to run. In the biggest-ever call up Premier of New South Wales most populous state. TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2020 EUROPE 15 Croatia’s former premier Knifeman attack: German police wins presidential polls doubt terror link AFP — ZAGREB Milanovic took 52.7% AFP — BERLIN

Leftist former prime minister votes while the German police yesterday said Zoran Milanovic, who has incumbent President, they had found no indication pledged to make Croatia a Kolinda Grabar- yet that a knife-wielding tolerant country turning the Turkish man shot dead after page on its wartime past, won Kitarovic, polled trying to attack officers had a Sunday’s presidential run-off 47.3% votes. terrorist motive, adding that vote, defeating the incumbent he had psychological conservative leader. problems. Milanovic took 52.7 represent the country. The 37-year-old struck a percent of the vote while Pres- Milanovic, a Social Democratic, parked patrol car with a bat in ident Kolinda Grabar- called such statements “very the city of Gelsenkirchen on Kitarovic, who had tried to dangerous”, and advocated for Sunday and threatened two unite a fractured right-wing, a “normal Croatia” as a liberal officers standing by the vehicle garnered 47.3 percent, democracy which promotes with a knife, local police said according to results based on equality for all citizens. in a statement. vote count at nearly all polling “Four million of us... are One of the officers fired his stations released by the elec- looking for our place in Europe gun four times, killing the Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party of Croatia, Zoran Milanovic, speaks while being toral commission. which is, despite all the assailant. flanked by his wife Sanja Music Milanovic (left), after winning presidential election, in Zagreb. The second-round election problems, the nicest place to While police so far cannot was held just days after Croatia live, the most peaceful project definitively rule out an took over the European Union’s in which Croatia must find its presidential election’s first part to the split among the hardliners within the HDZ over extremist link, a search of the helm for a six-month period, place and interest,” Milanovic round in December. right-wingers. his moderate policies. man’s home has “not con- which will be dominated by told supporters in Zagreb after She stressed unity, patri- The election was viewed as Grabar-Kitarovic presented firmed initial suspicions of a Brexit and the bloc’s his victory. otism and references to the a key test for the ruling HDZ herself as the “woman of the terrorist motive”. enlargement. “Let’s be united in (our) dif- 1990s war in her re-election party of moderate Prime Min- people” with humble farming Investigators also have At the same time, the EU’s ferences,” the 53-year-old said. bid. ister Andrej Plenkovic ahead roots, and is well known for evidence that the attacker suf- newest member is struggling In the campaign Milanovic Conceding defeat on Sunday of parliamentary elections later stunts such as singing in public fered from “a psychological with a mass exodus of its stressed that the “wars are evening, Grabar-Kitarovic this year and Grabar-Kitar- which her critics deride as illness” and was known to people, corruption and a lack- over”, referring to Croatia’s promised a “civilised transfer” ovic’s loss was seen as a heavy embarrassing. police for previous acts of vio- lustre economy at home. 1990s independence war that of power to Milanovic. blow. Milanovic, premier from lence including against law Grabar-Kitarovic cam- remains an emotive issue. She stressed that “Croatia “It will weaken the (HDZ) 2011 until 2016 whose gov- enforcement officials. paigned on a slogan promoting Grabar-Kitarovic, 51, the needs stability” and unity as “we party” and harms Plenkovic’s ernment failed to push through The inquiry is ongoing, the “real Croatia”, hinting she country’s first female president, are the strongest when we are reputation, political analyst much-needed reforms, will now statement added. believes the ruling conservative had tried but failed to lure back together.” Analysts say that Tihomir Cipek said. take office during Croatia’s EU Germany remains on alert HDZ party that backed her was hardliners who had voted for a Milanovic, who dominated in The prime minister is also presidency. The Adriatic following a series of terror the only one who can truly nationalist folk singer in the the cities, also won thanks in facing the discontent of country joined the EU in 2013. attacks, the deadliest of which was a truck rampage at a Berlin Christmas market in 2016 that killed 12 people. Race starts to replace UK Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn Dozens of suspects have been arrested or charged over AFP — LONDON Johnson a landslide victory. party’s Brexit spokesman; several books on Labour and its towards a more centrist course alleged terror plots in recent The party’s National Exec- foreign affairs spokeswoman leaders. “The party will have to or sticks with his socialist years. Britain’s Labour Party yesterday utive Committee (NEC) met to Emily Thornberry; shadow do something quite funda- agenda. began the formal contest to thrash out a timetable and pro- finance minister Clive Lewis; mental and the first important Corbyn unexpectedly won replace its leader, with centrists cedures for the leadership and backbenchers Lisa Nandy thing is to get a decent leader,” a longshot leadership bid in Germany charges set to battle left-wingers in a contest — its fourth since and Jess Phillips. he added. Under current rules, 2015 amid a flood of new fight for its ideological soul. Labour last held power in 2010. They are likely to face off in contenders need the backing of members, and set about Syrian accused Veteran socialist Jeremy Nominations open today a highly-charged contest 21 Labour MPs as well as at least remaking Labour with an Corbyn announced he would and close in a week. Voting will against Corbyn loyalists five percent of local constit- agenda of nationalisations and of IS links step down following last take place from February 21 to Rebecca Long Bailey, and party uency parties or three affiliated higher taxes for big earners. month’s crushing defeat to April 2, with the winner chairman Ian Lavery, a former bodies, such as trade unions. He also instituted internal AP — BERLIN Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announced two days later. trade union leader. A separate election for reforms widely seen as trying Conservatives. An unofficial campaign has Both have signalled their deputy leader is being held at to cement left-wingers’ control German prosecutors have Labour, a traditionally been under way for weeks, with intent to stand. the same time. of the party, installing loyalists filed terror charges against a centre-left party, had moved several so-called moderate can- “They could hardly fail to be The battle to succeed on the ruling NEC. Syrian man accused of further left under Corbyn, and didates already declared. an improvement on Corbyn,” Corbyn is seen as a critical But his hardline policies commanding a unit of Islamic haemorrhaged support across They include the early said historian Kenneth O moment for the party to have twice failed to win a State group fighters in his its former heartlands to hand favourite Keir Starmer, the Morgan, who has written determine whether it steers majority at the ballot box. homeland. Prosecutors in Frankfurt said yesterday that the 33-year-old, whose name ‘Win a Picasso’ charity draw Driver in deadly Alpine they didn’t release, was charged with membership in postponed until March crash ‘suicidal’: Media a foreign terrorist group and AFP — ROME violating weapons laws. AFP — PARIS one-in-200,000 chance of They said that the suspect winning the canvass of a A drunk driver who smashed into a group of entered Germany in June 2015 A charity raffle for a Picasso stylised glass and a newspaper German tourists, leaving six people dead and 11 and was initially granted painting worth more than ¤1m Picasso created in 1921. injured in an Italian Alpine village has been refugee status, which was ($1.1m) has been postponed The painting comes from admitted for psychiatric care, Italian media revoked in June last year. until March, the organisers said the billionaire Lebanese-born reported yesterday. He was arrested in the yesterday. collector David Nahmad, who Prosecutors said the 27-year-old man was central city of Kassel in The winner of the still-life has one of the biggest private suicidal after realising what he had done fol- November 2018 and has been by the Spanish master was collections of Picassos in the lowing Sunday’s crash in the northern Italian in custody since then. meant to be drawn in Paris yes- world. He will get ¤1m from the village of Lutago, the daily Corriere della Sera The man was a member terday, but the organisers said draw with the rest going to the newspaper reported. of IS from 2013 to 2015 and not enough ¤100 tickets had charity. The accident happened just after the group allegedly commanded a unit so far been sold. Picasso Museum director of German tourists had got off a shuttle bus taking of at least 20 men, prose- “The goal is to raise the Laurent Le Bon said the them back to their hotel in the early hours of cutors said in a statement. maximum amount of money painting comes from a period Sunday morning. He also is alleged to have possible” to finance clean water when Picasso “synthesised the Witnesses said the car was travelling so fast been the commander of one projects for the charity CARE realist and cubist currents” of that the force of the impact threw some of the or two city districts in Raqqa in Africa, said the organisers in his work. victims several yards into the air. for at least part of the time. a statement. It is a painting “that makes The prosecutor’s office said the driver had Prosecutors said the man “The postponement has people think and dream”, he between 1.9 and 2.0 grammes of alcohol per litre is also accused of capturing been approved by the Paris said. A 25-year-old Pittsburgh in his blood — about four times the legal two men and holding them as Candles and notes are pictured at the site of the police and will now take place fire safety official, Jeffrey maximum. Police said the driver, a local man hostages before handing them accident in South Tyrol, Italy, yesterday. before the end of March,” they Gonano, won Picasso’s “Man who lived in Chiennes, about 30 kilometres away, over to a high-ranking IS added. with Opera Hat” the last time a had been charged with manslaughter. commander. Anyone buying a ticket in similar draw was organised six The dead were three men and three women, ously injured people were being treated at Inns- It is not known what hap- the international draw had a years ago. emergency services said. Two of the most seri- bruck hospital over the border in Austria. pened to the men. Indonesian student jailed for life in UK

AFP — LONDON and eight attempted rapes, at thinking this monster was a four separate trials, according Good Samaritan. An Indonesian student in Britain to the Crown Prosecution “But once back at his flat he was jailed for life yesterday for Service. used victims as objects purely a catalogue of sex offences. The first trial began in June for his own gratification — then Manchester Crown Court in 2018. The last ended last appears to have derived further northwest England was told December. None could be twisted pleasure from re- Reynhard Sinaga may have reported until restrictions watching his films in court and attacked as many as 195 men, imposed to avoid prejudicing putting victims through the luring them into his flat with the juries were lifted yesterday. trauma of giving evidence.” offer of a place to stay. The CPS said Sinaga was Sinaga, a slightly built, young- The 36-year-old from Indo- suspected of attacking “scores” looking doctorate student, had nesia’s Jambi province is thought more men since he moved to claimed his victims were acting to have used sedatives to render Britain in 2007, calling him “the out his sexual fantasy to play his victims unconscious before worst-known sex offender in the dead during intercourse. filming the attacks. Most knew country’s history”. But four trial juries rejected nothing about the assaults. He The deputy chief crown his defence and a character tes- was caught only when one prosecutor for northwest timony from a local church he victim woke up. England, Ian Rushton, said: “His had attended in Manchester. “One of your victims extreme sense of sexual enti- He was arrested in 2017 described you as a monster,” tlement almost defies belief and after the victim who woke up Judge Suzanne Goddard said. he would no doubt still be managed to snatch his mobile “The scale and enormity of your adding to his staggering tally phone and took it to police. offending confirms this as an had he not been caught. The CPS said detectives dis- accurate description.” She rec- “Sinaga’s unthreatening covered 3.29 terabytes of German farmers protest ommended he serve at least 30 demeanour duped these young graphic material of the sexual Tractors are parked on a field as German farmers stage demonstration outside “Kloster Seeon” where years behind bars. men — many of whom thanked assaults equivalent to 250 DVDs a Christian Social Union (CSU) party meeting was held in Seeon, Germany, yesterday. Sinaga was convicted of 159 him for his kindness in offering or 300,000 photos. One of the offences, including 136 rapes them a place to stay — into assaults lasted for eight hours. 16 EUROPE TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2020

Armenian man Merkel, Putin to hold held for ‘false talks on Mideast information’ over Iran general crisis on Saturday YEREVAN AFP — AP — BERLIN Germany and Russia An Armenian man has been German Chancellor Angela are among the powers arrested for releasing “false Merkel will travel to Moscow on that have been trying information” on Facebook Saturday to meet with Russian claiming the country’s prime President Vladimir Putin amid to salvage the 2015 minister had congratulated growing tensions in the Middle nuclear deal with Iran Donald Trump for killing Iran’s East and elsewhere, officials top general, the security said yesterday. after the US withdrew service said yesterday. Merkel and Putin will from the agreement. “On January 2, the discuss “current international Facebook page ‘Diana Aruty- questions,” said Steffen Seibert, unyan’ published information the chancellor’s spokesman. Merkel has already spoken according to which Prime Min- Those will include Syria, with Turkish President Recep ister Nikol Pashinyan congrat- Libya, Iran, Iraq, Ukraine and Tayyip Erdogan on Monday ulated the United States for its bilateral ties. about the situation in the Middle actions against a senior Iranian “Russia is an important East, Seibert said. military official,” Armenia’s player on the world stage and Germany has offered to SNB security service said in a as a permanent member of the mediate between all parties fol- statement. An August 18, 2018 file picture shows German Chancellor Angela Merkel (left) and Russian President (UN) Security Council it’s also lowing the killing of Iranian This “false information” Vladimir Putin chatting after a meeting at Schloss Meseberg Palace in Meseberg, Germany. indispensable when it comes to Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a US was picked up by Azerbaijani solving political conflicts,” air strike in Iraq last week. and Iranian media, causing Seibert said. Germany is cur- Foreign Minister Heiko planned “soon.” Germany may that suggested Berlin con- Hormuz and the US Embassy in “major damage to the national rently a non-permanent Maas, who will accompany struggle to portray itself as an sidered Soleimani’s killing to be Baghdad. “We have always security interests of Armenia”, member of the Security Council. Merkel to Moscow, spent “all honest broker between Wash- justified. stressed, and perhaps this is an it said. Germany and Russia are weekend on the phone” with his ington and Tehran, however. Asked to elaborate about opportunity to do so once more, Pashinyan, who came to among the world powers that European and American coun- Iran summoned Germany’s Germany’s stance, Merkel’s that we see these regional activ- power after a 2018 revolution, have been trying to salvage the terparts, his spokesman Rainer charge d’affaires in Tehran to spokesman said that the killing ities by (Iran) in particular in a himself denied on his 2015 nuclear deal with Iran Breul told reporters. the foreign ministry on Sunday of Soleimani “was preceded by very critical way and that they Facebook page on Sunday that after the US withdrew from the He added that talks with the to express annoyance over Iranian actions,” citing attacks play a negative role in this he had congratulated Trump. agreement unilaterally in 2018. Iranian foreign minister were comments by German officials on tankers in the Strait of region,” Seibert said. He also urged the United States and Iran to exercise restraint while the foreign minister called his Iranian France enters crucial week of talks with unions on pensions counterpart to express condo- lences over the AP — PARIS speed trains running. assassination. Yet the Paris metro was still General Qassem Sole- French President Emmanuel severely disrupted, with most imani, Iran’s top military com- Macron is preparing to launch of lines open only for a limited mander, died in a US drone a crucial week of negotiations amount of time and several sta- attack at Baghdad airport on with labour unions amid tions closed. Friday, raising tensions in the nationwide protests and In his televised New Year’s Middle East. transport strikes against the address, Macron vowed to carry “Diana Arutyunyan” is the government’s plans to overhaul out the overhaul of the pension pseudonym for a man whose the pension system. system but called on his gov- identity has not been revealed. French Finance Minister ernment to find a “quick com- In a video released with Bruno Le Maire told France promise” with unions. the SNB statement, the man Inter radio that “a compromise Macron wants to unify explained that he had created has never been so close,” as France’s 42 different pension the Facebook page in 2018 to talks between the prime min- schemes, some of which grant “write political publications” ister and worker unions are to early retirement, into a single and admitted being the author resume Tuesday. one. of the article in question. Macron held a Cabinet Plans include raising the eli- “I did it because I have meeting yesterday ahead of the gibility age for full pensions political opinions and I believe talks. from 62 to 64, the most criti- that it is unjust to keep Robert The government is “not cized measure. Kocharyan in prison,” he said inflexible,” Le Maire said, sug- Macron says the new system in the video, referring to the gesting there is room for nego- will be fairer and financially former president who is being tiation including on the sustainable. held for a “breach of constitu- financing of the pension system. Unions fear it will make tional order”. Landlocked Commuters wait to take a train at Gare de Lyon train station in Paris, yesterday, as a strike by all unions Several unions called for people work longer for lower Armenia has strained relations of the Paris transport network (RATP) and French SNCF workers entered its 33rd consecutive day. nationwide protests on pensions. with neighbours Azerbaijan Thursday and Saturday. The Recent polls show a and Turkey. Maintaining hard-left union CGT union also country’s oil depots and refin- The national rail company, improving yesterday across the majority of French people still strong ties with Iran is called for workers to disrupt the eries later this week. SNCF, said train traffic was country, with 8 out of 10 high- support the protest movement. therefore crucial for Yerevan. Three arrested UK protesters rally against over Bulgarian teen’s conviction in Cyprus fan’s death in AFP — LONDON people in Cyprus,” she said. “This is why we are calling on Greece Dozens of people demonstrated the government to intervene.” in London yesterday to call on The convicted teenager, AP — THESSALONIKI, GREECE the government to help a young whose identity has not been British woman convicted in released, says she was forced Three people were arrested on Cyprus of fabricating assault to withdraw her complaint suspicion of involvement in charges against Israeli tourists. under pressure from the Cypriot the killing of a Bulgarian The 19-year-old was con- police. football fan during an attack victed by a court in Cyprus in The accused Israelis were by PAOK Thessaloniki late December of lying about then released while she was supporters, Greek police said being attacked by 12 young charged and later convicted of yesterday. Israeli tourists at a hotel in the “public mischief”. A police statement said resort town of Ayia Napa in July. Some 60 protesters, most of that two Greek men, one She is due to be sentenced them women, gathered in front 26-year-old and the other today, amid concern about of the Cyprus High Commission 24-year-old, were taken into whether she was forced to before marching towards custody late on Sunday and retract her allegations under Downing Street and Parliament were accused of participation police pressure and the fairness Square. in the attack a few hours of her trial. They held signs reading “We Demonstrators hold placards in support of a British teenager convicted of lying about being assaulted earlier. “She is being punished for believe her” and “Boycott by Israeli tourists in Cyprus, as they protest in London, yesterday. A 26-year-old Greek something awful that happened Cyprus”. “I want to send a woman was also arrested on to her,” said Lucy Nevitt, rally message to the Cyprus author- suspicion of having run over organiser and co-founder of ities that I would like them to Kirsty Oliver, 49. “It’s a really prison and a fine of ¤1,700 said, according to The Sun. the fallen victim with her car The Gemini Project, which sup- carry out a proper investigation, tragic case of violation of ($1,900). She urged Prime Min- Britain’s Foreign Office said and having abandoned the ports victims of sexual assault. to apologise to the young lady human rights,” added Ella ister Boris Johnson on Friday to last week it was “seriously con- scene, an incident police “We have seen this happen for not allowing her access to Benami, a filmmaker. The intervene. “Time is running out cerned” about whether she had believe was not linked with the too often, it happened to other her full rights,” said accountant teenager faces up to a year in for me. Please, please help,” she received a fair trial. earlier attack. It was still unclear if the 28-year-old Botev Plovdiv fan was already dead when he was France to strip special pension from writer being probed for assault run over by the car. Another two Bulgarian AFP — PARIS hardship fund from the National The French film estab- recommended to the minister publication, Riester turned on men were injured in the attack Books Centre (CNL) for elderly lishment has been rocked by that the grant now be with- Matzneff, saying “having a lit- by more than a dozen PAOK France’s culture minister said writers in financial straits. assault accusations against drawn. Police opened a formal erary aura is not a guarantee of fans. yesterday that a writer accused In a statement, he said the directors Roman Polanski and investigation into Matzneff last impunity”. Botev Plovdiv supporters of assaulting children should be author should not be granted Luc Besson, while star Adele week after leading publisher MP Aurore Berge, from are linked with Thessaloniki- stripped of a special state the annual allowance if he Haenel said she was harassed Vanessa Springora described President Emmanuel Macron’s based team Aris — PAOK’s pension. applies for it again. by the director of her first film her tortured relationship with ruling LREM party, said French biggest rival in the city. Award-winning essayist Matzneff is reported to have when she was 12. writer in a book called society had to work to do, On Saturday, the three had Gabriel Matzneff is being inves- received around ¤8,000 All three men deny the “Consent”. having looked the other way for attended the Aris-PAOK derby tigated by French police after ($8,900) from the fund last claims. The head of the CNL, Prosecutors said their years on sex crimes. in which Aris beat league- the publication of a book year, and up to ¤160,000 since Vincent Monade, said it had inquiry would focus on “rapes “Raping a child of 12 is still leading PAOK 4-2. detailing his relationship with 2002, according to a French resisted Matzneff being committed against a minor” a crime whether it was com- Police said that the three a girl of 14 over three decades Sunday newspaper, Journal du awarded the allowance when aged under 15. mitted in 1968 or 2019,” she said Bulgarians were among a ago. Dimanche. he first applied for it, but bowed Matzneff has denied any in an article published at the group of people suddenly Matzneff, 83, won the pres- The case has again shone a to the request under pressure wrongdoing. He claimed her weekend. “To deny that attacked by the PAOK fans. tigious Renaudot prize in 2013. light on what many see as an from politicians and other book tried to portray him as “a children in the 1970s were The others were able to run Culture minister Franck overly permissive attitude famous authors who lobbied for pervert, a manipulator and a victims is to try to wipe away away. Authorities are investi- Riester said Matzneff should be towards sexual harassment and him. predator”. the crimes and the trauma that gating the incident. deprived of cash from a assaults in France. He said they had Ahead of the book’s they caused,” she added. TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2020 AMERICAS 17 Call to declassify reason for US attack on Soleimani

AP — WASHINGTON The airstrike had prompts serious and urgent “endangered our questions about the timing, President Donald Trump insists manner and justification of the that Iranian cultural sites are fair service-members, Administration’s decision to game for the US military, diplomats and others engage in hostilities against dismissing concerns within his Iran.” own administration that doing by risking a serious Iran has vowed to retaliate so could constitute a war crime escalation of tensions for Trump’s targeted killing of under international law. He also Soleimani, the head of Iran’s warned Iraq that he would levy with Iran: Nancy Pelosi elite Quds force. It has sparked punishing sanctions if it expelled outrage in the Middle East, American troops in retaliation 48-hour deadline required by including in Iraq. for a US airstrike in Baghdad the War Powers Act to notify Iraq’s parliament voted on that killed a top Iranian official. Congress after the deadly drone Sunday in favour of a non- But Congress is pushing strike, though the document was binding resolution calling for the back, in what’s expected to be a classified and no public version expulsion of the American pivotal week as lawmakers was released. forces. return from a holiday recess. In their letter to Trump, Trump first raised the Members of Progressive Democrats of America holding a rally to urge action to “impeach” US President Yesterday, two top Senate Dem- Senate Minority Leader Chuck prospect of targeting Iranian Trump outside the Hart Senate office building, in Washington, DC, yesterday. ocrats called on Trump to imme- and the Senate Foreign Relation cultural sites on Saturday in a diately declassify the adminis- Committee’s Sen Robert tweet. Speaking with reporters tration’s reasoning for the strike Menendez said the White Sunday as he flew back to on the Iranian official, Gen House’s classified notification Washington from his holiday in Lawmakers to vote on curbing Trump war powers Qassem Soleimani, saying there sent to Congress late Saturday Florida, he refused to back AFP — WASHINGTON no further congressional action including Pelosi, and have is “no legitimate justification” for under the War Powers Act was down, despite international is taken, the administration’s insisted that only Congress can keeping the information from insufficient and inappropriate. prohibitions. US lawmakers will vote in military hostilities with regard declare war. the public. “It is critical that national “They’re allowed to kill our coming days on a war powers to Iran cease within 30 days.” “As members of Congress, In a letter to House Demo- security matters of such import people. They’re allowed to resolution aimed at putting a Trump last week ordered our first responsibility is to keep crats, Speaker Nancy Pelosi be shared with the American torture and maim our people. check on President Donald the shock killing of Qasem Sole- the American people safe,” called the airstrike “provocative people in a timely manner, they They’re allowed to use Trump’s military actions after imani, the head of Iran’s elite Pelosi said in her letter. and disproportionate” and said wrote. “An entirely classified roadside bombs and blow up he ordered the killing of top Quds Force and one of the “For this reason, we are it had “endangered our service- notification is simply not appro- our people. And we’re not Iranian general, a senior country’s most influential concerned that the adminis- members, diplomats and others priate in a democratic society.” allowed to touch their cultural Democrat said. leaders, who was slain Friday tration took this action without by risking a serious escalation They asked that the notification sites? It doesn’t work that House Speaker Nancy in a US drone strike in Baghdad. the consultation of Congress of tensions with Iran.” A similar be declassified “in full.” way,” Trump said. Pelosi announced the plan to Pelosi said the move put US and without respect for Con- resolution was introduced in the White House counselor Kel- On Iraq, Trump said the US introduce and vote on the res- troops and civilians in danger gress’s war powers granted to Senate. lyanne Conway, speaking yes- wouldn’t leave Iraq without olution “to limit the president’s by “risking a serious escalation it by the Constitution.” Congress, which has the sole terday on “Fox & Friends,” dis- being paid for its military invest- military actions regarding Iran,” of tensions with Iran.” Pelosi said the resolution power to declare war, has com- missed the letter as a “partisan ments there over the years — in a letter to colleagues. Democrats have com- will be introduced by Elissa plained that Trump did not action.” then said if the troops do have The measure, she explained, plained that Trump took the Slotkin, a member of Congress provide advance notice of his Pelosi said the notification to withdraw, he would hit “reasserts Congress’s long- action without first consulting from Michigan and a former airstrike on Soleimani in “raises more questions than it Baghdad with economic established oversight respon- with the so-called Gang of Eight CIA analyst who served three Baghdad. Trump did meet the answers. This document penalties. sibilities by mandating that if top lawmakers in Congress, tours in Iraq. Investigator says Homeland Security to share teen admits to shooting sheriff citizenship data with Census AP — ORLANDO the question was being added AP — HAYNEVILLE to aid in enforcement of the The Department of Homeland Voting Rights Act, which pro- A teenager admitted to fatally Security is agreeing to share tects minority voters’ access to shooting an Alabama sheriff citizenship information with the ballot box. But Chief Justice who was attempting to the US Census Bureau as part John Roberts joined the court’s disperse loiterers at a gas of President Donald Trump’s four more liberal members in station, a state investigator order to collect data on who is saying the administration’s testified yesterday. a citizen following the Supreme current justification for the Lt. Shawn Loughridge of Court’s rejection of a citi- question “seems to have been the State Bureau of Investi- zenship question on the 2020 contrived.” gation testified in a prelim- Census form. Opponents of the citi- inary hearing that 18-year-old Trump’s order is being zenship question had argued it William Chase Johnson challenged in federal court, but would scare off immigrants, admitted after being arrested meanwhile, the Department of Hispanics and others from par- that he shot Lowndes County Homeland Security two weeks ticipating in the once-a-decade Sheriff John Williams Sr. ago announced the agreement head count. The 2020 Census Johnson is charged with in a report. It said the agency will help determine how many capital murder in the sheriff’s would share administrative congressional seats each state death. records to help the Census gets as well as the distribution Store security video Bureau determine the number of $1.5 trillion in federal funds. Democratic US presidential candidate Senator Elizabeth Warren during a town hall event in Davenport, showed the sheriff arriving at of citizens and non-citizens in As part of the order, the US Iowa, yesterday. a gas station and attempting the US, as well as the number Census Bureau has asked state to disperse a noisy crowd that of illegal immigrants. drivers’ license bureaus for was blocking gas pumps, the Information that will be records, but so far only Nebraska investigator said. The sheriff Julian Castro endorses Warren for President shared includes personally- has agreed to cooperate. was shot after approaching REUTERS — WASHINGTON He could become a high-profile to supporters that he had identifiable data, the Homeland Gathering the citizenship Johnson’s black Silverado campaigner on Warren’s behalf “determined that it simply isn’t Security document said. data would give the states the truck, Loughridge testified. Democratic presidential as the contest moves on to our time.” Federal law prohibits the option to design state and leg- “You see the sheriff fall to candidate Elizabeth Warren states such as Nevada, the first Though Warren, 70, Census Bureau from releasing islative districts using voter-age the ground,”he testified. won the backing of former rival with a sizable bloc of Hispanic remains in the top tier of con- personally identifiable data, citizen numbers instead of the The sheriff was shot once Julian Castro, putting the only voters. tenders, she trails former vice- and the bureau says in its fact- total population, Trump said in in face, with the bullet entering Latino candidate in a once “Elizabeth and I share a president Joe Biden and fellow sheet on privacy, “Your the order. Opponents fear that between his lip and chin, the historically diverse 2020 pres- vision of America where eve- US Senator Bernie Sanders of answers can only be used to would make legislative districts investigator said. idential field in her corner just ryone counts. An America Vermont in national opinion produce statistics - they cannot more Republican-leaning and Williams was shot and weeks ahead of the first nomi- where people — not the wealthy polls. Her fundraising also be used against you in any less diverse. killed on November 23 in the nating contest. or well-connected — are put dipped in the final quarter of way.” “Whether that approach is county where he served as Castro last week became first. I’m proud to join her in the 2019, when she brought in mil- Trump ordered the Census permissible will be resolved sheriff. the latest Democratic candidate fight for big, structural change,” lions less than Sanders and Pete Bureau to collect citizenship when a state actually proposes During the brief hearing, to end a White House bid. There Castro wrote on Twitter. Buttigieg, the former mayor of information through adminis- a districting plan based on the defense lawyers appeared to are now 14 candidates vying to Castro, 45, will make his South Bend, Indiana. trative records from federal voter-eligible population,” raise the possibility that take on President Donald debut with Warren at an event In a video, Castro posted agencies and the 50 states after Trump’s order said. Johnson did not know Wil- Trump in November 2020. in Brooklyn, New York today. along with his endorsement the Supreme Court ruled “But because eligibility to liams was sheriff. Castro’s endorsement of When Castro left the 2020 announcement, he and Warren against his administration last vote depends in part on citi- District Judge Adrian Warren comes as the US race, the former mayor of San discuss the 2020 race over tea summer by deciding that a cit- zenship, states could more Johnson ruled there was senator from Massachusetts is Antonio, Texas, and former in her kitchen. “You did so izenship question wouldn’t be effectively exercise this option enough evidence to send the entering the final critical weeks Housing Department chief many things in this campaign, allowed on this spring’s 2020 with a more accurate and com- case to grand jury. He denied before the nominating contests during the Obama adminis- and it continues to matter,” Census questionnaire. plete count of the citizen a defence request for bond. kick off on February 3 in Iowa. tration said in a video message Warren told him. The administration had said population.” Peru traffic accident leaves John Bolton ready to testify in impeachment trial 14 people dead, 40 injured AFP — WASHINGTON using military aid and other his subpoena and testimony is incentives as leverage to get not a given. AFP — LIMA Former White House national Ukraine to investigate his Republicans hold a 53-47 security advisor John Bolton political rivals, notably possible majority in the Senate and most At least 14 people were killed and 40 others injured after a bus (pictured) said yesterday that 2020 White House opponent are expected to support Trump crashed into parked cars in the south of Peru, police said yesterday. he is willing to testify if Joe Biden. in the trial. The accident happened early yesterday on the main coastal subpoenaed in the Senate The White House claimed Issuing a subpoena would highway used by many tour bus companies and linking the capital impeachment trial of President executive privilege to prevent the require majority support from Lima with Arequipa in the south. Donald Trump. four — Bolton, White House Chief the senators, meaning several Police and firefighters took the injured to hospitals in Arequipa Democrats believe Bolton of Staff Mick Mulvaney, Trump Republicans would have to and Nazca, two cities that attract large numbers of tourists. has direct knowledge sup- assistant Robert Blair, and budget cross over and join Democrats “We’re working at the accident site” in the Arequipa region, porting charges of abuse of official Michael Duffey — from to vote in favour. said traffic police colonel Erlyn Silva. power and obstruction by the testifying to the House Bolton also noted that the “It’s possible it was provoked by speeding.” president. But so far Republican impeachment investigation. constitutional issue of Trump’s The bus had left Lima and was heading to Arequipa, a journey Senate chief Mitch McConnell subpoena for my testimony, I If forced to testify in the ability to block his testimony of around 16 hours. has indicated he does not want am prepared to testify.” Senate trial, Republicans fear was not resolved in court before Deadly traffic accidents are frequent in Peru, particularly to call witnesses in the trial, Bolton is one of four Trump they could provide deeply dam- the House voted to impeach during the rainy season at this time of year, but also due to poor expected this month. administration officials that aging evidence against Trump, Trump on December 18. road surfaces, insufficient signage and a lack of control by “Based on careful consider- Democrats want to testify in the raising the risk that he will be Even without a court ruling authorities. ation and study,” Bolton said in trial, expected this month. convicted and removed from on the issue, suggested Bolton, In 2019, at least 1,123 people died in traffic accidents in Peru, a statement, “I have concluded The House of Representa- office. he would be ready to come the interior ministry said. that, if the Senate issues a tives has accused Trump of Bolton’s willingness aside, forward. 18 AMERICAS TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2020 Guaido, rival both claim to be Parliament Speaker

AFP — CARACAS

Opposition leader Juan Guaido and a rival lawmaker, Luis Parra, both claimed to be Vene- zuela’s parliament speaker yesterday following two separate votes and accusations of a “parliamentary coup.” Guaido was re-elected speaker by opposition law- makers in a session held at a newspaper office after police blocked him from entering the National Assembly legislature. In his absence, corruption- Venezuela’s opposition lawmaker Luis Parra (centre) with the new first and second vice-president of tainted Parra proclaimed the National Assembly, Franklyn Duarte (right) and Jose Gregorio Goyo Noriega, respectively, after himself speaker after claiming swearing in as Parliament Speaker, at the National Assembly in Caracas, yesterday. LEFT: Venezuelan to have been elected with 81 opposition leader and self-proclaimed acting President Juan Guaido (centre) delivers a speech after votes in the 167-member being re-elected Venezuela’s Parliament Speaker during a parliamentary session with allied lawmakers chamber. at the offices of the El Nacional newspaper, yesterday Guaido, who a year ago declared himself acting pres- President Maduro it as “a farce.” The National Assembly has ident in a direct challenge to the gave his backing to Ahead of Parra’s self-proc- 167 seats, 112 of which are in authority of socialist leader lamation, opposition deputy opposition hands. Nicolas Maduro, received the Luis Parra as the new Jose Brito spoke to journalists, On Twitter, the National votes of around 100 lawmakers, Speaker, adding that addressing Guaido: “You could Assembly descried Parra’s including several forced last have been the future — now you claims as “a violation of the year into exile or to take shelter “Guaido was kicked are and will be the past.” constitution.” in foreign diplomatic missions National Assembly, the only himself head of the chamber by out of the National Both Parra and Brito fell out Brazil’s Foreign Minister due to a regime crackdown. government branch in oppo- megaphone were shown on with Guaido last year after Ernesto Araujo said his country The 36-year-old Guaido sition hands, on its Twitter state television channel VTV. Assembly by the being accused of corruption “does not recognise” Parra’s vowed to “enforce” the consti- account. After spending four hours votes of his own related to the over-pricing of claims. tution in his dual role as par- Guaido and around a dozen outside parliament, Guaido and opposition”. food imported for the Maduro Guaido sprang to promi- liament speaker and “acting lawmakers had been prevented allied lawmakers went to the regime. nence a year ago when he president.” from entering the assembly by offices of El Nacional news- In comments posted on the declared himself acting pres- But in a televised address, police claiming to be carrying paper where they held their Assembly for the last year and National Assembly Twitter ident — a move quickly sup- President Maduro gave his out a security operation, but own session. used that role to declare himself account, Guaido said several ported by more than 50 backing to Parra as the new deputies from Maduro’s party “This is unprecedented!” acting president on January 23, lawmakers were “brutally countries. speaker, adding that “Guaido and opposition ones that have Guaido told a member of the 2019 after parliament had beaten” by police. The National Assembly has was kicked out of the National rejected Guaido were allowed security forces with whom he branded Maduro a “usurper.” Parra told reporters 140 been effectively sidelined since Assembly by the votes of his in. had a heated exchange. “What Colombia’s foreign office lawmakers were present in the 2017, when the Supreme Court, own opposition.” Guaido, wearing a blue suit, operation? Who ordered it?” described Parra’s election as session and that his candidacy made up of Maduro loyalists, Venezuela’s opposition attempted to climb over the “Those who help to prevent “fraudulent, without trans- was approved with 81 votes. declared it in contempt. The earlier denounced Parra’s move railing around the National the legitimate installation of the parency or guarantees” and said But regime deputy, Pedro court has since annulled its as a “parliamentary coup.” Assembly premises to gain entry Venezuelan parliament are con- it wouldn’t recognise it. Carreno, said that the vote took every decision. “Without votes, nor a to its compound, only to be verting themselves into accom- US senator for Florida place with 150 deputies present Maduro has said he expects quorum PSUV (socialist party) pushed back by police with riot plices of the dictatorship,” Marco Rubio called it a “sham,” and that Parra received the to “regain the National deputies are trying to swear in shields. Guaido wrote on Twitter. while US State Department simple majority of 84 needed Assembly” in elections later this a false leadership,” said the Images of Parra declaring Guaido has led the National official Michael Kozak described to win. year.

Amazon's Fire TV US family attacked on stretch of Mexican highway crosses 40 million

AP — CIUDAD VICTORIA Ciudad Mier. among those wounded. On For years Ciudad Mier was abandoned the quaint colonial users globally One SUV of attackers passed Sunday, authorities listed the the uppermost edge of the Gulf town. Mexican authorities continued the family and then cut them off wounded as in stable cartel’s control and Nueva More recently, however, the REUTERS — SEATTLE searching for the gunmen causing them to collide and condition. Ciudad Guerrero was the limit Zetas’ splinter group known as responsible for an attack on a come to a halt. Gunmen then The family was returning for the Nuevo Laredo-based the Northeast cartel has been Amazon.com Inc said sparsely traveled stretch of opened fire, according to a to the US after spending the Zetas’. Between them sit unin- as far downriver as Mier, Miguel yesterday that its streaming highway near the Texas border statement from the state of holidays in the central Mexico habited scrub land. Aleman and Camargo, well into device, Fire TV, has surpassed that left a 13-year-old US citizen Tamaulipas security coordi- state of San Luis Potosi. What In 2010, after the Zetas split what was traditionally the Gulf 40 million active users dead and four relatives nating group. All of the remained unclear was why the from the Gulf cartel and estab- cartel’s territory. globally, maintaining its lead wounded. wounded came from one of the family was on such a dan- lished themselves as an Photographs from Saturday over rival Roku Inc. On Saturday night, a family family’s vehicles, both of which gerous stretch of highway after organized criminal power night’s crime scene showed the Roku in November said it traveling in two vehicles was had Oklahoma license plates. dark. through prominent displays of Northeast cartel’s Spanish ini- had 32.3 million active attacked on a two-lane highway The gunmen escaped in another The area where the attack graphic violence, Mier became tials — “CDN” — scrawled on accounts. paralleling the US-Mexico vehicle. occurred is contested by drug a battleground for the two the back window of one of the Streaming devices such as border in the township of A 10-year-old relative was cartels. cartels and most of its residents vehicles. Apple TV, Chromecast and Fire TV that bundle together content from different streaming platforms have US implements plan to gained popularity as more people shift away from cable TV. send Mexican asylum Amazon in 2014 launched its Fire TV stick, which features content from Netflix Inc and Hulu among others and casts seekers to Guatemala video directly to television. REUTERS — NEW YORK and critics have argued it does The newly disclosed figure not have the capacity to is up 8% from 37 million users Mexicans seeking asylum in the properly vet a significant the device recorded in United States could be sent to increase in cases. September. Guatemala under a bilateral Guatemalan President- agreement signed by the elect Alejandro Giammattei has Central American nation last said he will review the Milwaukee acid year, according to documents agreement. sent to US asylum officers in Acting Deputy US attack suspect recent days. Department of Homeland In a January 4 e-mail, field Security Secretary Ken said in fit for trial: Doctor office staff at the US Citizenship a tweet in September that Mex- and Immigration Services icans were being considered for AP — MILWAUKEE (USCIS) were told Mexican inclusion under the agreement. nationals will be included in the USCIS referred to Cuc- A 61-year-old Wisconsin man populations “amenable” to the cinelli’s tweet, and US Customs accused of throwing acid in a agreement with Guatemala. and Border Protection and Latino man’s face during a The agreement, brokered Mexico’s foreign ministry did racist attack is competent to last July between the adminis- not immediately respond to stand trial, according to a A house is seen collapsed on its foundation after an earthquake in Guanica, Puerto Rico, yesterday. tration of Republican President requests for comment. doctor’s report released to Donald Trump and the outgoing Unaccompanied minors court yesterday. Guatemalan government, allows cannot be sent to Guatemala Clifton Blackwell, who is US immigration officials to force under the agreement, which 5.8 magnitude quake rocks Puerto Rico white, is charged with first- migrants requesting asylum at currently applies only to degree reckless injury in a case the US-Mexican border to apply migrants from Honduras, El AP — SAN JUAN Power outages were 28, with quakes ranging in that’s being prosecuted as a for protection there. Salvador and Mexico who reported in some parts of magnitude from 4.7 to 5.1. Pre- hate crime. He’s accused in the Trump has made clamping entered the US after November A 5.8-magnitude quake hit Puerto Rico following the vious quakes of lesser magni- attack on Mahud Villalaz in down on unlawful migration a 19, 2019, according to the Puerto Rico before dawn quake, Angel Vazquez, emer- tudes in recent days have Milwaukee in November after top priority of his presidency guidance documents. Excep- yesterday, unleashing small gency management director for cracked homes and led to goods accusing him of being in the and a major theme of his 2020 tions are made only if the landslides, causing power the southern coastal city of falling off supermarket shelves. country illegally and invading re-election campaign. His migrants can establish that they outages and severely cracking Ponce, said. Victor Huerfano, director of the US. Villalaz suffered administration penned similar are “more likely than not” to be some homes. It was one of the “This is one of the strongest Puerto Rico’s Seismic Network, second-degree burns. deals with Honduras and El persecuted or tortured in Gua- strongest quakes yet to hit the quakes to date since it started said that shallow quakes were Blackwell said he wouldn’t Salvador last year. temala based on their race, US territory that has been shaking on December 28,” he occurring along three faults in contest the findings during a Democrats and pro- religion, nationality, mem- shaking for the past week. added. “It lasted a long time.” Puerto Rico’s southwest region: brief court appearance in Mil- migrant groups have opposed bership in a particular social There were no immediate Residents in southern Lajas Valley, Montalva Point waukee County District Court the move and contend asylum group or political opinion. reports of casualties. coastal towns began posting and the Guayanilla Canyon. He yesterday. Blackwell had pre- seekers will face danger in Numbers of Central The quake struck at 6:32am pictures of partially collapsed said the quakes overall come viously said he didn’t think an Guatemala, where the murder American migrants appre- (1032 GMT) just south of the homes and large boulders as the North American plate evaluation was needed. rate is five times that of the hended at the border fell sharply island at a relatively shallow blocking roads as officials urged and the Caribbean plate If he’s convicted on the United States, according to 2017 in the second part of 2019 after depth of 10km, according to the people to remain calm. squeezes Puerto Rico, and that reckless injury charge, data compiled by the World Mexico deployed National US Geological Service. There The flurry of quakes in it was unclear when they would Blackwell could face a sen- Bank. The country’s asylum Guard troops to stem the flow, was no tsunami threat, officials Puerto Rico’s southern region stop or if bigger quakes would tence of up to 25 years in office is tiny and thinly staffed under pressure from Trump. said. began the night of December occur. prison. TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2020 HOME 19 QU hosts appreciation ceremony to honour students and faculty THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Qatar University’s (QU) Foun- dation Program (FP), under the Deanship of General Studies, hosted an appreciation ceremony in collaboration with the QU Inclusion and Special Needs Support Center (ISNSC) where students with special needs and disabilities honoured faculty, student helpers, and peer trainers in order to high- light their dedication and efforts in facilitating their learning experience. The event, organised by FP Student Support Committee (FPSSC), aimed to promote inclusion and encourage students with special needs and disabilities to exercise their leadership skills by organising the event them- selves and communicating with FP faculty honoured at an appreciation ceremony by special needs students. relevant stakeholders. The lead organisers were 13 providing students with oppor- students with special needs and tunities to contribute to the QU disabilities. Having decided on the community, and the appreci- format of the event, small groups ation ceremony is one of them. of students were responsible for During the event, 17 teachers were honoured The integration of students with different tasks including arriving for their outstanding commitment and special needs and disabilities at a criteria for and selecting support for students with special needs and into the university community ‘bright star’ teachers, planning the is achieved by enhancing the presentations, creating the disabilities inside and outside the classroom. communication channels program, preparing a presen- In addition, certificates of attendance were among students, faculty and tation, setting up the venue and presented to students who participated in the management, to ensure a pos- meeting and greeting guests. itive university experience. The During the event, 17 teachers Special Needs Helper Training workshops, students with special needs felt were honoured for their out- while special needs student helpers who strongly about honoring their standing commitment and facilitated training workshops as peer trainers instructors and showcasing support for students with special their commitment and keenness needs and disabilities inside and were awarded certificates of recognition. on enhancing the success of all outside the classroom. In students.” addition, certificates of The number of special needs attendance were presented to hone students’ leadership skills. students to develop their skills students registered in courses students who participated in the The FPSSC also awarded cer- and achieve their full academic offered by FP has increased from Special Needs Helper Training tificates of recognition to the potential. This event creates 23 in 2015 to 68 students in 2019. workshops, while special needs students who organised the opportunities for students to The increase in the student student helpers who facilitated event. In closing the event, develop independence and self- number requires special accom- training workshops as peer selected students and faculty advocacy, and FP will continue modations like extra time and trainers were awarded certifi- members shared their thoughts, with collaborative projects with separate rooms, scribes and/or cates of recognition. reflections and words of ISNSC to assist students in their helpers, especially for To help students achieve their encouragement. university journey.” assessments. full academic potential, the lead Director of the FP Dr. Hezam Assistant Director for Accordingly, FP is working to of Special Needs team within Al Awah said, “FP is committed Student Affairs in the FP Hayat insure there are enough rooms FPSSC, Dr. Enita Barret, intro- to providing all students with El Samad, emphasized the goal and qualified invigilators are duced this initiative to promote necessary resources, in par- of this social event and said, available for proper assessment general student involvement and ticular, special needs and disa- “Foundation Program Student administration, while ISNSC pro- communities of learning and to bility students to enable Affairs Office is dedicated to vides the helpers.

CROSSWORD MALL ROYAL PLAZA

Munthiri Monchan (2D/Malayalam) 2:00pm; Spies In Disguise (2D/Amination) 2:00pm Thrissur Pooram (2D/Malayalam) 2:00, 8:45 & 11:30pm; Sab Kushal Mangal (2D/Hindi) 4:45pm; Frozen II (2D/Animation) 2:00pm; The Grudge (2D/Horror) 7:00pm; Norm Of The North Jumanji: The Next Level (2D/Action) 4:15 & 6:15pm; 3: King Sized Adventure (2D/Animation) 2:30pm; 6:30, 8:30 & 11:00pm Frozen II (2D/Animation) 4:15pm; Spies In Disguise Good Newwz (2D/Amination) 6:00pm; Cats (2D/Comedy) 7:45pm; The Grudge (2D/Horror) 5:45 & 9:00pm; Disturbing the Peace (2D/Horror) 9:45pm; Thrissur Pooram (2D/Malayalam) 11:15pm Good Newwz 3 (2D/Hindi) 9:00pm; Jumanji: The Next Level (2D/Action) 4:15 & 6:45pm; Good Newwz El Folous A.K.A The Money (2D/Arabic) 4:00pm 9:00 & 11:30pm; Driving License 11:30pm Spies In Disguise (2D/Amination) 2:15 & 4:00pm Driving License (2D/Malayalam) 7:30 & 10:00pm LANDMARK

Driving License (2D/Malayalam) 2:00, 7:30 & FLIK Mirqab Mall 10:00pm; Spies In Disguise (2D/Amination) 2:00 & 4:15pm; Kattyolanu Ente Maalakha (2D/Malayalam) Cats (2D/Comedy) 10:50am, 1:00, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:40 & 11:50pm 6:00 & 8:30pm; The Grudge (2D/Horror) 5:30pm; El Folous A.K.A The Money (2D/Arabic) 8:15 & 10:35pm Disturbing the Peace (2D/Horror) 3:45pm; Frozen II (2D/Animation) 1:05 & 3:15pm Thrissur Pooram (2D/Malayalam) 11:15pm Jumanji: The Next Level (2D/Action) 10:20am, 11:15am, 12:45, 1:40, Driving License (2D/Malayalam) 7:30 & 10:00pm 3:10, 4:05, 5:35, 6:30, 8:00, 10:25 & 11:05pm Frozen II (2D/Animation) 2:30pm; Miracle in Cell No.7 (2D/Action) 11:30am, 2:00, 4:25, 6:50, 9:10 & Jumanji: The Next Level (2D/Action) 4:15 & 6:30pm; 11:35pm; Norm Of The North 3: King Sized Adventure (2D/Ani- Good Newwz 8:45 & 11:00pm mation) 10:00 & 11:10am Spies In Disguise (2D/Amination) 10;15, 12:15, 2:15, 4:15 & 6:15pm Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2D/Action) 11;50, 2:40, 5:30, AL KHOR 8;20& 11:10pm; The Grudge (2D/Horror) 10;45, 12:40, 2:35, 4:30, 5:25, 6:25, 7:20, 8:25, 9:20, 10;20, 11:15pm & 0:15am Thrissur Pooram (2D/Malayalam) 10:30am & 3:45, 9:00pm; Spies In Disguise (2D/Amination) 11:45am, 2:00 & 4:15pm; Sab Kushal Mangal (2D/Hindi) 12:45, 6:15 & 11:45pm The Grudge (2D/Horror) 1:30, 6:45 & 12:00pm ASIAN TOWN Driving License (2D/Malayalam) 6:30, 9:15 & 12:00pm 1:00pm Munthiri Monchan (2D/Malayalam) 3:30 & 9:00pm Thambi (2D/Tamil) Munthiri Monchan (2D/Malayalam) 4:00 & 11:45pm Good Newwz 3 (2D/Hindi) 6:30pm ROXY Valiya Perunnal (2D/Malayalam) 12:30, 8:45pm Driving Licence (2D/Malayalam) 12:30, 3:00, 5:30, 8:00, 10:30pm Driving License (2D/Malayalam) 10:30am, 12:30, 1:00, My Santa (2D/Malayalam) 3:30, 6:00 & 11:30pm 3:10, 3:40, 6:20, 8:20, 9:00 & 11:40pm; Frozen II (2D/ Thrissur Pooram (2D/Malayalam) 12:15, 3:00, 5:45, 8;30, 11:15am Animation) 11:00, 4:00, 3:15 & 6:00pm; Good Newwz Sab Kushal Mangal (2D/Hindi) 2:00 & 11:30pm; 3 (2D/Hindi) 12:30, 3:15, 6:00 & 11:45pm; Ip Man 4: The Finale 6:00, 9:20, 10:45 & 11:30pm; Jumanji: The Next Level (3D/Action) 110:30am,11:00am, 12:30, 3:30, 6:15, 8;15 & 8:45pm Spies in Disguise (2D/Animation) 2:00, 5:00 & 8:45pm; Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2D/ Action) 1:00, 1:20, 2:45, 3:00, 10;45 & 11:15pm Thambi (2D/Tamil) 11:00pm; El Folous A.K.A The Money (2D/Arabic) 4:20, 5:50, 6:20, 7:45, 8:00, 8;15, 10:15, 10:30 & 11:10pm

SAB KUSHAL MANGAL

Pappu Mishra is the creator and host of a reality show called Musibat Odh Li Maine. Baba Bhandari, a big name in politics and crime, is offended with his reportage. 20 MORNING BREAK TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY

FAJR05.00 am SUNRISE 06.21 am o o Relatively cold daytime with some clouds, cold by night. ZUHR 11.40 am ASR 02.40 pm 15 C 22 C Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 03:21 – 11:51 LOW TIDE 09:29 – 19:50 MAGHRIB 05.01 pm ISHA 06.31 pm W ALRUWAIS: 17o↗21o W ALKHOR: 13o↗22o W DUKHAN: 15o↗20o W DOHA: 15o↗22o W MESAIEED 13o↗23o W ABUSAMRA 15o↗20o War film ‘1917’ stuns Golden Globes as Tarantino bags most prizes AFP — LOS ANGELES he was “just thrilled, proper controversial take on the comic thrilled” when the book super-villain. War epic “1917” shocked the announcement was made. He thanked director Todd Golden Globes on Sunday by “It’s a wonderful thing. It’s Phillips, saying: “You convinced claiming the top prize for best truly just so brilliant for the film me to do this movie and you drama film, while Quentin and everyone involved. It’s the encouraged me to give every- Tarantino’s “Once Upon a biggest team effort ever.” thing and to be sincere. And I’m Time... in Hollywood” won the Tarantino won the best such a pain in the ass.” Like most honours, massively screenplay award, and Brad Pitt several A-listers, Phoenix also boosting their prospects for next took home best supporting used his speech to address month’s Oscars. actor honours for his role as a climate change and the Aus- “Once Upon a Time...” — a loyal stuntman to Leonardo tralian wildfires. homage to 1960s Tinseltown — DiCaprio’s character in “Once Renee Zellweger burnished won three prizes including best Upon a Time...” “I also have to her Oscar credentials with an comedy, but Martin Scorsese’s thank my partner in crime, expected win for biopic “Judy,” much-vaunted Netflix crime LDC,” said Pitt. portraying Judy Garland in her saga “The Irishman” went home “I wouldn’t be here without later years. empty-handed. you, man... I would have shared South Korean black comedy The Globes are the first the raft, though,” he added, “Parasite” bagged the award for major awards gala of the year, referring to the closing scene of best foreign language film, as in a packed season that ends “Titanic.” widely expected, while Awk- with the Academy Awards in “Rocketman,” the Elton John wafina became the first actress just over a month’s time, so musical biopic, was the other of Asian descent to win the best Sunday’s winners will hope to big winner on the night, comedy actress prize for “The capitalise on some much- scooping best actor for Taron Farewell.” Oscar nominations needed momentum. Egerton and best original song voting is already under way, but “1917” follows two British for John, who was heavily does not close until today — Director Sam Mendes (second left) poses with cast and crew in the press room with the awards for soldiers through the trenches involved in the movie. meaning the Globes results Best Motion Picture - Drama and Best Director - Motion Picture during the 77th annual Golden Globe in World War I, and is filmed to “I’m overjoyed — it’s could be a factor. Awards, at The Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 5, 2020. look like one continuous, two- incredible,” Egerton said. “It’s British comic Ricky Gervais hour-long shot. been the best experience of my greeted the stars at the banquet “Goodness me, that is a big life, and winning this is just such with his signature cutting British actress Judi Dench and added a best comedy actress which has spent billions to lure surprise,” said stunned film- a lovely crystallisation of all of one-liners. the critically slammed film Globe to her Emmy win for her the industry’s top filmmaking maker Sam Mendes, who bested that.” The top films clearly res- “Let’s go out with a bang, “Cats” was bleeped out by show “Fleabag,” which also won talent, flopped to end with just Scorsese and Tarantino in the onated with the 90-odd let’s have a laugh at your censors. overall top comedy honours. one movie win. crowded best director members of the Hollywood expense, shall we?” joked Among the Globes handed Netflix — which has dis- Laura Dern won for her category. Foreign Press Association Gervais, hosting the awards for out on the TV side, HBO hit rupted the film industry in supporting turn in “Marriage Dedicating the film to his (HFPA), which doles out the the fifth and final time. “Succession” won best drama, recent years — began the night Story,” a heart-wrenching grandfather who signed up to prizes, but frontrunners in the Gervais unleashed a no- fending off Netflix’s flagship far ahead of the traditional Hol- divorce saga starring Scarlett fight aged just 17, Mendes acting categories also made holds-barred monologue that “The Crown.” Its star Brian Cox lywood studios with 17 Globe Johansson and Adam Driver, added: “I hope he’s looking their mark. touched on topics haunting the won for best actor, as HBO won movie nominations. which began the night with the down on us and I fervently hope Joaquin Phoenix cemented industry including #MeToo, lack the TV battle with four wins “This show should just be most nods at six. “The it never happens again.” The his Oscar favourite status by of diversity and the effect overall. But “Crown” star Olivia me coming out, (saying) ‘You Irishman,” a favourite to win film’s lead actor George MacKay winning the best drama actor streaming giants are having on Colman scooped best actress for win everything, Netflix, good best picture that cost Netflix — a 27-year-old relative prize for his radical turn in traditional film studios. her turn as Queen Elizabeth II. night,” joked Gervais. $160m to make, did not convert unknown in Hollywood — said “Joker,” a dark and An off-colour joke about Phoebe Waller-Bridge But the streaming giant, any of its five nominations. Watching TV in 2020s: More Counting whales from space streaming and mobile phone pitched as key to AP — NEW YORK Consumer Electronics Show, started on Sunday in Las Vegas saving them What will watching TV be like with two days of media pre- in the 2020s? Amid new views. The show floor opens AP — PORTLAND, US gadgets and glitz, the CES tech today through Friday. More show in Las Vegas aims to offer than 170,000 people are An aquarium and an engi- some answers, many of which expected, with 4,500 com- neering firm in Massachusetts boil down to more streaming panies exhibiting, according to are partnering on a project to and more efforts to glue you to its organizers. The show takes better protect whales by moni- your phone. place across a sprawling set of toring them from space. The show’s keynote hotels and convention centres New England Aquarium of addresses, once dominated by equivalent to more than 50 Boston and Draper of Cam- computer and chip makers, will football fields. bridge say whale conservation this year feature executives Beyond streaming, expect needs new, higher-tech solu- from TV networks NBC and CBS to see artificial intelligence- tions to protect whales from and upstart video services like infused home appliances, extinction. So, the pair is mobile-focused Quibi and free security cameras and cars, new working together using data streamer Tubi. Topic one will gadgets that show what faster from sources such as satellites, be the streaming wars — not to 5G cellular service can offer sonar and radar to keep a mention mounting costs for and, as always, the newest in closer eye on how many consumers who want access to robots and souped-up TVs. whales are in the ocean. everything — as giants NBC Speakers this week include The effort has an easy to Universal and WarnerMedia Ivanka Trump, the president’s understand name for a project prepare to join the clash with daughter and senior adviser, involving complex data and Netflix later this year. and Hyunsuk Kim, Samsung surveillance - the aquarium Some companies also head of consumer electronics. and firm are calling the project promise a big new push into As technology increasingly “Counting Whales From Galaxy UGC 2885 “bite-sized” video designed to infuses our lives, more tradi- Space.” That’s about the only draw mobile viewers from tional companies are showing simple thing about the project, A handout photo released yesterday by the European Space Agency shows the Galaxy UGC 2885 YouTube, despite the fact that up for the Las Vegas event. said John Irvine, chief scientist which may be the largest one in the local universe. The galaxy is 2.5 times wider than our Milky a similar effort several years There’s a new travel section for data analytics with Draper. Way, contains 10 times as many stars and is 232 million light-years away, located in the northern ago foundered. with Delta Air Lines its largest The work will involve constellation of Perseus. CES, formerly known as the exhibitor. gathering data from sources ranging from European space agencies to amateur radio operators to create a proba- Mass snow wedding and crystal towers at China’s ice fest bility map of where in the ocean the whales might be, AFP — HARBIN, CHINA harvested from the Songhua Irvine said. Conservation River by more than 100 groups will then be able to China’s annual ice festival in workers. monitor whales and their Harbin has kicked off with The workers toiled for hours movements, he said. couples lining up for a snow- on the ice each day in the weeks “If whales are moving out themed mass wedding, before the festival, cutting out of one area and into another, swimmers braving frigid waters thousands of pieces of ice every what’s the reason for that? Is and frozen palaces rising from 12-hour shift. it due to ocean warming,” the ground. The Harbin festival, fea- Irvine said. “Is it changes in Fireworks marked the fes- turing glittering palaces and commercial shipping lanes? tival’s opening on Sunday night fantastical scenes sculpted out These are all questions we’ll as tourists wandered between of ice, has drawn millions of be able to start answering once colourfully illuminated ice people over the years to one of we have the data.” The towers and monuments in the China’s coldest cities. partners have committed a northeastern city. This year’s festivities will combined $1m to the effort. Earlier in the day, 43 brides coincide with the city’s first The project is expected to in lace wedding gowns and skiing marathon this week, develop over several years. down jackets waited in line with according to the official Xinhua Aerial surveys are cur- grooms to take part in a “mass news agency. rently the most frequently ice and snow wedding”. China has ramped up its used method to count whales, A few brave swimmers promotion of snow and ice partners on the project said. plunged into a pool carved from tourism ahead of the 2022 However, that approach is the frozen Songhua River on a Winter Olympics in Beijing. expensive, subject to bad day when temperatures stayed An expressway is under weather conditions and can be below minus seven degrees construction linking Beijing and dangerous, they said. Celsius (19 Fahrenheit) even in Zhangjiakou, a city in northern Project members said the the afternoon. Hebei province that will co-host goal of their work is to develop A worker clears some snow before tourists arrive at the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival This year’s Harbin Interna- the Olympics, while a high- new technology that uses spe- in Harbin, in China’s northeast Heilongjiang province, yesterday. tional Ice and Snow Festival in speed railway line connecting cially designed algorithms to the province of Heilongjiang the two cities opened on process all the data they required 170,000 cubic metres December 30. people to visit snow and ice winter season, up from 224 season, Xinhua reported acquire and use it to monitor (six million cubic feet) of ice China expects 340 million attractions in the 2021-2022 million in the 2018-2019 yesterday. whales.