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QIB profi tability grows at a rate of 14.4% in last 5 years: bank chairman published in QATAR since 1978

TUESDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11469 February 25, 2020 Rajab 1, 1441 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

King sees off Amir at Amman airport

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani holding talks with Tunisian president Kais Saied in Tunis yesterday. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani left Amman yesterday after a two-day off icial visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, heading to the sisterly Tunisian Republic. His Highness the Amir and his accompanying delegation were seen off upon departure at the Queen Alia International Airport by King Abdullah II bin al-Hussein; Prince Ali bin al-Hussein, President of Jordan Football Association; a lineup of ministers and senior military and civil off icials; Qatar’s ambassador to Jordan Sheikh Saud bin Nasser al-Thani; Jordan’s ambassador to Qatar Zaid al- Lawzi and members of the Qatari embassy in Jordan. The Amir sent a cable to the king of Jordan to express deep thanks and appreciation for the warm hospitality and honour accorded to him and the accompanying delegation during the visit, which provided him the opportunity to meet Amir holds talks with the king, as well as exchange views on issues of common concern and means of strengthening and promoting the fraternal relations between the two countries, as the talks aff irmed their mutual keenness to continue enhancing and developing them in various fields for the good and the benefit of the two peoples. His Highness the Amir wished the king the best of health and happiness, and the friendly people of Jordan further progress and prosperity. Tunisian president O Qatar, Tunisia to enhance ties in all fields

Ministry takes more steps QNA two countries within the Joint Higher President Kais Saied, Governor of Tu- Tunis Committee, in order to overcome all nis City Shazli Boualak, a number of diffi culties and strengthen and develop high-ranking Tunisian offi cials, Qatar’s relations in various fi elds. ambassador to Tunisia Saad bin Nasser to keep Qatar ‘virus-safe’ is Highness the Amir Sheikh The talks also dealt with a number al-Humaidi, Tunisian ambassador to Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani of regional and international issues of Qatar Sami al-Saidi, and members of Hand President of the Republic common concern, most importantly Qatari embassy in Tunisia. n line with the rapid developments re- of Tunisia Kais Saied held an offi cial the latest developments in the Pales- The Amir was accorded an offi cial lated to the spread of the novel corona- Passengers from Iran, S Korea to be quarantined talks session at Carthage Presidential tinian cause and the Libyan crisis. The reception ceremony upon arrival. Ivirus (Covid-19) globally, the Ministry Palace in Tunis yesterday. two sides stressed the importance of Talking to the media in Doha, the Tu- of Public Health (MoPH) announced yes- All incoming passengers from two above mentioned countries Talks during the session pertained promoting joint Arab action. nisian ambassador stressed the impor- terday a number of additional measures to Iran and South Korea whose who are showing symptoms of to the close bilateral relations between Members of the offi cial delegation tance of the offi cial visit by the Amir to monitor and detect any suspected cases. final destination is Doha and are the virus will be transferred to the the two countries and means to de- accompanying the Amir attended the his country and its role in strengthen- In a press statement, the ministry said showing no symptoms of the novel Communicable Disease Center at velop them in all fi elds in addition to a session. On the Tunisian side, it was ing relations between the two countries that due to the increasing number of cases coronavirus will be asked to stay Hamad Medical Corporation. number of regional and international attended by a number of ministers and and pushing bilateral co-operation to diagnosed in both South Korea and Iran and in home isolation or a quarantine Qatar Airways thanked passengers issues of common concern. senior offi cials. broader fi elds and horizons. the monitoring of new cases in a number of facility for 14 days, Qatar Airways for their co-operation in this matter. The two sides discussed ways to en- His Highness the Amir Sheikh The ambassador said the Amir’s visit countries in the region, co-ordination has said in a travel alert update on its Aff ected passengers can re-book hance co-operation between the two Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani arrived in to Tunisia confi rms the exceptional been made with the concerned authori- website yesterday. This is in line their tickets to alternative dates or brotherly countries, especially in the Tunis yesterday on a two-day offi cial nature of the distinguished relations ties to examine all travellers coming from with various global and local health destinations, or request for a full fi elds of economy, investment, security visit to Tunisia. between Tunisia and Qatar, especially countries that have recorded a signifi cant warnings, the statement noted. refund without charge, the airline and defence, as the two sides agreed to His Highness the Amir was wel- since it comes a few months after the increase in the outbreak of the virus. Also, passengers arriving from the said. create an eff ective mechanism to ac- comed upon arrival at Tunis-Carthage election of President Kais Saied as head To Page 3 celerate the pace of work between the International Airport by Tunisian of state. Page 12 PM opens Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition 2020

By Joseph Varghese Staff Reporter

he Prime Minister and Minister of In- terior, HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin TAbdulaziz al-Thani, opened the 17th edition of the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhi- bition (DJWE) - the largest to date - at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre yesterday. The opening ceremony was attended by a large number of dignitaries, diplomats and VIP guests. DJWE, organised by Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC), also had Sonam Kapoor, an Indian celebrity, in attendance at the opening ceremony as the face of QNTC’s promotional campaign, “Journey into Wonder”. HE Akbar al-Baker, Secretary-General of QNTC and Qatar Airways Group chief executive, said: “Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition is one of the biggest events in Qatar, off ering visi- tors the opportunity to experience the quality and craftsmanship of hundreds of the world’s fi nest gemstones and jewellery collections all under one roof. It helps attract tens of thousands of tourists to Doha each year – including celebri- ties, media, and industry infl uencers.” HE the Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani opens the 17th edition of the HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani is shown a collection of pearls at the Alfardan To Page 9/ Pages 6, 7, 8, 9 Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition at the DECC yesterday. Jewellery pavilion. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, February 25, 2020 QATAR

Amir sends cable FM sends message to Kuwaiti counterpart of congratulations Shura Council approves draft law to Estonia leader

on protecting industrial designs His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness the Deputy Amir he Shura Council held Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad its regular weekly meet- al-Thani yesterday sent cables Ting yesterday under the of congratulations to Estonia’s chairmanship of HE the Speaker President Kersti Kaljulaid on the Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al- anniversary of her country’s Mahmoud. Independence Day. HE the Prime The Council discussed the Minister and Minister of Interior Financial and Economic Aff airs Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Committee’s report on a draft Abdulaziz al-Thani sent a cable law on the protection of indus- of congratulations to the Prime trial designs. Minister of Estonia Juri Ratas on After the discussion, the the occasion. Council decided to approve the draft law and referred its recom- Qatar welcomes mendations to the government. The Speaker of the Shura govt formation Council briefed the Council on pact in S Sudan his participation along with the HE the Speaker of the Shura Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid The Minister of Foreign Aff airs of Kuwait Sheikh Dr Ahmed Nasser al-Mohamed al-Ahmed accompanying delegation in the al-Mahmoud chairing yesterday’s session. al-Sabah has received a written message from HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of parliamentary hearing at the Qatar welcomed yesterday Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, pertaining to the bilateral relations and United Nations headquarters in ments to establish the Offi ce build capacity of parliamentar- the agreement to form a new ways of promoting and enhancing them. The message was handed over by Qatar’s ambassador New York, held on February 17- of the UN Counter-Terrorism ians to better understand and Government of National Unity in to Kuwait Bandar bin Mohamed al-Attiyah, during his meeting with the Kuwaiti foreign minister 18 under the title “Education as Programme, which will be con- respond to terrorism-related the Republic of South Sudan. yesterday. a Key to Peace and Sustainable cerned with the parliamentary issues, support the implemen- The Ministry of Foreign Aff airs Development: Toward the Imple- participation in preventing and tation of major initiatives with- expressed in a statement mentation of SDG 4”, and on his combating terrorism. in the framework of the joint yesterday, its hope that the meetings on the sidelines of the The offi ce’s headquarters will United Nations and Inter-Par- agreement will serve as a hearing with a number of senior be in Qatar and its activities will liamentary Union programme foundation for peace and FM sends message to Italian counterpart offi cials of the United Nations and cover the parliaments of world on the role of parliaments in security in South Sudan, and will the Inter-Parliamentary Union. countries. countering terrorism and violent realise the hopes of the people The Minister of Foreign He also briefed the Council Under the memorandum of extremism leading to terrorism, for stability, development, and Aff airs and International on the memorandum of under- understanding, the Doha-based and promote a balanced and in- prosperity. Co-operation of Italy Luigi standing that he signed in New Offi ce of the UN Counter-Ter- tegrated implementation of the The statement expressed Qatar’s Di Maio has received a York with the United Nations, in rorism Programme will provide UN Global Counter-Terrorism appreciation for the regional and written message from HE which the Shura Council and the technical assistance and training Strategy and related Security international eff orts that helped the Deputy Prime Minister UN enter into direct arrange- to world parliaments in order to Council resolutions. reach a deal. and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, pertaining to the bilateral relations and ways of Lebanese prime minister meets Qatar’s ambassador promoting them. The message was handed over by the ambassador of Qatar to Italy Abdulaziz The Prime Minister of bin Ahmed al-Malki, Lebanon Dr Hassan Diab met during his meeting with the ambassador of Qatar to the Director-General of Lebanon Mohamed Hassan the Directorate General al-Jaber. During the meeting, for Political Aff airs they reviewed the bilateral and Security at the relations, in addition to topics Italian Foreign Ministry, of common concern. ambassador Sebastiano Cardi, yesterday.

QFSW and Community College of Qatar sign MoU

QNA research, studies and data port volunteering efforts demic programmes that suit Doha which support the goals for students of the CCQ, the requirements of the la- of MoU in full compliance in addition to exchang- bour market, and organising with the governing laws and ing academic research and educational seminars and atar Foundation for regulations of both sides, as experiences and holding printing and educational Social Work (QFSW) well as accelerate the joint educational seminars and brochures for youth. He Qsigned a memo- work in the fi eld of practical dialogues between com- noted that signing the MoU randum of understanding application programmes re- munity elites and college with the QFSW is a fruitful (MoU) with the Community lated to honing of expertise students, as well as hold- co-operation in the fi eld of College of Qatar (CCQ), in and enhancing personnel ing scientific conferences sponsoring student social an endeavour to strengthen capacity building. in the future. activities in the college, co-operation in fi elds of CEO of the Qatar Foun- The Foundation will work exchanging research and common concern and con- dation for Social Work to provide the opportunity academic experiences, and tribute to human and social enunciated her aspirations for the students of CCQ to holding conferences and development, to benefi t from the dis- practice various skills in training workshops to serve The MoU was signed by tinguished capabilities of academic specialisations the Foundation’s eff orts in CEO of the Qatar Founda- the Community College of fi elds directly related to the the social work sector in the tion for Social Work Amal Qatar in its specialisation. specialisations of QFSW’s country. bint Abdullatif al-Mannai, Hopefully, this MoU can be affi liated centres, al-Man- Established in August and President of the Com- able to serve the goals of the nai stated, adding that the 2013, Qatar Foundation for munity College of Qatar Foundation and its affi li- co-operation in the fi eld of Social Work operates as a Dr Mohamed bin Ibrahim ated centres in the various voluntary services will pro- non-profi t body that aims to al-Nuaimi, during a spe- domains of social work, she vide opportunities for con- develop civil society organi- cial ceremony held at the noted. tributions based on student sations that operate under its QFSW and in the presence Al-Mannai indicated that volunteering activity at the umbrella and enhance their of a group of dignitaries of joint work in the fi eld of Foundation and its centres. capabilities, advance their the Foundation and all the training programmes will For his part, CCQ presi- roles in serving community, directors of its affi liated equip both parties with re- dent said: “Today’s MoU and develop eff ective strate- centres. fi ned experiences and mul- marks the beginning of a gies and policies that con- The partnership aims at tiple skills to develop a Qa- promising partnership that tribute to the advancement of bolstering civil society or- tari personality required to will combine the forces of such centres. ganisations and centres that build a country with distinct both entities for an even Qatar Foundation for So- operate under the umbrella national competencies. greater positive social im- cial Work oversees several of Qatar Foundation for So- Responding to a ques- pact. CCQ is honoured to centres including Social De- cial Work, upgrading and tion by Qatar News Agency partner with the QFSW velopment Centre (Nama), developing programmes (QNA) about the mecha- and help support its noble Al Shafallah Centre for that contribute to the ad- nism of implementing aim of making meaning- Persons with Disability and vancement of these centres the agreement and the ful contributions to Qatari Best Buddies Qatar, Family to realise their goals of as- most prominent joint pro- society through its support Counseling Centre (Wifaq), sociation and serve their grammes, al-Mannai ex- of civil society organisa- The Orphan Care Centre purposes. plained that the duration tions.” (Dreama), The Centre for In addition, this part- of the agreement is 3 years, In a statement to QNA, Empowerment & Elderly nership is established to which can be extended, al-Nuaimi said that the Care (Ehsan), The Protec- achieve QFSW’s mission pointing out that there college is making intensive tion & Social Rehabilitation through co-operation in will be fruitful co-opera- eff orts to serve the Qatari Centre (Aman) and Al Noor exchanging experiences, tion to enhance and sup- community by off ering aca- Centre for the Blind.

CEO of the Qatar Foundation for Social Work Amal bint Abdullatif al-Mannai and President of the Community College of Qatar Dr Mohamed bin Ibrahim al-Nuaimi signing the MoU. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 25, 2020 3 QATAR

A special event titled ‘My Legacy’ held under the patronage of HE Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi was held to recognise the services of employees who have reached career milestones of 30, 35 and 40 years of service. Qatar Petroleum honours 74 long-serving employees

atar Petroleum has hon- CEO of Qatar Petroleum, was service in Qatar Petroleum, we warding its talent as it moves our ambitions well into the fu- oured 74 long-serving held to recognise the services of see that this does not just make ahead to realise its vision. ture,” he said. Qemployees “in recogni- employees who have reached ca- us the only employer you have “Our Human Capital was, and HE al-Kaabi highlighted tion of their commitment and reer milestones of 30, 35 and 40 ever known in your career, but continues to be, at the centre of some of Qatar Petroleum’s re- dedication” to realising QP’s vi- years of service. also speaks volumes about Qa- everything we do. We are mak- cent milestones on its jour- sion and strategic objectives. HE al-Kaabi paid tribute to tar Petroleum as an employer of ing sure that we build unparal- ney to reinforce its position as A special event titled ‘My Leg- all those recognised, who in- choice, and as an incubator for leled capabilities on the road to a global energy provider, and acy’ held under the patronage cluded employees from a wide human talent.” greater achievements. We also said: “You have all contributed of HE the Minister of State for spectrum of jobs and profes- He highlighted the impor- remain focused on developing to those achievements and for Energy Aff airs Saad bin Sherida sions, and said: “As we honour tance Qatar Petroleum places leadership competencies within that I thank each and every one al-Kaabi, also the President and the many years of your long on developing, building and re- the organisation that can drive of you.” Ministry takes more steps to keep Qatar ‘virus-safe’

From Page 1 continuing to screen people who show The Ministry of Public Health af- mission of infection in hospitals and no Covid-19 cases have yet been The rapid response team in the min- fever and respiratory symptoms to be firmed its keenness to maintain high health centres. registered in Qatar, and renewed istry operates around the clock and re- A number of residential buildings transferred to the Communicable Dis- alert in the health sector to detect, It advised the residents to postpone its commitment to the principle ceives any communication or inquiry equipped with all the amenities have ease Center, to do the necessary checks isolate and report any suspected travels to China, South Korea, Iran, of transparency in communicat- related to communicable diseases been prepared to host the persons who and provide the appropriate treatment, cases, as well as raise the level of pre- Singapore, Japan and Italy. ing the facts to all members of the on the hotline numbers 66740951 or meet the quarantine standards, while the statement said. paredness in combating the trans- The ministry confirmed that society. 66740948. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, February 25, 2020 QATAR

Justice minister meets Palestinian official

HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari with other off icials and dignitaries at the inauguration of the new headquarters for HMC’s Transport Department.

Minister opens new HMC HE the Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of State for Cabinet Aff airs Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi yesterday met the Head of the Palestinian Anti-Corruption Commission Dr Ahmed Barak, and the accompanying delegation, who are visiting Qatar. During the meeting, they reviewed legal and legislative co-operation between Qatar and Palestine, along with a number of issues of common concern. The meeting was attended by Palestine ambassador to Transport Dept building Qatar Munir Ghannam.

E the Minister of Pub- ages and monitors a total of lic Health Dr Hanan 650 vehicles through its Glo- HMohamed al-Kuwari bal Positioning System. yesterday inaugurated the new “More than 60 requests are Qatar-Palestine ties reviewed headquarters for Hamad Medi- made to the Transport Depart- cal Corporation’s Transport ment each day - transporting Department. staff to meetings both on cam- The purpose-built head- pus and around Qatar,” said quarters located near the Surgi- Rashid Saleh M A al-Marri, cal Specialty Centre will enable assistant executive director of the department to better serve hospitality (Transport). HMC’s complex and growing “The team works round the transportation needs, according clock to ensure that staff , visi- to a press statement. tors and guests using the serv- During the event, HE Dr al- ice can access safe and effi cient Kuwari toured the new build- transportation. The Transport ing along with senior leaders Department has grown to some and dignitaries from HMC. The 383 drivers to accommodate the new facility includes VIP wait- changing needs of the organisa- ing areas, a dedicated call centre tion. Our new headquarters will for the department, a majlis and enable our department to fur- administration offi ces. ther serve HMC’s objectives,” “HMC’s Transport Depart- added al-Marri. ment provides vital transport HE Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari touring the facility. As part of the inauguration, services for staff , HMC visitors HE Dr al-Kuwari also launched HE the President of the Supreme Judiciary Council and President and guests. It is also a depart- helps keep HMC moving safely ports staff, visitors and guests fices at Heart Hospital, Qatar the department’s new online of the Court of Cassation Dr Hassan Lahdan Saqer al-Mohannadi ment with one of the highest and effi ciently,” said Hamad al- between HMC’s network of Rehabilitation Institute and Al booking system, which will en- met the Head of the Palestinian Anti-Corruption Commission Dr representations of Qatari em- Khalifa, HMC’s chief of Health- 12 hospitals as well as other Khor Hospital, and there are able staff to book journeys to Ahmed Barak and his accompanying delegation. They reviewed ployees. The transport team de- care Facilities. facilities. The Transport De- plans to expand to other loca- meetings and other essential co-operation between the two sides, and ways to develop them. livers an essential service that A team of 383 drivers trans- partment also has satellite of- tions. The department man- business trips with ease.

Ministries sign pact to use public parks for cultural events

QNA ment yesterday signed a Arts Department of the stitutions to deliver public strengthen relations and Doha co-operation agreement Ministry of Culture and benefit to all sectors of so- support means of co- on making use of public Sports Faisal al-Suwaidi ciety, preserve the nation- operation in all fields, parks to hold various ac- said that the signing of the al heritage, spread the Qa- including the spread of he Ministry of Cul- tivities targeting all groups agreement comes within tari culture and highlight awareness to highlight ture and Sports and of society to spread the lo- the framework of the min- its characteristics and and preserve the cultural Tthe Ministry of Mu- cal culture. istry’s keenness to co-op- continue to implement its heritage in implementa- nicipality and Environ- Director at Culture and erate with various state in- strategies. tion of the Qatar National Assistant Director of Vision 2030. Public Parks Department He noted that the agree- at the Ministry of Mu- ment includes allocating nicipality and Environ- an area in Dahl Al Hamam ment Mohamed Ibrahim Park in Doha for a heritage al-Sada explained that village where the Minis- the signing of the agree- try of Culture and Sports ment with the Ministry will stage festivals, events, of Culture and Sports re- competitions and various Officials of the Ministry of Culture and Sports and the Ministry of Municipality and flects the environment activities throughout the Environment signing the agreement yesterday. ministry’s keenness to year.

Qatar praises Libya peace eff orts

HE the Permanent Minister of Foreign Aff airs Representative of Qatar to of the Government of the United Nations Off ice National Accord of Libya in Geneva, ambassador Mohamed Taher Siala, Ali Khalfan al-Mansouri, to end the bloodshed in who is Chairman of the Libya and stop the fighting current session of the immediately. In his speech Arab Ambassadors’ at the 43rd session of the Council in Geneva, has Human Rights Council, praised the eff orts exerted al-Mansouri wished the by the Chairman of the Government of National Presidential Council of the Accord success in its eff orts Government of National to end the suff ering of the Accord of Libya, Fayez Libyan people and serving Mustafa al-Sarraj, and the the interests of Libya.

Indian embassy Open House

Indian ambassador P Kumaran will hold an Open House on the Indian embassy from 3pm-4pm on February 27, to listen to/redress any urgent labour and consular issues faced by Indian nationals in Qatar, it has been announced.

Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, February 25, 2020 QATAR

DJWE 2020 off to a glittering start

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani yesterday inaugurated the 17th Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition (DJWE) at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior toured the exhibition pavilions, during which he was briefed on the most prominent exhibits off ered by Qatari and international companies participating in the event. He also viewed the most important new designs for jewellery, watches and rare precious stones, QNA reported. The opening of the exhibition was attended by a number of Sheikhs and ministers, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the state as well as senior off icials and businessmen, and representatives of the exhibiting companies.

‘Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition attracts thousands of tourists to Qatar’

QNA HE al-Baker added: “It is no sur- national and Qatari brands, together Doha prise therefore, that DJWE is grow- under one roof. This year’s edition ing year after year, and the 17th edi- is expected to be the largest ever, tion is the largest to date in terms of with 129 exhibitors from 14 countries he 17th edition of Doha Jew- exhibitors and exhibition space. We showcasing 500 local and internation- ellery & Watches Exhibition are thrilled to welcome partners and al brands, spread across 33,000sq m. T(DJWE), organised by Qatar guests from all over the world who The Young Qatari Designers Ini- National Tourism Council (QNTC), have come to attend the event and we tiative will participate for the fourth kicked off yesterday and will run un- hope they enjoy the experience of lux- consecutive year in the exhibition til February 29 at the Doha Exhibition ury and beauty both at the exhibition, held under the patronage of HE the and Convention Centre (DECC). and in Qatar generally.” Prime Minister and Minister of Inte- Refl ecting on the continued growth HE al-Baker concluded his state- rior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Ab- of the Doha Jewellery & Watches Ex- ment by saying: “Qatar’s tourism sec- dulaziz al-Thani. hibition, HE Secretary-General of tor is witnessing rapid growth with the The Doha Jewellery and Watch- QNTC and group chief executive of development of new tourism products es Exhibition is the platform from Qatar Airways Akbar al-Baker said: and experiences. which this important initiative was “Doha Jewellery & Watches exhibition These achievements are the re- launched, to support Qatari creators. is one of the biggest events in Qatar, sult of fruitful co-operation between This initiative highlights their most off ering visitors the opportunity to various industry partners, headed by prominent works and accomplish- experience the quality and craftsman- QNTC, and guided by the sustainable ments, enabling them to display their ship of hundreds of the world’s fi nest development goals charted in our Qa- designs and innovations alongside gemstones and jewellery collections tar National Vision 2030.” the most famous and brightest names all under one roof. It helps attract tens DJWE is a leading platform for lov- in the world of luxury, as this year 18 of thousands of tourists to Doha each ers of luxury and jewellery to see the creative Qatar designers, including year - including celebrities, media, latest trends and innovations in the fi ve Qatari talents, participate for the and industry infl uencers. industry, along with renowned inter- fi rst time. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 25, 2020 7 QATAR Vacheron Constantin unveils Égérie at DJWE

By Joey Aguilar wishes. Born from ‘the encounter of character, an elegant watch fi rmly Staff Reporter two worlds,’ Haute Horlogerie and embedded in its era. It is a daily com- Haute Couture, the new Égérie col- panion and a confi dante of the most lection weaves the face of watchmak- precious evenings. acheron Constantin, the ing femininity, according to Vacheron Composed of three models – self- world’s oldest watchmaker, Constantin. winding, moon phase and moon Vmarked the global unveiling A watch featuring a classic look phase diamond-pavé – each off er- From the Égérie collection. of Égérie yesterday at the 17th edition “draped” with a mischievous touch ing its own versions in 18K pink gold, of Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibi- refl ecting today’s women: inspiring, 18K white gold or steel, set with dia- tion (DJWE), showcasing four unique independent and charismatic. monds, É gé rie is inherently versatile. timepieces at an event held at the Al- “There are two distinctive realms The Égérie self-winding is a watch fardan Pavilion. in which craftsmanship, know-how for every day, for every evening and The gathering was attended by and rarity would be nothing without for every moment. Available in 18K Alfardan Jewellery president Ali Al- passion, creativity and concern for 5N rose gold or steel, this timepiece fardan and Vacheron Constantin’s details. Haute Horlogerie and Haute captures the spirit of the times. Middle East brand director Alexander Couture share this same vocation, A bold move for this versatile Schmiedt, who introduced Égérie – continuously reinvented by the arti- watch, escorted by three interchange- dubbed as the “fi rst dedicated wom- sans working behind the scenes. able leather straps for the 18K 5N pink en’s timepiece collection” – high- Égérie was born from the conjunc- gold version. lighting two self-winding and two tion between these two fi elds of ex- The night star is at the very heart of The new Égérie collection weaves the moon phase models. pertise,” Vacheron Constantin said in the Égérie moon phase model, which face of watchmaking femininity. Guests at the launch also had the a statement. comes in a 37mm case in 18k 5N rose chance to fully immerse themselves The new Vacheron Constantin col- gold or steel, with a diamond-set for more than 265 years, and one of in the heart of the collection and dis- lection is infused with an exquisitely bezel. The stellar horological compli- the most sought-after brands at the cover the unique craftsmanship, pre- feminine sensibility; a dial featuring a cation springs a surprise by appearing annual and prestigious exhibition, cision and beauty behind these novel- pleated pattern and a diamond ‘halo’ where it is least expected. which opened yesterday and runs un- ties. resembling slender braiding and ac- The Égérie moon phase diamond- til February 29 at the Doha Exhibition During the six-day exhibition, the centuating the feminine shape of the pave model, framed in diamonds, and Convention Centre. Maison is off ering customers a unique case. comes in a 37mm case with 18k white DJWE 2020, organised by the Qa- experience, whereby they will be or- Above all, sophistication is in each gold sparkles with 292 diamonds. tar National Tourism Council, was ganising a Strap pop-up bar, giving and every detail, expressed through The dial deploys its concentric cir- opened by HE the Prime Minister and them an opportunity to personalise pleasingly harmonious geometry cles amid a shower of 510 diamonds Interior Minister Sheikh Khalid bin their Vacheron Constantin timepiece punctuated by 18-carat gold Arabic resembling a precious embroidery. Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani and with a new strap created on the spot numerals, daintily scalloped like lace. Vacheron Constantin has been attended by several other dignitaries, in accordance with their personal The mischievous É gé rie has a strong continuously producing timepieces diplomats, and guests.

Égérie Lifestyle.

The Heritage

Haute Couture instils a sophisticated style, subtly paired with the asymmetrical aes- thetic faithfully perpetuating the Vacheron Constantin heritage. A delicate interplay of textures and intertwined shapes, alternating fl at and subtly raised areas; a pleated eff ect reminiscent of fabric; a singular asymmetry borne by a fl uid aesthetic: such is the exquisite aesthetic of the Égérie watch. A feminine name for a watch inspired by women, from the famous nymph Egeria re- currently featured in Roman mythology to the contemporary muses who inspire art- ists, designers and other creative talents. Infused with an exquisitely feminine sensi- bility, the new Vacheron Constantin collection draws its refi nement from the world of Haute Couture. Égérie is also the modern interpretation of aesthetic codes cherished by Vacheron Constantin, which has been off ering off -centre displays since the early 19th century, notably by playing on two intertwined circles. Égérie has made this its signature touch. The date or moon-phase integration is thus part of a subtle diagonal line formed by the Vacheron Constantin logo and the crown daringly taking its place between one o’clock and two o’clock. Depending on the model, the latter is adorned with a cabochon-cut moonstone or a rose-cut diamond. This creative freedom is driven by a bold spirit that makes all the diff erence. Timepieces will be available in all Vacheron Constantin boutiques and authorised points of sale as of March 1, according to a statement. “A pleated mo- tif reminiscent of Haute Couture craft, 18K gold fi gures scalloped like fi ne lace, dia- monds recalling precious embroidery and an off -centre aesthetic inspired by the herit- age of Vacheron Constantin... Haute Horlogerie engages in a fascinating dialogue with Haute Couture. The new Égérie ladies’ collection is an anthem to elegant women who enhance their attire with a bold touch. A circle in a circle and deliberate asymmetry characterise a watch that captures the mood of the moment through its multiple faces, reliably powered by self-winding movements adorned with Haute Horlogerie fi nishes,” the statement added.

É gé rie is inherently versatile.

Égérie is the “first dedicated women’s The mischievous É gé rie has a strong character, timepiece collection”. an elegant watch firmly embedded in its era. Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, February 25, 2020 QATAR Exquisite timepieces beckon enthusiasts to Concord booth

By Shafeeq Alingal cording to a representative of Con- The Swiss watch company is high- The Concord Mariner collection white mother-of-pearl dial featuring Staff Reporter cord, a participant in DJWE 2020. lighting the Mariner, Saratoga, Im- refl ects a modern sense of style fea- a distinctive stamped centre-zone “There are enough takers for luxu- presario and Delirium collections turing elegantly stylised angles. pattern. ry watches here,” he stressed. at the exhibition, available for both The Concord Mariner Lady watch- The classic woven-link bracelet of he Doha Jewellery and Watches The Concord booth at DJWE 2020 women and men. es are desirable dress watches with Saratoga features a new design with Exhibition (DJWE) is an ideal off ers an array of exquisite watches “We have more than 100 ‘execu- unique features of glamour. integrated lugs and a more angled ap- Tvenue for watch manufactur- for enthusiasts. tions’ in four families of watches at The watches that belong to this pearance. ers to showcase their potential in Concord has been an exhibitor at the exhibition,” the representative family come in various models of rose Impresario of Concord is a harmo- terms of innovation and quality, ac- DJWE since its inception. said. gold and stainless steel. nious blend of tradition and moder- The rose gold-infused models rep- nity. resent the essence of a contemporary Concord has revitalised and re- marina lifestyle combined with a freshed the Impresario line with a warm and intimate sense of belong- decidedly contemporary touch. ing. Impresario is rendered in rose gold The Concord Mariner 200 owns a and white mother-of-pearl, and Im- true marine heritage and refl ects the presario Lady adds lustre to the lady restless and unfettered spirit of the watch collection of Concord. ocean. The Concord Impressario Gent The Concord Mariner Blue Dial is Moonphase is a comprehensive dem- a classic design, elegant and a go-to- onstration of the stunning eff ect that sartorial choice for any situation. can be achieved by integrating tra- The Saratoga watches are re- ditional horological functions into a nowned for their high-quality work- watch with modern design. manship and luxurious feel. Delirium is a revolutionary Saratoga Concord is a distinctive achievement by Concord in Swiss new incarnation that embodies the watchmaking. A wide range of Con- perfect blend of traditional elegance, cord Delirium watches are available prestigious association and contem- at the exhibition. porary design. DJWE 2020 got under way at the The 31mm Saratoga Lady is decid- Doha Exhibition and Convention edly feminine with a diamond-set Centre yesterday, and continues until Some of the Concord watches on display. The Concord booth. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed case and bracelet and shimmering February 29.

Some of the Concord watches on display. Pomellato taking part in the DJWE

asterful in its jewellery savoir- Among them, the beloved, ever-iconic faire, Pomellato is presenting Nudo ring in both maxi and classic sizes, Msome of its most exquisite pieces each shining brightly with hand-cut deep ever created at the ongoing Doha Jewellery blue doublets such as London blue topaz, & Watches Exhibition (DJWE). agate, turquoise gemstones and precious “Exalting goldsmithing tradition and so- diamond pavé. phisticated craftsmanship, Pomellato rep- The same Nudo parure is presented in resents Milanese design with over 48 pieces pink quartz and pink chalcedony with of brightly coloured gems, meticulous pavé brown diamonds. diamonds and audacious goldsmith gen- The brand new Fantina collection in- ius,” the jeweller said in a statement. cludes a diamond-edged ring in rose gold Pomellato designed the concept of the or white gold and 61 diamonds, to pair with prêt-à-porter jewel for the independent a cuff bracelet of the same sensual-curves woman in the 1960s. design (133 diamonds) and bold pendant More than 50 years later, this concept earrings of 134 diamonds, topped off by a has evolved, as has its exquisite jewellery spectacular statement piece tear-drop pen- savoir-faire. dant that features 59 diamonds or 150 dia- This is evidenced especially in Pomel- monds set in the white gold version. lato’s new high-end masterpieces at Doha, For two layers that reveal both Pomel- such as the special Sabbia parure designed lato’s goldsmith and diamond prowess, the to be worn separately or in tandem: the Milanese maison presents a parure of rose shimmering ring, earrings and necklace gold in the form of an Iconica two-layer in white gold with a pavé of emeralds – all ring – one of gold and one of 32 diamond sourced sustainably from Gemfi elds, with pavé gems. white and brown diamonds. With its Sabbia collection, Pomellato was Sculpted for queens of resplendence, exquisitely inspired this year, producing Pomellato also introduces its white gold several pieces that play on the volume of its Iconica choker, which is entirely covered simple circle or rectangle design. with diamond pavé for a high-shine fi nish- With Tango, Pomellato demonstrates its ing touch. gem-setting mastery in a white gold ring Iconic traits from signature Pomellato with 126 smoothly-set diamonds. collections are evidenced throughout the One can fi nd Pomellato in the Ali Bin Ali display. Pavilion (Area D2). When melody meets luxury

Musicians performing at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre on the opening of the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed Gulf Times Tuesday, February 25, 2020 9 QATAR PM inaugurates Doha Jewellery Style icon & Watches Exhibition 2020

From Page 1

This year’s edition of DJWE is expected to be the largest ever, with 129 exhibitors from 14 countries showcasing 500 local and international brands. The exhibition area is spread across 33,000sq m and is open to visi- tors until February 29 from 12pm- 10pm, but from 4pm-10pm on February 28 (Friday). “It is no surprise that DJWE is growing year after year, and the 17th edition is the largest to date in terms of exhibitors and exhibition space. We are thrilled to welcome partners and guests from all over the world who have come to attend the event and we hope they enjoy the experience of luxury and beauty both at the ex- hibition, and in Qatar generally,” explained al-Baker. DJWE is a leading platform for lovers of luxury and jewellery to see the latest trends and innova- tions in the industry, along with renowned international and Qa- tari brands, together under one roof. “Qatar’s tourism sector is witnessing rapid growth with the development of new tourism products and experiences. These achievements are the result of fruitful cooperation between The exhibition runs until February 29. various industry partners, head- ed by QNTC, and guided by the tracting visitors from all over the lery, Ghada Albuainain Jewellery, brands, in addition to the Indian The Indian Pavilion is expected sustainable development goals world to enjoy DJWE. In addition, Ghand Jewellery, Leila Issam Fine pavilion, which returns for its to launch the AYRA jewellery col- charted in Qatar National Vision Alfardan Jewellery, Al Majed Jew- Jewellery, Hairaat Fine Jewellery, second year with 28 brands that lection belonging to Indian jewel- 2030,” added HE al-Baker. ellery, Ali Bin Ali Luxury, Amiri Nouf Jewellery, Sarah’s & Co, showcase the diversity of Indian lery house Amayra. The exhibition is supported by Gems, Fifty One East, Al Muftah Al Ghala Jewellery, Midad Jew- jewellery, catering to all tastes A new 18-carat white gold egg a number of partners, led by Qa- Jewellery and Blue Salon will be ellery, Thameen Jewellery and and occasions. will join other famous Fabergé tar National Bank as the offi cial lending their support as the exhi- Hessa Jewels. In addition, fi ve This year’s exhibition will host pieces at the Alfardan Jewellery sponsor, Qatar Airways as the of- bition gets under way. new Qatari designers – H Jewel- several international brands for Pavilion, while Rolex and Tu- fi cial airline partner, JW Marriott DJWE also off ers an unprec- lery, Kaltham’s Pavilion, Camelot the fi rst time. Among them are dor will display iconic designs, Marquis City Centre Doha as the edented opportunity for Qatari Jewellery, Claire De Lune Jewel- Dolce & Gabbana and Nous, in- and Chanel will have a dedicated Indian actress and style icon Sonam Kapoor joined the opening offi cial hospitality partner, Al- designers to showcase their work. lery and Letters Passion Arts – cluded in the Ali Bin Ali Luxury booth within Fifty One East’s pa- ceremony of the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition (DJWE) fardan Automotive and Sotheby’s For the fourth year in a row, the will show their uniquely stunning pavilion, De Beers, which will vilion. yesterday as the face of the Qatar National Tourism Council’s International Realty Qatar. Young Qatari Designers Initia- designs. soon open its fi rst store in Qatar at Jawahir Oman Jewellers, one of promotional campaign, titled ‘Journey into Wonder’. Aired in 16 Qatar Airways is off ering spe- tive allows visitors to see stun- The 17th edition of the exhibi- Al Hazm, and Italian brand Leno- Oman’s oldest luxury brands, will regional and international markets, the campaign has reached cial promotions on fares in Econ- ning collections from 18 young tion features two international re, which will present a collec- present a selection of its most fa- more than 450mn people, furthering Qatar as a world-class omy and Business Class until the Qatari designers. Returning de- pavilions: the Turkish pavilion, tion of bracelets, necklaces and mous collections, including Di- destination. end of March, with the aim of at- signers include Trifoglio Jewel- a DJWE fi rst, housing 11 Turkish earrings at the Jawaher Pavilion. nar. Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, February 25, 2020 QATAR ‘Sham Deserves’ is a contribution from Qatar to addressing the largest Syrian displacement

which amounted to about 68 million Qatari riyals, benefiting 1,318,000 people within Syria and the countries of asylum. It has attached importance to the urgent relief projects to save the displaced and refugees from snow and frost. Nearly 80% of the projects of the Aleppo campaign were implemented, according to what was planned at the beginning of the campaign. These projects included urgent intervention projects carried out due to the challenging humanitarian conditions at that time, and long- term programs supporting livelihood, benefiting nearly 7,877,000 persons.

Faisal Rashid Al Fehaida International humanitarian Assistant CEO for International Operations and Partnerships Sector - Qatar Charity interventions covered only 24% of the needs of Syrian atar Charity launches various relief campaigns from time to time to support displaced persons and Qthe vulnerable worldwide with urgent aid refugees in 2019 to meet their basic needs. On Wednesday, February 19, 2020, under Compared to the amount of donations, the supervision of the Regulatory Authority what is the magnitude of the needs of for Charitable Activities (RACA), the “Sham the displaced and refugees, and what Deserves” campaign was launched by the Qatar Media Corporation, which is being implemented is the nature of the assistance and the currently by Qatar Charity, in cooperation with projects? many media organizations in the country. The 2019 global funding covered only 54% of On this occasion, the below interview was the humanitarian needs of global humanitarian conducted with Mr. Faisal Rashid Al Fehaida, action issued by the United Nations. This means Assistant CEO for International Operations and that the gap between the need and funding underprivileged segments of society. These We often offer urgent relief assistance, including Partnerships Sector - Qatar Charity. reaches 46%, and this gap increases annually projects include education and technical training food, non-food items, and primary health services, projects, health, economic empowerment and when a disaster occurs. livelihood projects. Third Stage: Early Recovery How do you implement aid programs We focus on rebuilding the capacity of post- and projects within the framework of disaster societies, implementing more stable relief campaigns in times of disasters? projects with long-term impact. We attach more importance to education, health, food security, Our programs are consistent with the annual economic empowerment, and livelihoods. country and regional response plans issued by the United Nations Office for the Coordination What are the most prominent features of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). of the ‘Sham Deserves’ campaign? In times of disasters, we work according to In view of the worsening situation of the displaced the laws, regulations and plans of the countries Syrians, the “Shams Deserves” campaign was where we work, and coordinate with Qatar launched by the Qatar Media Corporation under Charity’s offices in various countries, UN and the supervision of the Regulatory Authority for international partners, and local bodies to Charitable Activities (RACA) to provide relief aid to identify needs quickly, so that we can determine 250,000 affected Syrians. As the number of the displace has risen to nearly one million persons during the past three months, 9 million beneficiaries including 80,000 people with no basic needs, the of Aleppo and Arsal campaign came to mobilize resources to help these vulnerable Syrians. relief campaigns We have distributed food items loaded into 50 trucks and operated bakeries on the Turkish borders and

Relief campaigns are launched from with the increase in need. Global humanitarian time to time for Syrian displaced action targets nearly $ 29 billion, and the gap is expected to reach 50% of the need as well. persons and refugees. What are the repercussions of these campaigns for Last year, the needs of the Syrian people within their country and in the countries of asylum the targeted? amounted to nearly $9bn, of which only $4bn We at Qatar Charity mainly work at delivering were covered, meaning that 42% of the 2019 assistance to displaced Syrian people within their needs were only covered, a United Nations (UN) country and Syrian refuges in the countries of report shows. asylum throughout the year, as the Syrian crisis is However, Qatar Charity, with the support of the biggest catastrophe occurred during the past donors in Qatar, contributed significantly to nine years. easing Syrians’ plight during the past few years, Each relief campaign reflects the conditions reflecting a clear solidarity with the Syrian on the ground and is launched due to various people, both displaced and refugees. The Aleppo reasons, including an increase in number of campaign managed to raise donations exceeding victims and a larger displacement like the latest 300 million Qatari riyals; however, there is still one in Idlib, which caused the displacement of a larger gab between the existing need of the nearly one million people. A bigger campaign can vulnerable Syrians and the works implemented contribute to reducing the impact of this crisis. for them. This is determined by our field offices or those collaborating with us at the International Relief and Partnerships Department of Qatar We implement Charity, based on the increased needs on the our humanitarian ground, humanitarian appeals, and the scale of interventions. The ‘Sham Deserves’ relief projects through campaign comes in response to the largest our field offices and displacement happened since 2011 partners according the areas of intervention and the mechanism of in Syria for six months, in addition to distributing The Arsal and Aleppo relief campaigns project implementation. Qatar Charity works 50,000 meals daily to people in Syria, as a first stage. were among the most prominent ones to international continuously in the field of humanitarian action We will implement other project consecutively on three main stages: implemented or contributed to by standards as part of the campaign. We thank all donors, Qatar Charity during past few years. First Stage: Disaster Preparedness including individuals and institutions, for Can you tell us about what you have The projects that we implement are consistent Projects supporting vulnerable Syrians struggling to survive done in this regard? with the annual plan of the United Nations. We under the very problematic conditions. work through our offices and partners in the We work to build the capacities of local The Aleppo and Arsal campaigns were among The campaign, in cooperation with the Qatar areas of food security, shelter, non-food items, communities and support disaster response the largest campaigns launched or contributed systems, aiming at preventing disasters or Media Corporation, will include a joint live to by Qatar Charity during the last five years, in health, education, water sanitation, livelihoods, broadcast on Friday and Saturday, February 28, economic empowerment, and psychological and minimizing the severity of their impacts at coordination with the Regulatory Authority for least. and 29, 2020, by Qatar Television, Qatar Radio, Charitable Activities (RACA). social support. Al Quran Al Kareem Radio, Sout Al Khaleej Radio, Alkass Sports Channels, Alrayyan TV, and Alrayyan Qatar Charity has implemented 100% of the We focus greatly on projects that give long- Second Stage: Urgent Response Radio to raise donations for Syrians. total donations of “Arsal Relief” campaign, term benefit to the most vulnerable and Projects Gulf Times Tuesday, February 25, 2020 11 QATAR

QCAC honours winners of Alliance of Civilization Award

QNA as HE the Undersecretary of the experiences and benefi ts between education, where the plan in the Doha Ministry of Education and Higher peoples on the basis of the values fi eld of education included sev- Education Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh of truth, justice and equality, and eral goals, including the third goal, al-Nuaimi, and Secretary General in order to achieve the lofty goals which is to provide appreciative he Qatari Committee for of Qatar National Commission for of human society. prizes for business outstand- the Alliance of Civiliza- Education, Culture and Science He pointed out that the Alli- ing research and fi nancing solid Ttion (QCAC) at the Min- Dr Hamda Hassan al-Sulaiti. ance of Civilization Award comes research in the dialogue among istry of Foreign Aff airs, and the In his speech, HE the Secretary- within the framework of imple- civilizations. Qatar National Commission for General of the Ministry of Foreign menting Qatar’s plan for the Al- HE Dr al-Hammadi said that Education, Culture and Science Aff airs and Deputy Chairman of liance of Civilizations 2018-2020, the Qatar Alliance of Civilizations held yesterday, a ceremony hon- Qatar Committee for the Alli- which aims to achieve under- Award, which will be centred on ouring the winners of Alliance of ance of Civilizations Dr Ahmed standing between nations and migration, will be presented next Civilization Award in its second bin Hassan al-Hammadi stated peoples and establish solid rela- month, noting in this context that edition for the year 2019, at the that the award is granted to two tions between them, and remove the issue of migration has become headquarters of the Diplomatic categories within three levels. It the causes of discrimination and a major concern among countries Institute. is awarded to individuals and stu- misunderstanding in pursuit of and humanitarian organisations, The honouring ceremony was dents, as well as to distinguished HE the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs and Deputy Chairman of Qatar Committee for the humanitarian goal in peace- as the world is witnessing a great held under the patronage of HE educational institutions in the the Alliance of Civilizations Dr Ahmed bin Hassan al-Hammadi and other off icials with the award winners. fulness coexistence, acceptance movement of people due to wars the Deputy Prime Minister and fi eld of implementing activities, of others and respect for diff erent and armed confl icts in various Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh programmes and initiatives that coexistence between diff erent na- phasised the care and support of is to enhance the role of Qatar in peoples and cultures. countries of the world, especially Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al- enhance the values and concepts tions and peoples. dialogue among civilizations and highlighting the contribution of On Qatar’s plan for the Alliance in the Arab region, from which Thani, and HE the Secretary- of the Alliance of Civilizations. He said that the subject of the coexistence between diff erent re- Islamic civilization, along with of Civilizations, he explained that migrants account for the largest General of the Ministry of Foreign HE Dr al-Hammadi said that Alliance of Civilizations is one of ligions and cultures. other civilizations, and its role in it includes the implementation of percentage of migration to Europe Aff airs and Deputy Chairman of the Alliance of Civilizations is the topics that received special HE Dr al-Hammadi noted the promoting dialogue and resolving many programmes and activities and America, while the number Qatar Committee for the Alli- today one of the most impor- attention from the leadership, establishment of the Qatari Com- confl icts and disputes, empha- aimed at achieving the goals of of migrants worldwide reached ance of Civilizations Dr Ahmed tant tools for soft diplomacy that and this was embodied in Qatar mittee for the Alliance of Civi- sising the values of tolerance and the Alliance of Civilizations in its 272mn in 2019, making up about bin Hassan al-Hammadi, as well contribute to promoting peaceful National Vision 2030, which em- lization in 2010, whose mission solidarity, peace and exchanging four fi elds, including the fi eld of 3.5% of the world’s population.

Fond farewell Qeeri, MoPH join hands on air quality study

atar Environment and including ministries, govern- Energy Research In- ment bodies, research institutes Qstitute (Qeeri), part of and private sector – to combine Hamad Bin Khalifa Univer- our eff orts and work together to- sity (HBKU), and the Minis- wards a common goal. The results try of Public Health (MoPH) that we will achieve together with have signed a memorandum Qeeri will not only be benefi cial of understanding (MoU). The to Qatar, but also to the region, Qatari entrepreneur and philanthropist Farhan Al Sheikh al-Sayed hosted a farewell at The agreement will enable Qeeri to and the world. We look forward to Ritz-Carlton, Doha, for outgoing ambassadors Kithsiri Athulathmudali of Sri Lanka and Metin Kazak conduct bio-aerosol exposure work closely with Qeeri to achieve of Bulgaria. (From left) Hungarian ambassador Barnabos Fodor, South Korean ambassador Kim studies in public areas as part of the goals set forth by the Qatar Chang-mo, Cuban ambassador Eumelio Rodriguez, Nepal’s ambassador Dr Narad Nath Bharadwaj, the ministry’s eff orts to develop National Vision 2030.” Athulathmudali, al-Sayed, Kazak, Indonesian ambassador Mohamed Basti Sidehabi, Croatian indoor air quality guidelines for “At Qeeri, we aim to trans- ambassador Drago Lovric and Serbian ambassador Jasminko Pozderac at the gala. Qatar, in line with the Qatar Na- form innovative scientifi c initia- tional Vision 2030. tives into technology solutions The MoU was signed by Dr Sa- Off icials at the signing ceremony. to meet Qatar’s needs, and this lih Ali al-Marri, Assistant Minis- MoU with the MoPH is a key ter for Health Aff airs, MoPH, and The MoU also facilitates from schools and healthcare fa- milestone in our journey. We are Dr Marc Vermeersch, executive the exchange of information, cilities across the country. happy to provide our analyti- director of Qeeri, at a ceremony knowledge and expertise among Scientists at Qeeri’s Environ- cal capabilities and expertise to Philharmonic at QNL evokes a at HBKU Research Complex. the scientists, researchers and ment and Sustainability Centre support government authorities The signing ceremony was also engineers at Qeeri and MoPH, will then use various quantifi - with this comprehensive investi- attended by Sheikh Dr Mohamed training and capacity building, cation and identifi cation proce- gation associated with bio-aero- night at Vienna Opera Ball bin Hamad al-Thani, director of and the use of laboratory serv- dures to analyse the samples. sol exposure in the indoor envi- Public Health at MoPH, Dr Richard ices, building a platform for fu- Dr al-Marri said: “This MoU ronments. This collaboration is O’Kennedy, vice president of Re- ture joint research projects. with Qeeri is part of our eff orts the fi rst of many to come, and ebruary’s edition of Phil- search, Development & Innovation The fi rst project under the to collaborate with key partners we hope that our combined work harmonic at Qatar National at Qatar Foundation and vice presi- MoU will primarily focus on within the country to promote can contribute towards tackling FLibrary (QNL) treated mu- dent for Research at HBKU and re- analysis of airborne bacteria the health and well-being of our key health challenges related to sic lovers to a night out at the Vi- searchers and other representatives and fungi populations present residents. The need of the hour energy, environment and water,” enna Opera Ball recently. from both organisations. in samples collected by MoPH is for us – national organisations Dr Vermeersch added. Each year, the famed Vienna State Opera is transformed into a lavish ballroom for the Vienna Opera Ball, which is graced by thousands of international ce- lebrities in a tradition dating Georgetown celebrates 15 years of Model UN back to 1814. The Qatar Philharmonic Or- Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra performs at QNL. chestra, a member of Qatar he longest-running international Foundation, evoked the atmos- Strauss and Carl Michael Ziehrer. nates me how this series attracts Model United Nations (MUN) in Qa- phere of the ball for a capti- Mahmood Atta was in the au- hundreds of people each time. It Ttar, the Georgetown MUN, celebrated vated audience at QNL with dience at the event, and after the brings together all elements of a 15 successful years at the recently concluded their memorable performance performance said, “I am a com- new library such as books, being conference at the university’s Education of selections from some of Aus- mitted fan of the Philharmonic a community place, and pro- City campus. tria’s most famous 19th-century at QNL series and have attended viding the opportunity to learn The annual programme, which invites composers: Johann Strauss, Josef the last three concerts. It fasci- through experiences.” high school students to take on diplomatic roles in a simulation of the real life United Nations, was held under the theme “The North-South Divide: Authority, Inequality, and Interventionism,” and included partici- pation by more than 330 students from local Dean Ahmad Dallal at the MUN opening ceremony. Traffi c shift on Mesaieed Road and international schools. Over the course of the 3-day conference, “It is always inspiring to engage with participants with a memorable experience. high school delegates from 32 schools in young people who are so committed to mak- Not only does this annual event provide an he Public Works Authority (Ash- Qatar and 10 schools from around the world ing the world a better place,” he said. opportunity to gain knowledge, skills, and ghal) has announced the shifting of tackled real issues facing the global com- “The Georgetown MUN is a powerful in- debating abilities that have personal and Tsouthbound traffi c on a 2km stretch munity today, including de-escalation of troduction to the concepts of international professional impact, it’s also a chance to of Mesaieed Road between Umm Al Houl US-Iran tensions, the Sudan uprising, im- cooperation and compromise, and teaches make friendships that last a lifetime.” Interchange and Hamad Port Interchange migration policies, climate change refugees, the critical lesson that it is only by working Jibin Koshy, the educational enrich- onto the parallel service road from 9pm to- cyber-warfare, and the relocation of the US together to confront the challenges facing us ment manager at GU-Q, added: “MUN is day until 7am tomorrow. embassy to Jerusalem. that we can fi nd solutions for tomorrow.” a wonderful platform for students to get The change, which will be implemented The programme also included a Culture The MUN is planned, organised and run out of their comfort zone. Students learn in co-ordination with the General Directo- Night to celebrate the visiting students’ cul- by GU-Q students. diplomacy, negotiation, critical thinking, rate of Traffi c, has been announced to enable tures and traditions, followed by the closing This year, 46 GU-Q students volunteered and public speaking skills - all of which are gantry installation. ceremony on the fi nal day. their time to make the conference a success. foundational skills for high school students Ashghal will install road signs advising Stavros Yiannouka, the CEO of the World Shahzad, a junior majoring in Inter- in their developmental years. Initiatives like motorists of the closure, and also requests Innovation Summit for Education, a global national History who serves as the MUN these aid in the holistic development of a all road users to abide by the speed limit think tank of the Qatar Foundation, deliv- secretary general said: “We hope that this student for university level success and be- and follow road signs to ensure their safety. ered the keynote address at the conference. year’s conference provided our high school yond.” Qatar SportsTech welcomes a new cohort for 2020

atar SportsTech (QST) in specialised workshops, one- startups were hand-picked from immersive broadcasting technol- founder and CEO of SponixTech, recently welcomed a new on-one mentoring sessions, and over 500 applications based on ogy, an e-sports gaming voice- and Mohsen Rajabi, the director Qcohort of sports tech meetings with a wide network of their cutting edge technology powered assistant, digital club of Business Development at Spo- startups to its premises at the potential investors, which helps and strong value proposition. management software, smart nixTech, whose startup is devel- Qatar Sports Accelerator facility them to fi ne-tune their strategic Their challenge now is to make performance leggings, a fan en- oping an immersive broadcasting in Aspire Zone. objectives and business models. the most out of QST’s accelerator gagement augmented reality technology, which allows fans to QST’s intensive three-month Commenting on the kick-off , programme, scale their business- mobile App, gym membership watch live games from diff erent accelerator programme gives 10 Ibrahim Abdulaziz al-Mannai, es, and revolutionise the sports solutions, a sports club invest- perspectives, said: “We are really selected startups the opportu- executive director of Advisory industry.” ment platform, and sports crowd grateful to the QST team and their nity to accelerate their growth & Incubation at QDB, said: “I The 10 pioneering sports tech engagement technology. partners for help. The workshops through mentorship, run proof of would like to extend a warm wel- startups come from eight diff er- Commenting on the diver- and mentoring sessions are help- concepts, and build strategic re- come to the new class of startups ent countries and have developed sity of the new cohort, Almasri ing us shape our business model, lationships with QST’s corporate looking to grow their businesses a variety of innovative solutions said: “In line with Qatar’s com- and the feedback and advice we partners. with QST. Following the success across the board. mitment to become the leading have received so far has been fun- QST’s corporate partners of the fi rst cohort, we are looking The second cohort com- sports innovation hub in the re- damental to our growth. We look QST recently won the ‘Most Innovative Company’ award at the 2019 comprise its founding partner, to raise the bar and challenge this prises startups such as Go- gion, we are confi dent our start- forward to how the accelerator Qatar Business Awards ceremony, which was hosted by QFC. Qatar Development Bank (QDB) wave of entrepreneurs to make lee, Fridai, iBlue Lab (by HiQ- ups’ innovations will accelerate program shapes our path.” and other strategic partners, the the most of the opportunities Nano), MoodMe, SponixTech, the local sports industry to new QST recently won the ‘Most Koen Bosma, managing director and global sports organisations. Supreme Committee for Deliv- that lie ahead of them.” Torq Labs, Chant Unite, Wisify, heights. We are proud to see an- Innovative Company’ award at of QST, said: “We are honoured to “We are only as good as the ery & Legacy, beIN Media Group, Heba Almasri, programme Classtap, and 12th Player. other local startup join this co- the 2019 Qatar Business Awards be recognised as the most inno- startups we work with and the Aspire Foundation, the Ministry director of QST, said: “We are Their innovations vary across hort as it goes on to highlight the ceremony, which was hosted vative company in Qatar. It is our partners we represent, so it’s safe of Commerce and Industry, and thrilled by the quality of the various areas and include a smart growth of Qatar’s unique sports by QFC. The award recognised purpose to impact the future of to say that this award truly shows Qatar Financial Centre (QFC). new cohort and the diversity of body composition assessment and technology ecosystems and QST’s commitment to innova- sports, by facilitating collabora- the progression and the unity of Through these essential part- the solutions they are provid- caliper, a home kit to measure entrepreneurial spirit.” tion and the future of the sports tions between the most promising the sports and entrepreneurial nerships, the startups engage ing. These promising sports tech antioxidants levels in the body, Mohamed Ali Abbaspour, the tech industry in Qatar. entrepreneurs and leading local ecosystem in Qatar.” Gulf Times 12 Tuesday, February 25, 2020 QATAR

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani being received by Tunisian President Kais Saied at the Carthage Presidential Palace in Tunis yesterday. Right: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Tunisian President Kais Saied holding off icial talks session at Carthage Presidential Palace yesterday.

Qatari-Tunisian relations a ‘Amir’s visit confi rms Tunisia’s model of co-operation: envoy The ambassador of Qatar to latest off icial statistics issued in Tunisia Saad bin Nasser al- 2018, an important growth of Humaidi has stressed the great 34.52%, compared to the same importance of His Highness the period in 2017, that exceed Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad 57.73mn dinar, equivalent to distinguished ties with Qatar’ al-Thani’s visit to Tunisia, QR76.3mn now. especially since it is the Amir’s He also pointed out that first visit after the inauguration more than 12,700 tonnes of QNA economic partnership between Qatar Airways or create a direct provided fi nancial support to of President Kais Saied. commodities were exchanged, Doha the two countries. maritime line between the two Tunisia worth $1.25bn, of which The ambassador said in a attributing this growth to the The ambassador pointed out countries. $250mn fi nanced a number of statement to Qatar News increase in Doha’s imports that the visit will be an opportu- The Tunisian ambassador development projects through Agency (QNA) that the of Tunisian goods since the mbassador of Tunisia to nity for consultation, discussion pointed out that Qatar is one of the Qatar Fund for Develop- importance of this visit reflects beginning of 2018 by 85.8%, on Qatar Sami al-Saidi has and co-ordination on many re- Tunisia’s most important inter- ment (QFFD). The support also the keenness of the leadership an annual basis, to exceed the Astressed the importance gional issues, especially given the national partners in the fi nancial included allocations for social in both countries to co- 31.58mn dinars. of the offi cial visit by His High- important role played by Qatar and investment fi eld, as the size of housing projects. ordinate views and enhance He added that Tunisia exported ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin on the regional and international the Qatari investment in Tunisia He also referred to the Qatar co-operation, especially as the about 47,600 tonnes of goods Hamad al-Thani to Tunisia and arenas thanks to its soft and active in 2018 reached about QR4bn in Fund for Development (QFFD), relationship between Qatar to the Qatari market, and the its role in strengthening relations diplomacy and its mediation ef- the telecommunications sectors which is currently taking legal and Tunisia presents a model value of exports of Qatari between the two countries and forts in many disputes. through Ooredoo and the banks measures to open a branch in of co-operation not only at goods to Tunisia increased pushing bilateral co-operation to In view of Tunisia’s responsi- through Qatar National Bank, Tunisia as the fi rst offi ce abroad, the Arab level but also at the by 0.87%, to settle at 26.14mn broader fi elds and horizons. bility as the only Arab member which owns 35 branches in Tuni- as the QFFD contributes to fi - international level. dinars (QR34.54mn), after In a press conference held on in the UN Security Council, the sia and has stakes in the Tunisian nancial co-operation eff orts by The ambassador said that exporting more than 8,000 this occasion, the ambassador consultation is expected to wit- Sami al-Saidi Zitouna Bank and the Zitouna signing partnership agreements Qatar considers Tunisia as tonnes of goods. said that the Amir’s visit to Tu- ness greater momentum to serve Takaful in the amount of 370mn with Tunisian banking and fi - an important Arab partner, As for the most important nisia confi rms the exceptional just causes and seek solutions to vestment partnerships to renew dinars. He indicated that the last nancial institutions to fi nance stressing that the Amir’s visit commodities imported from nature of the distinguished rela- regional disputes tearing apart support for the democratic and Qatari investment in Tunisia was projects directed at young peo- confirms this distinction in Tunisia, the ambassador tions between Tunisia and Qa- the Arab nation, he added. economic transition in Tunisia, the opening of the desert resort in ple, specifi cally those with oper- the relationship between the explained that they are tar, especially as it comes a few The Tunisian ambassador with a view to upgrading distin- Tozeur region in southern Tunisia ational capacity, especially since two countries and the two diversified, which includes months after the election of Tu- noted the important develop- guished cooperation to the level with a value of $80mn, which was the QFFD’s areas of activity are leaderships. dates, olive oil, grains, nisian President Kais Saied. ments witnessed in the bilat- of solidarity and eff ective part- opened two months ago and is an among the priorities of the Tu- Ambassador al-Humaidi vegetables, acids, marine He added that the Amir’s visit eral relations between the two nership. addition to the La Cigale Tabarka nisian state, particularly in the stressed the importance of products, building materials, to Tunisia is the fi rst for an Arab countries at all levels, especially In this context, he said that hotel, as well as the tourist resort area of fi ghting unemployment this visit and the implications electrical equipment, cables leader after the Tunisian presi- after the Tunisian revolution. He the Qatari exports to Tunisia in Gammarth district of Tunis, through project fi nancing and of its timing, given the and aluminium. Meanwhile, dential elections, and it is the praised the deep-rooted rela- doubled six times during the which is currently being imple- economic empowerment. current political situation in Qatar exports raw materials, third visit His Highness Sheikh tions and the steadfast will of the period 2011-2019, while Tuni- mented with investments esti- The Tunisian ambassador the region, and said that the plastic, oil, and alumiinum to Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani is leadership in the two countries sian exports to Qatar doubled mated at about $200mn. explained that the Qatari- current situation, whether in Tunisia. paying to his country within to make such relations a model, 10 times during the same period The Tunisian ambassador Tunisian Friendship Fund is Libya or the region in general, On the balance of trade three years, adding it is an im- adding it is normal that the level as the value of Qatari exports stressed that Qatar still main- one of the mechanisms of the requires further deepening of between the two countries, portant message that refl ects of consultation between them to Tunisia amounted to about tains its position as one of the QFFD, which is a gift worth consultations between Arab ambassador al-Humaidi Qatar’s permanent support for remains high, especially in light QR85mn in 2019, and the value largest investors in Tunisia, $97mn and comes within the leaderships, which is the reason explained the development Tunisia and stresses the impor- of the current regional challeng- of Tunisian exports to Qatar where its investments are man- framework of a programme for heading towards a meeting in Qatar’s foreign trade with tance of bilateral relations as es that cast a shadow on security reached QR85mn in 2019. aged through Qatari companies concerned with encouraging between the two leaderships, Tunisia has led to a shift in the well as the two countries’ keen- and development in the Arab re- He added that these fi gures, or joint capital that include the private initiatives and projects where views will be exchanged trade balance between the two ness to continuously consolidate gion, pointing out that appreci- even if they refer to develop- fi elds of communications, tour- for Tunisian youth, as the fund on how to deal with various countries from a surplus in and enhance all areas of co-op- ation has long characterised the ments in the volume of trade ex- ism and services, as these in- aspires to create between 50 to Arab and international issues. favour of Doha by QR11.78mn eration both in the political and relations between the leadership change and distinguished eco- vestments have provided 2,524 100,000 direct and non-direct Regarding the volume of trade during the first seven months economic fi elds. of the two countries that trans- nomic relations between the two jobs for Tunisians. job opportunities for Tunisian and investment exchange of 2017 to a deficit of QR He pointed out that Qatar lated into practical measures to countries, but remain below the He also spoke about the sup- youth, until the end of 2021, between the two countries and 7.19mn for the same period in has been and continues to sup- strengthen the bonds of broth- desired level sought by the two port that Tunisia received from pointing out that the Friend- the most important sectors in 2018 as the Qatari business port the aspirations of the Tu- erhood and co-operation. countries, due to the absence of Qatar, especially at the Interna- ship Fund signed 5 partnership which Qatari companies are sector witnessed a number nisian people and has, since the He expressed his aspiration a maritime line linking the two tional Conference on Support- agreements with banking and active in Tunisia and vice-versa, of Tunisian businessmen revolution, been supportive to for this offi cial visit to be an oc- countries and the high cost of air ing the Economy and Invest- financial institutions worth the ambassador indicated that visiting Doha to discuss ways Tunisia politically and economi- casion to enhance co-ordination freight. He added that eff orts is ment in Tunisia in 2016, which $15mn aimed at combating the volume of trade exchanges to develop economic and trade cally, adding it is expected that and consultation between the being done with the Qatari side was announced by His High- unemployment and youth em- between Qatar and Tunisia co-operation between the two the visit of the Amir would give two countries and give addition- to accelerate the linking of Tu- ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin ployment and encouraging en- recorded, according to the countries. - QNA a new impetus for political and al impetus to economic and in- nisia to one of shipping lines of Hamad al-Thani, where Qatar trepreneurship. Jordanian media hails Amir’s visit Qatari-Tunisian ties witness steady growth Jordanian media and newspapers in the country the right track, in a way that guarantees the rights highlighted yesterday the visit of His Highness of the Palestinian people who are exposed to the QNA during it will certainly enhance investments in Tunisia, with over The two countries have signed the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to threats of the US-Israeli peace plan, and aff irms Doha the relations between the two $3bn invested in the sectors of more than 80 agreements and Amman. the two-state solution which guarantees all parties countries, allow more opportu- telecommunication, banking and memorandums of understand- Jordanian TV and radio stations broadcast radio the opportunity to establish the desired stability ollowing a successful visit nities for utilising the capabili- tourism to name a few, which is ing , covering sectors such as and television reports of the off icial and popular towards a promising future in the region. to the Hashemite King- ties of the two countries to push evidence of the depth of the in- political, diplomatic, economic, reception ceremonies held for the Amir upon his The paper added that the synergy between Fdom of Jordan, His High- forward the level of co-opera- herent relations between the two industrial, commercial, bank- arrival in the capital Amman on Sunday, as well as Amman and Doha at this stage sets an example ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin tion to serve their interests and brotherly countries. ing, health, agricultural, tech- reports on the summit held between His Highness for adhering to the principles and focusing on the Hamad al-Thani started yester- achieve their aspirations within These relations have signifi - nical, media, cultural, tourism the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and essential aspects of an ambitious vision for the day an offi cial visit to Tunisia, the framework of the existing cantly progressed during the past and air transport, the preven- King Abdullah of Jordan, which highlighted two countries and leaderships. the second leg of his Arab tour, understanding between them years, and the visit of His High- tion of double taxation, judicial, the strong relations between the two brotherly Meanwhile, Addustour newspaper highlighted the which also includes Algeria. and the convergence of their vi- ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin endowment and Islamic aff airs countries, and discussed means of promoting the talks held between the Amir and King Abdullah, The Amir discussed with sions regarding their common Hamad al-Thani to Tunisia and sectors, public works and en- horizons of mutual co-operation as well as the and the activation of the joint higher committee to President of Tunisia Kais Saied bilateral issues, Arab and Islamic his personal attendance at the vironmental protection, and latest developments in the region. enhance co-operation, mainly in the fields of energy, ways to support and boost the region issues and regional is- International Conference to Sup- combating pollution, Informa- The Jordanian newspapers also published press infrastructure and higher education, as well as the strong relations between the sues. The visit is also expected port the Economy and Investment tion technology and vocational reports on the huge reception held for the Amir two sides’ agreement on exchanging experiences two countries in various fi elds, to constitute an opportunity to held in November 2016, had a training, oil refi ning, real estate and the accompanying delegation at Queen Alia and training within the Qatari preparation to host the in addition to exchanging views assess the various aspects of bi- great impact in giving a new im- investment, and the use of Tuni- International Airport, featuring photos of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. on regional issues, and the most lateral relations and the outcome petus to the relations between the sian workers in Qatar. Amir and the Qatari flags in the streets of capital, In turn, Ammon newspaper said that the visit important international devel- of what has been accomplished two countries, especially for eco- The Tunisian-Qatari Supreme Amman. of the Amir to Amman aff irms the depth of the opments of common concern. and achieved on this track, es- nomic and investment coopera- Joint Committee is considered Several Jordanian newspapers published press bilateral relations between the two countries, The Amir’s visit to Tunisia is a pecially in the economic, com- tion. In the opening session of the the most important joint mech- articles that underline the importance of the Amir’s strengthens the mechanisms of the Arab translation of the common desire mercial and fi nancial sectors, or conference, the Amir delivered anism responsible for develop- visit to Jordan and talks held in Amman between joint action, opens up new horizons for the to push forward and strengthen in matters related to the fi eld of a speech in which he announced ing and co-ordinating co-oper- off icials of the two countries, which dealt with co-operation, and plays an important role in bilateral relations and develop partnership and investment. that Qatar will direct $1.25bn to ation relations between the two various bilateral, regional and international issues. promoting the Jordanian-Qatari relations in the co-operation between the two The two nations are bound support Tunisia’s economy and countries. In an article entitled “A historical visit of the political, economic and commercial fields. countries towards new horizons with strong ties of constructive strengthen its development path. Silatech is also funding several Amir of Qatar in context and timing” yesterday, The paper also stressed the significance of in a way that serves the interests of and fruitful co-operation based Relations between the two projects there. The Qatar Friend- Jordanian daily Al Rai underlined the great the visit in enhancing the bilateral relations both sides as well as the interests on deep and varied historical re- countries have been strength- ship Fund in Tunisia, which was significance of the visit of His Highness the Amir and advancing them to broader horizons and and aspirations of the two nations. lations of mutual respect. ened over the years through established in 2013, is consid- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Jordan, more comprehensive co-operation in all areas, The Qatari-Tunisian relations Qatar praises the democratic mutual visits by senior offi cials ered one of the institutions that saying that political circles at the regional and especially since these relations are based on are outstanding for being deep, model in Tunisia and always af- of both sides, among the most support the Tunisian economy international levels are following the Jordanian- mutual respect. steadily growing and enjoying fi rms its support for the Tunisian prominent and most recent are through its partnerships with Qatari consensus in the face of many issues of The paper added that the Jordanian people highly high momentum in co-ordina- people. Bilateral relations are a the visits of the Amir to Tuni- Tunisian institutions with the common concern, foremost of which is the work appreciate Qatar’s supportive positions to the tion, co-operation and exchange model of successful and advanced sia, in April 2014, and Novem- aim of providing funding for Tu- to unify the Arab ranks and co-ordinate eff orts at Arab issues and its rejection of all Israeli practices of visits at all levels. relations on the Arab level, as Qa- ber 2016, and the visit of the late nisian youth and assisting them various levels to return the peace process back on against the Palestinian people. - QNA The visit of the Amir to Tuni- tar ranks fi rst Arab and second Tunisian President Beji Caid Es- in various stages of designing sia and the talks that took place World country in terms of direct sebsi to Doha in May 2016. and implementing projects. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 25, 2020 13 QATAR

Alofa is World Champion of SuperSlam II Global Judicial usail Sports Arena came to life on February 21 as Su- Integrity Lperslam II took place with more than 35 international pro wrestling legends and superstars Network competing for the champion- ship titles. Superslam II presented four meet begins championship title matches: the Qatar Pro Wrestling (QPW) Tag Team won by Carlito and today Chris Masters, the QPW King of Ladder title won by Caprice QNA Coleman, the QPW Middle East Doha match won by White Eagle, and the QPW World Title won by Alofa. nder the patronage of There were also a number of His Highness the Amir special single matches in be- USheikh Tamim bin Ha- tween the title games that “left mad al-Thani, the second high- the audience fi lled with excite- level meeting of the Global Judi- ment”, the organisers said in a cial Integrity Network will kick statement. off at Sheraton Doha Hotel to- The 2020 QPW World Title day. Hosted by the Supreme Ju- Championship holder is Alofa, Snapshots from SuperSlam II and the Meet and Greet. diciary Council (SJC), the meet- an American professional wres- ing will run until Feb 27. tler best known for his appear- Under the title ‘Past, Present, ances with the World Wrestling Future’, the event will be held Federation under the ring names with the participation of chief Tahitian Savage, Fred Williams justices, heads of judicial coun- and Lloyd Lanui, and for his ap- cils, judges and UN offi cials in pearances with Extreme Cham- addition to stakeholders and pionship Wrestling under the bodies related to the judicial work ring name L A Smooth. from diff erent parts of the world. Alofa has also had an acting The meeting aims to estab- career, featuring in the movie lish the paths of the Network’s The Wrestler, on the trailer com- achievements since its incep- mercial for Brisk Tea for his tion and evaluate its perform- cousin Dwayne Johnson’s movie ance and methodologies during Hobbs & Shaw and other mov- the period between the fi rst and ies. second meeting, as well as dis- The second edition of QPW cussing emerging challenges to witnessed the attendance of al- judicial integrity and the experi- most 6,000 fans, making it the ences of courts around the world largest wrestling event to ever in facing them, in addition to take place in Doha, the state- learning about the priorities that ment noted. VIP lunch and a meet-and-greet the city of Doha in their SuperS- Culture and Sports and the Box- achievements of QPW in sup- The event was sponsored by enable the Global Judicial Integ- Fans got to see live their fa- session at Doha Festival City lam Mitsubishi cars. ing Federation in supporting porting the development of Doha Festival City as the Plati- rity Network to move forward. vourite World Wrestling Enter- as well as a pre-meet and greet “This was a fantastic, unpar- Qatar Pro Wrestling in bringing wrestling in Qatar. num Sponsor, Dusit Doha Ho- HE the President of the Court of tainment superstars, including prior to the match where fans alleled event in the history of SuperSlam II to the people of “The championship was tel as the Hospitality Partner Cassation Dr Hassan Lahdan Saqr Alberto del Rio, Rob Van Dam, were able to meet their icons in wrestling in the region. The stars Qatar,” added al-Marafi . admired for the high level of and Mitsubishi Motors as the al-Mohanadi, who is also the pres- PJ Black, Brian Cage, nZo, Matt person. gave the fans an amazing show. SuperSlam II was attended by professionalism of each of the Official Car Sponsor for this ident of SJC, will deliver a speech Sydal, Harry Smith Jr, Chris A special celebration of Car- The guest appearances, the live wrestling legends Eric Bischoff , matches, presenting a top-level exclusive event, as well as all at the opening session of the meet- Raaber, Alofa, Caprice Coleman, lito’s birthday was also enjoyed interactions with the wrestlers, The Great Khali, Kevin Nash, show for the wrestling fans of the media partners; Gulf Times ing, followed by a speech by John Brian Pillman Jr, Apolo, Carl- among other wrestlers, fans and the lineup, the matches, every- Mark Henry and ‘Road Warrior Qatar. Matches witnessed un- as the Newspaper Partner, Qa- Brandolino Representative of the ito, Chris Masters, Matt Cross, members of the media. thing was absolutely phenom- Animal’, who made a special ap- paralleled, adrenaline-fi lled bayan Radio as the exclusive Executive Director of the United Johnny Storm, Jody Fleisch and The wrestlers also got to spend enal. I would like to thank eve- pearance in the ring. performances such as the Filipino Radio Partner, IL- Nations Offi ce on Drugs and Crime Mil Muertes. the morning of the day prior to ryone who worked with us and Three new Qatari wrestling death-defying moves in win- oveQatar as the Official Digital (UNODC). Marco Acehera, Project Wrestlers have also attended the match at Doha Festival City, supported in making this hap- stars were also announced at the ning the three-ladder battle by Partner, while Qatar Living, QL Director of the Global Network for a series of events in Doha prior experiencing its three theme pen,” said Ali Ahmad al-Marafi , championship, having opened Caprice Coleman, which left the Lifestyle, WhatsUpDoha, and Judicial Integrity, will give a pres- to the tournament, including a parks, and visited the Mitsubishi chairman of QPW. the show: Rage, Classy Ali and audience in awe,” the statement Marhaba were Digital Media entation on the achievements of dedicated press conference, a showroom in addition to touring “Thank you to the Ministry of Tito Hatem, showcasing the added. Partners. the Network since its inception.

Faculty shares their experiences WISE Accelerator programme invites submissions with students at QU-CBE event he Accelerator programme portunity to attend international of World Innovation Sum- events and benefi t from access to Tmit for Education (WISE), networking opportunities with he College of Business a global think-tank of Qatar potential new partners and in- and Economics (CBE) in Foundation, has opened its next vestors. TQatar University (QU) round of submissions for 2020- David Berg, founder of Im- organised an event in collabora- 21. Blaze – an initiative that enables tion with the CBE communica- The deadline for the submis- educators to design systems that tion’s offi ce and the Assistant sions is 4pm GMT on April 20 steer students toward intern- Dean for Student Aff airs Offi ce, and details are available online ships that suit their interests – with assistance from CBE stu- at www.wise-qatar.org/wise- met everyone from investors to dent Salma Ahmed Mohamed. accelerator. education leaders during his ini- Three CBE faculty members The initiative has supported 32 tiative’s time in the 2018-19 edi- shared their academic and life edtech ventures from 18 coun- tion of the WISE Accelerator, and journeys to students: assistant tries and gives social entrepre- said: “Having an edtech platform professor of marketing, Dalia neurs whose solutions have the with international recognition Farrag; assistant professor of potential to help reimagine edu- goes a long way.” management, Anas al-Bakri; cation the tailor-made support, As part of the programme, and assistant professor of ac- expert guidance, and interna- The WISE Accelerator helps edtech entrepreneurs take their ventures ventures are provided with the counting, Emad Awadallah. tional connections they need to to a new level. mentorship they need to grow Through sharing their expe- take their ventures to the next beyond the WISE Accelerator, riences, the professors aimed to level. ganisations, and Ristagno says: who make an impact as well as with Berg saying: “We simply educate students on the life les- Some of its alumni have spo- “I heard about the WISE Ac- opening your eyes to what’s go- would not have had the capacity sons they learned and encour- ken about how the WISE Accel- celerator from a former startup ing on in the world of education.” to learn the business, market- aged them to pursue their goals CBE faculty who spoke at the event were honoured. erator has altered their percep- team who were involved in the Through linking young entre- ing, and compliance needs of and aspirations despite life’s tions of what their edtech ideas programme, and who told us preneurs with a global network the edtech marketplace without challenges. QU’s assistant dean for stu- workshops that aimed to con- can make possible in the sphere about the great mentoring and of education stakeholders, whose WISE – ImBlaze is quickly grow- The event also strengthened dent aff airs, Dr Maha al-Thani nect students with their profes- of global education. opportunities it provided. The insights they can tap into, the ing, and WISE was a big help in the student-professor relation- said: “The younger generation sors, which will consequently Among them is David Ristag- mentoring that the WISE Accel- WISE Accelerator aims to help that growth.” ship by creating a friendly envi- is a great source of support for lead students to have a positive no, CEO of Uptale, a French star- erator off ers is really impressive them overcome challenges that Successful applicants who join ronment to escape the formality society in all fi elds. As a result, connection with their respec- tup that enables people to devise, – it’s very hands-on, which leads can stand in the way of them the programme also become part of a regular academic environ- the College of Business and tive colleges.The workshops build, and publish immersive to real co-creation and eff ective developing and expanding their of a community of innovators ment. Economics communication of- also aim to raise student morale learning experiences through us- results in sales and marketing. ventures. and mentors who are experts in It also helped to guide stu- fi ce, with the support of the As- and increase their academic ef- ing Virtual Reality and Augment- It’s well-organised, very inspir- During their year in the pro- the fi eld of education. Livox is dents wishing to complete their sistant Dean for Student Aff airs forts, and their sense of belong- ed Reality technology. ing, and gives you access to high- gramme, the startups who form one of the ventures that has dis- postgraduate studies. Offi ce, organised a number of ing in the university campus.” It is now being used by 220 or- level organisations and people its annual cohorts have the op- covered the benefi ts of this.

AFG College with the University of Aberdeen celebrates fi rst alumni meeting

FG College with the Uni- In addition to alumni, the versity of Aberdeen (AFG/ launch event was attended by AFG AUoA) has marked its fi rst chairperson and founder Sheikha alumni meeting with a reception Dr Aisha bint Faleh al-Thani, key in Doha. stakeholders, sponsors and senior The Qatar Alumni group joins members of the University of Ab- a growing number of University erdeen management team. of Aberdeen chapters around the The recently-appointed UoA world, including New York, Bang- vice-principal for education, kok and Beijing, to name a few. professor Ruth Taylor, delivered a The groups aim to provide speech outlining the university’s former students of the univer- approach for the next 20 years and sity the opportunity to re-engage how the Qatar campus is playing a with old classmates and foster pivotal role in these plans. new links through networking Professor Taylor said: “Our opportunities. University of Aberdeen alumni The reception was opened by are a valued part of our com- AFG College principal Brian Buck- munity and I am delighted to be ley, who welcomed the recent celebrating their global contri- Snapshots from the reception in Doha. graduates of AFG/UoA, as well butions at this event. Our newly other UoA alumni from around the launched Aberdeen 2040 strat- refl ect on how our global part- AFG College principal Buckley graduates and future alumni in members of the ‘Aberdeen Fam- the ‘family’ will prove worthy am- region, who travelled to Qatar for egy prioritises an ‘international’ ners and alumni bring vibrancy said: “We at AFG/UoA are look- fully utilising the opportunities ily’. I am confi dent that the stu- bassadors and go on to play active the launch of the new group. theme and this event will help us to our university.” ing forward to helping our recent that lay ahead for them in being dents who have recently joined roles across the global network.” Gulf Times 14 Tuesday, February 25, 2020 REGION/ARAB WORLD Libya rivals announce will not take part in Geneva talks

AFP va, although a United Nations its 13 representatives. (from military discussions) that capital’s southern suburbs has A spokesman for UNSMIL hope all invited participants fol- Tripoli spokesman said negotiations A rival authority in Tripoli, the high council would decide to persisted for months since then. said yesterday that the political low suit,” he said. would still go ahead. the High State Council — the take part or not in political dia- A joint military commission dialogue would still take place. But Khaled el-Mechri of the A parliament based in east- equivalent of a senate — said logue,” the Tripoli body said. with fi ve members from each “The Libyan political dia- GNA-aligned High State Coun- ibya’s rival camps an- ern Libya, backed by strongman it would also not participate in Haftar’s forces launched an said wound up talks Sunday in logue will go ahead as previously cil said it would not be bound by nounced yesterday they Khalifa Haftar, said it would not talks scheduled for tomorrow off ensive against Tripoli, seat Geneva with a “draft ceasefi re scheduled, on February 26,” Jean the outcome of political talks if Lhad suspended their par- take part because the United Na- until progress was made in mili- of the UN-recognised Govern- agreement” to be fi nalised in El Alam said. they went ahead “before know- ticipation in UN-sponsored tions Support Mission in Libya tary negotiations. ment of National Accord (GNA), March, according to the UN mis- “Many participants have al- ing the military dialogue’s con- peace talks this week in Gene- (UNSMIL) had not approved all “It is in light of conclusions last April. Stalemate around the sion. ready arrived in Geneva and we clusions”.

Iran N-deal Russia strikes kill fi ve as panel to meet in regime forces advance Vienna AFP AFP Beirut Brussels

ive civilians were killed in he remaining parties to Russian air strikes backing the Iran nuclear deal will FSyrian regime forces as they Tmeet in Vienna tomor- chipped away at the country’s last row, the EU’s diplomatic service major rebel bastion in fi ghting that announced, after Britain, France cost dozens of lives yesterday, a and Germany launched a dispute war monitor said. process over Iran’s successive The Syrian Observatory for Hu- pullbacks. man Rights said the air raids hit the The offi ce of EU diplomat- Jabal al-Zawiya area on the edge ic chief Josep Borrell — who of the militant-dominated north- is tasked with convening the western province of Idlib. commission under the dispute In fi ghting on the ground, regime mechanism — said the get-to- forces gained ground in the south- gether would be chaired on his ern part of Idlib, the Britain-based behalf by senior offi cial Helga monitor said. Schmid. They seized 10 towns and villag- The meeting comes as the Eu- es south of the M4 highway linking ropean parties try to fi nd a way the coastal regime stronghold of to persuade Iran to come back Latakia to government-held sec- into line with the deal after Te- ond city Aleppo since Sunday, it hran made a series of steps away said. in protest at the US pulling out Nearly 50 fi ghters were killed on and reimposing sanctions. several fronts in the Idlib region, The 2015 agreement to curb according to the Observatory, in- Iran’s nuclear programme in re- cluding 21 pro-regime fi ghters, as turn for sanctions relief has been well as 27 militants and allied Tur- slowly crumbling since US Pres- key-backed rebels. ident Donald Trump unilaterally State news agency SANA, for its withdrew in 2018, describing the part, said “units of the Syrian army Displaced Syrians queue for humanitarian aid in the town of Atme, near the Turkish border in the northwestern Idlib province, yesterday. accord signed by his predecessor continued to progress in the south Barack Obama as a bad deal. of Idlib” province. They have also secured the re- The EU has led eff orts to try to Observatory chief Rami Abdel gion around the northern city, a save the deal, arguing that it is Rahman said the regime’s aim was major pre-war industrial hub. vital for international security, to wrest back control of stretches Regime forces have since De- but after repeated warnings over of the M4 still under the control of cember clawed back chunks of Iran’s moves, Germany, Britain militants and allied rebels. the Idlib region, forcing close to a and France triggered the dispute That would require operations mn people to fl ee their homes and process on January 14. against the towns of Ariha and Jisr shelters amid bitter cold. In its last announcement, al-Shughur, both along the M4. The United Nations said yes- Tehran said it would no longer Analysts expect a tough bat- terday that the latest fi ghting was observe limits on the number of tle for Jisr al-Shughur, held by the coming “dangerously close” to centrifuges used to enrich ura- Turkestan Islamic Party whose encampments of the displaced, nium. fi ghters mainly hail from China’s risking an imminent “bloodbath”. It was its fi fth step away from Uighur minority. Mark Cutts, a UN’s humanitar- the deal since Trump’s pullout. They are allied to Hayat Tahrir ian co-ordinator, also told report- Borrell has said he believes all al-Sham, a group led by Syria’s ers in Geneva that the world body the countries still in the deal — former Al Qaeda affi liate which was trying to double aid deliveries which also include Russia and dominates the Idlib region. across a border crossing with Tur- China — are determined to save Loyalist forces have already key from 50 to 100 trucks a day. the accord. taken back control of another Syria’s war has killed more than Western diplomats recognise key commercial artery running 380,000 people and displaced mil- it is highly unlikely Iran will heed through northwest Syria — the lions since starting in 2011 with the calls to come back into full com- M5 that connects the capital with brutal repression of anti-govern- A picture taken yesterday, shows smoke billowing over the village of Qaminas, about six kilometres southeast of Idlib city, following pliance without substantial con- Aleppo. ment protests. reported Syrian regime air strikes. cessions in return. Four more Mideast nations Palestinian fi ghters renew report coronavirus cases rocket fi re amid air strikes AFP Gaza City UN calls for ‘two state’ solution to be respected AFP Last week, Kuwait banned Dubai entry of all ships from the Is- The UN Security Council made “All parties should refrain from lamic republic and suspended slamic Jihad resumed fi ring a rare show of unity yesterday undermining the viability of flights to and from the country. rockets at Israel from Gaza when it called on all parties to the two states solution in or- he new coronavirus hit Kuwait also banned non- Iyesterday night amid ongo- maintain their support for a der to maintain the prospects four more Middle East- citizens coming from Iran from ing Israeli air strikes, damaging two state solution to the Israel- for a just, comprehensive and Tern states yesterday, with entering the Gulf state and hopes for an end to a two-day Palestinian conflict. lasting peace,” the statement Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait and Oman operated chartered flights to fl are-up a week before the Jew- “Council Members reiterated added, an allusion to Israel’s re- reporting new cases. bring back hundreds of Kuwaiti ish state’s election. their support for a negotiated cent threat to build thousands Oman also halted fl ights to pilgrims from the Islamic re- The fi ghter group announced two state solution...where two more homes in East Jerusa- and from Iran — which is bat- public. yesterday evening it had ceased democratic states, Israel and lem, in an area claimed by the tling the deadliest outbreak out- Around a third of Kuwait’s fi ring rockets but backtracked Palestine, live side by side Palestinians. side China – with immediate 1.4mn citizens travel regularly about an hour later after Israel in peace within secure and The council also “stressed the eff ect. to Iran to visit religious shrines. continued striking its forces in recognised borders,” said a need to exert collective eff orts The move came shortly after Kuwait also hosts roughly the Gaza Strip. statement released by Bel- to launch credible negotia- two Omani women who had re- 50,000 Iranian workers. “We announced the end of gium, which holds the rotating tions on all final status issues” turned from Iran were diagnosed The United Arab Emirates our military response...but presidency, and supported by and expressed “grave concern with the disease. has already announced 13 cases the enemy did not commit all 14 other members, includ- about acts of violence against The three cases in Kuwait and of the novel coronavirus, all of and struck our base and our ing the United States. civilians.” the one in Bahrain were also in them foreigners. fi ghters,” a statement from the individuals who had returned The latest were a 70-year- group said. “Therefore we an- from Iran, where the virus has old Iranian man, whose con- nounce that we retaliated in or- ground. Israeli fi ghter jets and threatened an “extensive cam- claimed the lives of 12 people. dition is unstable, and his der to affi rm the bombardment helicopters responded with paign” to end the rocket fi re. Bahrain also shut three 64-year-old wife. for bombardment formula.” strikes on Islamic Jihad bases “Hamas and Islamic Jihad schools after a man who had UAE airlines have suspended Islamic Jihad, which is allied across the strip, as well as near need to understand — this can- transported children to the in- most flights to China — where to Gaza’s rulers Hamas, has the capital of neighbouring not continue,” he said. stitutions tested positive after A woman wears a protective mask while walking along the side of a the virus first emerged in De- fi red some 60 rockets towards Syria. Hamas spokesman Fawzy returning from Iran on February street in the Iranian capital Tehran, yesterday. cember — except to the capital Israel since the killing of one Israeli airstrikes and rocket Barhoum responded: “The en- 21 via Dubai airport, the health Beijing, but have not yet taken of its fi ghters Sunday morning, fi re from Gaza were ongoing emy’s threats to expand its ag- ministry said. ministry said. In Iraq, the virus government vowing to be any measures to restrict travel according to the United Na- yesterday evening, AFP corre- gression, if carried out, will face In Kuwait, a 53-year-old Ku- was confi rmed in an Iranian na- transparent and dismissing a to and from Iran. tions. Israel’s army said many spondents in Gaza said. a resistance never seen before waiti, a 61-year-old Saudi na- tional studying in the southern lawmaker’s claim the toll could China’s death toll from Cov- were intercepted by the coun- Prime Minister Benjamin and it should bear the costs and tional and a 21-year-old state- shrine city of Najaf, health offi - be as high as 50. id-19 rose to nearly 2,600 yes- try’s air defence systems and Netanyahu, who is battling results.” Israel has fought three less Arab who tested positive had cials said. The outbreak has prompted terday, while the virus has now there were no immediate re- for re-election on March 2 in wars with Hamas, Islamic Jihad all returned from Iran’s holy city Iran’s confirmed death toll travel bans from nearby coun- spread to more than 30 coun- ports of casualties, though one the shadow of an impending and allied groups in Gaza since of Mashhad, the Kuwaiti health rose to 12 yesterday, with the tries. tries. projectile hit an empty play- corruption trial, had earlier 2008, most recently in 2014. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 25, 2020 15 AFRICA Lesotho PM seeks immunity from charge of murder Reuters ered outside for yesterday’s get him out,” he said.”We want Maseru hearing. Thabane, wearing a him to leave as soon as possible.” blue-striped suit and a powder In theory, since the ABC’s blue shirt, looked tense. governing coalition in parlia- esotho’s high court will Maesaiah sat beside him in a ment has a majority, and its allies rule on whether Prime fl oral dress and bucket hat. also want Thabane out, it does LMinister Thomas Thabane No charges were read out and not need to put the nomination can claim immunity from a his lawyer said the case should to a vote. charge he murdered his wife be referred to the high court to But it is unclear what would prior to marrying his present answer a question of possible happen if he refuses to go. spouse, a lower court decided immunity, which magistrate The prime minister’s private yesterday, in a case gripping the Phethise Motanyane granted. secretary Thabo Thakalekoala tiny southern African kingdom. If Thabane is allowed to plead told Reuters by telephone he Thabane, 80, appeared in immunity it would raise doubts might be willing to leave before court in the capital Maseru in over how willing he is to step July, if his party can agree on a a pre-trail hearing yesterday down, further fanning the po- successor. alongside his present wife Mae- litical crisis in the mountain ter- “He is going to retire at the saiah. ritory of 2mn people. end of July or even before July, Tanzanian journalist Erick Kabendera speaks to journalists following his release yesterday, after pleading guilty for economic crimes. He is suspected of involve- Thabane has said he will re- under the right conditions,” he ment in the murder of his then sign at the end of July. said, elaborating that they would wife Lipolelo, who was shot dead The ruling All Basotho Con- be met if he agreed with his sug- in June 2017 two days before he vention (ABC) party, however, gested replacement and was took offi ce for a second stint as wants him to step aside imme- satisfi ed that proper process is premier and two months before diately, with chairman Samuel followed. Detained journo freed after he married Maesaiah. Rapapa ready to take over, the Lesotho, which is encircled He and Lipolelo were going party spokesman told Reuters by South Africa, has a history through divorce proceedings at yesterday. of coups and political instabil- the time. Maesaiah, 42, has been ABC spokesman Montoeli ity that has often led its bigger pleading guilty to tax evasion charged with the murder, and Masoetsa said by telephone that neighbour to intervene and re- police suspect her of ordering the party’s National Executive store order. assassins to do the job. Council had agreed on Rapapa in Police had initially intended to Reuters In the charge sheet, prosecu- party CCM goes for ‘dissent- has shut down and fined some Both deny involvement. discussions yesterday and deliv- charge Thabane on Friday, but he Dar Es Salaam tors said Kabendera had with ers’.” critical outlets, but denies Crowds of supporters packed ered his name to parliament. left the country for a medical ap- his wife — who was not de- After he was arrested last muzzling the media. the magistrates’ court and gath- “There is already an eff ort to pointment. tained or charged — registered year, the United States and Several hours after the rul- prominent Tanzanian two companies which were Britain called the aff air “irregu- ing, the journalist’s lawyer Je- journalist arrested in used as “vehicles of money lar” and in violation of Tanza- bra Kambole said he had paid AJuly was released yester- laundering” without proper re- nia’s criminal procedures law. the 100mn shilling fine for one Nearly 50 rhinos day after pleading guilty of tax turns being fi led. Rights groups saw the case as of the charges and would pay killed in Botswana evasion and money laundering Though his lawyers had orig- part of a pattern of tighter con- the other within six months. Rwandan genocide in 10 months as in a case critics had said was inally rejected the charges, in trol on the media since the 2015 A third charge, of assisting a poaching surges politically motivated. October they said he was pur- election of Magufuli. criminal racket, was dropped. After Erick Kabendera ac- suing a plea bargain. Amnesty International said Held at the Segerea maxi- trial to open in At least 46 rhinos have been knowledged both crimes in The reporter has written for Kabendera’s plea came from mum security prison on the slaughtered in Botswana in 10 court and agreed to fi nes international publications in- “desperation”, possibly linked outskirts of the capital Dar es months, a government off icial of nearly 275mn shillings cluding Britain’s Guardian and to poor health. Salaam, the journalist had ap- France in September said yesterday as the southern ($119,305.86), magistrate Times and was known for pur- “While it is welcome news peared in court more than ten African wildlife haven reported Janeth Mtega ruled he be freed. suing politically-sensitive in- that Kabendera is out of pris- times, sometimes appearing a surge in poaching of the en- “Finally I’ve got my free- vestigations. on...it is outrageous that he frail. AFP of the Tutsi minority had tak- dangered species. The killings — dom, it’s quite unexpected that One article last year pub- had to pay such a hefty fine to In September, Magufuli said Paris en refuge. Muhayimana fl ed to slightly under 10% of Botswana’s I would be out this soon. lished by the East African gain his freedom after having that people held on charges of France after the genocide and total rhino population — have I’m really grateful to every- newspaper reported a rift in been unjustly jailed for exer- tax evasion, money launder- obtained French nationality in occurred in the northern Moremi body who played their role,” the President John Magufuli’s gov- cising his right to freedom of ing and other financial crimes French-Rwandan 2010. Game Reserve since April last 39-year-old investigative re- ernment with the headline “No expression.” should be freed if they confess former hotel driver is to In 2014, he was arrested in year. “Poaching has risen at an porter said outside court. end in sight as Tanzania’s ruling Magufuli’s administration and return the cash. A go on trial in Paris from the northern city of Rouen af- alarming rate in this area,” Moemi September for crimes linked to ter a year-long investigation Batshabang, a deputy director the Rwandan genocide, a judi- triggered by a complaint by with the government’s wildlife cial source said yesterday. the Collective of Civilian Par- department said. Claude Muhayimana, previ- ties for Rwanda (CPCR), which “I can attest that 46 rhinos have ously a driver at a hotel on Lake represents victims. been killed by highly organised Burundi clashes kill 13 ‘bandits,’ police offi cer Kivu in western Rwanda, is ac- His lawyer, Philippe Meil- poachers between April last year cused of transporting Hutu hac, said that Muhayimana to date,” he said. Botswana is militiamen to sites where mas- should be viewed in a “histori- home to 500 rhinos, according AFP Fighting took place on Nyankere Hill, es, saying some Imbonerakure, or members sacres were carried out. cal context”. He is “neither a to international conservation Nairobi where “13 corpses of armed bandits were of the youth league of the ruling CNDD- His trial — the third in political nor a military leader, charity, Save the Rhino. found and another one of them was ar- FDD ruling party, were in ranks alongside France to be connected to the but an ordinary citizen who They are a protected species in rested”, said Jean-Pierre Niyongabo, a local the police. “Some of the attackers were shot genocide — is scheduled to run was caught up in the middle of Botswana and fall outside the t least 13 “armed bandits” and a po- administrator. One police offi cer had been or slaughtered after their arrest (...) I saw at from September 29 to October chaos”, he said. government’s recent decision to lice offi cer were killed in clashes be- killed and a civilian and another police of- least two with their arms tied behind their 23. “I am convinced that the end a five-year ban on trophy- Atween an armed group and security fi cer were injured, he added. backs,” one of the witnesses said, on condi- Muhayimana faces charg- court will recognise his inno- hunting licences, which is largely forces in western Burundi, a local offi cial The fi ghting broke out 30 kilometres tion of anonymity. es of complicity in genocide cence.” targeted at the burgeoning and witnesses said yesterday. east of Bujumbura, the country’s economic The Mutambu administrator denied the and crimes against humanity CPCR’s president, Alain elephant population. Sunday’s unrest in Bujumbura-Rural capital, in a rural area with few roads, com- charge, dismissing it as “baseless lies”. The “through aiding and assisting” Gauthier, said: “We are de- Most of the rhinos roam the province broke out when an armed group munications or electricity. Imbonerakure are listed as a militia by the such acts. lighted that this trial is going grassy plains of the northern from Nyabiraba community entered the Niyongabo said none of the attackers United Nations and accused by critics of The massacres were car- ahead, but we look forward to Okavango Delta, where Moremi neighbouring Mutambu area where police were recognised by residents in Mutambu. being one of the arms of state repression in ried out at a local school and seeing many others, with sen- Game Reserve is situated. were waiting for them, the offi cial said. Two witnesses also confi rmed the clash- Burundi. in nearby hills where members ior fi gures.” Togo leader celebrates vote win as rival urges ‘resistance’

AFP far ahead of our adversaries,” paign chief urged Togolese to ment. Some 300 international Lome Gnassingbe, 53, told celebrating “enter into resistance” until the observers were deployed, mainly supporters. “will expressed by the voters in from the Economic Community “Those who wanted to get favour of change is respected”. of West African States (Ecowas) ogo’s President Faure agitated got agitated, they an- Those pleas appeared to have and the African Union, with Gnassingbe yesterday nounced imaginary fi gures, they little impact in the opposition- many African states supporting Thailed a crushing election proclaimed themselves win- supporting district of Be in the the incumbent. victory that gave him a fourth ners...We remained calm.” capital Lome as life continued as The Ecowas mission yester- term in offi ce, as his main rival Gnassingbe has led the coun- normal on Monday. day said the “peaceful” election insisted he had won and called try of 8mn people since taking “We voted massively for Kodjo conformed to Togolese law and on people to “defend” their over in 2005 following the death and the results are fake — but called on all candidates to re- votes. of his father Gnassingbe Eyade- we are resigned to it,” said local spect the offi cial results and re- The incumbent leader took ma, who ruled for 38 years. resident Dodji, refusing to give solve any grievances through the 72% of the vote in the fi rst round Kodjo, who served as premier his surname. courts. of Saturday’s presidential poll, under Gnassingbe’s father, al- “What can we do? If you take The AU observers urged the the election commission said leged major irregularities and to the streets then they kill you government, people and can- overnight, far ahead of former insisted he was the true “dem- or beat you up. didates to “continue to work to prime minister Agbeyome Kodjo ocratically-elected president of What sort of democracy is preserve peace and stability in on 18%. The opposition alleged the Republic of Togo”. that?” order to consolidate democracy”. widespread fraud including bal- “I appeal to the population Gnassingbe faced major op- The country’s constitutional lot stuffi ng and the use of fake across all of the country and in position protests in 2017 and court now has six days to con- polling stations to skew the re- diaspora to resolutely defend the 2018 demanding an end to his fi rm the results. sults in Gnassingbe’s favour. truth of the ballot boxes,” he said family’s 53 years in power. Gnassingbe has insisted his The widely-expected win ex- in an audio message disseminat- A government crackdown continuing rule was central to tends more than a half century ed on Whatsapp. helped him weather the calls to ensuring security in Togo and of dynastic rule over the former “I appeal for restraint and leave offi ce and in May he pushed Supporters of President Faure Gnassingbe, presidential candidate of Union for the Republic (UNIR) and prevent militant violence spill- French colony by Gnassingbe’s neutrality from the security through an overhaul to the con- winner of the presidential election celebrate at their headquarters in Lome, yesterday. ing over from Burkina Faso to the family despite broad disillusion forces.” stitution that allowed him to run north. over its failure to pull many out He later called for people to this year — and potentially re- by far the biggest of all the elec- said on condition of anonymity. The authorities banned hun- Togo’s military and intelli- of poverty. “mobilise to demonstrate their main in offi ce until 2030. tions he has won. “He is still young, he changed dreds of local observers from gence service are seen as among “The truth has just come to disapproval of this electoral The electoral commission said “He wants to pass on a mes- the constitution and he has no monitoring the election and the best-trained in the region light after the announcement masquerade.” turnout at Saturday’s votes was sage: I am the boss, I am the intention of going anywhere so cancelled the system of elec- and the country has not yet been of the results which place us In a statement, Kodjo’s cam- over 76%. Gnassingbe’s tally was strongest,” an African diplomat early.” tronic security at the last mo- hit by any militant attacks. Gulf Times 16 Tuesday, February 25, 2020 AMERICAS Supreme Court leans toward $7.5bn pipeline in trail dispute Reuters Court of Appeals, which found in lines crossing under the trail like the Appalachian Trail. have said the project could go Washington its 2018 decision that the Forest without explicitly saying so. The Trump administration ahead under a diff erent route that Service lacked the authority to Conservatives Samuel Alito disputed that interpretation, does not cross the trail on federal grant a right of way for the pipe- and Neil Gorsuch also appeared with Solicitor General Noel Fran- land. majority of the US Supreme line. A ruling is due by the end of inclined to back Dominion. cisco saying in court fi lings that State and private landowners Court yesterday seemed in- June. The proposed pipeline would the National Park Service has have the authority to grant rights Aclined to fi nd that the fed- Four of the court’s conserva- be 600 feet below a section of the only limited authority to main- of way under the trail, the groups eral government had authority to tive justices asked questions Appalachian Trail in the George tain the trail and that the Forest added. grant a right of way for a proposed indicating sympathy for Domin- Washington National Forest. Service has the authority to ap- Even if the pipeline wins the $7.5bn natural gas pipeline to cross ion’s arguments, as did liberal The 3,500km trail stretches prove rights of way across it. case, construction would not under the popular Appalachian Justice Stephen Breyer. from Maine to Georgia. Lawyers for the pipeline con- resume immediately as other le- Trail in rural Virginia. Conservative Chief Justice After a lengthy application sortium noted that more than 50 gal issues raised by environmen- The nine justices heard a John Roberts questioned whether process involving multiple fed- pipelines already cross under the tal groups are still being reviewed one-hour argument in appeals a ruling in favor of environmental eral agencies, the Forest Service trail. by the federal government. brought by Dominion Energy Inc groups would create an “imper- granted the consortium a right of The lower court ruling, if The Supreme Court’s rul- and President Donald Trump’s meable barrier” that would bar way under the trail in 2018. left in place, would impose a ing will also aff ect the proposed administration of a lower court such projects along the length of The appeals court ruled that “2,200-mile barrier separating 480km Mountain Valley Pipe- ruling that halted construction of the trail. the Forest Service did not have resource-rich areas to its west line, which is intended to run the 965km Atlantic Coast Pipe- Climate activists protest in front of the US Supreme Court as oral Roberts said that “it doesn’t the power to grant a right of way from consumers to its east,” the from West Virginia to southern line, which would run from West arguments are being heard in the US Forest Service and Atlantic strike me as that unusual a con- under a federal law called the consortium said in court fi lings. Virginia and crosses the trail in Virginia to North Carolina. Coast Pipeline, LLC vs Cowpasture River Association case yesterday cept” for the trail to be viewed as Mineral Leasing Act. The companies have the sup- the Jeff erson National Forest. Environmental groups includ- in Washington, DC. diff erent to national parks where The court cited a section of the port of 18 mostly Republican-led The pipeline is almost fi nished ing the Sierra Club and Southern all development is barred. law that says federal agencies can states, including West Virginia. but construction was halted as a Environmental Law Center had tected National Park Service land. Energy Corp Questions asked Breyer and conservative Jus- grant rights of way for pipelines The state of Virginia, which is result of the ruling in the Atlan- sued to stop the pipeline after the Dominion Energy leads a con- by several justices suggested the tice Brett Kavanaugh both ques- on “federal lands” but specifi - led by Democrats, supports the tic Coast pipeline case before the US Forest Service gave the green sortium of companies in the court will overturn the Rich- tioned whether Congress would cally excludes land that is part of environmental groups. crossing under the trail was com- light for the project through pro- project that also includes Duke mond-based 4th US Circuit have placed restrictions on pipe- the federal National Park system The environmental groups pleted.

Weinstein Police move in to clear indigenous blockade of Canada rail line convicted for Reuters paigners barricaded the line in soli- Tyendinaga, Ontario darity with the Wet’suwet’en from British Columbia, who are seeking sex crimes to stop construction of a gas pipeline olice moved in yesterday morn- over their land. ing to clear a rail blockade by In Ottawa, hundreds of pro- DPA Pan indigenous group in east- testers met in front of parliament New York ern Canada that had been stopping and marched in support of the freight and passenger traffi c for more Wet’suwet’en. than two weeks on one of the coun- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met urors in Harvey Weinstein’s trial yes- try’s busiest lines. with top ministers to discuss the end terday found the disgraced Hollywood Canadian National Railway Co ob- of the standoff . Jmogul guilty of a criminal sexual act tained an injunction against those Trudeau has said it is his govern- and rape in the third degree, though not of preventing rail traffi c from running ment’s priority to reconcile with in- the most serious charges against him. along its trunk line near Belleville, digenous peoples, who make up about Weinstein, 67, stared straight ahead as Ontario, on February 7, but provincial 4% of the population and face higher the verdicts were read out in the New York police had taken a cautious approach levels of poverty and violence, and State Supreme Court. The once-powerful until now. shorter life expectancies. producer was then handcuff ed and escort- Dozens of Ontario Provincial Po- “We are not in any way compromis- ed out of the courtroom after Judge James lice (OPP) descended on the site of the ing our commitment to the reconcili- Burke ordered him to go to prison imme- blockade a little after 8am ET. ation agenda, but at the same time the diately. He will be sentenced on March 11. The Canadian Broadcasting Corp impact of these rail disruptions, and Weinstein was convicted of a criminal said there had been about 10 arrests the barricades, is untenable,” Public sexual act for forcing himself on former so far. Safety Minister Bill Blair told report- production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006 Media were kept at a distance. ers after the meeting. “It’s absolutely and of the third-degree rape of aspir- But a group called Real People’s essential those barricades come down ing actress Jessica Mann in 2013. He was Media, affi liated with Onkwehon:we and that rail service be resumed.” found not guilty of predatory sexual as- clan families and their allies, posted On Friday Trudeau demanded abo- sault, which could have landed him in a video on Twitter showing police riginal groups lift the rail blockades, prison for life, and rape in the fi rst degree. wrestle two men to the ground after which have also been staged in other The #MeToo movement praised the they refused to back away from the provinces including Quebec, but both witnesses and jurors. “This wouldn’t have tracks. the Wet’suwet’en and Tyendinaga re- been possible without the voices of the si- Police had given a midnight dead- mained defi ant. lence breakers in and outside of the court- line to clear the line. The Wet’suwet’en band in Brit- room, the survivors who courageously “Unfortunately, all avenues to suc- ish Columbia has been fi ghting the testifi ed, and the jurors who, despite an cessfully negotiate a peaceful resolu- construction of TC Energy Corp’s unrelenting and unethical defence strat- tion have been exhausted and a valid planned Coastal GasLink pipeline for egy, voted to fi nd an unremorseful Harvey court injunction remains in eff ect,” a decade, but savvy social media use Weinstein guilty,” read a statement on the the OPP said in a statement. and years of outreach brought the Police off icers make an arrest during a raid on a Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory camp next to a railway crossing in movement’s website. The Tyendinaga Mohawk cam- group allies from across Canada. Tyendinaga, Ontario.

Nasa lander confi rms quakes on Red Planet Nasa’s robotic InSight lander has “Thus, this area still has activity for the first time established that at depth, perhaps including hot Nasa mathematician Katherine Johnson dies at 101 Mars is seismically active, but do magma. This in turn shows that not call the shaking, rattling and Mars has regional variability in Reuters tween the United States and the Johnson’s math skills got her rolling taking place on the Red activity, with some areas still quite Washington former Soviet Union that began into West Virginia State College Planet as earthquakes. The proper active,” JPL planetary geophysi- in the late 1950s, Johnson and at age 15. term, fittingly, is marsquakes. cist and InSight deputy principal her co-workers ran the numbers She zipped through the Scientists said yesterday the investigator Suzanne Smrekar atherine Johnson, the for unmanned rocket launches, school’s math program, earn- InSight lander, which touched said. black woman whose test fl ights and airplane safety ing degrees in math and French down on the planet’s surface in The researchers devised a Kmathematical genius took studies using pencils, slide rules before becoming one of the fi rst November 2018 to begin the first magnitude scale tailored to Mars her from a behind-the-scenes and mechanical calculating ma- black students in the graduate mission to study the deep inte- but similar to the one used for job in a segregated Nasa as por- chines. school at West Virginia Univer- rior of Mars, has since detected earthquakes. trayed in the fi lm Hidden Figures But they did their work in sity in 1938. around 450 marsquakes, most of The strongest of the quakes to a key role in sending humans facilities separate from white After teaching school for sev- modest strength. were a little less than magnitude to the moon, died yesterday at workers and were required to en years, Johnson went to work The Martian seismic activ- 4, meaning they would be felt the age of 101, Nasa said. use separate restrooms and din- for the National Advisory Com- ity recorded by the lander’s on the surface perhaps dozens “Our Nasa family is sad to ing facilities. mittee for Aeronautics, a fore- seismometer, a ground-motion of kilometres from the epicenter learn the news that Kather- Johnson always said she was runner of Nasa, in Hampton in detection sensor, was found to be but probably would not do much ine Johnson passed away this too busy with her work to be 1953 with dozens of other black greater than that of the moon, but damage. morning at 101 years old,” Nasa concerned with racism. women. less than that of Earth. The scientists described two administrator Jim Bridenstine “She didn’t close her eyes to Johnson found herself in a The Martian seismic activity dozen marsquakes in a mag- posted to Twitter. the racism that existed,” Margot realm made up almost exclu- generally arises from the planet’s nitude 3 to 4 range in findings “She was an American hero Lee Shetterly wrote in Hidden sively of white men when she long-term cooling from its molten be- published in the journals Nature and her pioneering legacy will A November 24, 2015, file photo of then-president Barack Obama Figures. was chosen to be part of the ginnings in the formation of the solar Geoscience and Nature Com- never be forgotten.” presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Nasa mathemati- “She knew just as well as any team supporting the 1961 mis- system roughly 4.5bn years ago. munications. Johnson was awarded a Presi- cian Katherine G Johnson during an event in the East Room of the other black person the tax lev- sion that made Alan Shepard the “As the planet cools, it con- The geological dynamics of dential Medal of Freedom by White House in Washington. ied upon them because of their fi rst American in space. tracts, and then the brittle outer Mars diff er from Earth. former president Barack Obama color. But she didn’t feel it in the She would go on to calculate layers have to fracture in order Our planet’s outer shell is in 2015 and in 2016 he cited her Johnson and her black col- ing career of 33 years with the same way. She wished it away, crucial rocket trajectories, or- to sort of maintain themselves divided into immense plates that in his State of the Union Address leagues at the fl edgling Nasa space agency, working on the willed it out of existence inas- bital paths and launch windows. on the surface. That’s kind of the move inexorably over a rocky in- as an example of America’s spir- were known as “computers” Mercury and Apollo missions, much as her daily life was con- Johnson made the transition long-term source of stresses,” ner layer above Earth’s core. Mars it of discovery. when that term was used not for including the fi rst moon landing cerned.” to the computer era and worked said planetary geophysicist and has no such plate tectonics. “She’s one of the greatest a programmed electronic device in 1969, and the early years of As a girl, Johnson was fasci- on the shuttle program while mission principal investigator InSight, short for Interior minds ever to grace our agency but for a person who did compu- the space shuttle program. nated by numbers and counted writing or co-writing 26 re- Bruce Banerdt of Nasa’s Jet Pro- Exploration using Seismic In- or our country,” then-Nasa ad- tations. Astronaut John Glenn thought everything, even the steps she search reports before retiring in pulsion Laboratory in California. vestigations, Geodesy and Heat ministrator Charles Bolden said They were little known to the so much of her that he insisted took while walking and the dish- 1986, Nasa said. The existence of seismic Transport, is situated on a flat when Johnson was presented the public for decades but gained Johnson be consulted before his es she washed after dinner. She said she was most proud activity on Mars had long been region called Elysium Planitia just presidential medal. overdue recognition when the historic earth-orbiting fl ight in She grew up in West Virginia of her contributions to the fi rst suspected but until now had not north of the Martian equator. In 2016, Nasa named a re- book Hidden Figures was pub- 1962. at a time when educational op- moon mission, which included been definitively detected. Its instruments also found that search facility for Johnson in lished and the 2016 Oscar-nom- “Get the girl to check the portunities for blacks were lim- the calculations that synched The location of some of the larger Mars, which unlike Earth has no her hometown of Hampton, inated movie hit the screens. numbers,” he said. ited because of segregation. the lunar lander craft and the marsquakes was a region called Cer- global magnetic field, has a local Virginia, and a year later her Johnson attended the 2017 “He knew I had done (the cal- But her mother, a former orbiting command module. berus Fossae that bears evidence of magnetic field at the landing site alma mater, West Virginia State, Oscars ceremony, joining the culations) before for him and teacher, and her father, a farmer Johnson and her fi rst hus- volcanic flows, faulting and fluvial 10 times stronger than expected. marked her 100th birthday in fi lm’s cast in presenting an they trusted my work,” John- and handyman, stressed edu- band, James Goble, who died in flow — water on the surface — within InSight additionally is discover- August 2018 by establishing a award for documentaries, and son told the Washington Post in cation and moved the family 1956, had three daughters. She the past 10mn years, considered ing new details about the com- scholarship in her name and was given a standing ovation. 2017. 180km to a town that had a high married Lieutenant Colonel recent in geological terms. plex Martian atmosphere. erecting a statue. Johnson had a groundbreak- During the space race be- school for black children. James Johnson in 1959. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 25, 2020 17 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA China slightly eases Wuhan’s virus quarantine measures

AFP central city of 11mn people if they Wuhan, they must report them- new infections for several days in Beijing show no symptoms of the new selves to local authorities and a row. All but 11 of China’s 409 China considers ‘complete ban’ on wildlife trade coronavirus and have never had monitor their health for 14 days, new cases yesterday were report- contact with patients, the city the city said. ed in Hubei. hinese authorities yester- said in a statement. People may also enter the city Wuhan, where the virus is be- China’s top legislative committee tee is responsible for convening has spread to at least two dozen day slightly relaxed their People with special reasons for epidemic prevention or other lieved to have originated late last yesterday began deliberating the 3,000-member NPC, but is countries, infecting 1,500 people Cmonth-long quarantine to leave the city including those production-related reasons or year, continues to account for the a proposal to ban all trade and widely expected to postpone the and killing nearly 30. It was not measures in Wuhan, allowing who need treatment for other if they are Wuhan residents who majority of new cases and deaths consumption of wild animals, a annual session due to the health clear when a decision would some people to leave the epicen- medical conditions and those have previously been unable to in the country. practice believed responsible for crisis. The session was due to be made on the proposed ban, tre of the country’s virus epi- doing epidemic prevention work return home. Hundreds of for- Wuhan yesterday reported the country’s deadly coronavirus start early next month. Chinese which is likely to face scepticism. demic under certain conditions. may also leave Wuhan, the state- eign nationals have been airlifted 348 new virus cases, while fi ve outbreak. The off icial Xinhua health off icials have said the virus Conservationists accuse China The city of 11mn has been ment said. from Wuhan back to their coun- cities and the Shennongjia For- news agency said the proposal likely emerged from a market in of tolerating a shadowy trade in under lockdown since January Departures must be staggered tries by several governments in- estry District in Hubei reported was submitted to the Stand- the central city of Wuhan that exotic animals for food or use 23 after authorities shut down and people must apply for per- cluding the United States, France no new cases. ing Committee of the National sold wild animals as food. Late in traditional medicines whose transport links into and out of mission from local authorities and Britain. Experts from the World Health People’s Congress (NPC). “It aims last month after the epidemic be- eff icacy is not confirmed by the city in an eff ort to contain the before leaving. Cars leaving the The Covid-19 disease has Organisation visited Wuhan over to completely ban the eating of gan exploding across the coun- science. China instituted a similar new coronavirus outbreak. city must not carry more than killed nearly 2,600 people and the weekend. They also met wild animals and crack down on try, China ordered a temporary temporary ban after the Sars The decision comes as the of- two people, including the driver, infected some 77,000 in Chi- with Ma Xiaowei, the director of illegal wildlife trade,” it said. ban “until the national epidemic (Severe Acute Respiratory Syn- fi cial number of new cases has at a time, the city said, without na. The epidemic’s spread has China’s national health commis- The report added that the meas- situation is over”. The new coro- drome) virus killed hundreds of been in the hundreds for the past mentioning whether air and rail slowed down in China outside of sion, and top offi cials at the cen- ure was aimed at “safeguarding navirus has killed 2,592 people in people in China and Hong Kong fi ve days, after being in quadru- transport would be resumed. Hubei province, of which Wuhan tre for disease control for Hubei public health and ecological China, infected some 77,000 so in 2002-03 and was also traced ple digits every day for weeks. Once travellers have reached is the capital, while multiple oth- province, of which Wuhan is the security”. The Standing Commit- far and paralysed its economy. It to wild-animal consumption. Non-residents may leave the their destinations outside of er provinces have reported zero capital. Mahathir quits at 94 but agrees to stay as interim PM

Reuters „ King accepts 94-year-old Mahathir’s resignation Kuala Lumpur „Mahathir agrees to stay as caretaker pending succession „Three coalition parties ask him to stay on ahathir Mohamed un- expectedly quit as Ma- „Talks on new coalition with opposition upset PM: Anwar Mlaysia’s prime minister Malaysia’s politician Anwar Ibrahim leaves People’s Justice Party headquarters after a meeting in Petaling Jaya, yesterday, leaving the country in Malaysia. political turmoil, but agreed to a request by the Southeast Asian On Mahathir’s advice, the king to stay in offi ce. Some in the op- king has to give his assent before nation’s king to stay on as in- also assented to dissolving his position have also agreed to sup- a premier can be sworn in. If no terim premier until a successor is cabinet, Mohd Zuki said later. port him. “The fi eld is wide open one has a simple majority of 112 named. There is no time frame for how for him,” said Ibrahim Suffi an, in parliament, a new election is The resignation of Mahathir, long someone can stay on as in- director of pollster Merdeka. “If an option, a source close to Ber- 94, broke apart a coalition with terim leader, and that person can he considers coming back as PM, satu said. old rival Anwar Ibrahim, 72, that also appoint cabinet ministers, he has the freedom to choose his Anwar did not say whether he had scored a surprise election news portal partners or who he would like to would try to stake a claim to form victory in 2018, and was not part The Malaysian Insight quoted be part of his cabinet.” a government. He said he had of a pre-election promise that Attorney-General Tommy Tho- It is unclear what the political met the king to express his views Mahathir would eventually cede mas as saying. Mahathir, who leaders are planning next or who and seek his advice in the interest power to Anwar. came out of retirement to con- might form the next government. of the country. The decision, which Mahathir test the 2018 election, also quit A showdown is possible be- The ringgit fell 0.9% on the did not explain, followed week- his Bersatu party, according to tween Anwar and an alliance of day – its steepest slide in three end talks between members of three sources familiar with the Bersatu President Muhyiddin years – to its lowest level in al- his coalition and the opposition matter. Yassin and Azmin Ali, who yes- most six months. The main stock on forming a new government. Anwar and people close to Ma- terday was sacked from Anwar’s market index slid to an eight-year The political turmoil, together hathir said he had quit as prime party, political sources said. low and bonds fell, forcing yields with alarm in the region over the minister after accusations that Azmin and 10 other members on 10-year government bonds up spread of the new coronavirus, he would form a partnership with of Anwar’s party who were at 5 basis points, their biggest jump sent Malaysia’s currency, bonds opposition parties he defeated the weekend meetings — involv- since October. Mahathir had and stock market lower, and drew less than two years ago on an an- ing lawmakers from Mahathir’s been scheduled to announce a calls from some quarters for the ti-corruption platform. coalition, the opposition United stimulus package to deal with the world’s oldest government leader “He made it very clear that in Malays National Organisation coronavirus outbreak on Thurs- to return. no way would he work with those (UMNO) and Islamist party PAS day. Diff erences have been sim- associated with the previous re- – said they had acted to prevent a “It becomes quite hard for Ma- mering between Mahathir and Malaysia’s former prime minister Mahathir Mohamed arrives at the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur yester- gime,” Anwar told reporters af- “conspiracy” bringing down Ma- laysia to bring foreign investors Anwar over delays to the planned day. Mahathir resigned yesterday in a move analysts said appeared to be an eff ort to form a new coalition and ter meeting Mahathir yesterday hathir and to protect confi dence back,” said Jolynn Kek, head of transfer of power, presenting block the succession of leader-in-waiting Anwar Ibrahim. morning. in stability and the continuity of equity at BOS Wealth Manage- some anti-Anwar politicians It is unclear whether the resig- the government’s policies. ment Malaysia, pointing to more with a window to try to seek a Chief Secretary Mohd Zuki Ali hathir Mohamed as interim til then, (Mahathir) will manage nation marks the end of the road Constitutionally, any lawmak- political stability and economic new coalition. said in a statement. prime minister, while wait- the country’s aff airs until a new for Mahathir as a full-term pre- er who can command a majority growth among its neighbours. The king accepted the resig- “However, His Highness has ing for the appointment of the prime minister and cabinet are mier because at least three par- in parliament can stake a claim nation after meeting Mahathir, given his assent to appoint Ma- new prime minister. Hence un- appointed,” Mohd Zuki said. ties in his coalition called for him to form the government. The

Sanitisation spree S Korea, US defence chiefs to meet amid diff erences on cost-sharing

Reuters a war. But overshadowing both leading to some services on the SMA, the Pentagon added. Seoul those issues are negotiations bases being “degraded, suspend- A spokesman for South Ko- over how much South Korea ed or cancelled,” the command rea’s Defence Ministry declined should pay toward maintaining said in a statement yesterday. to comment on the talks, but said ith South Korea’s de- the roughly 28,500 US troops “The potential furlough will the South was stepping up eff orts fence minister due to stations there. have a signifi cant impact – both to reach a deal as early as possible Wmeet his American The last “special measures emotionally and fi nancially – to to minimise any problems. US counterpart in Washington, the agreement” (SMA) lapsed at the our Korean National employees,” President Donald Trump has re- US military doubled down on end of December after multi- USFK commander Gen Rob- peatedly said South Korea should calls for Seoul to pay more in de- ple rounds of talks yielded no ert Abrams added. “It will also bear more of the burden for host- fence costs, warning of the im- progress, and now the US mili- have some negative repercus- ing the troops, a legacy of the plications if a deal was not made tary says funding will soon run sions to installation services.” 1950-53 Korean War which end- soon. out for thousands of South Ko- On Sunday, the Pentagon said ed in an armistice, not a peace Defence Minister Jeong rean civilians who work to sup- it would continue to pay for any treaty. Kyeong-doo and US Secretary of port the bases. Without such a South Koreans who “provide Washington demanded up to Workers spray disinfectant as part of preventive measures against the spread of the coronavirus, Defence Mark Esper are expected pact, United States Forces Ko- life, health, safety and readiness $5bn a year, more than fi ve times at the National Assembly in Seoul yesterday. More than 200 infections and two more deaths were to discuss a standoff with North rea (USFK) must prepare to put services”. what Seoul agreed to pay last year reported in South Korea yesterday, bringing the total cases to more than 830 — by far the most Korea, as well as plans to give around 8,700 South Korean em- But the furloughs may be under a one-year deal, though outside China. South Korea control of the troops ployees on unpaid leave when avoided altogether if South Ko- US offi cials said they have “com- on the peninsula in the event of money runs out on March 31, rea agrees to a “more equitable” promised” on the numbers. New Zealand extends ban on China arrivals Sherpa team aims for record Everest winter ascent New Zealand has extended for and South Korea. But New Zealand step in to assist businesses hit by A team of four Sherpas was has not happened yet and so we December 1987. Sherpa will be is acclimatisation,” Sherpa said. eight days a ban on arrivals from has no plans for now to widen the the spread of the virus, if there is a setting off yesterday to attempt are attempting a new record,” joined by three other climbers The Nepali climbers will be joining mainland China, PM Jacinda Ardern ban to other countries, Ardern told long lasting shock to the economy a record winter ascent of Mount team leader Tashi Lakpa Sherpa, – Pasang Nurbu Sherpa, Ming two other teams at Everest Base said yesterday, carrying into its a news conference, adding, “We or a global economic recession, but Everest in just five days, which who has summited Everest eight Temba Sherpa and Halung Dorchi Camp who have been waiting fourth week an eff ort to block continue to focus on the epicentre he did not expect one at the mo- would also be the first winter times, told reporters. Sherpa, 34, Sherpa – who all have at least two for the right weather conditions. exposure to the coronavirus. Fears of outbreak”. Ardern added that it ment. “If either of these scenarios climb of the peak in more than will not be using supplemental Everest summits under their belt. Spanish alpinist Alex Txikon and mounted that the outbreak would was highly likely the virus would play out it will be important for the quarter of a century. The last oxygen. Only one climber has “I know the mountain ... We are his team and German climber grow into a pandemic with disrup- eventually arrive in New Zealand, government to play a role to invest successful winter ascent was previously ascended the peak fully prepared and we have accli- Jost Kobusch are also hoping to tive and deadly consequences although it has no confirmed infec- in the economy to support New in 1993 by a Japanese team. “A in winter without supplemental matised. The biggest preparation break the spell of unsuccessful for the rest of the world following tions. Finance Minister Grant Rob- Zealanders and Kiwi businesses,” winter speed climbing expedition oxygen: a Nepali mountaineer in to minimise risk on the mountain winter expeditions on Everest. sharp rises in infections in Iran, Italy ertson said the government would he added. Gulf Times 18 Tuesday, February 25, 2020 BRITAIN Government bans neo-Nazi group Sonnenkrieg Division

Guardian News and Media the group illegal and punishable by to as a race traitor for marrying here and in Germany have high- tives from the police and other cials have warned that the far right were referred for concerns related London up to 10 years in prison, Priti Patel Meghan Markle, a woman of mixed lighted the threat we continue to partners to assess the risk posed by poses the fastest-growing ter- to right-wing radicalisation, up said. Another order will recognise race, glorifi ed the Norwegian mass face from violent extremism. groups that may be considered for rorist threat in the UK. A quarter from 18% in the previous year, and the extreme right-wing group Sys- murderer Anders Breivik, and said “We are working to keep the proscription. of all terrorism arrests in the past 10% in the year to March 2016. neo-Nazi group is to be- tem Resistance Network as an alias white women who date non-white public safe by increasing fund- SKD is the UK arm of the neo- year were linked to far-right vio- In a paper written for the com- come the second extreme of the already proscribed neo-Nazi men should be hanged. ing for counter-terror police and Nazi Atomwaff en Division formed lence and the far-right caseload of mission on countering-extrem- Aright-wing outfi t to be organisation National Action. The orders come less than a strengthening the law to keep in 2015 in the southern US. It counter-terrorism police jumped ism, the academic Joe Mulhall banned as a terrorist organisa- Two teenage members of SKD, week after nine people with im- terrorists locked up for longer. By emerged in 2018 around the time from 6% to 10% in two years. said far-right demonstrations had tion in the UK, the home secre- Michal Szewczuk, 19, from Leeds, migrant backgrounds were mur- proscribing these groups we are of the arrests of Szewczuk and Counter-terrorism offi cers have grown to sizes not seen since the tary has announced. and Oskar Dunn-Koczorowski, 18, dered in the western German city making it much harder for them to Koczorowski. The move to ban foiled eight far-right terrorist plots 1930s. Police forces do not record Sonnenkrieg Division (SKD), from west London, were jailed for of Hanau by Tobias Rathjen, a spread their hateful rhetoric.” SKD comes amid evidence sug- since March 2017. far-right incidents but they do members of which have been jailed terrorism off ences in June last year. 43-year-old who had posted a rac- This decision follows a meeting gesting far-right violence is on the Of the 5,738 referrals to the record terror-related off ences and for serious off ences, is to be pro- The pair encouraged an attack ist video and manifesto on the In- of the Proscription Review Group, rise across the UK. government’s anti-radicalisation hate crime, the latter of which has scribed, making membership of on Prince Harry, who they referred ternet. Patel said: “Recent attacks which brings together representa- Senior counter-terrorism offi - programme, Prevent, 1,389 or 24% risen sharply. NHS plans to train nurses to do surgeries

Daily Mail over the past year with up to London 70% of surgeons cutting back on their hours to avoid punitive pension taxes imposed by the urses will be trained to Treasury. perform surgical pro- There are currently about Ncedures under a radi- 800 surgical care practitioners cal NHS drive to slash waiting working in hospitals. Leading times. surgeons say there would need They will be urged to take to be “thousands” more to make a two-year course to become a real diff erence, although other “surgical care practitioners” sources suggest it will initially and help ease the workload of be in the “hundreds”. under-pressure surgeons. LibDem health spokesman But critics say the plan is a Munira Wilson said: “This is a “sticking plaster solution” to sticking plaster solution to very a “very serious staffi ng crisis”, serious staffi ng crisis across our and it will only intensify exist- NHS workforce.” ing nursing shortages. Caroline Abrahams, of Age Under the proposal, qualifi ed UK, added: “Anything that helps nurses will be responsible for older people to get the surgery procedures including the re- they need more speedily has to moval of hernias, benign cysts be worth trying, providing the and some skin cancers. They arrangements are proven to be A woman spills red paint from a trolley as police off icers approach, as demonstrators gather in support of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, outside Woolwich Crown Court yesterday. will also undertake key tasks safe and have the appropriate during major surgery including clinical oversight.” heart bypasses and hip and knee Professor Michael Griffi n, replacements. president of the Royal College of The plans are expected to be Surgeons of Edinburgh, said: “We laid out in the NHS’s People Plan are totally supportive of this. We next month. This will set out have very little anxiety about this. how the health service needs to “I don’t need to tell you about transform its working practices waiting lists. A lot of the pro- Assange put lives at risk, to keep pace with the demands of cedures are very reproducible, a growing and ageing population. straightforward, very important, Medical leaders say they but they are relatively small op- have “very little anxiety” about erations that can be managed the plans, but patients may be quickly and effi ciently.” alarmed at the thought of their Surgical care practitioners claims lawyer for US govt operations being performed by earn about £50,000 a year – non-surgeons. twice the average nursing salary Surgical care practitioners of £25,000 a year – making it an Reuters ties, not because he embarrassed which have since been dropped. puters and violating an espionage Judge Vanessa Baraitser warned will have done fi ve years’ train- attractive career path. London the authorities but because he put Assange has served a prison law. those in the public gallery not to ing – a three-year degree as Many surgical care practition- informants, dissidents, and rights sentence in Britain for skipping Lewis said Assange had con- disturb the proceedings. a nurse or another healthcare ers started their careers as nurses activists at risk of torture, abuse bail and remains jailed pending spired with Chelsea Manning, Assange’s lawyer said he should professional, followed by a two- but others were employed as ulian Assange is wanted for or death. the US extradition request. then a US soldier known as Brad- not be extradited as he would not year masters course. Surgeons “operating department practi- crimes that put at risk the lives “What Assange seems to de- Lewis, speaking on behalf of ley Manning, to hack department get a fair trial and would be a sui- have up to 16 years’ training tioners” – theatre staff who have Jof people in Iraq and Afghani- fend by freedom of speech is not the US authorities, said hundreds of defence computers. cide risk. including six years at medi- done a three-year degree. stan who had helped the West, the publication of the classi- of people across the world had to Supporters hail Assange as an Lawyer Edward Fitzgerald said cal school and 10 years learning Although the Royal College of some of whom later disappeared, fi ed materials but the publica- be warned after the WikiLeaks anti-establishment hero who that the US attitude to Assange specialist surgical skills. Surgeons supports the plans, it said a lawyer acting for the US in tion of the names of the sources, disclosures. Some had to be relo- revealed governments’ abuses had changed when Donald Trump Latest NHS fi gures show that is concerned that surgical care its bid to extradite him. the names of people who had put cated. of power, and argue the action came to power and that the US 43,600 nursing posts – or 12% practitioners won’t be properly Almost a decade since his themselves at risk to assist the US Others later disappeared, he against him is a dangerous in- president wanted to make an ex- – are vacant, at a time when de- regulated. WikiLeaks website enraged and its allies,” Lewis said at Lon- said, adding the US would not try fringement of journalists’ rights. ample of his client. mand for good nursing care has Nurses who retrain to become Washington by leaking hundreds don’s Woolwich Crown Court. to prove that was directly a result Chants from 100 of his backers He said that in 2013 the US gov- never been higher. NHS wait- surgical care practitioners will of thousands of secret US docu- The US asked Britain to ex- of the disclosures. outside could be clearly heard in ernment under former president ing times are at their worst in 13 still be overseen by the Nurs- ments, Assange, 48, is fi ghting tradite Assange last year after Some WikiLeaks information court. Barack Obama had decided that years, with 4.4mn patients lan- ing and Midwifery Council. The extradition from Britain to the US he was pulled from the Ecua- was found at Osama bin Laden’s Assange himself complained Assange should not face any ac- guishing on lists, some of whom college believes they should be where he is accused of espionage dor embassy in London, where hideout in Pakistan, he added. about the din. tion. have been there more than a regulated by the General Medi- and hacking. he had spent seven years holed The US has charged Assange “I’m fi nding it diffi cult concen- But that in 2017, after the 2016 year. cal Council, the doctors’ profes- He was wanted, said James up avoiding extradition to Swe- with 18 criminal counts of con- trating,” said a clean-shaven As- election of Trump, an indictment The delays have intensifi ed sional watchdog. Lewis, lawyer for the US authori- den over sex crime allegations spiring to hack government com- sagne, dressed in a blue-grey suit. was brought against Assange.

Labour members 2mn more ‘could be vote for new leader

AFP successful, and said they would diabetic by 2025’ happily serve in the winner’s top London team Daily Mail More than 100,000 of them “It is very alarming because Corbyn was elected Labour London are under the age of 40, following people who have pre-diabetes lmost 600,000 members leader in 2015 in a shock result, warnings that type 2 diabetes is are extremely likely to go on to of Britain’s main opposi- after a political career spent on no longer a middle-aged disease. get diabetes, and behind them are Ation Labour party began the sidelines of a party where few national obesity crisis And all of them are a ticking many people who are not yet pre- voting yesterday for a new leader MPs share his staunch socialist could see another 2mn timebomb, according to experts, diabetic but will be next year. to replace leftist Jeremy Corbyn views. Apeople become diabetic in who expect people with pre-di- “As long as people remain in the wake of a devastating elec- Now 70, he drew an enthusias- the next fi ve years. The number of abetes to develop type 2 diabetes overweight, and keep getting tion defeat. tic following among young peo- people with ‘pre-diabetes’ – those within around fi ve years if they overweight, more and more peo- Three candidates — all mem- ple but was forced to step down on the brink of type 2 diabetes and do not lose weight to reverse the ple will become pre-diabetic and bers of parliament — are on the after a second general election who must take urgent action – has process. diabetic. ballot paper, with the fi nal result defeat in December. leapt from an average of 1.3mn to The NHS began recording cas- “We need to wise up, and those due to be announced on April 4. Labour suff ered its worst re- almost 2mn in only a year. es of pre-diabetes, also known as diagnosed as pre-diabetic have The party is also choosing a sult since 1935 while Conserva- Already a sixth of the entire ‘non-diabetic hyperglycaemia’, to knuckle down, knowing that if new deputy leader, following tive Prime Minister Boris John- NHS hospitals budget is spent two years ago, standing at 1.3mn they stick to a stringent diet for Tom Watson’s resignation in De- son triumphed with his promise treating those with diabetes, in 2017-18. The latest fi gures several months, they could pre- cember. — since delivered — to get Britain which aff ects an estimated record show 1,969,610 people registered vent themselves ever getting dia- Brexit spokesman Keir Starm- out of the European Union. four million people in Britain, with a GP in England in 2018-19 betes.” er is currently the frontrunner, There had been more can- costing taxpayers £14bn a year. have the condition. NHS chief executive Sir Simon viewed as more moderate than didates to succeed Corbyn but In 2018 hospitals spent £5.5bn Of these, 5.6% are under the Stevens said: “Our bulging waist- his main rival, Corbyn ally and only three reached the required caring for people with the condi- age of 40, and 42% are middle- lines mean 2mn people are now business spokeswoman Rebecca threshold of support from fellow tion, with some £3bn needed to aged, between the ages of 40 and at risk of joining the expanding Long-Bailey. MPs, trade unions and local La- treat diabetes complications such 64. ranks of those living with largely The third candidate, Lisa Nandy, bour associations. as kidney failure and sight loss. Professor Mike Lean, from the preventable type 2 diabetes. The is well-regarded in Westminster It is now up to the membership The ‘alarming’ fi gures released University of Glasgow, called the NHS’s highly successful, world- but has a low public profi le. to decide. Postal and e-mail bal- by NHS England now show many fi gures “a slippery slope”. leading diabetes prevention pro- Speaking at a members’ hus- lots were sent out yesterday. more people in England have ab- He said: “The number of peo- gramme is helping hundreds of tings in Durham on Sunday, There were more than 580,000 normally high blood sugar, which ple with pre-diabetes is huge and thousands of people take small all three leadership candidates Labour party members after the is likely to see them become dia- it is only getting bigger – these common sense steps to get con- pledged to off er their rivals election and more people are be- betic too. 2mn are the tip of the iceberg. trol of their own health.” Jeremy Corbyn: forced to go shadow cabinet posts if they are lieved to have signed up since. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 25, 2020 19 BRITAIN

Chancellor ‘to shift some Treasury staff to north of England’

Guardian News and Media The plan, which directly mir- to rethink how we make deci- to access a more diverse range of expected to move in 2021. Gov- and John McDonnell, the shad- the proposal among peers, and London rors a pledge in Labour’s 2019 sions that aff ect the whole of the talent, making it more refl ective ernment sources have refused to ow chancellor, said that if the Johnson’s lack of a majority in general election manifesto, will UK,” a Treasury source said. of the country as a whole.” Su- say how many jobs will be trans- Tories were copying his propos- the upper house, this is not yet be presented as proof of Boris “He wants to shift the gravity nak, who was brought up in the ferred. al, “they could have the decency being seen as a wholly serious he new chancellor, Ri- Johnson’s commitment to his of economic decision-making south of England but who repre- Sunak is also expected to an- of properly attributing the idea proposition. shi Sunak, will use next “levelling up” agenda – as well away from the capital to our re- sents a Yorkshire constituency, nounce that some Treasury posts to Labour”. News of the plan to move Tmonth’s budget to an- as signal that he is serious about gions and nations – and setting Richmond, will confi rm the an- could be relocated to Scotland, Downing Street has also fl oat- some Treasury staff to the north nounce plans to move some of imposing structural reform on up a new … campus in the north nouncement when he presents Wales and Northern Ireland. ed the idea of moving the House of England came as David Dav- the 1,500 staff working for the Whitehall. of England will do that. his budget on March 11. In its election manifesto, La- of Lords to York as part of John- is, the former Brexit secretary, Treasury to a base in the north “The chancellor wants to put “It will be key in helping The Tees Valley is reportedly a bour promised to place a Treas- son’s plans to make government criticised Johnson for apparently of England, government sources the Treasury at the heart of the spread opportunity and prosper- possible site for the new Treas- ury national transformation less London-centric, although seeking to implement Whitehall confi rmed. levelling-up agenda and wants ity to all, and allow the Treasury ury hub, and the fi rst staff are fund unit in the north of England given the strong opposition to reform by “fi ring squad”.

Sports Croatia premier arrives therapist PM has ‘full found guilty of confi dence’ in murder

Guardian News and Media London Patel despite

sports therapist has been found guilty of murder- Aing a retired lecturer by shooting him with a crossbow at his remote island home. bullying claims Terence Whall, 39, targeted Gerald Corrigan, 74, as his vic- Guardian News and Media challenging things that you have tion system that works for the tim adjusted his satellite dish London to deal with across government,” UK, putting more police on the outside his house in Anglesey, Brokenshire, the former com- streets and keeping the public north Wales, in the early hours of munities secretary who has re- safe from terrorism.” April 19 last year. oris Johnson has “full con- turned to government as a Home The Conservative former cabi- The bolt passed completely fi dence” in the ability of Offi ce minister, told Sky News. net minister Theresa Villiers said through Corrigan’s body, caus- BPriti Patel, the home sec- “I think the home secretary is there was an element of misog- ing terrible internal damage in- retary, to do her job, his offi cial absolutely focused on the public yny in the briefi ngs, telling BBC cluding bruising the heart. He spokesman has said. good, the agenda that we’ve set Radio 4’s Today programme: “I’m was rushed to hospital but gan- However, he declined to of- around policing, on immigra- sick of spiteful briefi ngs against grene set in and he died almost fer the same level of support tion and indeed around counter- women in high public offi ce. It a month later of multiple organ for Philip Rutnam, the top civil terrorism and security.” Broken- happens again and again and I failure. servant at the Home Offi ce, with shire said there had been “huge don’t believe these allegations A ballistics expert and pa- the spokesman saying only that frustration” across the Home against Priti Patel. thologist concluded the shooter the prime minister has “full con- Offi ce around some of the “false “I think she’s a highly eff ec- must have been only 10 metres fi dence in the civil service”. assertions that have been made tive home secretary and I think away, probably in the fi eld in He also said claims that Pa- publicly”. whoever is making these brief- front of the house and hiding be- tel was not being fully briefed ings should stop it because I hind a wall. on intelligence documents be- think they are unfair and they are Whall denied having anything cause MI5 did not trust her were damaging.” to do with Corrigan’s death but “baseless and wrong”. But there A government spokesman police were able to establish that will be no leak inquiry into the also rejected reports in the Sun- a Land Rover he used was near bitter media war that has taken day Times alleging intelligence his victim’s home at the time of place between Patel and Rutnam chiefs do not trust Patel and have the shooting and on the previ- in recent days. decided to share less intelligence ous night, when the prosecution Earlier, one of Patel’s Home The premier’s spokesman with her. The spokesman said: allege he was “scoping out” the Offi ce ministerial colleagues denied claims that Patel “The home secretary and MI5 property. dismissed claims that she is bul- was not being fully briefed have a strong and close working Peter Rouch QC, prosecuting, lying offi cials, as the home sec- on intelligence documents relationship, and baseless claims told the jury at Mold crown court retary pushed for an inquiry into because MI5 did not trust to the contrary are both wrong it may never be known why Cor- a series of damaging leaks about her were “baseless and and against the public interest. rigan was murdered. her approach in the department. wrong” “The home secretary receives But the court heard that be- After the Home Offi ce re- the same daily intelligence brief- fore his death Corrigan and his leased a statement denying a In a rare public statement on ings as her predecessors, and no partner, Marie Bailey, 64, had rift between Patel and her most relations between a minister and information is being withheld.” allegedly been conned out of senior civil servant, and MI5 their offi cials, the Home Offi ce The Sunday report was pub- £250,000 by a man called Rich- rejected reports it is withold- denied on Sunday that Patel had lished after a series of stories – ard Wyn Lewis, who had previ- ing intelligence from her, James tried to move the department’s which have not been fully denied ous convictions for fraud. Brokenshire called the reports permanent secretary, Sir Philip – claiming that Patel has had a The court heard that Whall “absolute nonsense”. Rutnam, her most senior civil series of diffi cult relationships had been arrested at the Angle- Patel’s team has said she is servant, from her department with offi cials during her minis- sey home of Lewis, who remains “absolutely livid” about the alle- following a series of rows. terial career. under investigation, on May 31 gations and has demanded an in- A Home Offi ce spokesman said: The Sunday Times quoted un- last year following an incident quiry into the leaks to be carried “The home secretary and perma- named offi cials claiming that that the jury was told was a dis- out by the Cabinet Offi ce. How- nent secretary are deeply con- MI5 found Patel “extremely dif- pute over money. Rouch said ever, it is not clear whether a for- cerned about the number of false fi cult to deal with” and that she Whall’s association with Lewis mal request has yet been made. allegations appearing in the media. “doesn’t grasp the subtleties of “may be of signifi cance”. Prime Minister Boris Johnson greets Croatia’s Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic outside the “Yes, she is demanding, but in “They are focused on deliver- intelligence”. Whall was arrested in connec- front door of 10 Downing Street in London yesterday ahead of a meeting. that role you have to be because ing on the Home Offi ce’s hugely Patel’s allies believe offi cials are tion with Corrigan’s death on you are dealing with some of the important agenda, which in- briefi ng against her because they June 25. most sensitive, some of the most cludes creating an immigra- do not like being challenged.

Hunting groups for ending Singer honoured Teenager’s body use of lead ammunition pulled from river Guardian News and Media know ANYTHING msg me or call Guardian News and Media joint statement issued by the Sales of game meat have London the police.” She told her son she London British Association for Shooting risen in successive years after a was not angry with him, writing: and Conservation (BASC). number of initiatives, along with “jj if u see this, ur not in trouble “Continued development of the establishment of the Brit- he body of a 13-year-old just please come home!” ead ammunition used to non-lead shot and recyclable ish Game Alliance to promote its boy has been pulled from In a statement at lunchtime shoot animals should be and bio-degradable plastics consumption, but there are fears Tthe River Wear in County yesterday Durham constabulary Lphased out and replaced means the time is right for a inspection will not eradicate the Durham. said: “We are sorry to report a with non-toxic alternatives by complete transition.” It said risk of consuming lead particles. Formal identifi cation has yet body has been found in the River 2025, hunting organisations the hunters should not fear the Hunters will now be expected to take place, but police believe Wear near Bishop Auckland. A have said amid calls for a ban to change and that both evolu- to transition to using ammuni- it is John James Ritchie-Wilson, multi-agency search operation be enshrined in law. tion, and the defence of tradi- tion made with steel, bismuth or who went missing on Sun- was launched following reports Global scientifi c consensus tion, was required to enhance other non-toxic metals. Shoot- day from his home near Bishop that a person had gone into the on the risks of lead ammuni- the shooting community’s ing animals with lead ammu- Auckland. river near Toronto Bridge. tion has long been established reputation as the “rightful cus- nition has been illegal in Den- Police said there were no “Sadly, the body of a teenager and regularly eating game birds todians” of the countryside. mark for 25 years and California suspicious circumstances sur- was found in the river yesterday shot with the highly toxic metal “Shooting has changed banned it for all hunting last year. rounding his death. morning. Formal identifi ca- can harm the developing brain greatly over the years and this Petrol, paint, pipes and other A multi-agency search opera- tion has yet to take place, but and damage the nervous sys- move is just the next step in materials had lead removed from tion was launched on Sunday fol- it is believed to be the body of a tem, and children and pregnant that illustrious history.” them decades ago, as evidence of lowing reports that someone was 13-year-old boy. His family have women are most vulnerable. Pressure has been growing its toxicity mounted. Shooting seen going into the river near the been informed and our thoughts More than 6,000 tonnes of after Waitrose, Britain’s largest wildfowl with lead was banned Toronto Bridge, or Newton Cap are with them at this tragic time. lead ammunition is discharged game retailer, said it would not in 1999 but enforcement has Viaduct, in Bishop Auckland. His death is not being treated as by guns every year, with up to sell birds “brought to bag” with been lax and research in England Yesterday morning John suspicious and a fi le will be pre- 100,000 swans, ducks, geese lead ammunition by the 2020-21 has found that more than 70% of James’s mother, Jane Wilson, pared for the coroner. and other wildfowl in Britain shooting season, while catering ducks are shot with lead. made an appeal for him to return “We would like to thank our estimated to be killed after ac- outlets in the House of Lords no “Lead is a poison, and we home. colleagues from Teesdale and cidentally ingesting poisonous longer serve game shot with lead should be taking every step pos- She posted on Facebook: Weardale search and mountain shot pellets. following scrutiny from peers. sible to remove it from our en- “Please share, John James Ritch- rescue team, County Durham “The shooting community There are also fears the Euro- vironment,” said the Wildfowl Kashmira Bulsara, sister of the late singer Freddie Mercury, ie-Wilson. 13 yr old, just un- and Darlington fi re and res- must maintain its place at the pean Union could ban imports of and Wetlands Trust’s director of and mayor of Hounslow, Tony Louki, attend a ceremony in der 5ft tall. Bring my boy home! cue service, National Police Air forefront of conservation and pheasant, wood pigeon, grouse conservation, Dr James Robin- London yesterday to rename a street in Feltham “Freddie Missing since Sunday, Bishop Service (NPAS) and the coast- environmental protection,” nine and other types of game from the son, who welcomed the shooting Mercury Close.” Auckland. Possibly seen near To- guard for their assistance during pro-shooting groups said in a UK, unless action was taken. fraternity showing leadership. ronto Bridge. If any of his friends the search.” Gulf Times 20 Tuesday, February 25, 2020 EUROPE Human rights under assault worldwide: UN chief

AFP to multiply votes,” he said, warn- of intersecting and escalating ity across its most senior ranks not shy away from naming abus- Geneva ing that “the rule of law is being human rights crises,” she told the and promised to achieve the ers”. eroded”. council. same throughout the UN system Guterres said the UN could Guterres said that civilians are Guterres launched a “call to by 2028. sometimes work alongside gov- N chief Antonio Guterres being “trapped in war-torn en- action” to “people everywhere” Guterres, who mentioned no ernments, behind the scenes or launched a “call to ac- claves, starved and bombarded to take action in seven areas countries by name, has faced at other times “we will speak out, Ution” yesterday against in clear violation of international – including halting violence criticism for not speaking out identifying both violations and rising attacks on human rights, law” as well as “human traffi ck- against women and girls, boost- more forcefully against rights vi- violators”. highlighting the persecution of ing, aff ecting every region in the ing protection for people trapped olations carried out by powerful “There is a place for each of minorities and “alarming levels world, preying on vulnerability in confl ict and recognising the countries like the US, Saudi Ara- these approaches, and often all of femicide”. and despair”. challenges created by the climate bia and China – appearing to opt three at once,” he said. “Human rights are under as- He also said women and girls crisis and new technologies. instead for behind-the-scenes Guterres also insisted national sault,” said the secretary-general were being “enslaved, exploited “We see a pushback against diplomacy. sovereignty could not be used as he opened the UN Human and abused”, “activists tossed in women’s rights, alarming levels Former UN rights chief Zeid as a pretext for rights violations Rights Council’s main annual jail, and religious and ethnic mi- of femicide, attacks on women Raad al-Hussain told Foreign – appearing to criticise an argu- session in Geneva. norities groups persecuted”. human rights defenders, and the Policy magazine this month that ment used by China, Russia and “People are being left be- UN rights chief Michelle persistence of laws and policies historians might interpret Gu- Venezuela among others against hind. Fears are growing,” he Bachelet also stressed the need that perpetuate subjugation and terres’s reluctance to speak out as UN investigations into abuse said, pointing to swelling divi- for urgent action on human exclusion,” he said. weakness rather than prudence. claims. sions and political polarisation in rights. The UN chief said that work Kenneth Roth of the Human “The promotion of human many countries. “Let us not deliver to our towards gender equality “starts Rights Watch NGO welcomed the rights strengthens States and so- Guterres: A perverse political arithmetic has taken hold: divide people “A perverse political arithme- young people and to their chil- within”, stressing that the UN call to action but said it would cieties, thereby reinforcing sov- to multiply votes. tic has taken hold: divide people dren an uncontrollable fi restorm had already achieved gender par- succeed only if Guterres “does ereignty,” he said. Car ploughs into carnival

Orban: his cabinet is running the country on an interim basis. parade in German town Court foils Reuters sioner Reinhard Kubat as say- where festivities peak on “Rose Volkmarsen, Germany ing. “There were mainly injured Monday” with tens of thousands children in the street, but also of people attending street pa- Romanian older people. rades featuring comical or sa- German man ploughed “Children came up to me and tirical fl oats. his car into a carnival pa- said it sounded like ‘Plop, plop, Police cars and ambulances PM’s bid Arade in the western town plop’ whenever the car ran over rushed to the scene in Volk- of Volkmarsen yesterday, injur- a person.” marsen, a small town in north- ing 30 people including chil- Asked how many people were ern Hesse, 260 miles (420km) Reuters dren, police said, adding it was hurt, a police spokesman in the west of Berlin. Bucharest too early to say what his motive regional centre of Kassel said: “I “We are on the ground with a was. would say about 30.” big deployment. An investiga- German prosecutors and po- Bild said some of the injuries tion is underway,” north Hesse omania’s top court has lice said the suspect, a 29-year- were life-threatening and that police said on Twitter after the overturned President old German citizen, was being police assumed it was an attack, incident, which they said oc- RKlaus Iohannis’s re-nom- treated for injuries sustained in but there were no indications curred about 2.45pm (1345 ination of ousted Liberal Party the incident and they were look- that it was politically-motivat- GMT). leader Ludovic Orban as prime ing into all possibilities. ed. German media said the driv- minister, potentially derailing “It can be assumed that it was The incident comes less than a er deliberately broke through plans to trigger an early parlia- intentional,” police spokesman week after a man shot dead nine plastic barriers set up by police mentary election. Henning Hinn told reporters. people before killing his mother around the parade area, where Earlier this month, lawmakers He said 8-10 of those injured and himself, in one of the worst 1,500 people were expected to toppled Orban’s three-month- were seriously hurt. racist attacks in Germany since gather. old minority government, part of “Among those who are seri- World War II. The car continued driving a ploy to bring on early elections. ously injured are children, un- Police called off all carnival through the crowd for about Iohannis, an ally of the cen- fortunately,” Hinn said at the parades in the German state of 30m (33 yards) before coming trist Liberals, promptly nomi- scene, where debris from the Hesse, where Volkmarsen is lo- to a halt, a witness told Hessen- nated Orban to form a new gov- carnival littered the ground and cated, as a precautionary meas- schau. ernment. a silver Mercedes-Benz car that ure, but said they were not aware In 2016, a Tunisian man with To trigger snap elections, par- appeared to have been involved A broken handcart is seen at the scene of the attack in Volkmarsen near Kassel, central Germany. of any danger elsewhere in Ger- Islamist militant ties ploughed a liament must reject two succes- was taped off by police. many. truck into a Christmas market in sive proposed cabinets within 60 Regional broadcaster Hessen- due to his injuries. dren and had driven “at full tian season of Lent. Carnivals are hugely popular Berlin, killing 12 people. days. schau said police believed the German news website HNA throttle” into the crowd, which “People were coming towards in parts of western Germany, es- He was later shot dead by Ital- Orban’s Liberals, the PNL, are driver had acted deliberately, but cited witnesses saying the man had gathered for a traditional me, crying,” Bild newspaper pecially in Rhineland cities such ian police after he had fl ed Ger- confi dent of winning an early that they could not question him appeared to have targeted chil- procession ahead of the Chris- quoted local county commis- as Cologne and Duesseldorf, many. election. Parliament was supposed to vote on the fi rst proposed cabi- net later yesterday, but the op- position Social Democrat Party (PSD) asked the Constitutional Italy authorities urge calm as Court to block Orban’s nomina- tion. The PSD argued a nominee for prime minister must be able coronavirus deaths mount to form a parliamentary major- ity and Orban, having lost a no- confi dence vote, did not meet AFP the Venice Carnival, while Serie one he could have come into con- this condition. Casalpusterlengo, Italy A football matches have been tact with. The court agreed. postponed. “We had the most unfortunate “The Romanian president Operas have also had to be situation possible; the outbreak will proceed to designate a new taly reported yesterday its cancelled at Milan’s famed La of an epidemic in a hospital,” in- candidate for the prime minister fi fth death from the new Scala. fectious disease expert Massimo job,” the court said. Icoronavirus, as the number Masses in churches across the Galli told the Corriere della Sera Since Orban’s nomination was of people contracting the disease aff ected regions have been can- daily. intended to fail a confi dence vote continued to mount and offi cials celled and funerals limited to im- “In these cases, a hospital can in parliament, the wording of called for calm. mediate relatives only. turn into a frightening amplifi er the court’s ruling casts doubt on Four of the dead were in the Forty passengers on an Alita- of contagion,” he said. whether snap elections could be northern Lombardy region, lia fl ight from Rome to Mauritius The virus may have spread to triggered at all. where villages have been put un- were held on landing yesterday the Veneto region via a 60-year- The Social Democrats – par- der lockdown and security meas- and refused permission to dis- old farmer from Albettone. liament’s largest party – would ures enforced in a bid to stem the embark, unless they consented to He had recently travelled to not benefi t from an early elec- spread of the disease. being placed in quarantine. Codogno and is known to fre- tion. Italian media reported a sixth Alitalia said it was arranging quent bars in Vo’ Euganeo – They have lost roughly half victim, but offi cials could not for their immediate repatriation where the region’s only victim so their support since winning par- immediately confi rm this. instead, despite none of the pas- far lived. liamentary polls in late 2016. Prime Minister Giuseppe Con- sengers showing any symptoms. A stretch of the Veneto region Orban’s ousted cabinet is run- te has said that residents could The stock market in Milan was borders Austria. ning the country on an interim face weeks in lockdown in an ef- down over 5.0% yesterday in a Milan mayor Beppe Sala urged basis, with limited powers. fort to sit out the virus. broad-based sell-off over virus people to stay calm and refrain “We need to stay alert, but fears. from “dashing to the supermar- A tourist in Venice is seen wear- do not panic! We must keep our Most of the cases in Italy are in kets to grab food”. ing both a protective mask and a Face masks are Paris Fashion Week must-have accessories heads,” said Attilio Fontana, Lombardy, a prosperous region “We should spend time look- Carnival mask. Lombardy’s president. in the country’s north where Mi- ing after the most vulnerable, Paris women’s fashion week began late yesterday with recommendations of the Chinese authorities”. The civil protection agency lan is located, and which borders such as old people, who are par- brecen airports for fever symp- the face mask already its must-have accessory. But Bernard Arnault, whose LVMH empire is the world’s said that 219 people had now Switzerland. ticularly at risk,” he said. toms. With two Chinese brands – Shiatzy Chen and Jarel biggest luxury goods group, sought to play down the tested positive in Italy, which has They can be traced back to a According to Italy’s national Croatia meanwhile suspend- Zhang – missing from the runway because of the coro- long-term economic impact of the virus. the most confi rmed cases in Eu- 38-year-old man in the town of statistics institute, there are ed all school strips to Italy for a navirus epidemic, the biggest wardrobe dilemma for “The Chinese government have taken the problem on rope. Codogno whom authorities have more than 7mn people in the month, and Switzerland said it fashionistas is whether to wear a mask or not. frontally, and in a transparent manner and eff icient Eleven towns – 10 in Lom- called “patient one”. country over the age of 75. was in a “state of heightened vig- Giorgio Armani saved their blushes on Sunday by manner I think,” he told French radio. bardy and one in neighbouring He has not travelled to China Italy has proposed a meeting of ilance” due to the spread in Italy. staging his Milan show behind closed doors because of Chatter over coronavirus, and the rising prices of face Veneto – are under lockdown, and doctors failed to treat him the health ministers of its border The jump in new coronavirus the outbreak of the virus in Codogno, 70km (43 miles) masks, which wags claim are becoming a luxury item with some 50,000 residents pro- with the necessary precautions. countries to determine “com- cases in Iran, Italy and South Ko- southeast of the city. themselves, have somewhat overshadowed the Paris hibited from leaving. But the man initially believed mon lines of action” in the face rea in recent days is “deeply con- But fashionistas were already wearing masks to earlier debut of young Nigerian designer Kenneth Ize. Regional authorities have or- to have given him the virus after of the coronavirus epidemic, the cerning”, the head of the World shows in the Italian fashion capital before news of the The 29-year-old has made a name for himself reinter- dered gathering spots, such as returning from Shanghai later civil protection agency said. Health Organisation said yester- cluster of deaths led to several towns in its Lombardy preting traditional West African fabrics such as the schools, bars, restaurants, cin- tested negative. France has said there is no need day. region being locked down. aso oke cloth woven by the Yoruba people, and counts emas and discos to close. “We still do not know who to close borders in response to Simon Clarke, a specialist in Paris Fashion Week – which attracts thousands of buy- supermodel Naomi Campbell among his fans. The measures imposed in brought the coronavirus to Co- the spread of virus in Italy. cellular microbiology at Eng- ers from all over the world – is not taking any particular He studied in Vienna under the Turkish Cypriot British the country’s north aff ect some dogno,” Galli said. Hungarian authorities issued land’s Reading University, said: measures against the epidemic, but the fall-out from designer Hussein Chalayan. 30mn inhabitants, the Repub- Investigators are reconstruct- a warning to citizens travelling “It seems that the virus can pass the crisis has sent shares in many fashion conglomer- Ize’s is one of four labels making their Paris debut blica daily said. ing minute by minute the man’s to northern Italy, asking them to from person to person without ates plummeting. alongside French brands Coperni and Gauchere – The spread of the virus has movements over the past few postpone their trip if possible, symptoms, making it extremely Chanel have also put back a show they were due to which is led by German designer Marie-Christine Statz disrupted high-profi le events in- weeks – where he slept, ate, while incoming passengers will diffi cult track, regardless of what stage in Beijing in May after “taking into account the – and the Japanese brand Noir Kei Ninomiya. cluding Milan Fashion Week and walked – in a bid to trace every- be screened at Budapest and De- health authorities do.” Gulf Times Tuesday, February 25, 2020 21 INDIA India will always hold a special place in our hearts, says Trump

Reuters Ahmedabad

S President Donald Trump was cheered by Umore than 100,000 peo- ple at the opening of the world’s largest cricket stadium yester- day, promising “an incredible trade deal” and “the most feared military equipment on the plan- et” at his biggest rally abroad. People wore cardboard Trump masks and “Namaste Trump” hats to welcome the US president at the huge new Mot- era stadium in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s own political homeland, the western city of Ahmedabad. Modi, who won re-election last year and has shifted his US First Lady Melania Trump, President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi wave at the crowd country fi rmly to the right with during ‘Namaste Trump Rally’ at Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera, on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, yesterday. People sit in stands at the stadium. policies that his critics decry as authoritarian and ethnically tary equipment on the planet,” smoke billowed through the air Crowds lined the route along – except that he is a very tough President stumbles on names, Hindi word divisive, touts his relationship Trump said. as thousands of those who are his cavalcade, many taking pic- negotiator.” with Trump as proof of his own Trump said the two coun- supporting the new law clashed tures on their phones. Modi, who has built a personal US President Donald Trump “When he (Modi) was a young global standing. tries will sign deals today to sell with those opposing it. The two sides did not manage rapport with Trump, is pulling yesterday managed to mangle man, he worked at a cafeteria US offi cials have described military helicopters worth $3bn In his speech Trump extolled to hammer out a trade deal ahead out the stops for the president his pronunciation of several in this city... I will tell you this, Trump’s visit as a way to counter and that the United States must India’s rise as a stable and pros- of the visit, with diff erences re- although prospects for even a Indian names and a Hindi word he’s very tough,” Trump said, China’s rise as a superpower. become the premier defence perous democracy as one of the maining over agriculture, medi- limited trade deal deal during the on an otherwise successful pausing for a firm handshake “You have done a great honour partner of India, which relied on achievements of the century. cal devices, digital trade and visit are seen as slim. first day of his state visit to with Modi, his “true friend”. to our country. We will remem- Russian equipment during the “You have done it as a tolerant proposed new tariff s. “There is so much that we India. In his speech, Trump also ber you forever, from this day Cold War. country. And you have done it as Trump said he was going to dis- share, shared values and ideals... Cheered by more than 100,000 cited the famous 19th onwards India will always hold India has cleared the purchase a great, free country,” he said. cuss economic ties with Modi, de- shared opportunities and chal- people at the opening of the century Hindu monk Swami a special place in our hearts,” of 24 helicopters from Lockheed Trump planned to raise the is- scribing him as a tough negotiator. lenges, shared hopes and aspira- world’s largest cricket stadium, Vivekananda, but it came out Trump said to thunderous ap- Martin worth $2.6bn. sue of religious freedoms in In- “We will be making very, very tions,” said Modi at the rally. Trump tried to praise his host, as ‘Vivekamumund”, to the plause. But in a sign of the underlying dia with Modi, an administration major, among the biggest ever Trump, who faces his own re- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, delight of the crowd, many of India is one of the few big political tensions in India, vio- offi cial said last week. made, trade deals. We are in the election campaign this year, has for achieving high off ice despite whom wore Trump masks and countries in world where lent protests broke out in Delhi – In Ahmedabad, Modi em- early stages of discussion for an frequently praised Modi for his his humble origins as a tea “Namaste (hello) Trump” hats. Trump’s personal approval rat- where Trump is due today – over braced Trump as he stepped off incredible trade agreement to crowd-pulling power. seller, or “chai wala”. Trump also stumbled over the ing is above 50%. It has built up a new citizenship law that critics Air Force One, along with his reduce barriers of investment Last year, Trump held a “The life of Prime Minister names of Modi’s home state ties with the United States in re- say discriminates against Mus- wife, Melania. between the United States and “Howdy Modi” rally with Modi Modi underscores the limitless of Gujarat and its biggest city cent years. lims and is a further attempt to Folk dancers carrying colourful India,” he said. in Houston, drawing 50,000 promise of this great nation. He Ahmedabad – where he was “As we continue to build undermine the secular founda- umbrellas danced alongside the “And I am optimistic that people, mainly Indian Ameri- started out by his father’s side speaking – as well as the names our defence co-operation, the tions of India’s democracy. red carpet as drummers, trum- working together, the prime cans. as a ‘chee wala’, a tea-seller,” of two Indian cricket heroes, United States looks forward to Vehicles were set on fi re in peters and other musicians per- minister and I can reach a fan- At the time, Trump likened Trump said, drawing laughter, Sachin Tendulkar and current providing India with some of the eastern part of Delhi, metal formed at the airport to welcome tastic deal that’s good and even Modi to Elvis Presley as a draw cheers and jokes on Twitter. team captain Virat Kohli. the best and most feared mili- barricades torn down, and thick Trump and the US delegation. great for both of our countries for crowds. US leader praises Modi but Unbelievable, says forgets Mahatma Gandhi aide about crowd IANS and Prime Minister Naren- New Delhi dra Modi. IANS ma Gandhi by President Trump cised Trump for not mentioning zModi said Trump’s New Delhi in his comments in the visitor Mahatma Gandhi and instead name 22 times during the book. GoBackTrump.” praising Modi. S President Don- event yesterday. Another wrote, “This Is D In- “This is a snapshot of the note ald Trump’s top On his part, Trump said S President Donald sult Of MahatmaGandhi On His that someone sent. It ostensibly Uaide Dan Scavino Modi’s name 12 times and Trump was criticised 150th Birth Anniversary Year... is @realDonaldTrumps note at Jr expressed awe over the mentioned India 50 times in Uyesterday for not men- Mr @narendramodi Must Apol- Sabarmati. No mention of the presence of a sea of people his speech. tioning Mahatma Gandhi in ogize To Nation On Behalf Of @ Great Mahatma. Does he even Trump and Melania listen to Modi as they sit next to a charkha, or spinning along the Ahmedabad air- Introducing Trump to the visitors’ book of Sabarmati realDonaldTrump @POTUS and know who Mohandas Karam- wheel, during their visit at Gandhi Ashram. port to the Moreta stadium the gathering at the packed Ashram and instead praising Mr @realDonaldTrump himself chand Gandhi was?” Congress route to welcome the mo- stadium, the world’s larg- Prime Minister Narendra Modi. should also apologize uncondi- leader Manish Tewari tweeted. torcade. est cricket venue, Modi said Trump also called Modi a tionally for his ignorant behavior Tewari also shared the pic- “In motorcade en route America 29 times, India 41 “great friend” and termed his towards our fatherofthenation.” tures of former president Barack to the stadium. I’ve never times and “dost” (friend) 14 tour a “wonderful visit”. Yet another post read, “Re- Obama who praised Gandhi dur- seen anything like this. times. Addressing the peo- “To my great friend Prime spected @realDonaldTrump @ ing his visit. “And this is what @ Unbelievable!!!!,” Trump’s ple, Modi said family and Minister Modi – Thank you for POTUS...You need to write your barackobama had to say about top aide and White House digital four times each. this wonderful visit,” Trump experience about Your visit to the Great Mahatma possibly at director of Social Me- Emphasising on the In- wrote and signed. Sabarmati Ashram.... You can Rajghat or Sabarmati. dia tweeted. Scavino also do-US relations, Modi used It was also signed by First say thanks to @PMOIndia @ Netizens were quick to take tweeted photos and videos “India-America relations” Lady Melania Trump. narendramodi later... don’t in- screenshots of what Obama had of the crowd. and “Namaste Trump” This act drew eyeballs on so- sult MahatmaGandhi ji...it’s an written when he visited Rajghat The tweet came as the seven times each. The prime cial media as Trump left a mes- insult to the nation.” on January 25, 2015: “What Dr Trump delegation was on minister also mentioned US sage in the visitors’ book without “@realDonaldTrump, it’s re- Martin Luther King Jr said then its way to the stadium for First Lady Melania Trump’s any mention of the Father of the ally unfortunate if you visited remains true today: The spirit of the ‘Namaste Trump’ event name twice. Nation. Sabarmati Ashram and didn’t Gandhi is very much alive today. that saw presence of over The US president in his A Twitter user wrote: “Clearly speak a word about Mahatma- And it remains a great gift to the 125,000 people. speech mentioned Amer- u, @realDonaldTrump, have Gandhi ji. May be your friend world. May we always live in his Thousands were standing ica 23 times, Pakistan 4, no idea about the Sabarmati from India might have insisted spirit of love and peace – among along the 22km airport-to- terrorism 7 and democracy Ashram, the great Mahatma- you to do so !” a user remarked. all people and nations.” The message of Trump is seen at Gandhi Ashram’s visitors book after his visit Sabarmati Ashram-to-sta- and friendship five times Gandhi. No mention of Mahat- The Congress party also criti- with First Lady Melania Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. dium route to greet Trump each. Taj Mahal inspires awe, says president

Agencies photographs against the back- and saw the Taj Mahal at its be seen keeping a sharp eye New Delhi drop of the Taj Mahal lit by the best. around the empty compound mellow evening sun and walked “All stray animals in the area as the Trump entourage moved around the complex, accompa- – cows, dogs and monkeys – around. S President Donald nied by a guide who informed were rounded up and removed,” The complex is usually teem- Trump does not usually them of the monument’s history Agra police spokesman Subhash ing with visitors. It is India’s top Uvisit cultural sites on his and architecture. Chand said. tourist attraction and draws 7 to diplomatic trips, but he took out The couple were seen chatting Monkeys are known to occa- 8mn visitors annually. time yesterday to visit India’s with each other and occasionally sionally attack visitors at the Taj The Trumps arrived at the iconic Taj Mahal with his wife, holding hands. Mahal. Taj at the head of a 70-vehicle Melania. Trump may well have a soft Yellowing parts of the monu- cavalcade, including his luxuri- The Trumps, who arrived in spot for the monument. ment along with the graves of ous ‘Beast’ after covering a 13km India for a 36-hour trip, made Way back in 1990 he had Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and stretch from Kheria airport in a stopover in Agra to visit the named a casino and hotel in Mumtaz Mahal were given mud about 25 minutes. stunning white marble struc- Atlantic City – now sold – the pack treatment – which is very The president was taken to the ture built in the 17th century by Trump Taj Mahal. much like the clay facials women Taj Mahal complex in a battery- Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as “The Taj Mahal inspires awe. get at a beauty parlour. operated cart. a mausoleum for his favourite A timeless testament to the rich Large numbers of potted fl ow- In view of the visit, the his- queen, Mumtaz Mahal. and diverse beauty of India’s ering plants were placed around toric city got a massive facelift. The presidential couple and culture. Thank you India!” the the grounds almost overnight. The administration has put up their entourage had an exclusive Trumps wrote in the visitors’ The usually sluggish Yamuna huge billboards, placards, cut- tour of the Taj Mahal – stray ani- book, which they both signed. river that fl ows behind the mon- outs and posters welcoming the mals were rounded up days be- The couple’s visit may have ument got a fresh infusion of US president and his wife. fore and all other tourists, even been brief, but the Archaeo- water from a nearby dam. Uttar Pradesh Governor those who had booked online logical Survey of India which Trump’s daughter and senior Anandiben Patel and Chief Min- months ahead, were barred from oversees the monument and adviser Ivanka Trump also posed ister Yogi Adityanath received the popular site for six hours the Agra city administration with her husband Jared Kushner the US fi rst family at the airport. from noon, a police spokesman and police have been hard at against the backdrop of the Taj However, they did not ac- said. work for weeks to ensure the Mahal. company the Trumps to the Taj Trump and Melania Trump pose in front of the historic Taj Mahal yesterday. Trump and Melania posed for VIP visitors had a smooth visit US security personnel could Mahal. Gulf Times 22 Tuesday, February 25, 2020 INDIA

TRAGEDY COMPROMISE DEMAND ANNIVERSARY INVESTIGATION Trainer plane crashes in Sunni Waqf Board accepts YSRCP MP demands AIADMK holds medical Court seeks police Patiala, IAF pilot killed 5 acre plot in Ayodhya Ex-CM Naidu’s arrest camp, distributes food reply in Sunanda case

An Indian Air Force off icer was killed and an NCC The Uttar Pradesh Sunni Waqf Board has decided An MP of Andhra Pradesh’s ruling party YSR The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam A Delhi court yesterday issued a notice to cadet injured when their single-engine, two-seater to accept a five-acre plot to build a mosque in Congress yesterday demanded the arrest of yesterday distributed free food and held a medical police on an application that sought for pre- trainer plane crashed in Patiala city in Punjab, of- Ayodhya. Board chairman Zufar Ahmad Faruqi former chief minister and Leader of Opposition N camp to mark late party chief and former Tamil serving the Twitter account of Congress leader ficials said. The Pipistrel Virus SW aircraft belonging said: “The board will set up a trust soon for the Chandrababu Naidu for what he called engineer- Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa’s 72nd birth an- Shashi Tharoor’s wife Sunanda Pushkar who to the Patiala Aviation Club was used to train flying construction of the mosque. Besides the mosque, ing repeated attacks on him. Nandigama Suresh, niversary in Chennai. At the AIADMK headquarters, was found dead in a hotel in 2014. Pushkar was to NCC cadets. It crashed soon after takeoff in the there will be an Indo-Islamic research centre, who is a member of Lok Sabha from Bapatla Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and Chief found dead in mysterious circumstances on military area near the club on the Sangrur-Patiala a public library, a charitable hospital and other constituency, told reporters that he and his staff Minister K Palaniswami handed over Rs200,000 the night of January 17, 2014. The couple was road. The dead pilot, identified as Wing Com- useful facilities on the land. Information about members were attacked by a mob in Amaravati each as financial assistance to families of 14 party- staying at the hotel as their house was under mander G S Cheema, sustained a grievous head the trust and its members will be shared after the on Sunday at the behest of Naidu. He said the men who died while performing duties assigned by renovation. Tharoor, the sole accused in the injury. He was deployed to teach flying to cadets establishment of the trust.” The trust will accept opposition leader has a history laden with vindic- the AIADMK, and Rs100,000 each to 109 mem- case, is currently out on bail. The application of the NCC 3rd Air Squadron. “The injured cadet, donations for the construction of the mosque tive politics and political murders. He alleged that bers of the AIADMK’s labour union. Doctors at the was moved by Tharoor’s advocate Vikas Pahwa, Vipan Kumar Yadav, is a student of Government as well as other facilities. In a historic verdict on the increasing attacks reflect the fear of Telugu medical camp checked people for heart/skin/joint who wanted police to write to Twitter India to Mohindra College. He has been shifted to the Com- November 9, 2019, the Supreme Court ruled in fa- Desam Party (TDP) leadership after the Special ailments, blood pressure, ECG and diabetes and also preserve her account. “When a person dies, mand Hospital in Chandimandir near Panchkula in vour of the construction of a temple. It also ruled Investigation Team (SIT) was ordered to probe gave away medicines to the needy. A cake weighing Twitter deletes the entire account, until an or- Haryana,” Senior Superintendent of Police Mandeep that an alternative five-acre plot must be found for into the irregularities in land pooling and insider 72kg was also cut and distributed among those der is passed in this regard. That poses a threat Singh Sidhu said. a mosque within Ayodhya. trading in Amaravati. assembled at the party off ice. of loss of evidence in this case,” he said.

Opposing govt is not anti-national Policeman activity, says SC judge killed, many IANS New Delhi

ny attempt to quell dissent would have a chilling eff ect Aon democracy as “govern- injured in ments are not always right” and those opposing it couldn’t be la- belled anti-national, a Supreme Court judge said yesterday. Speaking at a lecture on democ- racy and dissent, hosted by the Supreme Court Bar Association, Delhi clashes Justice Deepak Gupta said majori- tarianism was anti-thesis to de- Agencies India’s more than 180mn-strong Minister of State for Home G mocracy. “There have been recent New Delhi Muslim minority, but objectors Kishan Reddy said the violence incidents where people were called have been holding protests and was a “conspiracy to shame India anti-national because they dissent- camping out in parts of New Del- globally” during Trump’s visit. ed from the government,” he said. policeman was killed and hi for two months. “We have deployed additional “If some party gets 51% vote, dozens of people injured Yesterday’s clashes were forces, and we will do everything does that mean the other 49% Aamid clashes in New Delhi among the worst seen in New to bring law and order under shouldn’t speak for fi ve years? yesterday as thousands demon- Delhi since the ant-CAA protests control,” he told ANI. Every citizen has a role to play in strating for and against a new began in early December. “Please renounce violence. democracy. Governments are not citizenship law rioted for several The latest round of violence Nobody benefi ts from this. always right,” Gupta said. hours before US President Don- came as Trump began his fi rst All problems will be solved by Just because someone takes a ald Trump’s maiden visit to the visit to India as US president, ad- peace,” Delhi’s Chief Minister contrarian view it doesn’t mean city. dressing a rally in Modi’s home Arvind Kejriwal tweeted. disrespect to the country, he Police used tear gas and smoke state of Gujarat. Deputy Chief Minister Manish said, adding: “Whenever there is grenades but struggled to dis- Trump landed in New Delhi Sisodia tweeted that schools in the a clash of ideas, there will be dis- perse the crowds, as both sides late yesterday. capital’ northeast would be shut sent. Right to question is an in- hurled stones and turned a wide The clashes stretched over a today and exams postponed. herent part of democracy.” boulevard into a rock-strewn nearly kilometre-long road and Many children studying in Gupta said the opposition had battle zone, about 16km from lasted from early afternoon until East Delhi schools also bore the the right to protest as long as where Trump will meet Prime well into the evening, leaving at brunt of the violence. peaceful means were used. He Minister Narendra Modi for talks least half a dozen people injured. On receiving the news of vio- also cited excerpts from a lec- today. Police imposed an emergency lence, schools did not take the ture by Justice D Y Chandrachud One police constable was law prohibiting any gatherings in risk of sending children home that said, “The blatant labelling killed, a police offi cial said, de- the violence-hit areas. without any protection. of dissent as anti-national stops clining to be named since he isn’t The protesters appeared to be As a result, hundreds of stu- deliberative democracy.” He said authorised to speak to media. divided along religious lines. Lo- dents were stuck till the parents democracy was considered suc- An offi cial at Delhi’s GTB Hos- cal politician Yogendra Yadav de- reached the schools. cessful when it protected the pital said more than 35 people in- scribed the violence as “commu- Sunita Lakhachaura, who lives citizens’ rights. “Dissent has an jured in the clashes were under- nal” and urged police to intervene. in Yamuna Vihar, said: “At about important role, it should be en- going treatment. But for several hours, witness- 1 o’clock in the afternoon, we got couraged. It leads to fi nding better ANI news agency reported that es saw the outnumbered police- a call from the school that vio- ways to run the country.” one civilian had also died, but men mostly stand beside those lence and riots are taking place Gupta also said he disapproved there was no confi rmation. backing the citizenship law, and on the route of the school bus. In bar associations passing resolutions Multiple vehicles were set on do little to quell the violence. view of the violence, the school refusing to represent certain people fi re, metal barricades torn down The police also stood by as a administration refused to send accused of certain charges (especially, and thick smoke billowed as sup- mob vandalised a store with a children in the school van”. where the police had booked some- porters of the new Citizenship Muslim name, pulling out vehi- The Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has one for anti-national activities). “It’s Amendment Act clashed with cles and setting them alight. expressed concern over the dete- against the legal ethics,” he said. opponents. “Go ahead and throw stones,” riorating law and order situation On the dissent of judges on a A small contingent of police one policeman shouted to pro- in Delhi. bench while passing judgment, was vastly outnumbered. testers backing the law, during The JIH has alleged that the Gupta said there were some judg- India’s capital has been a hot- one of the running battles. police did not taken action ments where he would disagree as bed of protests against the law, On side streets, young boys against the rioters. it was his opinion as an individual. which eases the path of non- drained fuel from motorcycles to “We have credible reports of “But when I am sitting in a Divi- Muslims from three neighbour- make petrol bombs, and protest- clashes between pro and anti- sion Bench, I am bound by the ing Muslim-dominated coun- ers pulled up paving stones and CAA protesters in the Maujpur judgment given by it,” he said. tries to gain Indian citizenship. fl ung construction material at area in which the police were just Stating that the judiciary should This has led to accusations opponents. a mute spectator. The protest- be fearless and independent, Gupta that Modi and his Bharatiya Ja- “We are in support of the CAA. ers were throwing stones and said the right to dissent also includ- nata Party (BJP) are undermining If they want to protest, they should provoking others,” said Salim ed the right to criticise and the judi- Demonstrators gather along a road scattered with stones following clashes between supporters and India’s secular traditions. go somewhere else,” said a protest- Engineer, vice president of the ciary too was not above criticism. opponents of a new citizenship law, at Bhajanpura area of New Delhi yesterday. The BJP denies any bias against er who gave his name as Amit. Jamaat. Court remands extradited gangster in police custody

IANS an interrogation centre in Ben- Earlier, after he fl ed from 36 in Mangaluru, 11 in Udupi and Bengaluru galuru’s south-east suburb. Burkina Faso, authorities lost one each in Mysuru, Hubballi- “Pujari was produced before track till he reappeared in Dakar Dharwad, Kolar and Shivamogga the fi rst additional city metro- in Senegal. Thereafter, the Indian in Malnad. Karnataka court yesterday politan magistrate after a medi- authorities got cracking on ‘Op- The other cases are in Mumbai remanded fugitive gang- cal check-up at a state-run hos- eration Ravi Pujari’. (49) and in Gujarat (75) pertaining Aster Ravi Pujari in 14-day pital showed him in good health “Pujari had jumped bail in to extortion, kidnapping, ransom police custody for investigation for custodial interrogation till Senegal last year and escaped to demand and murder threats. into several criminal cases after March 7,” said Pandey. South Africa and got involved in Pujari also extorted huge he was extradited from Senegal Besides Pandey, Bengaluru Joint big-time traffi cking and extor- amounts from popular Bolly- earlier in the day, police said. Commissioner of Police Sandeep tion,” Pandey said. wood stars and realtors. He was “First Additional Chief Met- Patil, a sub-inspector and a con- The offi cer also clarifi ed that also involved in an attempt to ropolitan Magistrate V Jagadish stable went to Senegal last week Pujari was not hiding in a South murder case, aimed at killing a remanded Pujari in 14-day police to extradite Pujari after the West Africa village as reported but in a prominent lawyer of Mumbai. custody till March 7 for interro- African country’s Supreme Court Senegal jail pending extradition For running his extortion busi- gation and investigation into the rejected his plea against sending to India. ness since 2001, he employed a criminal cases fi led against him him back to India. “As Pujari is fi t, the investiga- gang of sharpshooters to target over the years,” Karnataka Addi- According to the police, Pujari tion team will quiz him from to- victims either to scare them or tional Director General of Police was nabbed from a barber shop morrow at a high-security place kill them, forcing them to pay up A K Pandey told IANS. in Senegal with the help of three to establish his involvement in out of sheer fear. A 4-member Karnataka police busloads of heavily armed police. several cases,” added Pandey. To avoid detection, Pujari would team led by Pandey brought the He had assumed a fake identity Pujari, who parted ways with use VOIP/Skype to make extor- 52-year-old underworld don to of ‘Anthony Fernandes’ and ac- underworld don Chhota Rajan, tion calls/threats to his victims Bengaluru from Dakar in Senegal quired Burkina Faso passports was wanted in over 200 cases of referred to by his contacts in India via Paris on an Air France fl ight in for himself, wife Padma and their heinous crimes. and many such victims were killed Underworld don Ravi Pujari is brought in a police van to be produced at the first Additional City Metropolitan the early hours and kept him at three children. Of them, 39 are in Bengaluru, in Bengaluru and Mangaluru. Magistrate (ACMM) court in Bengaluru yesterday. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 25, 2020 23

LATIN AMERICA Brazilian directors come out fi ghting at Berlin fi lm festival

AFP “It’s the best moment Brazilian buke to Bolsonaro. as “one of the fi rst cultural prod- and Caetano Gotardo, whose fi lm Paulo family and that of former year’s festival include “Shine Your Berlin cinema has ever had, and it is also “When we do the selection, we ucts which is openly against what “All the Dead Ones” is in the run- slaves trying to defend their tra- Eyes”, about Nigerian immigrants the exact moment where our local don’t look very much at the na- Bolsonaro represents”. ning for Berlin’s Golden Bear prize, ditions and enjoy their newfound in Sao Paulo, and two fi lms about fi lm industry is being dismantled tionality, that’s not the fi rst crite- And in 2017, Brazilian directors consider themselves lucky. freedom. the Amazon (“Light in the Trop- ith nearly 20 fi lms on nearly every day,” said Mendonca ria. The fi rst criteria is how the fi lm published a letter denouncing the The public funding for their In one scene, a young woman ics” and “Amazon Mirror”). the programme and a on the opening day of the Berlin surprised us,” he said. policies of Michel Temer, who took project, which began in 2012, has snubs the advances of a mixed- “In the last few years, the di- Wspot on the jury for ac- festival last week. But this year is not the fi rst time power after the impeachment of not been cut. race suitor of her own social stand- versity of Brazilian cinema has ex- claimed director Kleber Mendonca Fearing the looming cut in sub- the Berlinale has been set against a Dilma Rousseff . Yet they said that “uncertainty” ing, telling him she would rather panded, giving rise to new points Filho, Brazilian cinema is having a sidies, many Brazilian fi lmmak- Brazilian president. The unpopular Temer has since was something they would now marry a white labourer. of view and better fi lms. This moment at the Berlin fi lm festival. ers rushed to fi nish their fi lms, Under Chatrian’s predecessor been replaced by former soldier have to get used to. “Despite numerous, still re- movement will not be stopped just After President Jair Bolsonaro added Berlinale co-director Carlo Dieter Kosslick last year, the fes- Bolsonaro, who has stifl ed the A drama set shortly after the spected theories which claim that because of new politics,” insisted slashed arts funding, under pres- Chatrian. tival welcomed Wagner Moura’s ministry of culture and cut arts abolition of slavery at the end of Brazil is built on a mix of identities, Dutra. sure Brazilian directors have come But he insisted the wealth of “Marighella” — a biopic of 1960s funding since taking offi ce in Janu- the 19th century, “All the Dead the reality is very diff erent. It is a The most important thing, he out fi ghting at Europe’s fi rst major Brazilian directors on this year’s resistance hero Carlos Marighella ary 2019. Ones” traces the destiny of a once very racist country,” said Dutra. added, was to “keep fi lming: if fi lm festival of the year. programme was not a direct re- that was described by its director Brazilian directors Marco Dutra wealthy, now ruined white Sao Other Brazilian fi lms at this necessary on mobile phones”. Brazil’s drug gangs overrun Paraguay

Reuters earthen walls with forks. The Pedro Juan Caballero, Paraguay tight, muddy passage started in a cell occupied by PCC members and exited just beyond the jail’s small-time Brazilian drug exterior wall. smuggler, da Cruz saw Senior prisoners didn’t bother Afellow inmates dressed getting dirty, da Cruz said in his head-to-toe in black. “We’re testimony; they simply walked breaking out,” one of them told out the front door. Other recap- him. “Are you coming?” Within tured prisoners gave similar ac- minutes, da Cruz was among 75 counts, Paraguayan police say. prisoners who fl ed the facility in “This (jailbreak) demonstrates the early hours of January 19 in that the PCC does what it wants, one of the most audacious jail- when it wants,” said Juan Mar- breaks in Paraguay’s history. tens, an academic and secu- The fugitives were members rity analyst based in the capital of the First Capital Command, Asuncion who has studied the Brazil’s largest and most pow- PCC’s role in Paraguay. “The erful gang, known by its Portu- Paraguayan state represents no guese acronym PCC. The escape obstacle to its plans.” underscores the organisation’s Sandwiched between Brazil, growing infl uence in Paraguay, Argentina and Bolivia, Paraguay whose weak institutions have is poor, with a GDP per capita in proven no match for the PCC line with that of Namibia. It is and other fast-growing Brazilian also riddled with graft, trailing criminal syndicates that have set Venezuela as the second-most- up shop here. corrupt country in south Amer- Authorities at the prison in the ica, according to Transparency Protesters run for cover during a shooting in Champ de Mars, Port-au-Prince, Haiti. city of Pedro Juan Caballero near International’s 2019 Corruption the Paraguay-Brazil border knew Perceptions Index. what the PCC was planning, ac- As a result, it has become an cording to Paraguay’s Justice attractive operational base for Minister Cecilia Perez. Some Brazilian gangs, including the were complicit, she said, while Sao Paulo-based PCC, Rio de others looked the other way out Janeiro’s Red Command and a of fear of retribution. Thirty-two Porto Alegre syndicate with the prison offi cials, including the pugnacious moniker Bullet In Two dead as Haiti police jail’s warden, are now under ar- The Face. rest. Authorities say Brazilian “We’re facing a security crisis gangsters operate with near- whose epicentre lies in the prison impunity here, both inside system,” Perez told Reuters. and outside prison. The PCC, The Pedro Juan Caballero Re- for example, actively recruits attack army headquarters gional Penitentiary did not re- non-affiliated prisoners into spond to a request for comment. its ranks, according to Gilberto AFP In order to avoid a “blood- ple were at the army headquar- tion fund for families of police victory in an election widely seen Forty of the escapees, includ- Fleitas, the head of criminal in- Port-au-Prince bath...it has been decided to ters, near the presidential palace, who die in the line of duty and a as dubious. ing da Cruz, were Brazilians. So vestigations at Paraguay’s Na- cancel the carnival,” which was at the time of the attack. fund to provide offi cers with in- Moise is also accused of cor- far, only 11 prisoners have been tional Police. scheduled to take place today, the The situation remained tense surance. ruption. The political situation recaptured. Da Cruz, was nabbed He estimated there are cur- aitian police demanding statement said. in the city. Haiti has witnessed a spike in has cut Haiti off from some inter- within days near the Brazilian rently 500 PCC members in Par- better working condi- Media reports had said six For months, Haitian police kidnappings for ransom since the national funding. town of Dourados. Reuters ob- aguay’s prisons, a fi gure that has Htions shot up the army people were wounded in the at- have been demanding better beginning of the year and fi ghting This has further hindered its tained exclusive access to the doubled since last year thanks headquarters, killing two serv- tack in Port-au-Prince by what working conditions, in particular between rival crime gangs, which ability to respond to the wors- testimony he gave to Brazilian to the gang’s aggressive recruit- icemen and wounding a dozen the ministry said were gunmen the right to form a union so as to regularly set up roadblocks on ening economic crisis, including police. ing. Fleitas’ colleague, Ruben more, the defence ministry said, wearing masks. ensure transparency in talks with Haitian highways. food shortages. Da Cruz, 30, told them that Paredes, believes that number to prompting the government to “We are under siege. We are the police hierarchy. The Caribbean country has One in three Haitians, around guards at the Paraguayan lockup be even higher, and that around cancel an upcoming carnival. coming under fi re with all kinds Last week, some offi cers took also been gripped by a politi- 3.7mn people, needs urgent food had helped facilitate the escape. 10% of Paraguay’s 16,000 pris- In a statement, the govern- of weapons — assault rifl es, Mol- to the street, blocking them and cal crisis for more than a year as assistance, up from 2.6mn people He said he was among those who oners belong to Brazilian gangs. ment said it had observed “with otov cocktails, tear gas,” General setting fi re to cars. people demand the resignation at the end of 2018. fl ed through a fan-ventilated Many more operate beyond the concern and dismay that terror Jodel Lessage said earlier. On Saturday, President Jovenel of Moise. Since coming to power Haiti ranks 111 out of 117 coun- tunnel that prisoners had dug jailhouse walls, Paredes said, has reigned in certain arteries of He said soldiers had returned Moise announced measures de- in February 2017, Moise has faced tries on the Global Hunger Index, with trowels and illuminated buying off lawmakers and cor- the Port-au-Prince metropolitan fi re but did not give an injury toll, signed to ease the crisis, includ- the anger of an opposition move- near poor sub-Saharan African with light bulbs tacked to the rupt police. area.” nor could he say how many peo- ing the creation of a compensa- ment that refuses to recognise his countries.

Pinera appeals for peace Air force sergeant gets as Chile braces for protests jail for drug smuggling AFP demanded, and his defence Madrid team accepted, a court spokes- Reuters tional Women’s Day. Cars were torched and the man said on the last day of the Santiago The results of educational windows of a well-known hotel trial in the southern city of Se- government loan and grant ap- were smashed. Brazilian air force ser- ville. plications can also spark unrest. A poll by Cadem Poll pub- geant who was caught Bolsonaro had called for a resident Sebastian Pinera Protests broke out in Chile in lished last week showed that Alast year with cocaine “severe punishment” for the yesterday called on Chil- October and raged until mid- 56% of respondents supported in his luggage during an offi cial airman if he was found guilty Peans to help the country December over the high cost of the continuation of protests, stopover in Spain yesterday ac- and ordered an investigation “live in peace” ahead of an an- living and entrenched inequal- compared to 72% in October. cepted a six-year prison sen- into the aff air. ticipated fresh outbreak of pro- ity. Thirteen percent said they tence for drug smuggling. Brazil’s air force has since an- tests in March. Associated violence saw met- approved of Pinera’s leadership, Spanish police arrested the nounced tighter controls to pre- Pinera said stability was ro stations burned, shops looted compared to 9% at the start of air force sergeant in June 2019 vent smuggling on its planes. needed to allow for an eff ective and set on fi re, and a fi erce re- the month. after finding 39kg of cocaine According to Brazilian media public vote on a new constitu- sponse from police. Another Cadem poll showed in his luggage while he was the airman joined the air force tion in April and to be able to At least 31 people died, thou- that 85% of business leaders felt travelling as part of Brazilian in 2000 and carried out at least push through reforms to pen- sands were injured and tens of Chile was moving in the “wrong President Jair Bolsonaro’s ad- 29 trips in Brazil and abroad af- sion, salaries and health serv- thousands arrested. direction”, and 99% believed vance team for a G20 summit ter joining a team charged with ices. Protests have been muted in March would bring further po- in Japan. transporting top government “What the country urgently the capital in the new year but larisation. His detention was a major offi cials in 2010. needs is a great national agree- resumed with intensity in re- Local media reports suggest embarrassment for Brazil’s The Brazilian president’s son ment against violence and in de- gional cities including Valparai- businesses are investing heavily law-and-order president, a Eduardo Bolsonaro, a federal fence of democracy,” Pinera told so and Antofagasta. in security guards and iron gates right-wing former army cap- lawmaker who has counselled journalists after a cabinet meet- On Friday, the Santiago square to protect their premises. tain who has vowed to crack his father on foreign aff airs, has ing at the Moneda presidential which was the focal point of last “Public discontent remains down on gangs that profit from lashed out in the past against palace. year’s protests saw another large considerable despite the gov- drug trafficking and frequently neighbouring Venezuela for al- March is traditionally a month demonstration. ernment’s announcements of praises the country’s armed legedly traffi cking drugs in its that brings protests in Chile as On Sunday, an annual music higher public spending and the forces. own air force planes, calling it a people return from the Southern festival in Vina del Mar head- process to rewrite the consti- Spanish public prosecutors “narco-dictatorship”. Hemisphere summer holiday lined by Ricky Martin, saw po- tution, while distrust of the yesterday offered the airman Brazil has become a key tran- and mark the anniversaries of lice clash with hooded protest- political class is widespread,” a prison sentence of six years sit route for cocaine produced in victims of the 1973-1990 mili- ers outside the heavily fortifi ed analysts Eurasia Group said in Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin performs during the 61st Vina del and one day, instead of the Andean countries and smuggled tary dictatorship, and Interna- event. a note. Mar International Song Festival in Vina del Mar, Chile. eight years they had previously to Europe via West Africa. Gulf Times 24 Tuesday, February 25, 2020 PAKISTAN

New A-G recuses Extra measures taken in himself from areas near Iran border Justice AFP/Internews concerned about the outbreak AFP, saying that 250 people were confi rmed an offi cial of the Civil ter being beset for decades by a Shahwani said that pilgrims Isa case Quetta/Islamabad in Iran, but stands in solidarity being quarantined. Aviation Authority. separatist insurgency, religious from Iran will be allowed to en- with Tehran as it managed the Baluchistan’s secretary of “The staff of health ministry extremist violence, and neglect ter Pakistan after a thorough outbreak in the city of Qom. health Mudassir Malik con- is already present at the airports from the central government. screening process. Internews akistan began quarantin- “We’re concerned with the fi rmed the quarantine but esti- and a passenger is allowed entry The novel coronavirus has He said that isolation wards Islamabad ing at least 200 people outbreak of #COVID2019 in mated that between 200 and 250 only after clearance of health spread to more than 25 coun- had been set up, medicines are Pnear the Iranian border, Qom/Iran causing 5 deaths. We were being held. declaration,” he said. tries, with more than 2,500 dead being provided, and doctors are offi cials said yesterday, as fears are alert and monitoring the sit- He added that around 7,000 Afghanistan and Pakistan in China, and is causing mount- monitoring the situation at the ttorney-General of Pa- spiralled over the growing toll uation closely and taking rapid pilgrims had returned to Paki- share porous borders with Iran ing alarm due to new pockets of border. kistan Khalid Javed Khan from the coronavirus in the re- actions to keep Pakistan safe,” stan from Iran this month alone. that are often used by smugglers outbreaks in Europe, the Middle Shahwani said that the pro- Ahas recused himself from gion amid allegations of a cover- he tweeted. “We fully support A large number of pilgrims and human traffi ckers, while East and Asia. vincial government has asked representing the government in up in Iran. eff orts of IR Iran in managing and traders travel to Iran via the millions of Afghan refugees live Meanwhile, Baluchistan gov- the Iranian government to give the Justice Qazi Faez Isa case. The quarantine announce- the outbreak and we stand in Taftan border crossing daily. in the Islamic Republic – raising ernment spokesman Liaquat clearance certifi cates for its peo- “The government has recom- ment came hours after Pakistan solidarity with them.” Authorities sealed the border fears that the virus could easily Shahwani said that Pakistan had ple coming to Pakistan. mended the name of Additional sealed off its land border with In Baluchistan province, the and introduced screening pro- spread over the border. decided to keep its pilgrims in “People coming from Iran Attorney-General Aamir Reh- Iran, while neighbouring Af- authorities moved fast to quar- cedures and increased patrolling Pakistan – bordered by China Iran for the time being. will be quarantined there for 14 man to represent it in the Su- ghanistan said it had detected its antine at least 200 people after in a bid to ensure the infection to the north and Iran to the south He added that the provincial days,” he said. preme Court,” he said. fi rst infection. Shia pilgrims returning from does not spread to Baluchistan. – also suff ers the burden of hav- government had decided that “Very few people will travel “I cannot represent the fed- It also came as Iranian au- Iran entered the country and The decision comes a day after ing a lacklustre healthcare sys- Pakistanis from districts bor- to Iran from Pakistan. However, eration. I have already stated my thorities denied allegations of an briefl y interacted with residents. Baluchistan Chief Minister Jam tem following decades of under- dering Iran will not be allowed to more people from Iran come opinion regarding the Justice offi cial cover-up following re- “We have decided not to take Kamal Khan announced that an investment by the state, leaving travel to the country. into Pakistan via the crossing,” Isa reference,” Javed Khan ex- ports that dozens of deaths had a chance, and keep all of them emergency had been imposed in impoverished, rural communi- “The government is alert Shahwani added. plained. gone unreported in the country. under observation for the next the province due to the outbreak ties especially vulnerable. about the coronavirus. We are He said that only those who He was appointed by the Paki- Special Assistant to the Prime 15 days,” Najeebullah Qambrani, of the virus in Iran. Baluchistan in particular is speaking to the Iranian govern- had a clearance certifi cate will be stan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) gov- Minister on Health Zafar Mirza assistant commissioner at the However, fl ights to and from woefully unprepared to handle ment about our pilgrims in Iran,” allowed to enter into the country ernment as the new attorney- said yesterday that Pakistan is Taftan border crossing, told Iran have not been suspended, a public health emergency af- he said. from Iran. general after Anwar Mansoor Khan resigned on Thursday. The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) had demanded Mansoor’s resignation over some com- ments he made regarding Su- Sharifs protest over Bilawal’s remarks preme Court judges, for which he had also been reprimanded by the court. Internews pressed by the Sharifs, it was he said: “I do not think so.” During the hearing yesterday, Lahore expected that there would be no “Our party has its own poli- Javed Khan told the court that more “friendly fi reworks” from tics and others have theirs. The Rehman is ready for the case. Bhutto Zardari. opposition parties are agreed Justice Ata Bandial, who is ispleasure” has “Our party leadership has only on one point, and that is heading the 10-judge bench been conveyed by strictly directed us not to re- getting rid of the Imran Khan hearing the Justice Isa reference, “Dthe Sharifs to Pa- spond, as we have to go together government,” Manzor said. “No said that the court would give kistan Peoples Party (PPP) co- against the PTI government,” he alliance of the opposition has the government additional time chairman Asif Ali Zardari over added. been formed either to oust Imran to prepare for the case. his son’s “uncalled-for remarks” PML-N Punjab information Khan through in-house change Rehman had on Friday fi led an against them. secretary Azma Bokhari said or launching a protest campaign application with the Supreme “The Sharifs – former prime that Bhutto Zardari should talk against infl ation together.” Nawaz Sharif: in London for Court submitting that the hear- minister Nawaz Sharif and Pa- about future, as there is no point Some PML-N leaders are of medical treatment. ing of the petition of Justice Isa kistan Muslim League – Nawaz in indulging in recriminations. the view that Bhutto Zardari has as well as the identical petitions (PML-N) president Shehbaz “The history of the PPP and been advised by some PPP lead- no care to the party’s natural ally challenging the presidential ref- Sharif – did not like the com- other parties is before everyone. ers close to him that if he wants [the PML-N] at the moment in erence fi xed for February 24 may ments of PPP chairman Bilawal We want the PPP to focus on the to revive the party in Punjab, the face of common challenge be adjourned for three weeks. Bhutto Zardari, and conveyed poor performance of the PTI re- he would have to “take on” the of sending the PTI government Yesterday, when the hearing their displeasure to the party Bhutto Zardari: said to be gime that has made the lives of Sharifs. home. resumed, the additional attor- [PPP]’s top leadership,” a senior engaging in ‘aggressive politics’ the masses miserable through “Since there is no immediate “At the moment, we want the ney-general told the court that PML-N leader said. in Punjab. price hike, infl ation, unemploy- requirement of both parties to ‘selector’ [a reference to the es- he would be out of the country Bhutto Zardari had on Sat- ment, etc, and should not do a co-operate with each other for tablishment] to stop supporting till March 20 for offi cial work. urday declared that, like Imran Assembly (in 1997),” the PPP thing that hurts the common a common cause like in-house the PTI regime and give a level Shehbaz Sharif: sources believe Justice Bandial then said that Khan, PML-N supremo Nawaz leader had said. cause of the opposition,” she change, Bhutto Zardari set his playing fi eld to other parties. he would only return to the one of the judges on the bench Sharif had also been “selected” Bhutto Zardari also chided said. guns on the Sharifs along with “Although the selector has country after ‘some would be away after March 20, [by the establishment] for the Leader of the Opposition in the PPP Punjab secretary-general Imran Khan and PTI, to gain po- given a few more months to arrangement’ is made to oust and “we will hear the case upon post of premier. National Assembly Shehbaz Chaudhry Manzor was queried litical mileage,” a PML-N insider Imran Khan to deliver, we have the PTI government. his return”. “Before Imran Khan, Nawaz Sharif for his long absence from on the issue, and said: “What Bi- said. conveyed to it that the PML-N Adjourning the hearing till Sharif was a selected premier. parliament: “Like the ruling lawal’s answer could have been He said that the PPP leader wants only mid-term polls and look after the former. March 30, the judge also an- Benazir Bhutto did not allow Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, the since the answer is very much believed that since the Imran nothing short of it,” he said. Sources believe that Shehbaz nounced that the request for Sharif to become Ameerul Mo- PML-N also does not give im- obvious based on facts.” Khan-led government had been Nawaz Sharif has been under- Sharif will return to the country action against Minister for Law mineen (emir of Muslims) and portance to parliament.” When told that Bhutto Zard- given more time by the “selec- going medical treatment in Lon- only after “some arrangement” and Justice Farogh Naseem led a vibrant opposition with The PML-N leader said that ari’s anti-Sharifs tirade might tor”, he was engaging in “aggres- don since November last year, is made to oust the PTI govern- would also be heard on the same just 17 members in the National after the “displeasure” ex- hurt the unity of the opposition, sive politics” in Punjab, showing while Shehbaz Sharif is there to ment. date.

Traditional music revived as security improves Scientists from 21

By David Stout and dramatically improved in the countries to attend Sajjad Tarakzai, AFP years since. Peshawar “Now the situation is good, very good. We can play any- COMSATS meeting where, whenever people invite or years the distinctive us,” says rabab player Akhtar Gul twang of Pashtun music during a performance at a hujra – Internews The Co-ordinating Council Fwas drowned out by rat- a traditional Pashtun community Islamabad meeting, being chaired by Prof tling gunfi re and deafening ex- space. Dr Ashraf Shaalan, the former plosions as musicians in Paki- As music has returned to its president of Egypt’s National stan’s northwest were targeted traditional settings in the coun- ore than 50 top sci- Research Centre (NRC), is ex- by militants. try’s northwest, slick broadcasts entists from 21 coun- pected to have representation But, as security improves, a like Coke Studio have helped in- Mtries are visiting Pa- from 16 COMSATS network centuries-old tribal tradition is troduce Pashtun acts to millions kistan to participate in the 23rd members: Bangladesh, Co- staging a comeback. of music fans across South Asia. meeting of the Co-ordinating lombia, Egypt, Ghana, Iran, Performances that once took Many still remain cautious in Council of the Commission Jordan, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, place in secret are returning. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, however, on Science and Technology Pakistan, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Shops selling instruments are fearing that the gains are tenuous for Sustainable Development Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, and open and thriving again, while at best. in the South (COMSATS), be- Turkey, as well as two Centres local broadcasters frequently Some interviewed by AFP re- ing held in conjunction with from China participating vir- feature rising Pashto pop singers fused to criticise militants, fear- the Conference on Science and tually. in their programming. ing their eventual return. Technology for Sustainable The meeting will also And new, up-and-coming And while the insurgents Development, scheduled to be see participation from bands like Peshawar’s Khumari- might have been pushed back, held on March 2-4. COMSATS’s international yaan have reached rare, nation- In this picture taken on December 10, 2019, a worker makes a traditional rabab musical instrument in a conservative attitudes toward The events are being hosted partner organisations, includ- wide acclaim after appearing on workplace on the outskirts of Peshawar. music continues to resonate in by one of the Centres of Excel- ing Unesco, while the repre- the popular Coke Studios broad- the area. lence of COMSATS in Paki- sentatives of a Turkish tech- cast, where they fused tradi- kistan’s Swat Valley. A Pakistani Taliban move- A brave few continued to in- For Abdul Latif, 24, his love of stan, the International Centre nology company, Canovate, tional sounds with modern tastes “We love our religion but at the ment formed and took control vite musicians to play in private playing the rabab is largely kept for Chemical and Biological would be displaying their stall. – spreading Pashtun music far same time we love our traditional of the country’s tribal areas and shows at hujras and weddings, secret from his family, who con- Sciences (ICCBS). The Council meeting is due from its native homeland. music.” swathes of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. albeit without large sound sys- sider such instruments to be out The Co-ordinating Coun- to deliberate upon a 15-point “Music is the spice of life ... Yet the slow creep of extrem- “The extremists were killing tems that could possibly attract of sync with Islam. cil comprises the heads of agenda, which is expected to it has been a part of our culture ism had been threatening that artists and singers in the soci- militants. “This is a part of Pashtun cul- COMSATS’s 22 International result in the initiation of col- from time immemorial,” says tradition for decades. ety to create fear,” explains singer “They were asking people to ture, but I think my family lacks Science and Technology Cen- laborative research and devel- Farman Ali Shah, a village elder Beginning in the 1970s more Gulzar Alam, who was attacked stop music but villagers never awareness,” he says. tres of Excellence, which serve opment projects and training and Pashto poet in Warsak vil- hardline religious movements three separate times and later accepted them,” says Noor Sher For musicians like Alam who as the technical resource base programmes to be carried out lage near Pakistan’s tribal areas in started gaining infl uence in the left Pakistan, fearing for his life. from Sufaid Sang village, where were forced to fl ee their homes, for the organisation’s projects by the Centres of Excellence, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) prov- Pashtun areas along the border “If you remove the culture from his family has been making rab- the damage runs deeper. and programmes in the mem- with emphasis on the United ince. with Afghanistan, promoting a community, tribe, or ethnic abs by hand for 25 years. “It takes a lot of time, to set the ber states. Nations 2030 Agenda for Sus- Pashtun music is character- strict interpretations of the reli- group the community will be Amid the chaos the art form mind or brain of the artists free As a major platform for tainable Development. ised by the rabab, a Central Asian gion, including dismissive takes eliminated.” was also maintained thanks to from fear,” says Alam from Kabul South-South scientifi c co- COMSATS’s membership of stringed instrument, played to toward music. Public performances were all increasing numbers of Afghan where he is waiting for a response operation, the annual meet- the Alliance of International the beat from tablas drums, with The shift towards violent ex- but halted as waves of suicide musicians also fl eeing violence in to an asylum request with the ings of the Co-ordinating Science Organisations would songs salted with fl orid lyrics de- tremism intensifi ed with the bombers unleashed havoc. their own country who resettled United Nations. Council review the activities also be discussed. scribing the pain of unrequited 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghani- CD markets were bombed, in- in places like Peshawar, opening “You can change the policy of of COMSATS’s network, fol- Two Centres, Indonesia’s love or calls for political revolu- stan and the later Taliban regime strument shops destroyed, and music schools that kept the tra- a government with a stroke of a low up on the decisions and Sephluh Nopember Institute tion. of the 1990s. musicians were intimidated or dition alive. pen, it doesn’t take much time,” recommendations made in of Technology (ITS), and Gam- “For centuries we were a liber- After the US invasion of 2001 either outright targeted. The Pakistani military began adds lawmaker Ali Khan. “But to the last meeting, and outline bia’s University of The Gam- al society,” explains rabab player toppled the Taliban, militancy Singers and musicians fl ed en intensifying eff orts to push the change the mindset you’ve cre- the future course of action bia (UTG), will also present and member of the National As- erupted across the border in Pa- masse, while others were gunned religious militants out in 2014, ated in two or three decades, it’s for COMSATS’s international their cases for inclusion in the sembly Haider Ali Khan from Pa- kistan as well. down. and the security situation has not easy.” programmes and activities. COMSATS network. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 25, 2020 25 PHILIPPINES

Senator’s Health department mulls longer appeal for cheaper quarantine for Covid-19 cases medicines

Agencies Manila By Bernadette Tamayo Manila Times

he Department of Health (DoH) yesterday enator Christopher Law- Tsaid it will study wheth- rence “Bong” Go has urged er there is a need to extend Spharmaceutical companies the 14-day quarantine period to balance their interest between being observed for suspected raking profi t and providing aff ord- coronavirus disease (Cov- able medicines to Filipinos. id-19) patients. The senator made the call as This was after a study President Rodrigo Duterte signed showed that monitoring a Executive Order (EO) 104 on Feb- patient suspected of being ruary 17, regulating the prices of positive for Covid-19 could select drugs sold in the country, exceed 14 days, DoH Assistant including essential medicines Secretary Maria Rosario most commonly prescribed to pa- Vergeire said in a press briefing tients. In an interview last week, in Malacanang, Philippine he claimed now is the best time Daily Inquirer reported. for pharmaceutical companies to “There are a lot of accounts off er aff ordable medicines, espe- that their incubation period cially to poor Filipinos who badly was nine days and also 19 days, need them. and there was this study that “As for me, to the businessmen, was issued where they studied please have mercy on our fellow- the different incubation peri- men,” Go said. “These are times ods of several patients,” Ver- when they are confused. They do geire said. not know where to seek help, they Vergeire, however, noted are begging,” he added. that the 14-day quarantine is EO 104, or the “Improving Ac- still valid as of this time, citing cess to Healthcare through the the World Health Organisa- Regulation of Prices in the Re- tion (WHO) and the Center for tail of Drugs and Medicines,” Disease Control in the United imposes Maximum Retail Price States. Meanwhile, Vergeire (MRP) and Maximum Wholesale gave assurance that the DoH Price (MWP) on “select drugs and remains in contact with Fili- medicines totalling to 86 drug pinos who were quarantined at molecules or 133 drug formulas” New Clark City and discharged annexed to the order. after the mandatory 14-day Among drugs covered by the incubation period. Passengers wear protective face masks at the boarding area of the international airport in Manila. order are hypertension, diabetes, “But in the meantime, what cardiovascular diseases, chronic we advise our patients or our charged from hospitals, that “Like those repatriates com- vised that our regional offi ces for one month, follow up. Any- hotline, also we have their num- lung diseases, neonatal diseases, persons under monitoring, we still would monitor them, ing from New Clark City, those through our local governments body who exhibits signs and bers, we will be texting or calling major cancers, chronic renal dis- especially those being dis- one month later,” she said. Wuhan repatriates, were ad- would still be monitoring them symptoms can always call the them for follow-up,” she added. eases, psoriasis and arthritis.

Eight-hour water supply disruption looms this summer Military assault Govt vows worker aid as Honda Manila Water Company Inc will schedule water service interrup- kills two militants tions lasting up to eight hours in its concession area in Metro plant faces production halt Manila in anticipation of a dry By Al Jacinto ers Radulan Sahiron and spell this summer, Manila Times Manila Times Hajan Sawadjaan, who have reported. “In preparation for the pledged allegiance to the Is- DPA erations in its plant in Santa Rosa upcoming summer season, Manila lamic State or IS. Manila (City) in Laguna, Water is set to implement stricter ilitary forces con- The assault began on eff ective March, 2020.” operational adjustments, which tinued their assault Sunday in Bakong village in “To meet Honda’s customer may result in little to no water Mon lairs of the ter- Patikul town of Sulu where undreds of workers at a lo- needs in the Philippines for rea- supply for our customers,” it said in rorist Abu Sayyaf Group in security forces pounded the cal Hondo Motor Co unit sonably priced and good quality its advisory. Manila Water’s conces- Sulu province in southern Abu Sayyaf strongholds. Hwill get assistance when products, Honda considered effi - sion covers the eastern side of Philippines where fi ght- “We build up combat and the plant stops local production cient allocation and distribution of Metro Manila. The water distributor ing killed at least two ASG intelligence operations to in March, promised the Philippine resources,” it said in a statement. said the schedule of interruptions members and wounded two debilitate the militants in government yesterday. “As such, after consideration of might change “in the event of soldiers yesterday, offi cials Sulu,” Sobejana said, add- The head of the Department of optimisation eff orts in the produc- emergency repair works and other said. ing that members of the 15th Labour was meeting with repre- tion operations in Asia and Ocean- maintenance activities.” “Pursuit and deliberate Scout Ranger Company were sentatives of Honda Cars Philip- ia region, Honda decided to close To maximise the already limited off ensives continue to pres- running after the terrorists pines Inc (HCPI) to discuss the the manufacturing operations of water supply throughout the sure and pound down Abu and their leaders. planned closure of their plant in HCPI,” it added. year, it bared that it worked out Sayyaf fi ghters, constrict- He described Sunday’s Laguna province, just south of Honda Cars Philippines said it the schedule in co-ordination ing their movement and fi ghting as “ferocious” after Manila. has approximately 650 employees with the Metropolitan Water- pre-empting terror ploys two of his soldiers were in- “From Honda’s statement, they who would be aff ected by the plan. works and Sewerage System in the Zambasulta area,” Lt jured in the clash. are going to provide them more Labour groups said as many as (MWSS), MWSS Regulatory Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, chief The troops retaliated with than they are supposed to be en- 2,000 workers would actually be Off ice and the National Water of the Western Mindanao a barrage of mortar fi res as titled to tide them over, if the clo- aff ected by the stop in local pro- Resources Board. Early this Command, said. ground forces pushed for sure happens,” said presidential duction since Honda Cars Phil- month, the other concessionaire, Zambasulta refers to the the kill. “Two brave soldiers spokesman Salvador Panelo. ippines provides employment to Maynilad Water Services Inc, an- provinces of the Zamboan- were also slightly wounded “We are not yet sure if the clo- companies that supply parts. nounced a stricter water service ga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu in a fi erce exchange of of sure will really take place,” he add- Honda Cars Philippines was es- interruption schedule lasting for and Tawi-Tawi in southern gunfi re. Mortar teams im- ed. tablished in November 1990. several hours as Ipo Dam’s water Mindanao. mediately delivered fi re sup- Honda Cars Philippines an- It assembles the Honda City se- level continues to drop. Sobejana said troops were port to the engaged troops,” nounced on the weekend that dan and BR-V sport utility vehicle targeting Abu Sayyaf lead- Sobejana said. it would “stop production op- models. Panelo: assuring assistance Go demands impartiality from broadcaster

By Javier J Ismael “It is unfair to allow a negative Manila Times ad (to air) a week before the elec- ABS-CBN chief apologises to Duterte over non-airing of advertisements tion and then not approve legiti- mate ads for then presidential ABS-CBN Corp finally apologised to President of P4mn, but the additional refund of P2.6mn was enator Christopher Law- candidate Mayor Duterte. It says Rodrigo Duterte for its failure to air his political ads delayed. rence “Bong” Go yesterday so in the Fair Elections Act,” Go during the 2016 campaign period, Manila Times He said the Duterte camp refused to accept the Sdemanded impartiality said in his opening statement. reported. delayed refund. from ABS-CBN Corp, as he de- He demanded impartiality ABS-CBN President Carlo Katigbak said Duterte’s “We acknowledge our shortcoming in our failure nounced the black propaganda from the network, saying, “Me- camp paid P182mn worth of commercial spots — to release that refund in a timely manner. We are aired by the network against dia networks are supposed to be P117mn for national ads and P65mn for provincial sorry if we off ended the president. That was not the then mayor and now president neutral and impartial.” spots. The ads for national spots were aired, but intention of the network. We felt that we were just Rodrigo Duterte during the 2016 “But if this is the case — if those for the provinces were not. abiding by regulations that surround the airing of campaign period. some media networks and some “Our policy on all our ads is first come, first served. political ads,” he added. Go was referring to the nega- political elites and economic Many of these spots were ordered on May 3 and Duterte had lambasted the network several times tive advertisement aired by the elites can get together and de- May 7 was the last day of the campaign period. for its failure to air his political ads. network against the president, stroy the candidacy of one can- There had been many previous telecast orders that Last Tuesday, Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo which was paid for by former didate — the president is right in came in ahead,” Katigbak bared when he appeared said it was up to the president on how to respond senator and then vice presiden- fi ghting the elitists and oligarchs at the Senate yesterday. to the apology. “That’s for him (Duterte), it’s personal tial candidate Antonio Trillanes that currently rule the country,” Since slots for local ads were limited to just two to him,” Panelo told reporters.“They should have 4th. he added. minutes per hour, he claimed there was no time to apologised earlier.” ABS-CBN failed to air some “A video was obviously meant air Duterte’s ads. “It’s up to the president…how he will respond to of the advertisements that the to malign then presidential can- Katigbak added that Duterte got an initial refund that,” he added. president had paid for during the didate Mayor Rodrigo Duterte – campaign period. for the purpose of destroying his During the Senate public reputation and turning the tide portant than earning income stay true to its slogan of serving ple,” he said. But he expressed hearing on the network’s fran- against his overwhelming popu- from airing legitimate ads that the Filipino nation. concern for ABS-CBN employ- chise, Go said the grievances larity during that time,” Go said. have already been paid for. The “‘You have been saying, ‘In ees who could lose their job if the of Duterte against the network After playing the advertise- non-airing of ads already paid the service of the Filipino na- network’s franchise will not be were valid, citing the Fair Elec- ment, the senator asked: “Are for, and the subsequent airing of tion’? So do I, service for the renewed. tions Act, which states that “all Christopher Go: call for unbiased coverage you promoting a candidate here ads for the purpose of maligning Filipinos, so let us prioritise the “Nonetheless, if I were to be members of media, television, or are you destroying a candi- a person, display an intent to op- interest of the Filipinos…My job asked, I will also appeal to the radio or print, shall scrupulously sential facts nor to distort the the duty to air the other side and date?” pose a particular candidate,” he as a legislator is to vote accord- president for the simple reason.I report and interpret the news, truth by omission or improper the duty to correct substantive “Airing the black propaganda added. ing to conscience and my con- do not want anybody to lose his taking care not to suppress es- emphasis. They shall recognise errors promptly.” video appeared to be more im- Go also urged the network to science is with the Filipino peo- or her job,” Go said. Gulf Times 26 Tuesday, February 25, 2020 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Mishaps and mistakes help globalise the coronavirus

Professionals devoted to preventing global pandemics know best how to do their jobs – when they’re left to do their jobs. The danger comes when politicians and bureaucrats intervene with an eye toward easing human suffering or minimising political fallout and wind up hastening the spread of the very viruses they’re fighting. One bad decision after another helped make the 2014 Ebola scare far worse than it should have been. The new novel coronavirus is exposing an entirely new dimension in bad calls. Africa isn’t ready for The plight of 380 Americans stuck aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan is a case in point. US offi cials decided to evacuate the Americans, who were among the 2,666 guests and 1,045 crew aboard. But it was only after they were removed and seated on airport-bound buses that offi cials determined 14 were currency unions infected with the coronavirus. By putting them inside a jumbo jet, the risk rapidly escalated for even more By Célestin Monga less than 15% of regional commerce. By a Cameroonian worker who wants to smaller groups of countries that have Abidjan contrast, when the euro was adopted in migrate to neighbouring Gabon has similar production structures and passengers to become infected during the long trans- 1999, intra-European commerce already little chance of getting a work permit factor mobility, along with credible Pacifi c fl ight. represented about 60% of French and – and even if they did, they would transnational fi scal and banking Dr Anthony Fauci, est African political lead- German foreign trade. encounter open, if not violent, hostility policies. A shared currency pegged to a “I’d like to ers recently announced Political leaders in Africa and France from local workers embittered by years basket of currencies or with a fl exible head of the Centres for that the CFA franc – a have stated that one of their main of unemployment. exchange-rate regime would ensure sugarcoat it Disease Control and Wcurrency created by motives for creating the eco zone is to Lastly, there is no common fi scal external competitiveness and yield Prevention, said he France in 1945 for its colonies and still foster economic integration. That is policy within the CFA franc zone and more economic benefi ts. and try to be used by 14 African countries – will be the wrong way around: Countries do no credible enforcement mechanism Another option is to follow the paths wouldn’t be surprised replaced this year by a new currency not adopt a common currency because to deter excessive indebtedness by of former CFA franc zone members diplomatic about if more of the evacuees pegged to the euro called the eco. But the trade level among them is low, but individual member states or to manage such as Morocco, Tunisia, and Vietnam tested positive. The lessons from the CFA franc zone’s own because they already trade with one sovereign debt collectively. Moreover, (Indochina). By reclaiming national it, but it failed. quarantine on the experience and from the eurozone raise another to such an extent that they can deeper integration of the national control over monetary policy, they serious doubts about the region’s pre- substantially reduce their transaction banking and fi nancial systems would were able to ensure their external ... Something Diamond Princess paredness for the challenges this new costs by eliminating exchange-rate risk. be needed to facilitate the monitoring, competitiveness, connect their simply wasn’t working. monetary union will bring. A second major shortcoming is the supervision, and containment of industries to global value chains, and went awry in the “I’d like to sugarcoat it Critics of the CFA franc zone have divergence in industrial structure fi nancial-contagion risks posed by take advantage of the benefi ts of world long focused on France’s perceived among the eco zone’s members, which interdependence. trade. process of the and try to be diplomatic dominance, which many believe has means that they react to external But Africa’s track record on A well-functioning monetary about it, but it failed. ... resulted in what the late Cameroonian shocks, such as changes in commodity institution building, especially for union requires supranational fi scal quarantining on Something went awry economist Joseph Tchundjang Pouemi prices, in confl icting ways. While some overseeing sensitive governance issues institutions and rules that can be in the process of the called CFA Africa’s “monetary of the current CFA franc zone countries involving sovereign states, is poor. Even enforced to help members respond to that ship” servitude.” New reforms will aim to (Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, and when rules are adopted and exist on asymmetric shocks. The free movement quarantining on that change that by loosening ties with Equatorial Guinea) are oil exporters paper, the lack of credible monitoring of goods and labour should be a reality, ship,” he told USA Today. France, including by ending the and benefi t from a rise in the oil price, and enforcement means they stay there. not a goal. Defi cits and debt policies Were there better options than putting them on a plane requirement that member states deposit others (Central African Republic, Niger, Countries in the SADC and EAC also should be consistent across the half of their foreign reserves there. Mali, and Burkina Faso) are oil importers fail to meet the criteria for optimal currency union and be monitored by for an additional 14-day quarantine at two US military (Previously, that rule included France’s and would suff er. When members of currency areas with well-functioning a credible central authority. And the locations? Would it have been smarter to keep them guarantee of the convertibility of the monetary unions face such asymmetric transnational public-fi nance and fi nancial and banking sectors should be quarantined on shore in Japan? Some passengers smartly CFA franc.) shocks, the institutional architecture banking systems. under careful supervision by a union- But the real challenges facing African becomes unbalanced and unstable. African political leaders view wide institution capable of enforcing refused to board the plane, worrying that the risk was too monetary unions have nothing to do Third, despite many treaties and monetary unions as a stepping-stone strict prudential rules. Short of meeting high. with political sovereignty. They relate, agreements, the free movement of toward continental political unity. these prerequisites, the proposed Then there was the warm welcome that Cambodian instead, to economics. goods and people across national But a common monetary policy is eco zone in West Africa will be a Despite 75 years of existence, the CFA borders – an essential requirement for not adequate to achieve such a goal. challenging, risky, and possibly painful Prime Minister Hun Sen gave to the 2,257 passengers franc zone is still home to some of the a well-functioning monetary union – is No regional integration strategy can venture for all involved. – Project aboard a Holland America cruise ship after other world’s poorest countries (Niger, Mali, heavily constrained within the existing survive, much less overcome, pervasive Syndicate countries had refused to let it dock. Burkina Faso, and the Central African CFA franc zone. This “factor mobility” poverty and social tensions. Economic Republic). Even in the richest and most is the best guarantee against external development is a precondition for stable zCélestin Monga, former vice- Instead of insisting on a quarantine once he granted advanced of the CFA franc countries shocks, because people can migrate societies. president and Chief Economist of the entry, the prime minister let hundreds of passengers (Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire), real freely across borders to take advantage A more appropriate monetary African Development Bank Group disperse – without being tested. incomes per capita in 2019 were lower of employment opportunities. In the strategy for African countries would and former managing director at the Each time an infection is reported, medical personnel than they were some four decades ago. eurozone, for example, free movement be to redesign Africa’s monetary United Nations Industrial Development That is why the eco – and other of labour enables Greek workers to integration project and implement Organisation, is Senior Economic are supposed to fi nd out exactly where the patient has regional currency projects, such as work in Berlin or Paris. By contrast, it through concentric circles, with Adviser at the World Bank. been and with whom he or she has been in contact. Those the Southern African Development people all need to be tested. Multiply that process by the Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC) – represents one of 73,332 confi rmed cases as of Feb. 18 – including 804 in 25 the biggest economic policy challenges countries outside of China – and that helps explain the in Africa’s history. The continent massive job ahead when containment eff orts fall apart. comprises small, open economies that rely on trade as their main engine of The temporary (albeit extreme) discomfort of a few is growth. Because of their production better than risking a far greater mass exposure. structure and export portfolios, Two Dallas nurses learned the hard way during the policymakers’ choice of exchange- rate regimes and policies directly 2014 US Ebola outbreak what disasters befall medical determines growth prospects, sectoral personnel who aren’t trained to follow proper quarantine and employment dynamics, structural procedures. With 15 infections of coronavirus confi rmed transformation, and institutional around the United States, the time for preparation and development. And a monetary union of poor countries with a common currency training is now. – Tribune news Service pegged to a strong euro will jeopardise the external competitiveness that is so critical to their growth. To Advertise Equally worrying, in several crucial respects, the CFA franc countries [email protected] currently do not meet the economic Display criteria for joining a monetary union. First and foremost, trade volumes 44466621 44418811 among CFA franc members, and within the future eco zone, are too low to make Classified a monetary union desirable. The greater 44466609 44418811 the volume of trade within a group of countries, the larger the potential Subscription gains from a single currency, and the smaller the incentive for members to [email protected] seek adjustments through unilateral monetary strategies and fl exible exchange rates. © 2020 Gulf Times. All rights reserved But intra-African trade represents France’s President Emmanuel Macron is welcomed by Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan on December 22, 2019. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 25, 2020 27 COMMENT Sanders’ big Nevada win narrows rivals’ path

By James Oliphant JOE BIDEN remaining in the race afterward. Washington The former vice-president’s caucus “We believe the Nevada debate will night rally in Las Vegas was jubilant, have more impact on the structure of with someone in the crowd calling the race than the Nevada result,” her ernie Sanders’ convincing Biden “the comeback kid” as early campaign manager, Roger Lau, said on win in the Nevada caucuses results showed him in second place. Twitter. signalled his campaign is Not long ago, the former vice- AMY KLOBUCHAR Bgathering strength and president was the favourite in Nevada. Coming off a surprise third-place reaching voters who had previously But after disappointing fi nishes in fi nish in New Hampshire, Klobuchar eluded him, putting him on a path Iowa and New Hampshire, Biden’s ended up being a non-factor in — for now — toward the Democratic showing in Nevada was strong enough Nevada. presidential nomination. for him to declare his campaign She struggled at Wednesday’s The self-described democratic revived. debate and was also roundly mocked socialist’s triumph on Saturday Sanders easily beat Biden among for forgetting the name of the Mexican left all of his rivals contending they Latino voters, 53% to 16% according to president. were best positioned to curb his entrance polls, leaving Biden to soak Like Buttigieg, Klobuchar has made momentum. up older voters and moderates to try to almost no inroads with non-white With the South Carolina primary a remain competitive. voters. week away and the big Super Tuesday Biden topped Sanders among black According to Nevada entrance polls, nominating contests days later, here is voters, 36% to 27%. Now Biden, vice- she received just 4% of the Latino vote what the Nevada results mean for the president under former President and 3% of the black vote. top candidates: Barack Obama, faces perhaps the most Klobuchar likely will have no BERNIE SANDERS critical week of his candidacy. traction in South Carolina. Although Sanders had been poised Anything less than a win in South She has to hope she can win her to do well in Nevada, the senator Carolina, with its large African- home state of Minnesota on Super from Vermont may have outpaced American electorate, will make it Tuesday to have any kind of a path expectations by broadening his that much less likely that he — or any forward, but she remains a possible coalition of voters. other contender — will be able to keep candidate to drop out of the race before According to caucus entrance Sanders from the nomination. then. polls conducted by Edison Research, PETE BUTTIGIEG MICHAEL BLOOMBERG Sanders crushed the rest of the fi eld The former South Bend, Indiana, The former New York mayor was with Latino voters and fi nished second mayor continues to surprise. not on the ballot in Nevada, but his only to Joe Biden with black voters. His apparent third-place fi nish in performance in the Las Vegas debate He was the top choice of voters Nevada keeps him in the game going may have damaged his candidacy. younger than 65. forward, but his failure to broaden his A Morning Consult poll released He also won with college graduates appeal may limit his growth potential. on Friday showed his support among and those without a degree, both men Buttigieg continues to do well with Democrats dropping three percentage and women. white, educated moderate voters, but points and his overall favourability Sanders was easily the top pick remains deeply underwater with non- Democratic presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders celebrates after being declared the winner of the Nevada Caucus plunging. of voters who consider themselves white voters. at a campaign rally in San Antonio, Texas, on Saturday night. The best news for Bloomberg may independents. According to entrance polls, he have been Sanders’ dominating fi nish And perhaps most crucially for his received support from just 9% of revolution that leaves out most Her fundraising picked up, and She lost ground with college-educated in Nevada, which likely will give fresh campaign, he was favoured over Biden Latino voters and 2% of black voters. Democrats, not to mention most she received a wave of new media white women, part of her base, getting urgency to eff orts among Democratic among voters whose top priority is That bodes poorly for Buttigieg Americans,” he told supporters in Las attention. 18% of their votes compared to Sanders’ moderates to stop the senator. defeating President Donald Trump in not only in South Carolina, but also Vegas. None of that appeared to translate 22% and Amy Klobuchar’s 19%. Warren The billionaire Bloomberg, who has the November general election. in ultra-diverse Super Tuesday states ELIZABETH WARREN into much for Warren in Nevada, appears to be looking past South spent more than $400mn of his personal All of it is good news for Sanders. such as California and Texas. Warren’s assertive debate where about half of the votes in the Carolina to Super Tuesday. fortune on his campaign, still has his If he can pull off a surprise win in Possibly running out of time, performance on Wednesday led to nominating contest were cast before An infusion of cash has allowed her chequebook open and is locked in on South Carolina on Feb. Buttigieg sharpened his attack on speculation that the US senator from the debate in early voting. to purchase new ad buys across the making an impact on Super Tuesday, 29, he will be heading into the Super Sanders on Saturday. “Senator Sanders Massachusetts had jump-started a Warren looked headed for a fourth- country, and her campaign contends the fi rst set of primaries in which he has Tuesday contests on March 3 on a roll. believes in an infl exible, ideological stalled campaign. place fi nish. she will be one of a few candidates chosen to compete. — Reuters

Tycoon and a tea-seller’s son: Three-day forecast TODAY Maximum Temperature : 300c Minimum Temperature : 210c

WEDNESDAY Trump, Modi forge bonhomie Maximum Temperature : 250c Minimum Temperature : 160c “There are many qualities that Obama and Modi, now Modi and AFP The idea of closed-door dialogue THURSDAY New Delhi between top leaders has often taken a Trump and Modi share — a love Trump — there has been a strong Maximum Temperature : 230c backseat to very public and spectacle- for political grandstanding and an chemistry in all these pairings that has Minimum Temperature : 160c laden summitry.” unshakable conviction that they can clearly helped the relationship move hey hail from vastly diff er- Since assuming the top political achieve the best solutions or deals,” forward,” he added. Fisherman's forecast ent backgrounds — Donald offi ce in their respective countries — former Indian diplomat Rakesh Sood Trump has also stood by the WARNING Trump is the son of a prop- Modi in 2014 and Trump in 2017 — the said. Indian leader during controversial Inshore : Strong wind expected at place at times Terty tycoon while Naren- two men have been regularly compared Modi and Trump have sought to use decisions, including his revocation Offshore : Expected strong wind dra Modi is a descendant of a poor to each other. their friendship to forge closer bonds of autonomy for Muslim-majority with high sea at north tea-seller. Trump, 73, and Modi, 69, both com- between the two nations, even as they Kashmir and his order for jets to by night WEATHER Yet the two teetotallers, loved by mand crowds of adoring fl ag-waving grapple with ongoing tensions over enter Pakistani territory following a Inshore : Misty at places at first right-wing nationalists in their home supporters at rallies. trade and defence. suicide bombing. becomes relatively hot countries, share striking similari- A virtual cult of personality has Despite sharing many similarities in Analysts said the leaders would use daytime with scattered the visit to bolster their image with clouds and slight dust ties that have seen them forge a close emerged around them, with their faces style and substance, analysts say there to blowing dust at personal bond, analysts say. and names at the centre of their politi- are some notable diff erences between voters. places at times. Ahead of the American leader’s fi rst cal parties’ campaigns. the pair. A mega “Namaste Trump” rally Offshore : Misty at first and some offi cial visit to India, which began in A focus of Trump’s administration Modi is an insider who rose through in Ahmedabad on Monday will be clouds WIND Modi’s home state of Gujarat yester- has been his crackdown on migrants, the ranks of the Bharatiya Janata modelled after the “Howdy, Modi” Inshore : Southeasterly-Southerly day, the world’s biggest democracy has including a travel ban that aff ects sev- Party after starting out as a cadre in Houston extravaganza last year when 10-20 /25KT gone out of its way to showcase the eral Muslim-majority nations, among the militaristic hardline Hindu group the Indian leader visited the US and Offshore : Southeasterly 08-18/24 KT chemistry between them. others, while critics charge that Modi Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. the two leaders appeared before tens Visibility : 4-8/3 KM In Gujarat’s capital Ahmedabad, has sought to diff erentiate Muslims Trump is a businessman and a po- of thousands of Indian-Americans at a large billboards with the words “two from other immigrants through a litical outsider who has in some sense football stadium. Offshore : 3-5/8 FT dynamic personalities, one momen- contentious citizenship law that has taken over the Republican Party. “The success of this visit will have tous occasion” and “two strong na- sparked protests. “Modi is a more conventional leader a positive impact on his (Trump’s) Around the region tions, one great friendship” have gone Both promote their countries’ than is Trump in that he hasn’t sought re-election campaign and the people Weather Weather up across the city. nationalist and trade protection- to revolutionise the offi ce he holds in of Indian origin who are voters in the today Max/min tomorrow Max/min “There’s a lot that Trump and Modi ist movements — Trump with his the way that Trump has,” said Kugel- US — a majority of them are from Baghdad Showers 19/10 Sunny 18/07 share in common, and not surprisingly “America First” clarion call and Modi man, a longtime observer of South Gujarat,” former Indian diplomat Kuwait City Cloudy 26/14 Cloudy 22/10 these convergences have translated with his “Make in India” mantra. Asian politics. Surendra Kumar said. Manama M Sunny 28/19 P Cloudy 23/17 into a warm chemistry between And while they head the world’s He added that genuine personal “On the Indian side, the fact that Muscat Sunny 31/23 Sunny 34/22 the two,” Michael Kugelman of the largest democracies, critics have connections between leaders of both Prime Minister Modi...(shares) such Tehran Rain 11/07 Rain 08/02 Washington-based Wilson Centre told described the pair as part of a global countries have helped to grow the warmth, bonhomie and informality AFP. club of strongmen that includes Rus- partnership. with the most powerful man on Earth “Personality politics are a major sia’s Vladimir Putin and Brazil’s Jair “George Bush and Manmohan adds to his stature as well as with part of international diplomacy today. Bolsonaro. Singh, Barack Obama and Singh, hardcore supporters.”

Live issues Home cleaning products may up risk of childhood asthma Around the world Weather Weather By Lisa Rapaport “Parents are striving to maintain a contribute to development of asthma compounds, fragrance and other ir- today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Reuters Health healthy home for their children,” said or make symptoms more frequent or ritants, but manufacturers in Canada Athens Sunny 18/09 M Cloudy 18/13 study coauthor Dr Tim Takaro of Simon severe, the researchers note. and the United States are not required to Beirut Showers 17/14 P Cloudy 18/13 Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada. Most kids in the study were white, list all ingredients in cleaning products. Bangkok P Cloudy 35/24 M Sunny 35/26 ew parents who obsessively “We want parents to question the and most parents were non-smokers Some “green” products may contain Berlin S Showers 09/02 Showers 05/01 clean their homes to protect socially accepted norm that a home without any history of asthma. harmful substances, as these products Cairo P Cloudy 19/10 Sunny 22/12 babies from germs might needs to smell like chemical-based Because asthma can be diffi cult to are not regulated, the study team notes. Cape Town Sunny 28/17 Cloudy 23/17 Nwant to relax a bit, suggests cleaning products in order to be clean,” diagnose with breathing tests in very “While much remains unknown, Colombo P Cloudy 31/25 Sunny 31/25 a new study linking high exposure to Takaro by e-mail. “Instead, we pro- young children, researchers also tested we think that these cleaning products Dhaka S Showers 26/19 S T Storms 24/17 cleaning products with an increased pose that the smell of a healthy home kids’ skin for allergies and asked par- (and the chemicals they contain) act Hong Kong P Cloudy 23/18 P Cloudy 23/18 risk of childhood asthma. is no smell at all.” ents how often children experienced as irritants to the airways of grow- Istanbul Sunny 13/07 P Cloudy 18/14 Researchers surveyed parents about In other words, parents should read symptoms like wheezing. ing children,” Dr Elissa Abrams of the Jakarta T Storm 30/25 T Storm 31/25 how often they used 26 common labels and look for items that are free The most commonly used cleaning University of Manitoba, in Winnipeg, Karachi P Cloudy 28/18 M Sunny 28/19 household cleaners over babies’ fi rst of dye and perfume, and consider products in the study were dishwash- Canada, who wrote a commentary ac- London S Showers 08/02 P Cloudy 08/02 three to four months of life. By the natural cleaning products instead of ing soap, dishwasher detergent, multi- companying the study. Manila P Cloudy 32/23 P Cloudy 32/23 time the kids were 3 years old, children chemical alternatives. purpose spray cleaners, glass cleaners Young children who spend a lot of Moscow Sunny 03/-4 Rain&Snow 04/-1 with the highest exposure to clean- The fi rst months of life are critical and laundry soap. time indoors, and especially babies New Delhi Sunny 26/14 Sunny 26/14 ing products were 37% more likely to for development of the immune and The study wasn’t designed to prove and toddlers who touch everything New York Showers 10/06 Showers 08/07 have been diagnosed with asthma than respiratory systems, and exposure to whether or how any specifi c clean- with their hands and mouths, may be Paris S Showers 10/03 Rain&Snow 07/03 those with the least exposure. chemicals inside the home is par- ing products or chemicals in these especially vulnerable, Abrams said by Sao Paulo S T Storms 28/21 S T Storms 27/18 With greater exposure to cleaning ticularly problematic because infants products might directly cause asthma e-mail. Seoul Rain 08/02 P Cloudy 11/0 products, kids were also 35% more spend so much time indoors, the study symptoms. “The take-home message is that Singapore P Cloudy 32/26 I T Storms 32/26 likely to have chronic wheezing and team writes in the journal CMAJ. The American Lung Association parents should be careful which clean- Sydney M Sunny 26/19 P Cloudy 30/18 49% more likely to have chronic aller- Chemicals in cleaning products can recommends against using cleaning ing products they use in the home,” Tokyo Clear 15/06 Rain 12/07 gies, the study found. cause chronic infl ammation that may products that contain volatile organic Abrams said.