Wednesday January 1, 2020 Jumada al-Awwal 6, 1441 Vol.13 no. 4831 qR 2
Fajr: 4:58 am Dhuhr: 11:37 am Asr: 2:35 pm Maghrib: 4:56 pm Isha: 6:26 pm
MAIN BRANCH LULU HYPER SANAYYA ALKHOR Business 9 Sports 14 Doha D-Ring Road Street-17 M & J Building Foreign buying spree Al Rayyan cagers Partly cloudy MATAR QADEEM MANSOURA ABU HAMOUR BIN OMRAN High : 26°C Near Ahli Bank Al Meera Petrol Station Al Meera helps QSE end 2019 down Al Ahli Club in LOW : 14°C alzamanexchange www.alzamanexchange.com 44441448 on a high the QBF League
Amir exchanges new year greetings Qatar welcomes 2020 with hope for further progress, peace & prosperity Tribune News Network were also the highest climbers in the Doha Qatar ends 2019 on a glorious note World Ranking in 2019 collecting not less than 138 points during the Qatar welcomed New Year 2020 year and rose 38 places to the 55th with a hope for better future, further spot. progress, peace and prosperity as Qatar also achieved a major it ended 2019 with giant strides on milestone in the public transport all fronts including infrastructure, sector as it launched Doha Metro for transport and sports. the public in 2019. On Dec 10, all the As the world celebrates the New Doha Metro lines – Red, Gold and Year, the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim Green -- became operational, mak- bin Hamad al Thani exchanged ca- ing travel much easier for the public. bles of greetings on Tuesday with The Doha Metro covers all the prom- leaders of friendly countries on the inent places the commuters wish to occasion of the New Year, wishing visit for work or leisure. them good health and happiness Qatar Airways, the country’s and their peoples further progress national carrier, has completed a and prosperity. successful year with strong network In a video posted on Twitter, the expansion, new aircraft deliver- Amir said, “May Allah make 2020 a ies and the unique achievement as year of goodness and blessings, and With the inauguration of Al Janoub Stadium in 2019, Qatar made huge progress on the way to completion of World Cup stadiums. The 40,000-capacity stadium the only airline to win the Skytrax a new decade of happiness, was unveiled to the world in May when it hosted the Amir Cup final. In the transport sector, Qatar launched all Doha Metro lines, making commuting much easier. Award for the World’s Best Airline peace and prosper- for a fifth time. “2019 was another ity.” year of great achievement for Qa- Qatar ended across World Cup stadiums portfo- Khalifa International Stadium’s suc- tar Airways. There have been many the year 2019 on lio in 2019. cessful redevelopment was complet- highlights during the last 12 months, a glorious note One of the major highlights dur- ed in 2017. in particular receiving the highly as it as it marched ing 2019 was the inauguration of the Qatar successfully hosted the prized ‘Best Airline in the World’ ahead with its de- shes its spectacular Al Janoub Stadium. The 2019 FIFA Club World Cup and award from Skytrax at this year’s velopmental work wi s 40,000-capacity venue was unveiled showed to the world what the coun- Paris Air Show. To have won the ac- and achieved major reader to the world in May when it hosted try can do when it comes to welcom- colade for a record fifth time for my milestones. Qatar, happy the Amir Cup final. ing champions. country and our airline was a truly the host of the 2022 a Al Janoub Stadium became the In 2019, the Qatari men’s na- special moment,” Qatar Airways FIFA World Cup, new year second FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tional team won the historic AFC Group Chief Executive Akbar al Bak- made major progress tournament venue to open after Asian Cup. Al-Annabi (the Maroons) er said.
QTerminals begins tandem Sultan Qaboos in lift operations at Hamad Port stable condition
Sultan Qaboos bin Said is in a stable condition and continues the medical treat- ment programme prescribed for him, Oman’s Diwan of Royal Court said in a state- ment on Tuesday. The state- ment, carried by Oman News Agency, said that Sultan Qaboos “extends his thanks and appreciation to his loyal people all across the country for their sincere wishes, noble sentiments and their support for their leadership.” It added that Sultan Qaboos “prayed to Almighty Allah to safeguard Oman and its loyal people and QTerminals has successfully started tandem lift operations at grant them success towards more progress and prosperity to Hamad Port. The vessel operations become much faster as continue the successful march of development and to achieve World RINGS in 2020 in Style two 40ft containers or four 20ft containers can be loaded or the desired goals.” (QNA) Fireworks erupt over Sydney’s Harbour Bridge to welcome the New Year. (AFP) page 5 discharged simultaneously in one crane move.
Fuel prices remain stable Msheireb Tram starts operations across MDD
Tribune News Network friendly transportation tech- closed-loop track system. Doha nology with options and con- The self-powered environ- veniences that makes it also mentally friendly tramway de- Msheireb Properties, the an accessible method of com- pot is Platinum LEED certified. national real estate devel- muting within the downtown It is made up of three one-deck, oper and subsidiary of Qatar area for people with special hi-tech, electric streetcars, Foundation, has launched the needs. which are fully air-conditioned, much anticipated Msheireb With 9 stations, Msheir- incorporating special light-fil- Tram. eb Tram interconnects all of tering glass panels which pre- The new tramway con- Msheireb, making it easier vent over 90 percent of the heat nects all Msheireb Downtown for visitors to move from one from sunlight. Doha (MDD), the world’s spot to the other making the The modern hi-tech smartest and most sustainable city a truly walkable and en- streetcar also includes many The diesel and gasoline prices will remain unchanged in January city district, and the first sus- vironment friendly city. Visi- advanced features making it 2020, Qatar Petroleum announced on Tuesday. One litre of Super tainable downtown regenera- tors, residents, and tenants a convenient and safe method Gasoline (95) is set at QR1.90 in January, while Premium Gaso- tion project worldwide. can find a tram car on the of transportation for passen- line 91 will cost QR1.75 per litre. Similarly, one litre of diesel will Manufactured by the US- loop every six minutes, with gers. cost QR1.85 in January, same as that of December. (QNA) based TIG/m, LLC, Msheireb a 400-metre hop-on/hop-off Tram adopts the latest in eco- zone along the single 2 km, A Msheireb Tram in Msheireb Downtown Doha on Tuesday. Continued on page 2 02 Wednesday, January 1, 2020
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AMIR ADDRESSES REGIONAL, GLOBAL ISSUES Qatar takes part in Arab News in brief League meet on Libya Deputy Amir exchanges QNA New Year greetings Cairo THE Deputy Amir HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al Thani on Qatar took part in the ex- Tuesday exchanged cables of greetings with crown princes traordinary session of the and vice-presidents of friendly countries on the advent of the Arab League Council to dis- New Year, wishing them good health and happiness and their cuss the current developments peoples further progress and prosperity. (QNA) in Libya, chaired by Iraqi Am- bassador in Cairo and Per- PM exchanges New Year greetings manent Representative to the Arab League Ambassador PRIME Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed al Dulaimi, at the Arab Nasser bin Khalifa al Thani exchanged cables of greetings with League headquarters in Cairo the heads of governments of friendly countries on the advent on Tuesday. of the New Year, wishing them health and wellness and their Qatar’s Permanent Repre- peoples further progress and prosperity. (QNA) sentative to the Arab League Ambassador HE Ibrahim bin Ambassador HE Ibrahim bin Qatar slams blast in western Iraq Abdulaziz al Sahlawi led Qa- Abdulaziz al Sahlawi tar’s delegation to the meeting. Qatar has expressed its strong condemnation and denuncia- The meeting discussed adopting a joint Arab position tion of the explosive device blast near a school in the city the ongoing developments in aiming at restoring stability in of Fallujah in Anbar governorate of western Iraq, killing five Libya and the importance of Libya through political means. children. In a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Af- fairs reiterated Qatar’s firm rejection of violence and terrorism, regardless of motives and reasons. The statement expressed the condolences of Qatar to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Iraq. (QNA) 2020 to see four lunar, 2 solar eclipses: QCH Tribune News Network have the chance to observe all Doha phases of this lunar eclipse. MoCI recalls BMW K1600 Bagger, The third penumbral lunar K1600 GTL motorcycle models THE year 2020 will see six eclipse will occur on July 5 (Fri- eclipses, including four lunar day) during full moon of Hijrah Tribune News network ers and ensure that car dealers and two solar eclipses, accord- month ‘Dhu-al-Qaida, 1441’ and Doha follow up on vehicle defects. ing to astronomical calcula- residents of Qatar will be able to The ministry said it would tions, Qatar Calendar House observe all phases of this lunar The Ministry of Commerce coordinate with the dealer to (QCH) announced on Tuesday. eclipse too. The last penum- and Industry (MoCI), in co- follow up on the maintenance QCH’s expert astronomer bral lunar eclipse of 2020 will operation with Alfardan Mo- works and communicate with Dr Beshir Marzouk said the first occur on November 30 (Mon- torcycles, the dealer of BMW customers to ensure that the lunar eclipse would take place day) during full moon of Hijrah motorcycles in Qatar, has an- necessary repairs are carried on January 10 (Friday) during month ‘Rabie I, 1442’ and nounced the recall of K1600 out. full moon of Hijrah month ‘Ju- Qatar residents will be able Bagger and K1600 GTL mo- The ministry has urged all mada I, 1441’, and it will be pe- to watch all phases of this lunar torcycle models of 2017 and customers to report any viola- numbral lunar eclipse. eclipse, Dr Marzouk added. 2018 due to a possible defect tions to its Consumer Protec- Residents of Qatar and oth- Meanwhile, the first solar in the transmission. tion and Anti-Commercial er Arab countries will be able to eclipse will take place on June The recall comes within Fraud Department, which observe the first penumbral lu- 21 (Sunday) and its type will be the framework of the minis- processes complaints, inquir- nar eclipse. ‘annular solar eclipse’. It will be try’s efforts to protect consum- ies and suggestions. The second lunar eclipse seen from Qatar sky as partial will occur on June 5 (Friday) solar eclipse. during full moon of Hijrah Finally, the year 2020 will month ‘Shawal, 1441’ and it end with total solar eclipse on will again be penumbral lunar December 14. However, Qatar Msheireb tram comprises unique open-air feature eclipse. and other Arab countries’ resi- Qatar residents as well as dents will not be able to see the Continued from page 1 Properties, said: “It is a great The MDD trams run on residents of other countries will solar eclipse. way to end a year full of success, standard gauge track (1,435 The advanced features are with the launch of the Msheir- mm) and are custom designed level boarding at all stations; a eb tram. We hope that this sus- and handcrafted to the highest hop-on-hop-off service in tainable way of commuting will standards of excellence while Wadi Msheireb area; virtual encourage more people to leave adhering to European Stand- tram detection and tram prior- their cars behind. The tramway ards for Tramway Safety. ity at the traffic signals; tram is very user friendly, cost effec- Msheireb tram goes arrival signs in real-time on tive, suitable for everyone, and through nine stations; Sa- the trams and at the passenger I am confident that our visitors hat Al Nakheel Station, Wadi stations; on-board CCTV; and and residents will find it very Msheireb Station, Galleria on-board Wi-Fi. convenient.” Station, Msheireb Prayer Sta- The Msheireb Tram also Msheireb tram links all tion, Heritage Quarter Sta- includes a unique open-air areas of Msheireb Downtown tion, Al Baraha Station, Sahat feature allowing it to be oper- Doha within 18 minutes, with Al Masjid Station, Al Kahraba ated as an open-air car by re- a station at the Central Msheir- Street Station, and Al Mariah moving the glass panels. eb Metro Station, where every- Street Station giving everyone Ali al Kuwari, acting chief one can access Qatar Rail’s all multiple points of access to the executive officer, Msheireb three operating metro lines. tramway. Katara receives more than 8 million visitors in 2019 The wide-ranging events organised by Katara aimed at spreading Qatari culture and introducing the world’s cultures to the residents of Qatar
QNA tute in Washington with the aim of Katara also witnessed many fes- and the 3rd edition of Katara’s GCC Doha strengthening cooperation between tivals, including the 3rd edition of Al Nahma Prize. the two sides in the fields of culture Mahaseel Festival to showcase Qa- The Cultural Village Foundation THE Cultural Village Foundation (Ka- and knowledge exchange. tari farm products; the 3rd edition also started new festivals for children, tara) received more than eight million The MoU will enable them to of Cultural Diversity Festival; the 1st such as the ‘Katara Children’s Festi- visitors as well as many tourist groups organise joint activities by periodi- edition of Katara Exhibition for Kah- val’ and held a number of art work- as it held a wide range of activities in cally publishing books and research raman Beads; Katara International shops for them in order to hone their 2019 aimed at spreading Qatari cul- works, in addition to exchanging Hunting and Falcons Exhibition (S- artistic talents. ture and introducing the world’s cul- information and experiences. It will hail) 2019, the 8th edition of Halal Katara hosted the 7th edition of tures to the residents of Qatar. also allow representatives of the two Qatar Festival and the 3rd edition of the International Opera and Classi- The programmes included train- sides to use the cultural and scientific the Oud Festival. cal Music Awards at Katara’s Am- ing courses, exhibitions, workshops, facilities available to them to enhance Meanwhile, various art exhibi- phitheatre and the 6th Katara Euro- musical performances and staging of cooperation. Furthermore, Katara tions and activities were organized pean Jazz Festival. international theatre. participated in the applied workshop by Qatar Society for Photography, Meanwhile, Katara Opera House Katara also hosted many impor- for cultural diplomacy programme in the Department of Visual Arts, Ka- witnessed a series of diverse artistic tant forums on land and marine folk- Istanbul, Turkey. Katara also started new festivals for children, such as the ‘Katara Children’s Festi- tara Center for Art and Katara Stu- performances held as part of Qatar- lores of Qatar and the Gulf region at In the context of its focus on keep- val’ and held a number of art workshops to hone their artistic talents. dios. Numerous activities were held India Year of Culture2019, and the large; music and arts, folk traditions, ing the Qatari and Gulf marine herit- with the participation of a lineup of Bangladesh Festival Qatar 2019. customs as well as traditional indus- age alive, the Cultural Village held the Prize for Arabic Novel, which saw par- distinguished talents in reciting the Qatari, Gulf and foreign artists and Katara was also venue for 18 tries and handicrafts. 9th Katara Annual Traditional Dhow ticipation of an unprecedented 1850 Holy Quran. photographers. sports events, including the State’s Another highlight of Katara’s Festival with a large participation rep- contestants in different categories. Furthermore, Katara held the Katara was also keen on organ- Sports Day and the Katara World achievements was the signing of a resenting 11 countries. It also organised the third edition fourth edition of Katara Prize for the ising a number of competitions, in- Beach Soccer Cup 2019; in addition memorandum of understanding Moreover, the Cultural Village or- of Katara Prize for Quran Recitation, Prophet’s Poets and launched a new cluding the 8th edition of the pearl to 128 various activities including (MoU) with Qatari American Insti- ganised the fifth edition of the Katara which aims to encourage and support prize for young female writers. diving and fishing festival ‘Senyar’ shows, auctions and bazaars. Nation Wednesday, January 1, 2020 03 Qatar National Library’s January events to comprise a host of workshops, lectures From classical music to games and stories, there is something for everyone across the first 31 days of 2020, with ‘Light’ being the common theme for the month
Tribune News Network the baton of the late great Italian booth will have the chance to learn harmonic at the library concert fea- Doha conductor and composer Giuseppe about its digitisation services, take tures string quartet pieces by ‘Ga- Sinopoli. a sneak peek of the heritage collec- briel Faure and Claude Debussy’ on Qatar National Library (QNL) On January 8, ‘Games Between tion and register for library mem- January 23. has promised a comprehensive Light and Shadow: A Project for bership. A full programme of en- On January 15, QNL’s Director programme of activities for eve- Doha’ promises to be both a fun gaging activities will also be offered of Historical Research and Partner- ryone at the start of the new year. and educational event. This special for children and families. ships Dr James Onley will examine From classical music to games and presentation will explore how light Starting on January 11 and the little-known history of Indian stories, there is something for eve- and shadow play on the ground and continuing every Saturday during communities in the Gulf region in ryone across the first 31 days of on walls to reveal images of the Sun the month, computer program- a lecture and a guided tour of the 2020, with the common theme for and measure the passing of time. ming enthusiasts have the chance ongoing ‘Qatar, India & The Gulf’ the month being ‘Light’. Based on these richly illustrated to hone their skills in a special exhibition. Taking on board this month’s observations, a project will reveal workshop, ‘Build Your Video In collaboration with George- special theme, ‘Storytime at the Li- live images of Earth’s nearest star Game in Alice’, and create their town University in Qatar and Doha brary’ will take place every Monday on a selected wall in Doha. own video games. Institute for Graduate Studies, the from 5pm to 5.30pm at the Chil- Maryam al Mutawa, Informa- The library is partnering with Arabic Book Club at the library will dren’s Library. The sessions will tion Services librarian and acting Qatar Music Academy to stage a discuss the book ‘Contemporary engage children of ages 6 to 11 years head of Program Services and Ac- series of three workshops on tradi- Arab Society’ by intellectual and in storytelling, while attendees will cess at the library, said, “Our pro- dinary celestial bodies. Participants pert writer and learn essential crea- tional Arabic music instruments on novelist Halim Barakat. also have a chance to compose their grammes in January suit the needs will learn about the phenomenon of tive writing methods. On January January 18 and throughout Febru- The library’s Postgraduate Peer own narratives. of everyone and we hope they will light pollution and the implications 11, a four-session course, ‘Digital ary. Attendees will have the chance Support Network will meet on Classical music enthusiasts are provide opportunities for members of the use of artificial illumination Photography for Beginners’, will to play these instruments, includ- January 25 for its first session of in for a tuneful treat on January 7 of the community to engage, show and the deprivation of the view of teach basic photography skills to ing the popular Oud, and learn the year to offer advice to current with ‘Light in Classical Music: Rich- their creativity and immerse them- the starry sky that our ancestors participants. about its strings, parts and sound and aspiring postgraduates, mostly ard Strauss’ An Alpine Symphony’. selves in thought-provoking con- enjoyed. The library will take part in the production. PhD students, in need of intellec- Visitors will have the chance to at- versations.” The ‘Creative Writing Skills’ 30th edition of Doha International Other events in January are tual and emotional support. tend an educational screening of ‘Light Is Hiding the Stars’ on workshop on January 4 will give a Book Fair from January 9 to 18 at ‘How To Be An Astronaut’, present- More information about the li- ‘An Alpine Symphony’ played by January 29 is a chance to discover chance to those starting their writ- Doha Exhibition and Convention ed by the Science Book Forum, on brary’s events in January 2020 is the Saxon State Orchestra under interesting facts about the extraor- ing journey to interact with an ex- Center. Visitors to the library’s January 18, and the monthly Phil- available at www.qnl.qa/en/events.
SriLankan Airlines offers seamless Ooredoo launches an array connection to airports across world of enticing New Year offers All packs will offer extra value with data and calls Tribune News Network Doha Tribune News Network Both new customers signing ers who upgrade to a new Doha up for a new Shahry 5G or Qatarna 5G Pack will get SriLankan Airlines, the Qatarna 5G pack and exist- the Data Pack 50, normally national carrier for Sri Lanka QATAR’S leading telecom- priced at QR50 per month, and a member of the one- munications operator Oore- ing customers upgrading to free for three months, giving world alliance, has enhanced doo has announced special a new Shahry 5G or Qatarna them 20 to 30GB data extra its networks to offer seamless New Year 2020 offers for new 5G pack can choose an absolutely free. connection flights to passen- and existing Shahry and Qa- add-on pack – either extra Offers for existing cus- gers from across the world tarna customers. data, local minutes or inter- tomers will be activated auto- with an award-winning ser- Both new customers sign- matically once the upgrade is vice and inherent Sri Lankan ing up for a new Shahry 5G or national minutes absolutely processed. warmth and hospitality. Qatarna 5G pack and existing free for three months Speaking of the offers, Ma- Passengers who fly to Co- customers upgrading to a new nar Khalifa al Muraikhi, direc- lombo on UL 218 will now Shahry 5G or Qatarna 5G pack, customers will get Data Pack tor PR and Corporate Com- be able to enjoy immediate can choose an add-on pack – 50 or International Pack 50 munications at Ooredoo, said: connections to Male, Chen- either extra data, local minutes free for three months, giv- “The recent launch of our new nai, Jakarta, Hyderabad, SriLankan Airlines has strengthened its codeshare partnership with oneworld partner or international minutes, de- ing them from 20GB up to Shahry and Qatarna 5G post- Tiruchirappalli, Canton, pending on pack – absolutely 30GB data or 500 to 1000 paid packs has been extremely Shanghai, New Delhi, Ka- Qatar Airways, adding 18 more new cities in Europe, North America, South America and free for three months. international minutes extra popular and we’re delighted rachi, Singapore, Bangkok, the Middle East, bringing its global route network to 127 destinations in 56 countries New customers signing up free per month. to introduce these offers so Cochin, Trivandrum, Dhaka, for a Shahry 5G Pack will have Offers for new customers that customers get even bet- Coimbatore, Canton, Ma- the choice of the Data Pack must be activated in any Oore- ter value for money as well as durai and Kolkata while also strengthened its code- tions in 56 countries. years. We regard Qatar Air- 30, the Local Pack 30 or the doo shop around town. our awesome service. Whether those on UL222 will enjoy share partnership with one- “SriLankan Airlines ways as an airline of first- International Pack 30, free for Existing Shahry customers they have a 5G-compatible de- immediate connections to world partner Qatar Airways, is delighted to introduce class quality and excellence three months. who upgrade to a new Shahry vice or not yet, they’ll be able Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, adding 18 more new cities many new travel options which our customers would They can enjoy from 2GB 5G pack will get the Data Pack to access the Supernet and stay Coimbatore, Canton, New in Europe, North America, to our valued customers be very comfortable flying to 5GB extra data, 300 to 1000 30, normally priced at QR30, in touch with loved ones for Delhi, Karachi, Singapore, South America and the Mid- across the world. We have with,” said Group Chief Ex- local minutes, or 25 to 100 in- free for three months, giving longer with the free Add-ons.” Bangkok and Madurai. dle East, bringing its global built a strong partnership ecutive Officer of SriLankan ternational minutes extra free them from 2GB to 10GB data The New Year 2020 pro- SriLankan Airlines has route network to 127 destina- with Qatar Airways over the Airlines. per month. extra per month. motion runs from December Similarly, new Qatarna Existing Qatarna custom- 31, 2019, until January 4, 2020. Tamuq workshop discusses safe, reliable power distribution systems for Qatar
Tribune News Network Doha
A two-day workshop organ- ised by electrical engineering faculty at Texas A&M Univer- sity at Qatar (Tamuq) brought together experts and practi- tioners from the US, Europe and Qatar to focus on ensur- ing delivery of electric power in Qatar safely and reliably. Presented in partnership with VITO Middle East and Energyville, with funding from the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), the workshop on ‘Safe and Reliable Electri- cal Distribution Systems for Qatar’ shared best practices, The workshop on ‘Safe and Reliable Electrical Distribution Systems for Qatar’ shared best practices and new technologies to enhance the safety and reliability of the electricity distribution systems in Qatar. lessons learnt and new tech- nologies that are ready for ap- is pushed beyond its intended Dr Balog said. The workshop’s longer-term and active participation of plication to enhance the safety design?” he asked. The event featured tech- impact is to strengthen a the Qatari stakeholders, in and reliability of the electricity The workshop aimed to nologies that are part of on- designed-in-Qatar, designed- particular Kahramaa, which distribution systems in Qatar. leverage expertise at Tamuq going research and develop- for-Qatar ecosystem.” shared the challenges and Dr Robert S Balog, work- and VITO to identify potential ment programmes at Tamuq Dr César Octavio Malavé, R&D priorities related to their shop chair and associate pro- problems and develop paths and VITO and that are ready dean of Tamuq, said, “Our electrical distribution system. fessor in the Electrical and and partnerships to form and for technology transfer and mission is to play a key role As a research and service cen- Computer Engineering Pro- implement Qatar-specific so- application in Qatar. Balog in creating sustainable solu- tre specialised in applied re- gram at Tamuq, said that most lutions. said that leveraging research tions to real-world challenges search and development, we of the electrical distribution “The selected topics in this investments from within by generating new knowledge can contribute with solutions system in Qatar is relatively workshop represented tech- and abroad, means that the through research and collabo- for load forecasting, conges- new compared with the US nologies that have already workshop’s expected benefit rative partnerships, and then tion modelling, integration of and European systems where been proven feasible and fo- to Qatar is a faster technol- solutions specific for Qatar, engineers and technicians disseminating that knowl- renewable energy and electric there are well-known prob- cused on the impact that these ogy development path, ena- thereby necessitating a re- are needed to design and use edge to the rest of the world vehicles, and the Tarsheed lems due to the ageing infra- results could have on Qatar if bling providers to imple- search ecosystem built around these systems,” Balog said, through scientific publica- programme results monitor- structure. “But, as solar ener- these technologies were ap- ment solutions in a shorter technology transfer to indus- adding, “which means that tions and workshops such as ing. We congratulate Texas gy becomes more widespread plied here. I am happy that timeframe. try and the design, develop- the systems also provide new this one.” A&M for the very professional and electric vehicles gain trac- we had great turnout from the However, Balog said, more ment, deployment and service test cases for students and Arnoud Lust, CEO of VITO organisation of the workshop tion, what will happen here in local industry and vibrant dis- work may be needed to cus- of these technologies. researchers, building local Middle East, said, “We were and look forward to future Qatar when equipment ages or cussion during the workshop,” tomize these technologies into “Highly skilled scientists, human capital for the future. impressed by the very open collaborations.” 04 Wednesday, January 1, 2020 Nation
Customers can now pay monthly instalments and enjoy a wide range of QAC’s exciting offer on benefits; they can drive a reliable new car that meets their needs and demands Mitsubishi Pajero 2020
tomers. The 2020 model is 3.5-litre V6 mated to a five- 4WD high and low range with airbags, active traction control available now for our custom- speed automatic, or a 3.8-litre locked centre differential. The and active stability control, ers in Qatar to enjoy driving a V6 engine mated to a five- long-wheelbase model holds among others. new vehicle with modern fea- speed auto. seven passengers with a third- All the cars are available at tures”. The standard package row seat that can be folded Mitsubishi Motors Showroom The Pajero is a true off- includes ActiveTrac four- into the cargo area floor or re- on Salwa road. Customers can roader and a legend in its wheel-drive with rear-wheel, moved entirely. visit the showroom at Salwa own right. Powertrain full-time all-wheel and The vehicle also embraces Road from Saturday to Thurs- options were some of the best day from 8am to 9pm and either a safety fea- on Friday from 5pm to 9pm, tures, in- and Al Khor Showroom from cluding Saturday to Wednesday from six 8am to 8pm, and on Thursday from 8 am to 3pm.
Tribune News Network Khaled Group, said: “Qa- Doha Internal tar Automobiles Company is launching this new offer with Qatar Automobiles Com- finance the beginning of the new year pany (QAC), the authorised on Pajero 2020 that has al- distributor of Mitsubishi Mo- ● Customers can also ways been one of the best in its tors Corporation in Qatar, benefit from internal category. The new offer gives has launched a special offer finance by NBK Financial the customers flexible options on Mitsubishi Pajero model Services (Terms and to own their favourite new car. 2020. Conditions apply), with 20 “They can now pay month- The offer features several percent advance payment ly instalments and enjoy a benefits, including one-year and monthly instalments wide range of benefits. We are free comprehensive insurance confident that such offers help and one-year free registration, over 48 months. Qatar residents to drive a reli- three years warranty, free able new car that meet their service for one year or up to needs and demands.” 20,000 km, in addition to an percent advance payment and Hesham Alsahn, general Ikea coupon worth QR5,000. monthly instalments over 48 manager of Qatar Automo- Customers can also benefit months. biles Company, said: “Mitsub- from internal finance by NBK HE Sheikh Faleh bin ishi Pajero has a long heritage Financial Services (Terms and Nawaf al Thani, pperations and high capabilities that meet Conditions apply), with 20 director - Auto at Nasser Bin the demands and needs of cus- QRCS medical team treats NBK, partners and stakeholders Syrian refugees in Turkey network at Bosch annual event Tribune News Network Tribune News Network Doha Doha
Qatar Red Crescent Society Nasser Bin Khaled Service (QRCS) has deployed a new Centers WLL, a subsidiary medical convoy to Reyhanlı, of NBK Holding and the au- Turkey, to perform critical thorised general distributor of surgeries on Syrian patients. Bosch in Qatar, hosted the an- This comes as part of an annu- nual event dedicated to Bosch al medical convoy programme, partners and automotive corpo- co-implemented with Hamad rate customers. Medical Corporation (HMC). The annual event was at- The purpose of the convoy tended by NBK Service Centers’ is to provide different forms of management, Bosch experts, medical help, including consul- stakeholders and prominent tations, surgeries and medica- clients who got the chance to tions, for the poor Syrian refu- The QRCS medical team is set to perform surgeries on Syrian patients know more about the Bosch gees in Turkey. In coordination as part of their annual medical convoy programme in partnership with services and products in Qatar. with the Turkish authorities, Hmaad Medical Commission. During the event, Bosch some internally displaced per- team provided the attendees sons (IDPs) in northern Syria with detailed information to get were moved to the Turkish ter- the best deals that perfectly fit ritories to receive treatment their business needs. under the convoy. The team also received cus- services, and acts as an interac- This is the second medical tomers’ enquiries in an open tive platform to directly listen to convoy in the same region. Two discussion, listened to their sug- the partners’ needs and require- months ago, another one was gestion and needs to offer them ments. This is part of Bosch phi- conducted to meet the needs better experience. losophy to enhance the mutual amid inadequate secondary The NBK Service Centers relations with the its partners healthcare services in Syria. team launched a new incentive and emphasise the business Many physicians have left the scheme that assist companies values of the brand. country, and thousands of and stakeholders to leverage Bosch provides custom- Syrian refugees live in Turkey from the wide range of offerings ers with the best in automotive with no health insurance cov- that Bosch has. technology and after sales ser- erage. Amr al Kady, division man- vices. The five-day convoy cost large number of patients were This year, the medical con- ager of Bosch at NBK Service The partnership between a total of QR143,000, funded examined using clinical tests voy programme has expanded Centers, said: “Nasser Bin NBK group and Bosch goes mainly from the donations of and X-ray. Out of them, 30 and several convoys have been Khaled Service Centers has back more than 40 years and charity givers in Qatar. The cases underwent surgeries in deployed to Bangladesh, Af- been the authorised dealer of has ensured the provision of medical team comprised six vital specialisations such as ghanistan, Jordan, Gaza, Tur- Bosch in Qatar for more than “Bosch is globally well- to our partners and customers top-quality vehicles and cus- expert surgeons in different urology and paediatrics, with key and other countries. 40 years. Our relationship with known for its high-quality trust- alike.” tomer service from the very specialisations, headed by Dr a success rate of 100 percent. QRCS pays great attention the customers is built on mutual ed products and prominent The annual Bosch event is a beginning of their journey Ahmed alMaliki, senior con- The convoy was hosted at to this aspect of humanitarian trust, a long-term collaboration customer service that reflects global programme designed for together. This is currently en- sultant urologist and fertility the Sevgi Hospital, which pro- action, realising the serious that goes back to decades and the ethos of the brand. We are Bosch partners and stakehold- hanced by the operation of specialist at HMC. vided in-patient pre-proce- lack of health services in disas- continues to be enhanced year proud to provide such quality ers to present the latest devel- three Bosch-certifiedcar ser- As part of the mission, a dure and post-procedure care. ter and war zones. after another. products and premium services opment of Bosch products and vice centres in Doha. Asia / World Wednesday, January 1, 2020 05
Hong Kong protesters carry political demands into 2020 President Xi hails China’s achievements in difficult year AFP by millions, as well as violent chains that stretched for miles Hong Kong confrontations in which police along busy shopping streets Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping gave a televised New have fired tear gas and rubber and through local neighbour- Year’s address hailing his country’s achievements over the past Pro-democracy protest- bullets -- and protesters re- hoods. They chanted slogans, year, despite roiling protests in Hong Kong, condemnation of ers in Hong Kong held hands sponding with flurries of pet- sang ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ -- a China’s detention of Uighur Muslims and a trade war. and formed human chains rol bombs. protest anthem -- and held up He lauded the opening of Beijing’s new Daxing International across the city on Tuesday, as As the final day of the year posters calling for people to Airport, the Chang’e 5 lunar probe landing, the successful test they carried their months-long drew to a close, police used fight for democracy in 2020. launch of the Long March 5 rocket, government anti-poverty movement and its demands water cannon to disperse small “Thanks to 2019, which tore efforts, and the commissioning of the China’s first domestically into 2020 with midnight crowds of protesters gathering off the ugly masks of the police built aircraft carrier. countdown rallies and a mas- in the city’s Mong Kok district, and the government and let the In his 12-minutes long speech, the longest since he as- sive march planned for New while in nearby Prince Edward people see the truth,” said pro- sumed the presidency in 2013, Xi said that the One Country, Two Year’s Day. neighbourhood officers arrest- tester Kris, a medic who joined Systems framework governing Hong Kong was working well and The financial hub has been ed several protesters staging a Tuesday’s protest. Hopefully had the support of the people, adding that “the prosperity and battered by more than six candlelight vigil. a huge turnout at tomorrow’s stability of Hong Kong is the wish of all Hong Kong compatriots, Protesters take part in a human chain rally at the Tsim Sha Tsui months of unrest that has seen Earlier, thousands of peo- march could bring back peo- and the expectation of all the people of the motherland.”(DPA) district of Hong Kong on Tuesday. (AFP) peaceful marches attended ple linked arms in human ple’s passion,” he added.
North Korea’s Kim calls for SYDNEY FIREWORKS DAZZLE AS REVELLERS DONATE TO BUSHFIRE VICTIMS ‘military countermeasures’ AFP tant document”, it added. Seoul Pyongyang has demanded the easing of international North Korean leader Kim sanctions imposed over its nu- Jong-un has called for “dip- clear and ballistic missile pro- lomatic and military counter- grammes, while Washington measures”, state media said insists it takes more tangible on Tuesday, ahead of a year- steps towards giving them up. end deadline for Washington Speculation has mounted to change its stance on stalled that Pyongyang could aban- nuclear talks with Pyongyang. don its moratorium on inter- His latest comments, made continental ballistic missile during a meeting of top ruling tests -- although its ominous party officials in Pyongyang threat of a “Christmas gift” to on Monday, came ahead of the US appears to have fizzled. his set-piece New Year speech The North may see the that could flesh out a threat to period running up to Seoul’s seek a “new way” forward after April parliamentary election the expiration of the year-end next year as “a window for deadline. seeking maximum benefits He spoke for seven hours for minimal concessions” and during the ruling Workers’ try to escalate tensions, said Party meeting, the North’s of- Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at ficial KCNA news agency said Ewha University in Seoul. in a report released on Tues- “But Kim does not want to day, calling for measures to risk conflict with theUS or loss rebuild its economy and “dip- of Chinese support with exces- lomatic and military counter- sive provocations,” he said. “So measures for firmly preserving Pyongyang may prolong dip- New Year’s Eve fireworks erupt over Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House to welcome 2020. A dazzling display of fireworks lit up the night sky over Sydney to mark the the sovereignty and security” lomatic deadlock until it be- first minutes of 2020, with flags flying at half mast on the Sydney Harbour Bridge for victims of the massive bushfires that have scorched south-eastern Australia. One million revellers of the isolated nation. The comes clear whether the next roared from the foreshore as 36,000 individual fireworks popped, cracked and whirled over the harbour at midnight to welcome the new year. The show was broadcast to an estimated party meeting will continue to US administration will be led 1 billion people around the world. Australians debated for days over whether the pyrotechnics show should go ahead given the ongoing wildfire crisis, which has so far left 12 dead review an unspecified “impor- by Trump or someone else.” and destroyed more than 1,000 homes over the past six weeks. Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, who ignored more than a quarter of a million signatures on a petition to cancel the fireworks display, said spectators had donated more than half a million dollars towards the bushfire crisis by 10 pm (1100 GMT), the Sydney Morning Herald reported. (AFP) Taiwan passes law against China influence ahead of vote AFP law” during a parliamentary Indians ring in New Year with fresh Taipei sit-in and abstained from vot- ing on the bill. They urged Taiwan passed a controver- voters to punish Tsai’s Demo- sial bill on Tuesday aimed at cratic Progressive Party (DPP) countering China’s influence on at the polls on January 11. protests against citizenship law the self-ruled island, less than Outside parliament, doz- two weeks before it goes to the ens of pro-China activists Poetry recitals and polls to elect a new president. waved banners reading “down Text messaging services The “anti-infiltration bill” with Tsai Ing-wen” and “Green speeches held by to be restored in Kashmir pushed by President Tsai Ing- (DPP) Terror”. after five months wen’s Beijing-sceptic ruling The bill has been a hot organisers at a protest party became law despite strong topic in the run-up to the elec- outside Delhi’s Jamia New Delhi: Mobile phone text opposition from the opposition tions as relations with China messaging services were to Kuomintang (KMT) party. have dominated the campaign. Millia University be restored across India’s It bans “hostile” foreign Tsai, who has described Jammu and Kashmir on forces from activities such as the vote as a fight for Taiwan’s DPA / Agencies Wednesday, five months after campaigning, lobbying, making freedom and democracy, is New Delhi they were suspended during political donations, disrupting seeking a second term against a clampdown on communica- social order or spreading disin- the KMT’s Han Kuo-yu, a city Thousands of Indians are tions in the region. formation related to elections. mayor who favours warmer set to ring in the New Year “SMS services for all Violators face a maximum relations with Beijing. by holding protests against a mobile phones and broad- five-year prison term and a She has said the bill was a citizenship law, despite Prime band internet services in all fine of up to around $332,000. response to “fears in Taiwan’s Minister Narendra Modi’s at- government hospitals would KMT lawmakers displayed society over China’s infiltra- tempts to dampen demonstra- be restored post-midnight,” a placard reading “Protest evil tion from all sides”. tions that have run for nearly Jammu and Kashmir gov- three weeks. ernment spokesman Rohit Social media was buzzing Activists of the Communist Party of India during a demonstration against India’s new citizenship law in Kansal said. with invitations to join such New Delhi on Monday. (AFP) The suspension of mobile News protests. internet and messaging servic- “Bring your art materials, es are planned by organisers at three neighbouring Muslim- and elsewhere have turned vi- es were part of a clampdown in brief solidarity candles, placards, a protest outside New Delhi’s majority countries who are en- olent, leading to 23 deaths. on communication in Jammu snacks and blankets,” said a Jamia Millia University, which titled to fast-track citizenship. Student and civil society and Kashmir on the eve of the Pakistani media mogul rejects rape post announcing “New Year’s was stormed by police this Critics have said the law groups, opposition parties and scrapping of its special status accusations by filmmaker Eve at India Gate” in New month. defies India’s secular consti- others also plan events on New on August 5. Delhi. There have been country- tution and constitutes an at- Year’s Day to mark their oppo- These connections would Islamabad: The chief executive of one of Pakistan’s most Similar protest parties are wide demonstrations for over tempt at marginalizing India’s sition to the law. be restored as and when the influential newspapers has denied accusations he raped an ac- being organised at designated two weeks against the Citizen- minority Muslim population. At some meetings, mass local administration felt it fit, claimed filmmaker, in a case that has spotlighted sexual abuse sites in Kolkata, Mumbai, ship Amendment Act 2019, Most protests have been pledges to defend the consti- Kansal said at a televised targeting men and added momentum to the country’s fledgling Bangalore and Chennai. which omits Muslims from a peaceful, but those in the tution and hunger strikes are press briefing inJ ammu. (DPA) #MeToo movement. Poetry recitals and speech- list of religious groups from northern state of Uttar Pradesh planned. Director Jamshed Mahmood Raza took to social media over the weekend to allege that Dawn newspaper’s Hameed Haroon raped him 13 years ago. Haroon -- who hails from one of Pakistan’s wealthiest and most influential families -- issued a fierce denial in Dawn, the Bangladesh shuts mobile network along India border country’s most popular English daily, late Monday, calling the accusations “simply untrue and intentionally fabricated”. AFP “for the sake of the country’s fallout from India’s new Citizen- who went to India illegally. “I categorically deny the allegation of rape leveled against Dhaka security in the current circum- Security concerns ship Amendment Act, which ac- Local border guard com- me,” said Haroon in a statement. (AFP) stances,” the spokesman said. cords rights to refugee migrants mander Kamrul Ahsan said Bangladesh has cut servic- Bangladesh shares a Telecommunication officials from neighbouring countries the number of people entering es to millions of mobile phones 4,000-kilometre (2,500-mile) said that the move was but excludes Muslims. Bangladesh from India had Pakistan records 5-year high along its border with India for border with India and the prompted by fears of “We are worried that In- risen dramatically as a result in new polio cases “security” reasons amid fears shutdown would affect some fallout from India’s new dia’s current condition may of the citizenship law. a new citizenship law passed 10 million mobile phone users, prompt many people to enter Two weeks of protests over Islamabad: Authorities in Pakistan struggled to contain the by its giant neighbour could according to a top official from Citizenship Amendment Bangladesh,” said a BTRC offi- the law in India have seen at spread of polio among the country’s population in 2019, prompt an influx of migrants. one operator. Act, which accords rights to cial, speaking on the condition least 27 people killed and hun- recording a five-year high of new cases amid vaccine boycotts The country’s telecom “A large number of peo- refugee migrants from of anonymity. dreds injured after clashes be- and attacks on health workers. The number of reported cases regulator ordered the mo- ple in the border area will be neighbouring countries but At least 350 people had tween police and protesters. of the crippling disease hit 117 this year, a senior official from bile shutdown late on Mon- without internet, voice and excludes Muslims been arrested as they entered The earlier exclusion of the national polio eradication programme said on Tuesday. day along a one-kilometre other mobile services,” said western border district of Jhe- nearly two million people from Pakistan and Afghanistan are among a handful of coun- (0.6-mile) band along the In- SM Farhad, a spokesman for nidah from India’s West Bengal a new list of citizens in India’s tries where polio is still prevalent. In 2019, 83 new cases were dian frontier, the watchdog’s an industry association of lo- desh Telecommunication Regu- state in the last two months, an Assam state has already trig- reported from the region. (DPA) spokesman Sohel Rana said. cal telecom operators. latory Commission said that the official said, adding they were gered fears of deportations to The directive was issued Officials from the Bangla- move was prompted by fears of mostly Bangladeshi Muslims Bangladesh. 06 Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Established September 3, 2006 hamad bin suhaim al thani chairman Opinion adel ali bin ali managing director dr hassan mohammed al ansari editor-in-chief
Climate Change And The Incredible Shrinking Songbird Senate Should Not Ram
Birds are getting smaller because their world is getting hotter, which is another red flag about Through Impeachment Trial the deleterious effects of climate change There are several Republican senators who do not like or respect Trump, and while S polar vortexes loom and food grows Over these decades, temperatures rose seasonally scarce, there’s more en- nearly 2 degrees Fahrenheit in the birds’ many more quietly express disdain for the president’s policies and behaviour, during bad news about the plight of summer breeding grounds north of Chica- birds. On the heels of a study that go. That corresponded with a drop in body few believe that 20 Republicans will break ranks to vote against Trump Afound North American birds in the throes weight of up to a couple of grams, and a rise of a steep population decline, new research of a few millimeters in wing length. Frederic B Hill concludes that this continent’s songbirds The causal link between climate change Tribune News Service have been steadily shrinking in size over a and bird size has to do with the scientific span of nearly four decades. tenet that warm-blooded species often have IRTUALLY all experts and observ- Fewer birds, smaller birds. Don’t just larger bodies in places that are colder, and ers envision a near-certain acquittal give Polly a cracker. Give her the whole box. smaller bodies in warmer locales. A small- of President Donald Trump by the What does this mean for the species er, more compact body releases heat faster. US Senate after the House passage that beams at the sound of a warbler’s war- Hence, birds are getting smaller because of two articles of impeachment on ble during a morning walk their world is getting hotter. DecemberV 18th. through the park, or gush- The causal link between cli- The scale of body mass The Constitution requires a vote of es over the sight of a blue loss is small enough that two-thirds of the Senate to convict and re- jay perched on the bough mate change and bird size we don’t have to worry move a president — or 67 votes. However of a silver maple? Should has to do with the scientific about cardinals and robins damning and culpable Trump’s actions in Homo sapiens be worried tenet that warm-blooded shrinking to the point of be- withholding critical aid to Ukraine against about a bird apocalypse? species often have larger ing smaller than the insects Russian aggression to force an investiga- Should we fret that, if it bodies in places that are they now rely on for a snack. tion of a political rival, very few believe can happen to them, it can colder, and smaller bodies It is, however, another red that 20 Republican senators will join 45 happen to us? flagabout the reach climate Democrats and two independents likely First, a look at the sci- in warmer locales change has, and the need to vote for conviction. But the larger, ence. University of Michi- for mankind to stop turning and perhaps more important question is gan scientists working with Field Museum up the temperature. whether the trial is going to be conducted researchers studied thousands of birds be- Many species have been adversely af- fairly, with full respect for the Constitu- longing to 52 species that crashed into high- fected by global warming, and man’s re- tion and the rule of law. rises in Chicago between 1978 and 2016, luctance to move fast enough to protect Mitch McConnell, the Republican and were preserved at the museum’s bird the planet. Populations of polar bears are Senate majority leader, has already placed collection. Scientists took several measure- dropping because of melting sea ice. Coral a heavy hand on the scales against a fair those to account. close aides. ments, including each bird’s weight and reefs around the world are in decline due trial. He said he will work closely with the Trump’s refusal to allow key White Trump fired or castigated anyone who wing length. to climate change. The adverse impact is White House to oversee the trial, though House officials to testify and to release vi- dared to oppose him, from Assistant At- The measurements, reported this month never abruptly cataclysmic; it’s almost al- his control over the trial is limited. The tal documents is tantamount to Richard torney General Sally Yates, who warned by The Wall Street Journal, showed that, ways gradual, and virtually imperceptible Constitution places the chief justice of the Nixon’s cover-up in 1974 — the key act that about the Russian connections of then- over that 38-year span, body size dropped in real time. Supreme Court, John Roberts, as the pre- led to his approaching impeachment and national security adviser Michael Flynn, significantly, while wings became longer. But it’s there. It’s happening. And it’s a siding officer — not McConnell. resignation. Even Mr Nixon did not block to James Comey to Michael Cohen. Cohen Why? Climate change. Which makes sense: warble of warning that we should heed. But McConnell’s strong bias in favour White House officials from testifying. paid $130,000 in hush money to a porn of what amounts to an indicted defend- star to help Trump. Flynn pled guilty; Co- ant, President Trump, is equal to having hen is in jail. the head of a jury say he will side with the The larger, and perhaps more impor- Paul Manafort, Trump’s campaign defendant before a trial even begins. tant question is whether the trial is manager, is serving a seven-year jail term The ranking Senate Democrat, Chuck going to be conducted fairly, with for corrupt activities. The favouritism Schumer, wrote to McConnell, urging him full respect for the Constitution and shown Trump’s children by China, Arab to guarantee a fair trial in the interests of countries and others is far worse than all parties and the country. That would the rule of law GOP claims against the Bidens. mean, Schumer wrote, the appearance Once Democratic House managers of of key White House officials who have The American public has a right to impeachment lay out their case, the only refused to testify and the release of vital hear from White House officials who re- defence for Trumpite Republicans is to documents withheld by the president. fused to testify before the House of Repre- try to slam the door on revelation of the There are several Republican senators sentatives as they developed two articles broader context of a truly “deep state” of who do not like or respect Trump — and of impeachment, for abuse of power and malfeasance and corruption embodied by are not afraid to say so. They range from obstruction of Congress. They are, espe- the 45th president. Even the vice presiden- outspoken critics like Mitt Romney (Utah) cially, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, tial option to break a 50-50 tie on demands to occasionally independent sceptics such acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney and for critical witnesses and documents would as Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Susan Collins John Bolton, a former national security fail if four Republican senators stood up (Maine) and Pat Toomey (Pennsylvania). adviser who was fired by Trump. Bolton for justice and the rule of law. While many more quietly express dis- once objected to the Ukraine meddling by dain for Trump, his policies and behav- Trump’s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani as (Frederic B Hill, a former foreign iour, it totals far less than 20, barring a “a drug deal.” correspondent for The Baltimore bombshell soon. Yet, along with 47 Demo- The near-total acceptance of Trump’s Sun, served as foreign affairs di- crats and independents, it would take just behaviour by virtually all Republicans to rector for a Republican senator, four senators to block McConnell’s drive this point is shameful. In addition to turn- Charles McC Mathias Jr of Mary- to ram through a verdict without calling ing a blind eye to Russian aggression in land, and later conducted war-gam- key witnesses and hidden documents. A Ukraine, basically supporting Vladimir ing exercises on national security 51-49 vote to require those witnesses and Putin, the Republican Party has ignored issues for the Department of State. documents, including a full, unredacted an unprecedented pattern of corruption Hill covered the Watergate scandal (Tribune News Service) version of the Ukraine call, would bring and unlawful behaviour by Trump and his for The Sun in 1973 and 1974) Turn Over A New Leaf In 2020: Go Vegan Turn vegan to alleviate world hunger, combat climate change and help prevent mass wildlife extinction
Heather Moore 8 million humans (not to mention ers who were clearing land to raise which was co-founded by the same Tribune News Service billions of animals), cut green- cattle. At least 500 species, includ- man who also helped launch Ve- house gas emissions by two-thirds ing jaguars, giant armadillos and ganuary — is giving $1 to charity APPY Veganuary, everyone! and prevent 1.5 trillion dollars’ tapirs, may have been harmed by for every person who pledges to go Veganuary, for the uniniti- worth of climate-related damage the fires. vegan in January. ated, is the month when peo- by 2050. Animal-derived foods are kill- If you take the pledge, you’ll ple around the world pledge Researchers have also said ing the planet, and they’re killing have plenty of company — and Hto go vegan in order to help stop that going vegan is the “single big- us. Heart disease and stroke al- plenty to eat. More than half of the animal suffering, protect the plan- gest way to reduce your impact on ready account for more than $329 chefs in the US added vegan items et and improve their health. More planet Earth.” billion in health are costs and lost to their menus in 2018, and sales than a quarter-million people in How much more incentive do productivity, and the cost of dia- of vegan meats, such as Beyond 190 countries pledged to go vegan you need? According to the United betes care exceeded $327 billion Burger and Beyond Sausage, have in January 2019. Nations Intergovernmental Panel in 2017 alone. been skyrocketing. Between April According to the Veganuary on Climate Change, more than Cardiologist Joel Kahn, one 2017 and July 2019, sales of ve- programme director in the United half of food-related greenhouse of the many health experts to en- gan food grew about 31 percent, to States, 46 percent of people signed gas emissions come from meat, dorse the Million Dollar Vegan ini- $4.5 billion. They’re estimated to up for health reasons, 34 percent eggs and dairy. If we want to com- tiative — a nonprofit, nonpartisan reach $6.5 billion by 2023. cited concerns about cruelty to bat climate change, alleviate world campaign that encourages world Don’t be left behind. If you animals and 12 percent were mo- hunger, conserve water and land leaders and other prominent fig- haven’t already gone vegan, it’s tivated by climate change. and help prevent a mass wildlife Scientists say that if we all went vegan, it could save the lives of ures to go vegan, at least for a never too late to start. Visit PETA. I’m hoping the figures will be extinction, we have to choose ve- up to 8 million humans (not to mention billions of animals), cut month — believes that going vegan org to pledge to go vegan for at even higher this year. It doesn’t gan foods. greenhouse gas emissions by two-thirds and prevent 1.5 trillion can prevent 80 percent of the dis- least 30 days. really matter which reason means It’s estimated that each vegan eases that are costing us so much the most to you as long as you ac- spares nearly 200 animals every dollars’ worth of climate-related damage by 2050 money and hurting our quality of (Heather Moore is a sen- tually go — and stay — vegan. Sci- year — and that’s just counting the life. ior writer for the PETA Foun- entists say that if we all went ve- animals who are killed and eaten, Animal agriculture is also the main of the recent fires in the Amazon I suspect that’s one of the rea- dation, 501 Front St, Norfolk, gan, it could save the lives of up to like chickens, cows, pigs and fish. cause of habitat loss, and many rainforest were likely set by ranch- sons why Million Dollar Vegan — VA 23510; www.PETA.org)
THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. Gulf / Middle East / Africa Wednesday, January 1, 2020 07
News Pro-Iran protesters attack US in brief 6 kidnapped children killed after families fail to pay ransoms in northern Ethiopia Addis ABABA: Six children who were kidnapped in northern embassy over deadly Iraq strikes Ethiopia have been shot dead by their captors after their families failed to come up with ransom money, a state-affiliated media outlet reported on Tuesday. US President accuses Iran of ‘orchestrating’ the attack and says it ‘will be held fully responsible’ Unidentified “bandits” abducted eight children near the Gondar zone of Amhara regional state on December 20 and AFP hibited by the security forces,” demanded that their families each pay ransom of 120,000 Ba ghdad Abdel Mahdi’s office said sever- Ethiopian birr (around $3,700), the Amhara Mass Media al hours after the attack began. Agency reported. “Failing to secure the ransom money, the Iraqi supporters of pro-Iran Following his statement, kidnappers tied the children with ropes in pairs and shot the factions attacked the US em- some of the crowd pulled back children on December 29,” the report said. bassy in Baghdad on Tuesday, but others set up tents, swear- One of the children managed to break free of the rope and breaching its outer wall and ing to pursue a sit-in. flee before the kidnappers had a chance to shoot him, while chanting “Death to America!” The demonstrators were another was found alive despite having been shot, it said. (AFP) in anger over weekend air protesting US air strikes that strikes that killed two dozen killed at least 25 fighters from a Angolan court freezes bank accounts of fighters. hardline Hashed faction known ex-president’s daughter It was the first time in as Kataeb Hezbollah (Hezbol- years protesters have been lah Brigades) on Sunday. Luanda: An Angolan court, acting in a graft investigation, has able to reach the US embassy, The rocket attacks have not frozen bank accounts held by Isabel dos Santos, the daugh- which is sheltered behind a se- been claimed but US security as- ter of former president Jose Eduardo dos Santos, the public ries of checkpoints in the high- sessments have largely blamed prosecutor said. security Green Zone. them on Kataeb Hezbollah. Fol- Dos Santos -- who has been nicknamed Africa’s wealthi- A stream of men in military lowing the deadly strikes, the est woman -- is being investigated with her husband Sindika fatigues, as well as some wom- Iraqi government announced Dokolo in a corruption affair involving more than a billion dol- en, marched through those three days of mourning while lars (euros), it said in a statement issued late on Monday. checkpoints to the embassy Kataeb Hezbollah and other The probe is looking at alleged irregularities involving state walls with no apparent reac- pro-Iran factions in the Hashed companies, including the oil giant Sonangol which Isabel dos tion from Iraqi security forces. demanded the “withdrawal of Santos used to run, and a diamond-marketing firm, Sodiam. US President Donald the American enemy”. A tribunal in the capital Luanda, in a decision issued on Trump in a Twitter message Protesters echoed those December 23, ordered bank accounts held by the couple to be accused Iran of “orchestrat- calls on Tuesday, carrying frozen. Their holdings in several Angolan companies, including ing” the attack and said it “will Iraqi protesters wave a national flag in front of the outer wall of the US embassy in Baghdad’s Green posters reading: “Parliament the telecoms firmU nitel and cement company Cimangola, have be held fully responsible”, but Zone during an angry demonstration to denounce US air strikes that killed Iran-backed fighters in Iraq, on should oust US troops, or else also been frozen, the statement said. (AFP) he also said he expected Iraq Tuesday. (AFP) we will.” Others carried ban- “to use its forces to protect the ners with Trump’s face crossed Congo’s veteran president set to run embassy”. out. They scrawled “No to anew in 2021 The demonstrators waved US embassy personnel in Baghdad safe, no evacuation planned America!” and “Soleimani is flags in support of the Hashed my commander” on the embas- Brazzaville: Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso al-Shaabi, a mostly Shiite net- Washington: US personnel at the American embassy in Baghdad, which has come under attack by sy walls, referring to a leading has been chosen by his party to run again for the top job in work of Iraqi armed groups pro-Iran protesters, are safe and there are no plans to evacuate, the State Department said on Tuesday. commander in Iran’s Revolu- 2021, having already led the central African country for a total that has received training and “Our first priority is the safety and security of US personnel,” a State Department spokesperson tionary Guards Corps and Teh- of 35 years. weapons from powerful neigh- said in a statement. “US personnel are secure and there has been no breach,” the spokesperson ran’s pointman for Iraq, Major During its congress in Brazzaville overnight Monday, his bour Iran. They threw rocks said. “There are no plans to evacuate Embassy Baghdad.” General Qasem Soleimani. Congolese Party of Labour (PCT) unanimously named Sessou and wrenched security camer- The US ambassador to Iraq, Matt Tueller, who had been away on “personal travel,” was returning Among those at the pro- Nguesso, 76, as its candidate for president. as off the walls, ignoring calls to the embassy, the spokesperson added. tests were Iraq’s National Se- His re-election in 2016 sparked violence in a country over megaphones to leave the Defense Secretary Mark Esper said that the Pentagon is deploying extra troops to Baghdad to curity Adviser Faleh al-Fayy- where most of the five million people live below the poverty embassy compound. provide security for the US embassy after the attack by pro-Iran protesters angered by US airstrikes adh -- who is also the head of line despite huge oil reserves. In response, US guards over the weekend on Iranian-backed paramilitary forces. (AFP) the Hashed -- and other top “We said the choice of Denis Sassou Nguesso is an inevi- fired an initial volley of bul- Hashed officials. table choice,” top ally Leonidas Mottom told AFP. lets, then switched to tear gas Some Hashed figures drew “It’s the choice of change in continuity, it’s the choice of and flash bang stun grenades 62 people were wounded. the crowds that had stormed “We recall that any aggres- parallels between Tuesday’s at- stability and the choice of peace,” said Mottom, the party’s to disperse the crowd. Caretaker prime minister the US embassy should leave sion or harassment of foreign tack and the hostage crisis at the deputy leader. (AFP) The Hashed said at least Adel Abdel Mahdi said that the compound “immediately”. embassies will be firmly pro- US embassy in Tehran in 1979.
Oman says Sultan Syria death toll for 2019 Qaboos in ‘stable condition’ after lowest in civil war: Monitor medical treatment FREE BIKE AFP alone killed around 1,000 civilians Amman: Oman’s Sultan Qaboos is Beirut in the region of some three million in a stable condition, the state-run RECALL people where rebels are also present. Oman News Agency reported on Syria’s nearly nine-year-old con- And to the east, Turkey and its Tuesday, following rumours about flict which has cost more than Syrian proxies in October launched the 79-year-old ruler’s health. 370,000 lives recorded its lowest a cross-border incursion into Syrian This is the first official com- annual death toll in 2019, a war territory to expel Kurdish fighters ment from Oman since Qaboos monitor said on Tuesday. they view as “terrorists”. made a short trip to Belgium for A total of 11,215 fighters and ci- The Observatory relies on a vast medical reasons earlier this month. vilians were killed in the past year, network of sources across Syria to “His Majesty the Sultan is in the Syrian Observatory for Human document the war that broke out af- a stable condition ... and follows Rights said. Of those, 3,473 were ci- ter the brutal repression of nation- the prescribed treatment,” the vilians including 1,021 children, the wide anti-regime protests in 2011. agency reported, quoting a state- Britain-based monitor said. The Damascus regime has since ment by the royal court. Fighting has raged on three major 2015 regained large swathes of the Since his return to Muscat, fronts in Syria during the past year. country from rebels and jihadists speculation swirled about his In March, US-backed Kurdish with Russian military backing. health and many people took forces expelled IS jihadists from their The death toll for 2017 stood at to Twitter to praise and pray for last patch of territory in the country’s more than 33,000, but dropped to the sultan. Qaboos has ruled far east near the Iraqi border. just above 19,600 people the follow- the Gulf state since deposing Over the summer and in recent ing year. The bloodiest year of the his father in a bloodless coup in weeks, regime forces upped their conflict was in 2014, when around 1970 and he has been credited military campaign against the jihad- 76,000 people lost their lives. with transforming Oman into a ist-run region of Idlib in the north- That year saw the rise of IS modern country and an influential west of the country. across large swathes of the country regional player. (DPA) The violence over the summer and in neighbouring Iraq. Arab League opposes ‘interference in Libya’ after Turkey accords AFP BMW Cairo
The Arab League called on Tues- K1600 Bagger, and K1600 GTL day for efforts to “prevent foreign interference” in Libya in the wake of Manufacturing military and maritime agreements Year 2017 - 2018 signed by Turkey with the UN-rec- ognised government in Tripoli. Permanent representatives of the pan-Arab organisation, in a Possible defect in the transmission DEFECT meeting at its Cairo headquarters requested by Egypt, passed a reso- Arab League’s permanent representatives meet at its headquarters in the lution “stressing the necessity to Egyptian capital Cairo to discuss developments in Libya and the possibility of an prevent interference that could con- escalation there, on Tuesday. (AFP) Contact the dealer for the free required repair tribute to facilitating the arrival of PROCESS foreign extremists in Libya”. Libya has been mired in con- in parliament on deploying troops They also expressed “serious flict since a NATO-backed uprising in support of the GNA which is concern over the military escalation in 2011 toppled and killed dictator battling forces of eastern military Alfardan Motorcycles further aggravating the situation in Moamer Qadhafi, with rival admin- strongman Khalifa Haftar, who is CONTACT Phone: 44208666 - 44208700 Libya and which threatens the se- istrations in the east and the west backed by Egypt, the United Arab curity and stability of neighbouring vying for power. Emirates and Russia. countries and the entire region”. In November, Ankara signed a Egypt, in a letter sent to the UN On Monday, the UN’s Libya en- security and military cooperation last week, said it considers the An- For any consumer protection issues please contact us on the hotline 16001 voy, Ghassan Salame, said the deals deal and also inked a maritime ju- kara-Tripoli agreements “void and signed by Turkey and the Tripoli risdiction agreement with the Gov- without legal effect”, adding that for- government represented an “esca- ernment of National Accord (GNA) eign military involvement in Libya lation” of the conflict wracking the based in the capital. In addition, amounted to a violation of a UN arms North African country. Turkey is preparing to hold a vote embargo in force since the uprising. 08 Wednesday, January 1, 2020 UK / Europe / US
Texas gun laws saved lives in church attack: Trump US presidential hopeful Sanders gets US 2020 hopeful clean bill of health after heart attack Bloomberg promises ‘open office’ White House AFP among the most permissible. AFP and physical stamina to fully Houston The United States has lived Washington undertake the rigors of the Washington: After a Donald through a sharp rise in mass presidency,” LeWinter said. Trump White House riddled US President Donald Trump It was over in 6 seconds shootings in recent years, Democratic presiden- Two other specialists at with intrigue, US presidential on Monday said gun laws in thanks to the brave alarming the public and trig- tial hopeful Bernie Sanders the University of Vermont hopeful Michael Bloomberg on the state of Texas saved lives parishioners who acted to gering new debate on how to has fully recovered from the said Sanders had undergone Monday said he’d do business when a church security of- protect 242 fellow control this epidemic of vio- heart attack he suffered three a cardiopulmonary treadmill in an “open office” if he wins ficer shot dead a gunman who lence. Democrats demanded months ago and is in good test earlier this month. the 2020 election. killed two during a service. worshippers. Lives were at the fall session of Congress health, his doctors said in let- “Compared to otherwise On Twitter, Bloomberg said The Sunday shooting at saved by these heroes, and that Trump and his Repub- ters released on Monday. healthy men with no known he would turn the ceremonial a church service in the Fort Texas laws allowing them to licans take action to restrict Martin LeWinter, a car- heart disease, his exercise ca- East Room of the White House Worth Suburb of White Settle- carry arms! guns. diologist at the University of pacity is average for a man his “into an open office plan, ment was the latest attack on Senate Majority Leader Vermont, said the 78-year-old age,” they said. where I’ll sit with our team.” a house of worship in the US. US President Donald Trump Mitch McConnell said he senator from Vermont has “Mr Sanders is more than As for the Oval Office, which “It was over in 6 seconds would only bring a gun bill to made an “uneventful recov- fit enough to pursue vigorous is traditionally the president’s thanks to the brave parishion- reporters he returned fire in- ary and that’s when I was able the floor if it had presidential ery” from the heart attack he activities and an occupation formal workspace, Bloomberg ers who acted to protect 242 side West Freeway Church of to engage him, and I fired one backing, but Trump has given suffered in Las Vegas on Oct 1. that requires stamina and an added: “I’ll use the Oval Office fellow worshippers. Lives were Christ after the gunman had round,” Wilson said. no clear preference. “At this point, I see no rea- ability to handle a great deal for some official functions saved by these heroes, and already shot the two parish- Police had said “a couple” of The Dallas Morning News son he cannot continue cam- of stress,” said Philip Ades, -- never for tweeting -- but the Texas laws allowing them to ioners. church members returned fire. reported that the church at- paigning without limitation director of cardiac rehabilita- rest of the time, I’ll be where carry arms!” Trump tweeted. “After he shot Richard and In a country where critics tacker, Keith Thomas Kin- and, should he be elected, I am tion at the University of Ver- a leader should be: with the Jack Wilson, a volunteer Tony, he went and started to- say guns are too readily avail- nunen, 43, had a history of as- confident he has the mental mont Medical Center. team.” (AFP) church security member, told ward the front of the sanctu- able, the laws in Texas are sault and other charges.
News Outrage as France strike in brief Microsoft seizes web domains used by North Korean hackers Washington: Microsoft said on Monday it obtained a court order allowing it to seize web domains used by North Korean stretches into new year hacking groups to launch cyberattacks on human rights activ- ists, researchers and others. The US technology giant said a federal court allowed it to Arriving by train was extremely difficult for tourists this year due to the large number of cancelled trains take control of 50 domains operated by a group dubbed Thal- lium. “This network was used to target victims and compromise DPA their online accounts, infect computers, compromise the security Paris of their networks and steal sensitive information,” said Tom Burt, Microsoft’s vice president for customer security and trust. (AFP) Local and long-distance transport was extremely dis- rupted on New Year’s Eve in Germany shuts Mexico arrests France because of the ongoing down Philippsburg seven suspects in strike against a planned pen- nuclear plant Mormon massacre sion reform. In the capital Paris numer- Philippsburg: Operators Mexico City: Mexican ous metro lines were running are shutting down the nuclear authorities have arrested only to a limited extent on power plant Philippsburg in seven suspects in connection Tuesday, while two remained south-western Germany as with last month’s massacre completely closed. part of the country’s move of nine Mormon women and A video showing how the away from nuclear energy. children in the country’s female driver of a metro train After 35 years of opera- north, the attorney general’s was insulted and attacked by tion, Block 2 of the Philipps- office said. strikers is causing outrage in burg station is to be perma- A local police chief France. nently turned off Tuesday suspected of links to organ- The incident reportedly oc- at 7 pm (1800 GMT), only ised crime was among those curred on Monday in a metro hours ahead of the midnight taken into custody, according station in the south of the city. deadline on December 31 to local media. Images showed the woman that was stipulated as part of The victims had dual US- walking to her morning shift Germany’s nuclear phase-out. Mexican nationality and were on the platform as numerous Neckarwestheim 2, the shot dead on a rural road in a people followed, shouting and only other nuclear plant in the lawless region known for turf harassing her. region, must be shut down by wars between drug cartels “Yesterday morning the the end of 2022. fighting over lucrative traffick- train driver of a metro was Philippsburg 2 has so far ing routes to the US. Inves- intimidated by strikers when covered one-sixth of the elec- tigators believe the cartel she started work. This is not tricity demand in the state of mistook the families for mem- acceptable. An internal inves- Baden-Wuerttemberg. (DPA) bers of a rival gang. (AFP) tigation has been opened,” the Parisian transport company RATP tweeted. Hundreds of thousands Captain, seven crew abducted from are expected every year for the Greek oil tanker in Cameroon port New Year’s Eve celebrations Musicians of the Paris Opera play during an ongoing strike against the French government’s plan to overhaul the country’s retirement system, on the boulevard Champs-Ely- outside the Opera Bastille in Paris, on Tuesday. (AFP) Douala: Armed men staged a night raid on a Greek oil tanker sees, but arriving by train was anchored in a Cameroonian port and abducted eight crewmen, extremely difficult for tourists including the vessel’s Greek captain, the merchant marine minis- this year due to the large num- Paris Opera musicians chime in with strike concert try and the ship’s owner said on Tuesday. ber of cancelled trains. The five Greeks, two Filipinos and a Ukrainian were part of a On New Year’s Eve, the Paris Opera musicians on Tuesday gave a symphonic show of support for the grinding transport strike over the French government’s 28-member crew aboard the Happy Lady in the port of Limbe, near two fully automated metro pension overhaul. The orchestra musicians set up on sunlit steps outside the Bastille Opera to play for several hundred passers-by, the economic capital Douala, the ministry said in a statement. lines in Paris are scheduled to many capturing the concert on cellphone cameras as cars clogged the nearby roundabout. It chimed in with the protests that have led Cameroonian authorities did not confirm the attack, the third run until around 2 am. Addi- to a crippling transport strike that has greeted President Emmanuel Macron’s reform, which would also remove the opera employees’ such incident in a month, of which two targeted Greek vessels. tional buses have been put on right to early retirement. However, a port source did confirm it, adding that an investiga- to bring the celebrants home “We still refuse to participate in any parody of negotiations,” a musician told the crowd before the start of the concert. tion was under way. The source noted that Limbe, which is close safely. Travel by metro, bus The repertory included classics like ‘The Damnation of Faust’ by Hector Berlioz and ‘The Dance of the Knights’ from the Romeo and to a naval base, had until now been spared abductions in the and tram is free every year on Juliet by Sergei Prokofiev, and ended with a rousing rendition of the ‘La Marseillaise’, France’s national anthem. Gulf of Guinea region which is a regular target for sea piracy. New Year’s Eve in Paris. “We refuse to be the gravediggers of our own retirement system,” the musicians said in their message. “An armed group boarded the tanker and ordered eight crew There are massive security On Christmas Eve, dancers in white tutus performed from ‘Swan Lake’ on the steps of the Garnier Opera, in scenes that quickly members including the 45-year-old captain to disembark,” a rep- measures in place across the went viral on social media. (AFP) resentative of owner Eastern Mediterranean Athens said. (AFP) city again this year.
New British Putin and Zelensky Prince William unveils prize for climate innovation govt raises minimum wage discuss Ukraine truce AFP great things. London “The next 10 years present LONDON: Britain’s minimum us with one of our greatest wage is to increase by more in new year’s call Prince William on Tuesday tests -- a decade of action to than four times the rate of announced what was described repair the Earth,” he said. UK inflation from next year, DPA weekend, one of the measures as “the most prestigious envi- The award, which will be Prime Minister Boris John- Moscow agreed to at the Paris meeting. ronment prize in history” to launched later next year and son’s government announced The Ukrainian president’s encourage new solutions to be bestowed from 2021, is on Tuesday. Russian President Vladimir office on Tuesday did not tackling climate change. open to individuals as well A 6.2-percent increase Putin and his Ukrainian coun- give a new date for the lay- The Earthshot Prize will be as to communities and busi- from April takes the so-called terpart Volodymyr Zelensky ex- ing down of weapons, saying awarded to five people every nesses. It has the backing of national living wage for work- pressed hope that a full cease- only that Putin and Zelensky year over the next decade, and conservation campaigners, ers aged 25 and over from fire could soon be implemented had agreed it should happen aims to provide at least 50 an- groups and scientists, includ- £8.21 to a minimum £8.72 in eastern Ukraine, Zelensky’s “in the near future.” Zelensky swers to some of the greatest ing the veteran British natural ($10.79 to $11.52, 9.63 office said on Tuesday. has reached out to Putin since problems facing the planet by history broadcaster David At- euros to 10.27 euros). The leaders exchanged his election in early 2019 and 2030. tenborough. Johnson, whose Con- new year’s greetings during recent months have seen sev- They include promoting The Earthshot Prize will be awarded to five people every year “The spirit of the Moon- servative party’s recent their phone call, a conversa- eral confidence-building steps new ways of addressing cli- over the next decade, and aims to provide at least 50 answers shot can guide us today as we general election victory came tion that is seen as another including troop pullbacks mate change and issues sur- to some of the greatest problems facing the planet by 2030 confront the serious challeng- with support from economi- sign of a relaxation in ten- and exchanges of prisoners. rounding energy, nature and es we face on Earth,” Atten- cally struggling pro-Brexit sions between the two nations Ukraine and Russia have also biodiversity, the oceans, air Queen Elizabeth II and second beings and our continual abil- borough said in a film to mark areas, said it was the biggest since an international summit signed a new gas transit deal. pollution and fresh water. in line to the throne after his ity to lead, innovate and prob- the launch. increase since 2016. in Paris three weeks ago that The rebellion in eastern The prize, inspired by US father Prince Charles, said the lem-solve. “This year Prince William The new government sought to bring an end to the Ukraine erupted after Kiev’s president John F Kennedy’s Earth was “at a tipping point” “Remember the awe-in- and a global alliance launch the said almost three million long-running conflict. pro-Russian president was ambitious ‘Moonshot’ lunar and faced a “stark choice”. spiring civilisations that we most prestigious environment people would benefit from the The Ukrainian government ousted in a 2014 political pivot programme in the 1960s, “Either we continue as we have built, the life-saving tech- prize in history... designed to increase. and pro-Russian separatists towards the West and away promises “a significant finan- are and irreparably damage nology we have created, the motivate and inspire a new gen- UK annual inflation stands fighting in eastern Ukraine from Russia’s traditional cial award”, a statement said. our planet or we remember fact that we have put a man on eration of thinkers, leaders and at 1.5 percent. (AFP) completed a prisoner swap last sphere of influence. William, a grandson of our unique power as human the moon. People can achieve dreamers to think differently.” Huawei says ‘survival’ top priority as 2019 sales fall short page 11
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
28,409.27 10,425.51 41,253.74 1,525.50 -235.99 pts -24.49 pts -304.26 pts Gold +0.45% Global stocks slip in year’s final Dow QE sensex session, post huge gains page 10 Price percentage Price percentage 17.98 Brent 66.40 -0.41% WTI 61.57 -0.18% Silver -0.14% Foreign buying spree helps QSE end 2019 on a high The Qatar Stock Exchange gains for the second year in a row as foreign funds buy Qatari equities worth $1.4 billion in 2019
Satyendra Pathak by industrials sector, which Doha accounted for 22.89 percent. The Consumer Goods and Ser- Foreign institutions bought vices sector ranked third, ac- Qatari equities worth more counting for 12.59 percent. than $1.4 billion on a net basis Qatar National Bank in 2019 helping Qatari stocks Foreign trumps local (QNB) led trading value dur- gain for the second year in a ing the year, accounting for row. The year saw foreign investors 17.98 percent of the total trad- The Qatar Stock Exchange buy more than Qatari ing value, followed by Qatar (QSE), which was the best per- investors. Foreign investors Fuel, which accounted for 7.93 forming stock market in the accounted for 52.8 percent of percent. The Mesaieed Petro- region in 2018, carried its pos- the total buy witnessed by the chemical Holding Company itive momentum to close 2019 exchange in 2019. While the (MPHC) ranked third, ac- with a gain of 1.23 percent. local investors accounted for counting for 7.21 percent. The QSE main index 47.2 percent of the total buy, The year saw the market gained 126.50 points, or 1.23 Qatari individual investors capitalisation of the exchange percent, during the year to accounted for 26.99 percent fall by 1.01 percent to reach QR close at 10,425.51 points on and Qatari institutional 582.74 billion as compared to Tuesday. QR588.71 billion at the end of Foreign investors account- investors accounted for 20.9 the previous year. ed for 52.8 percent of the total percent Three of the seven sec- buy witnessed by the exchange tor indices made gains during in 2019, according to yearly the real estate accounting for the year with consumer goods data released by QSE on Tues- 17.09 percent. and services sectors leading day. The QSE main index gained 126.50 points, or 1.23 percent, during the year to close at 10,425.51 points on Tuesday. The value of trading during the gainers with an increase of Providing further details, the year, however, decreased 28.04 percent. the QSE data showed that for- vestors accounted for 47.2 percent to reach 11.4 billion by the industrial sector, which transactions in 2018. by 1.16 percent to reach QR The transportation sector, eign institutional investors ac- percent of the total buy, Qa- shares in 2019 as against 2.28 accounted for 25.15 percent. The industrial sector led 67.7 billion in 2019 compared which gained 24.08 percent, counted for 42.6 percent of the tari individual investors ac- billion shares in the previous The real estate sector ranked trading number of transac- to QR68.5 billion in the previ- was the second-best per- total buy, while foreign indi- counted for 26.99 percent and year. third, accounting for 19.96 tions during the year, account- ous year. forming sector index for the vidual investors accounted for Qatari institutional investors The banks and financial percent. ing for 30.33 percent of the The banks and financial year. The banks and financial 10.28 percent of the total buy. accounted for 20.9 percent. services sector led trading vol- The market participants total number of transactions, services sector led trading val- services sector also made a The year saw foreign in- According to QSE, trad- ume during the year, account- made 1.5 million transactions followed by banks and finan- ue during the year, account- double-digit growth of 10.16 vestors buy more than Qatari ing volume during the year ing for 33.57 percent of the all over the year, an increase of cial services sector, which ac- ing for 41.65 percent of the percent to lift the main index investors. While the local in- increased a whopping 399.39 total trading volume, followed 46.6 percent from 1.04 million counted for 27.73 percent and total trading value, followed higher.
‘The banks don’t care’: Bailed tycoon Ghosn flees to Lebanon from ‘rigged’ Japan Lebanese AFP conditions far removed from his Beirut How did he flee from Japan? sometimes extravagant lifestyle. He eventually won bail, strid- scream for Former Nissan chief Carlos ● Carlos Ghosn reportedly fled house arrest in Japan in a musical instrument case, in an audacious Hollywood ing out of the detention centre Ghosn said Tuesday he had fled movie-style escape masterminded by his wife, Carole, with the assistance of a Gregorian music band and a disguised in a workman’s uniform their dollars to Lebanon to escape injustice in team of ex-special forces officers. complete with mask and cap in an Japan, where he was on bail await- apparent bid to fool the world’s AFP ing trial on financial misconduct ● The escape began when the band arrived at his home in Tokyo, where Ghosn has been held under house arrest media camped outside. Beirut charges. Then one morning in April, he The auto tycoon’s abrupt de- ● At the end of the performance, as the musicians packed up their instruments, Ghosn apparently slipped into was rearrested on another set of A grinding liquidity crunch parture was the latest twist in a one of the larger cases and was taken to a small local airport. charges just days before he was has hit Lebanon, where un- rollercoaster journey that saw him ● A private plane was waiting to whisk the former corporate titan to Istanbul, Turkey. From there he appears to due to give a hotly anticipated precedented protests since fall from boardroom to detention news conference. October 17 have railed against centre and sparked questions over have boarded a private jet for a flight to Lebanon, where he arrived before dawn on Monday. He released a video apparently the political class and a deep- an embarrassing security lapse in pre-recorded in which he accused ening economic crisis. Japan. “backstabbing” Nissan executives Since September, banks In a statement, the 65-year- source told AFP. broadcaster NHK cited a foreign said the news had come as a of a “conspiracy”. have restricted the amount of old said he would “no longer be Lebanese media reported ministry official as saying: “He “shock” and called for “swift and Later that month, he was re- dollars that can be withdrawn held hostage by a rigged Japanese Ghosn had flown by private plane was not supposed to leave the effective” improvements. leased again on bail -- this time or transferred abroad. justice system, where guilt is pre- from Turkey to Lebanon, where country. Had we known about it France said it was unaware of leaving in a business suit -- and he Although no formal policy sumed, discrimination is rampant, his parents were born and where beforehand, we would have re- Ghosn’s plans to flee and had no had been in Tokyo ever since pre- is in place, most have arbi- and basic human rights are de- he spent most of his childhood af- ported that to proper law enforce- information about the circum- paring for his trial in “combative” trarily capped withdrawals at nied”. ter arriving there as a toddler. ment authorities.” stances. mood, according to his lawyers. around $1,000 a month, while “I have not fled justice -- I have A source in the Lebanese presi- The Japanese government “As Mr Ghosn is a citizen, He stands accused of two others have imposed tighter escaped injustice and political per- dency said Ghosn had entered the has not commented publicly on like anyone else he is not above counts of under-reporting his sal- restrictions. secution,” said Ghosn, who vowed country with a French passport Ghosn’s flight. the law,” the state secretary at ary to the tune of 9.23 billion yen With ordinary depositors to communicate “freely” with the and his Lebanese identity card. But Taichiro Motoe, a lawmak- France’s economy and finance ($85 million) from 2010 to 2018, bearing the brunt of these media “starting next week”. “He is in Lebanon in his house er from Japanese ministry, Agnes Pannier-Runach- deferring some of his pay and fail- measures, bank branches have It was not clear how he man- with his wife,” a family friend told Prime Minister er, told France Inter radio. ing to declare this to shareholders. transformed into arenas of aged to leave Japan, as his bail AFP. “He is very happy. He is Shinzo Abe’s Lebanon’s MTV television re- Prosecutors also allege he at- conflict. conditions barred him from exit- free.” ruling Lib- ported that Ghosn was smuggled tempted to get Nissan to cover Fistfights, shouting and ing the country he had been held - ‘Dumbfounded’ -Many eral Demo- to the airport in Japan in a musi- around 1.85 billion yen in personal tears abound, as cash-hungry in since his sudden arrest in No- Lebanese view Ghosn as a crat Party cal instrument case belonging to a foreign exchange losses during the clients haggle tellers to release vember 2018 sent shockwaves symbol of their country’s large (LDP), band who had been booked to per- 2008 financial crisis. money trapped under infor- through the business world. diaspora and a prime example form on New Year’s Eve. The fourth charge against him mal capital controls. He and his lawyers have re- of Lebanese entrepreneurial But a member of his entourage is that he allegedly transferred Security personnel pace peatedly voiced fears over the im- genius and were shocked by his denied the report. millions from Nissan funds to a nervously, eying angry cus- possibility of a fair trial in Japan arrest. - ‘Conspiracy’ dealership in Oman, from which tomers. and have called for the case to be But in Tokyo, the unexpected -Ghosn’s sud- the executive supposedly skimmed Large crowds form near thrown out, citing missteps by the turn of events sparked questions den depar- off $5 million for his personal use. the ATMs outside until the prosecutors’ office. about how he gave authorities the ture was He has consistently denied all machines suddenly stop dis- Lebanon said the fallen car slip. nearly as charges against him, saying they pensing cash. mogul had entered the country “le- His Japanese lawyer Ju- dramatic as are a “plot” by Nissan executives to “I have seen a woman beg- gally” at dawn on Monday. nichiro Hironaka said his arrest at get rid of him because they feared ging -- literally begging the “There are no measures that he was “dumb- a Tokyo air- he was moving the Japanese firm bank employee -- and going on warrant taking steps against him founded” by the port. to a closer tie-up with Renault. the floor and kissing it, asking or prosecuting him,” the country’s news and con- Prosecutors In the meantime, Ghosn has for her money,” said Khaled General Security apparatus said in firmed that law- stormed his pri- lost the business empire he was Taki, a 68-year-old consultant a statement. yers were still vate jet and whisked once lauded for creating. Sacked whose bank last week refused Ghosn cannot be sent back to in possession him off to a Tokyo de- from Nissan and Mitsubishi Mo- to hand him any dollars from Japan because there is no extradi- of Ghosn’s Carlos Ghosn tention centre where tors, he resigned from Renault his account. tion agreement between the two passports. he spent more than -- the third firm in the uneasy car But “the banks don’t care,” countries, a Lebanese judicial Public 100 days in spartan alliance he forged. he said. 10 Wednesday, January 1, 2020 Economy & Business MIXED YEAR FOR WORLD STOCKS MARKET US-China ‘Phase One’ trade deal to be signed on Jan 15: Trump
AFP In 2017, before the US-Chi- Washington na trade war was unleashed, the United States exported A partial new US-China trade some $130 billion in goods to agreement will be signed in the Asian giant. the middle of next month, US Peter Navarro, White President Donald Trump said House director of trade and Tuesday, announcing that he manufacturing policy, told will also then travel to China for CNBC on Tuesday that the continued talks. Phase One agreement was only Trump’s tweet, sent mo- one plank in the Trump trade ments before Wall Street agenda, which encompasses opened for the year’s final trad- other newly negotiated agree- ing day, set a calendar date for ments in North America and an event that had hung in un- Asia. certainty in recent weeks as de- “Next year... we’re going to tails remained scant. try to get something going with Washington and Beijing Great Britain, Vietnam, Europe earlier this month announced a “Phase One” trade deal, de- escalating their nearly two-year trade war as Trump reduced or cancelled some tariffs while Beijing promised to adopt trade reforms and buy more US farm exports. “I will be signing our very File photo of traders at the New York Stock Exchange in New York. (AFP) large and comprehensive Phase One Trade Deal with China on January 15,” Trump tweeted moments before Wall Street was due to open. “The ceremony will take File photo of US President Don- Global stocks slip in year’s final place at the White House. High ald Trump with China’s President level representatives of China Xi Jinping. (AFP) will be present.” US and Chinese officials have said the agreement in- Trump said on Tuesday he session, post huge annual gains cludes protections for intellec- will travel to Beijing to con- tual property, food and farm “While market volumes telling Fox News the signing Key figures around 1545 goods, financial services and tinue negotiations ‘at a European key markets showed increases are predictably light, inves- could occur “within a week or GMT foreign exchange, and a provi- later date’ – showing will- of 25 percent or more over the year tors continue to strike a year- two”. London - FTSE 100: sion for dispute resolution. ingness to pursue talks that end cautionary tone as De- “The P1 (phase one) deal DOWN 0.6 percent at Under the new deal, China have acrimoniously broken cember optimism is gradually is still ‘skinny’ relative to a full 7,542.44 points (close) has committed to a minimum down more than once AFP a dent in the year’s overall giving way to 2020’s uncer- trade de-escalation scenario,” Paris - CAC 40: DOWN 0.1 of $200 billion in increased London gains standing at 22 percent tainty,” Stephen Innes, chief cautioned AxiTrader’s Innes. percent at 5,978.06 (close) purchases over the next two for the Dow Jones, 29 percent Asia market strategist at Axi- “Investors will then press New York - Dow: DOWN years from US manufacturers, and anybody else who wants The world’s stock markets for the S&P 500 and a whop- Trader, said in a client note. to consider the P2 risks, after less than 0.1 percent at farmers, energy producers and to fairly trade with the United ended 2019 with a quietly soft- ping 35 percent for the Nas- Asian investors were also all -- how much more progress 28,454.40 service providers, according to States,” he said. er tone on Tuesday, but trad- daq. watching for key policy an- can be realistically expected Hong Kong - Hang US Trade Representative Rob- Nevertheless, some econo- ers were still able to look back “It has been a year for ral- nouncements early in the ahead of the US elections next Seng: DOWN 0.5 percent at ert Lighthizer. mists and trade experts say on a highly profitable year for lies in equities,” said Chris New Year. year?” 28,189.75 (close) Trump said on Tuesday he Phase One was largely a victory equity investors. Beauchamp, chief market North Korean leader Kim Elsewhere on Tuesday, oil New York - Dow: DOWN will travel to Beijing to continue for Beijing. European key markets analyst at IG trading group. Jong Un is set to give his New prices slid despite reports Iran 0.6 percent at 28,462.14 negotiations “at a later date” -- Scott Paul, president of the showed increases of 25 per- “We endured plenty of Year’s speech on Wednes- had seized a vessel suspected (close) showing willingness to pursue Alliance for American Manu- cent or more over the year, Brexit and trade war head- day, with all eyes on nuclear- of smuggling fuel near the Pound/dollar: UP at talks that have acrimoniously facturing, which has largely fa- partly thanks to late surges on lines in 2019, but these will armed Pyongyang’s threat of Strait of Hormuz -- a choke- $1.3205 from $1.3113 at 2200 broken down more than once. vored Trump’s aggressive trade receding recession fears and go with us into next year, a “new way” after its end-of- point for a third of the world’s GMT Word of the truce has posture with China, said agree- easing China-US trade war ensuring more volatility for year deadline for sanctions seaborne oil. Euro/pound: DOWN driven a Wall Street rally this ing to remove tariffs amounted tensions. traders and investors.” relief from the US, analysts Over the year, the price of at 85.00 pence from 85.40 month, but US stocks were edg- to “giving away much of our Brexit-hit London, how- Asian stock markets also said. Brent North Sea crude jumped pence ing lower toward midday on leverage, while kicking the can ever, trailed its peers with a closed mainly lower on Tues- An address by China’s by almost one quarter and Euro/dollar: UP at Tuesday. down the road on the most 12 percent annual rise, less day, with Hong Kong ending Xi Jinping will be followed New York benchmark con- $1.1268 from $1.1199 The two economic powers meaningful trade issues with than half the percentage in- a half-day of trading almost closely by the markets as well. tract WTI soared more than Dollar/yen: DOWN at have been locked in a bruising China.” crease managed by Paris, 0.5 percent down, although On Monday, media re- one third in value, helped by a 108.59 from 108.88 yen trade war since the first half of The truce also offers Chi- Frankfurt and Milan. the bourse rallied more than ports said the US and China tighter supply situation. Brent Crude: DOWN 1.4 2018 that has roiled the global nese President Xi Jinping On Wall Street all main seven percent in December. would shortly sign a partial The pound finished a vola- percent at $65.76 per barrel economy and helped send the breathing space as he faces a indices opened lower, but Tokyo was shut for a public trade deal, with White House tile year with gains Tuesday West Texas Intermediate: manufacturing sector into de- slowing economy and political the weaker tone hardly made holiday. economic aide Peter Navarro against the dollar and euro. DOWN 1.6 percent at $60.68 cline. trouble in Hong Kong. Facebook fined $1.65 million by Brazil US consumer confidence
have been victims of data mis- not adequately inform its us- dips slightly in December In July, US regulators imposed a record use. ers “about the consequences of $5 billion fine on Facebook for not Facebook estimated in the default privacy settings”, AFP monthly report, said the num- 2018 that data from 87 million especially in relation to the Washington bers reflected a belief that the protecting the personal data of its users users were shared with Cam- data of “friends and friends of economy’s expansion could lose bridge Analytica. friends.” US consumers were a little steam at the start of next year. AFP according to the Ministry of 87 mn users But on Monday it said in a Facebook has 10 days to less confident in December, “While the economy hasn’t Brasília Justice. statement that there was “no appeal the decision and one as hopes for jobs and wages shown signs of further weak- That application -- a psy- data stolen evidence user data in Brazil month to pay the fine, accord- dimmed slightly, survey data ening, there is little to suggest Brazil on Monday fined Fa- chological survey -- collected Facebook estimated in 2018 was transferred to Cambridge ing to the Brazilian govern- showed on Tuesday. that growth, and in particular cebook $1.65 million for im- personal data from millions Analytica” and that it was ment. Overall, consumer confi- consumer spending, will gain properly sharing users’ data of Facebook users worldwide, that data from 87 million looking at its legal options in In July, US regulators im- dence remained at solid levels, momentum in early 2020,” she in a case linked to the global which were then transferred users were shared with this case. posed a record $5 billion fine but the unexpected dip hit dur- said in a statement. Cambridge Analytica scandal. to British consultancy Cam- Cambridge Analytica “We have made changes on Facebook for not protecting ing the crucial holiday shopping The closely-watched Con- Facebook engaged in an bridge Analytica and used to our platform and restricted the personal data of its users. period. Consumer spending is a sumer Confidence Index fell “abusive practice” by allowing without consent in political the information accessible to Britain and Italy are mainstay of the world’s largest marginally to a reading of 126.5, data from 443,000 users in campaigns, such as the one tial election. app developers,” a Facebook among countries which also economy. retreating from an upwardly Brazil to be unduly available that gave Brexit a victory in Brazilian authorities began spokesperson said. fined Facebook in connection Lynn Franco, head of eco- revised 126.8 November level to developers of the applica- Britain and Donald Trump a investigating after reports that Brazil’s Ministry of Justice with the Cambridge Analytica nomic indicators at the Confer- and falling short of economists’ tion “This is Your Digital Life,” win in the 2016 US presiden- users in the country could also maintains that Facebook did scandal. ence Board, which produces the expectations. Uber, Postmates sue California over gig-economy labour law AFP tain conditions -- independ- the lawsuit filed on Monday. Californian law, to replace the the lawsuit said. of vehicles from local car rent- San Francisco ent contractors are classified Uber warned earlier this California is one of Uber’s legislation with a compromise California is one of Uber’s al companies in the country -- as employees and granted the year that it would oppose any key markets, with around on social rights that has been key markets, with around nine must have a rental car licence Ride-hailing giant Uber minimum salary and health change of status for its drivers, nine percent of its sales on put before the state Governor. percent of its sales on ride and of its own to operate. and delivery company Post- insurance benefits that entails. which will cost the company ride and delivery platforms Drivers are divided be- delivery platforms made in the In November, London’s mates have filed a lawsuit This would include drivers extra in social security costs. made in the state, CNBC tween those who want the state, CNBC said, citing the transport authority refused to against the state of California, for both Uber and Postmates. In the suit, Uber and its said, citing the company’s same security as employees company’s head Dara Khos- renew the company’s operat- claiming a new law that would “Plaintiffs bring this law- co-plaintiffs argue the law and those who want the flex- rowshahi. ing licence because of safety treat gig-economy freelancers suit to protect their constitu- targets independent service head Dara Khosrowshahi ibility of being able to choose The new law comes as the and security concerns. as employees is unconstitu- tional rights and defend their providers while exempting di- the hours they work. ride-hailing company is also That came as a big blow tional. fundamental liberty to pursue rect salespeople, travel agents, emptions,” it said. The gig economy has given facing legal clampdowns on its to Uber, which has about 3.5 The legislation, known as their chosen work as inde- construction truck drivers and Uber and its American ri- drivers “opportunities to earn operations elsewhere. million customers and some Assembly Bill 5 and due to pendent service providers and commercial fishermen. val Lyft have each put aside money when and where they A German court ruled ear- 50,000 drivers in the British go into effect on Wednesday, technology companies in the “There is no rhyme or rea- 30 million dollars to organise want, with unprecedented in- lier this month that Uber -- capital. It has said it will ap- would mean that -- under cer- on-demand economy,” said son to these nonsensical ex- a referendum, allowed under dependence and flexibility,” which relies heavily on the use peal the decision. Economy & Business Wednesday, January 1, 2020 11 ECB’s green bonds policy Huawei says ‘survival’ top ‘problematic’, says Schnabel priority as 2019 sales fall short dpa Frankfurt Huawei’s sales revenue for 2019 was likely to reach 850 billion yuan ($121 billion) – up roughly 18 percent from the previous year The designated director of the European Central Bank AFP from access to Google’s An- (ECB) Isabel Schnabel is criti- Beijing droid operating system. cal of aligning monetary policy Xu said Huawei expects to with the fight against climate Chinese telecommunica- remain on the US entity list in change. tions giant Huawei said on 2020, adding that the world’s “I would find it rather prob- Tuesday that “survival” was its number two smartphone lematic if the ECB would pre- top priority after announcing maker will not grow as rap- fer green bonds as part of its 2019 sales were expected to fall idly as it did in the first half bond purchase programmes,” short of projections as a result of 2019. the economist told Tuesday’s of US sanctions. “It’s going to be a difficult edition of the financial markets The global leader in tel- year for us,” he said. newspaper Boersenzeitung. ecom networking equipment The US move against Hua- This could be particularly has been effectively banned by wei has come amid a wider problematic if an end of the se- the United States from work- trade war between Washing- curities purchase programmes ing with American firms on the ton and Beijing, and analysts should be indicated in the fu- grounds that it poses a nation- say the mini deal reached be- ture, said Schnabel, who will al security threat -- an accusa- tween the two countries will take up her position at the ECB tion the Chinese company has not help the company. on January 1. consistently denied. “Pressure on Huawei will Chairman Eric Xu said continue in the foreseeable Huawei’s sales revenue for future even if US-China trade 2019 was likely to reach 850 tensions de-escalate,” Kenny billion yuan (US$121 billion) Liew, an analyst at Fitch Solu- -- up roughly 18 percent from tions, told AFP. the previous year. “Continued pressure is Though he said “business also aimed at ratcheting up remains solid”, the figure was the pressure on US allies lower than a previous forecast to drop the Chinese sup- of US$125 billion. plier from their networks,” In a New Year’s message Liew said, noting that Hua- to employees, Xu said the US wei will increasingly rely on government was in the midst A staff member of Huawei uses her mobile phone at the Huawei Digital Transformation Showcase in Shenzhen in China’s Guangdong province. its domestic market to drive of a “strategic and long-term” (File photo) (AFP) growth. It takes little imagination to campaign against the company European telecommuni- think that if purchases that would create a “challeng- cations operators including ing environment for Huawei to Norway’s Telenor and Swe- expire in the future, there survive and thrive”. den’s Telia have also passed will be a charge that green “Survival will be our first India to let Huawei take part in 5G trials over Huawei as a supplier companies will be at a priority” in 2020, said Xu, the for their 5G networks as in- relative disadvantage. Then current chairman under the AFP selling equipment to Huawei, ly active mobile internet us- tion in their 5G networks. telligence agencies warned there will be a huge outcry company’s rotating leadership New Delhi had lobbied hard for India to ers, India is second behind Britain has yet to take a against working with them. scheme. freeze Huawei out of its 5G China in the world internet decision on Huawei but the Australia and Japan have Isabel Schnabel, designated He said Huawei would New Delhi has said it will let communications network. users rankings, according to company has provisionally meanwhile taken steps to director of the ECB need to “go all out” to build up Chinese telecoms giant Hua- “We have taken the deci- the Internet and Mobile As- secured 5G deals in coun- block or tightly restrict the its mobile services ecosystem wei take part in trials for the sion to give 5G spectrum for sociation of India. tries such as Germany. firm’s participation in their -- its answer to Google apps rollout of 5G services in the trial to all the players,” In- The Indian move comes India’s announcement rollouts of 5G. Earlier this “It takes little imagination and services -- to “ensure that huge Indian market, giving dia’s telecom minister Ravi after European telecom- came as Huawei said “sur- month, Prime Minister Boris to think that if purchases ex- we can keep selling our smart- the firm a major boost as it Shankar Prasad said late munications operators in- vival” was its top priority Johnson also strongly hinted pire in the future, there will be phones in overseas markets”. battles US sanctions. Monday. cluding Norway’s Telenor after announcing 2019 sales that Britain would follow suit. a charge that green companies A bright spot was its smart- The US government has He acknowledged that and Sweden’s Telia passed were expected to fall short of But other nations have not will be at a relative disadvan- phone business, posting “ro- banned Huawei from work- Huawei, the global leader in over Huawei as a supplier projections as a result of US shut the door on Huawei, with tage. Then there will be a huge bust growth” with 240 million ing with US firms, calling it telecom networking equip- for their 5G networks as in- sanctions. Germany so far resisting pres- outcry,” Schnabel said. units shipped in 2019. a security threat because of ment and a major player in telligence agencies warned Revenue rose this year sure to exclude the company Politicians are primar- While telecom experts con- alleged close ties to the Chi- India’s smartphone market, against working with the to a record 850 billion yuan from supplying technology ily responsible for climate sider Huawei a global leader nese government. The com- would be among the compa- company. ($121 billion), slightly lower- for its 5G infrastructure. change. However, such an in 5G equipment -- in terms pany denies the accusation. nies taking part in the trials Australia and Japan have than forecast that chairman Chancellor Angela Mer- important public institu- of both technology and price Washington, which also expected to start next month. also taken steps to block or Eric Xu blamed on the US kel has repeatedly said Berlin tion as the ECB has to ask -- the company has faced ob- banned US companies from With 451 million month- restrict the firm’s participa- ban. would insist on stringent se- itself “what effects climate stacles and suspicion from the curity requirements without change has on its policies US and other countries wary of threat to national security -- an was dragged into the spotlight Washington wants to put Huawei has only grown since however banning individual and whether and how it can its close relationship with the accusation the company has a year ago when Ren’s daugh- her on trial for allegedly lying Meng’s arrest. companies. contribute to supporting a Chinese government. dismissed. ter, senior Huawei executive to banks about violating Iran Washington has banned Chinese law requires indi- more sustainable economy US intelligence chiefs state Founded in 1987 by former Meng Wanzhou, was arrested sanctions. Her extradition US companies from selling viduals and organisations to within the framework of its flatly thatH uawei cannot be People’s Liberation Army en- in Canada at the request of the hearing begins on January 20. equipment to Huawei, lock- assist and cooperate with na- mandate.” The ECB spends trusted and its equipment is a gineer Ren Zhengfei, Huawei United States. The backlash against ing out the smartphone giant tional intelligence efforts. 20 billion euros (22.4 bil- lion dollars) a month buying bonds to boost the economy and inflation. Globalization critics At- tac and the Fridays for Future Chinese factory activity remains steady in December climate movement have de- manded that the ECB also take AFP National Bureau of Statistics The non-manufacturing “We expect Beijing to roll the environment and climate Beijing (NBS). activity index slowed, dropping out more easing measures de- change into account when buy- The reading -- slightly above to 53.5 from 54.4 in November. spite limited policy room in ing bonds. China’s factory activity was the 50-point mark that sepa- But the December reading coming quarters,” Lu added. Bundesbank President in expansion territory for a sec- rates growth and contraction is still high thanks to optimism It has been a tough year Jens Weidmann had already ond straight month in Decem- every month -- beat a forecast in the service industry, the NBS for China’s economy, which is spoken out against the pref- ber amid a thaw in a trade war of 50.1 by analysts surveyed by said. expanding at its weakest rate erential purchase of “green” with the United States, official Bloomberg News. “The extended strength for three decades as it is buf- bonds by central banks. data showed Tuesday. China’s manufacturing ac- in the official manufacturing feted by a long-running trade Schnabel succeeds Sabine The closely watched Pur- tivity rebounded in November PMI certainly looks positive war with the United States as Lautenschlaeger who has re- chasing Managers’ Index after six straight months of for markets, but we believe this well as a slowdown in global signed from the ECB’s execu- (PMI), a key gauge of activity contraction. may not be sustainable, and demand for its goods. tive board. The six-member in the country’s factories, was Demand ahead of the Chi- the economy has yet to hit the Some relief may be on the body manages the central at 50.2 in December, posting nese New Year holiday in Janu- bottom,” Ting Lu, chief China horizon as Beijing and Wash- bank’s business under Presi- the same gain as the previ- ary contributed to the growth, economist at investment bank ington are expected to sign a A worker makes red lanterns at a factory in Wuyi in China’s eastern dent Christine Lagarde. ous month, according to the the NBS said. Nomura, said in a note. mini trade deal in January. Zhejiang province recently. (AFP)
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FIF A WORLD CUP QATAR 2022 Major progress made across stadiums portfolio in 2019 Sc.qa Doha Khalifa International Stadium ne of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy’s major It’s been a busy year for Qatar’s national stadium. highlights during 2019 was the inauguration of the spectacular It hosted the IAAF World O Athletics Championships in Al Janoub Stadium. The 40,000-capacity venue, designed by September and October before being a host venue for two major football tour- architectural legend Zaha Hadid, was unveiled to the world in May naments: the Arabian Gulf Cup and when it hosted the Amir Cup final. FIFA Club World Cup. Al Janoub Stadium became the second FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tournament venue to open after Khalifa International Stadium’s successful redevelopment was completed in 2017. Six more stadiums are being constructed for Qatar 2022, with three of them – Education City Stadium, Al Bayt Stadium and Al Rayyan Stadium – in the final stages of delivery. All the venues will be completed and tested well in advance of the tournament, which kicks off on 21 November 2022. Here is a rundown of the latest progress update from each of the stadiums: Fans have a memorable time at the Khalifa International Stadium during the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup in Doha.
Al Janoub Stadium Education City Stadium Al Rayyan Stadium Al Janoub Stadium became the first Qatar 2022 to be Construction has been completed at the The pitch was recently laid at this 40,000-capacity built from scratch when it was inaugurated in May 40,000-capacity venue, nicknamed the ‘Diamond in venue, which will host matches up to the quarter-finals ahead of the Amir Cup final between Al Duhail and Al the Desert’. The stadium had been due to host the sec- stage in 2022. Seats are being installed at the stadium, Sadd. Since then, the stadium has hosted a number of ond semi-final and final during theI F FA Club World while the external render has almost been completed. high-profile football matches, including FIFA World Cup Cup – but it wasn’t possible to organise the necessary Roof cladding is also in progress. qualifiers for the Qatar national team and the sold-out test events and obtain the relevant health and safety permits prior Arabian Gulf Cup semi-final between Qatar andS audi Arabia. to the tournament. The stadium will now open in 2020.
Lusail Stadium Al Bayt Stadium The venue for Qatar 2022’s opening match and final is pro- Designed to resemble a Bedouin tent, the 60,000-capacity Al gressing well. All 48 structural V-frames have been installed, Bayt Stadium will host matches up to the semi-finals stage in 2022. along with six out of the 24 roof compression ring sections. Fit-out works are advancing rapidly, including the installation of Preparations for the cable net roof installation have com- furniture in the skyboxes and executive lounges. Access bridges menced at the field of play level. are being built, while external work – such as tree planting, land- scaping and the development of roads and car parks – is progressing.
Ras Abu Aboud Stadium Al Thumama Stadium This 40,000-capac- Once complete, this 40,000-capacity venue will re- ity stadium will be con- semble the ‘gahfiya’ – a cap worn by men across the structed using the ship- Middle East and Arab world. At present, 26 of the 40 ping containers which façade columns have been installed, along with 14 transport materials for its out of 20 roof trusses. The bleacher installation has development. Post-2022, reached 90%, while blockworks are 97% complete. it will become the first fully demount- able stadium in FIFA World Cup his- tory. 158 containers have been deliv- ered to the construction site, with 30 already installed. The fabrication for the steel structure is 25% complete, while the fabrication of bleachers, concourse slabs and roof steel contin- ues. Underground utilities, including the drainage network, are more than 50% complete. Sports Wednesday, January 1, 2020 13
A l Sadd prepare for QNB Stars League ROUND 12
Defending champions Al Sadd train ahead of their QNB Stars League 2019-20 Week 12 match against Al Wakrah on Tuesday. The two sides will play at the Al Wakrah Stadium on Thursday. This is the opening game in the tournament’s second leg. Both teams will have some absentees, who are doing duty for Qatar in the AFC Under-23 Championship to be held in Thailand from January 8 to 26. It is also the qualification tournament for next summer’s Tokyo Olympics. Eyes turn to English Premier League relegation battle
iverpool appear to have the Premier League Ltitle wrapped up with a 13-point advantage over second-placed Leicester but the fight to avoid relegation looks like being a down to the wire tussle. Just nine points separates ninth-placed Crystal Palace and third from bottom Aston Villa.
Here are three pivotal matches Bounedjah shortlisted for 2019 Best in Wednesday’s action: Arteta needs to get David Moyes saved West Ham Maghreb Player of the Year award Gunners firing once and now he is being asked Liverpool appear to be sailing to the Premier League title but the battle against relegation is developing Arsenal have been in the Eng- to do it a second time. into a nail-biter. Tribune News Network the Best Maghreb Player lish top-flight since 1919 but Doha award shortlist over two days. Mikel Arteta’s side could be The first five names were drawn into a relegation scrap. Arsenal have French magazine France announced on Saturday, De- The old adage ‘too good been in the Football has announced its cember 28. The list included to go down’ should apply to English shortlist for the 2019 Best Abdelhamid and Hakimi from Arsenal, who have been a top-flight Maghreb Player of the Year Morocco, along with Ismael fixture in the top tier since since 1919 but award. Bennacer, Ramy Bensebaini, 1919/20. However, they are Mikel Arteta’s France Football is one of and Riyad Mahrez from Algeria. just six points above the drop side could be the most reputable sports The second half of the zone and new boss Mikel Ar- drawn into publications in Europe. It is shortlist, posted on Sunday, teta would probably have pre- a relegation best known for its yearly Bal- December 29, included Mo- ferred an easier opponent than scrap. lon d’Or award, considered rocco’s Ziyech, along with Manchester United as he bids to be the most important Youcef Atal, Youcef Belaili, to win his first game after a individual award in interna- and Baghdad Bounedjah draw and defeat in his opening tional football. from Algeria, and Anice two matches in charge. The magazine published Badri from Tunisia. The United attack will Troy Deeney’s Watford have been transformed by Nigel Pearson since be licking their lips at the Hammers pray Moyes and Sebastien Haller. he took over. thought of giving the weak delivers in second coming The Cherries have largely Gunners defence a thorough David Moyes saved West Ham escaped attention in their ter- The 56-year-old – who was Pearson for his part will be test with goalkeeper Bernd once and now he is being asked rible run – just one win in nine relieved of his duties prior to looking for more of the same of Leno and defenders Skoh- to do it a second time. Moyes – but the pressure may begin the league winning season – what he witnessed against Vil- dran Mustafi and David Luiz may not be welcomed back uni- to mount on Eddie Howe with could be on course to do the la: “We showed good intensity. far from reliable. Arteta will versally by West Ham fans but if a defeat. same for second from bottom We showed incredible unity on want to see more of what his the 55-year-old saves them from “It feels great to be home,” Watford. Their third manager the pitch and bench. We have side produced in the opening relegation for a second time like said Moyes. “I feel like I’ve got this term has guided them to to make sure that remains high half hour of the 2-1 defeat by he did in the 2017-18 season, unfinished business.” two wins and a draw in four on our agenda – to keep the Chelsea if they are to avoid a before being dispensed with, matches since taking over. players together.” (AFP) fifth successive home loss in then all will be forgiven. A home Watford’s revival faces This new found confidence Fixtures all competitions – their pre- game for the side fourth from stern Wolves test was reflected in easing to a 3-0 Wednesday (1500 GMT unless sent run of four is their worst bottom against Bournemouth, Troy Deeney’s Watford have win over third from bottom As- stated) since 1959. who are just a point above them been transformed by Nigel ton Villa on Saturday – scoring Brighton v Chelsea, Burnley “Individual errors cost you in 16th, represents a seemingly Pearson since he took over two of their goals after they v Aston Villa (both 1230), games but I can’t fault the ef- ideal first challenge. Nigel Pearson engineered had been reduced to 10 men – Newcastle v Leicester, South- fort, commitment and for However, their home form a remarkable rescue act for and this will be a much needed ampton v Tottenham, Watford ‘Still a lot of fire’: Sharapova putting in place what we prac- has been as woeful as Arse- Leicester in the 2014-15 sea- weapon when they host Wol- v Wolverhampton Wanderers, tised,” said Arteta. nal’s with four successive de- son – at the time they were verhampton Wanderers. Manchester City v Everton der injury which limited her to However, with confidence feats – equalling their worst only the third side to escape Wolves arrive sitting pretty (1730), Norwich City v Crystal Russian accepts 15 competitive matches. at a low ebb defeat for Arsenal run in the Premier League the drop having been bottom in seventh place and on the Palace (1730), West Ham v “As long as the shoulder on Wednesday and victory for since November 2005 – and it at Christmas – arguably laying back of an impressive win over Bournemouth (1730), Arsenal v wildcard for stays healthy and my body al- third from bottom Aston Villa at would not be a surprise to see the foundations for their even champions Manchester City Manchester United (2000) lows me to, I hope there is a lot Burnley would suck them deep- Moyes energise their attack by more miraculous title win the and considered unlucky to have Thursday: Liverpool v Sheffield Brisbane of time left for me,” she said. er into the relegation battle. selecting both Michail Antonio following campaign. lost to Liverpool on Sunday. United (2000). AFP Sharapova won the Bris- Brisbane bane title in 2015 and joins a high-class field for next Former world number one week’s event spearheaded by Maria Sharapova said Tuesday Australia’s world number one she still had “a lot of fire” as she Ashleigh Barty and Australian England ready to support scrapping five-day Tests attempts to resurrect her career Open champion Naomi Osaka. after an injury-plagued 2019. World number two Karo- AFP four-day tests were “some- to build accessible ways for new The five-time major winner lina Pliskova is also playing as London thing that we have got to seri- fans to enjoy our sport,” added will open her 2020 campaign are fellow top 10 stars Elina ously consider”. the ECB spokesperson. in Brisbane after being award- Svitolina, Petra Kvitova and Five-day Test matches could Four-day Tests have been Tony Irish, the head of ed a wildcard by organisers in Kiki Bertens. become a thing of the past sanctioned since 2017 by the FICA, the global players’ associ- preparation for the Australian “It’s a fresh start after a from 2023 after England sup- sport’s global governing body ation, said he feared extra days Open later in January. tough last season,” said Shara- ported calls to cut them by a the International Cricket gained from scrapping five-day “To be fair when I was pova. “There were a lot of ups day, according to Tuesday’s Council (ICC), but only out- Tests would be used to fill them younger I never saw myself and downs, there were times Daily Telegraph. side of their inaugural World with other forms of cricket. playing past 30,” the 32-year- when I was ready but the A spokesperson for the Test Championship. “It would take pressure off old Russian told reporters in shoulder wasn’t. England and Wales Cricket In order for four-day Tests the schedule but our concern Brisbane. “But I have had a fairly Board (ECB) told the British to replace the five-day format would be that the ad hoc way “But I still feel there is a good off season and I am moti- newspaper that four-day Tests from 2023, when the new ICC the schedule currently works lot in me to give. I still have a vated to compete. At this point could help ease the strain on broadcasting rights cycle begins, and that countries would sim- lot of fire in me and I am big in my career when I have that players’ busy schedules. it would need to be approved by ply plug in more cricket into competitor.” feeling, it’s a good sign.” “We believe it could pro- Test match cricket could be poised for a radical change with momen- the ICC’s cricket committee in the time freed up,” he told the Sharapova has not played The Brisbane Internation- vide a sustainable solution to tum building from England and Australia to reduce them permanently 2020 and then voted through Daily Telegraph. since a first-round loss to ca- al begins on January 6, with the complex scheduling needs from five days to four. by the chief executive’s board, Figures published by the reer-long rival Serena Williams Sharapova then scheduled to and player workloads we face which is made up of representa- Telegraph suggest the percent- at the US Open in August. play the Kooyong Classic exhi- as a global sport,” they said. stand it’s an emotive topic for The ECB’s comments come tives from member nations. age of Test matches annually She has slipped to 133 in bition event in Melbourne be- “We’re definite proponents players, fans and others who a week after Kevin Roberts, “One of our top priorities is going to the fifth and final day the world rankings after a fore the opening Grand Slam of the four-day Test concept, have concerns about challeng- the chief executive of Cricket to underpin a healthy future for have declined from 66 percent 2019 season ruined by a shoul- of the year from January 20. but cautiously so, as we under- ing the heritage of Test cricket.” Australia, said mandatory Test cricket while we continue in 2014 to 33 percent this year. 14 Wednesday, January 1, 2020 Sports QBF League Antetokounmpo returns to lift Bucks with double-double AFP right thigh. points on 10-of-11 shooting. Los Angeles “He’s been playing In the second quarter, he through it and I think it’s at a turned it over to the guards. Giannis Antetokounmpo, stage where him not playing is McRae, who spent last sea- who missed two games with a the right move,” coach Mike son on a two-way deal, went back injury, tallied 23 points Budenholzer said. “Hopefully, into halftime with 20 points and 10 rebounds as the Mil- it’s just a short-term thing.” on 7-of-10 shooting and fin- waukee Bucks breezed to a The Miami Heat posi- ished with 26, and Mathews, 123-102 victory over the Chi- tioned themselves as one of whose career-high enter- cago Bulls on Monday. the NBA’s biggest surprises ing Monday was six points, Khris Middleton scored a this season by avoiding games unloaded for 22 first-half team-high 25 points and Eric like the one they played at points on 6-of-7 shooting Bledsoe scored 15 points in Capital One Arena. with 20 of those points com- his return from a leg injury for ing in the second quarter - he the first place Bucks, who won Results finished with 28. their third consecutive game. The trio had 61 total points Reigning NBA MVP An- NBA results on Monday. at the break and the Wizards tetokounmpo had missed the Heat 105 Wizards 123 led 71-63 going into halftime. previous two games because Hawks 101 Magic 93 Washington’s lead bal- of back soreness, while Bled- Nets 115 Timberwolves 122 looned as large as 18 before soe had not played since De- Bucks 123 Bulls 102 the Heat finally punchedback. Al Rayyan Club forward Tony Farmer jumps to grab the ball against Al Ahli during their QBF League match at the Al Gharafa Club Indoor Hall on cember 13. Pistons 81 Jazz 104 Miami made just one field Tuesday. Al Rayyan won the match 88-75 with Farmer top-scoring for them with 22 points. Antetokounmpo, the Suns 122 Trail Blazers 116 goal in the first 8:28 of the league’s second-leading scor- second half before a barrage er with an average of 30.5 in the final four minutes of points per game, played just The Heat, which had lost the quarter. The Heat scored 27 minutes and sat out the just once to a sub-.500 team 12 straight, capped with five final five because of the one- all season, suffered their most in a row by Tyler Herro, to go Al Rayyan cagers sided margin. stunning loss of the season to into the fourth quarter down “We won 30 games before end 2019 in Washington. The 90-81. January; It’s cool, but we can Washington Wizards, missing Miami never got any clos- always do better,” Antetok- Bradley Beal and four other er, though. The Heat finished ounmpo said of the Bucks rotation players due to various at just 45.2% from the field, who have the best record in injuries, blew out Miami, 123- 35.7 per cent from three-point down Al Ahli Club the league at 30-5. “We’ve got 105, on the backs of Jordan range and 74.4 per cent from to keep improving because McRae, Garrison Mathews the free throw line. Miami the goal is to play late in the and Ian Mahinmi. committed 18 turnovers and Nelson, Caldwell steer Al Gharafa to fourth win in a row in QBF League season.” Those three, two of whom dished out just 18 assists. Bulls guard Zach LaVine aren’t even regular members Jimmy Butler’s 15 points at Tribune News Network scored a team-high 19 points, of the Wizards’ rotation, com- the free-throw line were more DOHA Lauri Markkanen added 18 bined to nearly outscore the than all but one of his team- points and Wendell Carter Heat in the first half and fin- mates scored total. It was the Former champions Al Rayy- finished with a double-dou- ished with 79 total points to worst game the Heat played an Club managed a superb ble with 10 points and 11 re- spark the blowout win. all season and it led to Miami’s second quarter and built their bounds. Mahinmi was the first driv- worst loss of the year. game on it to beat Al Ahli Club Milwaukee shot a superb er for Washington’s offence. In Minneapolis, Shabazz 88-75 in the QBF League at 71 percent from the field in The centre, who hadn’t scored Napier scored eight of his the Al Gharafa Club Indoor the third quarter, putting the more than 17 points in a single season-high 24 points in Hall on Tuesday. game out of reach by outscor- game since the Wizards signed overtime as the Minnesota Only four points separated ing the Bulls 40-25 to increase him in 2016 and has fallen Timberwolves ended a nine- the two after the opening quar- their lead to 95-77. out of Washington’s rotation., game home losing skid with ter with Al Rayyan enjoying a Bucks guard Wesley Mat- scored 14 in the first quarter a 122-115 win over the Brook- small lead (22-18). But they thews sat out with a bruised alone and finished with 25 lyn Nets. defended better in the follow- ing 10 minutes and outscored the opponents 21-13, getting the much-needed push from their eight-point run to shake off Al Ahli. Al Gharafa forward Aaron Jovan Nelson tries to score over Al Khor players during a QBF League match in Al The next two quarters were Gharafa on Tuesday. close but the 12-point edge at the interval boosted Al Rayyan ett earned 10 points. Results to fifth victory in seven match- For Al Ahli, guard Louis es, their second in a row, while Munks collected a match-high Al Gharafa Club beat Al Khor Club 96-73 (half-ime 45-29) Al Ahli were condemned to a 30 points. Guard Jeffery New- Main performers – Al Gharafa: Aaron Jovan Nelson 40 pts & 17 rebounds, Joshua third loss in seven games. berry had 21 points and centre Caldwell 20 pts, 11 rebounds & 12 assists, Abdulrahman Saad 19 pts, Raslan al Abdulla This win put Al Rayyan at Aaron Rountree bagged 12 12 pts, Mohd Yousuf Mohammed 4 pts & 14 rebounds par with leaders Al Wakrah. points. Al Khor: Madrious Gibbs 30 pts, Moustafa Lashin 16 pts, Khobi Williamson 10 pts & 17 Both have 12 points with simi- rebounds lar win-loss record. Al Ahli Gharafa dominant are in the second group with Forwards Aaron Jovan Al Rayyan Club beat Al Ahli Club 88-75 (half-time 43-31) 11 points, sharing the place Nelson produced a double- Main performers – Al Rayyan: Tony Farmer 22 pts & 11 rebounds, Tanguy Ngombo 20 pts with Qatar Sports Club and Al double and Joshua Caldwell & 12 rebounds, Mohamed Hassan Mohamed 14 pts, Mohamed Abdelkawy 11 pts, Eric Gharafa Club. pulled off a superb triple-dou- Lockett 10 pts Al Arabi and Al Shamal ble as Al Gharafa Club coasted Al Ahli Club: Louis Munks 30 pts, Jeffery Newberry 21 pts, Aaron Rountree 12 pts have 10 points each, while Al past Al Khor Club 96-73 in an Khor and Al Sadd have yet to earlier match at their home record a win. court. outscoring the opponents 30- bench for Al Gharafa, who en- Forward Tony Farmer This was the fourth tri- 18 and 30-19, respectively. joyed their biggest lead of the (22 points & 11 rebound) and umph in a row for Al Gharafa Caldwell netted 20 points and match just before the end – 29 veteran Tanguy Ngombo (20 and improved their position in grabbed 11 rebounds, besides points (96-67). points & 12 rebounds) had a the standings, while Al Khor providing 12 assists. For Al Khor, guard Madri- double-double each for the suffered their sixth straight Guard Abdulrahman Saad ous Gibbs got 30 points, winners. Guard Mohamed defeat. added 19 points and Mohd Moustafa Lashin notched up Hassan Mohamed chipped in Nelson collected 40 points Yousuf Mohammed had four 16 points and centre Khobi with 14 points, while captain and 17 rebounds for the win- points and 14 rebounds. Ra- Williamson got a double- Mohamed Abdelkawy added ners, who excelled in the slan al Abdulla accounted double (10 points and 17 re- Giannis Antetokounmpo (No. 34) of the Milwaukee Bucks goes up for a shot between Coby White (No. 0) 11 points and centre Eric Lock- second and fourth quarters, for all the 12 points from the bounds). and Denzel Valentine (No. 45) of the Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois on Monday. (AFP) QMMF officials to attend Dakar Rally Rams have plenty of roster decisions opening ceremony in Riyadh to make following a poor season QNA in four different categories with the teams of Croatia and Doha of cars, motorcycles, desert Bosnia, as part of its prepara- TCA/DPA Linebacker Cory Littleton, Johnson and Taylor Rapp as quadrants and trucks will tions for the 19th Asian Cham- Thousand Oaks (California) edge rusher Dante Fowler, de- the starting safeties. The Qatar Motor and Motor- compete in the 9000-kilome- pionship, which will be held in fensive lineman Michael Brock- McVay said he spoke briefly cycle Federation (QMMF) will tre Dakar Rally. Kuwait from January 16 to 27, After 14 NFL seasons, An- ers and kicker Greg Zuerlein with Weddle on Monday and attend the opening and closing Qatari champion Nasser 2020. drew Whitworth is not ready to are other pending unrestricted would have a longer conversa- ceremonies of the 42nd Dakar bin Saleh al Attiyah, the three- The competition serves call it a career. free agents. tion soon. Rally, which will be held in time winner and defending as a qualifier for the World The Los Angeles Rams’ left Players went through phys- Quarterback Jared Goff, Saudi Arabia from January 5 champion, tops the list of car Championship, to be hosted tackle, a pending free agent, icals and exit interviews on who signed a 134 million dol- to 17, 2020. drivers in the rally. Egypt in 2021. said on Monday he would like Monday. Coach Sean McVay lars extension before the sea- The QMMF decision came The Dakar Rally will be The team includes 22 to continue playing for the team said his staff would work Tues- son, passed for 22 touchdowns, after receiving an invitation held for the first time in the players: Ahmad Madadi, he helped lead to the Super day and then take the rest of the with a career-worst 16 intercep- from its Saudi counterpart for Asian continent, after 40 years Abdulrahman Tariq, Rafael Bowl last season but finished Los Angeles Rams’ left tackle week off before returning next tions. He said he made strides attending the opening and the in Europe, Africa and South Capote, Alaeddin Balrachid, 9-7 and fell short of making the Andrew Whitworth Monday to begin evaluations of but reiterated on Monday that closing ceremonies of the rally America. Saudi Arabia is the Rashid Youssef, Amin Zakar, playoffs this season. the coaches and players as they his performance was “not near- in Riyadh. 30th country to host the rally Mahmoud Zaki, Daniel Saric, “Hopefully, the opportunity my family, being a Ram would plan for the 2020 season. ly good enough and probably The QMMF delegation, since its official launch in 1978. Wagdi Sinan, Anis al Zawawi, will be here,” Whitworth said as be number one, without ques- General manager Les one of the reasons we are sitting comprising President Abdul- Hani Kakhi, Mustafa al Karad, Rams players cleaned out their tion.” Whether to re-sign the Snead is scheduled to address here and not in the playoffs.” rahman al Mannai and Secre- Qatar h’ball team Mustapha Heiba, Yassine lockers at the team’s Thousand 38-year-old Whitworth will reporters on Tuesday. Veteran Goff said he might “try some tary-General Abdulrazzaq al to leave for Croatia on Sami, Hassan Awad, Moham- Oaks facility. “Obviously, any- be one of many decisions the safety Eric Weddle’s situation things in the weight room” dur- Kuwari, will attend the opening Thursday med Amin, Hadi Hamdoun, time you’re a free agent, you’ve Rams will make during the next is among those that will be ad- ing the offseason to increase ceremony of the Dakar Rally. The Qatar handball team Marwan Sassi, Youssef bin Ali, got to listen to everything and few months as they attempt to dressed. The 13-year veteran his strength and will continue About 330 contestants will leave for Croatia on Thurs- Frankis Carol, Mario Tomic figure out what’s best for you. rebound from a season that fell has said the Rams might be a throwing program he adopted representing 60 nationalities day to play friendly matches and Jovan Gacevic. “But of course, for me and far below expectations. ready to move on with John the last few offseasons. Wednesday, January 1, 2020 15 Reports by L N Mallick For events and press releases email [email protected] Pakistan Prism or call (974) 4000 2222
Glowing tributes paid to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah embers of the Pa- kistani community paid glowing tributes to the Founder of Pa- Mkistan Quaid-e-Azam Muham- mad Ali Jinnah, at a colourful event organised at the Salt n Pepper restaurant by Paki- stani Professional Community (PPC), a group of Pakistani professional expatriates. A large number of people including families and children attended the event. Community they want to achieve in life and Pakistan through his select po- representatives and young stu- then struggle for it with full de- etry. dents highlighted the sacrifices votion.” Speaking on the occasion, made by Quaid-e-Azam and Fahad Ismail, a youth com- Janan Khan, a well-known Pa- other leaders of the Pakistan munity representative, under- kistan community leader, said, Movement for the creation of scored the expectations that “I thank the PPC for organising a separate homeland. This was Quaid-e-Azam had from youths the event to celebrate the birth followed by and students of Pakistan. anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam. the singing of patriotic Anushey Tariq, a student We need to introduce our songs. A documentary film on of Grade-X, delivered speech younger generation to the ideas the life-long journey and politi- on ‘Leadership role of Quaid- and vision of our great leaders.” cal struggles of Quaid-e-Azam, e-Azam prior to the creation of Aamir Khan, an entrepre- who became Pakistan’s first Pakistan’. neur who sponsored the event, Governor-General, was also Almas, another student, said, “I am happy to be a part of screened on the occasion. ality. patriate community in Qatar leadership qualities of Jinnah. He had a very high vision and highlighted how Quaid-e-Azam the celebration and see how en- The event also comprised a Anwar Ali Rana conducted to remember their great leader He said, “I thank all the guests the power to connect to his peo- was able to translate his dreams thusiastic our young generation quiz competition on Jinnah and the event. Introducing the vari- and pay tributes to him for his and families for joining us in re- ple, and was selfless in his life. into reality. is about our leader. We need his life, and students presented ous segments of the event, he selfless struggle for Pakistan. membering our beloved leader. There is a great lesson for the Tahir Jamil, a noted com- to follow the ideals of Quaid-e- their drawings underlining the said December 25 is celebrated Arshad Hussain, chief or- Quaid-e-Azam’s life epitomises young students as they need to munity representative and an Azam because that is the only different aspects of his person- every year by the Pakistani ex- ganiser of PPC, spoke about the all the qualities of a great leader. have a clear vision about what Urdu poet, praised Jinnah and way forward for Pakistan.” Renowned visual artist to attend Halqa-e-Ahbab Qatar organises colourful ‘Be My Guest’ programme event to mark Qatar National Day akistani community akistan Arts Society– members including Qatar, in association with children and women en- PPak Shamaa School, will joyed a colourful event organise a programme titled organisedP by Halqa-e-Ahbab ‘Be My Guest’ with interna- Qatar at Mesaieed Park, to tionally recognised visual mark Qatar National Day. artist Mala Waseem, at Pak A quiz contest on Qatar’s Shamaa School’s Jinnah Hall history and other activities on January 2. highlighted the importance Mala, a Canadian-Paki- of the day. Participants of stani who is based in Qatar, multiple age groups and fam- will deliver a lecture on ‘Pas- ilies took part in the event. sion: An artist’s perspective’, Later, a prize distribution on the occasion. ceremony was held, which “Keeping up with the started with the recitation of It concluded with words of by Dr Iqbal. More than 250 tradition of organising a se- verses from the holy Quran. appreciation for participants people attended the event. ries of lectures for the past three decades, delivered by renowned Pakistani intel- Mala Waseem lectuals, scholars and writ- ers, we are organising our mote sociocultural, fine arts their capacity to train,” latest programme as part of and literary activities to help remarked PAS General the forum’s objective to pro- boost teachers’ training and Secretary Adeel Akbar.
Punjab Music Group celebrates Qatar National Day
Punjab Music Group Chief Organiser Nazakat Ali Khan and Director of Grand Qatar Palace Hotel Fahad Ahmed cut a cake to mark the Qatar National Day. 16 Wednesday, January 1, 2020 The Last Word
Tribune News Network The cargo carrier bagged the prestigious DOHA ‘Global Air Cargo Airline of the Year’ (STAT Trade Times) in 2019. AS 2019 comes to a close, Qatar Airways is In 2019, the airline added its multi celebrating a highly successful year of strong award-winning, patented Business Class network expansion, new aircraft deliver- seat, Qsuite, to yet more high-profile routes ies and the unique distinction of being the including Auckland, Bangkok, Boston, Cape only airline to win the Skytrax Award for the Town, Copenhagen, Dallas Fort Worth, Del- World’s Best Airline for a fifth time. hi, Johannesburg, Kuala Lumpur, Los An- Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive geles, Milan, Montreal, and Tokyo Haneda. Akbar al Baker said: “2019 was another year Furthermore,Qatar Airways as part of its of great achievement for Qatar Airways. corporate social responsibility, celebrated There have been many highlights during five years of support for Educate A Child, an the last 12 months, in particular receiving important initiative providing primary edu- the highly prized ‘Best Airline in the World’ cation to millions of out-of-school children. award from Skytrax at this year’s Paris Air In Amman, Jordan, QA commemorated Show. To have won the accolade for a record the opening of its new ward at the King Hus- fifth time for my country and our airline was sein Cancer Center (KHCC). a truly special moment. The airline also marked a number of “Our many achievements in 2019 are international awareness campaigns during proof of one immutable fact that Qatar Air- 2019, including Autism Month and Breast ways will never deviate from providing our Cancer Awareness Month. millions of passengers with the very best on- In terms of supporting sport events, Qa- board experience. Our growth over the last tar Airways, as the official partner and of- 12 months, in the face of adversity, has been ficial airline of FIFA, brought football fans impressive and going forward we will look to from around the world to France for the continue to prosper. 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France, a “As 2019 comes to an end, on behalf of tournament that marked a step-change in our management and staff, I give our pas- the way women’s sport was viewed and one sengers our absolute guarantee that we will which attracted record-breaking crowds. strive to continue to deliver the very highest In December, Doha hosted the FIFA standards of quality and excellence in the 2019: Qatar Airways’ Club World Cup, where as well as being the industry. I look forward to another year of official airline, Qatar Airways brought tens success in 2020.” of thousands of fans from all over the globe Qatar Airways continued its strategy of to witness European champions Liverpool investing in the world’s most technologi- FC win the trophy for the very first time. cally advanced aircraft to drive its ambitious Year of Big Achievements The airline also supported a diverse route network growth and received 32 air- range of other tournaments and organisa- craft at its Doha headquarters in 2019, in- tions during the year, including the Prix de cluding its 250th, an Airbus A350-900 in The airline got the unique distinction of being the only airline to win L’Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the Philippines March. By the close of the year, the total Football League, the PSA World Squash combined fleet size of passenger, cargo and the Skytrax Award for the World’s Best Airline for a fifth time Championships, the All Nepal Football As- Qatar Executive (QE) was 259. sociation Memorial League and the Qatar In January, the airline announced that Total Open Women’s Tennis Tournament. it had converted 10 of its Airbus A321neo Qatar’s national carrier continued its en- order to the A321LR, a longer range vari- viable record of winning awards with a host ant which will allow it to connect with new of accolades during 2019. Along with the growing markets from Doha. ‘World’s Best Airline’ prize for a record fifth Qatar Airways also launched a range of time, it won ‘World’s Best Business Class’, new destinations in 2019, namely: Davao, ‘Best Business Class Seat’, and ‘Best Airline Philippines; Gaborone, Botswana; Izmir, in the Middle East’ at the 2019 World Airline Turkey; Langkawi, Malaysia; Lisbon, Portu- Awards, managed by international air trans- gal; Mogadishu, Somalia; Rabat, Morocco; port rating organisation Skytrax. and Valletta, Malta, increasing the carrier’s The annual Trip Advisor awards gave network to over 160 destinations. more cause for celebration with the airline The airline also increased frequencies to picking up five more prizes, namely the dozens of destinations including Amman, ‘World’s Best Business Class’ by Trip Ad- Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kuwait, Larn- visor, ‘Middle East Best Airline’, ‘Middle aca, Manchester, Miami, Milan, Penang and East Best Major’, ‘Middle East Best Busi- Vienna giving more choice for both business ness Class’ and ‘Middle East Best Economy and leisure passengers, as well as offering Class’. flexible cargo options. In scooping further accolades from the In addition, the airline signed a number Travel Trade Gazette (TTG), Kayak, Linked- of new or extended codeshare agreements In, APEX, Airline Ratings, Business Trav- with world-class airline partners, including eller, PAX and Onboard Hospitality, the IndiGo Airlines, LATAM, China Southern airline could point to more than 70 interna- and SriLankan Airlines. tional awards received during 2019. The portfolio and investment strategy of In July, a Qatar Executive Qatar Execu- the Qatar Airways Group continued to pro- tive Gulfstream G650ER aircraft landed at gress and diversify in 2019. In January, the the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida on-market purchase of certain A shares and at 8.12am to complete the world’s fastest cir- H shares of China Southern Airlines result- cumnavigation of the world in a time of 46 ed in an aggregate holding of approximately hours, 39 minutes and 38 seconds. 5 per cent of the total issued share capital. Qatar Airways worked hand-in-hand A busy summer saw the airline commit ternational airport at a ceremony in Kigali, freighters and launched new freight- the Americas. with the Qatar National Tourism Council to significant new orders for Boeing aircraft, witnessed by HH the Amir and Rwandan er destinations Almaty, Guadalaja- Cargo capacity was also introduced to (QNTC) to promote the nation during 2019. Gulfstream Executive Jets and GE Engines, President Paul Kagame. The airline will own ra and Singapore while increasing nine new belly-hold destinations, dem- Events like Qatar Live where global super- celebrated with a signing ceremony at the 60 per cent of the new airport with the re- capacity to several destinations. onstrating the carrier’s commitment to its stars such as Maroon 5, Katy Perry and White House in the presence of the Amir mainder being held by the Government of The airline also added Hanoi customers and the growing global trade. For Maluma performed to thousands of fans, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani and the Rwanda. and Singapore on its popular the financial year 2018-19, Cargo revenue the Qatar International Food Festival and US President Donald Trump. As for Qatar Air- and high-demand transpacific witnessed growth of 16.8 per cent with cargo the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibi- December heralded the announcement ways Cargo, it took route connecting Asia capacity (Available Tonne Kilometres) grow- tion are a vital part of the airline’s work and of an agreement with Republic of Rwanda delivery of six directly to ing 11.8 per cent annually. Qatar Airways a prelude to the next year where passengers to develop, invest and operate in a new in- new Boeing 777 Cargo also placed an order for five more will be given even more reasons to visit the Boeing 777 freighters at the Paris Air Show country. in June, 2019.
Stage set for Qatar International Festival of Falcons and Hunting 2020
The 11th edition of Qatar International Festival of Falcons and Hunting 2020 will start on Wednesday under the auspices of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al Thani. The festival being organised by Qatar Falconry Association at Sabkhat Marmi in Sealine area will run until February 1. (QNA)