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published in QATAR since 1978

WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXIX No. 11030 December 12, 2018 Rabia II 5, 1440 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

In brief

QATAR | Offi cial Amir inaugurates Amir sends message to Italian president His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani sent yesterday a water security written message to Italian President Sergio Mattarella pertaining to bilateral ties and the means to enhance them. The message was reservoirs project handed by Qatar’s ambassador to Italy, Abdulaziz bin Ahmed al-Malki, during a meeting in Rome yesterday with the diplomatic adviser to the president, Emanuela D’Alessandro.

QATAR | Justice Plan to develop Qatar’s judiciary complete HE the Chairman of the Supreme Judiciary Council and President of the Court of Cassation Dr Hassan Lahdan Saqr al-Mohannadi has confirmed the completion of the features of a comprehensive strategic plan to develop the judiciary and enhance its eff iciency, independence and impartiality as well as develop a comprehensive justice system.

ASIA | Politics US weighs China travel advisory As part of Qatar National Day celebrations, Gulf Times and Arrayah are distributing today 50,000 The Trump administration is stickers carrying the image of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and the motto considering issuing a new travel of this year’s celebrations: “As long as it is proven by our deeds… Qatar remains free.” advisory for China to caution American business executives and other citizens, following Canada’s arrest of the chief financial off icer of China’s Huawei Technologies Co Ltd National Day celebrations at the request of the US government, two sources said yesterday. Page 13 BRITAIN | Politics start at Darb Al Saai today Merkel says no more Brexit negotiations he Qatar National Day 2018 celebrations will to begin immediately after the offi cial opening Germany’s Angela Merkel and kick off today at Darb Al Saai in “an atmos- ceremony. They will start at 4pm today and run other European Union leaders Tphere charged with emotions of patriotism, until 11pm with the raising of the fl ag in the main ruled out more negotiations pride and national identity”, the organisers have said. square in the presence of representatives of the on Brexit yesterday but were This year, the National Day celebrations are participating entities. looking for ways to offer Britain being held under the motto ‘As long as it is prov- The festivities continue until December 20. reassurances after Prime en by our deeds ... Qatar remains free’. The motto The festivities at Darb Al Saai achieve the Na- Minister Theresa May pulled a blends a verse taken from one of the poems by tional Day vision by strengthening loyalty, unity parliamentary vote rather than the Founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin and pride in Qatar’s national identity. They are His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani is being briefed on the Water Security Mega lose heavily. A day after abruptly Thani, with a phrase from the National Anthem. also meant to commemorate the anniversary of Reservoirs Project which he inaugurated at a ceremony organised by Qatar General Electricity and Water pulling the vote, May rushed to The The events at Darb Al Saai, the prime venue the establishment of Qatar by Sheikh Jassim bin Corporation in Umm Salal Ali yesterday. Hague for breakfast with Dutch of the Qatar National Day celebrations, are set Mohamed bin Thani. To Page 24 Prime Minister Mark Rutte, then to QNA This giant project is worth QR14.5bn, he said, Berlin to meet Chancellor Merkel, Doha pointing out that the current phase of the project will followed by a trip to Brussels. ensure water security for Qatar until 2026, followed Page 14 by future stages that will meet water demand even is Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin after the year 2036 by adding additional reservoirs. INDIA | Vote Time honours Khashoggi, scribes Hamad al-Thani inaugurated the Water “The project is a key component in achieving HSecurity Mega Reservoirs Project yes- the country’s water security and a clear decla- Modi suff ers defeats terday during a ceremony held by Qatar General ration of the ability and readiness of the water ahead of 2019 polls ime yesterday named a group time in the magazine’s 95-year his- Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) in sector in Qatar to meet the development require- India’s ruling party suff ered stinging of journalists, including the tory that Time has bestowed the dis- Umm Salal Ali area. ments in the present and future,” he added. election defeats in at least two Tslain Saudi Arabian writer tinction on its own profession. HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Kahramaa president Engineer Issa bin Hilal al- stronghold states, results showed Jamal Khashoggi and two Reuters A cover story highlighted the role Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, Kuwari said in his speech that the project has begun yesterday, in a big blow to Prime reporters imprisoned by Myanmar’s of journalists, including Reuters’ Wa a number of ministers and senior offi cials in the as a vision and a creative and innovative solution to Minister Narendra Modi before government, as “Person of the Year” Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, who Myan- energy, industry, electricity and water sectors achieve the water security of Qatar since 2007. national polls in 2019. In both the and warned the idea of truth as crit- mar imprisoned for violating a state were present. “With the inauguration of this massive project, central state of Chhattisgarh and ical to democracy is under assault. secrets act, and Khashoggi, a Saudi Speaking on the occasion, HE the Minister of several key issues will be achieved within Qatar’s Rajasthan in the west, the chief The publication also honoured the writer and critic of the nation’s de State for Energy Aff airs Saad bin Sherida al-Kaa- water security strategy, including the increase of ministers from Modi’s Bharatiya founder of a Philippines news website facto ruler Crown Prince Moham- bi described the project as the largest in the world desalinated water storage to 2,400mn gallons per Janata Party (BJP) conceded defeat, critical of that country’s government ed bin Salman, who was slain two and features a huge strategic reservoir that raises day, which is enough to meet the basic needs of while in Madhya Pradesh the outcome and a Maryland newspaper that was months ago inside a Saudi Arabian the country’s water storage to about 1,500mn the country for several months under diff erent was on a knife-edge. Page 17 the target of a mass shooting, the fi rst consulate in Turkey. — Reuters gallons, an increase of 150%. operating conditions. To Page 4

1st ‘National Day Trade Festival’ to mark start of Shop Qatar

By Joey Aguilar the Ministry of Commerce and Indus- residents and visitors during this pe- Staff Reporter try, explained that such large and fi rst- riod of the year.” of-its-kind initiative comes within the Shoppers can avail of discounts on framework of the ministry’s eff orts to a range of consumer goods from De- six-day National Day Trade organise events that refl ect pride and cember 15 such as clothes, electron- Festival, running from Decem- joy during the National Day. ics, cosmetics and accessories for Aber 15-20, will mark the start men, women and children at various of Shop Qatar’s third edition, off ering The annual festival returns malls. QR3mn worth of cash and car prizes, with more shopping off ers, Besides off ering discounts and pro- and an array of discounts for shoppers, entertainment and motions, the festival’s 14 retail partners it was announced. fashion-forward events – Al Mirqab Mall, Al Khor Mall, City The fi rst edition of this initiative, or- Center, Dar Al Salam Mall, Doha Festi- ganised by the Ministry of Commerce (From left) Faissal Alhaithami, Mashal Shahbik and Samer Bou Dargham at the Shop Qatar press conference. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil He stressed these kinds of pro- val City, Gulf Mall, Hyatt Plaza, Lagoo- and Industry in co-operation with grammes like the National Day Trade na Mall, Landmark Mall, Mall of Qatar, the National Tourism Council (NTC), carefully curated to offer special of- portunities to join in celebrating try’s only nation-wide shopping fes- Festival “grants the retail sector and Royal Plaza, Tawar Mall, The Gate Mall forms part of the Qatar National Day fers for the bargain-hunter, the style- this special season in Qatar,” Mashal tival, will continue bringing a host of various private companies the op- and The Pearl-Qatar – will also host celebration aimed at further boosting savvy and the fashion-forward while Shahbik from NTC told a press con- new features for residents and visitors portunity to off er unprecedented dis- exclusive entertainment and roaming trade activities across the country. also affording visitors and residents ference. to enjoy until January 20. counts that promote domestic and mall shows for families and children. “Shop Qatar’s activities have been of all ages and interests various op- She noted that Shop Qatar, the coun- Faissal Alhaithami, media offi cer at international tourism, thus attracting To Page 5 Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, December 12, 2018 QATAR PM meets Iraqi trade minister Ashghal signs four road improvement contracts

he Public Works Author- ity ‘Ashghal’ has an- Tnounced the signing of four contracts for road improve- ment projects at a total value of about QR59mn. Ashghal also signed yesterday two contracts for drainage projects worth more than QR620mn. Ashghal President, engineer Saad bin Ahmad al-Muhannadi, signed the contracts with the Ashghal president engineer Saad bin Ahmad al-Muhannadi and other off icials with representatives of the representatives of the imple- companies concerned at the contracts signing ceremony yesterday. menting companies in the pres- ence of a number of department Al Ebb and Leabib, Kharaitiyat Project tenders worth QR50mn in 2019 HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani met directors and heads of sections. and Izghawa, Al Mashaf South, Iraq’s Minister of Trade Mohamed Hashim Abdulmajeed al-A’ani and his accompanying delegation, The is part of Ashghal’s keen- Umm Slal Mohamed, Al Mearad, Ashghal president engineer Saad bin Ahmad al-Muhannadi yesterday on the occasion of their visit to the country. They reviewed the bilateral relations and means of ness to provide a suitable envi- Muaither South West, Jeryan Ne- revealed that a new initiative will be launched in 2019 to qualify new developing them, especially in the economic and trade fields, in addition to other issues of mutual ronment for the growth of Qatari jaima, Duhail South, Umm Lekb- contractors, and that project tenders worth QR50mn will be opened for interest. companies and in line with the ha, and Mubaireek. These projects local contractors. “These projects will contribute to the development objectives of the “Qualifi cation of will commence soon and serve and support of Qatari companies through the implementation of road Small-Scale Contractors” initia- more than 12,970 land plots. improvement works in many areas of the country,” he added. tive launched in January this year. The fi rst contract signed Al-Muhannadi explained that within the “Qualifi cation of the “Qualifi cation of Small-Scale Small-Scale Contractors” ini- will be implemented within a sludge treatment. The contract Contractors” Initiative aims to tiative includes the Road Im- period of 365 days. The projects’ has been signed with “VA Tech ‘Joint committee meetings provide local Qatari investors in provement Works in Various scope includes grading works, Wabag Ltd.” for QR275.2mn. the contracting industry with the Areas of Greater Doha – Phase road pavement, construction of Engineer Walid al-Ghoul, opportunity for to execute small 6A. The contract was awarded to pedestrian lanes, street lighting, from Ashghal’s Drainage Projects projects that qualify them to work “Ramco Trading & Contracting” as well as works to enhance traffi c Department, gave a brief about strengthen Qatar-Iraq ties’ on the country’s strategic projects at a value of QR14.2mn. safety such as installation of di- drainage projects currently im- in the future, and to actively par- The second contract includes rectional signs and road marking. plemented by the authority. ticipate in the local economy. Road Improvement Works in Al The fi rst drainage contract He also explained the two new QNA The Iraqi minister of trade ies concerned with investing in The Ashghal president also Rayyan Areas – Phase 5B, which signed was the Design & Build projects and their objectives. Doha added that the holding of joint Iraq. noted that the period between July was awarded to “Castle Infra- Contract for Industrial Area Sew- The Ashghal president said meetings and activate commu- Qatar Chamber First Vice- 2017 and October 2018 witnessed structure Contracting” at a val- age Treatment Works – Phase 3A, that the two drainage contracts nication between businessmen Chairman Mohamed bin pumping over QR2bn through the ue of QR14.8mn. which aims to increase the plant’s are worth more than QR620mn. raq’s Minister of Trade, Mo- and investors will help in identi- Ahmed bin Towar said that Qa- purchase of local products from 33 The third contract includes capacity from 60,000 cubic me- He added that Ashghal is de- hamed Hashim Abdulmajeed fying the investment opportuni- tar’s private sector representa- local manufacturers. the Road Improvement Works in tres per day to 90,000 cubic me- veloping the existing sewage Ial-A’ani has stressed that the ties available. tives consider the holding of Engineer Ali al-Kaabi from the Northern Areas in Al Shamal, Al tres per day, in order to accommo- networks to accommodate the bilateral relations between Iraq The two sides discussed the the meeting of the Qatari-Iraqi Roads Projects Department gave a Khor, & Al Thakhira Municipali- date the increasing population in population growth expected in and Qatar will witness further prospects of economic and trade high committee in Doha, as a presentation about Ashghal’s plan ty – Phase 3A, which was award- Doha Industrial Area. The contract the coming years. The authority progress, following the resump- co-operation and investment great opportunity to strength- for Road Improvement Projects. ed to “Al Madar Contracting” at has been signed with “Larsen & is also rehabilitating drainage and tion of the meetings of the Qa- opportunities in important sec- en the relations between the He also shed light on Ashghal’s a value of QR14.9mn. Toubro Limited” for QR351.85mn. sewage networks to increase their tari-Iraqi high committee. tors. two countries in various fields, 2019 plan for new and existing The fourth contract was The second contract included capacity and to reduce the envi- During a meeting between They also discussed the possi- in addition to opening new citizens’ sub-divisions projects. awarded to “City Square Con- the Rehabilitation of Doha South ronmental impacts and fl oods Qatar Chamber and a delegation bility of establishing a joint Ira- horizons for co-operation be- The plan includes awarding tracting & Trading” to implement Sewage Treatment Works (Nuaija caused by increasing hydraulic of Iraqi businessmen, the minis- qi-Qatari company for invest- tween Qatari and Iraqi busi- 20 contracts covering the ar- the Road Improvement Works in plant), which aims to rehabilitate pressure, in addition to con- ter called on Qatari businessmen ment and projects in Qatar and nessmen, and contributing eas of Smaisma South, Rawdat South of Greater Doha – Phase the treatment plant to operate structing a sustainable drainage and investors to identify the in- Iraq, in the presence of a number to the establishment of joint Al Jahhaniya, Ain Khalid North, 6A, at a value of QR14.9mn. effi ciently and safely until 2030. infrastructure in the new areas vestment opportunities avail- of Iraqi government offi cials and companies and investments in Al Kheesa, Al Khor West, and The new projects are planned The plant includes wastewater and constructing high-effi ciency able in Iraq. representatives of offi cial bod- both countries. Al Egda. This is in addition to to commence in Q1, 2019, and treatment, control of odours, and treatment plants.

PHCC announces launch of QU health centre

QNA The centre provides the phase will be 10,000 regis- hearing screening, skin dis- Doha best quality of primary tered visitors to be increased eases, eyes and optics, men- healthcare and its compre- to 35,000 later. tal health clinic, dental and hensive services will reduce Qatar University Health psychological support, ma- he Primary Health the burden on neighbouring Centre also provides serv- ternal and child health coun- Care Corporation an- facilities in the northern re- ices such as family medicine, selling, nutrition, health ed- Tnounced the opera- gion. pregnancy and post-natal ucation and physiotherapy, tional launch of the Qatar Residents of Al Tarfa, care, periodic immunisa- and early screening for cer- University health centre and Jeryan, Jeliah, Legtaifi - tions, women’s wellness and vical cancer. that it will begin accepting ya, Pearl, Gassar 66, Al non-communicable diseas- In addition, eligible pa- visitors starting from Sun- Kharayej, Al Egla and Umm es, quitting smoking, com- tients will be referred to day. The health centre will Lekhba are eligible to use municable diseases, travel the Labib Health Centre for function from 7am to 11pm, the centre’s services. immunisations, specialist early screening of breast and Sunday to Thursday. The capacity for the fi rst clinics, nose, ear and throat, colon cancer.

Advisory Council committee holds meeting Qatar receives host fl ag for 16th

The Public Services and global junior science Olympiad Utilities Committee of the Advisory Council yesterday held a meeting of the 47th QNA head of Qatar IJSO hosting has been formed under the regular session of the Gaborone committee, spoke about the presidency of the Under- Council, where it elected ongoing preparations taking secretary of the Ministry Hadi bin Saeed al-Khayarin place in Qatar to host the of Education and a website as its acting rapporteur. atar received the next edition. for the Olympiad has been The Committee reviewed host fl ag for the 16th She also presented a brief set up and includes all the the Draft Law on QInternational Junior on Qatar National Vision requirements and informa- reconciliation in off ences Science Olympiad (IJSO), 2030 and how it has been tion which will be promptly in some municipalities and which will be held in Doha embodied in the vision of updated till the event date. environment-related law in December 2019. the ministry by leading in As part of the preparations, and decided to complete the Undersecretary of the off ering permanent and al-Khater said Qatar Airways study of the draft law in its Ministry of Education Dr innovative learning op- will be off ering a 25% dis- next meeting. Ibrahim al-Nuaimi, head of portunities through the count to all the participants Qatar IJSO hosting commit- participation of students in of the 2019 edition in Qatar tee, received the fl ag during scientifi c competitions and and it will be the offi cial car- Website of 140th the closing ceremony of the international competitions. rier of the Olympiad. IPU Assembly current edition that is be- She explained that such Qatar is the fi rst Arab ing held in Gaborone, Bot- competitions strongly con- country to organise this launched swana. tributes to empowering event. It is the biggest sci- Al-Nuaimi expressed his students with 21st century entifi c event that brings The website of the 140th delight at the Qatari par- skills. together talented science General Assembly of the ticipation in this edition She said that for Qatar to students under the age of Inter-Parliamentary Union and called on all attendees be hosting the next IJSO is a 16 from more than 70 coun- (IPU) and related meetings, to join next year’s edition in real indicator of its progress tries around the world. which will be held in Doha Qatar, which he said will be towards achieving its vision Qatar has also been elect- from 6-10 April 2019, was exceptional on all levels. and development goals. ed vice-president of the inaugurated yesterday. Assistant Undersecre- She added that the executive committee of the The website, which was tary for Educational Aff airs country has begun serious International Junior Science launched under the at the Ministry of Educa- proactive steps to ensure Olympiad (IJSO) for Asia on guidance of HE the Speaker tion and Higher Education the success of the 2019 IJSO the sidelines of the15th ses- of the Advisory Council Fawzia al-Khater, deputy where a higher committee sion in Botswana. Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud, has all information related to the IPU meetings as well as related to Qatar, the Advisory Council and the Qatar takes part in Arab Parliament session Inter-Parliamentary Union. Delegates can register using the website to participate he plenary session of The meeting focuses on liament Speaker Dr Mishaal in the above-mentioned the Arab Parliament the joint Arab action and bin Fahm al-Salami affi rmed meetings and obtain the Tkicked off yesterday ways to deal with the chal- the commitment of the Arab required information. The in Cairo. Qatar is partici- lenges facing Arab nation, Parliament to support Arab website can be accessed pating in the meeting with especially the Palestinian countries in combating ter- through the following link: a delegation from the Advi- cause. rorism and extremist ideol- www.doha140ipu.qa sory Council. In this context, Arab Par- ogy.

Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, December 12, 2018 QATAR Reservoirs project enables Qatar to meet water shortage

QNA Amir inaugurates Managing Director & General Doha reservoirs project Manager of Qatar Electricity and Water Company (QEWC), Fahad From Page 1 bin Hamad al-Mohannadi said he Water Security Mega “In addition, by operating this that the Water Security Mega Reservoirs Project al- project, Qatar will be able to Reservoirs Project allows the pro- Tlows Qatar to overcome connect water production duction plants to carry out main- diffi culties and meet the chal- plants in the north of the coun- tenance and rehabilitation of the lenges of freshwater shortages, try with plants in the southern stations, explaining that the huge President of the Public Works area,” he explained. quantities of water that will be Authority (Ashghal), Dr Saad bin A short film about the strategic stored in these reservoirs will give Ahmad al-Mohannadi said. importance of the project, and suffi cient time for the production In a press statement on the the stages of its development power plants to carry out mainte- sidelines of the inauguration of since 2015, was screened on the nance and rehabilitation. the Water Security Mega Reser- occasion. The strategic project of the voirs Project in Umm Slal Ali by The Amir later toured an mega reservoirs aims to increase His Highness the Amir Sheikh exhibition about the project and Qatar’s strategic water storage His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and other dignitaries attending the inauguration ceremony of the Water Security Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, visited the reservoirs and the till 2026. The project consists of Mega Reservoirs Project in Umm Slal Ali yesterday. Ashghal president pointed out operations room. 24 reservoirs at a total capacity of that the launch of the project 2,300mn gallons. The project in- desalination plants together at the considered the largest concrete ervoirs are unique in type and structure to serve them. demonstrates that the leader- cludes the installation of 650km fi ve specifi c reservoirs sites. reservoir in the world. Each design. The project was awarded in ship takes into account the na- providing the largest water res- pipelines with large diameters to The capacity of each reser- concrete reservoir will be 150m Each site consists of substan- April 2015, while the foundation tional security of the country by ervoir in the world. form a spine joining all the key voir is 100mn gallons which is by 300m by 12m deep. The res- tial pumping station and infra- stone was laid in May 2015. Al Meera launches loyalty programme

ers can easily register to ‘Meera He added: “In addition to By Peter Alagos Al Meera plans 8 Business Reporter Rewards’ for free. They can also earning extra points off their earn and redeem ‘Meera Rewards’ purchases, they can also en- branches in Doha points at all Al Meera branches joy regular special offers and Metro stations l Meera Consumer Goods nationwide. Al Meera said the fi rst promotions that we provide Company (Al Meera) an- customers to register between De- to satisfy the needs of our es- Al Meera will unveil 8 new Anounced yesterday the cember 12 and 31 will receive ‘500 teemed customers. branches in Doha Metro launch of ‘Meera Rewards’, a loy- welcome points’. “‘Meera Rewards’ pro- stations, in co-operation alty programme aimed at thank- Sheikh Thani said: “We are gramme also allows fam- with Qatar Rail, Sheikh Thani ing and enhancing customer delighted to offi cially announce ily members to benefit from a bin Thamer bin Mohamed satisfaction through discount the launch of ‘Meera Rewards’ unique account, as the number al-Thani, Chairman of Al Meera points and special promotions, loyalty programme, an initiative of points earned by each indi- Consumer Goods Company, among other benefi ts. in which we thank customers for vidual can be combined into said yesterday. The programme was an- their loyalty to Al Meera over the the ‘Family Account’, thus ac- Speaking on the sidelines of nounced at the Al Meera Jeryan years. celerating the benefits.” a ceremony organised by the Branch in the presence of Al “Customers can join the pro- Al Meera said the launch of the company to launch ‘Meera Meera chairman Sheikh Thani gramme free of charge and start rewards programme strengthens Rewards’ loyalty programme, bin Thamer bin Mohamed al- collecting and redeeming their the company’s e-shopping plan he said the company is Thani, vice-chairman Dr Saif points at any of our branches to serve its customers better. Al working on three projects in al-Sowaidi, board member Mo- across Qatar. We have been keen Meera said it seeks to enhance Oman, pointing out that it has hamed al-Sulaiti, CEO Didier to diff erentiate from the compe- its relationship with its custom- signed an agreement with Castaing, deputy CEO engineer tition by always giving custom- ers and be the ‘Favourite Neigh- an Omani company for the Al Meera chairman Sheikh Thani bin Thamer bin Mohamed al-Thani leads the unveiling ceremony of Salah Ahmed al-Hammadi, and ers points against their purchas- bourhood Retailer’ with its pres- construction of a new branch the company’s ‘Meera Rewards’ loyalty programme yesterday. He is joined by vice chairman Dr Saif other executive directors. es on all the items off ered at the ence across Qatar through 52 in the Al Amerat area of Oman. al-Sowaidi, board member Mohamed al-Sulaiti, CEO Didier Castaing, deputy CEO engineer Salah Ahmed Through a mobile app, custom- branches.” branches. al-Hammadi, and other executive directors. PICTURE: Anas Khalid

Interfaith dialogue centre holds debate competition for Indian schools

QNA cultural values or per- phies and certifi cates to the As well, DICID has been Doha sonal rights?” winners. organising many dialogue DICID organises such During his speech on initiatives and seminars competitions with the in- the occasion, al-Subai for expatriates in Qatar in oha International tention of spreading the congratulated the win- association with diff erent Centre for Interfaith significance of religious ners and highlighted the communities as they play a DDialogue (DICID) values and promoting importance of develop- signifi cant role in promot- has organised inter-school creative interfaith dia- ing the culture of healthy ing the culture of peaceful debate competition on in- logues at the early stage dialogues among the stu- coexistence and acceptance terfaith values for Indian of growing generations dents belonging to vari- of others among them, and schools in Qatar. belonging to different ous cultural and religious with Qatar society on the This comes as part of DI- cultures and religions in backgrounds promoting other hand. CID’s diverse and continu- such a way that results in mutual respect and crea- Gerrard Dominic, Lead- ous initiatives to promote establishing an attitude tive relationships. ers Trainer in Business the culture of interfaith of coexistence and toler- Since DICID started its Studies Department in dialogue among students. ance within them. activities, the centre has College of North-Atlantic The debate contest Chief Guest Yousuf Ab- been co-operating and Qatar, (CNA-Q), who was was held as part of 23rd dulla al-Subai, Executive supporting local expatri- the moderator of the com- inter-school competi- Manager, Doha Interna- ate communities in Qa- petition, stressed the im- tion organised by Youth tional Centre for Interfaith tar to hold activities that portance of developing the Forum on the topic Dialogue (DICID), inaugu- reinforce inter-relation- skills of dialogue and de- “What constructs a sta- rated the closing ceremony. ships among these com- bate among students with ble society – Religious- He gave away the tro- munities. diff erent affi liations.

QFFD supports health initiative Mada launches awareness in Sudan drive on assistive technology

atar Fund for De- ada Assistive centre in assistive technol- education sector by ena- velopment (QFFD) Technology Cen- ogy in many fi elds promi- bling 3,000 students of Qparticipated in the Mtre, part of the nently, education, employ- special needs to access Sudan Public Health Train- Ministry of Transport and ment and community. quality education through ing Initiative, which is sup- Communications, has The campaign, which run technology and to build the ported by QFFD and over- launched an awareness till the end of December, in- capacity of teachers and seen by The Carter Centre campaign on the impor- cludes broadcasting aware- specialists. in collaboration the Federal tance of technology and ness messages and videos that In the employment sec- Ministry of Public Health in digital access, and their aim to highlight the positive tor, the awareness touches Sudan and Health Sciences positive impact on the lives impact of assistive technology on Mada enabling a centre Academy. of people with special needs and information and commu- for special needs to launch This support includes and the elderly. nication technology (ICT). its potential and become improving and strengthen- The campaign also in- It also shows the achieve- ready and qualified to en- ing the teaching environ- troduces the services of the ments of the centre in the ter the job market. - QNA ment, providing training needs and training tools, books and scientifi c refer- ences, and modern teach- ing aids. The initiative also sup- ports the modernisation of the curricula of the health sciences academies and the vocational training centres. It also builds the capacity of trainers and the develop- ment of faculty members in health sciences by training them in modern learning and learning systems, edu- cation based on the devel- opment of skills and scien- tifi c research. - QNA Gulf Times Wednesday, December 12, 2018 5 QATAR

Trade festival returns with Shop Qatar to more off ers, fashion events

From Page 1 feature ‘Design NTC noted that shoppers who spend QR200 at any of partici- pating retailers will be eligible for a weekly raffl e draw and a chance A participant speaks at the meeting in Brussels, Belgium. to win cars and cash prizes. Draws will be held on the District’ for first three Thursdays of the festival (December 27, January 3 and 10, 2019) with two cars and seven cash prizes rang- EAA backs consensus on ing between QR10,000 and QR100,000 to be won every the fi rst time week. The final draw will take place at the closing ceremony initiative for education for By Joey Aguilar According to NTC, the fash- bazaars and in scenic outdoor on January 20, 2019. Staff Reporter ion shows will wow shoppers, spaces, is also once again part- “Our partnership with NTC giving them the chance to catch nering with Embrace Doha to to participate at Shop Qatar, a glimpse of the world’s lat- give residents and visitors au- is in line with the company’s refugees, migrant children hop Qatar’s third edi- est couture and ready-to-wear thentic shopping experiences strategy to support all national tion will feature the ‘De- fashion from Paris to Mumbai. at Souq Waqif. events and reiterates our belief Ssign District’ for the fi rst Some 16 designers from 10 NTC said guided tours will in the important role the council ducation Above All (EAA) ance in Education and Norwegian out access to primary education, time – a hub for the festival’s countries (Qatar, Oman, Ku- help festival-goers, mostly in is playing in promoting the lo- Foundation announced Enic-Naric, called for systematic and almost half a million more fashion-forward events and wait, Tunisia, Morocco, Leba- groups, learn how to fi nd their cal tourism sector,” said Samer Eplans to build a global con- amendments to be made regarding out-of-school refugee children activities, the National Tourism non, Jordan, France, India and way through the traditional Bou Dargham, general manager sensus on recognising the aca- the way educational achievements this year compared to 2017, the Council has announced. Turkey) will highlight their marketplace every Saturday, for Alfardan Premier Motors, the demic credentials of migrants and of refugees and migrants are rec- scale of this problem is increasing NTC said the District, set spring/summer collections visiting each of the stalls that offi cial retailer of Jaguar Land refugee children at the 2018 Global ognised. faster than the combined eff orts up at the Doha Exhibition and 2019. off er local and international Rover in Qatar. Education Meeting in Brussels, The proposed changes will en- can address it, EAA said in a press Convention Centre, will host food and spices, as well as oth- “The name of Alfardan Pre- Belgium. able refugees and migrant chil- statement. not only pop-up shops and NTC said guided tours er items such as incense, art mier Motors, has been closely As representatives from around dren to have an equal opportunity “EAA will be calling on its fel- cafes but also more than 20 will help festival-goers, works and clothes. associated with major events and the world gather to discuss to learn, and become productive low SDG members to build upon fashion shows, workshops and mostly in groups, learn Live music concerts, fea- activities in the country, under- progress towards the Sustainable members of society in their host what it has collectively learned, masterclasses under one roof how to fi nd their way turing Pakistani, Indian and lining our unwavering commit- Development Goals (SDGs), EAA communities. and dramatically scale up work to from January 5 to 12. through the traditional globally-renowned artists, will ment as a key partner in all occa- has announced a global initiative Leena al-Derham, senior edu- educate the increasing number of “The festival supports malls marketplace every take centre stage during the fi - sions in Qatar,” he noted. to develop agreements on recog- cation specialist at EAA Founda- migrants and refugee children – as well as independent retailers Saturday, visiting each nal week of Shop Qatar. According to NTC, more than nising the educational achieve- tion, said: “The current system and out-of-school children eve- and local entrepreneurs by off er- of the stalls that off er Other festivities will also take 50 hotels across Qatar will have ment of school-age children unfairly impacts refugees and mi- rywhere. This will be critical to ing a platform to showcase their local and international place across the country during special off ers throughout the who have had to fl ee their homes grants, yet ample instances exist achieve SDG4 and the wider SDG businesses and products,” Shop food and spices, as well the 35-day celebration, includ- festivity, including discounted or chosen to migrate to another that demonstrate the eff ective- framework, and EAA will contin- Qatar project manager Noor al- as other items such as ing the Souq Waqif Spring Fes- room rates, promotions at food country. ness of accrediting educational ue to negotiate with the steering Thani said in a press statement. incense, art works and tival and Souq Al Wakrah Spring and beverage outlets, and health During a parallel panel session achievements in higher education. committee to advocate for collec- She noted that the District clothes. Festival; Torba Farmer’s Market club services, as well as free air- hosted by EAA, Unesco and UN- These examples of co-operation tive action,” the statement noted. brings together the biggest at Qatar Foundation’s Ceremo- port transfers. HCR, and moderated by renowned can serve as a blueprint for certify- EAA said it was proud of the names in fashion and makeup Meanwhile, style-savvy fes- nial Court on weekends; Night “With the aim of providing BBC correspondent Yalda Hakim, ing attainment and skills at other decision by UN member states from the region and beyond tival-goers can take part in 10 Market at Duhail Sports Club unique yet diverse experiences panellists including Maha Mamo, levels of the education system, too. taken on November 13 to adopt the aimed at “cementing Qatar’s workshops and masterclasses daily from 4pm to 1am, and the within our local hotels, Katara a former stateless person; Karim “We know this can be done. If we refugee compact and to commit position as an emerging fashion with 11 renowned makeup art- Tegahwa’s daily coff ee event at Hospitality places high impor- Albrem from the Global Youth Ad- are successful, we remove a huge to seeing the recognition of cre- and style hub.” ists and infl uencers to learn Al Hazm until January 19. tance on initiatives that enhance visory Committee of UNHCR; barrier faced by an entire genera- dentials for migrant and refugee Some 75 pop-up shops will about the newest trends in the NTC said Entertainment our combined off erings while Dr Alexandru Manus from the tion, many of whom just want the children and young people. EAA be showcasing unique and var- world of fashion and makeup. World Village will reopen its highlighting our passion for Southern New Hampshire Univer- chance to fi nish their education and will continue to voice its concern ied off erings, as well as cus- Apart from the District, doors to the public and local creating ultimate guest experi- sity’s Offi ce of Academic Quality, learn the skills they need to one-day on global stage on important is- tomised services and beauty Shop Qatar, which encourages Arabic play Compars will take ences,” Katara Hospitality CEO Accreditation and Support; and return home and help rebuild the sues and to ensure every child and services, designer boutiques, residents and visitors to enjoy place at the Qatar National Hamad Abdulla al-Mulla said in Stig Arne Skjerven from the Nor- communities they had left behind.” young person has the right to ac- artisanal shops. special experiences at malls, Theatre on January 5. a press statement. wegian Agency for Quality Assur- With 64mn children still with- cess education, it added. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, December 12, 2018 QATAR IBPC announces Business Excellence Awards 2019

By Joseph Varghese Staff Reporter

ndian Business and Profes- sionals Council (IBPC) has Iannounced the launch of the Brigadier Mohamed Abdullah al-Malki receiving the Prince Michael Award for Traff ic Safety in London. inaugural IBPC Business Excel- lence Awards 2019. There will be 12 awards in various categories for Indians, non-Indians and Qataris. Brigadier al-Malki receives The last date for submission is January 15, 2019 by 9pm along Indian ambassador P Kumaran along with other off icials at the press conference. with an entry fee of QR2,500. The winners will receive a cer- dia yesterday along with Indian and operational,” explained Var- Audit, Finance, Legal, Insurance, traffi c safety award in London tifi cate of excellence, a cita- embassy fi rst secretary (political ghese. CXOs are corporate exec- Healthcare, Information Tech- tion and a trophy at an award and commerce) Surinder Bhagat, utives whose job titles typically nology, Travel & Tourism, Edu- ational Traffi c Safety the fi eld of traffi c safety and Michael is the oldest institu- ceremony. IBPC president K M Varghese start with “Chief” and end with cation etc; Contracting & Main- Committee secretary- sustainable transportation, tion in this fi eld in England and “The awards represent a to- and general secretary Sumit “Offi cer. tenance Company in the ‘Large’ Ngeneral Brigadier Mo- in traffi c safety management, the world. It was established ken of appreciation to honour Malhotra. The award categories are: Category (Annual turnover of hamed Abdullah al-Malki through scientifi c and non- 30 years ago to improve glo- businesses and individuals “The awards are focused on Best Indian CXO of the Year in QR100mn or more); Contracting yesterday received the Prince conventional understanding bal traffi c safety by honour- both of Indian origin and other individuals who have excelled in the following categories: Retail & Maintenance Company in the Michael Award for Traffi c Safe- of the requirements to reduce ing achievers, as well as Prince nationalities. There are more the various business fi elds. There Company in the ‘Large’ Category ‘Small’ Category (Annual Turno- ty at a ceremony in London. the traffi c problems identi- Michael’s personal contribu- than 6,000 Indian companies are eight categories for Indians (Annual Turnover of QR100mn ver of less than QR100mn) and “This award is a testimony fi ed by the United Nations tions to the activities of the in the country. Around 30% of and two categories for Qataris or more); Retail Company in the Standalone Indian Restaurant. to the high level of develop- (UN) as a disaster threaten- UN and international organi- the 700,000-plus Indian com- and non-Indians. The awards ‘Small’ Category (Annual Turn- The other categories are Best ment in Qatar in terms of traf- ing modern societies, de- sations, resulting from the munity in Qatar are white collar aim to honour who are CXOs and over of less than QR100mn); Non-Indian CXO of the Year fi c safety and the reduction of velop applied fi eld mecha- UN resolutions relating to the job holders and this is an op- who have a CEO equivalent re- Wholesale Business and / or in the categories of: Young En- traffi c accidents,” according to nisms that help and create 2011-2022 Traffi c Safety Plan portunity to honour the deserv- sponsible position, with a diff er- Large Trading Company (Annual trepreneur of the Year: Woman a statement issued by the Min- a relationship with the in- and the UN goals for sustain- ing ones. Moreover, this also ent designation including chair- Turnover of QR20mn or more); Entrepreneur of the Year. istry of Interior in Doha. ternational community and able development 2015 -2030. gives a stamp of approval as it man, CMD, CEO, CFO, COO, Trading Company in the ‘Small’ The fi nalists will be noti- “In recent years, Qatar has the UN to share successful It was endorsed by the heads comes from a body under the CIO, MD, ED and GM, and are Category (Annual Turnover of fi ed after initial screening by been able to occupy a prestig- global experiences. of 150 countries, including His Indian embassy,” said Indian decision-makers for their organ- less than QR20mn) ; Professional the judges. The winners will ious international position in “The Foundation of Prince Highness the Amir.” ambassador P Kumaran. isation or business, and whose Services Firm - covering the en- be declared at an event in He was speaking to the me- company is registered in Qatar, tire range of services including to March 2019. Jeep Grand Cherokee model recalled Indian exports to Qatar jump 87% last year: ambassador Indian exports to Qatar has trade volume between India others. India is also exporting infrastructure sector. We have he Ministry of Com- campaign comes within the tomers to report any violations seen a huge jump in the and Qatar was over $10.6bn last two wheelers to Qatar. the need for a one trillion plus merce and Industry, in framework of its ongoing ef- to its Consumer Protection financial year 2017-2018, year. It was an increase of 18% “The year 2018-2019 is also investment in infrastructure in Tcollaboration with Unit- forts to protect consumers and and Anti-Commercial Fraud compared to the previous compared to 2016,” he said. marking a consistent increase the next several years and any ed Cars Almana (After Sales), ensure that car dealers follow up Department, which processes year, ambassador P Kumaran The envoy was addressing the in the exports to Qatar. investment in the area is welcome. has announced the recall of on vehicle defects and repairs. complaints, inquires and sug- disclosed yesterday. media on the sidelines of an Every month is witnessing “There are commitments from Jeep Grand Cherokee model of The ministry said that it will gestions through the following “Last year was a very important event to announce the awards an increase compared to the some of the higher levels from 2018 because the inadequate co-ordinate with the dealer channels: Call Centre: 16001, one. Indian exports to Qatar launched by Indian Business previous month. We are looking Qatar and they are looking clearance between the driver to follow up on the mainte- e-mail: [email protected], went up by over 87%. In the and Professional Council. at a great increase in the total into all the possibilities. Several fl oor mat and the accelerator nance and repair works and will Twitter: @MOCIQATAR, In- financial year 2016-17 (April to Most of the increase was in exports this year also. delegations from India have pedal may prevent the accel- communicate with customers stagram: MOCIQATAR, Minis- March), it was in the range of commodities such as food, “We have a lot of talks going on also visited Qatar and made erator pedal from returning to- to ensure that the necessary try of Commerce and Industry $800mn and last year it was automobiles, confectioneries, regarding Qatari investment many presentations,” added wards the idle position. repairs are carried out. mobile app for Android and about $1.5bn. The total bilateral automobile spare parts among in India, especially in the Kumaran. The ministry said the recall The ministry urges all cus- IOS: MEC_QATAR ISA celebrates 100th technical seminar

he International So- ciety of Automation T(ISA) – Qatar Section celebrated its 100th techni- cal seminar at a gala show held recently in Doha. Present on the occa- sion were ISA president Brian J Curtis, ISA vice- president (Europe, Middle East & Africa) Ugo Baggi, Qatar Chemical Company (Q-Chem) CEO Nasser Je- ham al-Kuwari, Arab Engi- neers Federation president Ahmed al-Jolo and senior offi cials from Qatar Petro- The Excellence in Professional Leadership award being given to Nasser Jeham al-Kuwari by leum, Dolphin Energy, Q- Brian J Curtis. Chem, Qatar Petrochemical Company (Qapco) among given away during the for- lence in Industry Award for the past 17 years. others. mal function where the 2018 was given to Rajeesh The conference was at- ISA is the largest global distinguished technolo- Maryodan and team from tended by more than 150 and non-profi t professional gist of Qatar was honoured ABB, while the ISA Member automation engineers and organisation responsible for by Curtis. The Excellence of the Year Award 2018 was managers from Qatar Pe- setting standards for au- in Professional Leadership given to Naidu Singampalli troleum, Qatargas, Qatar tomation in various indus- Award was bestowed on al- of Technip. Fertiliser Company (Qafco), tries. The ISA Qatar Section Kuwari for his exceptional To mark the occasion, Qapco, Qatar Steel, Qata- was formed in 2001 and has leadership and outstanding ISA Qatar also constituted lum, Q-Chem, Dolphin En- conducted, since then, 100 contributions to industries the Excellence in Endur- ergy, Oryx GTL, Mesaieed technical seminars, 10 sym- in Qatar. ance Service Award for Sec- Power, Ashghal, Kahramaa, posiums and two regional Al-Kuwari applauded the tion leaders who have been automation global ven- automation conferences on role of ISA Qatar for rais- involved with the organi- dors (Siemens, ABB , Hon- measurement and control, ing awareness of the latest sation since its formation. eywell, Yokogawa, Hima, plant safety and protection, technology among auto- These awards were given to GE, Emerson), engineer- cyber security, industrial mation professionals in the Nilangshu Dey, ISA Qatar ing consultants (Technip, Internet of Things (IIoT) oil and gas industry for the Section president; Shabu Ramboll, Energoproject, and wireless systems in oil past 17 years and reaching Varghese, treasurer; and Qatar Kentz) and service and gas and petrochemical the 100th seminar mile- Jamal Nakhleh, Section del- providers (Black Cat, Do- industries stone. egate, for their contribution pet, Qcon, Petroserv, CGC, The annual awards were The Automation Excel- in leading the Qatar Section Imco, Necon).

HBKU to host talk by UN chief amad Bin Khalifa The lecture’s topic will be with our academic insti- University (HBKU), ‘The Importance of Multi- tution’s core objectives of Ha member of Qatar lateralism in a Time of Un- promoting open dialogue Foundation (QF), will host precedented Challenges’. and knowledge exchange a public lecture by António Dr Ahmad M Hasnah, through lectures and semi- Guterres, pictured, United president of HBKU, said, nars. Members of the wider Nations secretary-gen- “HBKU is committed to community are welcome eral, at Education City on engaging students and the to attend Guterres’ lecture; Nations. From June 2005 – December 16. local community in key is- his extensive expertise and December 2015 he held the The lecture is part of the sues with global experts and overview of current global position of the United Na- ‘Education City Speaker Se- thought leaders, and it is an development challenges tions High Commissioner ries’, which is an initiative of exceptional honour for us to will no doubt contribute to for Refugees. QF that promotes knowledge- welcome HE António Gu- a highly rewarding session.” The lecture will be held sharing and open discussions terres to HBKU to address the Guterres is a Portuguese at Minaretein (College of across a range of thought- wider community in Qatar. politician and diplomat, Islamic Studies build- provoking topics with local “Hosting someone of serving as the ninth secre- ing) at Education City on and international experts. Guterres’ stature aligns tary-general of the United December 16 at 11.30am. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 12, 2018 7 QATAR A piece of Berlin Wall unveiled at GU-Q panel of the Berlin Wall and international exchange, it is has been unveiled in the pushing Qatar towards being a Aatrium of Georgetown global leader in art and heritage. University in Qatar (GU-Q), in “We are excited to showcase a ceremony attended by senior the latest piece in QM’s Public offi cials of Qatar Foundation Art Program at such a prominent (QF), Qatar Museums (QM) and and fi tting site,” he said. GU-Q. “Each piece we bring goes The installation is the result through a careful consideration Group photo of the QAC management team during the 40th anniversary celebration. of an ongoing collaboration process to ensure it is placed in between QF and QM, which a setting that will help the pub- brought a piece of the Berlin lic make a connection with its Wall to Qatar under the Qatar- meaning and be inspired. We Germany 2017 Year of Culture, are grateful to QF and GU-Q for to be part of its robust Public Art locating this historical piece on Qatar Aeronautical College Programme. a campus where future leaders Once forming part of the wall will learn to avoid such divisions that divided East and West Ger- in the future, something our many for three decades, the dis- Years of Culture initiative aims marks 40th anniversary played panel measures just over to accomplish as well,” al-Ishaq a meter wide, over 3.5m high, noted. atar Aeronautical Col- a working breakfast, where institutions and their role and 2m thick. The concrete is “We hope that connecting lege (QAC) has cel- the participants had the op- within the industry in prepar- reinforced with steel bars, and peoples through art and creativ- Qebrated its 40th anni- portunity to explore the ICAO ing aviation professionals for covered in spray painted graffi ti ity will help bridge any divides versary at a welcome dinner, Training Portfolio and Train- future demands. that conveys messages of hope, and are thankful to our Qatar- hosting guests and partici- ing Needs Assessments Tool. ‘How Does Aviation Data- freedom and change. Germany 2017 Year of Culture pants of the fi fth Global Avia- It included highlights of ICAO Driven Decision-Making Ben- In his opening remarks, GU-Q partners for the opportunity to tion Training and TrainAir courses, tools, and meth- efi t Training Outcomes’ was dean Ahmad Dallal noted the bring this historically signifi cant Plus Symposium that QAC is odologies available to states the title of the day’s third ses- signifi cance of the wall for peo- piece to Doha,” he said. hosting in Doha until today. and training organisations sion, with moderator Marco ple around the world, stating: Gerd Nonneman, professor The dinner was attended by in support capacity building Merens, chief of the Integrated “what happened in Germany of government at GU-Q, sum- HE the Minister of Transport initiatives. Aviation Analysis Section at divided German families, rup- Visitors take a look at a piece of the Berlin Wall placed at GU-Q. marised the political geography and Communications Jassim The fi rst session of the day ICAO. The session focused on tured their society, and aff ected of the wall, off ering some take Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti, Inter- followed and was moderated by the fundamental concepts that the entire world far beyond the Naimi discussed how the seg- mensely proud to host this art- away messages on walls and bar- national Civil Aviation Or- the CEO of Management and comprise the data driven deci- wall. We are honoured to be se- ment of the Berlin Wall, and its work at QF, and I thank QM for riers in today’s context. ganisation (ICAO) secretary- Excellence Corporation, Wil- sion making and how the ap- lected to display a piece of the message, complements the 150 enabling us to do so and for our The painful cost of walls that general Fang Liu and QAC liam Cox. The session revolved plication of its principles and Berlin Wall here in Doha.” works that represent QF’s unique ongoing and valued cultural col- divide families took a personal director-general Sheikh Jabor around measuring training methods can prepare profes- He went on to highlight the art collection, and those loaned laboration,” al-Naimi added. turn with words from Kai Hen- bin Hamad al-Thani, in addi- eff ectiveness, its impact and sionals for real-life situations link between education and to QF by QM, which are all on QM’s public art head Abdul- rik-Barth, senior assistant dean tion to offi cials and dignitaries analysis based on the types of on the fi eld. diplomacy, saying: “As a uni- public view at Education City. rahman al-Ishaq complimented for Research Support at GU-Q, from Qatar and ICAO as well data collection, all resulting in The last session of the day, versity dedicated to training “These pieces of art encourage QF on its contribution to the de- and his spouse Katrin Scholz- as leading experts in the global decision making intelligence. titled ‘Innovative Educa- future leaders who will engage critical thinking, creativity, and velopment of Qatar, and added Barth, who shared their experi- aviation sector. Session 2 featured ‘From tional Environments: Are You in building international rela- discovery,” she said. that QM was pleased to bring ences living on opposite sides of During the ceremony, Sheikh Knowledge to Intelligence: Ready?’, was moderated by Me- tionships and conducting re- “They promote social engage- this important artifact to Qatar the divide. Jabor presented awards to dis- The Role of Universities and rens as well, where he initiated search that tears down walls on ment and interaction, and foster as part of cultural cooperation The wall, which was both a tinguished existing and previ- the Industry’, with Paul Bates, a dialogue on training portfo- a number of fronts, artifacts like cross-cultural understanding under the Qatar-Germany 2017 physical barrier and an ideologi- ous staff members of QAC in head of Aviation and Logistics lios, instruction training and this remind us of the critical im- and perspective. All of these val- Year of Culture. cal divide, was fi nally torn down recognition of their service and at the Australian University of the training business industry. portance of our task as scholars ues are at the core of QF’s mis- He highlighted the important in 1989. It became the symbolic achievements. Southern Queensland, as mod- The three-day event will and educators.” sion, which is why art has such role that art plays in bringing end of the Cold War, uniting The second day of the sym- erator. This session brought to conclude at Qatar National QF’s Community Develop- a central role in our community people together across divides, Germany for the fi rst time since posium began yesterday with light the eff orts of educational Convention Centre today. ment president Machaille al- development eff orts. We are im- and how through its partnerships 1945.

Woqod opens Umm Ebairiya petrol station atar Fuel, Woqod, convenience store, manual yesterday opened car wash, oil change and QUmm Ebairiya Pet- tyre repair, sale of LPG cyl- rol Station, the 80th such inders, in addition to sale of facility in the country. gasoline and diesel products Woqod CEO, engineer for light vehicles. Saad Rashid al-Muhannadi, Al-Muhannadi pointed said: We are pleased to open out that Woqod is currently new fi xed petrol station overseeing the implemen- in Umm Ebairiya. Woqod tation of 15 new petrol sta- aspires to expand its pet- tions, most of which are ex- rol station network in the pected to be operational in country to meet the rising 2019. Further, there are six demand. stations in the bidding phase He explained that Woqod The newly opened petrol station. and 26 in the design phase. has recently accelerated the “As part of its strategic process for the construc- like to extend their grati- Umm Ebairiya Petrol Sta- expansion plan, Woqod is tion of new petrol stations tude to all concerned gov- tion is spread over an area targeting the achievement to meet the fuel and energy ernmental and private enti- of 7,500sqm and has three of a total of 130 fuel sta- needs of the country. ties that contributed to the lanes with six dispensers. tions by the end of 2020,” he “The Woqod team would completion of this project.” The facilities include a Sidra added.

Ooredoo announces National Day off ers oredoo has an- around the town, then start porate Communications at nounced the fi rst of scanning the advertisement Ooredoo, said of the off er: Oa series of off ers and through the Ooredoo App. “We are always looking for surprises to celebrate the up- Augmented reality is an The 100MB free data will new ways to enhance their coming Qatar National Day. interactive experience of then be added to their ac- experience with Ooredoo, The data off er gives cus- a real-world environment count immediately. There and augmented reality is tomers 100MB free via the enhanced by computer- will be new off ers available a promising next step. We new augmented reality generated content. to scan every day, ahead of ask our customers to stay technology using the cam- All customers will need to an exciting big reveal on De- tuned, as much bigger off ers era in the Ooredoo App, do is watch out for Nation- cember 17. through this new technol- made available in the lat- al Day augmented reality Manar Khalifa al-Mu- ogy are coming their way est Ooredoo App update. compatible advertisements raikhi, director PR and Cor- very soon.”

Lankan school’s new building to come up in Al Thumama he foundation stone for the new build- Ting of Staff ord Sri Lankan School Doha is to be laid in Al Thumama area on December 14, Sri Lankan ambassador A S P Liyanage Sri Lankan ambassador A announced at a press con- S P Liyanage at the press ference yesterday. conference yesterday. The site near F-Ring PICTURE: Jayan Orma Road has been donated by the Government of Qatar. Staff ord School in July. The stone laying ceremony Architect’s impression of the proposed building for Staff ord The new committee will would start at 9.30am. Sri Lankan School Doha. ensure the speedy comple- The envoy recalled that tion of the new state-of- the Staff ord Sri Lankan generosity in gifting land The ambassador also in- the-art school complex, School was started in 2001 for building a school for the formed that a 20-member said the envoy who is also in rented premises where it country’s Sri Lankan com- board of directors headed by the patron of the lone edu- has been functioning since munity, Liyanage said the Roshan Balasoorya, a char- cational institution of the then. While thanking the new school will realise a tered accountant, has taken Sri Lankan community in Qatari authorities for their longstanding dream. over the management of the Qatar. Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, December 12, 2018 QATAR

Qatar Airways boosts capacity for European network

atar Airways has an- fl ights to the airline’s second continents. The award-winning nounced it will fl y a greater gateway to London, Gatwick, has airline recently revealed a host of Qnumber of passengers to also been increased from 14 to 16 new global destinations, includ- their preferred European destina- weekly fl ights, with immediate ef- ing Gothenburg, Sweden and Da tions this winter, with additional fect. Nang, Vietnam. capacity on some routes available The popular route, which is Qatar Airways was named now. serviced by the state-of-the-art ‘World’s Best Business Class’ by From December onwards, busi- Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was re- the 2018 World Airline Awards, ness and leisure passengers can introduced in May and is Qatar managed by international air enjoy a greater choice of travel op- Airways’ sixth UK gateway. transport rating organisation, tions as three popular European Qatar Airways Group chief Skytrax. routes – Helsinki, Finland; Stock- executive Akbar al-Baker, said: It was also named ‘Best Busi- holm, Sweden; Manchester, UK – “We invite all passengers to enjoy Qatar Airways has announced additional capacity on some European ness Class Seat’, ‘Best Airline in all receive aircraft upgrades. the additional capacity and flex- routes. the Middle East’ and ‘World’s Manchester and Stockholm ibility provided by these aircraft Best First Class Airline Lounge’. routes will be upgraded from an upgrades and increased frequen- connect seamlessly at Hamad work is expanding rapidly.” Qa- Earlier this year, Qatar Airways Airbus A350 to a more spacious cies. We are dedicated to giving International Airport to more tar Airways is one of the world’s increased the frequency of its Boeing 777, and the Helsinki route our customers more choice and than 160 global destinations. fastest-growing airlines, with a fl ights to Vienna, Austria; Zurich, will also be upgraded from an Air- flexibility when planning their We now provide direct services modern fleet of more than 200 Switzerland; Copenhagen, Den- bus A320 to a larger Airbus A330. business and leisure trips to and to more than 50 European cit- aircraft flying to business and mark; Madrid, Spain; Warsaw, Po- In addition, the frequency of from Europe, enabling them to ies, and our European route net- leisure destinations across six land and Rome, Italy.

NBK Auto’s special Vodafone Qatar ‘National Day’ off er on completes fi bre Mercedes-Benz S-Class

asser Bin Khaled (NBK) the market. It represents the ex- Automobiles, the au- emplary sophistication, precision Nthorised general distrib- and performance that have come rollout at ‘Msheireb utor of Mercedes-Benz in Qatar, to be expected from Mercedes- has launched a special off er on Benz. The S-Class is a symbol of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in German engineering, impeccable celebration of Qatar National craftsmanship and attention to Day. detail in styling,” the statement Downtown Doha’ Valid until December 31, the noted. “Beautifully designed, the off er allows customers to benefi t lushly constructed roomy inte- odafone Qatar has announced the completion from a wide package of benefi ts rior showcases Mercedes-Benz’s of the rollout of fi bre connectivity, capable that include 0% down-payment, commitment to both elegance and Vof handling speeds of up to 1 Gigabit per sec- three years’ service package or comfort and makes an ideal vehi- ond, across Qatar’s landmark development, Msheireb 60,000km (whichever comes cle for discerning auto enthusiasts Downtown Doha, following an agreement signed be- fi rst), and a QR1,500 voucher seeking luxury. tween both entities in December 2017. from Ziebart, NBK Automobiles “One look at the S-Class and The deployment, at an investment value in excess has said in a statement. The of- automobile connoisseurs will of QR100mn, was completed in September this year, fer also includes the possibility admire that it goes beyond opu- as per an agreement entered in 2014 making Vodafone of trading in one’s old car with a lence and refi nement because it Qatar the primary provider of mobile services infra- new S-Class. off ers owners both exceptional structure in Msheireb Downtown Doha. Sheikh Faleh bin Nawaf al- performance and the ability to put The new fi bre roll-out will enable the provision of Thani, Operations director – Auto power to the pavement. The vehi- ‘triple play’ services that combine voice, high speed at Nasser Bin Khaled Holding, cle also guarantees the smoothest Internet and multimedia over IP, and which provides said: “Nasser Bin Khaled Auto- ride and the most superb steering access to high defi nition TV, premium content, video mobiles is proud to launch this on the roads today.” on demand and home entertainment. off er celebrating Qatar National The new fl agship model has For businesses, Vodafone Qatar’s mobile and fi xed Day, the precious occasion in our been comprehensively modern- technology will also enable the provision of services hearts. We would like to extend ised and is confi rming its role as a including smart solutions and new applications such our congratulations to all people, technological trailblazer with new as smart security, asset tracking and smart meter- Qataris and expats, and would like engines and enhanced driving as- ing. These technologies of the future will help the to off er them special benefi ts that sistance systems. The top-of-the- large number of organisations operating in Msheireb Vodafone Qatar CEO Sheikh Hamad Abdulla Jassim allow them to get more when buy- range model of Mercedes-Benz Downtown Doha to optimise, automate and innovate. al-Thani (left) and Msheireb Properties acting CEO ing this iconic car.” “The iconic takes another big step towards During a tour of Msheireb Downtown Doha to see Ali al-Kuwari touring Msheireb Downtown Doha. S-Class sedan is one of the most autonomous driving and elevates the project’s latest developments, Sheikh Hamad recognisable luxury models in Intelligent Drive to the next level. Abdulla Jassim al-Thani, CEO, Vodafone Qatar, said: gives Msheireb Downtown Doha a state-of-the-art “We’re proud of our important partnership with technological infrastructure, enabling our downtown Msheireb Properties. Providing both mobile and fi - to become one of the smartest and most sustainable bre infrastructure in Msheireb Downtown Doha is communities worldwide. We are very happy with the an important milestone in achieving our aim to be a work accomplished and we commend Vodafone for converged communications leader and driving the their commitment to Qatar’s national priorities.” country’s digital transformation in support of Qatar Msheireb Downtown Doha, developed to revive the National Vision 2030.” old commercial centre of Doha, upon completion will Ali al-Kuwari, acting CEO of Msheireb Properties be the world’s largest certifi ed sustainable and smart said: “We strive to deliver on the Qatar National Vi- downtown community, featuring; 100 mixed-use sion 2030. Accordingly, Msheireb Downtown Doha, buildings, 800 residential units, more than 300 retail our fl agship landmark, has been designed and imple- units and 17 commercial buildings, in addition to four mented with seamless technological integration at hotels, a school, three mosques, Msheireb Museums, its core. Our successful collaboration with Vodafone the Galleria Mall and many other buildings. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Sean Webber is seen with Dr Tolessa and the medical team. Total knee replacement surgery performed at Aster Hospital

ean Webber, a South African national, surgery.” Dr Tolessa is heading the newly- regained his mobility after a success- established DOC Medical Centre which Sful total knee replacement surgery primarily focuses on orthopaedic related performed by Dr Emmanuel Tolessa at Aster conditions. Hospital, Doha. Webber who is travelling back to join his Dr Tolessa, a senior orthopaedic consult- family was all smiles as he can now walk ant and medical director at DOC Medical without support after three weeks of sur- Centre, performed the surgery using ad- gery. vanced treatment techniques with the sup- Since its inception in June 2017, Aster port of trained anaesthetists, nurses and Hospital in Doha has emerged as a centre other paramedics at Aster Hospital. with advanced treatment facilities deliv- The 54-year-old Webber suff ered from se- ering the best quality care to the people of vere knee pain which had aff ected his mobility. Qatar and has set new benchmarks in treat- An X-ray and physical examinations ment of chronic disease conditions. showed severe osteoarthritis of the knee, “It has been a very rewarding period that which is a common wear and tear process. we had in the last one year. There has been Having undergone conservative therapy and a remarkable growth for healthcare in Qa- medications, Webber had no other option tar and Aster Hospital has emerged as a but to undergo a total knee replacement, a preferred destination for patient needs. We golden standard for treating such conditions. are especially thankful to the community- Dr Tolessa said, “It has been over a dec- based doctors who are associating with us ade for me in Qatar treating patients with in bringing advanced healthcare services to arthritic knees and it has been a pleasure Aster Hospital”, said Dr Sameer Moopan, seeing patients’ quality of life improve post- chief executive offi cer, Aster DMH Qatar. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 12, 2018 9 QATAR Retirement authority widening insurance umbrella for Qataris institutions, or private companies. The The authority placed a new strategy for the fund revenues in October 2018. The website enables users to access aim from that is to encourage Qataris to The Authority is currently looking to the authority’s wide-range of digital fi nd employment in the private sector. 2018-2022 period, in line with the second develop its investment policy to reach services. The website consists of two The total number of entities covered by national development strategy of the state higher growth rates, taking into ac- portals, the fi rst dedicated to the em- insurance in accordance to law No 24 count the risks it may face in the me- ployers, the second targeted to indi- of 2002 approached 367, 35% of which number of companies signing those retirees, 7% from December 2017, while dium- and long-term. viduals, in addition to the application were joint-stock companies. deals reached 111. The authority also the number of deceased pensioners was This will be done in accordance to of smart mobile phone. The authority also placed a new participated in social events such as 7,372. Pensions paid to the owners since extensive technical studies, which will The fi rst portal has 19 services, in- strategy for the 2018-2022 period, in Garangao, and World No Tobacco Day. the beginning of the year amounted to enhance its ability to continue provid- cluding: monthly subscription fi le up- line with the second national devel- The authority also held a number QR 3.6bn. ing the best returns to the benefi ciaries load, modifi cation and maintenance of opment strategy of the state. The new of workshops on how individuals and Discontinuations for retirees due to and their families. fi le data, new subscriber registration, strategy has four main goals. The fi rst families should manage their fi nances. terminating the job recorded the highest As for the development of its human modifi cation and maintenance of sub- goal of those is ensuring the sustaina- They also organised a number of work- rate of 27.9% of all reasons behind retir- resources, the Authority attaches great scriber data, deletion of subscription bility of the established funds. The sec- shops in co-ordination with Qatar Ex- ing, 18.6% of the resignations, and ter- importance to training, as it considers register, consolidation and purchase ond is ensuring an honourable standard change to raise awareness among the mination of work due to disability due to it a key way to enhance the skills of its of service terminations, termination of of living for Qatari workers. The second elderly on all topics related to investing. or during work less 0.1%. workers. It regularly assigns its staff to subscriber service, submission of pay- goal has already seen the authority pre- As for regional and international On the other hand, the number of ac- a wide-range of courses, programmes ment notices. pare a plan of operations. eff orts, the authority participated in tive civilian subscribers reached 71,074, and conferences related to its fi eld of It also includes inquiries about Qa- The authority supports its mission 2018 in a conference in Kuwait that dis- an increase of 2,200 participants, with work. The number of employees en- tari and Gulf subscribers’ data, as well QNA today with a series of initiatives, that cussed how to ensure the sustainability a growth rate of 3% compared to Oc- rolled this year was146, 61% of the au- as querying all applications and other Doha are a testimony to its accomplishment of the GCC retirees’ funds. tober 2017. The females accounted for thority’s total workforce. The authority services. The second portal is dedi- and its promising future for genera- This took place from November 6-8. 53.6% of the total number of males who organised a training programme for the cated to users and allows them to ask tions capable of serving the country. It then participated in the GCC techni- are working in 367 bodies subject to the new employees to help them under- questions if they have any, fi le-in ap- ince its establishment in 2002, To continue progressing, the author- cal committee’s meeting on the same provisions of the Pensions and Pen- stand the legislative framework they plications and requests among other the General Retirement and So- ity remains focused on improving its subject, that took place in Kuwait from sions Law, and the government sector work within, among other subjects. services. Scial Insurance Authority worked operations at the institutional level September 4-6. Just two days prior to by 81%. The Authority continues with its Other activities saw the authority on being a safe haven for Qatari citi- and developing its human resources. that date in the same city, it partici- The total number of Gulf workers human capital development eff orts. It provide legal counselling to its various zens, as well as on supporting the 2030 Retirement and Social Insurance Au- pated in a meeting that focused on ex- working in Qatar according to the lat- aims to Qatarise a 100% of its available units on the preparation of contracts, National Vision and other national de- thority in that regard has conducted a amining ways to reform retirees’ funds est approved statement, and covered by jobs. The current level exceeds 77%. resolutions, circulars and follow-up to velopment strategies. number of plans to help it on its way. in the GCC. the system of extending insurance pro- The number of workers at the authority the 79 disputes of which it is a party. The authority is also looking to reach One of those initiatives was measur- The authority also participated in tection about 2342 Gulf, 68% of them grew this year 3% to reach 239, 59.8% of More than 14,268 services provided, the highest levels of effi ciency, and ing the employee satisfaction level, and the International Social Security Asso- working in the government sector. which are women. including the issuance of 13,930 cer- the most prestigious status among its general satisfaction levels for its serv- ciation meeting that took place in Rabat On domestic investments, data In the fi eld of information technol- tifi cates, and the receipt of 338 diff erent peers, refl ecting the values of the Qatari ices in order to have indicators it can on April 18 to 20. showed last September that a total of ogy, the Authority has completed 14 service requests. society in terms of respecting privacy work with. The meeting discussed how develop- 98% of the SR100 bn pension fund diff erent projects, namely: the devel- The Authority is committed to re- and enjoying its prosperity. It also helped promote social respon- ments in information technology can portfolio is in-house investments in opment and updating of the website, alising the Vision 2030, by adopting a The General Retirement Author- sibility that saw it sign agreements with be used to deliver better social security order to stimulate the growth of eco- in line with the e-government strategy, clear strategy for the period 2018-2022, ity is looking to expand the insurance many companies to provide deals for its services. According to the authority’s nomic sectors to add value to the coun- and the process of development and with a view to sustainable insurance umbrella to cover all citizens whether retirees. Some of those deals reached statistics, the total number of pension- try’s GDP. Insurance revenues repre- modernisation, which the Authority systems and improve the quality of they work in ministries, authorities, 70% discounts for the retirees. The ers reached 16,237, an increase of 1,118 sent 51%, compared to 49% of total has always followed. service provided to the public. Qatar’s economy has achieved National Day celebration remarkable growth: al-Nuaimi a tribute to our forefathers QNA use in building our present and is to undermine the independ- QNA through branch staff . Doha looking forward to our prosper- ence of our national decision, Doha Qatar Post signed contracts ous future under our wise lead- which we have maintained and with leading IT companies to ership and the awareness of our preserved since the founding of develop the company’s techno- E Secretary-General of loyal people. He added that after the nation by Sheikh Jassim bin hairman and Managing logical infrastructures, which the Cabinet Hamad bin nearly 140 years of the found- Mohamed bin Thani. Director of Qatar Postal contribute to enhancing the op- HAhmed al-Mohannadi ing of the modern State of Qa- And we will remain stead- CServices Company (Qatar erational capabilities and services affi rmed that Qatar’s celebra- tar by the founder on December fast regardless of the pressures, Post) Faleh Mohamed al-Nuaimi provided. tion of its National Day is a cel- 18, 1878, we have the right to be sacrifi ces and conspiracies that stated that National Day is an im- Qatar Post also started im- ebration of the high values es- proud that we continue to fol- will never succeed in shaking portant occasion to sow love and plementing RFID technology, tablished by the Founder Sheikh low his approach and follow the our constants and weakening loyalty, and share these feelings which allows for better tracking Jassim bin Mohamed bin Thani, principles and implement his our confi dence in ourselves and with younger generations as well and achieving goals and qual- may God have mercy on him, in commandments and maintain abandoning our values. We will as to remember the eff orts of the ity of service. Additionally, the which Qatar generations were his high values and ethics and plant more factories and more ancestors who established the company launched a home de- raised by generation after gen- high concepts. projects and turn the land to state and to move forward in pro- livery service across Qatar that eration. He noted that it was natural green farms to achieve self-suf- moting such feelings and trans- is available to any customer who Al-Mohannadi said in a state- for our country to made these fi ciency in food. lating them on the ground. has a subscription to a personal ment to Qatar News Agency achievements and assume this He praised the slogan of the He said, in a statement to Qatar Qatar Post Chairman Faleh Mohamed al-Nuaimi. mailbox. The mail can be deliv- (QNA) that the celebration of position, and play this distinc- National Day of this year and News Agency (QNA), that Qatar’s ered one, three or six times a week this glorious occasion is a trib- tive role on the regional and the slogan accompanying it, progress and the unity between steadfastness and eff orts of eve- ard mail delivery time in the last based on customer’s choice. ute to the great sacrifi ces made international arenas because it “Qatar will remain free”, as it is the people and leadership led to ryone, and expressed his eager- quarter of 2017. Furthermore, Furthermore, Qatar Post by grandparents and parents was armed with ethics and ad- a true embodiment of all these the development of the country in ness to achieve self-reliance in Qatar Post achieved 95.1% of the launched other services includ- for an independent, stable and hering to the principles of our meanings, values and princi- a record time compared to other all political, economic and social distribution time in the fi rst and ing international service, which secure Qatar that is always able true Islamic religion and united ples, foremost of which are good countries, adding that Qatar has aspects. the second quarters of 2018, sur- allows the delivery of letters and to take care of the interests behind its leadership and com- deeds, freedom of will and inde- become an example of success- He called on everyone to work passing the 80% target set by the parcels to more than 220 coun- of its people and continue its mitted to the covenants and pendence of national decision, ful economic and social welfare, intensively for Qatar’s glory, focus Universal Postal Union. tries. It is the fastest delivery outstanding role for peace and charters and took care of the and these principles remain in which is based on pillars inherited on installing noble values among In February 2017, Qatar Post option by the Qatar Post. It also stability in the region and the rights of the neighbour, brother the hearts of the people of Qatar. through generations. the younger generation and pre- launched a new service under the launched its new brand, imple- world. and friend, and made the hard The Cabinet’s secretary-gen- He pointed out that the eff orts pare the Qatari individual to build name of Digital Mailroom Solu- mented a new retail model across In this regard, he stressed that and sincere work as slogan and eral pointed out that the past of the leadership and the people the nation through education, tions, which is a sophisticated its branches. Qatar deserves the love, loyalty, method and way of develop- period witnessed the issuance are united until the state becomes production and self-reliance in electronic service that reduces One of the key projects that loyalty and generosity of its no- ment. of dozens of laws aimed at en- dependent on its human and eco- every walk of life. costs and relies on the Inter- Qatar Post seeks to implement ble sons and their eff orts to pre- And Qatar now thanks to God couraging domestic and foreign nomic capabilities within a clear He emphasised the impor- net and the automation system in the future is to enable credit serve the achievements made and the wisdom of its leadership investment and providing the vision supported by the solidar- tance of valuing work and time, to track the delivery of mail in card payments through mobile and to work hard and respon- and the awareness of its people legal environment for econom- ity of Qataris and residents.It is and striving to accomplish our companies and to customers. Qa- devices, introduce self-service sibly for further progress and is at the forefront of countries in ic work and the development through these eff orts that “we development projects profes- tar Post also developed the use unites in branches through retail prosperity. terms of economic success and boom witnessed by the country were able to turn the siege from sionally and responsibly in order of information technology and network, complete upgrading fi - Al-Mohannadi congratulated achieving high growth rates. in various fi elds. the curse into a blessing thanks to to promote sustainable develop- modern tracking systems. It also nance and procurement systems, Qatar’s leadership on the oc- The Cabinet’s secretary-gen- Al-Mohannadi, at the end of God Almighty,” the Chairman of ment and achieve our current and implemented EPOSS programme, implement new automated sort- casion of the National Day of eral added in his statement that his statement, said that walk- Qatar Post added. future goals. The Chairman said which checks automatic transac- ing system, achieve integration the country, which is a day of as we celebrate the National ing on the path of the founder is Al-Nuaimi praised the re- that Qatar Post made a number tions, provides reports on sales, with customs systems and expand pride and an occasion to recite Day, we must talk about the un- to be faithful to work and to be markable growth achieved by the of accomplishment, most nota- co-ordinates inventory data and smart cabinets networks during the wonderful chapters of our just blockade imposed on the responsible for ethics and na- country’s economy, thanks to the bly achieving 100% of the stand- performs many other services the last quarter of 2019. glorious history and which we country and its main objective tional responsibility. South Korean envoy praises friendly relations with Qatar

South Korean ambassador to and the government and peo- hosting the 2022 World Cup ANNOUNCEMENT Qatar Kim Chang-mo praised ple of Qatar on the occasion and in achieving the Qatar the friendly relations between of National Day, which is also National Vision 2030 with this RAMAT GUL RAGUL the two countries, developing celebrated by the residents, dynamism and insightful lead- rapidly since the establish- including 2,000 Koreans resid- ership. He expressed his hap- ment of diplomatic relations in ing in Qatar. He pointed out piness that Korean companies holder of 1974. The ambassador noted, that the two countries have have contributed to Qatar’s in an exclusive statement great potential to expand their eff orts for self-suff iciency and Afghanistan Passport No. 01366544 to Qatar News Agency, that co-operation in mutually ben- food security and partici- Qatar is currently the number eficial way, not only in energy South Korean ambassador to pated in various construction QID No. 27258601376 one supplier of LNG to South sector, but in other areas such Qatar Kim Chang-mo projects such as desalination Korea. He added that the two as agriculture, aquaculture, ICT, and power generation. The hereby change my name countries have similarities, for public health, medical industry, last May as a new ambassa- ambassador praised Qatar’s example, both are peninsulas security and other fields. dor of Korea to Qatar, I have eff orts in the field of humani- that were able to achieve rapid Ambassador Kim Chang-mo visited many places, not only tarian assistance throughout From: economic development in a stressed that Qatar’s ability to infrastructure facilities such as the world. He pointed out RAMAT GUL RAGUL relatively short period of time overcome the diff iculties from Hamad Port, petro-chemical that these activities are highly with the eff orts of the people the blockade and turn the industrial areas in Ras Laff an appreciated by both the ben- and under wise leadership. crisis into opportunities is very and high-tech cattle farms, but eficiaries and the international To: Furthermore, both countries impressive, adding that the also cultural and educational community. Ambassador TAMAT GUL RAGUL place emphasis on education. achievements made during facilities like Education City, Kim Chang-mo continued by The ambassador congratu- the blockade in self-suff iciency Katara ... It’s amazing that saying that “in the multilat- lated His Highness the Amir and food security areas de- Qatar has achieved enormous eral arena, such as the United Any objection, please contact Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad serve high estimation. development and modernisa- Nations, Qatar is very active THE PERMANENT COMMITTEE FOR al-Thani, His Highness the He also praised Qatar for its tion under the leadership of in issues of human rights, de- Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin extensive development in all His Highness the Amir Sheikh velopment, counter-terrorism NATIONALITY AFFAIRS Khalifa al-Thani and His High- fields under the leadership Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.” and seems well-recognised by within 15 days from the publication of this notice. ness the Deputy Amir Sheikh of His Highness the Amir. He The ambassador aff irmed the international community.” Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani said, “Since I arrived in Doha that Qatar will succeed in — QNA Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, December 12, 2018 REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA

CONFLICT ELECTION POLITICS ASSISTANCE RESTRICTION Ten slain in new massacre Opposition candidate says Somalia’s president France ships 1,400 assault Egypt curbs sale of in eastern DR Congo barred from staging rally dodges impeachment move rifles to Central Africa army yellow vests: traders

Suspected militiamen killed ten civilians in a fresh at- A frontrunner in DR Congo’s presidential elections A bid to impeach Somalia’s president for alleged France yesterday handed over 1,400 AK-47 Egyptian authorities have unoff icially restricted the tack in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s troubled said he had been barred from staging a rally in a key abuse of office was ruled “invalid” yesterday assault rifles and three amphibious vehicles sale of “yellow vest”, traders in Cairo said yester- east, civil and military sources said yesterday. The city yesterday, 12 days before polling day. Former oil after the parliamentary clerk said over a dozen to the Central African Republic to shore up its day, signalling fears of possible protests inspired massacre occurred overnight in the town of Oicha, executive Martin Fayulu, 62, a lawmaker making a MPs had denied signing the motion. beleaguered armed forces. French Defence by those in France. The move comes ahead of the in the Beni region, local administrator Donat Kibwa- late surge in the campaign, said police had diverted “We have received written statements from 14 Minister Florence Parly oversaw the handover at eighth anniversary of the uprising that toppled Egypt’s na said. The assailants were suspected members of him away from the rally venue in Lubumbashi. lawmakers who claim their names have been a ceremony at M’Polo military base in the capital president Hosni Mubarak in February 2011 and left the the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an armed group “They made us follow an itinerary...(preventing us) used wrongly in the list of signatories of the Bangui. The military aid was announced in Paris country in political and economic turmoil. “We received blamed for hundreds of killings since 2014. “They from reaching the venue,” he said in a tweet. “They motion against the president,” parliamentary in November, along with 24mn euros ($27.4mn) instructions from the police around a week ago to sell entered Oicha late at night, they pillaged and made sent us to the home of ‘Papa’ Kyungu,” he said, refer- clerk Abdikarim Haji Abdi Buh said in a state- in civilian assistance. One of the world’s poorest yellow vests to companies only, and not to individuals,” off with farm animals. We lost nine people in the ring to a local opposition leader. An AFP reporter ment. “These legislators are not withdrawing nations, the CAR has struggled to recover from one importer said. However, a rights lawyer, Mohamed attack,” Kibwana said, adding that two others were at the scene of the rally said police fired teargas to from the impeachment motion, but are confirm- a 2013 civil war that erupted when President Ramadan, was yesterday remanded in custody for reported missing. The toll was confirmed separately disperse several hundred people who had gathered ing that they have totally never signed the Francois Bozize, a Christian, was overthrown by two weeks over charges including the distribution and by military spokesman Mak Hazukay. to welcome Fayulu. document,” he added. Seleka rebels. possession of leaflets and yellow vests.

Rights UN proposes Yemen’s warring group disputes parties pull out of key port army on Interim entity would control Hodeidah, include monitors; UN chief to attend killing Red Sea port and aid lifeline talks in Sweden now focus of stalemated war; Parties exchange The United Nations secretary- Reuters prisoner lists ahead of swap general will attend talks be- Jerusalem tween warring Yemeni parties Reuters in Sweden, multiple sources Rimbo, Sweden said yesterday. Antonio Gu- n Israeli human rights terres will attend UN-brokered group disputed yesterday negotiations between Yemen’s Athe army’s account that it he United Nations pro- government and Houthi rebels killed a Palestinian in the occu- posed at initial talks today, sources close to the pied West Bank during a riot on Tbetween Yemen’s war- talks, including a high-ranking Dec 4, saying CCTV video foot- ring parties yesterday that they diplomat, said. age showed no such disturbances withdraw from the contested when he was shot. port city of Hodeidah, a lifeline Palestinian medics said for millions facing famine, and and the International Commit- 22-year-old Mohamed Habali place it under the control of an tee of the Red Cross. suff ered a bullet wound to the interim entity. “We have exchanged more head in Tulkarm. It was not clear if the Houthi than 7,000 names from each A military spokeswoman said movement and the Saudi- side, including some 200 high- at the time that soldiers resort- backed Yemeni government ranking offi cers,” said Ghaleb ed to live fire after first trying would accept the proposal made Mutlaq, a Houthi delegate. less lethal methods against “a at peace talks in Sweden that He said a joint committee violent riot...in which dozens aim to avert a full-scale assault would investigate those still of Palestinians hurled rocks”. on Hodeidah, now a focus of the missing. Hadi’s foreign minister In the video published by rights nearly four-year-old war. said the government had sub- group B’Tselem, a man is seen After the two sides agreed to mitted a list of 8,576 prisoners, collapsing in a street. exchange around 15,000 pris- including activists and journal- Footage from different cam- oners, the consultations revolve ists. eras, and which B’Tselem said around thornier issues such as Johannes Bruwer, outgo- it synchronised with the first, the status of Hodeidah and the ing ICRC head of delegation in shows troops crouching behind reopening of Sanaa airport. Yemen, said in Geneva that the a car, two of them apparently The Houthis control most prisoner swap would take weeks aiming rifles. population centres in Yemen, and might involve third country The felled man cradles what including Hodeidah — with co- nationals being repatriated. appears to be a stick under his alition forces massed on its out- The parties have yet to agree right arm and several other men skirts — and the capital Sanaa, Representatives of the Houthi rebel delegation (left) and representatives of the Yemeni government’s delegation pose for a picture with on reopening Sanaa airport and are seen scattering around the from which the group ousted representatives from the off ice of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen and the International Red Cross Committee (ICRC) during the ongoing shoring up the central bank of time that he falls. the government of Abd-Rabbu peace talks on Yemen held at Johannesberg Castle in Rimbo, north of Stockholm, yesterday. the country, where most basic The more than minute-long Mansour Hadi in 2014. commodities are out of reach of video clip does not show any of Three sources familiar with diately reached to respond to the but diff er on who should run present at the talks and were gotiations to end the confl ict, millions. them throwing rocks at troops, the talks told Reuters that the proposal. the city itself. The Houthis say pressing the parties to agree which has killed tens of thou- Saudi Arabia and the UAE nor any rocks on the tarmac. proposal presented by UN me- Yemeni Foreign Minister Hodeidah should be declared a to the Hodeidah proposal, the sands of people. want to exit a confl ict that Responding to B’Tselem’s diator Martin Griffi ths envi- Khalid al-Yamani, who is head- neutral zone. Western allies are sources said. The two sides yesterday ex- has become very costly and is findings, the Israeli military sions a “joint committee or in- ing the internationally-recog- pressing Saudi Arabia and the A source in the government changed lists of some 15,000 bogged down in stalemate, with repeated its original account dependent entity” be set up to nised government’s delegation United Arab Emirates, leaders team said Griffi ths brought the prisoners for a swap agreed at pressure for a peace deal rising of violence by the Palestinians manage the city and port after to the peace talks, said on Mon- of the coalition that intervened heads of the two delegations the start of the talks, which are among Western allies, some of in Tulkarm, adding that the both sides withdraw. day Hodeidah should be placed in Yemen in 2015 to restore Ha- together for the fi rst time in a due to last until Dec 13. which supply them with arms shooting was under investiga- UN monitors could be de- under interior ministry control di’s government, to end a war meeting attended by the fi ve Delegates said the swap would and intelligence. tion. ployed in Hodeidah, they said, as a matter of sovereignty. that has pushed the long im- ambassadors yesterday. be conducted via Houthi-held Yemen’s war is widely regard- Israeli troops frequently adding that discussions were Both parties have agreed to a poverished nation to the verge Griffi ths wants agreement on Sanaa airport in north Yemen ed in the Middle East as a proxy mount raids in the West Bank, continuing. The United Nations UN role in the Red Sea port, the of famine.Ambassadors of the confi dence-building steps and and government-held Sayun confl ict between Saudi Arabia where violence has simmered declined to comment while the entry point for most of Yemen’s fi ve permanent member states a transitional governing body airport in the south — a process and Iran, which has voiced sup- over long-stalled Palestinian two parties could not be imme- commercial goods and vital aid, of the UN Security Council are to pave the way for political ne- overseen by the United Nations port for the UN peace eff orts. statehood talks.

Aoun says anti-tunnel Palestinian shot dead in West Bank

AFP Palestinian government, for the action no risk to peace Hebron second day. Forces closed sev- eral roads near the Palestinian fi nance ministry, fi ring tear gas Reuters gressive intentions and it will confi rmed the presence of one Palestinian was shot dead and sound grenades at protesters Beirut continue to work on its (terri- tunnel near the Israeli town by Israeli forces near the hurling rocks. tory),” Aoun told a news con- of Metulla. The force’s head, Afl ashpoint city of Hebron Israeli forces in the West Bank ference. “We also do not have Major General Stefano Del Col, in the occupied West Bank yes- have been on high alert since ebanese President aggressive intentions...We are said yesterday that a second terday during what Israeli offi - Sunday evening, when seven Is- Michel Aoun said yes- ready to remove the causes of one had been found while Is- cials said was an attack. raelis were wounded in a shoot- Lterday he saw no risk to the dispute, but after we obtain rael’s military said it had dis- Palestinian offi cial news ing at the entrance to a West peace from an operation by Is- a fi nal report and we set out the covered a third. agency Wafa identifi ed the dead Bank settlement. rael’s military to disable cross- matters that need to be dealt Del Col, in a statement is- man as Omar Awwad, 27, and A woman and her prema- border tunnels it says were dug with.” sued after meeting Aoun, said said he was shot by Israeli forces turely delivered baby were still into its territory by Hezbollah During a televised visit to the matter was “serious”. UNI- near Hebron. Palestinians whose houses were destroyed during 2014 war, sit at a in serious condition yesterday, guerrillas. the border, Prime Minister Ben- FIL was making “every eff ort The health ministry con- United Nations-run school where they try to take refuge to protest a hospital spokeswoman said Israel says Hezbollah, Leba- jamin Netanyahu said Israel was to maintain clear and credible fi rmed he had died after being against UNRWA’s decision to stop paying rents, in the northern Gaza “I wish a swift recovery to non’s most powerful armed “methodically dismantling the channels of communication taken to hospital. Strip, yesterday. all those wounded,” Prime group, dug the tunnels with tunnel weapon,” and warned with both sides so that there Israeli police said a man was Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the aim of launching attacks Hezbollah not to re-establish is no room for misunderstand- shot after driving his car towards supervisor’s car and headed to- northern West Bank, a Palestin- said yesterday at a ceremony into Israel with backing from the front. ing”. Israel has said it is up to border police at a checkpoint. ward a border police offi cer who ian car drove toward Israeli secu- marking the operation of a new its regional sponsor. “If Hezbollah makes the big UNIFIL to deal with the tun- A statement said Israeli forces was securing the event,” a state- rity forces involved in enforcing junction in the West Bank. Hezbollah has yet to com- mistake of deciding in any way nels on the Lebanese side of had reached Awwad’s village ment said. construction laws. “We will chase down the ment. to strike at us or resist the (anti- the border, and its military Idna to take action against illegal “The offi cer fi red at the car, Border policemen fi red in the perpetrators and settle the ac- “We certainly took this is- tunnel) action we have under- said it held the Beirut govern- burning of copper taking place hitting the man suspected of at- air and apprehended the driver, a count with them.” sue seriously - the presence of taken, it will get hit with blows ment responsible for “another there. tempting to run him over,” the 30-year-old resident of the vil- Netanyahu said the Palestin- tunnels at the border - and Is- that it cannot even imagine.” blatant breach” of a UN reso- “A Palestinian car driven by police statement said, confi rm- lage Jiftlik. Later yesterday, Is- ian attacks were aimed at forc- rael informed us via the United The UN peacekeeping force lution that ended a 2006 war the suspect tried to escape the ing Awwad’s death. raeli forces entered the centre of ing Israelis to leave the West States that it does not have ag- in Lebanon, UNIFIL, last week between Hezbollah and Israel. security forces, the car hit the In a separate incident in the the city of Ramallah, home of the Bank. 250,000 refugees could return to Syria next year: UN

AFP day, urging support to the millions still according to the pace with which we gees had returned to Syria since 2015, more than 360,000 people since 2011, scription and questions around those Geneva in neighbouring countries. are...removing the obstacles to re- including 37,000 this year. Awad said returnees face a whole host who deserted the army when they left “We are forecasting...up to 250,000 turn,” he stressed. “These are organised returns, com- of obstacles.These range from docu- Syria, Awad said. Syrians go back in 2019,” Amin Awad, There are currently 5.6mn Syrian pletely voluntary, in safety...and of mentation confi rming identity and And there are obstacles related to quarter of a million Syrian refu- who heads the UN refugee agency’s refugees living in the region, including course with UNHCR involvement,” property in Syria to a dire lack of edu- physical security even in places where gees could return home next Middle East and North Africa opera- around 1mn born into displacement, Awad said. cation, healthcare and sanitation in the the fi ghting has stopped, including Ayear, despite massive hurdles tions, told reporters in Geneva. according to UNHCR data. Despite the winding down of Syria’s places to which they return. large amounts of unexploded ordi- facing returnees, the UN said yester- “That fi gure can go up and down The agency said that 117,000 refu- devastating confl ict, which has killed There are also issues related to con- nance. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 12, 2018 11 AMERICAS

Charlottesville car attacker jailed

A neo-Nazi who drove his car into a group of counter-protesters last year during a white supremacist rally in Virginia, killing a woman, was sentenced to life in prison Trump, top Democrats yesterday. James Alex Fields Jr, 21, was found guilty of murder and other charges last week following a jury trial in Charlottesville. The same seven-woman, five- man jury that convicted Fields sentenced him to life in prison spar in front of media and an additional 419 years. Fields rammed his car into the Reuters Chuck, because the people of Senior White House staff counter-protesters on August 12, Washington this country don’t want crimi- watched the exchange from 2017, killing 32-year-old Heather nals and people that have lots of the corners of the Oval Offi ce, Heyer and injuring dozens of problems and drugs pouring into among them Jared Kushner and other people. resident Donald Trump our country,” he said before re- Ivanka Trump, outgoing Chief openly fought with top porters left the room. of Staff John Kelly, immigra- PDemocratic lawmakers at Congress is seeking to fi nalise tion adviser Stephen Miller, and Number of wildfire an Oval Offi ce meeting yester- spending before some federal Shahira Knight, his legislative day about government funding, government funding expires on director. missing drops throwing into question whether December 21. Then Schumer brought up a deal was possible ahead of a While Trump’s fellow Repub- “Pinocchios” that Trump had The number of people deadline later this month. licans control both the House been awarded by the Washing- unaccounted for in California’s In a remarkable public ar- and the Senate until next month, ton Post for misstatements on deadliest wildfire has dropped to gument, the likes of which is Democratic support is needed to the issue, and accused him of just three, down from a high of seldom seen before cameras, pass any spending legislation. wanting to get his own way. more than 1,200, off icials said late Trump bickered with US Sen- Trump has asked for $5bn, “Let’s call a halt to this,” Pelo- on Monday. ate Democratic Leader Chuck while Schumer and Pelosi were si said as the two New Yorkers The death toll from the so-called Schumer and House Demo- expected to off er just $1.3bn for went at it. Camp Fire, remains at 85, the cratic Leader Nancy Pelosi about border security in a package to “It’s not bad, Nancy – it’s Butte County Sheriff ’s Off ice said. funding for the wall that he has extend funding for the Depart- called transparency,” Trump The fire started in November promised to build on the south- ment of Homeland Security un- said. 8 and was fully contained by ern border with Mexico. til September 30. Trump and Pelosi argue while Vice President Pence and Senate Minority Leader Schumer listen at the When Pelosi brought up Re- November 25. “If we don’t get what we want, That is less than the $1.6bn a White House yesterday. publican election losses in the It all but obliterated the mountain one way or the other – whether bipartisan Senate committee has House, Trump quickly retorted community of Paradise, home to it’s through you, through a mili- approved. relationship the White House “Trump shutdown”, touching a a debate in front of the press on that his party won the Senate. more than 27,000 people about tary, through anything you want It was the fi rst time Trump will have with the opposition nerve. this,” Pelosi said. “When the president brags 175 miles north of San Francisco. to call – I will shut down the met with Pelosi and Schumer party, with which it needs to deal Trump cut her off , argu- “We’re doing this in a very that he won North Dakota and Of the dead, 50 have positively government,” Trump said as the since the Democrats won control to advance any priorities. ing that he could not advance a friendly manner,” Trump said, Indiana, he’s in real trouble,” identified and 31 have been argument drew near a close. of the House of Representatives The fi ght kicked off when funding bill without Democratic as Vice-President Mike Pence Schumer said to the astonished tentatively identified, off icials “I am proud to shut down the in November 6 congressional Pelosi told Trump that Ameri- votes in the Senate. sat beside him, silent and stony- press capturing the back-and- said. government for border security, elections – a rocky start to the cans did not want to see a “I don’t think we should have faced. forth.

Broadway’s To Kill a Mockingbird Trump in ‘no rush’ for Kelly replacement puts new spin on racial injustice Reuters had been at odds for months, that Kelly would stay on the job search for a replacement said Washington and Trump announced on Sat- through January 2 to lead “a very those Trump is considering urday that Kelly would be leav- peaceful and pragmatic transi- for the job include Republican Reuters ing tomorrow, stars Jeff Daniels and then here it is again,” said ing the job. tion”. Representative Mark Meadows, New York as the upstanding small town Daniels. “What the play does resident Donald Trump Kelly had taken the job in Asked if Kelly would stay former campaign adviser David white lawyer Atticus Finch who is speak to that a little bit - that has defended his search July last year to instill order longer, she said it was up to Bossie, former New Jersey gov- takes on the case of a black man tolerance of trying to look away Pfor a new White House to a sometimes chaotic White Trump and Kelly. ernor Chris Christie, and US lmost 60 years after it was wrongfully accused of rape in the when it happens.” chief of staff , telling report- House after Reince Priebus left Asked why he was in no rush, Trade Representative Robert fi rst published as a book, Depression-era south. To Kill a Mockingbird has sold ers that he would make an an- the post. Trump told reporters: “We have Lighthizer. ATo Kill a Mockingbird The play was the subject of a more than 50mn copies world- nouncement about the job Trump was left without a a wonderful chief of staff right Some possible contenders, opens this week in a fi rst Broad- bitter lawsuit earlier this year in wide and was made into an Os- within two weeks, after his fi rst clear replacement for Kelly af- now. including Treasury Secretary way theatre adaptation whose which the estate of author Harp- car-winning movie in 1962, star- choice declined the position. ter Nick Ayers, currently chief “A lot of my friends of mine Steven Mnuchin and White themes of racial injustice are just er Lee accused Sorkin and the ring Gregory Peck as Finch. Earlier on Twitter, Trump of staff to Vice-President Mike want it, a lot of people that House budget director Mick as relevant today. producers of deviating too much It has been produced for the said more than 10 people were Pence, declined the job and said Chuck and Nancy know very Mulvaney, have said they are not Yet writer Aaron Sorkin says from the beloved 1960s novel stage in various US cities and in vying for the crucial job but of- on Sunday that he was returning well want it,” he said, speaking interested, sources said. despite the book’s familiarity as and tying the play too closely to London but this is the fi rst time fered no names. to Georgia with his family at the during a meeting with US Sen- Bossie, who is a contribu- a beloved classic of American today’s social climate. Mockingbird has come to Broad- He later said some of his end of the year. ate Democratic Leader Chuck tor for Fox News, said yester- literature and movies, audiences Lee died in 2016 at age 89. way. friends were interested. The chief of staff opening Schumer and House Democratic day that he was meeting with are in for something diff erent. The case was settled in May. Gbenga Akinnagbe, who plays “We have a lot of people that comes as the White House brac- Leader Nancy Pelosi. Trump on Friday but did not ex- “Thirty seconds in and you’re According to those who have accused rapist Tom Robinson, want the job,” Trump told re- es for an onslaught of political Conway later told reporters at pect to be off ered the job. just in a diff erent place watch- seen the play in preview, one dif- said the circumstances faced by porters at the White House, and legal challenges in the com- the White house that Trump’s The chief of staff job is con- ing To Kill a Mockingbird the way ference in the stage adaptation is his character are still happening adding: “We’ll be seeing what ing year in the face of the Russia list of candidates included sidered one of the most pow- you’ve never watched it before,” allowing the main black charac- in courtrooms across the US. happens very soon. We’re in no investigation, multiple lawsuits women, but would not com- erful in Washington, advising said Sorkin, the creator of po- ters more opportunities to speak “So, it doesn’t feel like a pe- rush.” and Trump’s eff orts to win re- ment on whether she was one of the president and serving as a litical TV series West Wing, and up than the novel. riod piece to me. It doesn’t feel Trump and the outgoing chief election in 2020. them, or if she was interested in gatekeeper controlling the fl ow who wrote the stage adaptation. “Racism has been with us like a period piece other than the of staff , John Kelly, a retired Ma- White House adviser Kel- the job. of information and access to the The Broadway version, open- since the beginning of America, clothes,” he said. rine Corps general, reportedly lyanne Conway said yesterday Sources familiar with the Oval Offi ce.

East Antarctica glacial stronghold ‘melting’ Arctic’s record warming driving

By Damian Carrington ‘broad change’ in environment Guardian News & Media

By Ivan Couronne and ied, October 2017 through Sep- “Notable extreme weather group of glaciers spanning Kerry Sheridan, AFP tember 2018, annual average events coincident with deep an eighth of the East Ant- Washington temperature in the Arctic was waves in the jet-stream include Aarctica coastline, are be- 3.1° Fahrenheit (1.7° Celsius) the heat wave at the North Pole ing melted by the warming seas, higher than the 1981-2010 aver- in autumn 2017, a swarm of se- scientists have discovered. lobal warming is heat- age. vere winter storms in the eastern This Antarctic region stores a ing the Arctic at a record “The year 2018 was the second United States in 2018, and the vast amount of ice which if lost Gpace, driving broad en- warmest year on record in the extreme cold outbreak in Eu- would, in the long-term, raise vironmental changes across the Arctic since 1900 (after 2016),” rope in March 2018 known as the global sea level by tens of metres planet, including extreme storms it said. ‘Beast from the East’.” and drown coastal settlements in the mid-latitudes, a major US The Arctic also saw the sec- The warmer Arctic tempera- around the world. scientifi c report said yesterday. ond-lowest overall sea-ice cov- tures are wreaking havoc on the Freezing temperatures meant Persistent heat records have erage and the lowest recorded Arctic ecosystem, decimating the East Antarctica region was rattled the fragile Arctic for each winter ice in the Bering Sea. reindeer and caribou popula- until recently considered largely of the past fi ve years, a record- “One of the more remarkable tions, allowing harmful algae stable but the research indicates long warming streak, said the features of Arctic sea ice in 2018 blooms to move northward and that the area is being aff ected cli- 2018 Arctic Report Card, released was the dearth of ice in the Ber- sickening marine life, said the mate change. by the National Oceanic and ing Sea, which was at a record report, now in its 13th year. The vast Totten glacier was Atmospheric Administration low extent for virtually the entire “Considerable concentrations known to be retreating but the (NOAA). 2017-2018 ice season,” said the of algal toxins have been found in new analysis shows that nearby The mounting heat in the report. the tissues of Arctic clams, seals, glaciers, in this East Antarctica north is upsetting typical weath- The Arctic continues to heat walrus, and whales and other area, are also losing ice. er patterns, a trend that “coin- up at twice the rate of the rest of marine organisms,” it said. To the east of Totten, in Vin- cides” with severe winter storms the planet, but the eff ects are far Even though melting ice has cennes Bay, the height of the in the eastern United States and from isolated, and are now spill- freed up more land for grazing, glaciers has fallen by about three an extreme cold snap in Europe ing over into the mid-latitudes. herds of caribou and wild rein- metres in total since 2008, before in March, it said. That’s because a warmer Arc- deer across the Arctic tundra which no loss had been recorded. The Totten glacier in East Antarctica. “Continued warming of the tic reduces the north-south tem- have declined by nearly 50% over To the west of Totten, in Arctic atmosphere and ocean perature diff erence, which pro- the last two decades, for reasons Wilkes Land, the rate of height Ice in West Antarctica is al- seals who had been tagged with the topography and the bathym- are driving broad change in the vides the main fuel for the polar that aren’t well understood. loss has doubled since 2009, with ready in serious retreat, with sensors, as well as computer etry. environmental system in pre- jet stream, or a river of strong Another emerging threat in glaciers losing height by about scientists reporting a three-fold modelling, to show that the heat “Only then can we be more dicted and, also, unexpected wind, at levels where jet aircraft the Arctic involves marine mi- 2.5m to date. acceleration in recent years, delivered to the glaciers in Wilkes conclusive in determining ways,” warned the report. “New fl y, the NOAA said. croplastics. The data comes from detailed meaning it is vanishing faster Land and Vincennes Bay had in- whether these glaciers will enter and rapidly emerging threats In this warming environment, “A recent global survey of ma- maps of ice movement speed and than at any previously recorded creased. a phase of rapid retreat or stabi- are taking form and highlight- the jet stream has become wav- rine microplastics revealed that height created by the US National time. Changes in winds and the ex- lise.” ing the level of uncertainty in the ier, a pattern that “allows warm concentrations in the remote Aeronautics and Space Adminis- In April researchers found tent of sea ice are thought to have The new discovery could mean breadth of environmental change air to penetrate farther north Arctic Ocean are higher than all tration (Nasa) from satellite in- that hidden melting beneath the altered currents. much higher sea level rises than that is to come.” and cold air to plunge farther other ocean basins in the world,” formation. ocean surface was also increas- East Antarctica is extremely anticipated, said Chris Fogwill, Arctic air temperatures for south, compared to when the jet said the report. Alex Gardner, a glaciologist at ing, putting Antarctica on track remote and relatively little stud- a professor at Keele University, the past fi ve years, from 2014 to is strong and relatively straight”, Ocean circulation patterns Nasa’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, to overtake Greenland as the big- ied. UK, who was not part of the Nasa 2018, “have exceeded all previ- said the report. could be to blame for delivering in Pasadena, California, said: gest contributor to the rise in sea What happens to the glaciers research. ous records since 1900” when Scientists now see evidence particularly high levels of mi- “The change doesn’t seem ran- levels. will depend on how exposed to “The fi nding has very serious record-keeping began, it said. that this changing jet stream may croplastics in the Greenland and dom, it looks systematic. That Without big cuts in carbon warmer water they are, and that repercussions for climate change This warming trend “is unlike be sparking extreme storms. Barents seas. hints at underlying ocean infl u- emissions the melting will con- depends on the shape of the land and particularly sea-level rise. any other period on record”, said “Growing atmospheric This microplastic contami- ences that have been incredibly tinue for thousands of years. beneath them and the sea bed “It has the potential to mean the peer-reviewed report com- warmth in the Arctic results in nation “has increased over the strong in West Antarctica. Catherine Walker, at Nasa’s ahead of them. that our sea-level projections piled by 81 scientists working for a sluggish and unusually wavy last decade and pose(s) a threat “Now we might be fi nding Goddard Space Flight Centre, in “Heightened attention needs could be [in] an order of magni- governments and academia in 12 jet-stream that coincided with to seabirds and marine life that clear links of the ocean starting Maryland, US, used ocean tem- to be given to these glaciers,” said tude higher than we’re anticipat- nations. abnormal weather events in both can become entangled or ingest to infl uence East Antarctica.” perature measurements from Gardner. “We need to better map ing.” During the latest period stud- the Arctic and mid-latitudes.” debris”. Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, December 12, 2018 ASIA

Scores injured in Thai poll set for Feb 24 as Bangladesh election campaign violence

AFP the Awami League and BNP Dhaka clashed with sticks and hurled rocks during a campaign stop, junta lifts campaign ban police said. angladesh’s election In the central town of Reuters/AFP confi rmed the February 24 elec- campaign turned vio- Faridganj, police said they Bangkok tion date yesterday, just before a Blent yesterday with fi red rubber bullets at an op- statement announcing the ban scores injured at political ral- position parade after rocks on political activity had been lies across the country, as were hurled at them. hailand will hold a much- lifted was published in the Royal police fi red pellet guns into “We were compelled to re- delayed general election Gazette. crowds and stick-wield- taliate in self defence,” said Ton February 24, 2019, the “The people and political par- ing mobs attacked rival local police chief Harunur Election Commission said yes- ties will be able to take part in candidates. Rashid. At least 26 civil- terday, after the junta lifted a ban political activities during this Police said clashes broke out ians and four policemen were on political activity it imposed period leading up to the election in at least seven major towns injured, he added. after taking power in a coup in in accordance with the constitu- on just the second day of At least 25 others were in- 2014. tion,” the statement said.. campaigning, injuring nearly jured in separate clashes else- The junta imposed the strict Thailand last held a successful 100 people who turned out to where in the country. ban on political activity citing election in 2011 but the Election cheer the two major parties There was also infi ghting, the need for order after months Commission said it was ready contesting the December 30 with rival Awami League fac- of street protests against the to go ahead with the February poll. tions fi ring pellet guns at each democratically elected govern- 24 poll. The unrest follows a crack- other in southern Fatikchhari ment of former prime minister “The lifting of the ban means down on the Bangladesh Na- town, injuring seven, local po- Yingluck Shinawatra. political activities can resume, tionalist Party (BNP) in recent lice chief Babul Akhter said. The election, which many including political campaigning, weeks, with hundreds of sup- BNP spokesman Rizvi hope will restore democracy in but this has to be done under porters from the main opposi- Ahmed said more than 200 of Southeast Asia’s second-big- the law,” said Sawang Boonmee, tion movement thrown behind its supporters were injured in gest economy, will likely pit the deputy election commission bars before campaigning had what it called “administration populist political movement secretary general. even begun. -backed” attacks. backed by former prime min- Junta leader Prayut Chan-o- In Thakurgaon, a north- “They are creating the ister Thaksin Shinawatra and cha meanwhile is widely tipped ern district, a motorcade for ground for an uneven poll supported by many in rural areas to make a bid for the premier- the BNP’s secretary general through this violence,” he said. against the military and royalist ship after elections, after years Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was Hasina walked her third establishment. insisting he was compelled by set upon by a huge crowd term as prime minister in The Bangkok-based estab- duty to seize power. swinging batons. 2014 after the BNP and its al- lishment seized power in suc- While the political ban muz- Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, right, greets the president of Miss Universe Organisation Local police chief Moham- lies boycotted what it called a cessive coups in 2006 and 2014 zled rival parties, he has been Paula Shugart (second-right) and Miss Universe 2018 contestants during a meeting at the Government ed Moniruzzaman said the rigged poll. That election was and now has its own proxy criss-crossing the country of- House in Bangkok yesterday. windows of several cars were condemned by international political parties. fering economic handouts, pho- smashed, but Alamgir escaped observers. The junta began easing the to opportunities and building visiting Bangkok for the fi nals. walawan, of legal monitoring Parties loyal to the Shinawatra unscathed. There were reports Around 100mn voters have ban in September, when it al- alliances with local politicos. Despite lifting the campaign- group iLaw. clan have won every Thai general of several injuries. registered for this year’s bal- lowed political parties to resume A military aligned political par- ing ban, the junta still retains Thailand’s junta says it was election since 2001, despite be- The opposition blamed thugs lot, even though the opposi- organising ahead of an election ty has built wide alliances, even tools to silence its critics in- forced to seize power in 2014 to ing hit by two coups and the re- aligned to the ruling Awami tion is yet to name a candidate expected in February. scooping up defectors from rivals cluding arbitrary detention, restore order after months of moval of three prime ministers League, the party chaired by to run against Hasina. It still retains sweeping pow- including Pheu Thai, the Shina- according to legal experts. street protests paralysed the gov- by pro-establishment courts. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Veteran opposition leader ers to maintain law and order watra-backed party dumped from “It’s to be seen how far the ernment of Yingluck Shinawatra, But it is unclear how much who is running for a record and two-time prime minister despite lifting the ban, including offi ce in the 2014 coup. authorities will let people rally Thaksin’s younger sister. electoral support the family and fourth term in offi ce. Khaleda Zia has been barred conducting searches, freezing Yesterday, a smiling Pray- at certain ‘restricted’ places like The siblings both live in their parties will draw at the polls In Kabirhat, a south- from contesting the election assets, and making arrests. ut posed for selfi es with at the Government House or self-exile to avoid jail over after years of being harried by the ern town, at least 22 people against her long-time rival The Election Commission Miss Universe contestants near the palace,” said Anon Cha- convictions in Thailand. junta and the courts. were injured as rivals from Hasina.

Vietnam: Google ‘taking Extremists steps’ to open local offi ce held over plot to kill AFP coming law - criticised by Google to remove more than Hanoi the US, the EU and the UN 6,700 items since 2009, ac- - though Google’s vice presi- cording to the tech giant’s latest fi lmmaker dent for global aff airs report- transparency report. oogle is taking steps edly said his company was The majority of requests AFP to set up an offi ce in taking steps to open a local were lodged last year citing Dhaka GVietnam to comply offi ce, according to a report content listed as “govern- with a new law, Hanoi said on Vietnam’s government ment criticism”, and Google yesterday, as the commu- website yesterday. has removed more than 3,000 wo alleged Islamist extrem- nist country prepares to en- “Google is currently looking videos, the report added, ists accused of plotting to act a controversial cyber bill at steps to open representa- without providing a timeline. Tkill a prominent Bangladesh that critics say is aimed at tive offi ce in Vietnam,” the Vietnam has long come actor and fi lmmaker have been silencing dissent. report said after Google’s Kent under fi re for jailing activists arrested, police said yesterday. The cyber security law will Walker met with deputy prime critical of the government, Dhaka Metropolitan Police said come into eff ect on January minister Vuong Dinh Hue. many of whom use social me- the pair belonged to homegrown 1 and in its current draft will The requirement in the cy- dia as a crucial platform to militant outfi t Ansarullah Bangla Demonstrators march in support of three local activists jailed by authorities during a rally in Myitkyina, require Internet companies to bersecurity law to open offi c- voice discontent. Team, blamed for a series of mur- capital of restive Kachin state, yesterday. host local servers and offi ces es in Vietnam and host serv- All independent media is ders of secular activists, writers in the single-party state. ers has been among the bill’s banned in the country and pro- and homosexuals since 2013. It will also require fi rms like most controversial articles. tests of any kind are not allowed. “Primary interrogations re- Google and Facebook to remove Google has offi ces through- The government an- vealed the arrested persons are “toxic content” and hand over out Asia-Pacifi c, including its nounced last year it had de- active Ansarullah Bangla Team Thousands protest jailing of user data when requested by regional headquarters in Sin- ployed a 10,000-strong cyber members who plotted to kill fi lm the government - clauses ac- gapore, but not in Vietnam. taskforce to monitor online maker Khijir Hayat Khan,” police tivists say is designed to scrub The company did not reply to posts and in October said it said in a statement. out online criticism. AFP’s request for comment had set up an offi ce capable One of the accused, a 20-year-old, Myanmar anti-war activists Internet companies have yesterday. of screening millions of news was accused of staking out Khan’s largely been silent on the in- Vietnam has already asked items per day. home as they plotted the murder. Police said they targeted the AFP insurgents in one of the world’s knowledged that more people high-profi le celebrity because Myitkyina longest-running civil wars. joined later. Cambodia union leaders’ jail terms suspended he co-wrote the screenplay Yesterday demonstrators, The EU and rights groups have “Mr Bangladesh”, a fi lm about many with faces painted in urged Myanmar’s government to A Cambodian court found six said at least four people people injured in the 2014 clash. thwarting terrorists that hit housands of protest- Kachin’s red and green colours, quash the convictions and re- union leaders guilty yesterday were killed and more than 20 Hun Sen told his ministers last cinemas last month. ers yesterday took to the held banners aloft and chanted lease all three activists. of instigating violent protests wounded. month to ease pressure on Ansarullah Bangla Team is a Tstreets in northern My- slogans against the activists’ im- Rebels have clashed with the against the government in 2013 The Phnom Penh Municipal labour leaders, after threats by banned extremist outfi t which anmar against the jailing of three prisonment and the judiciary. powerful military for more than and 2014, but suspended their Court yesterday found the European Union to remove fi rst grabbed headlines in Feb- anti-war activists in a rare public “We demand the authorities six decades in the restive state jail terms. six union leaders guilty of the Southeast Asian country’s ruary 2013, when its members display of anger. release our people immediately,” over autonomy, ethnic identity, Striking workers and the now initiating intentional violence duty-free trading access. killed an atheist activist. Lum Zawng, Nang Pu and protest leader Naw Aung said af- drugs, jade and other natural dissolved opposition Cambodia and causing damage in the Representatives from apparel and It is also known as Ansar al- Zau Jet were sentenced on Fri- ter the march, which wound its resources. National Rescue Party (CNRP) 2013-2014 protests. They were footwear companies, including Islam and has alleged ties with day to six months in prison and way to the city’s main stadium. Fighting surged dramatically had marched against Prime given suspended jail terms of Adidas, Nike and Puma, had Al Qaeda in the Indian Sub- fi ned about $320 each for de- The organisers said some this year, forcing thousands to fl ee Minister Hun Sen’s government between eight months and four urged the government to drop continent (AQIS). The latter has faming the military after help- 4,000 people took part in the to camps in remote parts of the to demand a re-run of a and a half years. what are seen as politically claimed some of the murders al- ing organise a demonstration in demonstration, including state with inadequate access to aid. July 2013 election that the “All of these jail terms are motivated criminal charges legedly carried out by Ansarullah. Kachin state’s capital Myitkyina many languishing in around 30 More than 106,000 people opposition said was rigged. suspended,” Judge Im Vannak against trade unionists. Police have arrested dozens of in April. displacement camps around are still living in camps across During one protest in 2014, told the court, without The labour leaders said its members, including its spirit- They were highlighting the the city. Kachin and Shan states, their military police fired on stone- elaborating. He ordered the yesterday they would appeal ual leadership, in a crackdown on plight of thousands of civilians Police gave AFP a more con- plight recently overshadowed by throwing textile workers who union leaders, who did not their convictions, which local extremists after an attack on trapped by the fi ghting between servative estimate of 1,700 the separate Rohingya crisis in were also demanding higher appear in court, to pay a total eff ectively bans them from a Dhaka cafe in 2016 left 22 people the military and ethnic Kachin participants, although ac- western Rakhine state. wages. A human rights group of $8,692 in compensation to leading a union. (Reuters) dead, including 18 foreigners. Vietnam ship fi rm executives arrested for ‘embezzling $4.5mn’

AFP The once high-rolling big- Truong Van Tuyen, the former The pair is accused of ille- 500 or so state-run enterprises. crippled by corruption scandals. is unprecedented in its scope and Hanoi wigs are the latest ex-offi cials director of Vinashin - a once- gally approving deposits into But a series of missteps Two former executives of Vi- scale - and could be fuelled by ensnared in a tangled web of massive fi rm saved by the state Ocean Bank, a private bank involving investments in nashinlines, a Vinashin subsid- political infi ghting. corruption cases linking sev- from collapsing under heavy embroiled in its own corrup- the real estate and energy iary, were sentenced to death Over the weekend, a former wo executives from a eral state-run fi rms to banks debt in 2010 - and current dep- tion scandal that has seen sectors ultimately hobbled for embezzlement last year deputy chairman of the southern near-bankrupt state-run accused of mismanagement uty director Pham Thanh Son dozens convicted. the huge fi rm with heavy after they were found guilty fi nancial hub Ho Chi Minh City Tshipbuilding company and graft. were arrested Monday, the min- Tuyen and Son allegedly debts, nearly collapsing it of stealing $11.3mn in ship- was arrested, accused of illegally have been arrested in Vietnam Dozens of bankers, business- istry of public security said in a pocketed $4.5mn along with a in 2010. ping deals made between 2006 approving downtown land sales. on accusations of embezzling men and former offi cials have statement. former Vinashin chief account- The state stepped in to save and 2008. Vietnam is ranked 107 out of $4.5mn in collusion with a scan- been jailed as part of the anti- They were being investigat- ant who is already behind bars. it, and today the slimmed-down Vietnam has long vowed to 180 on Transparency Interna- dal-plagued bank, as the one- graft campaign waged by a con- ed for “abusing position and The disgraced shipbuild- company still makes ships but quash rampant corruption, but tional’s Corruption Perceptions party state broadens its unprec- servative leadership in charge power to appropriate assets”, it ing fi rm was once a crown jewel had dropped its side ventures. observers say the current cam- Index, among the lowest in the edented corruption crackdown. since 2016. added. among communist Vietnam’s The fi rm has already been paign to jail graft-prone offi cials region. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 12, 2018 13 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

Separatists in Indonesia’s Papua reject surrender, demand referendum

Reuters an operation to hunt down mem- resource-rich western part New Papua National Liberation Army Indonesian occupation,” Sam- video. A spokesman for President rity Minister Wiranto rejected Jakarta bers of the military wing of the Guinea island, has been plagued (TPNPB), to surrender and start bom said. “The war will not stop Widodo did not immediately re- that accusation but said soldiers Free Papua Movement (OPM), by a violent separatist confl ict dialogue. before the demands of the TP- spond to a request for comment. did use grenades in clashes. Two which claimed responsibility for since the former Dutch colony Standing behind the banned NPB are carried out by the gov- In 2017, a senior government soldiers were wounded yesterday eparatist rebels in Indone- killing at least 16 workers and a was incorporated into Indone- separatist Morning Star fl ag, ernment of Indonesia.” offi cial, in response to a petition and three separatists had been sia’s Papua province who soldier in the mountainous Ndu- sia after a widely criticised UN- Sambom demanded Widodo He called for unrestricted ac- to the United Nations for a new killed in clashes, the military Skilled a group of workers ga area. backed referendum in 1969. hold another referendum for na- cess to Papua for foreign jour- referendum, said Papua was a le- said. building a bridge this month have The OPM has said it viewed the In a video posted on YouTube tive Papuans to decide whether nalists and for the UN refugee gal part of Indonesia and already Since coming to power in 2014, rejected government calls to sur- men as members of the military on Monday, OPM spokesman they want to be integrated with agency and the international Red incorporated through a referen- Widodo has tried to ease tension render and instead demanded a and casualties in a war against Sebby Sambom read an open let- Indonesia. “TPNPB will not sur- Cross to help take care of civil- dum process. The OPM had ac- in Papua by freeing prisoners, referendum to decide the future Indonesia’s government. Indo- ter to President Joko Widodo in render under any circumstances ians caught up in the confl ict. cused the military of killing civil- addressing rights concerns and of the area. nesian offi cials said the work- which he dismissed calls on their before the independence of the Sambom confi rmed to Reuters ians in its operations which it said stepping up investment, includ- Security forces have launched ers were civilians. Papua, the military wing, known as the West nation of Papua is realised from yesterday the authenticity of the included bombings. Chief Secu- ing through a Trans Papua road. Huawei CFO in Vancouver court for bail hearing

AFP and has been treated in a Van- Canadian ex-diplomat to discuss the timetable of trade Vancouver couver hospital for hypertension held in China amid row talks, the Chinese commerce since her arrest. “I continue to feel ministry said. It said in a state- unwell and I am worried about my A Canadian former diplomat ment that Vice Premier Liu He Canadian judge was to health deteriorating while I am has been detained in China, the spoke with US Treasury Secretary weigh whether to release incarcerated,” the affi davit read. think-tank where he now works Steven Mnuchin and US Trade Aon bail a top executive of “I wish to remain in Vancouver to said yesterday, amid Beijing’s Representative Robert Lighthizer. A sign in support of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou is displayed outside of the Supreme Court bail hearing of Chinese telecom giant Huawei, contest my extradition and I will outrage over the arrest of a At the same time, however, Meng, who is being held on an extradition warrant in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. amid a diplomatic row provoked contest the allegations at trial in senior technology executive. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi by her arrest on a US warrant. the US if I am ultimately surren- The International Crisis Group warned against the “bullying” of Huawei chief fi nancial offi cer dered,” she said. said it was aware of reports of its citizens. And a former Cana- Meng Wanzhou was arrested on Canadian Crown prosecutor the detention of Michael Kovrig, dian diplomat has been detained December 1 in Vancouver on US John Gibb-Carsley has asked for a Chinese-speaking expert who in China, the think tank where fraud charges related to sanc- bail to be denied, saying Meng served as a Canadian diplomat he now works said. China has ac- tions-breaking dealings with faces serious criminal accusations in Beijing, Hong Kong and at cused Canada of treating Meng Iran, infuriating China. of fraud and poses a fl ight risk. the United Nations. “We are in an “inhumane” manner, cit- This third day of court delib- Meng is specifi cally accused of ly- doing everything possible to ing reports in Chinese state-run erations was to focus on her pro- ing to bankers about the use of a secure additional information on media alleging she was not given posed release plan. The judge was covert subsidiary to sell to Iran in Michael’s whereabouts as well as adequate medical care. expected to render a decision, but breach of sanctions. If convicted, his prompt and safe release,” the Beijing has also claimed that could push it to a later date. Meng she faces more than 30 years in think-tank said in a statement. the Chinese embassy was not im- has agreed to surrender her pass- prison. The extradition process Kovrig went to work last year mediately notifi ed of her arrest. ports and submit to electronic could take months, even years, for the International Crisis There was no offi cial word from monitoring if she is released, if appeals are made in the case. Group, which is known for its China about Michael Kovrig, who pending the outcome of the ex- Meng has off ered to wear a track- research on peaceful solutions served as a Canadian diplomat tradition case. ing anklet if she is released. A pri- to global conflicts. in Beijing, Hong Kong and at the “Given her unique profi le as vate security team paid for by her United Nations, but the deten- the face of a Chinese corporate would also follow her movements tion comes after Beijing warned national champion, if she were in Canada’s Pacifi c coast city. Her last week on a six-month tourist of “grave consequences” if Meng to fl ee or breach her order in any husband Liu Xiaozong has pre- visa. Meng’s detention has raised was not immediately released. way in these very unique circum- sented two Vancouver residences tensions following a truce in the “The safety and security of stances, it does not overstate to and Can$1mn in cash – for a total US-China trade war, with Bei- Chinese compatriots are our pri- say she would embarrass China value of Can$15mn – as a surety jing summoning both the Cana- ority, China will never sit idly itself,” Meng’s lawyer David Mar- for his wife’s release, the court dian and US ambassadors over the by and ignore any bullying that tin told the court on Monday. heard on Monday. weekend. violates the legitimate rights and Meng also said in a 55-page af- But Gibb-Carsley took is- In a sign that the criminal case interests of Chinese citizens,” fi davit that she’d suff ered numer- sue with Liu being appointed her has not derailed the trade respite, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a ous health problems, including custodian as he is not a legal resi- top Chinese and US negotiators speech in Beijing, without direct- Sarah Leamon, a member of the Huawei Technologies legal team applying for bail for Huawei CFO Meng surgery for thyroid cancer in 2011, dent of Canada, and fl ew in only held telephone talks yesterday ly referring to the Huawei case. Wanzhou, speaks to a sheriff at BC Supreme Court prior to the start of proceedings in Vancouver, Canada.

Australian teenager jailed over terror plot Bahrain footballer to remain

DPA The Sydney resident admitted Supreme Court Judge Geoff rey depraved advocacy of Islamic Canberra sympathising with the Islamic Bellew was quoted as saying the State, the off ender engaged in in detention, rules Thai court State group when he bought denial fl ew in the face of over- acts which had a real capacity to fi xed-blade hunting knives in whelming evidence of an immi- cause members of the commu- n Australian teenager has 2016 from a gun shop, telling the nent attack. The judge sentenced nity to fear for their lives.” The AFP been jailed for at least 12 salesman he wanted to go “pig the off ender to 16 years in prison teen was also in possession of a Bangkok Ayears for planning a ter- hunting.” He was arrested later with a non-parole period of 12 note pledging allegiance to Is- rorist act, local media reported the same year along with a friend. years. “I am satisfi ed that, at the lamic State. yesterday. The now 18-year-old, He denied planing to use the time of the off ending, the off end- A jury in September found him former Bahrain national who cannot be named due to le- weapons in a terror attack, main- er was an unequivocally commit- guilty but could not reach a ver- footballer with Aus- gal reasons, was found guilty by taining his innocence throughout ted terrorist,” Bellew said. dict of his co-accused— tried at A tralian refugee status a jury in September, according the trial while claiming an inter- “Armed with weapons, and the same time — who will be re- must remain in detention in to the Sydney Morning Herald. est in hunting. New South Wales inspired and motivated by the tried next year. Thailand as he awaits possible extradition, a Bangkok court said yesterday, as campaigners say they fear he could be “tor- tured” if returned to the Gulf Blanketed in snow state. Hakeem Alaraibi says he was arrested and beaten at the start of the Arab Spring protests in Bahrain in 2012, and was grant- ed refugee status in Australia fi ve years later. The 25-year-old, who now Hakeem Alaraibi, a former member of Bahrain’s national soccer plays for semi-professional team who holds a refugee status in Australia arrives at court after club Pascoe Vale FC in Mel- he was arrested last month on arrival at a Bangkok airport based on bourne, was stopped by Thai an Interpol notice issued at Bahrain’s request, in Bangkok, Thailand. immigration on November 27 after arriving in Bangkok for a proceedings to be halted. “Im- He was convicted in absentia vacation with his wife and de- migration Thailand and Immi- on charges of vandalising a po- tained upon request from the gration Bahrain work together lice station in Bahrain, but says Bahraini government, as Aus- to send me back to Bahrain. But he was out of the country play- tralia and Bahrain tussle over Australia stopped them. Please ing in a match at the time of the his fate. stop them,” Alaraibi said. alleged off ence. His lawyer Nadthasiri Berg- “I don’t want to go back to Asia-Pacifi c Refugee Rights man told AFP yesterday the Bahrain — I want to go back to Network (APRRN) slammed court has extended his time Australia. I didn’t do anything Thai authorities for mov- behind bars in Bangkok for 60 in Bahrain. I’m a refugee in ing forward on their “callous days. The attorney-general’s Australia.” plans” to extradite Alaraibi. offi ce would then fi le an appli- Alaraibi left the court look- “This is someone who fl ed his cation for his extradition, she ing dejected by the day’s pro- home country after being tor- said. ceedings and his lawyer said he tured, and there is every risk “I think he has a good chance was “terrifi ed”. Offi cials from he will face the same treatment not to be extradited because we the Australian embassy were again if he is forced back,” said have evidence” that he will face present at the court as well for APRRN’s Evan Jones. abuses back in Bahrain, Berg- the hearing. Australia’s Foreign Minis- man said. The court denied a The offi ce of Thailand’s at- ter Marise Payne called for his bail request after the detention torney-general on Friday sub- “immediate return” and said order. mitted a request to the criminal that returning Alaraibi to Bah- Speaking to reporters as court for an arrest warrant – a rain would be “in contraven- he was led into court in the step forward in a process that tion of international human A woman clears a road during snowfall in Yantai in China’s eastern Shandong province yesterday. morning by immigration po- could see Alaraibi extradited to rights (standards) given his lice, Alaraibi begged for the Bahrain to face trial. status”. Gulf Times 14 Wednesday, December 12, 2018 BRITAIN

London mayor unveils plan to tackle ‘climate emergency’

Guardian News and Media Khan said he was implementing ing everything in our power to ing disaster, including one from Khan’s intervention follows London’s existing plan, un- called on the government to give London measures to protect people from mitigate the risk in London but the UN that said there were only that of civic leaders in the UK and veiled by Khan in May, was for him the appropriate powers and fl oods, fi res and the political up- the stark reality is that we need 12 years left to avert the most ex- around the world. Last month the city to be carbon neutral by funding. heaval caused by climate change. urgent government action and treme consequences of climate Bristol declared a climate emer- 2050. But last week the London “Catastrophic climate break- ondon’s mayor, Sadiq He accused central government funding.” breakdown. gency and set a goal of becoming Assembly passed a motion saying down might be as little as 12 Khan, has declared a cli- of “dragging its feet” on dealing The acknowledgement of the On Sunday, 100 academics, carbon neutral by 2030, while that target should be brought for- years away,” she said. “This Lmate emergency and urged with these issues. scale and nature of the ecologi- philosophers and authors wrote Manchester said it would become ward to 2030 and called on Khan would have profound impacts the government to do more to “We are in the midst of a cli- cal crisis by the leader of one of to the Guardian to back a new “carbon zero” by 2038. Both are to draw up “a specifi c emergency on every aspect of our lives avert an ecological breakdown mate emergency which poses a the world’s major cities comes civil disobedience group – Ex- more ambitious than the UK’s plan”. in London from flooding and that he says poses an existential threat to our health, our planet amid growing concern about the tinction Rebellion – and called national target of an 80% reduc- Caroline Russell from the overheating in summers, dis- threat to future generations. and our children and grand- impact of climate change. A suc- for people around the world to tion in emissions by 2050. It fol- Green party, who proposed the ruption in our food supply Speaking as City Hall outlined children’s future,” Khan told cession of scientifi c reports have rise up and organise against the lows similar moves by several US motion, said it was crucial Khan chains as well as in the wider its new climate change plan, the Guardian. “City Hall is do- laid bare the scale of the unfold- “paralysis” of political leaders. cities. backed a more radical target and natural world.”

Study sees signifi cant fall in Leave backers Britons are growing ever more pes- simistic about the state of Brexit ne- gotiations, with even diehard leavers angry with how the past year has gone for their cause, a wide-ranging EU rejects new study has found. The research by Britain Thinks found a significant decrease in the strongest supporters of Brexit and an increase in the most pro-Remain voices. Yet, the researchers also found little consensus for a way out of May plea for the chaos. Voters were generally negative about the prime minister’s Brexit deal and became even more so when the deal was referred to as “Theresa May’s”. However, the study also found support for a second referendum Brexit deal had slipped slightly since June and a majority were deeply concerned about the prospect of ‘no-deal’. The analysis, carried out over the weekend, is based on the views of voters who participated in the thinktank’s “Brexit Diaries” study renegotiation from 2017, which had mapped the opinions of 52 Leave voters and 48 AFP ly, to give further clarifi cation They were already due to at- Remain voters, as well as a poll of Brussels and further interpretations.” tend a European Council sum- more than 2,000 voters. MPs in the House of Commons mit with May on Thursday and The study had categorised voters were due to vote on the deal on Friday, which the British prime into “diehards” who backed Brexit mbattled Prime Minister Tuesday night, but May deferred minister is expected to use to enthusiastically, “cautious optimists” Theresa May was met with it on Monday, admitting she ex- further press her case. of both Leavers and Remainers who Esympathy but fi rm refusals pected to lose by a “signifi cant Irish Foreign Minister Simon were hopeful of making a success of on a desperate tour of European margin”. Coveney said his government Brexit, “accepting pragmatists” of dis- capitals yesterday, with EU lead- Her spokesman said yesterday ruled out changes to the word- appointed Remainers who believed ers ruling out any renegotiation the vote would be rescheduled ing of the withdrawal agreement, the referendum result should be of the Brexit deal. before January 21 — just months but said there could be “a po- honoured, and finally the “devastated A day after she postponed a before Britain leaves the EU on litical declaration coming from a pessimists” who could not see any crucial vote on the deal in the March 29. European Council”. positives to leaving the EU. British parliament, May said Opposition Labour leader Jer- “The Irish government doesn’t Researchers found the number of she was meeting EU counter- emy Corbyn is now facing calls to have an issue with providing re- “diehards” had shrunk significantly, parts in an attempt to receive table a no-confi dence vote in the assurance if that’s helpful,” he from a third of the public to just “reassurances”. May had break- prime minister, but is holding off told national broadcaster RTE. over a quarter. The number of fast with Dutch Prime Minister as the party believes May is likely May faces strong opposition “devastated pessimists” has risen Mark Rutte in The Hague before to win. over a clause in the Brexit deal by 5% – overtaking the “diehards” as heading to Berlin for lunch with This hesitation has caused designed to keep open the border the largest number of voters. Chancellor Angela Merkel, and tensions with the Scottish Na- with Ireland. Both the diehards and the cautious then travelled on to Brussels. tional Party (SNP), which has The so-called backstop risks optimists in the study were nega- After meeting May, Merkel said it wants Labour to table a tying Britain into a customs un- tive about the prime minister’s deal, told lawmakers of her CDU/ no-confi dence motion. ion with the EU for years after calling it “exasperating”, “uncertain” CSU bloc that she saw “no way Eurosceptic MPs in May’s it leaves the bloc — far from the and “frustrating”. Overall, 44% to change” the agreement, said Conservative party have also clean break that eurosceptics agreed with the description that the sources at the MPs’ meeting. repeated calls for her to be re- want. deal was “the worst of all worlds”. May faced criticism from all placed, with one warning it was But it is far from clear what she “A very diluted and watered-down sides in parliament over pro- time to “govern or quit”. can achieve. deal attempting to please everyone visions in the EU withdrawal EU President Donald Tusk, One of her ministers, Martin whilst ending up pleasing no one,” agreement concerning North- who met May in Brussels, has Callanan, said in Brussels yester- one diehard voter said. “Unlikely ern Ireland, which she hopes called a meeting of the other day that Britain is seeking “addi- to be voted through by MPs and could persuade her rebellious 27 EU leaders tomorrow to tional legal reassurances that UK therefore somewhat pointless in Conservative party to support discuss the latest Brexit de- cannot be permanently trapped over-analysing.” it. velopments. in the Irish backstop”. One of the study’s cautious opti- European Commission chief mists said the prime minister “has Jean-Claude Juncker said ahead Prime minister gets locked in her limo negotiated a worse deal than we of meeting May that he was currently had and I’m finding it hard “surprised” at being asked for Prime Minister Theresa May, lowing May to leave and shake to trust her”. more talks since EU leaders had who is boxed in on her options the hand of Merkel who was In the survey, 44% of British voters given their approval to the deal at for Brexit, had her room for waiting for her on a red carpet thought they would be worse off an extraordinary summit on No- manoeuvre further diminished in Berlin. May visited the Neth- economically for the next three vember 25. when she was briefly locked erlands and Germany before years, compared with 30% who did “The deal we have achieved in her car in front of German heading to Brussels yesterday, not, but 45% said they had higher is the best deal possible, it’s the leader Angela Merkel yester- a day after she delayed a par- hopes for the UK having greater only deal possible,” he told the day. Staff struggled with the liamentary vote on the Brexit sovereignty compared with 26% European Parliament in Stras- door of a limousine bedecked deal that she agreed with EU who did not. More than half of Brit- bourg. in Britain’s Union Flag for leaders last month but which ons – 56% – said they were worried “There is no room whatsoever more than 10 seconds before is opposed by many British about a no-deal Brexit. Prime Minister Theresa May is welcomed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the chancellery in for renegotiation but of course eventually opening it and al- lawmakers. Berlin, Germany, yesterday. there is room, if used intelligent- Grenfell inquiry ‘may Man detained Two more held over be delayed until 2020’ ‘poisoning of patients’ Guardian News and Media The force said a number of London postmortem examinations had Lawyer acting for resident The chairman of the inquiry, time should be set aside for a been conducted but declined to says investigation that will Sir Martin Moore-Bick, is ex- hearing at which the evidence say how many patients may have look into cladding is behind pected to address the timetable relating to each deceased could etectives investigating al- been aff ected. schedule today, at the end of the last day of be publicly drawn together and legations of mistreatment Detective chief inspector Jill more than six months of the fi rst presented. Dof stroke victims at a hos- Johnston, of Lancashire police, Guardian News and Media phase of evidence about what Moore-Bick also has to pro- pital in Blackpool have arrested said: “This is a complicated and London happened in the early hours of duce an interim report on the two more nurses. sensitive inquiry which remains June 14, 2017. evidence heard so far and is fac- A man and a woman were ar- at its early stages. I understand The delay is being partly ing calls from the bereaved, sur- rested by Lancashire police on further arrests might be con- he next phase of the pub- caused by hearings into each vivors and residents to conclude suspicion of poisoning patients cerning but I would like to reas- lic inquiry into the Gren- of the people who died to sat- that the high-rise breached at Blackpool Victoria hospital. sure people we have a dedicated Tfell Tower fi re could be isfy the needs of the European building regulations and to be Another nurse was the first team of detectives working on delayed until 2020, according to convention on human rights. strongly critical of the Lon- person to be arrested in No- this investigation. counsel for one of the core par- Coroners inquests into all of don fi re brigade’s preparedness vember after Blackpool teach- “We are offering support to ticipants, raising concerns that it those who died were opened and response. A schedule pro- ing hospitals NHS foundation those families who have had could be at least three years after and adjourned, which is stand- duced earlier this year suggested trust raised concerns about loved ones identified as po- the disaster claimed 72 lives that ard practice when other inves- Moore-Bick would take submis- the care provided to some pa- tentially being involved. They it will report back fully. tigations are going on. But the sions on his recommendations tients. are being kept fully updated The investigation into what inquiry has heard considerable in early February 2019. He had All three have been suspended. and supported throughout the led to the 24-storey tower in evidence and that will be gath- initially hoped to have produced The two arrested yesterday re- process by specially trained of- west London to be wrapped in ered in special hearings before an interim report by Easter 2018, main in custody while the wom- ficers.” combustible cladding had been the start of the second stage. but the hearings did not begin an arrested last month has been Wendy Swift, the chief ex- expected to start early next year. In September, the counsel until June 2018. bailed until February 10. ecutive of Blackpool teaching But Rajiv Menon QC, acting for to the inquiry, Richard Mil- It is also understood that about Lancashire police said offi c- hospitals NHS foundation trust, Behailu Kebede, the resident of lett QC, accepted that lawyers 200,000 documents have been ers were in the early stages of said: “We take all allegations of fl at 16 where the fi re started in acting for the bereaved should submitted relating to the second their investigation and have been this type extremely seriously and a fridge, said it would not begin marshall evidence surround- phase of the inquiry which are Armed police detain a man after tasering him inside the working closely with the trust when the concerns were raised until next autumn at the earliest ing the circumstances in which likely to take months to process grounds of the Houses of Parliament in London yesterday. and the Blackpool and Fylde we immediately contacted the or 2020. their loved ones died and that before hearings can begin. coroner. police.” Gulf Times Wednesday, December 12, 2018 15 BRITAIN

DISASTER LAW AND ORDER FALLOUT TRAGEDY COMMENT Fracking paused after Police arrest man for 20 Deloitte staff sacked over Goalkeeper, 14, dies Novichok is killing me, tremor in Blackpool alleged terror off ences bullying, harassment claims after match injury says Salisbury victim

Residents of Blackpool have reported feeling Armed police have arrested a 33-year-old man The head of a global accountancy firm has A 14-year-old goalkeeper has died after he A survivor of the Salisbury nerve agent attack tremors from a minor earthquake from nearby on suspicion of alleged terrorism off ences in admitted it had sacked 20 senior staff for bullying was injured in a “freak accident” involving has suff ered a series of strokes and fears the fracking operations that restarted two months Newcastle. The suspect was detained in what and harassment. David Sproul of Deloitte said another player at a youth football match. Luca poison could still kill him. Charlie Rowley, 45, ago. The 1.5-magnitude earthquake occurred police described as an “intelligence led and pre- some executives thought it acceptable to Campanaro, a Bedgrove Dynamos player from revealed he was losing his sight and could go 1km underground at around 11.20am yesterday, planned” operation yesterday morning. Residents proposition younger colleagues in bars. He warned Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, was hurt at an blind after he was exposed to novichok in June. after shale gas company Cuadrilla resumed described seeing armed off icers “dressed like bad behaviour in the firm would not be tolerated away match in Hillingdon, west London on He said he is ‘terrified’ of the long-term health fracking after a month-long hiatus. The site soldiers” in the Arthur’s Hill area of Newcastle as and said around 20 UK partners at Deloitte – who Sunday. He was airlifted to the Royal London eff ects of the chemical, which killed his girlfriend is about one mile south-east of Blackpool. properties were evacuated near a primary school. earn an average of £832,000 a year – have been Hospital where he died on Monday. Luca’s father, Dawn Sturgess, 44. The couple came into contact The tremor was far higher than a regulatory A spokeswoman for the north-east counter- sacked over the past four years for inappropriate Americo Campanaro, said: “I feel like my heart with the poison after finding a bottle of perfume threshold of 0.5 magnitude – the level at which terrorism unit said houses were evacuated “as behaviour. Sproul, 59, told the Financial Times: “We has been ripped out.” Campanaro added: “He used in the failed bid to kill Russian double firms have to stop fracking, which involves a precautionary measure” within the cordon on will fire people for any inappropriate behaviour – was a big lad, a big unit, that’s why he was a agent Sergei Skripal, 76, and his daughter Yulia, pumping high volumes of water, sand and Philip Place, a cul-de-sac about a mile from the city no one is protected. There has unfortunately been goalkeeper, with a big heart to match. A gentle 33, in March. Rowley was in a coma for days chemicals underground to fracture rock and centre. The suspect was taken to a police station in a number of partners who have been fired for giant.” He said his son was “very popular” and and has suff ered numerous strokes, contracted release the gas within. West Yorkshire, where he was being questioned. inappropriate behaviour.” would “do anything for anyone”. meningitis and now needs a pacemaker. NHS staff Catherine visits children’s hospital warned for shunning fl u vaccine

Daily Mail Back in January the NHS’s London former medical director, Sir Bruce Keogh, called for a seri- ous debate on making the vac- nly a third of NHS staff cine compulsory for staff . He have had their fl u jabs said: “Flu is a double wham- Oin some hospitals, pos- my for the NHS, increasing ing a risk to patients. the number of patients and Health bosses are aiming to putting staff out of action.” vaccinate all workers this fl u A spokesman for Uni- season and those who refuse son, the union representing face being taken off frontline healthcare workers, said some duties. employees were too busy to But unions say some are too travel to other areas of the busy to get the jab, while oth- hospital to get their fl u jab or ers simply don’t like needles. didn’t like needles. The Camden and Islington Sara Gorton, Unison’s head Foundation Trust in north of health, said: “There are London said only 33% of staff many reasons why NHS staff Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, meets children during a visit to Evelina London Children’s Hospital in London yesterday. had so far been vaccinated. At might decide the jab isn’t for the Royal Surrey County Hos- them, including genuine medi- pital in Guildford, just 31% cal ones. Making it compulsory had been given the jab. will mean that hospitals and Meanwhile, just 28.7% were health centres risk wasting vaccinated at the Hertford- time and resources in argu- shire Partnership Foundation ments over whether it’s right or Trust. The uptake was slightly even legal. Encouraging health higher at the East Suff olk and workers is the approach most North Essex Foundation Trust likely to reap results.” at 36%, rising to 42% at the Professor Paul Cosford, Cornwall Partnership Foun- medical director at Public ‘Babes in the wood’ dation Trust. Health England, said: “Health- The latest fi gures from care professionals have a re- Public Health England show sponsibility to be vaccinated that 46.3% of staff across the to protect themselves and their country had been vaccinated patients. This is why, this year, as of October 31. NHS England has asked all This was only 0.3% higher healthcare workers to have the than last year despite a sus- vaccine and if they wish to opt killer jailed for life tained push from NHS bosses out, to state the reason why. to improve uptake. Frontline health and social Guardian News and Media Sentencing him at the Old guilty in 1987 but after the new convicted in December 1990. the bodies insisted he could not The fl u season usually be- care workers are at more risk London Bailey, in London, yesterday, evidence emerged the acquittal The court heard that fi bre have been that close to them. gins this month and health- of catching fl u because of their Justice Sweeney said: “I have no was quashed, paving the way for transfers linked Bishop’s sweat- Bishop’s defence team, under care staff who aren’t vaccinat- contact with patients. They are doubt that you were a predatory a retrial. shirt to Karen and Nicola, the his instructions, also cast sus- ed are at risk of infecting their also more likely to pass it on to he “babes in the wood” paedophile. The terror that each On Monday, after an eight- murder scene and his home. The picion on Nicola’s father, Bar- patients, even before symp- their patients, many of whom killer, Russell Bishop, has girl must have suff ered in their week trial, Bishop was convict- court heard that he punched rie, reducing the 69-year-old to toms kick in. will be at higher risk of serious Tbeen jailed for life and fi nal moments is unimaginable.” ed, ending the families’ 32-year Nicola in the face to “subdue” tears. They also put themselves complications of fl u, even if ordered to serve a minimum of The breakthrough in the long- fi ght for justice. or “punish” her for being disre- In a victim impact state- out of action at an extremely they are not symptomatic.” 36 years for the murder or two est running case in the history of Bishop returned to live in the spectful to his teenage girlfriend ment, Karen’s mother, Michelle, busy time for the NHS and the Thousands of pensioners schoolgirls more than three dec- Sussex police came when scien- Brighton area after his acquittal, earlier that day. described Bishop as an “evil virus typically lasts between were initially unable to get the ades ago. tifi c advances led to DNA evi- but less than three years later, in Bishop tried to explain the monster” and said having to one and two weeks. fl u jab this season due to short- Bishop, now 52, sexually as- dence providing what the Crown February 1990, he committed forensic evidence by claiming go through a second trial was In September, NHS Im- ages at GP practices. The issues saulted and strangled Karen Prosecution Service described off ences involving the attempt- he had touched the girls to feel “traumatic and heartbreaking”. provement, the hospitals reg- have been largely resolved and Hadaway and Nicola Fellows in as a “one-in-a-billion” match ed murder, kidnapping and in- for a pulse on the day after the Sue Eismann, Nicola’s moth- ulator, warned workers they older people were yesterday October 1986, when they were linking Bishop, a convicted pae- decent assault of a seven-year- killings, when he had joined the er, said the death of her daugh- were expected to get the jab urged to get vaccinated. How- nine, in woods about half a mile dophile, to a sweatshirt found at old girl in the Whitehawk area search for them and was nearby ter had turned her world upside and could be taken off front- ever, the timing is much later from Moulsecoomb, the area of the scene of the murders. of the city. After she identifi ed when they were found. However, down and spoke of her “sheer line duties if they refused. on in the season than usual. Brighton where the girls lived. Bishop had been found not Bishop as her attacker, he was two teenagers who had spotted hate” for Bishop. Pensioner couple held Assault claim denied Spare ‘Stansted 15’ from jail, letter urges over cocaine on ship deliberations, the jury found Guardian News and Media London the defendants guilty of in- Daily Mail the couple were British but did The Marco Polo, which oper- tentional disruption of serv- London not currently live in the UK. ates child-free cruises, has eight ices at an aerodrome. They He added: “They are a mar- passenger decks, a shopping ar- ublic fi gures in Britain, were found guilty under the ried couple. We worked together cade, spa and swimming pool. including the shadow 1990 Aviation and Maritime British husband and wife in an investigation with the NCA Ananais said the couple Phome secretary, Diane Security Act, a law passed in in their 70s have been ar- after profi ling this couple as sus- ‘blended in’ with the cruise’s Abbott, and the actor Emma response to the 1988 Locker- Arested on a cruise liner in pected transporters of drugs. other elderly passengers, add- Thompson, have signed a let- bie bombing. Portugal for allegedly smuggling We went to their room on the ing: “They were not at all showy. ter condemning the convic- In an open letter, more ‘high grade’ cocaine worth al- ship and arrested the couple af- They were travelling alone. They tion of 15 political activists than 300 signatories call most £2mn. ter fi nding 9kg of cocaine.” He didn’t try to protest their inno- who blocked the takeoff of an for the protesters – known The unnamed man, 72 and explained: “The purity of the cence after their arrests. They immigration removal charter as the “Stansted 15” – to woman, 70, are said to have ‘in- cocaine is high grade. It was hid- haven’t said anything to police fl ight. be spared prison, and on geniously concealed’ 9kg of the den inside suitcases – inside a as to how the drugs got in their On Monday, the group, the government to stop its drug in four suitcases after the special metal structure – and cases.” who were members of the “inhumane hostile environ- ship stopped off in the Carib- was distributed evenly among A spokesman for Cruise & End Deportations campaign, ment policies and to end bean. four cases in the cabin. We be- Maritime Voyages said: “Portu- were convicted under anti- its barely legal and shame- They were arrested moments lieve the couple were given the guese police offi cials attended terror legislation of endan- ful practice of deportation after the Marco Polo docked in drugs on a Caribbean island. The the Marco Polo in Lisbon last gering the safety of Stansted charter flights”. Lisbon on December 4. fi nal destination (of the cruise) Tuesday and detained two pas- airport during a protest in Among those who have The pensioners have appeared was England. sengers. It is understood this March 2017. signed the letter are Abbott before a judge and are now being “But we don’t know if the was in connection with the sus- A jury at Chelmsford and Thompson, the shad- held in prison while they await a couple wanted to offl oad the pected possession of narcotics. crown court heard how they ow attorney general, Shami trial date. The couple paid more drugs before the fi nal destina- Cruise & Maritime Voyages do used lock-on devices to se- Chakrabarti, the author Philip than £2,000 each for the 33- tion. They are from England but not tolerate any criminal activ- cure themselves to a Titan Pullman, the hip-hop artist day cruise, which set sail from don’t currently live there.” ity or anti-social behaviour on Airways Boeing 767 char- and writer Akala, the writer Tilbury, Essex, on November 5. The ship, operated by Cruise board their ships.” Former England football player Paul Gascoigne leaves tered by the Home Office, as Alice Walker, the American Portuguese police arrested & Maritime Voyages, had 610 A Foreign Offi ce spokesman Peterlee Magistrates’ Court, in Peterlee, Britain, yesterday. the aircraft waited to remove political activist Angela Davis, the pair after receiving a tip-off passengers and 294 crew on said: “Our staff are in contact Gascoigne yesterday pleaded not guilty to a charge of undocumented immigrants the musicians Brian Eno and from the UK’s National Crime board. It stopped off at locations with the Portuguese authorities committing sexual assault on a train and will appear before to Nigeria, Ghana and Sierra Peter Gabriel, and the TSSA Agency. including Amsterdam, Antigua, following the arrest of a British Teeside Crown Court on January 8. Leone. general secretary, Manuel Police chief Vitor Ananais said St Lucia, Barbados and Madeira. man and woman in Lisbon.” After nearly three days of Cortes. Gulf Times 16 Wednesday, December 12, 2018 EUROPE Spain threatens to send police to

In this file photo taken on September 29, Catalan regional police ‘Mossos D’Esquadra’ off icers, covered in paint, stand guard after clashing with separatist protesters during a counter-protest in Barcelona against a Catalan region demonstration in support of Spanish police. Reuters/AFP The involvement of national in the letter, spokeswoman Elsa vent a repeat of Saturday’s pro- Then last week, Mossos agents hostage by the Catalans. Yugoslavia in 1991, triggering a Madrid police would be a contentious Artadi said yesterday, without tests. charged against CDR activists The national parliament in 10-day armed confl ict with the issue in the northeastern region saying when or going into further “It was observed that there who were trying to stop a far- Madrid includes several sepa- Yugoslav army, in which 62 peo- which has its own administration detail. was no intervention (by the re- right protest. ratist Catalan lawmakers who ple were killed. pain’s interior minister has and where polls suggest almost She repeated calls for dialogue gional police) ... a reality that is That led the region’s pro- helped Sanchez take power in “The results in Andalusia re- warned that he would send half the population wants to split between Madrid and Barcelona. diffi cult to deny,” he said in a ra- independence president Quim June in a no-confi dence vote inforced the fact that Spanish Snational police to Catalo- away from Spain. Spain’s previous conservative dio interview yesterday morning. Torra to call for the heads of cur- against then conservative prime voters are veering to the right,” nia if local authorities did not do It would also stir memories government took control of the Catalonia along with the rent Mossos leaders, siding with minister Mariano Rajoy. said politics professor Oriol Bar- more to stop protests like the one of Madrid’s decision to send in region when the regional admin- Basque Country and Navarra is the activists and causing more However, earlier this month, tomeus. that shut down major highways a large contingent of national istration unilaterally declared one of three semi-autonomous controversy. the government’s perceived lax He added this “and the radi- over the weekend. police last year after the Catalan independence following the Oc- regions in Spain that have their But the region’s interior attitude towards separatism calisation of the situation in Fernando Grande-Marlaska government called an illegal in- tober 1, 2017 referendum. own police. minister Miquel Buch decided contributed to the Socialists los- Catalonia are creating a scenario accused the local Catalan po- dependence referendum. Many of the Catalan politi- In the other regions, Spain’s against this in a bid to ease ten- ing 14 seats in an election in the in which Sanchez has to make a lice of doing nothing to prevent “Serious disruptions of public cians who took part in the decla- national police and Civil Guard sions within the police force. southern region of Andalusia. gesture to show that the govern- pro-independence protesters order and traffi c security, such as ration are in prison awaiting trial force maintain law and order. By threatening to take control Far-right party Vox and cen- ment won’t allow a downward – members of the radical Com- those seen in the last few days, for rebellion or in exile. But in the wealthy, northeast- of security in Catalonia, Madrid tre-right party Ciudadanos, radical slide in Catalonia”. mittees for the Defence of the need to be dealt with by the re- Spain’s new Prime Minister ern region of Catalonia, the Mos- also wants to ensure a cabinet which have both adopted a hard- But it’s a tough call for Republic (CDRs) – blocking the gional police,” the federal min- Pedro Sanchez – who came to sos are caught between a rock meeting planned for Decem- line against Catalan separatism, Sanchez. AP-7 toll road, which runs up ister wrote to his regional coun- power in June – has said that he is and a hard place in the independ- ber 21 in Barcelona will go ahead scored well in Andalusia. His minority government is Spain’s Mediterranean coast, for terpart in an open letter late on open to a referendum on greater ence movement. smoothly, as radical activists Calls for Sanchez to be fi rm relying on the Catalan lawmakers more than 15 hours on Saturday. Monday. autonomy and has promised to The police force was accused promise to disrupt the Mediter- towards Catalan pro-independ- to pass his 2019 budget in Janu- Then on Sunday, the sepa- “If this does not happen ... the lay out detailed plans in parlia- of not intervening to prevent the ranean city with protests. ence leaders were further rein- ary. ratist activists forcefully raised government will order an inter- ment today. banned independence referen- On the national political scene, forced after Torra on Saturday If they do not support it by the barriers of the highway’s toll vention by the state police,” he However, Interior Minister dum on October 1, leading to ac- Socialist Prime Minister Sanchez urged Catalans to follow the ex- either voting against or abstain- booths, letting cars through for added. Grande-Marlaska said that the cusations the Mossos chiefs at is trying to get back on top of ample of Slovenia. ing, his very executive could fall free, again without any regional Catalonia’s government would local authorities had to show the time were sympathetic to the things as his right-wing oppo- The Balkan country unilater- before general elections believed police intervention. respond to the questions raised they could keep order and pre- separatist cause. nents accuse him of being held ally declared independence from to be planned for the fall of 2019.

Support falls for France’s ‘yellow vest’ protests following Macron speech Russians pay last Support for the “yellow vest” protesters in France has dropped sharply following President Emmanuel Macron’s concessions to ease taxes and boost income, leaving the country split, two opinion polls showed yesterday. respects to rights One poll, carried out by Opinionway, said 54% of those surveyed wanted the protest to stop, while 45% wanted it to continue. A second poll, carried out Odoxa, showed nearly reverse figures, with 46% wanting them to stop and 54% wanting the protests to icon Alexeyeva continue. Both polls revealed a major shift in public opinion overall. More than two out of three French people had previously supported AFP with the authorities and with the grassroots movement which sprang up in opposition to fuel Moscow her opponents,” Moskalkova taxes but snowballed into broad opposition to Macron’s pro- said. “She aimed for compro- business agenda. mise in the name of results.” The OpinionWay telephone poll was carried out Monday evening ussians paid their last Opposition activist Anna amongst 991 respondents, with a margin of error of 1.5 to 3.0 respects to human rights Krechetova said she was not percentage points. Ricon Lyudmila Alexeyeva put off by Putin’s presence. The Odoxa Internet poll was carried out on Monday evening and yesterday, with some mourners “I think that if we co-oper- yesterday morning among 992 people with a margin of error of 1.4 angered by President Vladimir ate with authorities it should to 3.1 points. Putin’s attendance of a memo- be to get people out of jail,” she Seagulls fly past plumes of smoke from the Tmb Salario mechanical biological waste treatment plant, rial ceremony. told AFP. following a fire that broke out overnight at the plant on Via Salaria, northeast of Rome. The Russian leader, who Some visitors wore T-shirts Albanian students protest tuition fees critics accuse of overseeing bearing slogans in support of a rise in repression over his activists serving prison sen- Thousands of Albanian university students took to Tirana’s streets nearly two decades in power, tences in Russia, including for yesterday for their biggest show of strength yet in a protest sat briefl y by Alexeyeva’s body Oyub Titiev – a rights cam- movement demanding lower tuition fees and more investment in Warning to Rome residents and spoke to her family in the paigner detained in Chechnya. public education. grand hall where mourners laid Prominent activist Svetlana The protests, which kicked off last week, are the biggest dozens of fl owers. Gannushkina read out a note mobilisation of university students since demonstrations in 1990 Supporters said Putin’s at- with condolences that Titiev against the former communist regime, according to local media. over fi re at garbage centre tendance was only natural and wrote from prison. Public university tuition fees range from €160 to €2,560 ($182- showed Alexeyeva’s ability to Later in the day Putin un- $2,916) annually in Albania, a poor country where the average win respect from even those veiled a statue of the late Soviet salary is about €350. DPA vanni Caudo wrote on Facebook. but said schools within 500m of she criticised. dissident Alexander Solzhen- The students are also demanding a bigger education budget, better Rome The national fi re service wrote the garbage centre may be closed. However, others seethed at itsyn, as part of celebrations campus facilities and more rigorous vetting of professors. on Twitter that the fi re was “un- The cause of the fi re was un- the presence of the Russian to mark the centenary of his der control” at 11.45, but still ex- clear. leader. birth. ne of Rome’s largest gar- pected “long operations” to put The Tmb Salario centre was at “He probably wants to look Putin also chaired a meet- Slovenia gets first female police chief bage collection centres it out completely. the centre of a controversy with humane. But it looks disgust- ing of Russia’s Presidential Owas destroyed in a ma- As a precaution, Rome’s mu- local residents, who had been ing with what’s happening in Human Rights Council, which Slovenia has appointed its first female national police chief after jor fi re yesterday, which spread nicipality urged anyone who can complaining for years about bad the country,” said opposition Alexeyeva was a part of, where naming its first female army head last month, becoming one of the a pungent smell across large smell the smoke from fi re to stay smells emanating from the site. politician Dmitry Gudkov, who he held a minute of silence and few countries whose police or army are headed by women. swathes of the city and raised indoors with the windows shut, The fi re may exacerbate queued to bid farewell to Alex- praised her willingness to work Tatjana Bobnar will start her five-year-mandate as police general concerns over toxic fumes. and avoid eating produce from Rome’s garbage crisis. eyeva. with authorities. director today, replacing Simon Velicki, the government said. The fi re at the Tmb Salario land near the fi re. The city has long been unable The veteran activist died on “She knew how to fi nd com- Last month the government appointed Major General Alenka site, in the northern outskirts of Caudo was quoted by the Ansa to properly collect and dispose Saturday at the age of 91 after promises,” Putin said. “There Ermenc as Slovenia’s first female chief of the army. the Italian capital started around news agency as ruling out major of its rubbish, to the chagrin of an extraordinary seven-decade are ways to fi nd compromises Bobnar, 49, has been working for the police since 1993. 4am, local borough chief Gio- health risks for the population, many of its residents. career that saw her promote within the law if you have the human rights during the Soviet will to do so.” era and in modern Russia. Alexeyeva was the leader of Prominent opposition fi g- the Moscow Helsinki Group, ures and ordinary Russians one of Russia’s oldest rights queued in the snow to get into organisations which she Fashion giants commit to cut greenhouse gas emissions the memorial ceremony at helped found in 1976. Moscow’s Central House of In the Soviet era, she cam- Journalists. paigned against trials for dis- AFP the lifespan of clothing, despite They laid fl owers at the sidents and endured numerous Katowice, Poland the “fast fashion” trend of fre- foot of her open casket, where searches and interrogations at quently renewing entire ward- Alexeyeva’s body was lying be- the hands of the KGB. robes. neath a portrait of the activist. Alexeyeva continued to ozens of top fashion in- “If you look at the fashion in- Many were angered ahead campaign for human rights dustry fi rms have pledged dustry, our history is maybe not of the ceremony when a Mos- in modern Russia, refusing to Dat the UN climate talks to the greatest when you talk about cow court denied Alexeyeva’s register the Moscow Helsinki reduce their combined green- environmental performance,” 77-year-old colleague Lev Group as a “foreign agent” as house gas emissions by 30% by Stefan Sidel, head of corporate Ponomaryov – currently serv- required by a 2012 law. 2030. sustainability at Puma, told re- ing a 16-day jail sentence for Putin began what has been “The fashion industry is al- porters. “So this time we want to calling for protests – permis- described as a major crack- ways two steps ahead when it get it right, upfront, we want to sion to attend the memorial. down on civil society that year, comes to defi ning world culture, get active here and play an active Security was tight for the after thousands of Russians so I am pleased to see it now also role.” ceremony, with riot police lin- took to the streets to protest leading the way in terms of cli- The fashion industry is said to ing the streets and mourners his return to the Kremlin after mate action,” UN climate chief produce an estimated 10% of the having to pass through metal four years as prime minister. Patricia Espinosa said in an- world’s CO2 emissions. detectors. Alexeyeva slammed Mos- nouncing the endeavour. Reducing greenhouse gas Doctoral student Alexander cow’s seizure of Crimea from Industry giants joining the emissions across the industry Sharov said he had come to pay Ukraine in 2014 for “bringing UN-led initiative include Adidas, “will require innovation and col- his respects to an activist who shame on my country”. Burberry, Esprit, Guess, Gap, laboration”, Burberry chief exec- had an “unbiased sense of jus- The activist died in a Mos- H&M, Hugo Boss, Levi Strauss, utive Marco Gobbetti said. tice and clarity of thought”. cow hospital on Saturday after Puma, Salomon and the Kering “I want to call on my peers in Russia’s Commissioner a long illness. group, which owns Balenciaga, Greenpeace activists stand near to a giant globe installation erected in front of Berlin’s Brandenburg the business, from other brands for Human Rights Tatyana She was cremated at Mos- Gucci, and Yves Saint Laurent. Gate yesterday. to retailers and suppliers, to sign Moskalkova said that Putin’s cow’s Troyekurovskoye Cem- Maersk, one of the world’s up to this charter now,” added presence showed activists can etery and part of her ashes will largest container shipping com- of UN climate talks in Katowice, materials and low-carbon trans- The companies have also designer Stella McCartney. be successful in co-operating be spread in the United States, panies, also signed the Fashion Poland. port, and to stop installing coal- pledged to explore so-called cir- “Collectively we have a voice with authorities. where she lived for 16 years af- Industry Charter for Climate Ac- The 43 fi rms have agreed to fi red boilers at manufacturing cular business models and en- and the capacity to make a dif- “It was amazing how she ter fl eeing the Soviet Union in tion on Monday, on the margins prioritise “climate-friendly” sites from no later than 2025. courage consumers to increase ference.” was able to have a dialogue 1977. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 12, 2018 17 INDIA BJP loses key states in poll battle Congress wins in Chhatisgarh and Rajasthan, leads in MP; TRS makes clean sweep in Telangana; MNF returns to power in Mizoram after a decade

Agencies New Delhi

n a severe jolt to Prime Min- ister Narendra Modi in the IHindi heartland in the “semi fi nals” ahead of next year’s gen- eral elections, the Congress yes- terday knocked his Bharatiya Janata Party out of power in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan and was slightly ahead in Madhya Pradesh where the two parties were engaged in a see-saw battle throughout the day. However, in Telangana, the ruling Telangana Rashtriya Samithi’s gamble of going for early elections paid off with the party scoring a landslide win getting 87 seats out of 119, thrashing the Congress-led Peo- ple’s Front. Supporters of Congress Party celebrate in New Delhi (Right) while Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) party members celebrate after their party won the Telangana assembly elections in Hyderabad yesterday. The Congress also lost its last bastion in the northeast when falling short of the magic fi gure wati-led BSP fared poorly lead- rebels, had a fi eld day when 12 of which is bound to collapse soon- In the northeast, the Congress Christian-dominated state by it was defeated convincingly by of 116, could look to get backing ing in only six seats together. them won and another was lead- er than later, he added. lost its last state where the MNF winning one seat. the Mizo National Front (MNF) from the Bahujan Samaj Party In the 2013 elections, the BJP ing. Riding a pro-incumbency decimated the ruling party win- Chhattisgarh Chief Minister ending the party’s hold over (BSP), which is leading in two had won 49 seats against the The Congress, which had a dis- wave, the TRS headed by Chief ning 26 of the 40 seats. Raman Singh resigned taking power for the last 10 years. seats, and the Samajwadi Party Congress’ 39. astrous performance in the 2014 Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, The Congress won five, while moral responsibility for the BJP’s Suff ering his worst defeat (SP), which is ahead in one, be- The saff ron party saw a huge Lok Sabha elections and suff er- scored a scintillating victory Independents won in eight stunning defeat, while his Ra- since coming to power in 2014, sides Independents, most of negative swing of 8% from 41% ing successive defeats in various in Telangana making a mince- seats. jasthan counterpart Vasundhara Modi tweeted late in the night whom are Congress rebels and it had secured in the last elec- assembly elections, smiled for meat of the Congress-led “Praja The BJP, which is in power in Raje conceded defeat. that he accepted the verdict with leading in four seats. tions, while the Congress’ for- the fi rst time defeating the BJP Kutami” that included the Telu- six of the northeastern states Mizoram’s Congress Chief Min- humility and would work with The SP said it will back the tunes improved drastically when in a direct contest in three crucial gu Desam Party, the Communist either directly or through al- ister Lal Thanhawla also resigned greater vigour for the people. Congress. it got 3% more votes at 42%. states in north India. Party of India and the Telangana lies, opened its account in the after the humiliating defeat. The highlight of the day was Facing a stiff anti-incumben- Rajasthan proved true to the Party president Rahul Gandhi, Jana Samithi. the ding-dong battle between cy, the BJP under Chief Minister 20-year old tradition of voting who campaigned vigorously, The inclusion of the TDP ap- the ruling BJP and the Congress Shivraj Singh Chouhan, which out the ruling party. said the assembly election re- parently backfi red as the TRS Modi concedes defeat in Madhya Pradesh where leads had won 165 seats in 2013, was The battle was won by the sults were a referendum on Mo- made a bogey of the presence of alternated between the two pushed down to 109 seats with Congress which has bagged 95 di’s non-performance on issues “outsider” from Andhra Pradesh Prime Minister Narendra Modi Chief Minister K Chandrashekar sides with the Congress get- 60 wins and leading in 49 seats. seats and was ahead in four, while of unemployment, agrarian dis- in Telangana politics. conceded defeat yesterday Rao for his Telangana Rashtra ting a slight edge by winning The party has been in power the ruling BJP won 73 seats. tress, corruption and negating In the 119-member assembly, for his ruling Bharatiya Janata Samithi (TRS)’s victory in the 63 seats and leading in 51 in the for the last 15 years in the state. The Congress, which is just the ill eff ects of demonetisation. the TRS has won 86 seats and Party (BJP) in key state state. “Congratulations to Shri K 230-member assembly. The Congress took a sweet re- short of halfway mark of 101, This was countered by Fi- was leading in two, while the elections held ahead of national Chandrashekar Rao ji and TRS On its own, the Congress is venge against the BJP halting its saw its ally Rashtriya Lok Dal nance Minister Arun Jaitley, Congress managed to win only polls next year. “We accept for the impressive victory in ahead in 114 seats, including bid for a fourth consecutive term winning one seat. who said issues in state elections 19 seats. the people’s mandate with Telangana assembly elections,” those won. in neighbouring Chhattisgarh by The BSP won six seats and were entirely diff erent. TRS ally All India Majlis-e- humility. I thank the people of he said in a tweet. However, The Congress had won 58 returning to power with a mas- the Communist Party of India The BJP won Madhya Pradesh, Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh he kept mum on the results of seats in the last election. sive victory. (Marxist) had won two seats. Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh led by Asaduddin Owaisi won six and Rajasthan for giving us the Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan A nearly 3% swing in votes In the election for the The two parties had fought in 2003 but lost the Lok sabha seats and was ahead in one. the opportunity to serve these and Madhya Pradesh. Buoyed against BJP hit the saff ron party 90-member assembly, the Con- against both the Congress and elections next year, he said. The TDP secured two seats, states. The BJP governments by the massive victory, Rao hard in the elections in Madhya gress won 33 seats and was lead- the BJP. The Bharatiya Tribal The general elections in 2019 while the All India Forward Bloc in these states worked earlier in the day said he would Pradesh where agrarian unrest, ing in 35, while the BJP won only Party won two seats and the would be fought around the per- bagged one. tirelessly for the welfare of the play a crucial role in national unemployment and the ill eff ects six and was ahead in 10. Rashtriya Loktantrik Party formance of Modi where people An Independent managed to people,” Modi said on Twitter. politics and work to evolve an of demonetisation dominated The alliance of former chief bagged three seats. will vote for the tried and tested win a seat, while the TJS and CPI Meanwhile, BJP president Amit alternative to both BJP and the campaign. minister Ajit Jogi-led Janta Con- Independents, compris- leadership against a non-ide- - part of the Congress alliance - Shah congratulated Telangana Congress with a new model. The Congress, which may be gress Chhattisgarh and Maya- ing mostly of Congress and BJP ological opposition coalition drew a blank. Election results give clear In Brief Uddhav salutes ‘fearless Maharashtra Navnirman Sena Bharatiya Janata Party-led voters’ (MNS) president Raj Thackeray government. Reacting to the said. “Since the past five years, poll results, the chief minister Shiv Sena president Uddhav he has been waging a lone said the Congress’ performance message to Modi: Rahul Thackeray saluted the battle against the Bharatiya showed that the party was on “fearless voters” who defeated Janata Party (BJP). Even in an upswing across the country. the Bharatiya Janata Party these (five states), he was the “The results have clearly shown IANS “There is a feeling of discon- (BJP) in four out of five states. only person fighting for the that the people of India are now New Delhi tent, inability to see the future. In a hard-hitting reaction, Congress. The people have fed up of the destructive and Inability to understand how they the ally of the BJP said the supported his leadership,” anti-development policies of are going to survive and thrive in voters decided they did not Thackeray said. He said first the Narendra Modi government he assembly election re- the fi eld of agriculture. I think want the party and decisively the people of Gujarat taught and want a positive change,” sults in fi ve states were a that has had a big impact,” Gan- rejected it. “Without bothering a lesson to the BJP, then Singh said. He said the party Treferendum on Prime Min- dhi said. to go into ‘alternatives’ (to Karnataka happened and now had clearly revived under the ister Narendra Modi, Congress He said that with a resurgent the BJP), the voters in these these three states. In all these dynamic leadership of Gandhi. president Rahul Gandhi said yes- Congress Party in the states and four states have given their elections, Gandhi single- terday adding opposition parties the combined opposition, it was verdict, uprooted the BJP. handedly led the charge against AAP draws blank, celebrates would unitedly fi ght and defeat going to be “very diffi cult” for What happens in future the ruling BJP, “and the masses BJP defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party in next Modi and the BJP to win future would be decided later. have shown the tyrannical BJP year’s elections with the central elections. They have displayed this its place. The BJP has nothing The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), themes being unemployment, “This is a clear message to the courage,” Thackeray said. He to show for the past (nearly) which failed to bag even a agrarian distress and corruption. prime minister and the BJP that complimented the people of five years in power. So they rake single seat in the assembly Addressing the media here the country is not happy with the four states for ushering up emotional issues like Ram elections, on said the results after Congress emerged the win- what they are doing. The country in change without fear, temple. The voters have given show that it is end of the Modi ner in Chhattisgarh and inched is not happy with demonetisation, irrespective of Electronic the verdict that ‘Ram Rajya’ wave and the BJP rule in the closer to victory in Rajasthan with GST, lack of jobs,” he said. Congress president Rahul Gandhi speaks during a press conference Voting Machines, money is more important than ‘Ram country. Senior AAP leader and Madhya Pradesh, Gandhi “I think there are serious ques- at the All India Congress Committee off ices in New Delhi yesterday. power, muscle power and Mandir,” he declared. Gopal Rai said the main aim of said the people’s disenchant- tions being asked about the fu- the oft-repeated ‘there is his party in the three states was ment over Modi’s failure to de- ture of our youngsters, the central that Modi himself is corrupt. It’s ideology. We have defeated them no alternative’ factor, and Amarinder hails Congress to strengthen and expand the liver on his promises was palpa- question is how does our country a reality that corruption hap- now and will defeat them in 2019. showing the country a new victory party, which it did successfully. ble across the country. give jobs to millions and millions pened in the Rafale deal. Its truth But we don’t want to banish an- direction. “We contested the election with “There is a feeling among the of youth,” Gandhi asked. will come out,” he said. yone from India,” Gandhi said Haling the victory of the an aim to expand the party. people in our country that what He said Modi was elected on Exuding confi dence that a when asked if he would strive for People have endorsed Congress in the assembly With these elections, the party was committed by Mr Modi, three major planks of employment, united opposition would defeat a BJP-mukt (free) Bharat. Rahul’s leadership: Raj elections, Punjab Chief Minister managed to achieve this aim. he has not been able to deliver. corruption and farmers’ distress. Modi and the BJP in the 2019 Lok He said the central issues in Amarinder Singh said it was a The campaign was done at That’s clear cut. There is a sense But he has failed on all fronts. Sabha elections, Gandhi under- the 2019 poll battle will be un- The outcome of the elections mandate for the leadership of the local level. The party has among the youth that the prom- “People thought the prime lined that the Congress did not employment and agrarian crisis. proves that the people have party president Rahul Gandhi successfully reached villages ise of employment has not been minister would fi ght against want to banish anyone from the “The opposition is strongly endorsed Congress president and added that it marked the in each area in the three state,” fulfi lled. Same feeling is there corruption. But that sense has country. united and we will unitedly con- Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, beginning of the end of the he said. among the farmers. gone away. Now people realise “We will fi ght against BJP’s test against the BJP,” he added. We could have done better, says Jaitley

IANS are entirely diff erent. We won quite well in all the three states Narasimha Rao said the results is almost identical and it “clearly New Delhi all these three states (Rajasthan, despite a plethora of factors, showed that local factors deter- shows that the BJP has the poten- Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh) such as anti-incumbency, going mined the outcome in each state tial to come back with big victo- in December 2003 and we lost against it, Jaitley said his party and the party will come back ries in 2019 Lok Sabha polls”. inance Minister Arun the general elections in 2004. could have done better. strongly in the 2019 Lok Sabha “Defeat in Chhattisgarh and Jaitley yesterday said the So, there is no automatic trans- “It was a tough fi ght but we elections with a result better than a strong performance in neigh- Fresults of state assembly fer,” Jaitley said. had not speculated that the gap in 2014 due to “Modi factor”. bouring Madhya Pradesh reveals elections where the Bharatiya He insisted that the 2019 Lok would be so large. Certainly we He said the results show that that the elections were fought on Janata Party lost three major Sabha elections will be fought could have dome much better. I there is no uniform trend across local factors. In the Lok Sabha states were unlikely to have a around the performance of the think it’s time for us to pause and the country. polls, BJP will increase its vote bearing on the 2019 Lok Sabha central government and the introspect,” he said. “This is evident from the fact share because of the Modi factor polls which would be fought on leadership of Prime Minister On Gandhi’s leadership, he that even the Congress suff ered which will take it far ahead of the the “central governments per- Narendra Modi. said no election depends on an massive defeats in Mizoram Congress. The party will post a formance”. “The election issue will be individual. and Telangana. Despite 15 years bigger victory than in the 2014 He said it was time for his par- whether we want a tried and “An election is a combination of anti-incumbency in Mad- polls,” he said. ty to “pause and introspect” but tested leadership and govern- of several factors. I don’t think hya Pradesh, the BJP has put The BJP has said it will fi ght brushed aside the claims that ment in place or we want an un- anybody should mislead himself up a fi ght and has made a major the 2019 Lok Sabha elections the Congress won on account of stable, non-ideological coalition by thinking that the victory or comeback in Rajasthan,” he said. under the leadership of Modi. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Minister of State in the Prime Minis- Rahul Gandhi’s dynamic leader- which is bound to splinter away defeat is due to one person,” he Rao said the vote share of the The opposition has indicated ter’s Off ice Jitendra Singh address a press conference, in New Delhi ship. sooner than later,” he said. said. BJP and the Congress in both that they will not project a prime yesterday. “The issues in state elections Stressing that the BJP did Earlier, BJP spokesman G V L Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan ministerial candidate. Gulf Times 18 Wednesday, December 12, 2018 INDIA

INVESTIGATION AVIATION JUDICIARY TOURISM LITERATURE Court allows CBI request Govt agency probing Court poses question on Gujarat wants states to Maneka receives first copy for Michel’s signatures IndiGo flight incident Parrikar’s health status build guest houses of children’s sci-fi book

A Delhi court yesterday allowed the Central The government yesterday said that the Aircraft The Panaji Bench of the Bombay High Court In a bid to boost tourism, the Gujarat government Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Bureau of Investigation’s plea seeking specimen Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) was yesterday asked the Goa government if the has requested other states to construct guest Gandhi yesterday received the first copy of The signatures and handwriting samples of British probing an incident in which a Jaipur-Kolkata medical report on the health of ailing Chief Minister houses near the 182m-tall Statue of Unity in Great Moto-Matic House, a children’s book by national Christian Michel, the alleged middleman IndiGo flight had to make an emergency landing Manohar Parrikar could be presented to the court Narmada district, a minister said yesterday. So far, debut author Brijesh Luthra. “I have a deep love accused in the Rs36bn AgustaWestland VVIP at Kolkata due to smoke inside the cabin and in a sealed cover. While hearing a petition filed by 10 states have responded. “We have written letters for science fiction and possess over 500 books on chopper deal. The CBI wanted the specimen cockpit area. According to a senior off icial from local politician Trajano D’Mello, who has sought to all the chief ministers urging them to construct the subject. I congratulate the author for bringing signatures and handwriting samples to match the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), to know the health status of Parrikar, Justice R M guest houses in the area in order to accommodate science to the world of ten-year-olds,” Gandhi said. them with documents already in its possession. a preliminary report after a detailed technical Borde also asked the government lawyer whether tourists coming to see the Statue of Unity from Inviting young readers to join the intergalactic Special Judge Arvind Kumar also allowed inspection has been sought from the airline. the chief secretary could argue on behalf of the diff erent states. We are even providing land to all escapades of a ten-and-a-half-year-old boy and Michel’s plea seeking permission to speak to his “IndiGo flight 6E-237 of December 10 on sector chief minister for his right to privacy. State Advocate states for the construction of theses guest houses. So his robot pal from outer space, Luthra will soon wife. Michel’s lawyer had requested the court to Jaipur-Kolkata made an emergency landing at General Dattaprasad Lawande is expected to appear far, 10 chief ministers have agreed to our proposal,” address young book lovers in Mumbai, Pune and allow his client to speak to his wife, manager and CCU (Kolkata) due to smoke in cockpit and cabin. before the court when the hearing resumes today Gujarat Education and Civil Aviation Minister Chennai. An ex-banker, consulting professional, step-brother. But the CBI had raised objection Flight landed safely at CCU,” the off icial said. morning. D’Mello in his petition filed last month, Bhupendrasinh Chudasama said at a roadshow in coach of the Swiss national U-15 cricket team and and submitted its reasons on a piece of paper IndiGo in a statement said there had been no wanted the court to direct state Chief Secretary the run-up to the ninth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat an avid writer, Luthra has taken a sabbatical from to the court. Currently, Michel is in CBI custody earlier instance of malfunction with the aircraft. Dharmendra Sharma to evaluate the Parrikar’s health summit to be held in January. Currently, the state his mainstream career to focus on writing. “We are till December 15. He was extradited to India on The A320 aircraft made an emergency landing with the help of a panel of doctors and release the government is providing accommodation to all born storytellers. And this is my gift to children December 4 from the United Arab Emirates. as a precaution,” the airline said. medical report to the public. visitors for overnight stays, he said. all over the world,” Luthra said in a statement.

PM calls for extensive debate on Tharoor sues issues in parliament Law Minister

IANS New Delhi

rime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday called for Prasad over Pextensive debate on issues related to public interest, and hoped that matters of national interest will prevail over party considerations ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. His remarks came ahead of the murder slur commencement of the winter session of parliament. By Ashraf Padanna clip of his press conference con- speech and distorted it delib- “The winter session is im- Thiruvananthapuram taining the remarks. Tharoor erately and with a mala fide portant. Key legislative bills are soon sent a legal notice asking intention picked it out of con- pending, which are in the inter- Prasad to take down his tweet text and misapplied it in his est of the people of the India. ongress MP Shashi Tha- and to apologise uncondition- condemnable act to tarnish I hope the proceedings will be roor has taken federal ally. the reputation and fame of the smooth, and there will be frank CLaw and Justice Minister In his reply, Tharoor’s com- complainant,” it added. as well as extensive debates Ravi Shankar Prasad to court for plaint says, Prasad accused him Tharoor argued that the in- among members,” Modi said. alleging his involvement in the of abusing the prime minister tention and purpose behind the “I hope the productivity of death of his wife Sunanda Push- and maintained that his tweet false and baseless imputations the winter session is high. Let us kar. that the Congress leader was an against him was clearly to harm, strive to work hard and complete Tharoor filed a criminal def- accused in a murder case was not tarnish and malign his reputa- the legislative agenda pending. amation case against Prasad in defamatory. tion and to destroy his impecca- May national interest always the chief judicial magistrate Prasad instead asked Tha- ble image among the public, es- prevail over party considera- court in Thiruvananthapuram roor to withdraw the notice and pecially in view of the upcoming tions,” he added. last week. apologise in 48 hours. He also elections. The winter session of parlia- Immediately after Prasad countered that it was Tharoor He said as a result of the in- ment began yesterday. The al- made the controversial remarks who had made objectionable tentional wrong and dishonest most month-long session is set at a press conference in New statements against the prime imputations, many people have to have 20 sittings and continue Delhi in October, Tharoor had minister. already started to think that the till the January 8. warned him to withdraw the “By any stretch of imagi- ongoing criminal prosecution Parliamentary Aff airs Minis- allegation or face the law. He nation, the tag of a murderer against him was really for the of- ter Narendra Singh Tomar said 45 filed the case as the minister cannot be extended to the fence of murder and that the po- bills and one fi nancial item will be refused to respond to his legal complainant for the reasons lice had in fact charge-sheeted taken up during the session. notice. Tharoor had also moved stated hereafter. Being a mem- him. Three bills to replace Muslim a similar complaint against ber of the legal profession, he Separately, Tharoor criti- Women (Protection of Rights television anchor Arnab Gos- must have weighed his words cised Aviation Minister Suresh on Marriage) Ordinance, Indian wami. before speaking them against Prabhu for inaugurating the Medical Council (Amendment) “He accused me of being in- an eminent personality and Kannur International Air- Ordinance and Companies volved in a murder case. So I he should not have stooped to port without inviting any of (Amendment) Ordinance were sent him a legal notice to with- the level of a stooge of the rul- those who made it possible like slated to be passed. draw his comments, but he took ing political party,” Tharoor’s former chief minister Oommen Some important pending legisla- a defi ant stand,” Tharoor said. “I plea says. Chandy. tion like Consumer Protection Bill, tried to bite my tongue, but there “Both as a member of the He also said he was waiting for Juvenile Justice (Care and Protec- comes a time when the straw general public who is aware of a reply to his letter on the Thiru- tion of Children) Amendment Bill breaks the camel’s back.” the current affairs of the coun- vananthapuram International and Traffi cking of Persons (Preven- Reacting to Tharoor’s state- try and also as a person who Airport. tion, Protection and Rehabilitation) ment in which he quoted a report holds the very esteemed post Tharoor had sought details of Bill were also expected to be consid- equating Prime Minister Naren- of the union law minister for the proposal for privatising the ered during the session. dra Modi to a scorpion, Prasad India, the accused must be well airport along with four others Modi meanwhile will inaugu- had said: “Tharoor is accused aware that the complainant is across India in his capacity as rate today the fourth Partners’ in a murder case. He is charge- not charge-sheeted by police chairman of the Airport Advi- Forum - a multi-country event sheeted in a serious allegation and he is not an accused in a sory Committee of the Thiru- aimed at sustaining global mo- of murder. I don’t want to give case of murder,” the complaint vananthapuram airport. mentum for issues related to the him more respect and prestige said. He said the airport was the health of women, children and by responding to his baseless al- “It is abundantly clear that second busiest in Kerala with adolescents, an offi cial state- Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives for the first day of the winter session of the parliament in New legations.” the accused has misused the close to 5mn passengers using it ment said. Delhi yesterday. Prasad also tweeted a video content of the complainant’s last fi scal year. Identity of rape victims Myanmar, India sign pacts to strengthen ties must be protected: SC return of Rohingya refugees, af- AFP Naypyidaw, Myanmar ter a brutal military crackdown IANS go to the village and fi nd out an adult may still be able to last year forced some 720,000 New Delhi who the child is”. stand the social ostracisation over the border from Rakhine Speaking for the bench, Jus- and mental harassment meted ndia inked science and tech state into Bangladesh. tice Gupta advised the media out by the society. However, a deals with Myanmar yes- “India is building 250 houses he Supreme Court yes- to avoid sensationalising rape minor victim will fi nd it diffi - Iterday, as well as pledging in Myanmar’s Rakhine prov- terday said the identity cases for the purpose of in- cult to do so,” it added. to train judges and build houses ince as part of a developmen- Tof rape victims must creasing the TRPs and ordered The court said this while ad- in crisis-hit Rakhine state, as tal project,” India’s president be protected at all stages of a that identity of minor rape dressing the question how the Delhi cosies up to the strategi- tweeted, adding that 50 houses case, including during trial, victims should not be dis- identity of adult victims of rape cally important Southeast Asian were formally handed over. and asked media organisations closed even by their families. and children who are victims of country. The repatriation process for to refrain from sensationalis- Pointing to the harassment sexual abuse should be protect- Both China and India covet refugees was supposed to start ing it for the sake of increasing that a rape victim undergoes ed so that they are not subjected Myanmar’s growing domestic last month but the Rohingya are viewership, known as televi- during the course of investiga- to unnecessary ridicule, social market, natural resources as well refusing to come back until their sion rating point (TRP). tion and during the trial, Jus- ostracisation and harassment. as access to key ports. safety and rights are guaranteed. A bench of Justices Madan B tice Gupta, who pronounced The court dealt with the Delhi has helped fi nance a With a 1,600km-long land Lokur and Deepak Gupta said the judgment, said the victim question of adult rape victims deepwater port in Rakhine’s border and a maritime border in the Central Forensic Science is treated worse than the per- under the Indian Penal Code capital Sittwe, as money fl ows in the Bay of Bengal, Myanmar is Laboratory (CFSL) reports petrator of the crime and for and that of children under the from partners across the region India’s only adjoining member and other documents related no fault of the victim. POCSO, 2012. eager to gain a foothold in Myan- of Asean – a bloc of Southeast to such cases should be hand- “Society instead of empa- The verdict came on a pe- mar’s poor western state, which Asian nations. ed over to the trial court in a thising with the victim, starts tition fi led by lawyer Nipun has a long coastline facing the The two countries have been sealed cover without disclos- treating her as an untouch- Saxena, who sought steps for Bay of Bengal. working together for a decade on a ing the identity of the victims. able,” he said. the safety of women in public On Tuesday, India’s Presi- $484mn project to link the eastern In cases involving children “A victim of rape/sexual places. dent Shri Ram Nath Kovind was seaport Kolkata with Myanmar’s from small villages, “even dis- abuse is treated like – pariah The petition was fi led in greeted with the full pomp and Chin and Rakhine states. closure of the name of village – and ostracised from the so- the aftermath of the Decem- circumstance of a guard of hon- Two further deals were inked may contravene the provi- ciety,” the court said. ber 16, 2012, Delhi gang-rape our before meeting Myanmar’s yesterday, one focusing on the sions of Section 23(2) POCSO “A minor victim of sexual in which a 23-year-old female civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi training of Myanmar judges (Protection of Children from abuse needs to be protected physiotherapy intern died af- and President Win Myint. and the other in the science and Sexual Off ences Act) because even more than a major victim ter she was sexually assaulted Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi greets President Ram Nath The two countries discussed technology sector, both presi- it will just require a person to because a major victim being and tortured in a private bus. Kovind in Naypyidaw yesterday. how India would help with the dents announced. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 12, 2018 19 LATIN AMERICA

CRIME LAW AND ORDER DECISION DEMANDS CRACKDOWN Armed man kills four, One dead in Venezuela Venezuelan government US presses Cuba 30 held at pro-migrant commits suicide in Brazil illegal mining clash takes over Goodyear plant with prisoner list caravan demonstration

An armed man yesterday opened fire during a A member of Venezuela’s Pemon indigenous The Venezuelan government yesterday took US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has Dozens of religious leaders were arrested service at a cathedral in south-eastern Brazil, group was killed during a “confrontation” with control of installations owned by Goodyear, pressed Cuba in an open letter to explain the Monday during a demonstration in support of shooting four people dead before killing himself, security forces attempting to dislodge an illegal a day after the US tyre-maker closed its detention of eight people who Washington a caravan of Central American migrants in San the newspapers O Globo and Folha de Sao Paulo gold mine in southern Bolivar state, Defence operations in the crisis-torn South American says are political prisoners, saying that Diego near the Mexico border, organisers said. reported. Three others were rushed to hospital Minister Vladimir Padrino said yesterday. It was the country. In a statement read on state VTV Havana has ignored diplomatic efforts to The demonstration, organised by Quaker group from the cathedral in Campinas, a city of more latest in a string of violent incidents in the remote television, the government said it had taken seek answers. In a letter released by the state American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) on than 1mn people in Sao Paulo state. They were jungles of the once-booming Opec nation, where all necessary steps to re-establish production department yesterday, Pompeo asked Cuban the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration reported to be in stable condition. The man people are increasingly taking to informal gold at the Goodyear plant in the industrial city of Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez to provide of Human Rights, called for the US to “end the fired indiscriminately with two pistols before mining as the country’s socialist economy unravels Valencia. Goodyear abruptly closed the plant on a “substantive explanation” on the detention detention and deportation of immigrants.” committing suicide, reports said. The identities and hyperinflation leaves millions struggling to Monday, announcing the decision in a statement of eight listed prisoners. Among them was Photographs shared by the organisation showed of the victims and the motive of the killer were aff ord basic food items. Padrino said he regretted posted on the factory gate that said the Martha Sanchez of the Ladies in White, a demonstrators, which according to AFSC included not immediately known. “Most of the people who the death of 21-year-old Charlie Penaloza in the company had been “forced to cease operations.” dissident movement of relatives of political people of Christian, Muslim and Jewish faith, were there were retired people, innocent, and he clash, which took place in Canaima National Park, The government said it was taking over the prisoners, who according to Pompeo is serving kneeling in front of authorities in riot gear near fired at them all,” a guard at the church, said. home to the world’s tallest waterfall. Goodyear plant to protect its 1,160 workers. a five-year sentence. the border fence in San Diego. Brazil ‘should stay in Paris agreement on climate change’

Reuters Brazil should leave that Brasilia question to academics and get on with the “less charming” business of environmental razil’s future environment protection, he said, including minister under President- dealing with waste, biodiver- Belect Jair Bolsonaro said sity, soil issues and converting the country should stay in the the car fleet to lower emission Paris Agreement on climate biofuels. change, but the world must also Bolsonaro will not cut the respect its autonomy to set its budget of the ministry and envi- environmental policies. ronmental agencies it oversees, Bolsonaro said on the cam- which includes enforcer Ibama paign trail that he could pull out and conservation area adminis- of the Paris Agreement, which trator ICMBio, Salles said. sets targets for countries to re- But environmental agen- duce the emissions of green- cies are not producing the re- house gases. sults they should be with the But he has sent mixed signals resources they are given, and he on his intentions since being said he will seek to correct this elected, saying that Brazil could “mismanagement” and “inef- stay in the agreement if certain fi ciency.” Ford’s former executive Hector Sibilla (centre) is pictured before being sentenced for collaborating in the military dictatorship’s “dirty war” against leftist dissent, in court in San conditions are met. Asked about whether Brazil Martin, Buenos Aires, yesterday. “My inclination is...to say that should reconsider Ibama’s deci- we shouldn’t leave the agree- sion last week to deny Total SA ment,” Ricardo Salles, who is a permit to drill in the sensitive tipped to become minister after Foz do Amazonas basin near the Bolsonaro assumes offi ce Janu- Amazon rainforest, Salles said ary 1, said in an interview. they would have to make sure “But on the other hand, it ideology did not enter into the doesn’t signify that we will ac- decision and that it was solely cept any and all sanctions, re- based on facts. Ex-Ford directors jailed for strictions and programmes in- The country must strike a bal- disputably. All countries must ance in environmental licensing, respect Brazilian autonomy to whether for farms or mines, and manage its territory and to de- development, as overly strict cide its environmental policies rules drive people to illegality or internally,” he said. lead producers to exit the mar- ‘dirty war’ collaboration Brazil has committed to cut- ket, he said. ting emissions 37% by 2025 and Earlier environmentalists said AFP plicity in the persecution of un- ion leaders at Ford in Argentina eros — head of the secret Cam- Cases have also been taken 43% by 2030 under the agree- Salles’ appointment was a seri- Buenos Aires ion leaders at the plant during when they were detained in the po de Mayo detention centre against other international au- ment, although the country has ous setback to protection at a the 1976-1983 military dicta- factory and tortured by the mil- where the men were held — to 15 tomakers, including Mercedes yet to fully lay out how it will time when deforestation and il- torship. itary junta. years in prison. Benz, Renault and Fiat, but only meet those goals. legal mining in the Amazon were n Argentine court yes- The court said both men They were held prisoner for He has previously been con- the Ford case has so far gone to Brazil will use common sense on the rise. terday handed jail sen- “were necessary participants in two years and letters were sent victed of crimes against hu- trial. in the details of how it will deal Marcio Astrini, the public Atences to two former the illegal deprivation of liberty, to their families claiming they manity. When the military took over in with the agreement, and the policy director at Greenpeace directors of automaker Ford aggravated by the use of vio- had been fi red for failing to The case marked the fi rst a 1976 coup d’etat, some 5,000 country thus far has been very Brazil, said Salles was “not for participating in the mili- lence and threats” with the aim show up for work. time executives of a multina- workers were employed at Ford’s responsible in preserving a large chosen for his history of envi- tary dictatorship’s “dirty war” of political persecution. Sibilla and Muller are cur- tional company had been put on Buenos Aires plant, as well as percentage of its native vegeta- ronmental protection. He was against leftist opponents. It found that Sibilla was also rently under house arrest, but trial for crimes committed dur- 2,500 administrative staff . tion, Salles said. chosen because he accepts Bol- After a year-long trial, the present during a torture ses- the judge said they would have ing the dictatorship. Twenty-four of the 100 trade Salles, who previously served sonaro’s agenda.” court sentenced Hector Sibilla, sion. to serve out their sentences in The company itself was not union delegates at the plant as the top environmental offi cial Astrini said neutering envi- the former security chief at Prosecutors had requested prison once all appeals have implicated, but prosecutors were taken captive in retalia- for the state of Sao Paulo, said he ronmental agencies and reduc- Ford’s Buenos Aires plant, to 12 the maximum penalty of 25 been exhausted. sought to demonstrate there tion for union activism. Sev- does believe climate change ex- ing protected areas could make years in prison, and manufac- years in jail for both men. Survivors and relatives burst was complicity with the dic- eral were tortured at the plant, ists, although he could not say deforestation “explode”. “This is turing manager Pedro Muller to The court heard testimony into applause and cheers when tatorship responsible for the on the northern periphery of for sure whether it is man-made not an environmental agenda. It 10 years. from dozens of people includ- the verdict was given. deaths and disappearances of Buenos Aires, before they were or a change that is occurring is an agenda of threats to the en- They had been on trial since ing Pedro Troiani and Carlos The court also sentenced a some 30,000 people, according transferred to secret detention naturally. vironment,” he said. last December, accused of com- Propato, who were trade un- former general, Santiago Riv- to human rights organisations. centres. Venezuela welcomes Clown Day Artist melts guns to tiles for monument

Russian bombers Guardian News and Media cedo, who is best known for her Bogota 2007 work Shibboleth which was composed of a long crack Guardian News and Media saying by the state broadcaster Harold Trinkunas, a Venezuela across the fl oor of the turbine Caracas Venezolana de Television (VTV). specialist at Stanford University. he weapons once used hall at the Tate Modern. Russia’s ambassador in Ca- Trinkunas said the deploy- by Colombian rebels The Bogota-based artist racas, Vladimir Zaemskiy, told ment was “most likely a signal of Tto wage war have been said she was reluctant to make ussia has landed two nu- VTV the deployment refl ected support for the Maduro regime turned into a monument in the a traditional monument, refer- clear-capable “Blackjack” the “very fruitful” military part- at a time when both Russia and country’s capital, as the coun- ring to her project as an “anti- Rbombers in Venezuela as nership that had developed since Venezuela are experiencing in- try grapples with its bloody monument”. “A monument is a part of a joint training exercise the relationship was forged by creased tensions with the US”. past. way of forgetting something, experts say is designed to show- Venezuela’s late leader Hugo “Russia has also been keen to That deal with the Revo- of making it invisible,” she case Moscow’s growing military Chavez in 2005. exercise its long-range military lutionary Armed Forces of said. “Weapons and war are prowess and shore up the posi- However, specialists say the capabilities in recent years, and Colombia (or Farc) formally not something that should be tion of Venezuela’s embattled move – which follows a three- such a visit to Venezuela fulfi ls ended 52 years of civil war that celebrated.” President, Nicolas Maduro. day visit to Moscow by Maduro that function as well,” he added. left 260,000 dead and over The space was built with the The Tu-160 planes touched last week – is designed to signal For Maduro the visit was de- 7mn displaced. Other leftist help of victims of the confl ict, down at the Simon Bolivar in- to Washington that Caracas is not signed to underline that he did rebel groups and state-aligned who pounded the steel into the ternational airport near Caracas, without international support. enjoy some “external support vis- paramilitaries contributed to ruptured shape of the tiles. It according to Venezuelan state Earlier this month the US De- a-vis the US and its sanctions” as the bloodshed. will host two guest exhibitions media. fence Secretary, James Mattis, well as seeking to highlight Ven- Last year, the Farc turned in every year related to the confl ict. Russia’s defence ministry said described Maduro as an irre- ezuela’s geopolitical relevance. 37 tonnes of rifl es, pistols and “It was like a catharsis, the strategic bombers were part sponsible despot who was lead- Maduro, who blames his grenade launchers which the smashing the hammer into the of a larger fl eet also including an ing his country into ruin and country’s economic collapse on artist Doris Salcedo has had metal,” Angela Maria Escobar, An-124 military transport plane would ultimately “have to go”. a US-driven “economic war”, melted down and recast as tiles who was gang-raped by para- and an Il-62 passenger jet that Last year Donald Trump told returned from his trip to Russia that line the fl oor of a new gal- militaries in 2000, said. “The had fl own more than 10,000km reporters there were “many op- touting $6bn in investment and lery space just a block from the sound was almost deafening.” to Venezuela. tions” to resolve the Venezuelan deals designed to shore up Ven- presidential palace in Bogota. Colombia’s president, Ivan Venezuela’s Defence Minister, crisis, before adding: “And by ezuela’s crumbling economy. The work, called Fragments Duque, snubbed the inaugura- Vladimir Padrino Lopez, said the the way, I’m not going to rule out He lashed out at the US on was inaugurated on Monday. tion, having declined Salcedo’s arrival of the aircraft for joint a military option.” Sunday night, claiming a White “The idea was to take the invitation. He took offi ce in manoeuvres was not intended as “Russian military exercises House-backed coup attempt Clowns pose for a photograph during the International Clown weapons which have caused so August this year, having op- a provocation. “We are makers of involving Venezuela are not new, was afoot designed to “disturb Day in Guadalajara, Mexico. much pain and turn them into posed the peace deal on the peace, not war,” he was quoted as but the timing is suspect,” said Venezuela’s democratic life”. something useful,” said Sal- campaign trail. Gulf Times 20 Wednesday, December 12, 2018 PAKISTAN

Postmen given motorcycles

Pakistan Post has distributed motorcycles and postal boxes among the postmen to improve the delivery service in the Supreme Court stands by provincial capital. Postmaster general for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zahirullah Khan Khattak was the chief guest on the occasion. Around 40 bikes fitted with postal boxes were distributed among the postmen and staff of urgent anti-encroachment order mail delivery services. Khattak said that the provision Destruction of houses not and streets around Empress ure when Mayor Waseem Akhtar Karachi ban on construction of multi-storey buildings retracted of the bikes would enable the part of Supreme Court order, Market, and to make the historic failed to show up on time. postmen to deliver the mails on says Chief Justice Nisar structure “a model for the rest of Told that the mayor was late The Supreme Court of Pakistan has retracted its A Supreme Court bench, while hearing the case in time. Karachi”. due to blocked roads and traf- earlier decision to ban the construction of buildings Karachi registry, retracted its order – much to ABAD “The distribution is aimed at Internews “The directive to remove en- fi c, the top judge asked: “If other with more than six storeys in Karachi, and ordered chairman Hasan Bakhshi’s relief. improving mail delivery,” he Islamabad croachments from the footpaths people can arrive on time, why that new high rises can be erected in accordance with “We have borne many diff iculties these last two added. and streets was clear,” the chief can’t the mayor?” the law. years,” Bakhshi told media representatives outside He said the post off ice is focusing justice said. “We wanted pedes- Nisar said that Akhtar in- In March 2017, the apex court, while hearing a case on the court. “This was a major problem for us. on ways and introducing services he Supreme Court of trians to also have some rights formed the court that he himself the non-availability of potable water and deteriorating “Our 500 projects were stuck for approval, and an- to ensure the speedy delivery of Pakistan has dismissed while walking on the streets.” had taken the initiative to begin sanitation conditions in Karachi, had imposed a ban other 500 projects’ material was ready. mail. Tthe Sindh government’s “How will people walk on clearing out the encroachments on construction of high-rise buildings in Sindh. “Our Rs500bn billion worth of investment was stuck. The off icial said that same- plea to halt the ongoing anti- footpaths if they are taken over from the areas surrounding Em- It had restrained the Sindh Building Control Authority We are grateful to the Supreme Court. day delivery system has been encroachment drive in Karachi, by pushcarts?” Nisar asked. “We press Market. (SBCA) and cantonment boards from issuing building “Now the SBCA, the water board and other depart- introduced in Peshawar, Mardan, but the provincial authorities were concerned about Karachi’s “We had not passed any order approval plans for new high-rise and multi-storey ments should also co-operate with us.” Abbottabad, and Dera Ismail are forbidden from destroying law and order situation at that at the time, when the mayor be- commercial and residential projects. The ABAD chair noted that the court has directed Khan, under which mail posted in houses during an ongoing city- time as well.” gan working of his own accord,” In May 2017, the SBCA, acting on the orders passed Karachi’s builders to construct “according to the law”, the morning are delivered before wide anti-encroachment drive. “How did the Supreme Court the chief justice said. by the Supreme Court, had imposed a complete ban adding that “we respect the law and will co-operate the off icial closing time of off ices. Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib ruin the law and order situation He asked whether the en- on the construction of high-rise buildings beyond with the SBCA”. Nisar was hearing review peti- in Karachi?” the top judge asked. croachments around Empress ground-plus-two storeys – a decision challenged by Bakhshi also off ered his organisation’s assistance to tions fi led by various parties, in- “What is our link to this? Re- Market had been cleared already, the Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD) in Prime Minister Imran Khan in his plan to construct Sindh off icers get cluding the Sindh government, habilitation of displaced people to which the attorney general re- the top court. 5mn houses during his tenure. against the apex court’s earlier and making alternative arrange- plied in the affi rmative. gallantry awards order on the ongoing anti-en- ments for them is the job of the “We can’t now order that the croachment drive in the city at government.” area be re-encroached,” the top “What will happen now is the the shops and then continue the extensions to the National Mu- More than 40 off icials of the the Karachi Registry. On another matter, the chief judge said. Sindh government’s respon- campaign. seum building be razed. Sindh province police ranked Sindh Advocate General Sal- justice said that houses that are The advocate general said that sibility. We have not stopped The court was informed that However, no order was passed from constables to deputy man Taalibuddin told the bench still occupied by families of de- the razing of shops was leading anyone from making alternative some traders in areas marked in this regard. inspector general received their that the apex court had ordered ceased government employees to a rise in unemployment: “De- arrangements,” he said. “If they for the anti-encroachment drive The federal attorney general, gallantry awards in a ceremony authorities to clear encroach- should be vacated. molishing one shop takes away want to give the aff ectees an al- slept in their shops. who also appeared in court, told at Governor House on Saturday, ments situated around Empress He added that the proper- the livelihood of a man.” ternative venue for their shops, The advocate general added the bench that a report prepared said a statement. Market, adding that there were ties that had been given away on The chief justice agreed that they should do it. When did we that the government was relo- by the director of the Karachi It said that total 46 off icers reservations over the drive ex- pagdi (a property rental system) after the clearing of encroach- stop them?” cating some of those aff ected to Development Authority (KDA) were given their medals at the tending to other parts of the city. must also be vacated. ments, the matter of relocation The advocate general said that the Lines Area. revealed that around 35,000 ceremony attended by Sindh He urged the court to review “When you ask people like will arise, but said the task of the Sindh government had a plan The chief justice ordered the plots in Karachi had been ille- Governor Imran Ismail, Sindh the order. these to vacate their houses, a making alternative arrange- to relocate the traders who had mayor, the Centre and the pro- gally occupied. Inspector General Kaleem Imam, Nisar responded that the top law and order situation is cre- ments for those aff ected is the shops on encroached lands. vincial government to submit He said that no action had provincial ministers, and senior court had only ordered city au- ated,” the chief justice remarked. Sindh government’s responsi- He appealed to the court to al- their plan to the court. been taken on the fi ndings of the civil servants. thorities to clear the footpaths Nisar expressed his displeas- bility. low the government to relocate Nisar also suggested that the report as yet. The off icers conferred the Quaid-e-Azam Police Medal and President’s Police Medal for their gallantry between 2008 and 2016, said the statement. All in a day’s work These awards are granted Ex-PM’s treatment and announced every year by the president on the recommendations of provincial in UK cost $327,927 governments and other departments concerned.

Internews kistan International Airlines) Islamabad authorities were approached to share details of expenditure Ban on drones, and revenue loss on the air- flying cameras oreign Minister Shah craft. Mehmood Qureshi has “Informally, it has been Punjab province has imposed Finformed the National conveyed that an amount of a ban on remote controlled Assembly that former prime Rs34,527,268 was incurred on model aircraft, unmanned aerial minister Nawaz Sharif’s medi- the VVIP fl ight on July 9, 2016 vehicles (drones), flying cameras, cal treatment in the Unit- over and above the expenditure helicams, and all types of aerial ed Kingdom cost Pakistan mentioned in para B (above media coverage and sports $ 3 27,927.45. mentioned breakdown).” activities due to security reasons. Sharif stayed in the UK from “A formal reply includ- According to sources, the Punjab May 22 to July 9, 2016, and re- ing revenue loss is awaited,” home department has imposed turned after his heart surgery. Qureshi added. the ban under section 144 of During the question hour, Member of the National the Code of Criminal Procedure the minister in a written reply Assembly (MNA) Aurangzeb within the limit of Punjab. told the house that the former Khan Khichi had asked the The ban shall remain in force in prime minister had gone to minister to state whether it is the province till January 31, 2019. London by a special aircraft. a fact that a special PIA plane “After his medical treat- was sent to the UK for bringing ment, a special aircraft arrived back equipment, which were in London in July 2016 and de- originally sent for setting up US adds Pakistan parted back the same day with a camp offi ce there during the to blacklist the former prime minister,” former prime minister’s stay. Qureshi said. The foreign minister said The United States said yesterday While sharing the break- that no equipment was sent that it has added Pakistan to its down of expenditure, the min- from Pakistan for setting up blacklist of countries that violate ister said that $29,777.41 was the camp offi ce in London, nor religious freedom, ramping up spent on daily allowances for was a PIA plane sent for bring- pressure over its treatment of members of the delegation, ing the equipment back to the minorities. $56,657.97 on aircraft charges, country, as the former prime US Secretary of State Mike $28,981.52 on hiring of trans- minister did go to London by a Pompeo said he had designated port, and $5,840.73 on rent- special aircraft. Pakistan among “countries ing of information technology However, due to his medical of particular concern” in a equipment. treatment, the visit was pro- congressionally-mandated Qureshi said that the expen- longed, he added. annual report, a year after the ditures also covered the estab- Qureshi said that as per State Department put Pakistan lishment of a camp offi ce. standard practice, the camp A man carrying fodder walks along a road in Peshawar. on a watchlist without legal In addition to these ex- offi ce was established at the consequences. penditures, he said $3,519.57 Hyatt Regency (the Churchill was spent on renting mobile Hotel), for administrative and phones, $960.75 on miscel- protocol requirements. laneous items, $28,462.23 “Equipment (work station, on meals arrangement, and shredder, printer, photocopier $173,562.15 on hotel accommo- and fax machine) was hired World Bank cancels $250mn emergency relief loan dation, while $165.12 was spent and placed/used in the camp on the purchase of newspapers. offi ce,” the minister’s written The minister said: “PIA (Pa- reply read. Internews national Monetary Fund (IMF) It is of the view that the disas- and complementing existing re- have minimum 10 weeks of im- Islamabad failed. ter risk mitigation loan will block sources, without distracting on- port cover. However, the World Bank’s $250mn out of Pakistan’s quota going development plans. Pakistan and international Hamza Shehbaz stopped at airport spokesperson said in November of concessionary loan under the In January this year, a review lenders also diff er over the coun- he World Bank has can- that the mission cancellation de- International Development As- mission of the World Bank had try’s exchange rate regime. The Federal Investigation Agency has barred Leader of the celled a $250mn emergen- cision had nothing to do with the sociation (IDA) credit, according not authorised preparations for They are pushing Islamabad to Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, Hamza Shehbaz, from flying to Tcy relief loan for Pakistan IMF talks. to government offi cials. the loan to continue, asking the allow a steep depreciation of the London. after both sides could not agree She stated that the visit had The country also had to pay bank to put the programme on rupee. The son of Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) president on a new macroeconomic frame- been cancelled due to internal commitment charges on the un- hold. The Asian Development Bank Shehbaz Sharif said: “When I reached the immigration counter, I was work due to deteriorating exter- reasons. disbursed amount, the offi cials The mission noted that the (ADB) has given a loan of $200mn told that my name is on the black list.” nal-sector condition of Pakistan. Pakistan and the IMF failed added. Catastrophe Deferred Draw- to Pakistan for setting up the Na- “I am not wanted in the ongoing National Accountability Bureau The loan was aimed at to reach a staff -level agreement The Catastrophe Deferred down option required approval tional Disaster Risk Management (NAB) inquiry,” he added. strengthening the regulatory and last month due to the harsh con- Drawdown option, known as Cat of an adequate macroeconomic Fund. Shehbaz was scheduled to depart for London to meet his brother. institutional framework to cope ditions proposed by the global DDO, is a contingent fi nancing framework, according to World The fund is aimed at bringing a Last month, the NAB had recommended to the ministry of interior with climate change and disas- lender in return for approving a line that provides immediate li- Bank documents. shift in Pakistan’s disaster man- to place Hamza Shehbaz and his brother, Salman, on the Exit ter risk in Pakistan and increase second bailout package for the quidity to countries to address Pakistan’s macroeconomic agement strategy. Control List (ECL). fi nancial capacity to respond to country in the past fi ve years. the shocks related to natural dis- framework continues to face Total size of the fund is expect- In a letter to the ministry, the NAB stated that the brothers are under natural disasters. Both the sides also had diff er- asters, including health-related some risks as the overall external ed to be in the range of $1bn to investigation. Loan negotiations have been ences over the macroeconomic events. account position weakens, the $1.2bn, depending on the ADB’s cancelled, according to govern- framework. It serves as early fi nancing current account defi cit widens total contribution. ment offi cials. The IMF was projecting a low while funds from other sources and international reserves come Initially, the ADB had prom- NAB arrests PML-N leader and brother The decision to cancel the loan fi nancing gap as compared to such as bilateral aid or recon- under pressure. ised $750mn. came following postponement of the $12bn the fi nance ministry struction loans are being mobi- The country’s gross offi cial The government’s share was The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has arrested Pakistan visit of a World Bank team to Pa- claimed. lised. foreign currency reserves stand estimated at $250mn. Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khawaja Saad Rafique and kistan. The fi nance ministry is also The proposed $250mn loan at a mere $7.5bn, only suffi cient Any additional fi nancial as- his brother Salman Rafique in connection with the Paragon Housing The World Bank had planned to more inclined to take those pol- was aimed at supporting the ef- to provide cover six weeks of im- sistance will supplement the Society scam. send a mission in the third week icy loans that can be disbursed forts to be better prepared to ports. existing fund that is managed The brothers were arrested after the Lahore High Court rejected of November but it scrapped the immediately due to the country’s face the fi nancial challenges in One of the conditions of the under ADB guidelines by a com- their request for an extension to their pre-arrest bail in the case trip a day after bailout talks be- growing balance of payments the case of a major disaster by World Bank for disbursing policy pany, headed by a retired military pertaining to the housing society scam, a NAB spokesperson said. tween Pakistan and the Inter- needs. providing immediate liquidity loans for budgetary support is to general. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 12, 2018 21 PHILIPPINES

Top court absolves Philhealth offi cials in fund anomaly

By Jomar Canlas Philhealth Caraga Audit Team Manila Times Leader (ATL) issued notices of disallowance on the payments for lack of approval from the he Supreme Court (SC) Offi ce of the President (OP). cleared the offi cers, em- The ATL ruled that al- Tployees and contractors though Philhealth Caraga was of the Philippine Health In- exempted from the coverage surance Corp’s (Philhealth) of Republic Act 6758, or the Regional Offi ce in the Caraga “Compensation and Position Region from refunding the Classifi cation Act of 1989,” amounts they received which and Philhealth Caraga Board were part of more than P49mn of Directors members acted in various benefi ts state audi- within their powers to fi x the tors previously disallowed. compensation of its person- In a full court ruling penned nel, the additional compensa- by Associate Justice Noel Ti- tion package should have been jam, the high court partly reviewed and approved by the granted Philhealth Caraga’s OP through the Department of petition as it affi rmed with Budget and Management. modifi cation the decision dat- But PhilHealth Caraga of- ed Sept. 11, 2014 and resolu- fi cers challenged the consti- tion dated Nov 17, 2016 of the tutionality and applicability of Commission on Audit (CoA) the laws. Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and US ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim lead a ceremony marking the return of the Balangiga bells, at Villamor Air Base in Pasay, which affi rmed the decision They averred that the laws Metro Manila, yesterday. of the CoA regional director the ATL cited divested the dated Feb 21, 2011. Philhealth Caraga Board of Di- The court found that CoA rectors of its prerogative to fi x failed to show bad faith on the compensation as granted by its part of the Philhealth Caraga charter. approving offi cers in disburs- In its Aug 14, 2018 verdict but ing the disallowed benefi ts and released only recently, the high allowances. court held that Philhealth Cara- In 2008, Philhealth Caraga ga manifested due diligence and US returns war trophy granted its offi cers, employees good faith in granting the vari- and contractors various ben- ous benefi ts and allowances. efi ts that included contrac- “(They) are presumed to have tor’s gift, special events gifts, acted in good faith when they project completion incen- allowed and/or received the tive, nominal gift and birth- said benefi ts, in the honest be- day gifts, amounting to more lief that there was legal basis for bells to Philippines than P49.8mn. In 2009, the such grant as cited above.”

AFP ippine presidents as well as Manila from the Catholic Church and historians, but also supporters in the US. hurch bells seized from Duterte, 73, bluntly called on Lawmakers take key step the Philippines by US Washington in a 2017 speech – Ctroops as war trophies where Kim was in the audience over a century ago were returned – “Give us back those Balan- in shift to federal system yesterday, in a bid to turn the giga bells. They are not yours.” page on a diffi cult chapter be- Within months of winning tween the historical allies. the presidency in mid-2016 he DPA powers as the current system, Giving back the three so- signalled his intention to split Manila but they have to be elected to- called Balangiga bells meets with the Philippines’ former gether. a decades-old demand from colonial master and end a The House and the Senate the former US colony at a time standoff with Beijing over the he Philippines’ House will also be retained, accord- when the two nations’ ties have disputed South China Sea. of Representatives yes- ing to the draft. been rattled by President Rod- The president did not at- Tterday approved a draft Federal states will have the rigo Duterte’s pivot to China. tend yesterday’s handover, but constitution that changes the power to create their own “Returning these bells is the is due to speak at a ceremony country’s form of government sources of revenues and im- right thing to do,” US ambas- Saturday in Balangiga when into a federal system, a key pose taxes, fees and charges. sador Sung Kim said at a so- the bells – which weigh a com- step to the shift proposed by Duterte has been pushing ber handover ceremony on a bined 408 kilograms – will be President Rodrigo Duterte. for the shift to a federal sys- Manila airfield, where a cheer given back to the church. The Senate still needs to tem to decentralise power and went up when the bells were Salvador Panelo, the presi- deliberate and approve a simi- wealth from Manila, empower pulled from wooden crates. dent’s spokesman, claimed a lar measure, before national regional governments, and “It is my great honour to be lot of the credit for Duterte, plebiscite can be scheduled for avoid neglect of remote areas. here at the closing of a painful pointing to his “strong political Filipinos to concur with the The change would also sup- chapter in our history,” he told will”. However, experts said the changes. port the implementation of the crowd that included people process had been complicated. In the third and fi nal read- a 2014 peace agreement with who had lobbied for years to “No single president can ing of the proposed charter the largest rebel group in the bring the bells home. Residents from Balangiga town pose for a photo next to one of the three Balangiga church bells shortly claim credit to it,” Francis charge, 224 members of the southern region of Mindanao, The bells will be sent back after it arrived from the US at a military airbase in Manila. Gealogo, history professor at House voted for the bill and 22 which calls for the creation of later this week to the church in the Ateneo de Manila Univer- against, with three abstaining. a new autonomous entity. the central town of Balangiga wilderness”, resulting in the dependence. Two of the bells should with shared history and sity, said. “The credit should Under the new constitu- Filipinos are generally wary where they were looted by US slaughter of thousands of Fili- had been on display in the US as allies,” Philippine secretary be given to the Filipino people tion, the Philippines will have of any moves to amend the soldiers avenging a surprise pinos and Balangiga’s razing. state of Wyoming and the other of defence Delfin Lorenzana who campaigned vigorously a presidential-federal system constitution, which late dicta- attack that killed 48 of their The return of the bronze in South Korea until being re- said. and actively.” of government, similar to the tor Ferdinand Marcos had used comrades on September 28, bells has been divisive with stored and flown to a Manila “After 117 years the sound of A key factor was also ma- United States, where in federal in the 1970s to prolong his stay 1901. some US veterans and lawmak- air base yesterday aboard an the bells will once again ring,” jor American veterans’ asso- states will be created from the in offi ce. In reprisal, the US com- ers, who see them as a tribute to American military cargo plane. he added. ciations, including the largest current provincial subdivi- Duterte, 73, has repeatedly mander Jacob Smith ordered fallen American troops, while “It is time for healing. It is Manila’s push for the bells’ group Veterans of Foreign Wars, sions. denied wanting to be presi- the surrounding island of Sa- the Philippines hails them as time for closure. It is a time repatriation began in the 1990s dropping their opposition to The president and vice dent longer than his term, mar be turned into a “howling a symbol of its struggle for in- to look ahead as two nations and has had backing from Phil- the bells being given back. president will have the same which ends in 2022. Go affi rms solidarity with 400 families displaced after slum blaze police ahead of senate run

Manila Times also doing its part to help each and every one of Manila you,” he added. Go also reiterated that he prioritises them. “You are my top priority. Housing, education enatorial candidate Christopher Lawrence for your children,” he said during a recent chance ”Bong” Go has affi rmed his solidarity with interview. Sthe Philippine National Police-Special Ac- Aside from the salary increase that the gov- tion Force (PNP-SAF) in ensuring the safety and ernment has for the police and the military, Go security of every Filipino and in upholding Presi- said that the government has a hospital for them dent Rodrigo Duterte’s fi ght against crime, cor- as well, providing PNP and Armed Force of the ruption and illegal drugs. Philippines members and their families quality “We do our job not based on our personal in- healthcare services. terest; we do our job because we know the im- “The government has allocated funds to in- portance of serving the public,” Go said during crease the salaries of policemen. There are also his speech at the opening ceremony of the SAF funds for the PNP Hospital that will give Camp Firefighters extinguish a huge fire that engulfed a slum area in Manila, yesterday. About 300 houses were destroyed, leaving 400 Commando Course Classes 1991-2018 in Taguig Crame a good hospital,” he said. families homeless. City. Go also mentioned the improvement of the The SAF Commando Course is the founda- PNP Capability Enhancement Programme. It tional training programme of the PNP-SAF Its supports the realisation of the 10-year PNP Mod- curriculum is constantly updated and adjusted to ernisation Plan that puts emphasis on the acqui- provide SAF troopers with proper and appropri- sition of equipment and upgrading of its move, ate knowledge in both combat capabilities and shoot, communicate and investigate capabilities. emergency response. The funding for that was realised through the di- Sarangani sees huge rise in measles cases In line with his desire to provide quality public rective of President Duterte to provide the PNP service to the Filipino people, Go, together with with mission-essential equipment necessary for President Rodrigo Duterte and his administra- the organisation to accomplish its mission and By Catherine A Modesto partment of Health (DoH). scribed as any case with fever Measles is a highly conta- tion, said that he would continue to fully support functions. Manila Times The DoH’s Philippine Inte- and maculopapular (non-ve- gious viral infection that caus- the police and the military in safeguarding the “Funds amounting to P1.7bn was made avail- grated Disease Surveillance and sicular) rash and either cough, es respiratory symptoms and a public. able in 2017 by the government for the continu- Response (PIDSR) recorded runny nose or conjunctivitis rash, but it is preventable with “I want to continue the vision of President Du- ing enhancement capability programme of SAF eported cases of mea- 112 suspected cases of measles (red eyes) while a laboratory a vaccine. Suspected measles in terte to strengthen the PNP-SAF. And let us fi ght and our police force. This is continuing. For 2018, sles in Sarangani prov- from the beginning of this year confirmed measles is a sus- Sarangani killed 18 people after the drug menace, criminality and corruption,” there is P2.18bn allocated to improve the capabil- Rince spiked by more than until November 17. pected case which tested posi- 84 from B’laan Tribe showed Go said. ities of SAF. You very well know that the govern- 800% in the last 11 months This is 833% higher than tive for measles-specific IgM symptoms of the viral disease “Please be constantly reminded that the presi- ment under President Duterte fully supports the compared to the same period last year’s 12 cases, the PIDSR antibodies or other approved since the first week of Novem- dent has your back and that the government is country’s police force,” Go said. last year, according to the De- added.Reported measles is de- confirmatory tests. ber, according to the DoH. Gulf Times 22 Wednesday, December 12, 2018 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Recession or not, US economy faces headwinds in 2019 As 2018 is drawing to a close, US fi nancial conditions are tightening. And the Wall Street’s biggest banks are now scouring US data for signals of an impending recession. JPMorgan sees a 35% chance of a recession next year, up from 16% in March. Globally, UBS has studied 40 countries over about 40 years and found the US to be among those currently behaving in a way inconsistent with prior peaks. US initial jobless claims are among the fi ve most The Amir of Qatar, relevant indicators of a coming slump, according to Bank of America economists. Claims are heading slightly higher on a weekly basis of late, but they’ve been at extraordinarily low levels and their recent pop has been small. Business sentiment gauges have softened recently, a staunch US ally and that’s one reason for the increase in JP Morgan’s recession-predicting index, which is “getting close to the highest levels of the expansion so far.” By S Rob Sobhani the critical role this US military base dryland nations through innovative blockade of Qatar be lifted immediately Then comes the recession-predicting magic of a yield Washington Times plays in regional and global stability, technologies in the fi elds of agriculture and without any preconditions. In the Sheikh Tamim recently authorised the and water security. Badr al-Dafa who interest of American national security curve inversion – a situation in which rates on short- expansion of the base, thus allowing for was appointed by the Amir to be the the president of the United States dated debt securities move above those on longer- s the Trump administration new facilities. Executive Director of GDA (he served as must call the leaders of the Saudi- maturity bonds. The closely-monitored gap between calibrates its response to Another example of how Sheikh Qatar’s ambassador to the US) explains led coalition and make it clear that 2-year and 10-year yields has been narrowing, and a the state-sponsored murder Tamim’s policies are aligned with the vision of Sheikh Tamim as such: “To Washington will no longer tolerate this less fashionable portion of the yield curve has already Aof Saudi journalist Jamal American interests occurred the extent that we provide food, clean reckless behaviour. inverted. Khashoggi it would be well advised immediately after the blockade of his water, year-round crops and smart solar Second, the US Congress must to redirect its focus on another young country in 2017 by a quartet led by its solutions for people who live in dryland consider passing a resolution off ering That said, the Federal Reserve offi cials so far don’t leader in the region whose domestic and much larger neighbour Saudi Arabia. countries we have laid the foundation full support to Qatar’s hosting of sound overly foreign policy deserve Washington’s Because both Qatar and the United for long-term global stability for the the World Cup in 2022. This act of concerned about the attention and applause. This leader States share the goal of uninterrupted world.” solidarity is important because it sends Several US curve. is the 38-year-old Amir of Qatar, His fl ow of energy resources to consumers The United States and Qatar also a message to Sheikh Tamim’s regional The Fed’s Survey Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad around the world, Sheikh Tamim did share the common goal of using rivals that Washington will not tolerate indicators are al-Thani. not cut off gas supplies to the UAE (a diplomacy instead of war to solve any eff orts to sabotage Qatar. of Professional Since taking over from his father member of the Saudi-led coalition that intractable global confl icts such as the Third, the president should ask slowing down, but Forecasters shows in 2013, Sheikh Tamim has practised has imposed the blockade on Qatar). one in Afghanistan between the Afghan Secretary of Energy Rick Perry to fast that they’re starting an art of statecraft whose underlying Instead, this responsible leader government and the Taliban. As such, track co-operation with Qatar on yet to fall off a cliff to sour on the premise is regional stability. Indeed, continued to provide natural gas to its Sheikh Tamim has allowed the Taliban developing the next generation of solar economy’s prospects this Western educated leader’s policies neighbour. This act of international to maintain a presence in his country. and battery technologies so as to allow four quarters from now. But their pessimism might be too are aligned with US national security statesmanship by Sheikh Tamim is why This foresight by Qatar’s leader is Doha-based Global Dryland Alliance to interests on a number of fronts. Qatar has become the world’s largest what has allowed President Trump’s deploy cutting edge energy generation remote to mean much. Since taking over as Amir in a and most reliable exporter of liquefi ed special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad to solutions to countries in Africa. This To be sure, several US economic indicators are slowing smooth transition, Sheikh Tamim has natural gas to consumers around hold extensive talks with the Taliban US-Qatar joint venture to address down, but economic data have yet to fall off a cliff . not only maintained a strong military the world. One can safely argue that in Qatar’s capital Doha towards a food security in the volatile dryland Bad news has kept coming as the global economy is partnership with the United States Qatar energises the world because its permanent peace. Indeed, to the extent countries is a noble foreign policy goal headed into the fi nal stretch of 2018 with a weakened but he has overseen the expansion responsible leader does not play politics that the talks in Doha are successful it that will enhance security in African of Qatar’s defence relationship with with a commodity of vital importance enhances both regional stability and countries. momentum. Washington. to the global economy. allows America to extricate itself from a As volatile, unpredictable, and ruthless Emerging markets are buckling under the weight of a Qatar is host to America’s largest The young ruler of Qatar shares the costly 16-year-old war. leaders around the world continue to strong dollar; the eurozone is growing at its slowest pace military base in the region, Al-Udeid. enlightened perspective of leaders in In recognition of Sheikh Tamim’s challenge US national security interests, in over two years; Germany’s economy contracted in the This vital air base provides the United the United States that instability and wise, patient and statesmen-like America is lucky to have an ally like third quarter, Japan’s economy shrank at an annualised States the means to project power in a poverty in one part of the world impacts approach to foreign policy, President Sheikh Tamim on the global stage. rate of 2.5% in Q3; and Britain is being battered by Brexit region critical to the global economy. the other parts. Toward this end, in Trump and the US Congress must work - Courtesy Washington Times Indeed, over 30% of the world’s oil and 2017 Sheikh Tamim established the together on the following initiatives chaos. gas exports pass through the waters Global Dryland Alliance (GDA) whose that further solidify America’s ties with zS Rob Sobhani is CEO of Caspian On top of that, China, the engine of global growth of the Arabian Gulf. In recognition of mission is to advance food security in Qatar. First, the US must insist that the Group Holdings. for the past 15 years, is growing at its slowest pace in a decade. The question is whether the US can resist the downdraft, providing a balance for the rest of the world. While there are reasons to hope it can, most economists forecast US growth will ebb a bit in 2019 on the back of protectionism, higher interest rates and the fading support of tax cuts. Americans will begin feeling the eff ects next year of a marked slowing in world economic growth but should be spared a new recession, the chief economist of the International Monetary Fund has said. As the Donald Trump administration ramps up debt sales to cover a budget defi cit projected to hit $1tn next year, a potent mix of a strong dollar, weak stock markets and fl at yield curve squeezing the availability of global money that will bring to an end the Fed’s rate-hiking cycle sooner rather later. The US economy has been remarkably stable this year, impervious to the deterioration across much of the rest of the world; that may change next year.

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© 2018 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Qatar is host to America’s largest military base in the region, Al-Udeid. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 12, 2018 23 COMMENT Financial sector’s climate imperative

By Bertrand Badré, Emmanuel Faber, has helped drive some climate action, fact, replacing outdated and polluting Bertrand Piccard, Paul Polman, and growing fragmentation within the infrastructure with modern and Ronald Cohen international community has made effi cient alternatives represents one of Paris the limits of this approach clear. A the key investment opportunities of more effective strategy may be to the century. establish a coalition of civil societies But this is about much more than n the decade since the global and major financial and non- profi ts. As the Intergovernmental Panel fi nancial crisis, mechanisms financial institutions to lead progress on Climate Change warned in its recent to boost the fi nancial system’s toward shared goals. report, the world’s current trajectory is Iresilience have been widely Such progress will demand, leading to environmental devastation. discussed. among other things, vastly improved Already, natural disasters are becoming But while some progress has been accounting and reporting, together more frequent and intense. As extreme made, the largely piecemeal approach with smart regulatory reforms. weather events continue to multiply, that has been pursued may yet prove Moreover, it will require that market large-scale destruction, migration, and inadequate to support long-term participants put in place appropriate confl ict will become endemic. fi nancial stability. And a waning incentives and mandates to consider We are at a pivotal moment in bull market means that the day of sustainability and climate action in history, and we will need to muster reckoning may not be far off . decision-making. the bravery and conviction needed It is impossible to say when the These can – and, in some cases, to undertake strong action. We must next crisis will erupt, let alone how already do – include adjusted bonus not only implement solutions, but long it will last or how damaging it schemes for managers, relevant also test and refine them regularly will be. But there is no doubt that the monitoring requirements, and – not after a decade – guided by risks we face merit a more holistic environmental labelling on consumer clear, evidence-based objectives approach, much like what was called packaging. Reputational factors, and and measures. Only then can we for immediately after the 2008 even the soft-power infl uence of local ensure that not just our financial crisis (though those calls lost steam governments, which are increasingly systems, but all of the structures as markets recovered). This means concerned with environmental risk, that underpin global stability are agreeing on and implementing a can also play a role in motivating sufficiently resilient. new vision for governing the global companies to pursue a green To paraphrase Winston Churchill, economy; assessing it rigorously transformation. we are faced with a choice between and adjusting it as needed; and The fi nancial sector, in particular, destruction and the status quo. If we ensuring full accountability for every lacks the right incentives to contribute choose the latter, we will have the stakeholder. to addressing the climate challenge, former. – Project Syndicate This vision must comprehend because fi nancial institutions’ profound and ongoing changes, from decision-making is guided primarily zBertrand Badré, a former managing increasingly concentrated market – even exclusively – by monetary director of the World Bank, is the power to increasingly automated profi t-seeking. This is short-sighted founder and CEO of Blue like an Orange decision-making. It must also consider Visitors interact with blocks of melting ice, an exhibit entitled ‘Ice Watch’ created by Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson and and untenable. Financial institutions Sustainable Capital. China’s rise, which demands that leading Greenlandic geologist Minik Rosing outside Tate Modern in central London yesterday. The blocks of ice were sourced from need new incentives to reshape zEmmanuel Faber is Chairman and China be incorporated more fully into the waters of the Nuup Kangerlua fjord in Greenland. As the ice gradually thaws, members of the public have an opportunity to their operations, including their CEO of Danone. governance bodies, which will have encounter the tangible eff ects of climate change by seeing and feeling the ice melt away. investments. For example, portfolio zBertrand Piccard is Initiator far-reaching implications, especially managers could have their bonuses and Chairman of the Solar Impulse as the country emerges as a less eff ectiveness of macroeconomic tools climate agreement, which changed If we are serious about building partly tied to their investments’ Foundation. benevolent global actor. – both monetary and fi scal – is more the paradigm in which we talk about resilience, we need to press ahead performance on climate metrics. zPaul Polman is Chair of the Furthermore, this vision must limited today than in 2008. climate change, world leaders have with tough systemic changes These changes need not undermine International Chamber of Commerce contend with rising nationalism Finally, this new vision must remained reluctant to do what is that address how we produce economic growth. On the contrary, and a member of the Leadership and isolationism, exemplifi ed by US refl ect a clear decision about the needed to make a real diff erence. We and consume energy and finance many climate solutions – such as Council of the Sustainable Development President Donald Trump’s “America extent to which we are committed to cannot continue to deceive ourselves our economies. This will require the shift toward renewable energy – Solutions Network (SDSN). First” approach and his trade war with addressing climate and sustainability by touting lofty goals while working effective leadership. But, while help to generate jobs, and can even zRonald Cohen is Chair of the Global China. And it must recognise that the challenges. Despite the 2015 Paris only at the margins. collaboration among governments increase corporate profi tability. In Steering Group for Impact Investment.

Saying ‘you’re fi red’ too often is bad for presidency Three-day forecast even shorter tenures at lower levels; government. Since people are always had four national security advisers TODAY By Kara Alaimo Maximum Temperature : 270c Bloomberg News the average corporate chief executive coming and going, staff ers never build (including acting national security is on the job for fi ve to seven years. the relationships necessary to work adviser Keith Kellogg, who served for a Minimum Temperature : 190c “Increased turnover creates together eff ectively to get things done. week). That suggests no one has stayed THURSDAY resident Donald Trump said leadership vacuums, sends mixed In his 2005 book Beyond a long enough to master the job. Maximum Temperature : 250c on Saturday that his chief of signals about agency goals, and Government of Strangers: How Career From a public-relations perspective, Minimum Temperature : 190c staff , John Kelly, would step diminishes an agency’s commitment Executives and Political Appointees a steady exodus also creates a FRIDAY down by the end of the year. to reform, resulting in generally poorer Can Turn Conflict to Co-operation, perception of chaos that is unlikely to Maximum Temperature : 260c P Minimum Temperature : 190c Kelly’s departure will add to records performance,” Lewis said. “Appointees the political scientist Robert be reassuring to the 57% of Americans are often in offi ce just long enough to Maranto reported that some civil who believe Trump does not have the Trump administration has already Fisherman's forecast set for turnover at the most senior establish new priorities and start new servants now refer to presidential good leadership skills and the 55% levels of government. According to initiatives _ but not long enough to see appointees as the “Christmas help.” who think he’s not fi t to be president, WARNING This suggests that career staff in according to a Quinnipiac poll released the Brookings Institution, 34% of them through to completion.” Inshore : Nil executive offi ce staff ers departed in the For example, Trump nominated government agencies may not even in September. fi rst year of the administration. (The William Barr last week to be the next make the effort to get acquainted Telling people “You’re fired” may Offshore : Strong wind and high president with the next-highest rate of attorney general. The agency has with appointees and share expertise have been a good strategy when sea WEATHER year-one attrition among Trump’s fi ve already seen three acting heads in and information if they’re not Trump starred in The Apprentice, Inshore : Moderate temperature predecessors was Reagan, at 17%.) addition to Jeff Sessions who lasted expected to be around very long. but it’s not transferable to the White daytime with some This revolving door is almost certain less than two years – not long enough Heclo found that appointees stay in House. If the president wants his clouds, relatively cold by night. to hurt Trump. Political scientists are to develop and fully implement a new their roles for such a short time that senior staff to set and meet goals, clear that White House staff turnover agenda. It remains to be seen what they depart right about the moment he needs to keep them around long Offshore : Some clouds prevents presidents from achieving direction it will pursue under Barr, if they have fi nally discovered how to enough for them to do so. – Tribune WIND Inshore : Northwesterly-Norther- their goals. he is confi rmed. perform their tasks. News Service ly 08-18 KT Gusting 20 In his 2008 book The Politics of Another way high turnover prevents For example, in my interviews KT Presidential Appointments: Political presidents from getting things done with appointees who served in the zKara Alaimo is an assistant professor Offshrore : Northwesterly 12-22 KT Control and Bureaucratic Performance, is by creating what the Harvard Barack Obama and George W Bush of public relations at Hofstra University Gusting to 30 KT the Vanderbilt University political University political scientist Hugh administrations, they told me they and author of Pitch, Tweet, or Engage Visibility : 4-8 KM scientist David E Lewis pointed out Heclo termed “a government of started to feel comfortable with their on the Street: How to Practice that the average Senate-confi rmed strangers.” Heclo found that the short jobs after six months and mastered Global Public Relations and Strategic Offshore : 4-7/11 FT Communication. She previously served presidential political appointee stays tenure of presidential appointees them after about a year. But, in less Around the region in his or her post for two years, with creates an absence of teamwork in than two years, Trump has already in the Obama administration. Weather Weather today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Baghdad Sunny 21/11 Sunny 19/09 Kuwait CitySunny 22/13 M Sunny 22/15 Manama Sunny 24/19 M Sunny 24/19 Live issues Muscat Sunny 27/18 Sunny 27/20 Tehran Sunny 15/04 Sunny 16/04 Study reveals latest bathroom trends

By Kim Palmer vanities are on the rise, pushing the Star Tribune (Minneapolis) median price for renovating a master bath to $7,000-$16,000 for a major makeover of a large master bath. omeowners 55 and older Other fi ndings: may be showing their age. zShades of grey. But their bathrooms are Neutral colour palettes are the Hgetting shiny new face-lifts. overwhelming choice for newly And many of these remodelled renovated bathrooms, with grey the bathrooms are more than just a pretty preferred hue for walls and fl ooring, Around the world space. They’re increasingly designed ahead of white and beige. White Weather Weather to accommodate the realities of remains the top colour choice (35%) today Max/min tomorrow Max/min ageing, with built-in seats, curbless for cabinets, but grey cabinets are Athens Sunny 12/07 Rain 12/08 showers, grab bars and nonslip fl oors. rising steadily, from 10% in 2016 to Beirut Rain 18/16 P Cloudy 18/14 That’s among the fi ndings in the 16% in 2018. Bangkok S Showers 30/23 P Cloudy 31/22 recently released Houzz Bathroom zMetals, mixed and matched. Berlin P Cloudy 02/-1 M Cloudy 02/-2 Trends Study. The home-design A majority of homeowners choose Cairo P Cloudy 22/12 M Sunny 22/11 website surveyed more than 1,100 US matching metal fi nishes for fi xtures Cape Town Showers 20/14 P Cloudy 20/15 homeowners who are in the midst and hardware, with brushed or satin Colombo P Cloudy 29/23 P Cloudy 30/23 of, are planning or have recently nickel the top choice (38%). But 2 Dhaka Sunny 29/17 M Sunny 29/18 completed a master bathroom in 5 homeowners are mixing it up, Hong Kong P Cloudy 16/11 Cloudy 17/13 renovation. combining diff erent metal finishes in Istanbul Showers 07/04 P Cloudy 09/05 More than half of renovating the same bathroom. Jakarta T Storm 32/25 S T Storms 33/26 homeowners are baby boomers, zStyle matters. Karachi Sunny 27/15 Sunny 27/13 according to the study. Most of More than 4 in 5 homeowners London P Cloudy 07/01 M Cloudy 04/0 them plan to remain in their homes report changing the design style Manila P Cloudy 32/26 P Cloudy 32/25 for at least another decade, and are of their master bathrooms when Moscow Cloudy 0/-2 Snow 0/-4 remodelling with accessibility in mind renovating. Contemporary style New Delhi Fog 22/11 Fog 22/09 to ensure they’re able to age in place. is the top choice (20%), and more New York M Sunny 06/-1 Cloudy 04/02 “Baby boomers today account A shower room in a bathroom, which can easily be accessed with a wheelchair. than half of remodelled bathrooms Paris P Cloudy 04/-1 M Sunny 03/-3 for the largest share of renovating (Mitsu Yasukawa/The Record/TNS) are described as contemporary, Sao Paulo M Sunny 32/19 M Sunny 32/19 homeowners and the largest share modern or transitional. Just 14% of Seoul Sunny 01/-8 P Cloudy 03/-11 of renovation spending,” said ageing needs, and are proactive about the bathroom layout, and one- today’s bathroom renovations are Singapore T Storm 30/26 T Storm 29/25 Nino Sitchinava, Houzz principal integrating universal design features third remove the bathtub. Premium traditional, although “farmhouse Sydney Cloudy 23/19 T Storm 25/20 economist. “A signifi cant portion during renovations.” features, such as dual showers, one- style” is on the rise. – Tribune News Tokyo Cloudy 12/03 Clear 11/06 of boomers are aware of pending Nearly half of baby boomers change piece toilets, vessel sinks and built-in Service Gulf Times 24 Wednesday, December 12, 2018 QATAR

Qatar Foundation to celebrate National Day at Darb Al Saai

atar Foundation (QF) will “For Qatar Foundation, it also Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s celebrate Qatar National represents an opportunity to research institutes will host QDay by hosting a range of demonstrate how – through Ha- activities, with Qatar Comput- fun and interactive activities at mad Bin Khalifa University, our ing Research Institute off ering Darb Al Saai. partner universities, centres, coding games, Qatar Environ- The QF celebrations, under programmes, and initiatives ment and Energy Research In- the overarching theme of ‘to- – we are working to help this stitute teaching visitors about gether for our homeland’, are country achieve its vision and renewable energy, and Qatar designed to promote Qatar’s its people to realise their goals, Biomedical Research Institute culture, support the preserva- strengthening our society while transforming young people into tion of its rich traditions, and having a positive impact on a aspiring scientists. ultimately, bring members of the global level and contributing to QF’s partner universities will wider community together. a better world for all,” explained also be part of the celebrations, Activities include storytelling al-Kubaisi. with highlights including Texas sessions and word puzzles for QF entities and initiatives A&M University at Qatar ena- children organised by QF’s Na- participating in the Darb Al bling visitors to build bridges tional Reading Campaign, while Saai celebrations include ‘Stars using paper folding techniques, the Akhlaquna Award, which of Science’, QF’s innovation and Weill Cornell Medicine-Qa- recently wrapped up its fi rst TV show, which has recently tar emphasising the importance edition, will encourage visitors marked its 10th anniversary and of healthy living through a vari- to highlight morals that best will allow individuals to explore ety of activities. represent Qatar and its people the diff erent inventions created Following the offi cial inau- A view of the celebration venue. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam by writing comments on a dedi- by its participants over the last guration of Darb Al Saai today, cated wall. decade; Al Shaqab, which will visitors will be able to explore “Qatar National Day is an in- host a horse-riding simulator; its activities from 3pm-11pm, credibly important and proud Qatar Biobank, which will pro- the QF tent will be open to the annual milestone for our nation vide free health checks to visi- public tomorrow from 9am-1pm – an opportunity for the posi- tors; and Qatar Career Devel- and 3.30pm-11pm; December tive, dynamic, and unifi ed spirit opment Center, which will host 14, from 2pm-11pm; December Welcome to Darb Al Saai, of Qatar to be both refl ected and fun-fi lled games to help young 15-December 19, from 9am- celebrated by its people,” said people learn about diff erent ca- 1pm, and from 3.30pm-10pm Khalifa E al-Kubaisi, media re- reers. and December 20, from 9am- massive facilities in place lations manager, QF. Additionally, QF member 1pm, and from 3.30pm-11pm Further, the committee has From Page 1 The schedule arranged for two mosques with larger areas for men and About 30 entities from both December 13: Darb Al Saai will reserved only for families, while women, and also allocated re- the government and non-gov- welcome visitors from 9am to the evening will be allocated to strooms for the public. These ernment sectors are participat- 1pm in the morning, while the women, from 3.30pm to 10pm are located in suitable areas ing in the Darb Al Saai festivi- evening activities will run from December 18: Events will be for families. Among the most ties and getting larger space this 3.30pm to 11pm held during the morning -- from important activities at Darb Al year, such as the Ministry of December 14: Reserved for 9am to 1pm -- and evening -- Saai are the raising of the fl ag Interior (MoI), Police College families from 2pm to 11pm from 3.30pm to 10pm -- periods and the activities of the edu- and Kahramaa. Also, space for December 15: Families can for all visitors cational sector, which include the Doha Pavilion tent will be visit in two dedicated time- December 19: The morning Ardat hal Qatar (it aims to raise increased, in addition to Mawa- slots: in the morning from 9am period will be open for women, the skills of children in per- ter’s classic cars. to 1pm and in the evening from from 9am to 1pm, while the forming Ardat dance), Qatar Among the important enti- 3.30pm to 10pm evening will be allocated to fami- Debates, Ad Al Qaseed, Jour- ties participating in the Darb Al December 16: Darb Al Saai will lies, from 3.30pm to 10pm nalists of the Future and Sanad Saai festivities are the Ministry be open for all visitors during the December 20: The morn- Qanuni (an activity that aims of Defence, Ministry of Justice, morning period, from 9am to 1pm, ing hours will be reserved for to raise legal awareness among MoI - which has eight depart- while the evening will be allocated families, from 9am to 1pm, while students). ments taking part in the event, to families, from 3.30pm to 10pm the evening will be open to all, Also, there is good partici- Police College, Ministry of Ed- December 17: The morning starting at 3.30pm and closing pation from the Regulatory ucation and Higher Education hours will be from 9am to 1pm at 11pm Authority for Charitable Ac- and the Ministry of Municipal- tivities, a non-government hu- ity and Environment, whose manitarian and development pavilion will highlight safe Among the activities is ‘Al qif activity will provide an op- organisation, with assisting shopping, activities of the ag- Maqtar’, which is similar to the portunity to the owners of the children who are victims of cri- ricultural sector, eff ectiveness old desert lifestyle, where visi- small projects to participate in ses and disasters as the priority. A QF off icial giving a presentation about the activities at the Tent at Darb Al Saai PICTURE: Ram Chand of hygiene and activities of the tors can learn about the close this national exhibition. Al Rayan Channel has arranged environmental sector, etc. proximity of their ancestors, In order to achieve social for several programmes spe- The Organising Committee as well as activities associated responsibility and paying at- cially designed for this occa- of the National Day celebra- with birds, Qatari animals and tention to employees in Qatar, sion. The daily coverage will fo- tions has allocated many park- ancient folk games. the Organising Committee has cus on all National Day events, ing spaces for visitors this year, The activity is further divid- allocated gathering points for whether at Darb Al Saai or other Parks, nature reserve open in Al Khor including those with special ed into chief’s house, house of workers in a bid to organise their celebration areas around the needs, for whom wheelchair daily life, house of wildlife and entry and exit into and from the country. services will be provided in cultural competitions. site with all facilities and serv- Darb Al Saai means the l Khor and Al Thakhira pand public parks and gardens Al Khor Plaza covers an co-operation with Ihsan -- the The Doha Pavilion, mean- ices. This will provide full com- ‘Route of the Messenger’, used Municipality, in co-oper- in order to increase green spaces area of 22,500sqm and comes Centre for Empowerment and while, provides an opportunity fort to employees at Darb Al by delegates whom the coun- Aation with the Ras Laff an and recreational areas for people with a green space of around Elderly Care. Volunteers will for all institutions represent- Saai, the organisers have said in try’s Founder, Sheikh Jassim Industrial City Community Out- living Al Khor and Al Thakhira, 19,000sqm, a water fountain and also be provided to help them. ing all sectors to participate and a statement. bin Mohamed bin Thani, would reach Programme (RLIC-COP), the Ministry of Municipality and a circular walking track, in ad- Nine gates have been allo- show their cultural activities to The committee has also been entrust to deliver his instruc- yesterday opened two parks and Environment (MME) has said in a dition to 45 trees and varieties cated for entry into the Darb visitors. Darb Al Saai will also keen to provide medical and am- tions and directives. These men a nature reserve for the public. statement. of plants and fl owers. Al Shu’aa Al Saai site and signs are also feature Qatar Rail activities, bulance services to the public in were known for their outstand- The opening ceremony was Al Qarma Beach Garden is Reserve also comes with green provided to guide the public. and a special event for families co-operation with a number of ing characteristic traits such as attended by a number of senior spread over 10,500sqm with a spaces, totaling 13,000sqm, and Twelve signs have been distrib- and children is being presented medical institutions to enhance loyalty, obedience, courage and offi cials from the municipal- green space of 650sqm. It hosts is illuminated entirely through uted at various locations in Darb in this regard. Visitors will also the value of community par- insight on account of which ity and RLIC-COP. The two new a variety of trees and has two solar power. The reserve boasts Al Saai to provide the necessary enjoy parades. ticipation in this national oc- they were chosen to play such parks are Al Qarma Beach Gar- children’s play zones with sun of 62 trees and diff erent types of comfort to visitors. Other highlights include casion. Also, in order to achieve a sensitive role in those diffi cult den and Al Khor Plaza, while the shades. The park, located along birds and animals, including 132 The Organising Committee Al Shaqab, which off ers pony the highest quality standards, times. nature reserve is called Al Shu’aa the seashore, has solar-powered ducks and geese, three ostriches, has also provided parking for rides, a traditional show, chil- the committee trained hun- The courageous delegates Reserve. lighting columns in addition to three goats, 14 quills, 110 pigeons school buses, taking into ac- dren’s activities, games and dreds of organisers on how to could not have performed those The opening of these new a host of fl owers, a walking track as well as the Arabian Oryx and count the safety standards for various demonstrations. deal with the public and facili- missions unless they were well- facilities is part of a plan to ex- and seating arrangements. deer. entry and exit of students, and Also, there is the Al Liwan tate the movement of visitors. It trained as camel riders, horse also prepared suffi cient traffi c Women’s Tent, which features also constituted a trained team riders, sharpshooters and fal- routes for smooth entry and exit special activities for women. of public relations personnel to coners, and above all, had dip- into and from the parking lots. Meanwhile, the Souq Wa- receive VIP visitors. lomatic skills.

Al Furjan Markets Raffle Draw winners announced

Al Furjan Markets Raff le Draw composed of members from and economic diversification. construction and administrate by Qatar Development Bank the Ministry of Commerce This pioneering project will work. It is considered one (QDB) came to a close yesterday and Industry, the Technical contribute to the urban of Qatar’s strategic projects with the winners of the 45 retail Committee to Stimulate Private development in Qatar and will and intended to support the stores announced. Sector Participation in Economic provide equal opportunity for commercial sector, as part of the For Phase I of Al Furjan markets Development Projects, and everyone. development of a sustainable project, QDB witnessed QDB,” it was explained. I would like to take this economy in line with the Qatar an overwhelming 13,266 Abdulrahman bin Hesham al- opportunity to congratulate Al National Vision 2030 to create applications, according to a Suwaidi, Facilities Management Furjan Raff le Draw winners, and a diverse permanent economic statement. executive director at QDB, we wish them success in their environment. “In order to ensure utmost said: “The raff le draw comes as endeavour.” The motivation behind this integrity, fairness and adherence part of our support to Qatari Al Furjan Markets project is project is the estimated increase to the principle of equal entrepreneurs, encouraging a unique initiative launched in population within the city opportunity, the draw was fully SMEs, and facilitating the growth in collaboration with a of Doha and its surroundings. automated and supervised by of the private sector, given number of the government The retail mix has been devised an international audit firm under the role it plays in achieving sectors, in co-operation with to cater to the most important the supervision of a committee sustainable development QDB, which is handling all needs. Snapshots of the parks and nature reserve and their opening by MME off icials yesterday.

QDB’s Abdulrahman bin Hesham al-Suwaidi (centre) speaking at Al Furjan Markets raff le draw ceremony yesterday. PICTURE: Jayaram.