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SUNDAY Vol. XXXX No. 11348 October 27, 2019 Safar 28, 1441 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

In brief Demonstrators demand reforms in Lebanon

QATAR | Accession Doha to host Qatar joins Asian Parliamentary Assembly Qatar has become a member of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly, the second largest parliamentary 19th World group in the world after the Inter- Parliamentary Union. This came during the participation of HE the Shura Council Speaker Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud and his accompanying delegation in the first Congress of meeting of the Executive Council of the Assembly held in the Turkish city of Rize. QATAR | Assistance Criminology Cash aid for Gaza families from today oha will host the 19th World Qatar’s Gaza Reconstruction Congress of Criminology under Committee Chairman ambassador Dthe auspices of the Internation- Mohamed al-Emadi has announced al Society of Criminology from Octo- that the committee will start ber 28-30, it was announced at a press distributing cash assistance to 75,000 Lebanese protesters sit on the ground to block a major bridge in the centre of Beirut during an anti-government demonstration conference held by the Police College needy families in the Gaza Strip yesterday. Demonstrators across Lebanon blocked roads and took to the streets for a 10th consecutive day. Page 10 last week. today. Al-Emadi said that payments The International Society of Crimi- of $100 per family will be made nology is a non-governmental organi- through branches of post off ices in sation and many of its members occupy the governorates of the Gaza Strip. senior positions in their countries and He noted that “the disbursement will in international institutions. The Soci- be in accordance with the mechanism ety enjoys advisory status at the United applied previously, for the families Nations and the Council of Europe, and selected according to the criteria QBRI, QGP join hands to participates in Unesco’s work. and conditions agreed upon in co- The World Congress of Criminology operation with the Ministry of Social is the foremost worldwide criminology Brigadier Dr Mohamed Abdullah Development in Gaza.” event that brings together the best aca- al-Muhanna al-Marri, director general demics, researchers, professionals and of Police College addressing the press AMERICA | Wildfi res further autism research policy makers to discuss the most rele- conference. Millions face power vant and current issues related to crime QNA and deviance and their prevention un- nal Justice to be held in Japan in 2020. cuts in California Doha der the aegis of the International Soci- Some 125 speakers from 40 countries Californian off icials warned yesterday ety of Criminology. from Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia that “historic and extreme” wind While announcing the event, Briga- and the Americas as well as 14 partici- conditions were set to fan raging he Qatar Biomedical Research dier Dr Mohamed Abdullah al-Muhan- pants from Qatar will attend the Con- wildfires across the north of the Institute (QBRI) at Hamad Bin na al-Marri, director general of Police gress. The Qatari delegation includes state as millions of residents face TKhalifa University (HBKU) has College said the conference will be seven participants each from the Police power cuts. Governor Gavin Newsom taken a major step forward in its mis- held under the patronage of HE Sheikh College and the College of Law of Qatar declared a state of emergency as the sion to transform Qatar’s healthcare Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al- University. Kincade Fire spread to 25,455 acres with the signing of a collaboration Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Brigadier Dr al-Marri said one of (10,300 hectares) after breaking out agreement with the Qatar Genome Interior and Chairman of the Supreme the objectives of the conference is to on Wednesday in the Sonoma wine Programme (QGP). Council of the Police College and in co- discuss ways to tackle the new crimes region. Page 12 This newly-forged partnership fa- operation with the Ministry of Interior through the methods of legal legisla- cilitates genome sequencing of Qataris (MoI), represented by the Police Col- tion and criminal justice. ASIA | Migrants with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) QBRI and QGP off icials at the agreement signing. lege, the Faculty of Law, Qatar Univer- Apart from noted personalities and and their apparently healthy family sity and the United Nations Offi ce on experts from diff erent security and More Vietnamese feared members. search programme. The samples will Director of Qatar Biomedical Research Drugs and Crime (UNODC). legal sectors, academics, researchers, among UK truck victims At a special event held recently to be obtained from individuals with ASD Institute, said: “The Qatar Genome Pro- The Congress is being held in the professionals and policymakers will More Vietnamese citizens are feared mark the signing of the agreement, and their families, and the sequencing gramme is recognised nationally as an Middle East for the fi rst time. It is or- participate in various sessions. They among 39 people found dead in a members from QBRI and QGP out- will be done over a period of two years. enabler of research that aims to imple- ganised in Doha within the framework will discuss the most relevant issues refrigerated truck in Britain this week. lined the full extent of both organisa- It is expected that these samples ment precision medicine through the of the implementation of the out- of crime and delinquency based on British police initially said all 31 men tions’ co-operation. will directly inform QBRI’s investiga- generation of large scale genomic and comes of the Doha Declaration issued the theme “Science, Technology and and eight women found in a lorry in The agreement will see a whole ge- tions of the genetic and genomic back- other Multiomics data from the Qa- at the 13th United Nations Congress on Teaching in Criminology: Researching, an industrial park in Essex this week nome sequencing initiative for a large ground of ASD. tari population. As such, we are natural Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Investigating and Preventing Crime; were believed to be Chinese. number of samples that are being In his address to dignitaries and par- partners in the eff ort to better under- and the preparation for the 14th Con- Emphasis on Teaching and Educating Pages 13, 14 collected as part of QBRI’s autism re- ticipants, Dr Omar el-Agnaf, Executive stand Autism Spectrum Disorder.” gress on Crime Prevention and Crimi- on the Rule of Law”. 63 dead in 2 days as Iraq protests take new violent turn

AFP ple killed and more than 2,000 wound- they said aimed at sowing “discord and populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who Baghdad ed over just two days, according to the chaos” in the country. has thrown his weight behind the dem- Iraqi Human Rights Commission. In a bid to contain the violence, onstrations. Three protesters were killed in the security forces announced curfews “The Sadrists, especially in their tra- ore than 60 people have died capital Baghdad yesterday, with medics across most of Iraq’s southern prov- ditional strongholds such as Missan, in renewed anti-government and offi cials reporting trauma wounds inces – but brief protests still took saw this an opportunity to act against Mprotests across Iraq, offi cials sustained by tear gas canisters lobbed place in Diwaniyah, Nasiriyah, Baby- competing militias,” such as Asaib Ahl said yesterday, with clashes breaking at demonstrators. lon and Najaf. al-Haq, Badr and Kataeb Hezbollah, out as demonstrators turned their fury But the majority of victims have been In the southern port city of Basra, Hasan said on Twitter. against government and paramilitary in the country’s south, where protest- however, protesters failed to come out The United Nations said it was “trag- offi ces. ers torched dozens of provincial gov- in large numbers after security forces ic” to see renewed violence but also The death toll from protests this ernment buildings, party offi ces and strictly enforced a curfew. warned against “armed spoilers”. month has soared to 220, includ- Hashed centres. The Hashed was founded in 2014 to “Armed entities sabotaging the ing dozens killed since Friday as they Yesterday, three people were shot fi ght the Islamic State group but its fac- peaceful demonstrations, eroding the torched government buildings or offi c- dead while setting fi re to a local offi - tions have since been ordered to incor- government’s credibility and ability to es belonging to factions of the Hashed cial’s home in the southern province of porate into the state security services. act, cannot be tolerated,” said the UN al-Shaabi paramilitary force. Dhi Qar, a police source said. “Public anger is directed at them top offi cial in Iraq, Jeanine Hennis- The demonstrations fi rst erupted The previous night, 12 protesters in addition to governorate councils, Plasschaert. on October 1, with protesters railing died in Diwaniyah while setting fi re to for they were the obvious face of ‘the Protesters gathered in Baghdad’s against government corruption and the headquarters of the powerful Badr regime’,” wrote Harith Hasan, a sen- emblematic Tahrir (Liberation) unemployment, while a second wave organisation. ior fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Square yesterday morning despite ef- broke out late Thursday. Top Hashed commanders have Center. forts by riot police to clear them with The latest round of demonstrations threatened “revenge” after their offi ces But the attacks could also hint at po- A man wears a plastic bag to protect himself from tear gas during a protest over tear gas. has been notably violent, with 63 peo- were attacked, and denounced those litical rivalries between the Hashed and corruption, lack of jobs, and poor services, in Baghdad, yesterday. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, October 27, 2019 QATAR

Amir sends cables of congratulations Attorney-General chairs IAACA meeting in Geneva to Austrian leader ACTA concludes His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness the Deputy course on internal Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani sent cables of congratulations yesterday to the Federal President of Austria, audit mechanisms Alexander Van der Bellen, on the occasion of his country’s National Day. HE the Prime Minister dministrative Control oversight mechanisms in ac- and Minister of Interior Sheikh and Transparency Au- cordance with best practices Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Athority (ACTA) in co- and international standards. al-Thani sent a similar cable to the operation with the Qatar Fi- Through this course, the partici- Chancellor of Austria Dr Brigitte nance and Business Academy pants were introduced to the con- Bierlein. - QNA (QFBA) has concluded a com- cept of governance, its framework, prehensive course on Internal mechanisms and the role of internal Argentine FM Audit Mechanisms Enhancing audit in the governance process. Integrity, Transparency and The programme also included receives Qatari Anti-Corruption in Govern- the defi nition of the Interna- envoy’s credentials ment Entities. tional Professional Practice The four-day training Framework for Internal Auditing Minister of Foreign Aff airs course is targeted to manag- and the principles of profession- of Argentina, Jorge Fauri, ers of internal audit depart- al ethics. It also addressed the yesterday received a copy ments or their representatives risk management methodology, of the credentials of Qatar’s in various government enti- the types and nature of risks, and ambassador to the country, Battal ties, to identify the internal the methodology for their meas- bin Meajeb al-Dosari, in Buenos HE the Attorney-General Dr Ali bin Fetais al-Marri has chaired the meeting of the Executive Committee of the International Association audit mechanisms seeking to urement, focusing on the causes Aires. The Minister of Foreign of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA), which meets in Geneva. The Committee discussed administrative and organisational issues and reduce administrative and fi- of corruption, how to prevent it, Aff airs of Argentina wished the came up with several resolutions and recommendations. The Committee includes in its membership a number of Attorneys General and nancial corruption, especially ways to reduce the opportuni- ambassador success in his duties Ministers of Justice and heads of anti-corruption bodies and heads of academic institutions from around the world in addition to the in the government sector, ties that lead to it, and the role and the bilateral relations further United Nations Off ice on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). providing them with the skills of internal audit in the process of development and prosperity. and capacity to implement preventing corruption. - QNA Qatar reiterates support for UN programme to strengthen rule of law

QNA This came in the statement of fi culties of its continuity, and that in light of the tensions, He added that a rule-based tal rules of international law efi t a wide range of legal profes- New York Qatar delivered by Rakad Ajban thus contributing to assist- confl icts and crises in the world multilateral system based on has a profound impact on the sionals, academics and others al-Smaikh, member of Qatar’s ing lawmakers from develop- today, there is a need more than the principles of international consolidation of international around the world. delegation taking part in the 74th ing countries to participate in ever to deepen knowledge of law strengthens the joint eff orts relations and the achievement He added that the fellowships atar reiterated its support session of the UN General Assem- it, stressing Qatar’s keenness on international law, including an to build and maintain interna- of peace, he stressed, noting and courses offered through for the United Nations bly, before the UN Sixth Commit- involving the largest number of in-depth study of emerging is- tional peace and security and that the UN programme has the programme contributed to QProgramme of Assist- tee (Legal) on Item: The United Qatari jurists in the programme’s sues of the time, which increases contributes to the prosperity been involved in assistance for the strengthening of interna- ance in the Teaching, Study, Dis- Nations Programme of Assistance sessions, in the framework of the need for the United Nations of the humankind, noting that 54 years and continues to play tional law and had a significant semination and Wider Appre- in the Teaching, Study, Dissemi- building legal capacity and rais- Programme of Assistance in the multilateral treaties have played a key role in promoting and impact on developing the ca- ciation of International Law, and nation and Wider Appreciation of ing awareness of the importance Teaching, Study, Dissemination a leading role in promoting the respecting international law, pacity of those involved in the commended the valuable results International Law. of international law. and Wider Appreciation of In- rule of law and in maintaining a which is a well-established application of international achieved through it. Al-Smaikh said that consist- He commended the valu- ternational Law, as well as the rule-based international order. means of consolidating inter- law in all States, commending Qatar underlined that it will ent with the policy of Qatar to able eff orts made by the Offi ce role of the Audiovisual Library. He stressed the importance of national peace and security and the efforts of the Codification continue to support all eff orts support the rule of law at the of Legal Aff airs, the Codifi cation providing the programme with promoting friendly relations Division of the Office of Legal aimed at strengthening the rule national and international lev- Division and the Programme’s In light of the tensions, the necessary resources to carry and co-operation between Affairs in the publication of the of law and to consolidate and els, and recognising the impor- Secretariat in promoting and confl icts and crises in the out its mandate, stressing that States. United Nations Legislative Se- raise the awareness of interna- tance of strengthening the in- revitalising legal activities un- world today, there is a need the respect for international law He also noted the role of the ries, advisory summaries and tional law, which is a pillar for ternational law, the country has der the programme in order to more than ever to deepen is the basic and only standard of audiovisual library in contrib- judgments of the International maintaining international peace continued to provide fi nancial meet the changing needs of the knowledge of international conduct for states and the basis uting to the achievement of the Court of Justice and the Per- and security and achieving the support to the UN Programme international legal community law of international relations. objectives of the programme by manent Court of International goals of the United Nations. to enable it to overcome the dif- in the 21st century. He noted Knowledge of the fundamen- providing tools that could ben- Justice. PUE holds professional learning event for teachers of QF schools

QNA Doha

he Education De- velopment Institute T(EDI), part of QF Pre-University Education, organised an event titled Sharing Teachers Effective Practices or STEP, with the participation of about 1,000 Pre-University Ed- ucation (PUE) educators and employees from across Qatar Foundation (QF) schools. Hosted by Qatar Acad- emy, Al Wakrah, the event brought together practi- tioners representing all di- visions of PUE for a day to participate in a range of 225 sessions facilitated by their peers, delivered by a group of specialists, experts and administrators to enhance their leadership and edu- Hosted by Qatar Academy, Al Wakrah, the event brought together practitioners representing cational abilities. all divisions of PUE for a day to participate in a range of 225 sessions. In this context, Director, Education Development better serve the growth of welcoming learning spaces to lead professional learning Institute (EDI), Mehdi our students.” He added, at QAW, sharing their prac- and development, support Benchaabane, said: “We “A chance to remember tices and exchanging tips curriculum improvement offered ourselves space for that everything we do aims on how to make learning, and build leadership capac- building and strengthen- at children’s academic teaching and school man- ity to improve student out- ing relationships across progress and well-being,”. agement more eff ective,” comes and supporting the schools and departments “I was proud and in- says Benchaabane. growth and development of as well as time to pause spired to see hundreds of Through STEP, EDI con- educators in Qatar and be- and reflect on how we can colleagues utilising the tinues to develop its mission yond.

QSCCB holds seminar on ‘Law on Protection of Persons with Disabilities’

QNA presented by QSCCB Chair- tant criteria for the progress ing legal, medical, psycho- Doha man Faisal al-Kohaji, the lec- and development of nations, logical and social experts turer addressed the defi nition and the issue of persons with to form texts relating to of disability and its divisions, disabilities has become one eligibility for persons with atar Social and Cul- which are in accordance with of the most important issues disabilities in general and tural Centre for the the international conven- in contemporary countries persons with intellectual QBlind (QSCCB) has tions for persons with dis- and international organisa- disabilities in particular, the organised a seminar on abilities, identify their legal tions. need to change the name “Law on the Protection of classifi cations, legal capacity, Al-Kohaji, who has an of the law to “persons with Persons with Disabilities” in their relationship with per- MA degree in law on the disabilities” so as to be con- co-operation with the De- sons with disabilities, their same subject, called for sistent with the provisions partment of Psychological availability, and the forms amending law for persons contained in it, and to be Sciences in Qatar University of protection prescribed for with disabilities so that consistent with the provi- as part of QSCCB celebra- them, pointing out that car- the legislator shall, when sions of the Convention on tion of the White Cane Day. ing for people with disabili- adopting this law, entrust a the Rights of Persons with During the seminar which ties is one of the most impor- special committee compris- Disabilities. Gulf Times Sunday, October 27, 2019 3 QATAR

William Grant, Mohamed Althaf and other dignitaries and guests at the inauguration of Discover America Festival. Supplied picture. Right: Dignitaries taking a tour of the festival. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil LuLu Hypermarket launches Discover America Festival uLu Hypermarket Qatar has cials, including Mohamed Al- grocery lines, 750 chilled lines, The promotion will also feature free, dairy-free, vegan and many The renowned American 75,000sqf state-of-the-art export unveiled Discover America thaf, director of LuLu Group, including the Chobani, Starbucks popular US brands such as Bragg, other healthy options, which motorcycle, Indian, is also dis- distribution centre in New Jersey, LFestival, a week-long show- and many other dignitaries from Coff ee, Califi a Farms, Silk and Ragu, Jiff , Gerber, General Mills, have been specially fl own in played in store as part of the fes- which is working closely with the case of high-quality food prod- various American organisations Nestle ranges, and 200 lines in Kellogg’s, Nestle, Oreo, Herrs, from the US. The promotion is tival to create a typical ambiance local supply chains to off er the best ucts from the United States. operating in Qatar. frozen, bakery and US meat. It is Cheetos, My-Mo, McCain, Jell-O, available across all LuLu stores. of American heritage. ranges possible for the ever-de- The festival was inaugu- Eff orts have been made to a vast array of over 5,000 product Bertolli, Folgers, Smucker’s, Quaker, The festival has been made LuLu Hypermarket is host- manding multi-national customers rated by William Grant, chargé showcase and promote the best lines of US goods,” LuLu said in a Gatorade, Hershey’s, Dole, Heinz, “further attractive” with in- ing the festival since 2015 and in the region,” the statement adds. d’aff aires of the US embassy in agricultural produce and food press statement. Celeste, Ben & Jerry’s, Eggo, Essen- store promotions, sampling, live “has been very successful with Besides the export distri- Qatar, at LuLu Hypermarket, Al products of America at all LuLu Compared to last year, LuLu’s tial Everyday, Rothbury Farms and demonstrations by renowned the overwhelming response re- bution centre in the US, LuLu Messila branch, on October 24. outlets during the ongoing Dis- trade with America has “touched more. Other world-class brands of American chef Grant from the ceived from customers”. Group has set up over many The inaugural ceremony was cover America Week in the region new heights” this year with the US origin in Health & Beauty and STK Steakhouse Marriott Mar- “LuLu Hypermarket treasures years a “comprehensive and also attended by distinguished and worldwide. “All that is truly addition of new lines such as Just non-food categories are also seen quis, communication campaigns long-standing business relations well-established” international guests from the US Commer- extraordinary within American Water. The launch of Just Water on the shelves. via social networks and the me- with the US for more than a dec- network of sourcing offi ces and cial Service, American Cham- cuisine is present on the shelves, from the Glens Falls watershed Most importantly, LuLu has dia and through booklets, and ade and, by organising the festival, export distribution centres in ber of Commerce, USDA Offi ce with over 100 varieties of Ameri- with fully sustainable, 100% laid emphasis on showcasing the specifi c procurement activities LuLu aims to further promote US 24 countries across the world. of Agricultural Aff airs, Ameri- can cheese from leading US recyclable packaging, was held “biggest range” of ‘Free From to increase the range of US prod- produce and food products through These export distribution cen- can Women’s Association and brands such as Shullsburg, Life- during the inaugural ceremony Worry’ food products such as ucts off ered in LuLu hypermar- their stores in the region. The group tres regularly cater to the re- American School, senior offi - time, Hoff man and Kraft, 3,000 of the festival. organic, gluten-free, lactose- kets, the statement points out. has invested heavily in the US with a quirements of all LuLu outlets. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, October 27, 2019 QATAR

Vodafone to showcase 5G-enabled Transport Ministry technology solutions at Qitcom odafone Qatar has it becomes one of the most announced that it digitally connected in the Vwill showcase a range world. of the most advanced smart On the Company’s par- technology solutions at ticipation at Qitcom, Voda- the nation’s biggest digital fone Qatar chief executive unveils Innovation event, Qatar IT Conference offi cer Sheikh Hamad Ab- and Exhibition 2019 (Qit- demonstrations of 5G-en- dulla Jassim al-Thani said: com), in which it will partic- abled smart technologies in “Qatar is at an exciting stage ipate as an Offi cial sponsor. fi ve zones: Smart Homes; of its journey to develop In keeping with the Qit- Connected Retail Stores; smart cities, and we are com theme, ‘Safe, Smart Smart Industry; Smart City proud to be an offi cial spon- Cities’, Vodafone Qatar will and Gaming. A dedicated sor of Qitcom as a platform Theatre for Qitcom engage with offi cial entities space of 150sqm will be oc- to exchange knowledge and and the public in a spacious cupied by international tech highlight new technologies he Ministry of Transport and speakers at Qitcom 2019. Qatar’s smart future. It supports 1,000sqm area to demon- start-ups, who will show- that will further advance Communications (MoTC) Other speakers include Ah- novice entrepreneurs to work on strate technologies powered case various creative ways that vision. Vodafone Qatar Thas unveiled the Innova- mad al-Mutawa, founder, Mu- their business ideas through hacka- by ultra-fast 5G wireless In- in which they are harness- is primed to demonstrate tion Theatre for the upcoming Qa- baader Services; Eva Kaili, MEP, thons, mentorship programmes, ternet connectivity: virtual ing the potential of 5G. With the power of its 5G network tar IT Conference and Exhibition European Parliament; Dr Miguel tailored matchmaking and pitch reality, Internet of Things this, Vodafone Qatar aims to enable innovation for (Qitcom 2019). Eiras Antunes, Global Smart Cit- sessions. (IoT) solutions, big data an- to facilitate the exchange of all industries– that bring The Innovation Theatre will wit- ies & Local Government leader, Duha Ali al-Buhendi, Digital In- alytics, smart technologies ideas and knowledge trans- us closer to smarter, safer ness the best startup presentations, Deloitte; Rizwan Hussain, Govern- cubation Centre manager, said: for homes and industries, fer with local start-ups and cities.” keynote speakers and discussions ment, Industry leader, IBM Mid- “Following the success of the pre- and how they converge to businesses. Vodafone Qatar Qitcom will run from on the latest smart solutions driving dle East; and David Suarez, Part- vious Innovation Theatre pro- enable innovative solutions said its “innovative” par- October 29 to November 1 global digitisation, the MoTC has ner, People & Organisation leader, grammes, we are delighted to wit- for a sustainable digitised ticipation in Qitcom further at the Qatar National Con- said in a statement. Middle East, PwC. ness this year’s unique pitches. environment. highlights its role as a key vention Centre. Vodafone Under the Qitcom 2019 theme While the Innovation Theatre Innovation Theatre is an incredibly Visitors to Vodafone Qa- player in achieving Qatar Qatar’s pavilion is located at ‘Safe, Smart Cities’, the Innovation ond day will focus on IdeaCamp, the will primarily attract, promote and rewarding opportunity for aspiring tar’s pavilion will experi- National Vision 2030, and Hall 5, stand number H5C6 Theatre will be located at the heart third day will include Make the Deal exhibit talented digital entrepre- entrepreneurs to fulfi l their ambi- ence live and interactive in supporting the nation as – H5J6. of the Entrepreneurship Zone with- pitches and the last day will witness neurs, it also expects families and tions of being a part of the Digital in the MoTC Zone, where audiences a special pitch session, followed by students to attend the sessions and Incubation Centre and achieving will listen to and learn from upcoming the Startup Hub awards ceremony. act as a platform to share innova- reputable business off ers.” and established entrepreneurs. More than 30 keynote and panel tive ideas, experiences and suc- Reem al-Mansoori, Assistant Un- The Innovation Theatre will host speakers will be discussing Safe, cess stories. Prior to the fi nal pitch, dersecretary for the Digital Society 30 sessions featuring eight key- Smart Cities, the Future of Service participants will be mentored by Development Sector at the MoTC, notes, nine panels and six pitch Delivery, Emerging Technologies global experts to help them trans- noted: “Qitcom has previously of- sessions comprising 100 pitches and Future Landscapes, Breaking form ideation pitches into scalable fered funding opportunities to star- overall. Apart from the Innovation Barriers: Lessons from Women En- business ideas. tups and ignited innovative ideas by Theatre, the Entrepreneurship Zone trepreneurs, Megatrends and the Each team and startup will be teams such as Modaris, EXdensity, will include four more programmes Three Things that Truly Matter for given the opportunity to pitch their Game of Brands, Wahm and Media – IdeaCamp, CodeCamp, Make the Investors. business idea or solution to a panel Gate. This year, we expect to see Deal and Startup Hub – wherein Ibrahim al-Mannai, executive di- of judges. Some of the awards in- even more innovative ideas from lo- selected startups and winners from rector of Advisory and Incubation clude incubation off ers, projects, cal and global startups as this is an each of the programmes will present at Qatar Development Bank; Sachin awards and funding. incredible opportunity for them to their fi nal pitches to a panel of judges Kumar, founding team member The Innovation Theatre is part of access global smart city experts, as at the Innovation Theatre. and CTO – TupeloLife and head of the Entrepreneurship Zone, which they create a marketplace for digital The fi rst day will be a combination Google Developer Group (GDG), is dedicated to encouraging start- innovation.” of keynotes, panels and IdeaCamp Doha; and Dr Tejinder Singh, ups, business leaders and entrepre- Participants can register on the and CodeCamp pitch sessions, and founder of Q-Tickets and 360 neurs to develop innovative pitches, Qitcom 2019 website to be a part of winners’ announcements. The sec- Nautica, will be among the 45 key prototypes and digital solutions for Qatar’s largest ICT showcase yet.

QDGTP to launch new training plan

he Qatar Digital Gov- cover more than 47% of glo- ernment Training bal trend in IT professional TProgramme (QDGTP), certifi cation. For the fi rst an initiative of the Ministry time, trainings in digitalisa- of Transport and Commu- tion technologies are being nications (MoTC), will be introduced, as well as Oracle, launching its 2020 training 365 Offi ce, and Windows 11 plan on the sidelines of Qatar complete paths, respectively. IT Conference and Exhibi- Visitors to the QDGTP tion ‘Qitcom 2019’ from Oc- booth at Qitcom 2019 will tober 29 to November 1 at the have the opportunity of ac- Qatar National Convention cessing the training plan and Centre (QNCC). book their seat to be a part of This is the fi rst time the trainings. They can also a year-long plan will be participate in quizzes and announced by the ini- short test for a chance to win tiative, the MoTC said in a exam vouchers and training statement. seats. Initiated in 2016, QDGTP Reem al-Mansoori, as- was created to boost gov- sistant undersecretary of ernment ICT professionals’ Digital Society Development capacity to serve the 2020 Sector at the MoTC, said: digital transformation of “The MoTC is delighted Qatar’s government. Its ob- to launch the 2020 train- jective include training and ing plan, which is aimed at certifying the professionals further enhancing the ca- and to support their career pacity of our IT employees progression in order to max- in the government sector. imise the benefi ts of the pro- By providing support and gramme. training to those talented in QDGTP provides training the ICT domain, including in IT domain for govern- fresh graduates and CTOs, ment employees in part- QDGTP is helping to sharpen nership with top IT com- their experience in line with panies and it has conducted the Qatar Digital Govern- over 134 certifi cation ex- ment strategy.” ams, 85 sessions with 1,207 To maintain the sustain- training seats till the third able eff ectiveness of the quarter of 2019. programme, QDGTP has For the 2020 training plan, expanded technology part- QDGTP will be off ering over nerships with several lead- 95 diff erent training courses, ing technological training including various certifi ca- providers in the informa- tion exams in Oracle, Cis- tion technology fi eld, such co, Microsoft, and Project as Microsoft, SAP, IBM, Management for more than CISCO, ITIL, PMI, COMP- 2,000 participants. TIA, among others, to pro- Forty percent of the train- vide fi rst class training pro- ing subjects are new in the grammes in a variety of IT market and the courses will disciplines. MoPH holds workshop on health research ethics The Health Research the criteria for approval of Governance Department at various health research, the Ministry of Public Health the working methods (MoPH), in collaboration of research review with the Primary Health committees, informed Care Corporation (PHCC) consent templates to and Weill Cornell Medicine- preserve the safety and Qatar (WCM-Q), will hold confidentiality of individuals its annual health research involved in research, ethics workshop from today the conditions of clinical until October 29. trial work, research on The workshop includes biological samples, genetic several important scientific sequencing, conflict of lectures that will enhance interests in research work, the hands-on training conditions of use of drugs of members of human and experimental devices research review committees in research, as well as case and researchers in Qatar. studies in clinical and social The lectures will discuss research. Gulf Times Sunday, October 27, 2019 5 QATAR

Al-Muraikhi meets UNRWA offi cial malomatia to take part in E the Minister of for Palestine Refugees in mit of the Non-Aligned State for Foreign the Near East (UNRWA), Movement hosted by Az- HAff airs Sultan bin Pierre Krahenbuhl, in the erbaijan, discussed bi- Saad al-Muraikhi met the Azerbaijan capital, Baku lateral relations between Commissioner-General yesterday. The meeting, Qatar and UNRWA in ad- of the United Nations Re- which was held on the dition to topics of mutual Qitcom as Pearl sponsor lief and Works Agency sidelines of the 18th Sum- interest. alomatia, a leading pro- and showcased, creating a great sports and environment sustaina- vider of IT services and chance to refl ect to the whole world bility, which will promote sustained msolutions, has announced the richness of Qatar’s local market economic growth, a key goal of that it will participate in the biggest through showcasing our contribu- Qatar National Vision 2030”. digital event, Qatar IT Conference tion in localising and developing “Also, we aim to highlight malo- and Exhibition (Qitcom), as a Pearl the most updated international matia’s professional partnership sponsor. digital transformation programmes programme with our clients and Qitcom 2019 will be held from and solutions to our local partners, alliances with global leaders in the October 29 to November 1 at the which is a main pillar of malomatia’s IT sector by opening our booth Qatar National Convention Centre. responsibility and commitment with the warmest welcome,” the Yousef al-Naama, chief execu- towards its great community”. statement adds. tive offi cer, malomatia, noted that Further, al-Naama stressed that Al-Naama said malomatia pro- Yousef al-Naama, chief executive Qitcom is an important platform for by participating in Qitcom, “we vides solutions-independent coun- off icer, malomatia. Qatar’s information technology (IT) raise our readiness and prepared- sel and then brings together elite sector and showcases the country’s ness to enable and establish the teams of experts capable of tailoring digital transformation, analytics, achievement and plans. mega projects of Qatar, by dedicat- solutions for each scenario. managed services, system integra- He said the event is “a gather- ing our local expertise, internation- malomatia supports client needs tion, IT consulting, Customs and ing of the greatest minds within al partnerships, talents and digital in the development and deployment trade facilitation, healthcare, ap- the community where profi les, ca- systems to enable smart transpor- of safe and smart city solutions, plication services, mobility and pabilities and ideas are exchanged tation, smart logistics, healthcare, platforms, information security, contact centre services. QNB sponsors annual Qatar Sustainability Week 2019

NB Group, the largest more than 30,000 members sponsoring Qatar Sustain- fi nancial institution of the public and represent- ability Week to highlight Qin the Middle East atives of key governmental our commitment and fur- and Africa, has announced and private institutions, at ther raise awareness with its sponsorship of Qatar 220 events by 125 partners our employees and custom- Sustainability Week (QSW) in three cities. ers on the importance of 2019, organised by Qa- Yousef Darwish, gen- sustainability issues.” tar Green Building Council eral manager, QNB Group QNB is “always keen to (QGBC), a member of Qatar The QNB head off ice. Communications, said: contribute in supporting Foundation (QF), under the “Sustainability has become the environment across its patronage of HE the Prime The week-long initiative progress towards achiev- one of the most pressing international network and Minister and Minister of In- aims to promote a culture of ing the Sustainable Devel- topics that carries a long- raise awareness among its terior Sheikh Abdullah bin sustainability by engaging opment Goals (SDGs), the term impact on our society employees in line with its di- Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani. employees and customers statement stressed. today. At QNB, we recog- verse range of corporate so- QNB’s sponsorship of this through a series of sustain- QSW 2019 is expected to nise the signifi cant positive cial responsibility initiatives annual event comes as part ability-oriented activities. follow the continuing suc- contribution we can make and programmes launched of its “ongoing commitment QNB’s participation in QSW cess of the initiative over to address various envi- with the aim of aligning it towards the environment”, a 2019 will further highlight the past three years, as QSW ronmental and social chal- with Qatar National Vision statement notes. the country’s eff orts and 2018 drew an attendance of lenges, and are proud to be 2030, the statement adds. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, October 27, 2019 QATAR

Aura HMC advises cyclists to take Hospitality set to open precautions while riding 9 new F&B esults of a recent study ing habits; children and adults very vulnerable road users. Laws – Obey traffi c laws outlets published by Hamad should always wear helmets Strict enforcement of distracted just like motorists. This means RTrauma Center (HTC) whenever they cycle. Experts driving and mandatory bicycle stopping at stop signs and ura Hospitality & Food found that none of the patients from the World Health Organi- helmet laws and the creation obeying traffi c lights. Do not Services has announced admitted to the trauma centre sation (WHO), United Nations of more dedicated cyclist lanes ride while distracted by devic- Aplans to open nine new with a serious head injury as a Children’s Fund (Unicef), and or areas for recreational cy- es, including mobile phones or F&B outlets in Qatar. result of a bicycle crash were the Centres for Disease Control clists to practice their sport will earphones. As part of the plans, the com- wearing helmet and only 3% of and Prevention (CDC) agree go a long way to reducing the Make sure to be visible – Be pany will open nine new outlets patients with bicycle-related that wearing a helmet is the sin- number of these unnecessary visible by wearing bright colours across Qatar – at Mall of Qatar, traumatic injuries (BRTI) were Dr Husham Abdelrahman Dr Ayman El Menyar gle most eff ective way to reduce victims.” during the day, refl ective gear in Lusail, The Pearl-Qatar and Souq wearing a helmet. head injuries and fatalities re- The Hamad Injury Preven- low light conditions, and using Waqif. Some of the new outlets The study ‘Bicycle-Related The majority of the patients had a head injury and only 3% sulting from motorcycle and bi- tion Programme of the Hamad head and tail lights at night. will be opened in Qatar for the fi rst Traumatic Injury (BRTI) Hospi- were young males, under the of all patients suff ering a BRTI cycle crashes,” said Dr Husham Trauma Center is providing the Environment – Be aware of time while some will be branches talisations: Six Years Descriptive age of 30. Most were from Ne- were wearing a bicycle helmet Abdelrahman, lead author, sen- following safety recommenda- dangerous and changing road of existing renowned restaurants, Analysis in Qatar’ was support- pal (17%), Qatar (16%), and Sri at the time of the incident. Due ior consultant and director of tions for all cyclists in Qatar: conditions and use designated according to a press statement. ed by HMC’s Medical Research Lanka (13%). The most common to their unprotected nature, the Trauma Resuscitation Unit, Helmet – Wear a properly bike lanes, when available. The announcement was made Center and recently published in mechanism of injury (87%) for many suff ered severe injuries Hamad Trauma Center. fi tting helmet to reduce serious Turning – Look twice before during the launch of a breakfast the Journal of Injury and Violence adults was a collision with an- and more than 40% needed an Dr Ayman El Menyar, co- head injuries. turning or crossing an intersec- menu developed by celebrity Research. The study described the other vehicle. operation or admission to the author of the study and director Eye contact – Making eye tion and know to use the hands chef Fawaz al-Omaim at SMAT, bicycle-related traumatic injuries Younger victims, under the Intensive Care Unit. of clinical research and consult- contact with motorists where to signal while turning. When a fi ne-dining restaurant off ering among victims seen and treated age of 20, were more likely to be “To participate in safe and ant, Hamad Trauma Center, ex- possible will ensure that they have crossing a busy road, walk the a mix of authentic Qatari dishes. at the Hamad Trauma Center injured in a fall rather than col- enjoyable bicycling, cyclists of plained, “As a society, we must seen the rider and reduce the risk bike through the intersection Hosted on October 24, the between 2010 and 2015. lision. Almost half of all victims all ages should follow safe rid- do our utmost to protect these of collisions with other vehicles. instead of riding it. restaurant welcomed members of the local media, local busi- ness and lifestyle magazines, news portals and well-known social media infl uencers over the preview of the newly launched Hilton appoints cluster general breakfast menu. Owned and managed by Aura Hospitality & Food Services, the 250-seat outlet is located above manager for new properties Orient Pearl restaurant by the Doha Corniche. Yasser El Zein, general man- oubletree by Hilton Doha Mall and less than two miles from ager of Aura Hospitality & Food – Al Sadd and Aleph Resi- the Metro station. Services, said: “We are expand- Ddences Doha – Curio Col- Aleph Residences Doha – Curio ing because we see huge oppor- lection by Hilton in West Bay have Collection by Hilton is set to open tunities in the market, and we appointed Daniel van Wyk as clus- within the fi rst quarter of 2020 and believe that the market is mov- ter general manager, it has been will boast of 240 one-, two- and ing in the right direction. Qatar announced. three-bedroom apartments over 52 Airways and the Qatar National Hilton is scheduled to open Dou- storeys. Each of the apartments will Tourism Council are doing an bletree by Hilton Doha – Al Sadd have “extraordinary views” over amazing job towards transform- later this year and Aleph Residences West Bay, Doha’s upscale business ing the country into a touristic Doha – Curio Collection by Hilton and diplomatic district in the mod- destination and off ering a great in West Bay within the fi rst quarter ern east coast of the city and Doha’s push to the Qatari economy.” of 2020, a statement said, noting contemporary skyline. Charbel Mhanna, Business that “experienced hotelier van Wyk “Aleph Residences are set to be a Development director, Aura relocates from London to spearhead luxurious home-away from home Hospitality & Food Services, the openings”. “Hilton commits to with one international restaurant, added: “We take pride in stat- creating great careers and develop- Daniel van Wyk a trendy top-fl oor bar, top-fl oor ing that just over 18 months of ing the best talent in the company state-of-the-art sporting facilities its launch, SMAT has received a while growing its exceptional hotel various senior roles in four and fi ve- and swimming pool and a coff ee tremendous response from the portfolio,” the statement added. star hotels across the UK. He began lounge,” the statement added. people and such overwhelm- Van Wyk has worked under the his career at the famed Langham Doubletree by Hilton Doha – Al ing response only inspires us to Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand since Hilton in London and later joined Sadd and Aleph Residences Doha strengthen our presence in the 2003 and is a seasoned hotelier, The Waldorf Hilton as operational – Curio Collection by Hilton in market as we are set to open nine having most recently served as clus- support manager before being pro- West Bay are part of Hilton Honors, new restaurants between the end ter general manager of Hilton Lon- moted to director of operations. His the award-winning guest-loyalty of 2019 and beginning of 2020.” don Paddington and Hilton London career has seen him manage modern programme for Hilton’s 17 dis- The group currently owns Euston. He is “performance-driv- city and historic hotels, as well as tinct hotel brands. Members who and manages 37 F&B and en and has a demonstrated track govern multi-million pound refur- book directly have access to instant entertainment outlets. record” in achieving results in com- bishment projects. Van Wyk is also benefi ts, including a fl exible pay- plex environments. Van Wyk is “cus- a Shine programme assessor and ment slider that allows members tomer- and owner-orientated and mentor. to choose nearly any combination has exceptional people management Scheduled to open next month, of points and money to book a stay, skills that ensure success”. Doubletree by Hilton Doha – Al an exclusive member discount, “Doubletree and Aleph Doha Sadd will provide guests with a free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Residences’ teams are looking for- complement of services and ameni- Honors mobile app. ward to two hotel openings in the ties, including 139 guest rooms and DoubleTree by Hilton Doha – Al coming months,” said Etienne suites, fi ve restaurants and bars, fi ve Sadd is located on Mohamed Bin Gailliez, country general manager, meeting rooms, a modern fi tness Al Qasim Street, while Aleph Resi- Doha. centre, an outdoor swimming pool dences Doha – Curio Collection by British-South African Wyk has and a 24-hour business centre. The Hilton is located on Aba Al Hanin over 15 years of Hilton experience in hotel is minutes away from Mirqab Street. A view of SMAT.

QC to launch health, sanitation projects for flood victims in Sudan Qatar Charity (QC) has with quantities of medicines said it is preparing to and medical supplies implement two health and available. Also, nutritious environmental sanitation meals will be provided for projects for thousands of children and infants. flood victims in Sudan with The environmental sanitation funding from Qatar Fund for campaign will include the Development (QFFD). provision of assistance to The campaigns will benefit control the spread of water- more than 178,000 people borne diseases, such as aff ected by the floods at a spraying pesticides, purifying total cost of QR3mn. and sterilising drinking The health campaign will water, purchasing pumps, provide services to those providing hygiene items for aff ected by the floods 4,000 families and giving through six mobile clinics insecticide-impregnated bed equipped with medicines and nets to combat the spread of first aid. It will cover all flood- water-borne diseases. hit areas in Kassala state. QC, with funding from QFFD, The clinics, estimated to cost has recently provided relief QR1mn, aim at contributing and shelter assistance as part to reducing infectious of the Qatari eff orts to alleviate diseases and providing the suff ering of those aff ected primary healthcare services by floods and rains that swept for children and women in vast areas of Sudan, a press the aff ected zones, where statement notes. patients are diagnosed The assistance included medically and off ered free 13,650 food baskets treatment. for 13,650 families and Each mobile clinic will sheltering aid for 4,000 consist of a physician, a families, which included physician assistant and a blankets, tarpaulins, floor health awareness off icer, mats and cooking utensils.

The new projects come after food and shelter assistance distributed recently by QC. Sunday, October 27, 2019 7 QATAR Qatar Charity to launch health and sanitation campaigns for flood victims in Sudan atar Charity (QC) is preparing to implement Qtwo health and environmental sanitation campaigns for thousands of flood victims in Sudan with funding from Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD). The campaigns, which come after food and shelter assistance distributed recently by Qatar Charity, will benefit more than 178,000 people affected by the floods at a total cost of 3 million Qatari riyals. Health Campaign The health campaign will be carried out over a period exceeding two months, providing health patients are diagnosed medically of assistance to control the spread those affected by floods and rains services to those affected by the and offered free treatment. of water-borne diseases, such that swept vast areas of Sudan. as spraying pesticides, purifying The environmental floods through six mobile clinics The health campaign will Each mobile clinic will consist of The assistance included 13,650 and sterilizing drinking water, equipped with medicines and first a physician, a physician assistant sanitation campaign food baskets for 13,650 families, be carried out over a period purchasing pumps, providing aid. It will cover all flood-hit areas and a health awareness officer, with will contribute to and sheltering aids for 4,000 in the Kassala state, benefiting exceeding two months hygiene items for 4,000 families, quantities of medicines and medical families, which included blankets, 18,000 people. and giving insecticide-impregnated controlling the spread through six mobile clinics supplies available. Also, nutritious tarpaulins, floor mats and cooking bed nets to combat the spread of of water-borne utensils. The clinics, which will be carried equipped with medicines meals will be provided for children water-borne diseases. out in coordination with local and first aid. It will cover and infants. diseases, benefiting The relief assistance aimed to authorities at an estimated cost It is worth mentioning that Qatar rescue and support 110,000 flood all flood-hit areas of the 160,000 people in the of one million Qatari riyals, aim at Environmental Charity, with funding from the Qatar victims in Sudan’s White Nile, Kassala state, benefiting Fund for Development (QFFD), has states of Al Jazirah and Al Jazirah, and Kassal states. Of contributing to reducing infectious Sanitation Campaign diseases and providing primary 18,000 people. recently provided relief and shelter Kassala. them, there were 49,500 children, healthcare services for children and The environmental sanitation assistance, as part of the Qatari including 8,000 children under five, in addition to 31,000 women. women in the affected zones, where campaign will include the provision efforts to alleviate the suffering of 1500 students participate in second phase of ‘Asian School Fiesta’ s part of the ongoing ‘Asian which is currently being organized various competitions, and other School Fiesta’ launched by the Qatar Charity Center for phases of the fiesta will be Aby Qatar Charity, 1500 Community Development for held on November 1 and 8 this students from dozens of Asian expatriate Asian communities, year. Nearly 4500 students are schools in Qatar participated in Friends Cultural Center (FCC). expected to participate in the various types of contests held on current fiesta. The contests held on the second the second day of the fiesta to day of the fiesta, which commenced Qatar Charity has been exhibit their talents in a competitive on October 18, 2019, included organizing the Asian school environment and a culturally joining dots, coloring, drawing, Fiesta for students from interactive atmosphere. painting, storytelling, reciting expatriate Asian communities Students, both male and female, poems, and completing a picture. in Qatar since 2009 to provide a belonging to various Asian expatriate platform for students to exhibit It is worth mentioning that on communities in Qatar took part in their hibernating talents and the first day of the fiesta, more the competitions on the second capabilities and recuperate their than 500 students took part in day of the Asian School Fiesta, creative and artistic skills. Gulf Times 8 Sunday, October 27, 2019 QATAR

ANOC World Beach Games ‘a resounding success’: Ooredoo

oredoo, which acted as medal in the hotly contested 4x4 more than 30 experts manned the World Beach Games 2019, support sincere congratulations to Team Offi cial Sponsor for the beach volleyball event. Games areas to ensure “seam- that fi ts perfectly with our corpo- Qatar for winning an honourable Orecently held ANOC In preparation for the Games, lessly reliable voice calling and rate social responsibility strategy. silver medal in the 4x4 beach World Beach Games 2019, yes- as well as in readiness for fu- the fastest network speeds”. As part of the development of our volleyball event.” terday said it considered the ture life-changing 5G use cases, The telecom operator’s teams life-changing 5G network, we have The success of the ANOC event “a resounding success from Ooredoo recently modernised its reported achieving network been rolling out major network World Beach Games comes hot a telecommunications perspec- network at all four Games loca- phone speeds of up to 1.28Gbps upgrades, and this event was also on the heels of similar achieve- tive, thanks to major network tions to ensure that all attendees using its 5G network. the perfect opportunity for us to ments seen at the Amir Cup and enhancements and state-of-the- enjoyed the best possible tele- The modernised network was demonstrate the enormous ben- the IAAF World Athletics Cham- art technology”. communications experience, the able to handle some 800,000 efi ts of these upgrades to our cus- pionships, where Ooredoo’s The ANOC 2019 World Beach company said in a statement. voice calls made by 40,000 cus- tomers. “ground-breaking 5G network Games was held from October Ooredoo’s “ground-breaking tomers across the Games, who “We are rightfully proud of the and state-of-the-art technol- 11to 16 at the Katara beach, Al 5G network and its state-of-the- enjoyed high-quality VoLTE calls superior experience these net- ogy” again meant that fans en- Gharafa, Aspire Zone and Leg- art fi bre”, supported by teams of with record high set-up success work upgrades enabled us to de- joyed a vastly augmented expe- tafi ya Lagoon. qualifi ed, experienced experts rates of greater than 99.5%, the liver; full commercial availability rience of a major sporting event. In preparation for the Games, as A total of 1,237 competitors on the ground, provided event- shortest call set-up times and of our phenomenal 5G network “Several other events in the well as in readiness for future life- from 97 countries across the goers with market-leading tele- less than a 0.2% call drop rate, is quite literally just around the pipeline will give the telecom- changing 5G use cases, Ooredoo world took part in the Games, communications services during the statement noted. corner, and we look forward to munications operator further recently modernised its network which featured 14 disciplines the Games. Yousuf Abdulla al-Kubaisi, chief showing Qatar exactly what an opportunity to show just how at all four Games locations to spread across the four Doha loca- An Ooredoo Operations Cen- operating offi cer at Ooredoo, said: incredible diff erence 5G will life-changing its phenomenal 5G ensure that all attendees enjoyed tions. tre staff ed by 50 telecom experts “We were delighted to act as Offi - make to everyday lives. network will be for Qatar and be- the best possible telecommunica- Yousuf Abdulla al-Kubaisi Team Qatar took the silver acted as a central hub, while cial Sponsor for the recent ANOC “And, of course, we off er our yond,” the statement added. tions experience.

New MG HS model New Mercedes-AMG GT takes mid-size SUV to higher levels emphasises sporty genes uto Class Cars, the au- sports brake disc calipers, elec- thorised distributor of MG tric folding door mirrors, power he new Mercedes-AMG ily. As the fi rst four-door AMG GT Ain Qatar, has launched the tailgate and more. GT 4-Door model, which model, it combines high everyday all-new MG HS in Qatar, which With up to 85% of the interior T“delivers driving experi- comfort with diverse individu- is the “sportiest SUV ever made” covered with leather – available ences in new dimensions and alisation options and the latest by the British-born brand. in Red, Beige and Black, rac- extends the AMG model family”, sports car engineering,” the state- The MG HS and the wide range ing-class integrated MG sports is now available at Nasser Bin ment adds. of MG vehicles are available at bucket seats, paddle-shift, fl at- Khaled (NBK) Automobiles, the The interior of the fi rst four- the MG showroom on Salwa bottom design steering wheel authorised general distributor of door AMG GT model “is charac- Road in Doha. and sports pedal – enhancing the Mercedes-Benz in Qatar. terised by elegant coolness and Sheikh Faleh bin Nawaf sense of sportiness on off er, the The NBK Automobiles Mer- also the latest features”: innova- al-Thani, Operations direc- MG HS doesn’t compromise on cedes-Benz showroom is locat- tive control panels can be intui- tor – Auto at Nasser Bin Khaled quality on the inside. ed on Salwa Road. tively operated and confi gured Group, said: “The new MG HS The MG HS cooler is equipped “The new coupé is the fi rst as required. is the latest addition to our wide with a Dual Zone Climate Con- four-door sports car from Af- Clearly recognisable as a range of cars. Our mission is to trol AC and rear AC vent tested falterbach and draws directly member of the AMG GT fam- supply the Qatar market with for the region, making the cabin on the legendary SLS and AMG ily, the new AMG GT 4-Door more appealing options and temperature pleasant for the GT models of success. As an- Coupé follows the design phi- quality cars at aff ordable prices. driver as well as passengers. other vehicle developed autono- losophy of ‘Sensual Purity’. It We thank our customers for their Powered by a responsive 2.0L mously by Mercedes-AMG, it takes the striking proportions The new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé. trust and interest in us and in the high-effi ciency turbo engine, combines unique design, high with convex surfaces and a mus- MG brand, and will work hard to the MG HS is capable of pro- comfort and outstanding sports cular body and develops them to combined 11.0l/100km, CO2 always meet their expectations.” ducing 231PS and maximum car engineering with an athletic, exciting eff ect for a four-door emissions combined 252-256g/ Hesham al-Sahn, general torque of 360Nm. Available in four-door fastback layout. It, variant of an AMG GT Coupé. km) the V8 unit provides 430kW manager of Auto Class Cars, Front Wheel Drive on the com- thus, off ers more space and more The AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo (585hp) and 800Nm maximum added: “The MG HS is taking the fort trim and an Intelligent All potential uses,” a press state- engine is already used in numer- torque. The sprint from stand- mid-size SUV to higher levels, Wheel Drive (AWD) system on ment notes. ous AMG models. Its output has still to 100km/h lasts just 3.4 surpassing all expectations and the luxury trim, the model pro- Systematic expansion of the been enhanced further for the new seconds, and the top speed is creating a new line. As promised, vides a top speed of 210km/h and AMG GT family with the 4-door Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MAT- 310km/h. Auto Class Cars will be one of combines with a six-speed dual coupé opens up the sports car IC+ (fuel consumption combined The AMG 4.0-litre V8 en- the fi rst dealers in the region to clutch transmission gearbox for segment to those looking for a 11.2l/100km, CO2 emissions com- gine works with the proven launch the latest versions of MG seamless transitions through the vehicle for day-to-day use, but bined 257g/km) and ensures su- biturbocharging, where the two innovations.” gears. are unwilling to go without the perior performance on a par with exhaust-gas turbochargers are “The all-new MG HS is a styl- The MG HS is equipped with “unparalleled performance of a sports car. It delivers 470kW arranged not on the exterior, but ish, capable SUV that embraces Eco, Normal, Comfort and Mercedes-AMG”. (639hp) and a maximum torque between the cylinder banks. The the manufacturer’s ethos of ‘Ex- Sports modes for one’s conven- “Longitudinal and lateral dy- of 900Nm, which is available over advantages of the ‘hot inner V’ plore your senses’. Derived from ient driving style. namics at the highest level, and a wide engine speed range from are in the compact engine design MG’s hugely impressive concept Featuring a 12.3-inch virtual a striking silhouette with classic 2,500-4,500rpm. and the immediate response of A view of the interior. X-Motion, the MG HS sets the instrument panel – the “largest proportions put the Mercedes- The top engine of the new the exhaust-gas turbochargers. adrenaline racing, with its in- in the segment” – the new MG AMG GT 4-Door Coupé in the four-door AMG GT “exudes The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT ensuring optimum acceleration. ance seat with an integral head tuitive arrangement tailored to HS provides access to key per- portfolio of its two-door brother eff ortless superiority in every 9G 9-speed transmission is spe- Meanwhile, the driver and restraint. The four-door AMG provide a truly rewarding drive,” formance data in a contemporary at fi rst glance. The expressive de- engine speed range”. Accelera- cially tuned to the requirements front passenger seats can be GT also off ers diff erent seating a press statement notes. presentation. The instrument sign with the low bonnet, domi- tion from 0 to 100km/h in 3.2 of the eight-cylinder variants of confi gured in diff erent scenari- confi gurations to meet all de- From the iconic MG badge panel interacts with the 10.1- nant front and muscular body seconds clearly illustrates this, the new four-door AMG GT. A os. The selection ranges from the mands for the rear, too. These found in the front with the star inch colour touchscreen that is language emphasises the sporty as does the maximum speed of wet clutch is used here, which sporty, comfortable range from an asymmetrically rider grille, right through to the the hub of activity. genes of the four-door coupé, 315km/h. reduces weight and inertia and seat and a seat with elegant folding rear bench seat for the rear combination tail lights, When it comes to safety, one which sets new standards as the In the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 optimises the response. There diamond quilting to an “ex- family to two variants with two every inch of the new MG HS is can be assured with 5-star C- youngest model in the AMG fam- 4MATIC+ (fuel consumption is also a RACE START function, tremely contoured” perform- individual seats, respectively. “as eye-catching and impres- NCAP safety standards. Also, the sive as can be”. This is a “mus- MG HS is also built with a high- cular and athletic SUV in every tensile grade steel cage body. New package sense of the word, with the slick Safety measures such as side and craftsmanship and impressive curtain airbags, Cruise Control, on Ooredoo tv proportions ensuring that one Engine Start-Stop, Auto Hold, is driving a model that has been Hill-Start Assist Control and QAC launches new Montero Sport SUV Ooredoo has launched a carefully designed and lovingly an Electric Parking Brake, Blind brand-new package on Oore- detailed”, the statement con- Spot Detection,rear parking sen- doo tv, full of entertainment tinues. sors and rear-view camera are all atar Automobiles Com- play audio that make one enjoy favourites from the Asian It comes equipped with two- fi tted. pany (QAC), the author- movies on the high-resolution subcontinent. tone LED headlights – embedded “You can rest assured that the Qised general distributor 6.1-inch display and music from The new Doosra package on with nine crystal LEDs – for ex- new MG HS has you covered with of Mitsubishi Motors in Qatar, the audio player via USB. In addi- Ooredoo tv features a huge ceptional visibility, LED Daytime a six-year/200,000km manu- has introduced the Mitsubishi tion, the special features include range of 50+ live channels, a Running Light and sequential tail facturer’s warranty,” the state- Montero Sport in Qatar. display views from the rear view host of Star channels – includ- lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, red ment adds. “This SUV is even more de- camera and the rear entertain- ing Star Plus, Star Gold, ABP sirable to drive home safe and ment system. News, Asianet, Maa TV and comfortable,” a press statement Using the drive mode selec- Star Bharat, as well as HUM notes. “The design of the Monte- tor dial, one can switch between TV, HUM Sitaray, Geo TV, Geo ro is sporty. Its sophisticated LED 2WD (2H) and 4WD (4H, 4HLc) News, ARY Digital and News, headlamps and daytime running with shift-on-the-fl y conven- a wide range of Zee channels lamps contribute to an appeal- ience at up to 100km/h. When and more, Ooredoo has said ing, high-quality personality. the going gets rough, one can lock in a statement. Dynamic LED rear combination the centre diff erential by enter- The new package is available lamps boldly proclaim this is no ing the 4HLc setting for rugged at an à la carte price of QR120 ordinary SUV.” terrain or the 4LLc setting for in- per month, but existing and The interior “provides premi- clines, mud, sand and snow. new customers who subscribe um comfort, and adventure calls The Montero Sport has a to a Ooredoo One150 Mbps or from the well-appointed cock- The Mitsubishi Montero Sport 3.0-litre V6 MIVEC engine. The above plans will get it for free. pit, which surrounds you with high-displacement V6 engine Manar Khalifa al-Muraikhi, solid craftsmanship, supportive the right and left sides”. When a accelerator pedal is pushed hard supplies strong acceleration even director of PR and Corporate comfort, intelligent features and vehicle is detected, a warning in- or abruptly, or when the driver is when carrying heavy loads or Communications at Ooredoo, a wide-open view”, the statement dicator appears on the door mir- not turning to avoid the obstacle/ travelling up mountain roads. said of the launch: “We know The all-new MG HS. continues. “From refi ned meters ror on that side. vehicle. The 8-speed automatic trans- we have many Ooredoo One to a sophisticated fl oor console, Other features include the For- The body is “extremely sturdy mission guarantees a “smoother, customers who love to keep every feature is fi ne-tuned to en- ward Collision Mitigation System and lightweight due to the gener- more luxurious ride and im- up with entertainment from hance driving pleasure and keep that helps prevent a frontal colli- ous use of high-tensile strength proved fuel effi ciency”, while the back home, so we’re delighted you in confi dent control.” sion or reduce damage if the colli- steel plates that also contribute to sporty paddle shifters “let you to off er this great value new The Montero Sport boasts of sion becomes unavoidable, while a high level of collision safety”. shift gears with a press, without package, which will allow them an array of safety features such as the Ultrasonic Misacceleration The Montero Sport includes removing your hand from the to enjoy familiar favourites.” Adaptive Cruise Control, which Mitigation System helps prevent a variety of comfort features, steering wheel”. Customers can subscribe via a “maintains a selected distance collisions while parking - a buzz- including steering switches, an One can improve traction number of channels. They can between your vehicle and the car er sounds and a warning displays electric parking brake, USB port when driving off road by enter- call 111, respond to a promo- ahead via radar to lend driving if the front or rear sensors detect (for charging) and seatback pock- ing the Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand tional SMS, use the Ooredoo assistance and enhance driving a nearby obstacle. Engine output et, keyless operation key, engine or Rock setting. “Simply press app, subscribe directly via comfort”. It especially reduces is also controlled if one suddenly switch, dual-zone automatic cli- the Off -Road mode selector until Ooredoo tv or visit any of the driver stress during slow traffi c accelerates by accident. mate control air-conditioner, and the appropriate mode appears in Ooredoo shops around town. jams on highways. The engine output control ac- powerful front and rear air fl ow. the multi-information display. The Blind Spot Warning Sys- tivates when driving at very low These features are comple- Engine output, transmission set- tem uses ultrasonic sensors on speeds (not in N or P position), mented by an entertainment tings and braking adjust accord- the rear bumper to “detect vehi- when the obstacle/vehicle is system that encompasses a wide ingly to optimise performance,” cles in your rear blind spots, on within a short distance, when the 2DIN AM/FM, DVD and CD dis- the statement adds. A view of the interior. Gulf Times Sunday, October 27, 2019 9 QATAR CPP aims to connect global Doha Debates spotlight policies to local context

he College of Public very active in ponent as the students will be Policy (CPP) at Hamad this fi eld and working for their capstone project on future of capitalism TBin Khalifa University these poli- in small teams. They will address (HBKU) aims to connect global cies are im- real policy issues related to Qatar panel of experts deliber- policy environment to issues plemented and will be under the supervision ated the future of capi- pertinent to Qatar, stated the in the local of the faculty members,” he said. Atalism at the latest Doha dean of the college. context,” “We are educating the people Debates live event, which un- “We are one of the newest Dr Leslie Pal noted Dr Pal. who are going to contribute to folded in a packed auditorium colleges under HBKU. We want The dean the policy discussions. They are at Northwestern University in to be a policy school that con- explained that the students of going to be capable of policy dis- Qatar. nects the global and local poli- the college are engaged in policy cussion and assessment and im- The discussion led by mod- cies in a fresh way. The focus of analysis, trying to understand proving the capacity to make ef- erator Ghida Fakhry, saw the Qa- the college is to bring the global how policies are defi ned, imple- fective policies. This way, we are tar Foundation production bring policy environment connected mented and evaluated. contributing to the eff orts taken together an international panel to local issues pertinent to Qa- They will also deal with global by HBKU and the Education City of experts including the author, tar,” Dr Leslie Pal, dean, CPP, policy issues and policy analysis. in general for a knowledge econ- journalist, and political com- told Gulf Times recently. “The Master of Public Poli- omy,” added the offi cial. mentator Anand Giridharadas; CPP started from this Fall cy programme focuses on two According to the dean, me- the former president of Mau- Semester with the programme broad areas which are social dia literacy is the way to coun- ritius, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim; Master of Public Policy, teaching policy on topics such as educa- ter disinformation. He also and Jason Hickel, an author and topics related to policy analysis tion, healthcare, family, social added that he was looking at anthropologist at the London and evaluation. protection among others. The some co-operation with the School of Economics. “The Sustainability Develop- other area is policies on energy research institutes and other Hickel, a committed environ- ment Goals were developed glo- and the environment,” described partners in the Educations mentalist, off ered the most radi- bally. But they are implemented the offi cial.“This is a masters City to fi nd ways to counter cal solution to what he considers by individual countries. Qatar is programme with a research com- disinformation. to be the unrestrained growth brought about by capitalism. His proposed solution to what he considers to be the crisis of capitalism is to reduce growth to zero in the industrialised world, Qatar Chamber panel reviews even going so far as to suggest that public spaces be advertising free in order to discourage con- The panellists during the discussion. private health sector issues sumerism. “Economic growth is the single biggest driver to ism is something we should try,” Giridharadas is the author and that ‘people power’ should ecological collapse,” said Hickel. argued Giridharadas. of Winners Take All, which was change the economic ground atar Chamber’s Health Committee re- diversifi cation. She also “Growth requires increasing rules of the world. cently held a meeting to discuss a range of noted that private sec- levels of extraction of our natu- The discussion led by moderator Ghida Fakhry, saw the In the fi rst wave of audience Qtopics related to the private health sector, tor investments in the ral resources. We need to achieve Qatar Foundation production bring together an international voting, his argument won over as well as the challenges facing this sector, it was health sector would help zero carbon emissions in the rich panel of experts including the author, journalist, and political the audience, with 54% agree- announced in a statement yesterday mitigate the burden on countries by 2030.” commentator Anand Giridharadas; the former president of ing with his view, while close to The meeting, presided over by Qatar Chamber governmental health in- “In the court of public opin- Mauritius, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim; and Jason Hickel, an author 25% agreed with Hickel’s argu- board member and committee chairperson Ibti- stitutions. ion, capitalism is on the ropes,” and anthropologist at the London School of Economics ment and the rest siding with haj al-Ahmadani, also focused on the authorities The Qatar Chamber acknowledged Gurib-Fakim. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim. In the concerned for appropriate solutions. offi cial also lauded the Qatar Chamber board “But I have seen the transfor- “What we’ve come to know as released in August and sees him second round of arguments, the During the meeting, committee members support of the state and member Ibtihaj al- mation my country has experi- capitalism isn’t really capital- argue that the philanthropy of tide changed signifi cantly. lauded the Permanent Licensing Committee at the facilities provided Ahmadani. enced. ism. The plutocrats who control the billionaire elite of the world In the second round of au- the Ministry of Public Health for its co-opera- to the sector, citing the “Is it perfect? Hardly. But Af- the economy in the US are ter- is simply whitewashing a lack of dience voting, Hickel’s more tion, and the eff orts made to improve the busi- newly-issued laws that encourage local and for- rica has created the largest free rifi ed of competing in a free and economic governance. Echoing radical solution to the problems ness environment in Qatar’s health sector. eign investors to invest in private hospitals. Al- trade zone since the World Trade fair market. The monopolists in the populist economic populism created by capitalism won the Al-Ahmadani said the private sector plays a Ahmadani said the next committee meeting will Organisation was founded in Silicon Valley aren’t confi dent of US Democratic presidential day, with close to 45% agreeing key role in the development process, noting that focus on discussing a range of topics that con- 1995. Now six of the ten fastest they could succeed in a free mar- contenders Elizabeth Warren with him, while 40% supported the Qatar National Vision 2030 has given the tribute to improving the business environment, growing countries in the world ket. The capitalism they practice and Bernie Sanders, he feels that Giridharadas’ argument in fa- private sector “special importance” as one of including recruitment and facilitation of licens- are in Africa.” “Maybe capital- isn’t capitalism, it’s capture.” wealth should be redistributed vour of wealth redistribution. the pillars of the national strategy for economic ing procedures. Gulf Times 10 Sunday, October 27, 2019 REGION/ARAB WORLD

Russia Erdogan says will clear ‘terrorists’ says US presence from Syria border if Sochi deal fails illegal

AFP Ankara Reuters Moscow resident Recep Tayyip Er- dogan said yesterday that ussia’s defence minis- PTurkey would “clear ter- try yesterday attacked rorists” on its border in north- RUS plans to maintain and ern Syria if Syrian Kurdish mi- boost the American military litia did not withdraw by the presence in eastern Syria as “in- end of a deadline agreed with ternational state banditry” mo- Russia. tivated by a desire to protect oil “If the terrorists are not smugglers and not by real secu- cleared at the end of the 150 rity concerns. hours, we will take control and US Defence Secretary Mark clean it ourselves,” Erdogan said Esper said on Friday Washing- during a speech in Istanbul, re- ton would send armoured vehi- ferring to the YPG militia which cles and troops to the Syrian oil Turkey views as a “terrorist” fields in order to prevent them off shoot of Kurdish PKK insur- from falling into the hands of gents. Islamic State militants. Erdogan and Russian Presi- His comments came after dent Vladimir Putin agreed President Donald Trump earlier a deal in the Black Sea resort this month pulled some 1,000 of Sochi on Tuesday in which US military personnel out of Moscow will “facilitate the re- A Turkey-backed Syrian fighter sits with a machine gun behind northeast Syria, a move that moval” of the fi ghters and their sandbags at a position near the village of Awshariyah overlooking prompted Turkey to launch a weapons from within 30 kilo- the Euphrates river, south of Jarabulus in the northern part of cross-border incursion target- metres of the border. Aleppo province, yesterday. A Russian military vehicle drives along a road near the Syrian northeastern city of Qamishli, yesterday. ing the Kurdish YPG militia, a The deadline ends at 6:00pm former US ally against Islamic local time (1500 GMT) October Workers’ Party (PKK), black- “putting forward a solution”. ment saying they had cleared Speaking at a press confer- the people in Syria don’t have State. 29. listed as a terror group by Tur- Earlier this month, Turkey and the area after 120 hours, but ence in Ankara alongside his time for theoretical debates”. Trump’s decision drew an Despite his threat, Erdogan key and its Western allies. the US reached an agreement unfortunately, they could not German counterpart Heiko “We are told by everyone that angry backlash from Congress, said Turkey had “to a large ex- Erdogan also urged the inter- on the YPG’s withdrawal from a clean the area,” Erdogan said. Maas, Cavusoglu said: “At this this is not a realistic proposal,” including key Republicans who tent” reached its goal in terms national community to support 120-kilometre zone between Tal The Turkish defence minis- point, we don’t fi nd it really re- Maas added. Maas represents saw the pullout as a betrayal of of setting up a “safe zone” to establishing a “safe zone” for Abyad and Ras al-Ain following try earlier yesterday said there alistic.” Earlier this week, Ger- Merkel’s junior, centre-left coa- the Kurds and a move that could protect against attacks from the some of the 3.6mn Syrian refu- Ankara’s operation support- had been “harassment and at- man Defence Minister Annegret lition partners the SPD, while bolster Islamic State. so-called Islamic State (IS) ex- gees in Turkey. “If there is no ing Syrian proxies against the tacks with mortars and sniper Kramp-Karrenbauer suggested Kramp-Karrenbauer is leader In a statement, Russia’s de- tremist group and the Kurdish support for the projects we are Kurdish fi ghters, which began shootings” by the YPG in the a “security zone” could allow of the chancellor’s conservative fence ministry said Washington YPG militia. developing for between one and on October 9. 120-kilometre area during re- international forces, includ- CDU party. had no mandate under interna- Turkey has repeatedly criti- 2mn in the fi rst stage for their The US said this had been connaissance-surveillance and ing European troops, to resume The German government tional or US law to increase its cised US support to the YPG, return, we will have no option completed within fi ve days and clearing activities. the fi ght against IS as well as has been sharply divided over military presence in Syria and who spearheaded the fi ght but to open our doors, and let in return, Ankara agreed to halt Turkish Foreign Minister to “stabilise the region”. Maas Kramp-Karrenbauer’s plan. The said its plan was not motivated against IS under the Syrian them go to Europe,” he warned. its off ensive. Mevlut Cavusoglu earlier yes- also appeared to pour cold wa- commander of Kurdish forces by genuine security concerns in Democratic Forces (SDF) ban- After similar threats were But Erdogan yesterday said terday said a German sugges- ter on Kramp-Karrenbauer’s in Syria has welcomed the plan, the region. ner. accused of being blackmail, the US was unable to “clean the tion for an international force to idea, saying that he and Cavu- as has the US, but so far it has “Therefore Washington’s For Ankara, the YPG is as Erdogan insisted he was “not area” of the YPG. establish a “safe zone” in north- soglu “had no time for issues gained little further traction and current actions — capturing dangerous as the Kurdistan blackmailing anyone” but “They sent us a written state- ern Syria was not realistic. of a theoretical nature because few details are available. and maintaining military con- trol over oil fields in eastern Syria — is, simply put, interna- tional state banditry,” it said. US troops and private secu- Palestinians seek release of Jordanian rity companies in eastern Syria Migrant rescue ship ‘threatened’ are protecting oil smugglers who make more than $30mn a by Libyan militants: NGO month, the statement said. ELECTION AFP coast of Libya, the crew on the grants on board. Yesterday’s Oman to elect Berlin NGO’s Alan Kurdi ship located incident comes a week after their boat and rescued the mi- 104 people were rescued just representatives grants. off the coast of Libya by the to Shura Council German NGO said “While we had already Ocean Viking Ship, run by one of its vessels was been able to recover 10 peo- NGOs SOS Mediterranee and Omani voters in all the governo- A threatened yesterday ple on board, our boat was Doctors Without Borders. rates of the Sultanate will go to the by a boat carrying Libyan mil- surrounded by three speed- The route through Libya polling stations today to choose itants who fired warning shots boats with masked and heav- to reach Europe is a popular their representatives in the Ninth as it rescued 90 migrants in ily armed people aboard,” path for migrants from East Consultative Council, QNA report- the Mediterranean. Isler said. Africa, the Sahel and the ed. The Omani Ministry of Interior “We are in shock: we have The militants fired shots Middle East. confirmed that the electoral com- never been threatened in this into the air and water, where Last month Italy, France, mittees in governorates have com- way!” Sea-Eye spokesman several migrants had fallen Germany and Malta pro- pleted their preparations for the Gorden Isler said, charging in, Sea-Eye said. posed a system for automati- voting day, and that the electoral that European Union coun- The boats with the armed cally distributing asylum centres distributed among the 110 tries were allowing this “bru- men was flying a Libyan flag. seekers across the EU to pre- states are ready to receive voters. tal behaviour”. The NGO said it believed its vent rescue ships from being A total of 72 joint polling stations “We were able to get 90 vessel was not in Libyan wa- stranded at sea for weeks. Palestinians gather during a demonstration calling for the release of Jordanian national Hiba were established, and eight unified people on board, including ters, adding that it was now But so far only a handful of al-Labadi, who is currently in Israeli custody and has been on hunger strike, in Salaheddin street electoral centres were distributed two women,” Isler said. After headed to the Italian island other nations have backed in East Jerusalem, yesterday. in five governorates. receiving a distress call off the of Lampedusa with the mi- the plan. Lebanese protesters take to streets for 10th day

AFP is stronger than the power of Beirut the parties.” Lebanon’s largely sectarian political parties have been wrong-footed by the emonstrators across cross-communal nature of the Lebanon blocked roads mostly peaceful protests. Dand took to the streets Waving Lebanese flags rather yesterday for a 10th consecutive than the partisan colours nor- day, defying what they said were mally paraded at demonstra- attempts by Hezbollah to defuse tions, protesters have been de- their movement and despite ten- manding the resignation of all sions with the army. of Lebanon’s political leaders. The protesters — who have In attempts to calm the an- thronged Lebanese towns and ger, Hariri has pushed through cities since October 17 — are a package of economic reforms, demanding the removal of the while President Michel Aoun entire political class, accusing suggested banking secrecy politicians of all stripes of sys- should be lifted from the ac- tematic corruption. counts of high-ranking offi- Troops clashed with protest- cials. ers who were trying to block a In recent days, loyalists of main road in the Beddawi area Hezbollah and the Free Patri- near the northern port city of otic Movement have mobi- Tripoli yesterday, according to lised counter-demonstrations the state-run National News A Lebanese protester holds a placard during an anti-government across the country, sparking Agency. Lebanese lawyers march during an anti-government demonstration in the capital Beirut’s downtown demonstration in the area of Jal el-Dib in the northern outskirts of scuffles with demonstrators At least six civilians were district, yesterday. Beirut, yesterday. and journalists. wounded, NNA said. The Hezbollah is a member The army said fi ve soldiers and the incident, which has come to “chaos and collapse” of the a divergence in opinion,” he said. deployed across the country to removing a dirt berm blocking a of Lebanon’s ruling coalition several civilians were wounded amid what have otherwise been economy. “The main thing I disagree open key routes. The measure seaside road. and represented in govern- when it intervened to stop a fi ght largely peaceful protests. Hassan Nasrallah’s statement with is his belief that if the gov- came after Lebanon’s top secu- In central Beirut, they sat ment, and it is the only move- between area residents and peo- Demonstrators’ numbers have sowed divisions among Hezbol- ernment or parliament falls then rity agencies launched an army- cross-legged on a key artery that ment not to have disarmed af- ple blocking the road with their declined since October 20, when lah supporters, some of whom we would have no alternative,” led “plan” yesterday to clear connects the capital to its sub- ter the country’s 15-year civil cars. hundreds of thousands took over were still protesting yesterday. he added. road blocks. urbs and surrounding regions. war. Troops were ultimately Beirut and other cities in the Hassan Koteiche, 27, from a “That is not true. We have al- An army spokesman said that Demonstrators who had slept Hundreds of its supporters “forced” to fi re live and rubber largest demonstrations in years. Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut, ternatives. We have noble and security forces would negotiate in tents near Martyrs Square said gathered in the group’s strong- bullets into the air when clashes The chief of the powerful said he agreed with most of Nas- uncorrupt people,” who can gov- with protesters, without resort- they were still defi ant. holds in Beirut’s southern sub- intensifi ed, the military said in a movement Hezbollah on Friday rallah’s “excellent” speech, but ern. ing to violence. “We will stay on the streets,” urbs and the southern cities of statement. called on his supporters to leave had some reservations. Main roads remained closed Northeast of Beirut, dozens of said Rabih al-Zein, a 34-year- Nabatiyeh and Tyre after Nasral- Prime Minister Saad Hariri the streets, warning that any “This does not mean we are across the country yesterday. demonstrators formed a human old from Tyre in southern Leb- lah’s speech, brandishing called for an investigation into cabinet resignation would lead against his discourse but there is Security forces said they have chain to prevent the army from anon. “The power of the people party fl ags. Gulf Times Sunday, October 27, 2019 11 AFRICA

RELIEF POLITICS NEW DIRECTION UN APPEAL DIPLOMACY Six kidnapped Nigerian Protester killed as police Botswana’s new president $90mn sought for Zambia US sanctions Zimbabwe schoolgirls freed unhurt block Guinea Bissau rally vows to reform economy after seasonal rains fail minister over crackdown

Six Nigerian schoolgirls and two staff members Police in Guinea-Bissau yesterday blocked opposition Botswana’s newly-elected President Mokgweetsi The United Nations and its partners are seeking The United States said on Friday that it would have been released unhurt three weeks after supporters from holding a demonstration calling Masisi yesterday vowed to make the economy $90mn to provide urgent humanitarian assistance refuse entry to Zimbabwe’s security minister as it they were kidnapped from their dormitories for a delay to next month’s presidential election, his top priority in the diamond-rich country and support early recovery for 2.3mn victims of voiced alarm over the government’s crackdown in northern Kaduna state, regional authorities with one protester killed and several injured. Police which is struggling with income inequality, high a season of low rainfall in southern Zambia. In a on protests and the opposition. The State said yesterday. Armed assailants seized the used batons and tear gas to keep protest organisers unemployment and a high rate of HIV. “The statement, the United Nations said the scarcity of Department said it would deny a visa to Owen six students, school vice principal and matron from the Party for Social Renovation (PRS) inside the overriding intention is to re-steer this economy in rainfall had severely aff ected food production in Ncube, the minister of public security, under in a dawn raid on their mixed boarding school party’s headquarters, as thousands converged on another direction,” Masisi said without giving much Zambia, where maize production, the staple food of a sanctions law that targets “gross violations on October 3. “The students and staff of the the area. The opposition wants the vote postponed detail in his first media address since winning the the population, had dropped by almost 16%, noting of human rights.” “We are deeply troubled by Engravers College who were abducted have in order to allow an overhaul of the electoral register closely-fought vote on Friday. He won the election a significant increase in severe acute malnutrition the Zimbabwean government’s use of state- regained their freedom today,” Samuel Aruwan, to limit potential voter fraud. Demba Balde, 48, was after the ruling Botswana Democratic Party, levels, especially in children. After the harshest sanctioned violence against peaceful protesters Kaduna state internal security and home aff airs in the PRS off ices when “a cordon of police armed which has ruled since independence from Britain, rainy season since 1981, more than 2.4mn people and civil society, as well as against labour leaders commissioner said in a short statement. Aruwan with clubs and grenade launchers prevented us from secured more than 51% of parliamentary votes. But out of a total population of 17mn are expected to be and members of the opposition leaders in did not say how the kidnapped students had going out to join our friends in the street,” the victim’s the main opposition has protested the outcome, severely food insecure during the drought season Zimbabwe,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said been released or if a ransom had been paid. brother Alimo Balde told AFP. saying the ballot was “massively rigged.” from October to March 2020, the UN said. in a statement.

Grave site of Kenya Ethiopia protest violence anti-colonial rebel hero found: family

AFP was ‘ethnically tinged’ Nairobi

Reuters he family of a guerilla leader executed more than 60 Addis Ababa years ago during Kenya’s anti-colonial rebellion said Tyesterday his grave site had been discovered, despite strong denials from the government. uch of the fi ghting seen Dedan Kimathi, a top insurgent in the Mau Mau uprising during protests in Ethio- that spurred Kenya towards independence from British rule, Mpia last week was ethni- was hanged in 1957 at Nairobi’s Kamiti Maximum Prison cally tinged, eyewitnesses said and buried in an unmarked grave. yesterday, describing attacks by His family, who have been trying to locate his remains young men from the Oromo ethnic for years, issued a statement through their foundation an- group against people from other nouncing they had pinpointed his grave site and were seek- ethnic groups. ing to exhume his remains. There were clashes in several “It is with great joy we would like to announce that...the cities in Oromiya, Ethiopia’s most gravesite of liberation hero Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi populous province, underscor- Waciuri has fi nally been identifi ed!” read the statement ing the spectre of ethnic violence from the Dedan Kimathi Foundation, a non-profi t set up by that the United Nations says has his family. already internally displaced more The interior ministry, however, denied the grave had been than 2mn people. found. After activist Jawar Mohamed In a brief statement on Twitter, the ministry said the re- said police had ringed his home ports were “false and misleading”, without elaborating. in Addis Ababa and tried to with- But Kimathi’s daughter Evelyn Wanjugu Kimathi stood draw his government security de- by the statement. tail, his supporters quickly took “It is a true statement. The family is the one who released to the streets on Wednesday and the statement. It is not the government,” she told AFP when Thursday to protest against his reached by phone yesterday. treatment. The ministry was “surprised” because they were not Crowds of young men from aware or involved in the family’s activities in trying to fi nd his Oromo ethnic group quickly the grave, she added. turned their anger against Prime “We, the family, are the ones that went to Kamiti Maxi- Minister Abiy Ahmed, also an mum Prison, and were able to fi nd the place he was buried Oromo, saying that he had be- in an unidentifi ed grave.” trayed them by mistreating Jawar. A video posted on the foundation’s Twitter page showed Abiy won the Nobel peace prize supporters singing and dancing around Kimathi’s 90-year- this month for making peace with old widow, who has long urged Kenya’s government to help Ethiopia’s longtime foe Eritrea. fi nd her husband’s remains. Jawar had spearheaded protests Her daughter said the family had been celebrating. that propelled Abiy to power last “They are very happy. Others are crying,”, Kimathi said. year. A photo taken on Thursday of Jawar Mohamed walking with his supporters outside his home in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. She said they had asked the chief justice of the Supreme But the young men also lashed Court for permission to exhume his remains from beneath out against people from other tempting to burn a mosque and an term meaning “bachelor” adopted Priest Firesebhat Getachew, “This was just the trigger,” the prison, and were ready “to work hand in hand with the ethnic groups, three eyewitnesses orthodox church in the city of Ad- by politically active young men. head of an Orthodox church in Fisseha Tekle, Ethiopia researcher government”. said. ama in Oromiya, the city’s mayor The witness said he also heard Dodola, said eight people killed at Amnesty International, said of AFP made repeated attempts to contact the interior min- Oromiya’s top police offi cial said in an interview on a state-run them speaking the Oromo lan- this week had been buried at his the protests that led to violence. istry for comment. said: “There was a hidden agenda broadcaster. guage. church and 3,000 more were shel- “There was something brew- The Mau Mau rebellion was a key step towards independ- to divert the whole protest into an He said the suspects took ad- The man said the group took to tering inside its compound. ing under the surface. If the gov- ence but it also provoked bitter divisions between those who ethnic and religious confl ict. vantage of peaceful protests to the streets suddenly on Wednes- “The attackers targeted Ortho- ernment doesn’t tackle the basic backed the fi ghters and those who served colonial forces. “There were attempts to burn spark ethnic and religious confl ict. day morning, when people were dox Christians,” he said by phone, problem among the communities, The group remained outlawed until 2003. churches and mosques,” Oromiya A 69-year-old man in Dodola, on their way to work. adding that the victims were from this may erupt again.” The guerrillas, mainly drawn from the Kikuyu people, regional police commissioner Ke- a town about 300km south of the “I saw the corpses of seven peo- the Oromo, Amhara, and Sidama In Alem Gena on the outskirts terrorised colonial communities with attacks from bases in fyalew Tefera told Reuters. capital in the Oromiya region, said ple who were killed by the youths,” ethnic groups. of the capital, a woman watched remote forests, challenging white settlers for valuable land. Tefera had said late on Friday he saw young men carrying sticks he said. The violence along ethnic and from inside the gate to her home as At least 10,000 Kenyans died in the struggle between that 67 people had been killed in and metal rods in a part of town “They all were beaten to death religious lines is one of the biggest young men speaking Oromo de- 1952 and 1960 — some historians say more than double that. the region in two days of protests. where people from the Amharic using sticks, metal rods and ma- challenges yet for Abiy in Ethio- stroyed signs written in Amharic. Thousands suff ered horrifi c torture including sexual The majority of the deaths came ethnic group are known to live, at- chetes. I managed to save my life pia, Africa’s second-most popu- “A young man standing on the mutilation, and tens of thousands more were detained in from fi ghting between civilians, he tacking and setting fi re to houses. by hiding here and there.” lous nation. side of the road asked them why shockingly harsh detention camps, including former US said. He said the young men shouted The Dodola hospital has treated As the country approaches they were doing this. Then they president Barack Obama’s grandfather. Police have arrested 150 people “Qeerroo can do this....and that” 56 people since violence began, elections in 2020, the sweeping started to attack him with a stick,” The capture of Kimathi in October 1956, and his execu- in Oromiya region so far in con- in the Amharic language as they nearly 35 of them appearing to political freedoms he has overseen she said. tion by hanging a year later, was a signifi cant blow to the nection with the violence. rampaged through his neighbour- have been beaten with sticks and have empowered ethnic strong- Reuters could not verify in all movement. Sixty-eight people were arrest- hood. Supporters of Jawar call machetes, the rest with gunshot men building powerbases by chal- circumstances who was responsi- The insurgency over, Kenya won self-rule in 1963, and full ed on suspicion of robbing and at- themselves “Qeerroo”, an Oromo wounds, an offi cial there said. lenging the government. ble for starting the violence. independence the following year. Border closure has mixed impact for Nigeria’s economy

By Sophie Bouillon, AFP make the fuel half as cheap as in tling port of Lagos benefi ting But if the border closure is a Lagos its neighbours, and resold. most as imports rise through of- boost for domestic growers, it Rice, on the other hand, was fi cial channels. has led to price increases for con- being brought into Nigeria, As for rice, the country’s agri- sumers. wo months ago, Nigeria where consumers favour import- culture lobby is loudly support- The price of a 50kg bag has slapped restrictions on ed Asian-grown varieties over ing the border closure. more than doubled to 20,000 Tcross-border trade with its the locally-grown competitor, Ade Adefeko, a senior execu- naira, roughly the entire monthly neighbours, but there are mixed from Benin via its port in Cot- tive in charge of corporate rela- income of a Nigerian living in ex- signals as to whether the con- onou. tions with the food giant Olam, treme poverty — of whom there troversial move is benefi ting the The most visible winner from said investment in Nigerian ag- are an estimated 87mn in the country. the closure is the Nigerian treas- riculture was being hamstrung country. On August 19, President Mu- ury, which has benefi ted from the by the rice traffi cking, which is Traders in Lagos Island, a vast hammadu Buhari dramatically falling cost of petrol subsidies estimated to reach 2mn tonnes a market of made in China textiles closed Nigeria’s land frontiers to and from a rise in customs re- year. and gadgets, say the closure of goods traded with Benin, Cam- ceipts. Olam has the biggest rice- the borders had crimped supplies eroon, Chad and Niger, saying its “Nigeria, to its detriment, may growing business in Nigeria, via Benin’s Cotonou. economy needed to be protected have inadvertently subsidised owning 13,000 hectares of cul- “Lagos port is too slow and you from rampant smuggling. (fuel) supply to a few West Af- tivable land of which only 4,500 have to pay too many bribes to get The move has met with howls rican countries for more than 12 hectares are being used because your goods out,” said a swimsuit of pain in Benin especially, and years,” the Nigerian consultancy the sector is “not profi table” in hawker. “I have to cut down my cast a shadow over a newly- Cardinal Stone said in a report the face of competition from margin by half.” minted agreement to scrap re- this month. Asian rice, he said. The annual infl ation rate has strictions on trade among Afri- Sales of gasoline in Nigeria fell But “since the border closure, edged up to 11.24% in September, can economies. by 12.7% after the border closure, locally-milled rice has started while food infl ation ran at 13.51%. But has it been benefi cial for which indicates that millions of selling, and the entire rice value A similar complaint is heard Nigeria, as the government has subsidised litres are being secret- chain has been positively im- among people in Nigeria’s in- sought? ly taken abroad for resale, it said. pacted by the closure,” Adefeko dustrial sector, which is already Evidence seen by AFP suggests The reduction in consumption, said. struggling with the country’s no- A truck carries goods and passengers on the national road in south-central Niger, near the Nigerian that any benefi ts are at the macro if sustained, could lead to subsidy He called for the border clo- toriously poor transport system border, earlier this month. level — and the country’s many savings of around 13.5bn naira sure to be maintained “until the and electricity shortages. poor are likely to be among the ($37mn) monthly and 162.1bn end of the year, and see how it Trade with neighbours is es- import and export of manufac- sold to other countries in West we need industries to create jobs losers. naira annually, it estimated. goes on a longer term.” sential, they say. tured goods. Africa, with many of these items, in this country,” said Muda Yu- The two main commodities Earlier this month, Nigeria’s Customs chief Ali had told re- “The intention of stopping “As usual in Nigeria, it’s all such as pasta and cosmetics, ex- suf, director of the Chamber of being smuggled were petrol and customs chief, Hameed Ali, said porters last week there was no smuggling is praiseworthy but down to a question of strength — ported through informal routes, Commerce in Lagos. “Some peo- rice. customs receipts had reached a “time limit...it will continue as the point is that measures have you crush fi rst and talk later.” mainly through small sellers who ple can celebrate but while they Petrol was being sneaked out record level, of 5bn naira daily, long as we can get the desired re- an impact on us,” said a foreign Between 10% and 20% of Ni- travel around the region. put their money to the bank, the from Nigeria, where subsidies since the closure, with the bus- sults.” investor who specialises in the gerian manufactured goods are “We need direct investments, rest of the people are suff ering.” Gulf Times 12 Sunday, October 27, 2019 AMERICAS

COOK-ED CRIME AIMING HIGH JUSTICE DONE DEAL Trump takes swipe at Apple Canada cop attacker guilty Nasa to deploy rover to Huff man freed after serving UAW members ratify GM over iPhone home button of attempted murder map water ice on moon 11 days of her sentence contract, ending strike

President Donald Trump on Friday took a swipe A Somali immigrant who ran down a Canadian Nasa administrator Jim Bridenstine said on Actress Felicity Huff man was released on Friday General Motors hourly workers ratified a new at Apple chief Tim Cook with a Tweet lamenting police off icer with a truck and then stabbed Friday that the US space agency plans to send from federal prison after serving most of a 14-day contract with the auto giant on Friday, ending the removal of the iPhone home button. “To him repeatedly was found guilty on Friday of a rover to sample water ice at the Moon’s south sentence for paying to rig her daughter’s university the longest automotive strike in the US in nearly Tim: The Button on the IPhone was FAR better attempted murder, the Crown prosecutor’s pole for the first time ever. Speaking on the entrance exam as part of the wide-ranging college 50 years. The package includes an $11,000 than the Swipe!” he tweeted on Friday. Trump off ice said. Abdulahi Hasan Sharif, 32, had denied final day of the International Astronautical admissions scandal. Huff man, 56, was released ratification bonus, wage increases and no switched from an Android mobile to an iPhone the charges in connection with the incident in Congress in Washington, Bridenstine said the from the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, additional healthcare costs, said statements from in March 2017, the same year Apple dropped Edmonton, Alberta, on September 30, 2017, when mobile robot named VIPER is set to touch down California, a low-security facility in Alameda County, GM and the United Auto Workers, touting the the physical home button from its top models. authorities say he attacked the off icer then struck on the lunar surface in 2022. “VIPER is going said Sally Swartz, a spokeswoman for the prison. agreement as a compromise that worked for both It is not the first time Trump has cast a critical four pedestrians while trying to flee in a U-Haul to rove on the south pole of the Moon and Her sentence was to run only 13 days because of sides after diff icult negotiations. The vote clears eye over the tech giant’s design choices. “I truck. He is due to be sentenced on 11 off ences on VIPER is going to assess where the water ice time she spent in federal custody after her arrest in the way for nearly 50,000 workers to return cannot believe that Apple didn’t come out with a December 12-13. All his victims suff ered broken is,” Bridenstine said. Nasa hopes the findings March, meaning that she was slated to be released to work after a 40-day strike that eff ectively larger screen IPhone. Samsung is stealing their bones and head injuries, while the policeman — on how much water there is for humans to use today. It’s typical for inmates who are scheduled to shut down GM’s US manufacturing operation. business. STEVE JOBS IS SPINNING IN GRAVE,” Constable Mike Chernyk — was also stabbed in will help in planning a long-term sustainable be released on a weekend or a holiday to instead be While the union pressed hard for job security he had tweeted in September 2013. the chest and neck, authorities said. presence on the Moon. released on the preceding weekday, Swartz said. commitments, GM sought to contain costs.

Democrats get on stage at S Carolina House impeachment criminal justice reform forum

By Trevor Hunnicutt, Reuters testimony resumes Columbia, South Carolina Federal court decision buoys Democrats ine Democrats vying to be their party’s presiden- tial candidate in 2020 will take part in a criminal Njustice forum in South Carolina this weekend, Reuters down from 10 after Senator Kamala Harris dropped out Washington to protest an award given to President Donald Trump at the event on Friday. The forum at the historically-black Benedict College emocratic-led impeach- in Columbia is an important showcase for Democrats ment inquiry against Presi- ahead of South Carolina’s February 29 primary, the par- Ddent Donald Trump re- ty’s fourth state nominating contest. sumed yesterday with testimony Six in 10 Democratic voters in the state are black. from a senior State Department Sponsored by the 20/20 Bipartisan Justice Center, the offi cial, a day after a federal judge forum is aimed at reforming the criminal justice system buoyed the probe by dismissing after Trump last year signed bipartisan legislation that Republican claims that it was ille- instituted a number of changes, including easing harsh gitimate. minimum sentences for nonviolent drug off enders. Philip Reeker, the acting assist- Former vice president Joe Biden, Senators Elizabeth ant secretary of state for European Warren and Bernie Sanders, and six other Democrat- and Eurasian aff airs, met House of ic contenders are presenting their own plans over the Representatives Foreign Aff airs, weekend. Intelligence and Oversight com- Trump hopes his support for a sweeping criminal jus- mittees behind closed doors at the tice reform law will help him pick up votes among Af- US Capitol. rican Americans next year after only winning 8% of the Lawmakers and staff held the black vote in 2016. “I hope you will judge my administra- fi rst weekend deposition of the tion based on the tremendous amount we have achieved,” investigation, after Reeker’s testi- Trump said in his keynote speech on Friday. mony was postponed due to me- Trump easily won South Carolina, where Republican morial events this week for the late voters outnumber Democrats 2-to-1, in 2016. Representative Elijah Cummings, Harris, a former district attorney and state attorney who had played a lead role in the general in California, cancelled her appearance after inquiry as chairman of the Over- Trump received the Bipartisan Justice Award when he sight Committee. made his speech. She also expressed frustration that Democrats claimed victory af- only 10 students from the school were given tickets to the ter a federal district court judge on event, with more than half of the 300 seats reserved for Friday rejected a claim by Trump guests of his administration, a fi gure that was reported and his Republican allies that the by McClatchy DC. process was illegitimate because In a statement issued by her campaign, Harris accused the full House had not voted to au- Trump of “decades of celebrating mass incarceration, thorise it. pushing the death penalty for innocent Black Americans, The judge ordered the Trump rolling back police accountability measures and racist administration to give the House Philip Reeker, US acting assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian Aff airs, arrives to testify in an impeachment inquiry against President behaviour that puts people’s lives at risk.” Judiciary Committee secret mate- Donald Trump, in Washington yesterday. “Donald Trump is a lawless president,” she said. “Not only rial from former special counsel does he circumvent the laws of our country and the princi- Robert Mueller’s investigation into ing ignored historical precedents lomat in Ukraine, had testifi ed on are expected to explore with Reek- For tomorrow, they have called ples of our Constitution, but there is nothing in his career Russian meddling in the 2016 US set by past impeachment inquiries Tuesday that Trump made the aid er is Trump’s abrupt dismissal of Charles Kupperman, a former that is about justice, for justice, or in celebration of justice.” election. and that he looked forward to “an contingent on Zelenskiy announc- Marie Yovanovitch in May as am- deputy national security adviser to She said she would instead host students and the local The White House, citing the lack expeditious appeal.” ing he would investigate the Bidens bassador to Ukraine. Trump, and on Tuesday, lawmak- community at a separate event in Columbia. of an authorising vote, had claimed At the heart of the inquiry is a and a debunked conspiracy theory According to emails given to ers expect Alexander Vindman, Trump shot back on Twitter yesterday that Harris is a the inquiry was “constitutionally July 25 phone call in which Trump that Ukraine, not Russia, had med- congressional committees this the White House National Security “badly failing presidential candidate” and said low un- invalid” and defi ed numerous con- asked Ukrainian President Volo- dled in the 2016 US presidential month, Reeker sought to intervene Council’s top expert on Ukraine. employment and new criminal justice reforms achieved gressional subpoenas for docu- dymyr Zelenskiy to investigate election. when Trump supporters accused Kathryn Wheelbarger, acting during his administration are “more than Kamala will ments and testimony. former Vice President Joe Biden, a US election law prohibits candi- Yovanovitch of being disloyal to assistant secretary of defence for EVER be able to do for African Americans!” “The American people had an- leading Democratic contender to dates from accepting foreign help the president. international security, is sched- Many policymakers say the US criminal justice sys- other victory yesterday in the face Trump in the 2020 election, in an election. Another diplomat involved in uled to appear on Wednesday, and tem is harshly punitive, locks up too many people and is court decision validating not only and his son Hunter, who had been Trump denies wrongdoing. those communications, George Tim Morrison, a top White House stacked against the poor and disadvantaged, as well as the impeachment inquiry but the a director of a Ukrainian energy And, backed by his fellow Re- Kent, testifi ed last week that he adviser on Russia and Europe, is against African-Americans and Latinos. imperative that the administration company. publicans in Congress, he insists was told to “lie low” on Ukraine scheduled for Thursday. Some Democrats are proposing ending the death pen- stop stonewalling,” House Intelli- The Trump administration was he is being treated unfairly. and instead defer to three of Kupperman had on Friday fi led alty and eliminating sentencing disparities for off ences gence Committee Chairman Adam withholding $391mn in security Reeker, a career diplomat whose Trump’s political appointees. a lawsuit asking a federal court to involving drugs, which have disproportionately aff ected Schiff , who is leading the inquiry, assistance for Ukraine at the time, portfolio includes Ukraine, is the Yovanovitch has also testifi ed, determine whether he can testify. black people. told Reuters. and investigators are looking into latest on a growing list of current accusing the Trump administra- His lawyer said the judi- Bolstered by the eight years he served as No 2 to Barack But top Republicans have re- whether Trump improperly tied and former offi cials who have met tion of recalling her based on false cial branch needs to weigh in on Obama, the fi rst black US president, Biden has deep con- mained defi ant. the release of the aid to getting with investigators despite the ad- claims. whether the president can block nections with black politicians and clergy. Representative Doug Collins, Ukraine’s help in probing the Bi- ministration’s argument that the The committees have scheduled Kupperman and other White The state may end up being crucial for him as a last line the top Republican on the House dens. inquiry is invalid. several depositions for next week, House offi cials from complying of defence if he continues to lose ground to rivals in Iowa Judiciary Committee, said the rul- William Taylor, the top US dip- Among issues the committees all behind closed doors. with congressional subpoenas. and New Hampshire. Millions face power cuts as California fi res spread

By Jocelyne Zablit, AFP amount of time that these winds old Tina Tavares, who was of California for too long.” Los Angeles are going to remain.” evacuated from her Geyserville He said it was “infuriating be- Hot, intense winds were fore- home, told the San Francisco yond words” that a state such as cast to pick up later yesterday and Chronicle. California had to endure black- alifornian offi cials yes- last into tomorrow. The state’s “It’s like you’re in a bad earth- outs. terday warned that “his- largest utility, Pacifi c Gas & Elec- quake, the ground is opening “It’s about dog-eat-dog capi- Ctoric and extreme” wind tric Co, said it expected to cut off up...and you’re seeing it and talism meeting climate change,” conditions were set to fan rag- power to 850,000 customers — a don’t know what to do.” he said, referring to PG&E. “It’s a ing wildfi res in the north of the precautionary shutdown that lo- PG&E has come under fierce story about greed, and they need state as millions of residents face cal media say would aff ect about scrutiny after it reported that to be held accountable.” power cuts. 2mn people. even though power had al- Further south in California, Governor Gavin Newsom de- “The weather event could be ready been shut down to nearly tens of thousands of residents clared a state of emergency as the the most powerful in California 28,000 customers in Sonoma near Santa Clarita, just north so-called Kincade Fire spread to in decades,” PG&E said, with dry County this week, some high- of Los Angeles, evacuated their 23,700 acres after breaking out northeast winds forecast to gust voltage transmission lines were homes this week as the so-called on Wednesday in the Sonoma up to 112kph. still operating when the fire Tick Fire scorched over 4,000 wine region. “PG&E will need to turn off broke out. acres. The blaze, which is burning power for safety several hours The same type of lines was re- The blaze forced the shutdown in remote steep terrain, has de- before the potentially damaging sponsible for California’s dead- of all schools in the area as well as stroyed about 50 structures and winds arrive,” it added. liest wildfi re ever — last year’s a major freeway, creating traffi c forced the evacuation of the small “Winds of this magnitude Camp Fire, which killed 86 peo- chaos for commuters. community of Geyserville and of pose a higher risk of damage and ple. Some 1,325 fi refi ghters backed nearby vineyard operations. sparks on the electric system and PG&E, which fi led for bank- by air tankers and helicop- “This is defi nitely an event rapid wildfi re spread.” ruptcy protection earlier this ters battled the fl ames close to People evacuate a house as a fire rages in a distance in Santa Clarita, California, in this still image taken that we’re calling historic and ex- About 1,300 fi refi ghters bat- year, has been blamed for several densely packed communities, from a doorbell camera footage obtained from social media. treme,” David King, meteorolo- tled the Kincade Fire, which is other fi res in the state in recent with 10,000 structures at threat, gist for the US National Weather only fi ve % contained, according years. offi cials said. Wildfi res also erupted over Friday that three people had protection, Antonio Rosquillas, Service, told yesterday’s Los An- to the California Department of Governor Newsom hit out at Six homes were destroyed, the border in Mexico’s Baja Cali- been killed and over 150 homes said that the municipality of Te- geles Times. “What’s making this Forestry and Protection. the company on Friday, saying it though the number was expected fornia state, where local civil destroyed. cate, bordering the United States, event really substantial...is the “I can’t explain it,” 70-year- had put “profi ts over the people to rise. protection authorities said on The state’s director of civil was worst hit. Gulf Times Sunday, October 27, 2019 13 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA Australia to Hong Kong medical settle more workers join protests immigrants Reuters/AFP jured, I have to provide fi rst aid.” Hong Kong Police deny accusations of brutality, saying they have shown utmost restraint in life- outside undreds of Hong Kong threatening situations and is- medical workers and sue warnings to protesters with Hother anti-government colour-coded signs before they protesters rallied in the Chi- respond with tear gas or baton nese-ruled city’s fi nancial cen- charges. major cities tre yesterday, angry at perceived Protesters are angry about police brutality during more what they see as creeping Chi- Reuters or OECD. than four months of sometimes nese interference in Hong Melbourne Australia, a highly urban- violent unrest. Kong, a former British colony ised country with one of the Pro-democracy activists that returned to Chinese rule in highest population growth have attacked police with petrol 1997 under a “one country, two he Australian govern- rates in the OECD, has about bombs and rocks and shone la- systems” formula intended to ment said yesterday it is two-thirds of its population sers in their eyes. One offi cer was guarantee freedoms that are not Tincreasing the number living in the capitals of states slashed in the neck with a knife. enjoyed on the mainland. of visas for skilled work- and territories, according to Police have responded with China denies meddling. It has ers willing to migrate to the the 2016 government census tear gas, water cannon, rub- accused foreign governments, country’s regions in a bid to data. ber bullets and occasional live including the United States and ease pressure on major cities, Between 2017 and 2018 the rounds, wounding several pro- Britain, of inciting the unrest. where populations are grow- number of people living in testers, many of whom received The demonstrators gathered ing twice as fast as elsewhere. those cities increased at twice treatment from volunteer fi rst peacefully yesterday, occa- The government will in- the rate the number of people aiders at the roadside. sionally chanting “Hong Kong crease the intake under its re- living outside them, recent A 26-year-old nurse, who gave people, resist”. gional migration programme government data show. Capi- his name only as Stephen, said A Hong Kong court has to 25,000 from 23,000, ac- tal city growth accounted for police would often come into the banned people from publish- People take part in a rally of healthcare professionals in Hong Kong’s Central district yesterday. cording to a statement issued 79% of Australia’s total popu- hospital where he works on the ing a wide range of personal by Prime Minister Scott Mor- lation growth. Kowloon peninsula and stand details about police offi cers and Friday asking for an injunction terfering” with any police offi cer “It would certainly capture the rison’s offi ce. “We’re using our migration outside the wards or search for their families, including pho- forbidding people from publish- or family member. chants and name-calling that the That does not mean, how- programme to back our re- protesters in the accident and tos, in a bid to halt “doxxing” by ing a slew of personal informa- Antony Dapiran, a lawyer police have long wanted to have leg- ever, that Australia will be tak- gions to grow to take the pop- emergency department. pro-democracy protesters. tion including key details such as who has written a book about islative protection from,” she said. ing more immigrants. ulation pressure off our major “Sometimes they bring their The temporary injunction, names, addresses, dates of birth the city’s protest movement, Earlier this month the city’s Morrison’s conservative capital cities and by support- guns and weapons. The patients uploaded on government web- and identity card numbers. described the ban as a “very pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam government cut the annual ing strong regions we’re creat- may be scared. This is not good sites overnight, was criticised But they also sought a ban on alarming development”. used a colonial-era emergen- immigration intake to 160,000 ing an even stronger economy practice,” he said. “The protest- by some yesterday for its broad publishing details about a police “(It’s a) serious restriction on cy law to ban protesters from people as of July 1, versus for Australia,” Morrison said. ers have injuries. This search- wording and for further shield- offi cer’s Facebook and Instagram freedom of expression and ef- wearing face masks. 190,000 before. The 25,000 Migrants willing to live ing must be done after they are ing the identity of offi cers as IDs, their car number plates and fectively criminalises a whole But the ordinance was widely visas for those willing to live in locations outside of Mel- healed.” they clash with protesters. any photograph of an offi cer or range of perfectly lawful acts fl outed by protesters incensed in smaller cities and regions bourne, Sydney and Brisbane He said he worked as a fi rst The police force says many their family without consent. which will now be punishable as that police are still allowed to are part of the annual migra- will have access to priority aider at protest sites in his spare of its offi cers have had personal The court granted the injunc- contempt of court,” he wrote on cover their faces. tion cap. processing and international time. details leaked online – known tion for 14 days pending a longer Twitter. Police counter that they are Nearly a third of Australia’s university graduates who live “I didn’t tell any of my super- as “doxxing” – and family legal hearing. Sharron Fast, a media law ex- facing unprecedented levels resident population were born in these locations will be eli- visors – only some colleagues members harassed as a result. The injunction also bans “in- pert at the University of Hong of public anger and abuse and overseas, according to the Or- gible to apply for more time with the same values,” he said. Lawyers for the force went timidating, molesting, harass- Kong, said the injunction banned need to protect their staff from ganisation for Economic Co- in Australia on a post-study “...But when I see people in- to Hong Kong’s High Court on ing, threatening, pestering or in- activity “far beyond doxxing”. retribution and harassment. operation and Development, work visa. ‘Devastated’ Vietnamese pray for relatives missing in UK AFP homes, and a recently-opened has not been heard from since. earning good money in Britain, Nghe An, Vietnam bubble tea shop along the main “We really want to have a where many illegal Vietnamese road. confi rmation so that we can migrants work as manicurists or There is also a church, fi lled on know about my sister,” he said, cannabis farmers. photo of her missing Saturday with locals praying for stricken. Promise of quick riches was daughter Bui Thi Nhung, the 39 victims. Their mother sits before a what drove 27-year-old Nguy- Aan off ering of fruit and a British police initially said the portrait of smiling Nhung on the en Dinh Tu to Europe, where bouquet of fl owers – a makeshift 31 men and eight women found makeshift altar weeping, hop- he hoped to earn enough to shrine laid by a desperate moth- in the truck on were Chinese. ing for any news at all from the renovate the family home. er in a remote Vietnamese town But then came the pleas from missing teenager. He left Vietnam for Germany many fear was home to some of desperate Vietnamese families Normally set up only for the in the last year, and paid smug- the 39 people found dead in a fearing their relatives were in the dead, Nhung’s family now prays glers $6,400 in the hopes of truck in Britain. vehicle. at the altar in the hopes she is making it to Britain. More than 20 Vietnamese are Some received chilling mes- still alive. But his family fears he might feared to be among the bodies sages from their relatives in In this remote village of Nghe have not reached the country found in a refrigerated trailer in what was believed to be their An province, one of Vietnam’s alive. an industrial park in Essex east dying hours. Others have heard poorest, most people know “We’re devastated by this People pray for 39 people found dead in the back of a truck near London, UK at My Khanh town in Nghe of London on Wednesday. nothing at all. someone who has gone abroad. news. We’re in so much pain,” his An province of Vietnam yesterday. Many are believed to have “We are very, very sad and Many embark on treacher- brother Nguyen Van Tinh said. come from central Vietnam, a confused,” said Bui Van Diep ous journeys overland via Rus- “We just wish authorities When Tu didn’t arrive, his In neighbouring Ha Tinh cold trailer where she is feared to hotspot for migrants hoping for who fears his 19-year-old sis- sia or China, risking their lives would help us bring the body of father-in-law called his family province, Pham Thi Tra My’s rel- have suff ocated to death. better lives abroad. ter Nhung was on the ill-fated and paying smugglers tens of our loved one back,” he said. back home to say he was likely atives have been frozen with grief “I’m sorry, Mom. My path to In Nhung’s town the signs of truck. thousands of dollars to get to Tu had planned to meet his dead. since Wednesday when they got a abroad doesn’t succeed. Mom, money sent back from overseas She left their small Phu Xuan the UK, often carrying falsifi ed father-in-law in Britain and be- Like Nhung’s family, the fam- chilling message from her. I love you so much! I’m dy- earners are everywhere: motor- village in central Nghe An prov- documents. fore getting on the truck told him ily now sits before an altar of the They think she sent it in the last ing because I can’t breathe,” the bikes and cars, freshly renovated ince about two months ago and They are lured by promises of to prepare the smuggling fee. young man, praying for a miracle. hours of her life from inside the 26-year-old wrote. Stinking Rescuers hunt for missing Myanmar rebels ponyfi sh kidnap over 40 blanket as fl oods kill 10 in Japan AFP police, soldiers Thai beach Tokyo AFP “More than 10 soldiers from AFP Yangon the army, about 30 police and Bangkok escuers worked by hand two staff from the prison de- to clear debris from a partment” were among the Rlandslide triggered by thnic Rakhine rebels took more than 40 passengers undreds of dead fi sh washed heavy rains in central Japan more than 40 police of- forced to disembark before be- ashore on a luxury tourist yesterday, as the toll from the Efi cers and soldiers hos- ing taken away, he said. Hresort on Thailand’s south storms rose to 10 dead with a tage in a brazen raid on a ferry Authorities were using helicop- coast, offi cials said yesterday, blan- further three people reportedly yesterday, Myanmar’s military ters in their pursuit of the rebels, keting a long stretch of pristine missing. said, the latest fl are-up in the and had spotted a large contingent white sands in a rotting stench. Aerial footage showed restive western region. crossing a river, he added. Some 300m (950ft) of beach emergency workers remov- The military has deployed The Arakan Army could not on Naka Yai island was littered ing wreckage from two houses thousands of troops to try to immediately be reached for with dead ponyfi sh, Phuket pro- that were swept away in Chiba, crush Arakan Army insurgents comment. vincial fi sheries chief Siripong southeast of Tokyo, just two in the state, where the ethnic The fl are-up comes less Panasonthi said, adding authori- weeks after a deadly typhoon group is fi ghting for more au- than two weeks after suspect- ties were working to determine barrelled through the area. A flooded residential area after a heavy rain is seen in Sakura, Chiba prefecture, east of Tokyo yesterday. tonomy for Rakhine Buddhists. ed rebels disguised as a sports the cause of the deaths but had Nine people were killed by But the AA has infl icted team stormed a bus and ab- ruled out pollution in the water. landslides and fl oods in the re- for, with public broadcaster heavier than during the ty- some relief when the Japan Me- a heavy toll through violent ducted dozens of fi refi ghters “We have checked the water gion, including two elderly men NHK putting the number of phoon.” teorological Agency downgrad- raids, kidnappings and impro- and civilians in Rakhine. quality... It cannot cause the fi sh found dead in submerged cars, missing at three. Two weeks ago, Typhoon ed warnings of landslides and vised explosive devices. Tens of thousands have to die en masse,” Siripong said. offi cials and news reports said. Thousands of people were Hagibis slammed into the east fl oods as rains eased on Satur- Yesterday morning, rebels in been displaced in the state due He said he believed the catch A woman in her 40s was forced to spend the night in coast of Japan, killing more day morning in many regions. concealed positions on a river to the fi ghting. of ponyfi sh – which, when found dead near the coast in Narita airport after train serv- than 80 people. Many river Non-mandatory evacuation bank shot at a ferry carrying off - Rakhine is the same area where caught alive are sold to make ani- eastern Fukushima, according ices were suspended, it added. banks and levees that were orders were also lifted in many duty police and soldiers north the military drove out more than mal feed but are worthless when to a fi re department offi cial. “Water was fl owing in my breached during Hagibis have areas, although 1,800 peo- from the state capital, forcing it 740,000 Rohingya Muslims in a dead – had been dumped by local Police divers were deployed garden like a river,” a 75-year- yet to be repaired. ple were still in shelters, NHK to dock, military spokesperson 2017 campaign UN investigators fi shing trawlers. to search for those unaccounted old man told NHK. “Rain was The rescue eff ort received reported. Zaw Min Tun said. have called genocide. Gulf Times 14 Sunday, October 27, 2019 BRITAIN/IRELAND DUP grabs spotlight Tories deny in Brexit showdown

By Joe Stenson, AFP Belfast plan to dilute tick to your word!” Northern Ireland’s “SDemocratic Union- ist Party (DUP) has been at the heart of Britain’s Brexit saga, and its leaders warned yesterday that they would keep up the pressure on Prime Minister Boris Johnson workers’ rights not to sell them out. Once a fringe faction in the Business minister defends sets out the framework for trade House of Commons, the DUP Johnson after Labour says talks says “the future relation- became a power player when it PM misled parliament with ship must ensure open and fair agreed to prop up the Conserva- his plan for exiting the EU competition, encompassing ro- tive minority government in 2017 bust commitments to ensure a – an alliance that remains under Reuters/Guardian level playing fi eld”. new premier Johnson. London According to the FT, Brexit But they are outraged at the ministry offi cials wrote that the Brexit divorce terms he has struck UK’s and EU’s “interpretation with European Union leaders, ritain’s government has of these commitments will be warning that they threatened denied a newspaper re- very diff erent”, and that the text Northern Ireland’s place within Bport that it will seek to represented a “much more open the United Kingdom. weaken workers’ rights after starting point for future rela- Last weekend, the DUP voted Britain leaves the European tionship negotiations”. with opposition parties to with- Union, with one minister de- Government ministers reject- hold Commons approval for scribing the idea as “completely ed the FT’s suggestion that this the deal, forcing Johnson to ask mad”. meant British labour standards Brussels to delay Brexit beyond The Financial Times (FT) would diverge signifi cantly from October 31. published extracts of leaked those in the EU. At the party’s annual confer- documents from the govern- “This story is not correct. The ence in Belfast yesterday, DUP ment’s Brexit ministry which UK will maintain (the) highest Kwarteng: Nineteen Labour MPs have come with us and voted for a leader Arlene Foster noted the state that a so-called “level standards of workers’ rights and second reading (of Brexit legislation). It would not make any sense party’s 10 lawmakers in the playing fi eld” commitment to environmental standards when at all to dilute workers’ rights. Commons had a “critical” role. the EU “leaves room for inter- we leave the EU,” business min- “We want to support a deal, a pretation”. ister Andrea Leadsom said on asked about the FT report by According to Johnson’s deal, deal that works for the whole of The EU is concerned Britain Twitter in reply to the FT report. the BBC. “Nineteen Labour MPs only Northern Ireland will be the United Kingdom and which may try to loosen regulations, However, Labour Party leader have come with us and voted for obliged to continue to follow does not leave Northern Ireland including workers’ rights, af- Jeremy Corbyn said the FT re- a second reading (of Brexit leg- rules similar to those in the EU, behind,” she told delegates. “But DUP leader Foster acknowledges conference attendees prior to ter it leaves the bloc and says it port showed members of parlia- islation). It would not make any and the rest of the UK can di- without change, we will not vote addressing them in Belfast. is likely to impose trade barri- ment would be unwise to trust sense at all to dilute workers’ verge if it is willing to accept for the prime minister’s agree- ers unless rules remain similar, government promises on work- rights.” greater barriers to trade with the ment.” ing star and we will do everything MPs also rejected his plan to to avoid what it views as unfair ers’ rights. “We have said we will be bet- EU. The DUP’s leader in the Com- to protect the union,” local DUP rush it through before October competition. “These documents confi rm ter than our word. We have said Most economists think pre- mons, Nigel Dodds, urged John- lawmaker William Humphrey 31, leading Johnson to pause the In the shorter term, Britain’s our worst fears. Boris Johnson’s our ambition on securing work- serving trade ties with the EU son to fulfi l promises that there told AFP at the conference. ratifi cation process. government also needs support Brexit is a blueprint for a dereg- ers’ rights will be stronger than should be a priority after Brexit, would be no new trade barriers The DUP’s tough stance puts Some feel the DUP’s pro-Brex- from at least some rebel mem- ulated economy, which will see the provision of the bill,” he and see few obvious gains from between Northern Ireland and it in a tricky political spot in it stance puts it at odds with its bers of the opposition Labour vital rights and protections torn added. signifi cantly diff erent regula- mainland Britain. Northern Ireland, which voted unionist traditions – and could Party to pass Brexit legislation, up,” he said. Under the Brexit deal negoti- tion. “Stick to your word, prime against Brexit by 56%-44% in ultimately be its undoing. which has said their votes will Junior business minister ated by Johnson’s predecessor After a meeting of EU am- minister,” he said. the 2016 UK referendum. Unless the sides come up with hinge on the preservation of Kwasi Kwarteng said it was not Theresa May – which parlia- bassadors on Friday, a Brussels Former Conservative prime Polls show the party losing up a diff erent solution, Brexit will workers’ existing protections. in the government’s interest ment rejected three times – the source said that there was full minister Theresa May lost her to three seats in an early election require some form of checks at In the Brexit transition deal to seek to loosen employment UK as a whole would have been agreement on the need for an majority in the 2017 election, sought by Johnson – although British borders when the country Prime Minister Boris Johnson rules. bound by some “level playing extension and that work would forcing her to strike a deal with Foster insisted her party was leaves the EU’s single market and has negotiated with Brussels, “I think this is completely fi eld” commitments as part of a continue over the weekend. the tiny DUP to stay in offi ce. “ready for any general election customs union. the political declaration which mad, actually,” he said when customs agreement. The fi nal decision on whether The price was £1bn ($1.3bn, that may come”. All sides agree these cannot the EU will opt for an extension €1.15bn) in extra funding for At a meeting of unionists and be done along the Irish border, UK ‘pauses’ production of Brexit coin as delay looms until January or a shorter No- Northern Ireland. more hardcore loyalists held on which was rendered “invisible” vember delay is not expected The DUP agreed in principle to Monday in Belfast, one pamphlet under a 1998 peace accord that Britain has “paused” production of a commemorative “I think it was a very sincere aim of the British govern- until tomorrow or Tuesday. back the government on Brexit – called Johnson’s deal a “betrayal end three decades of bombings coin to mark its exit from the European Union, which ment to leave on October 31. I think it is sad if we It is believed that Emmanuel but then denied votes for May’s act”. and bloodshed known as “The looks set to be delayed next week for the third time. don’t leave on that date,” the minister told BBC radio Macron, the French president, Brexit deal three times, spurring Loyalist spokesman Jamie Bry- Troubles”. It is not known how many of the 50p coins had yesterday. is not in favour of the extension her exit from offi ce in July. son reported “immense anger” in The long-running confl ict pit- already been minted, nor their fate. Prime Minister Boris Johnson was required by law stretching into the new year. Johnson renegotiated the deal, the room, adding: “The message ted the Catholic Irish Republican “We have paused production of the Brexit coin, and to ask EU leaders last weekend to delay Brexit after Kwarteng said: “I think it but the DUP is still unhappy. to the DUP is to stand fi rm.” Army, supporting a united Ire- will take a final decision in due course,” a Treasury MPs refused to back the divorce deal he struck with will be very diffi cult to leave on His new terms would keep But the DUP’s disdain for land, against Protestant ‘loyalist’ ministry statement said late on Friday. Brussels. October 31 precisely because of Northern Ireland in partial align- Johnson’s deal may not hold as groups who favoured remaining The coin was inscribed with the Brexit deadline of The Conservative leader had previously said he the Benn act, the surrender act, ment with some EU rules and much sway as it did over May’s in the United Kingdom. October 31, and the words “peace, prosperity and would rather “die in a ditch” than see Britain’s which essentially gave authority standards, requiring checks on failed agreement. “The party is right to claim friendship with all nations”. 46-year-old membership of the European Union to the EU, the other side, about trade crossing the Irish Sea in On Tuesday, the Commons that the new deal will, over time, Business Minister Kwasi Kwarteng denied it was a continue past October 31. whether we will leave on Octo- order to keep the land border gave its approval in principle for loosen Northern Ireland’s place “foolish” decision to start production before the date The bloc’s leaders have agreed in principle to a delay ber 31 or not. with EU member Ireland free- legislation to ratify Johnson’s within the union,” commentator was confirmed. but have yet to decide for how long. “It looks like they may well fl owing. Brexit deal – without the DUP’s Fintan O’Toole wrote in the Irish give us an extension.” “The union for us is the guid- support. Times last week. Man charged over UK lorry deaths Flood warnings issued across England, Wales AFP/DPA London/Hanoi By Nadeem Badshah roads which are more treach- Guardian News & Media erous. Avoid travel.” ritish police investigating Humberside police said a the deaths of 39 people in a number of roads were impass- Brefrigerated truck charged ore than a dozen fl ood able because of fl ooding and the driver yesterday with man- warnings are in place urged drivers to avoid the area slaughter and people traffi cking, Mand warnings have around the B1246 at Warter. as families in Vietnam expressed been issued across England As much as 120mm of rain fear their loved ones were among and Wales for torrential rain. could fall in parts of Wales the dead. The government’s fl ood in- with the Met Offi ce warning Maurice Robinson was ar- formation service has 13 fl ood fast fl owing fl ood water was rested shortly after the bodies of warnings where “immedi- “likely” in the area which could eight women and 31 men were ate action is required” across cause a “danger to life”. discovered in the truck in an in- Yorkshire, the Midlands and Libanus in south Wales has dustrial zone in Grays in Essex, Wales yesterday. had 93mm of rainfall in the southeast England. There are four Met Offi ce past 24 hours. The 25-year-old from North- weather warnings in place for Meanwhile, a burst of “polar ern Ireland was “charged with 39 Detective Inspector Martin Pasmore speaking to rain, covering parts of Wales maritime air” was also expect- counts of manslaughter, conspir- the news media at Grays police station. as well as northern and south- ed to bring colder tempera- acy to traffi c people, conspiracy western parts of England. tures to northern parts of the to assist unlawful immigration Right: This picture taken on Friday shows a funeral Early yesterday, Devon and UK yesterday before hitting the and money laundering”, Essex home vehicle, escorted by police, leaving the Port Somerset fi re and rescue serv- rest of the country today and police said. of Tilbury where the bodies of migrants are being ice said crews had been sent to into next week. Three more people are in cus- held by authorities. help motorists who had driven This is expected to bring tody in Britain over the inves- into fl ood water. colder weather with the fi rst tigation, the country’s largest to Britain, a prime destination 15-45” from Vietnam. They denied any involvement, ward to claim a friend or relative. It said on Twitter that large widespread frost of the season murder probe since the 2005 for migrants seeking better lives Migrants can pay smugglers according to media reports. Pasmore said he had discussed volumes of fl ood water in anticipated over the weekend London suicide bombings. abroad. up to $40,000 for the danger- “We’ve got to be realistic. We with Vietnam’s ambassador how North Devon were making as well as a dusting of snow on A Northern Irish man was also All the families come from im- ous journey, an enormous sum in know that ... we have people to fast-track the process of fi n- driving conditions hazardous, higher ground. arrested in Dublin yesterday. poverished and remote corners Vietnam, where the annual per coming into the country, either gerprint identifi cation and DNA adding that offi cers had at- There is a contrasting pic- Police initially said that the of central Vietnam, a hotspot for capital income is around $2,400, being traffi cked or as asylum- testing, but said identifi cation tended to “a number of people ture in Scotland with Ross- victims – believed to have arrived people willing to embark on dan- according to the World Bank. seekers,” British police Detective would take time. who have driven into fl oodwa- on-Wye reaching 8° Celsius on a ferry from the Belgian port gerous journeys in the hope of Hundreds of Vietnamese na- Chief Inspector Martin Pasmore He added that while inves- ter”. and Usk hitting 14.8C, which of Zeebrugge – were Chinese, but striking it rich abroad. tionals are traffi cked to Britain told reporters earlier. tigators are working on the as- The service said: “Drivers are only 15 miles apart, having retracted this and now many are Many are smuggled illegally each year, according to the char- “It must be clear that criminals sumption that the victims were are asked to respect road clo- a 7C diff erence in temperature feared to be Vietnamese. through Russia or China, often ity Ecpat. – and that’s what we’re dealing Vietnamese nationals, but that sures, not diverting to minor as the cold front pushes south. Vietnam’s ambassador, Tran owing tens of thousands of dol- They are forced to work in with, criminals, murderers – are “there may be other nationalities Ngoc An, visited police inves- lars to their traffi ckers and car- slavery-like conditions. taking more and more chances involved”. tigating the case yesterday and rying falsifi ed documents, and The truck’s driver is due in with these vulnerable people,” he All of the bodies have now been Telegraph newspaper put up for sale also spoke on the phone to Brit- end up working off the books on court tomorrow. added. moved from the truck in Tilbury ish interior minister Priti Patel, cannabis farms or in nail salons. Among the suspects still in He appealed to the Vietnam- Docks to Broomfi eld Hospital in The owners of Britain’s Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph have the embassy said. Britain-based community custody is a 38-year-old woman ese community in Britain for in- Chelmsford for post-mortem put them up for sale, a rival newspaper reported yesterday. In Vietnam, several families group VietHome said that it had reported to be the registered formation, saying that his force examinations. According to the Times, the Barclay family is reviewing the told AFP yesterday that their rel- received photographs “of nearly owner of the truck, and her hus- would take no action against an- ownership of all its holdings, including The Ritz hotel. atives had gone missing on route 20 people reported missing, age band, also 38. yone here illegally who came for- „ See also page 13 The newspapers did not respond to requests for comment. Gulf Times Sunday, October 27, 2019 15 EUROPE

Portugal’s PM Thousands march for targets 25% rise in minimum wage

Reuters jailed Catalan leaders Lisbon

Reuters In the front row was regional ortugal’s Prime Minister Madrid government head Quim Torra, Antonio Costa promised who earlier presided over a cere- Pyesterday to raise the mony at which hundreds of Cata- monthly minimum wage by undreds of thousands of lan mayors endorsed a document 25% to €750 ($830) by 2023 as Catalans marched peace- demanding self-determination. he started his second term in Costa: The national minimum Hfully through Barcelona “We have to be capable of cre- the offi ce, while reiterating the salary will evolve every year yesterday in support of calls to ating a republic of free men and goal to cut public debt to below free jailed separatist leaders, as woman ... and overcoming the 100% of GDP. global economic environ- civil rights groups sought to re- confrontational dynamic with a Costa’s centre-left Social- ment presented challenges to claim control of an independence constructive one,” the president ists, who presided over four growth, Costa said the gov- movement that has shown signs told them. years of strong economic ernment’s commitment to of fragmenting. While not currently affi liated growth and budget defi cit cuts, promoting further economic The city has witnessed daily to any party, Torra belongs to the won an October 6 election, ex- expansion, achieving balanced pro-secession protests since Oc- separatist political movement panding their parliamentary public accounts and greater tober 14, when Spain’s Supreme Junts per Catalunya. representation as the biggest social justice “does not depend Court jailed nine politicians and It has been in favour of main- party but still just shy of a ma- on economic cycles”. activists for up to 13 years for taining confrontation with au- jority. Parliament is yet to debate their role in a failed independ- thorities in Madrid, while its Costa has relied on support the new government’s pro- ence bid in 2017. leftist coalition partner Esquerra from the two far-left parties in gramme, which is likely to be With some demonstrations Republicana de Catalunya fa- parliament – the Communists presented next week. marred by violence, turnouts vours dialogue. and Left Bloc – in the last four It does not require a com- down and separatist parties di- One marcher, 63-year-old years and the minimum wage pulsory vote, but if parliament vided over strategy, Assemblea Maria Llopart, criticised the lack plan is likely to be well received decides to vote on it and it is Nacional Catalana (ANC) and of unity between the two parties. by them. rejected, the government could Omnium Cultural hoped yester- “Everything looks very bad, we Portugal still has one of the collapse. day’s march would refocus the are not advancing,” she said. lowest minimum wages in Analysts, however, do not secessionist camp’s attention by Francesc Dot, 65, said the nine western Europe. expect any major obstacles for drawing the largest crowd since leaders had been jailed in defence “The government now out- the Socialist government to be the court verdicts were passed. of “Spain’s unity”. lines its goal of reaching the allowed to rule. “From the street we will keep His wife, Maria Dolors Rus- minimum salary of €750 in Next year’s budget is likely to defending all the (people’s) rights tarazo, 63, said she should also be 2023,” Costa said at the swear- prove its fi rst big test, with the but from the institutions we need in prison because she voted in the ing-in ceremony of his new far left demanding more public political answers,” ANC leader 2017 referendum, which Spanish minority government, add- spending, while Costa insists Elisenda Paluzie told the gath- courts outlawed. ing that the planned increase on sticking to strict expendi- ering, pledging to organise more “If (all separatist votes) ... have should surpass a rise of almost ture controls to achieve a bal- protests. to go to jail, we will go but I don’t 20% in the previous legisla- anced budget next year after an Local police said around think we would all fi t,” she said. ture. estimated defi cit of just 0.1% 350,000 attended yesterday, She condemned last week’s “The national minimum sal- this year, down from 2018’s compared with a daily peak of rioting, which had hurt the pro- ary will evolve every year after 0.4%. some 500,000 at a protest on independence movement, but discussions with the collective Portugal’s public debt is ex- October 18 and 600,000 at a had understanding for young bargaining partners, depend- pected to end this year at just march that took place on Catalo- protesters being “angry at the ing on the employment dy- over 119%, down from 121.5% nia’s national day last month. lack of democracy”. namics and economic growth, in 2018 and well below the All those fi gures, however, Torra called in an interview but never ignoring the social 2014 peak of nearly 131% hit represent only a small percentage with Reuters this week for Ma- importance it has,” he said. after Portugal’s debt crisis and of the region’s 7.5mn population drid to open talks with a view to While warning that the bailout. and its electorate is almost evenly the region holding a second ref- split over the issue of independ- erendum. ence. Mainstream Spanish parties, Both ANC and Omnium Cul- including the minority Socialist tural eschew violence and their government, have consistently then leaders were among the nine rejected moves towards Catalan jailed. independence and all bar left- While their event passed wing Podemos are opposed to peacefully, a tense stand-off with any form of referendum. security forces developed at an They are now gearing up for a early evening protest organised national election on November outside Spanish police head- 10. quarters by CDR, a pro-inde- Addressing a party rally in pendence pressure group. Tenerife yesterday, acting Prime It favours direct action and has Minister Pedro Sanchez called cut railtracks and roads as well as last week’s unrest in Barcelona trying to storm the regional par- Three children on top of human towers (castells) unfold banners reading ‘freedom’ during a “an attack ... on Catalan society”. liament. pro-independence demonstration in Barcelona called by the Catalan National Assembly (ANC) and Catalan supporters of contin- That protest drew a crowd of Omnium Cultural organisations. ued unity with Spain will hold a several thousand who chanted rival rally in Barcelona today that Police detain protesters in Almaty yesterday. More than two for “the forces of occupation” to was among those who lit barri- seem to work,” he said. carried Catalan pro-independ- the leaders of the country two dozen people were detained in Kazakhstan’s main cities after a leave. cades during last week’s unrest. “If we halt the economy, the ence fl ags and banners bearing main centre-right parties, Popu- banned opposition group called for a protest against the They included Manel, a 20 “We need a consistent protest: Spanish government would be slogans like “Prison is not the an- lar Party and Ciudadanos, are government and Chinese economic expansion. year-old student with his face more streets and less parliamen- obliged to talk,” he added. swer”, “Sit and talk” and “Free- due to attend (see accompany- obscured by a cloth who said he tary talk because that doesn’t At the grassroots march, many dom for political prisoners”. ing report below). Police detain 26 at Catalans seeking to stay in Spain try to make voice heard anti-govt protests By Diego Urdaneta, AFP remains sharply divided over prosecuting its leaders. that we have to enter a new stage “Let’s talk especially within Barcelona independence, with a regional Following a high-profi le trial, and that the unilateral path (to Catalonia, and listen to that government survey last month the Supreme Court jailed nine independence) is not possible.” Catalan majority which is not showing 44% in favour of sepa- Catalan separatist leaders on However, current regional separatist and which feels very in Kazakhstan ost people in Catalonia rating from Spain but 48.3% October 14, triggering a wave of president Quim Torra and his removed from Catalan institu- do not agree with the against. unrest that has left the region predecessor Carles Puigdemont tions.” Mseparatist movement “Those who oppose independ- gripped by “a climate of fear are “determined to maintain The Spanish government and AFP “Old man out!” in reference and want to end the protest vio- ence are a majority, and that is an which we have not seen in Bar- the confrontation and tension” the regional authorities in Cata- Almaty to Kazakhstan’s 79-year-old lence, the Catalan Civil Society important message for Catalonia, celona or in Spain in decades”, whether out of conviction or for lonia need some soul searching former president Nursul- (SCC) head has told AFP, ahead for Spain and the world, where Costa said. “It’s important to go electoral reasons, he said, warn- with respect to plurality, he said. tan Nazarbayev, who stepped of a major demonstration by the often separatism is associated back out and say: that’s enough ing it was causing a lot of damage “The path is one of double rec- olice detained more than down in March but is still con- so-called “silent majority” in with Catalonia,” he told AFP. violence and confrontation.” to Catalan society. ognition: that Spain as a nation two dozen people yes- stitutionally designated the Barcelona today. Today’s protest coincides with Since the failed independence “Don’t insist on the politics recognise better its internal plu- Pterday in Kazakhstan’s “Leader of the Nation”. The platform, which is head- the two-year anniversary of the bid of 2017, most people had re- of confrontation, which is hurt- rality ... and that in Catalonia, for main cities for participating The protests were called by ed by Fernando Sanchez Costa, Catalan parliament’s abortive alised that the possibility of sep- ing us so much,” he said. “We the fi rst time, the regional gov- in protests called by a banned Democratic Choice of Kaza- represents Catalan “remainers” declaration of independence that aration was unrealistic, he said. must listen to the social majority ernment recognise the internal opposition group where they khstan, an informal group led – those who would rather this triggered Spain’s worst political “No one in Catalonia believes in Catalonia that opposes inde- plurality. criticised the government and by long-time regime opponent wealthy northeastern region stay crisis in decades, with Madrid anymore that the possibility of pendence, whose emotions are “We all have to make an eff ort Chinese expansion. Mukhtar Ablyazov that was part of Spain. suspending the region’s autono- independence exists. The major- also running high.” to build the Catalonia of the fu- Offi cers detained around a ruled extremist by a Kazakh This region of 7.5mn people my, sacking its government and ity of the separatist camp accepts Dialogue is crucial, he said. ture.” dozen people and manhandled court last year. them into police vans in the Ablyazov, a fugitive ex- centre of Kazakhstan’s largest banker who lives in Western city Almaty, AFP correspond- Europe, has pledged to over- ents saw. throw the regime of Nazarbayev Police said a total of 26 peo- and his handpicked successor, Protesters call for Rome mayor ple were arrested in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. and the capital Nur-Sultan, He has dismissed Tokayev, a 1,000km (621 miles) to the 66-year-old career diplomat, to resign over city conditions north. as “furniture” who will be re- One citizen who was de- placed by Nazarbayev’s daugh- tained in Almaty told journal- ter in due time. AFP a stand against the mayor and her ruling 5-Star ists that he opposed “Sini- This month Tokayev signed Rome Movement administration. cisation” and was “against off on a presidential order allo- The Eternal City’s streets are riddled with pot- the Chinese factories coming cating Nazarbayev power over holes, buses regularly catch fi re and offi cials have here”. key ministerial and other ap- undreds marched along the Tiber River warned the perennial garbage crisis constitutes Neighbouring China is a key pointments. yesterday to demand Rome mayor Virgin- a health risk, with rat control services work- economic partner for Kaza- Currently all protests are il- Hia Raggi resign over the state of the Italian ing overtime as bins overfl ow near tourist sites, khstan which has described legal in Kazakhstan unless per- capital. homes, and schools. itself as the “buckle” in Bei- mitted by authorities, which “Raggi is turning the city into somewhere to Raggi became the capital’s fi rst female mayor in jing’s trillion-dollar Belt and almost never happens in the run away from, instead of a city where people can 2016 by tapping into anger over corruption scan- Road trade and infrastructure case of political protests. live with dignity, work and build their future,” the dals – in particular the infi ltration of crime fami- project. Nazarbayev’s rule over Ka- Tutti per Rome (Everyone for Rome) organisation lies in the city’s waste management system. But hundreds of Kazakhs zakhstan began when it was said ahead of the rally. “The whole world pities In April this year she defended herself against have taken to the streets in re- still a Soviet republic and the us.” accusations that she had failed to turn the situ- cent months to voice fears over strongman chairs both the People register during a peaceful protest march of members of Roman The march came a day after trade unions in ation around, saying Rome was “under attack” Chinese investment in the oil- country’s ruling party Nur citizens committees, groups and associations. The words read ‘Raggi no Rome staged a general strike, with workers in- from mobsters determined not to release their rich country. Otan and the powerful national more’, referring to current mayor Virginia Raggi. cluding bus drivers and garbage collectors taking grip on a lucrative sector. Another protester shouted security council. Gulf Times 16 Sunday, October 27, 2019 EUROPE Vatican synod proposes ordaining married men as priests in Amazon

Reuters in a future document of his own, ily relationship, and are proven 1.3bn member church. are married men. Deacons, like Vatican City known as an Apostolic Exhorta- leaders in their communities to They fear that if one part of priests, are ordained ministers. tion. be ordained as priests. the church was allowed to or- They may not celebrate Mass, Separately, when he closed It said the ordination to the dain married men as an excep- but they may preach, teach in n assembly of Roman the synod’s fi nal working ses- priesthood would have to be pre- tion, there would be nothing to the name of the church, baptise Catholic bishops from the sion earlier in the day, Francis ceded by an “adequate forma- stop other areas with a shortage and conduct wedding, wake and AAmazon has proposed that announced that he would recon- tion”. of priests doing the same, even in funeral services and even run a Pope Francis: will consider the proposals passed by the synod. married men in the remote area vene a commission to study the This solution to the shortage developed countries. parish with the permission of a be allowed to be ordained priests, history of women deacons in the of priests, backed by many South A CBS News poll last year said bishop. accused of domestic violence and ceremoniously with a Mass in which could lead to a landmark early centuries of the Catholic American bishops, would allow nearly 70% of American Catho- In his closing comments to brought before church tribunals. St Peter’s Basilica today, gave no change in the church’s centuries- Church, responding to calls by Catholics in isolated areas to at- lics favour letting priests marry. the synod, Francis said: “We still Others believe women deacons details on when the new com- old discipline of celibacy. women that they be allowed to tend Mass and receive the sacra- The document said that some have not grasped the signifi cance in the early church were fully or- mission would start its work. The proposal, made in a fi nal take up the role today. ments more regularly. bishops in the synod thought the of women in the church.” dained and on a par with the male Francis and his predecessors document from a three-week as- But the issue of a married At least 85% of Amazon vil- issue should be discussed on a Scholars have debated the pre- deacons at the time. have ruled out allowing women sembly, known as a synod, passed priesthood for the Amazon re- lages cannot attend Mass every universal basis. cise role of women deacons in the The church did away with fe- to become priests. yesterday by 128 votes in favour gion was by far the most conten- week and some cannot do so for Conservatives are also op- early church. male deacons altogether in later However, advocates of women to 41 against. tious item in the 120-paragraph years. posed to women deacons, saying Some say they ministered only centuries. priests see a female deaconate Pope Francis will consider it, fi nal document. Conservatives oppose the that the deaconate is linked with to other women, such as at im- A commission that handed its might eventually make it easier along with many other propos- The proposal calls for married change, fearing it would be a the male priesthood. mersion rites at baptism and to report to the Pope this year was for a future pope to study the als on issues including the envi- men who are already deacons in slippery slope leading to a mar- Many deacons in the Catholic inspect the bodies of women in inconclusive. possibility of allowing women ronment and the role of women, the church, have a stable fam- ried priesthood throughout the Church around the world today cases where Christian men were Francis, who ends the synod priests.

Brexit beach Convicted Russian agent party suff ers calls US jailing ‘torture’ own delay DPA/Reuters AFP Moscow/Washington The Hague

aria Butina, the Rus- Dutch beach party billed sian national who was as a “symbolic chance to Mconvicted by the Unit- Awave good-bye to Brit- ed States for conspiring to act ain” as London battles to leave as an unregistered foreign agent, the European Union, has suf- has equated her imprisonment fered its own postponement, in the United States to “torture”. organisers announced yesterday. In an interview with Russian Thousands of people have al- state news outlet RT (Russia ready signed up for festivities Today) after her return to Mos- at the seaside resort of Wijk aan cow yesterday, Butina said her Zee near Amsterdam scheduled 117 days in solitary confi nement for October 31, the current dead- were “probably the most terrify- line for Britain to leave the EU. ing experience that I ever had in But organisers said they had to my life”. postpone the event, set to fea- “What happened to me defi - ture bands and food trucks serv- nitely shows that America is los- ing European specialities like ing its justice system,” said the Dutch chips, French wine and 30-year-old, who was released German beer. from a prison in Tallahassee, “The idea of organising such a Florida, on Friday. “It actually fun, large event within two-and- has been lost.” half months turned out to be a In an interview with Russian bit ambitious,” organiser Ron state media apparently recorded Toekook said. during the fl ight, Butina insisted “It wasn’t possible in such a on her innocence. short period to complete the fi - “Some actions will need to be nancing needed, partly because taken with regards to the outrage companies’ sponsorship budgets that happened to me,” RIA news are depleted by the end of the agency quoted her as saying. year,” he said in a statement. Rebecca Ross, spokeswoman But organisers were at pains to at the US embassy in Moscow, stress that “this is a postpone- said Butina had committed a ment, not a cancellation”. crime. The party is now planned for “She was arrested and pre- Butina speaks to the press upon arrival at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport yesterday, a day after her release from a US prison. early 2020, they said. sented with the evidence, plead- What started off as a joke on ed guilty and was sentenced,” dent believing in peace-build- and facing a 15-year sentence. hugging her father at Shereme- said her sentence looked like an from the United States as part of Facebook in August, quickly Ross wrote on Twitter. ing” between the US and Russia. She was sentenced in April to tyevo International Airport. attempt by US law enforcement the countries’ biggest spy swap gathered steam “and grew into a Butina was arrested in July of She claimed that her only 18 months in prison, with credit “Russians never surrender,” and judicial offi cials to save face. since the Cold War. serious event drawing thousands last year, accused of working to crime “was not to register” with for time already served. an emotional Butina told report- Despite his criticism of the Butina’s return to Russia has of interested people”, said Toek- advance the Kremlin’s agenda the Justice Department, add- The Russian government had ers at the airport, fl anked by her way Butina was treated, Putin sparked speculation that Paul ook. through the National Rifl e As- ing: “Is it really normal to keep demanded Butina’s release, dis- father and the Russian foreign has no plans to meet with her, Whelan, a former US Marine People who already paid the sociation (NRA) gun lobby and a person for four months in soli- puting the allegations against ministry’s spokeswoman. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry held in Russia since December €19.73 entry fee, based on the the 2016 presidential election tary confi nement and then 18 her. Clutching a bouquet of roses, Peskov said this week. last year on espionage charges, date when Britain joined the Eu- campaign. months in prison for not fi ling a She had admitted to a fed- the 30-year-old graduate stu- In the past Putin has warmly could also be sent home. ropean Economic Community, She was believed to have taken piece of paper?” eral court in Washington to have dent thanked her supporters and welcomed home Russian agents But there are no signs sug- will be reimbursed as soon as orders from a high-ranking Rus- Butina said she only confessed worked under the direction of a added she was happy to be back. arrested abroad. gesting Whelan could be freed possible, Toekook said. sian offi cial who has been sanc- to conspiring to act as an unreg- Moscow government represent- Earlier this year Russian The Russian leader said in anytime soon. EU leaders are expected to de- tioned by the US. istered foreign agent in the US to ative in the United States. President Vladimir Putin called 2010 that he had sung patriotic His pre-trial detention was cide early next week on how long In the interview, Butina in- avoid going to trial “in the mid- Earlier yesterday, local broad- the United States’s treatment of songs with Anna Chapman, one extended earlier this week until to postpone Brexit’s deadline. sisted that she was “just a stu- dle of anti-Russian hysteria” casters carried images of Butina Butina a travesty of justice and of 10 Russian agents deported late December. Migrants found in trucks in Belgium Two sets of candidates enter run-off to head German SPD Twenty migrants were found in good health in two separate trucks in Belgium yesterday, Reuters Many members want the SPD Winning the backing of the according to local prosecutors. Berlin to ditch the alliance with Merkel leftist youth wing of the SPD, Eleven African men, women and reinvent itself in opposition. the Jusos, Walter-Borjans has and children – mainly from As Merkel’s junior partner in left the fate of the coalition open Eritrea – were found in a truck inance Minister Olaf 10 of the 14 years she has led Eu- while his running mate, Saskia in the city of Saint-Trond, 65km Scholz came fi rst in a vote rope’s biggest economy, they say Eskens, has called for the party east of Brussels, the Limbourg Fto elect a leader of Germa- the SPD has had to compromise to pull out. prosecutors said. ny’s Social Democrats (SPD) but too much on policy. The winners have a tough job The truck, en route to the fell short of a majority, trigger- Walking out would probably ahead. United Kingdom, stopped for a ing a run-off set to fuel debate trigger a snap election or pos- They will have to unite a party mechanical problem at a garage over whether to stay in govern- sibly a minority government that has been bitterly divided when the migrants were found. ment with Chancellor Angela – both unappealing options for between leftists and centrists Meanwhile, police also found nine Merkel. stability-loving Germans. since former SPD chancellor men hidden in a truck in Bruges, The SPD said yesterday that “I am relieved and happy over Gerhard Schroeder’s welfare and in northeastern Belgium, en route Scholz, who is also vice-chan- this result,” said Scholz. “We labour market reforms some 15 to the port of Zeebrugge. cellor and wants to stay in the need a strong SPD that has con- years ago. The men, who said they were fractious ruling alliance with fi dence in itself – and the confi - Facing a surge in support for Iraqi nationals, were also found Merkel’s conservatives, won dence to win elections.” the Greens on the left and with in good health, according to the 22.7% of the vote by rank-and- The SPD, Germany’s oldest the far-right Alternative for prosecutor of West Flanders fi le members. party, is in crisis. Germany (AfD) collecting pro- quoted by the Belga news Scholz, 61, only narrowly beat Polling at around 14%, it is Walter-Borjans (left), Saskia Esken, Finance Minister and Vice-Chancellor Scholz and Klara Geywitz test votes, the decline of the pro- agency. left-winger and coalition scep- barely off all-time lows and has (right), congratulate each other after the results announcement at the SPD headquarters in Berlin. European party proud of chan- Because of its proximity to the tic Norbert Walter-Borjans, who been leaderless since June when cellors including Willy Brandt UK, Belgium is frequently used came second with 21%. Andrea Nahles quit after scoring stay in government or leave, say front runner in an otherwise fi nance minister in Germany’s has been dramatic. as a route for migrants and A run-off vote will take place its worst result in an election for analysts and pollsters. largely unknown fi eld. North Rhine-Westphalia state, It has lost two-thirds of its traff icking networks. next month and a party confer- the European parliament. Scholz, running with Klara He symbolises continuity and and is known for cracking down support since 1998 and its share Thirty-nine people were found ence in December must then Twelve candidates ran on joint Geywitz from eastern Germany, has said he will remain in the on tax evaders. of the vote in the 2017 federal dead this week in a truck near formally approve the leadership tickets and one deciding factor was the best-known candidate grand coalition. His running mate is Saskia election fell to its lowest level London whose container had vote. was their position on whether to and pollsters saw him as the Walter-Borjans is a former Esken. since 1933. arrived from Zeebrugge. Gulf Times Sunday, October 27, 2019 17 INDIA

Old warhorses rise to bring back sparkle to Congress fortunes

IANS leaders like Ghulam Nabi Azad, Patel was sidelined in Decem- to make Sonia the party presi- about his apparent “dislike” for Azad briefed Patel on Tan- Hooda’s past performance as the New Delhi Shivraj Patil, Meira Kumar, Moti- ber 2017 after Rahul became the dent in 1998, AP has been close Patel and his style of function- war. The matter was discussed chief minister in 2004-14, was a lal Vora and K C Venugopal call- party chief and started promot- to her. During the two terms of ing, which involved “manag- with Sonia and it was decided to big factor. ing the shots, the young mem- ing young leaders like Ashok the United Progressive Alliance ing” politicians, bureaucrats replace him with Kumari Selja, Patel is known to have great espite poll pundits almost bers of the former party chief are Tanwar, Jyotiraditya Scindia, (UPA), Patel was political sec- and industrialists. considered close to the Gandhi faith in Hooda, who has delivered writing the Congress off all but sidelined. Sachin Pilot, Pradyut Debbur- retary to Sonia and had her eyes Patel is also one of the few family. Patel also brought back in the toughest of circumstances, Dafter the Lok Sabha drub- The tug of power started on man and Milind Deora. and ears. Congress leaders who has worked the party’s old guard and two- both in 2004 and 2009 elections. bing and the long-drawn drama August 10 following Gandhi’s After Sonia handed Patel the Last year, Patel was made the closely with Indira Gandhi, Rajiv time chief minister Hooda. In Haryana, party veteran and over Rahul Gandhi’s resignation, resignation as party chief and his task of improving the party’s party treasurer, a position kept Gandhi, Sonia and Rahul. And the gamble paid off . The former treasurer Moti Lal Vora the grand old party has made a mother Sonia Gandhi being ap- showing, his fi rst step was to only for those with unques- In the Haryana elections, Pa- party has more than doubled its played a key role too. Vora was striking turnaround in Harya- pointed to helm the party aff airs. push out the inexperienced tionable record of loyalty to the tel and other seniors played a key tally in the assembly, where it kept in the loop of every move. na and Maharashtra elections, Sonia entrusted Patel, known as young leaders. family. role. Azad was asked to prepare was virtually written off . Both Vora and Hooda had been thanks to the old guards who ‘AP’ in the power corridors, the Ever since Patel played a key After Rahul took control of reports on state party chief Tan- Making Hooda virtually the named in the Central Bureau of under Ahmed Patel have revived job to ensure the party’s good role in getting Sitaram Kesri to the party, first as vice-pres- war and his relations with vet- face of the party helped Con- Investigation charge-sheet in some of its sparkle. performance in the assembly step down as the party chief ident and then as president, eran politician Bhupinder Singh gress gel with voters directly, es- the Associated Journals Limited With Patel and other senior polls as well as by-elections. when he was resisting attempts stories were doing the rounds Hooda. pecially the Jat vote bank. Also, (AJL) land case. Dushyant, the rising force among Jats in Haryana

IANS Former MP and Dushyant’s Chandigarh father Ajay Chautala is the elder son of four-time chief minister and INLD president Om Prakash owering and energetic Chautala. Dushyant Chautala, a The INLD, which ruled the Tbusiness administration state the last time from 2000 to graduate from California State 2004 and was once the main op- University, yesterday emerged as position party in the outgoing the rising force among the Jats, government, was divided ow- who comprise 28% of Haryana’s ing to diff erences between Ajay population. Chautala and his brother Abhay The deputy chief minister- Chautala. designate is the great grandson Their father sided with the of former deputy prime minis- latter. ter and the tallest Jat leader, late Dushyant, who from a young Khattar and Chautala show the victory sign as they along with Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and BJP general secretary Arun Singh arrive to meet Governor Satyadeo Narain Arya Devi Lal, whose Indian National age saw his elderly family mem- in Chandigarh yesterday. Lok Dal (INLD) has been politi- bers in election mode, not only cally marginalised in the just- played an emotional chord dur- concluded assembly elections in ing his poll campaign, but also Haryana. didn’t mince words in taking a But INLD’s off -shoot and less dig at his estranged family for than a year old Jannayak Janta severing ties. Party (JJP), led by the 31-year- Dushyant’s campaign was fo- old Dushyant Chautala, sprang cused largely on the youth with a a surprise by winning 10 seats promise of more job opportuni- Khattar to take oath in the 90-member Haryana as- ties, said a political observer. sembly. Moreover, his supporters see In a post-electoral alliance, the ‘chhavi’ or image of Devi Lal the JJP has extended support to in 6’4” Dushyant, who prefers the Bharatiya Janata Party, which to dress in white kurta-pyjama, won 40 seats, six short of the much like his great grandfather. majority mark. In contrast, the INLD relied as Haryana CM today Analysts believe the JJP’s rise heavily on its patriarch Om Pra- from the ashes is noticeable as kash Chautala, who after com- its vote share rose signifi cantly pleting his parole, went back to in the state polls from 4.53% in jail on October 8. Dushyant Chautala to be deputy chief minister this year’s Lok Sabha elections, He is serving a 10-year jail which it fought with its alliance term in Tihar for his involvement IANS claim for the government forma- legislator Anil Vij and seconded He said the BJP was going to BJP to form the government. partner Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). in a teacher recruitment scam. Chandigarh tion. Seven independent legisla- by the rest of the 38 legislators. form the government with the There were also reports of the According to the Election Not lagging behind, Dushy- tors were also present there. Khattar arrived here from support of the JJP, which has 10 BJP’s top leaders meeting Kan- Commission, others, including ant who fought on JJP symbol Chautala’s father Ajay Chau- New Delhi yesterday morning to legislators, and all seven inde- da. However, the party had to the JJP and independents, have ‘key’ in the Lok Sabha polls and haratiya Janata Party tala, who is lodged in Tihar Jail attend the BJP Legislature Party pendents. back track in the face of massive secured 27.33% votes in the as- fi nished second, appealed to the Manohar Lal Khattar and for conviction in a teacher re- meeting, which was attended “All are united,” he said, add- criticism as Kanda is accused sembly polls. voters by saying, “The JJP is the BJannayak Janta Party (JJP) cruitment scam, was granted by federal Law Minister Ravi ing the BJP would give a clean of abetting the suicide Geetika In contrast, INLD’s vote share real representative of the legacy leader Dushyant Chautala will furlough of two weeks yesterday. Shankar Prasad and BJP general and stable government and this Sharma, an air hostess with his in this year’s Lok Sabha elections of Devi Lal.” take oath as chief minister and He is to attend the oath-taking secretary Arun Singh. is “our assurance to the people now-defunct MDLR airlines. nose-dived to less than 2% from “The former deputy prime deputy chief minister respec- ceremony. Prasad told reporters that of Haryana”. Geetika, 23, committed sui- over 24% in 2014 and 25.8% in minister was popular among the tively of Haryana today. Referring to his furlough, his since the BJP was the single Khattar said all 40 MLAs of cide in 2012 alleging harassment 2009. masses as the ‘Jannayak’ and that The swearing-in ceremony son said: “Can’t my father cel- largest party, it would meet the the BJP unanimously elected by Kanda and one of his aides, The once formidable party’s is the why we have included Jan- will be held at the Raj Bhavan at ebrate Diwali with his family?” governor and stake claim to form him as their leader. and her mother, Anuradha, who vote share plunged even below nayak in our party’s name,” he 2.15pm. The BJP, which won 40 seats the government. “I thank all of them and the also killed herself a few months the Bahujan Samaj Party’s, which had said. “We have staked claim to and was six short of a major- On the post of deputy chief people of Haryana. I would like later apparently unable to bear managed to get 4.11% votes. The JJP had shown its strength form government in Haryana. ity in the 90-member assembly, minister, Prasad clarifi ed there to assure them as well as all the loss of her daughter. Abhay Chautala won the lone in the Jind by-election in January The governor has accepted our announced an alliance with the would be only one. those friends who are support- Kanda was then a minister in seat for INLD in the assembly in which it fi nished second, while proposal and invited us to form JJP led by Dushyant Chautala, a “It will be the prerogative of ing us that I shall take all of them the Congress-led Haryana gov- polls. Congress spokesman Randeep the government,” Khattar told great grandson of former deputy the chief minister to take a de- along for the next fi ve years and ernment. He remained in jail Analysts blame the INLD’s fall Surjewala fi nished third. reporters. prime Minister Devi Lal, on Fri- cision on the formation of the all of us shall work together for for a year-and-a-half and was to its vertical split. Reposing more faith in turn- The outgoing chief minister day evening. cabinet and its composition,” he the betterment and uplift of our granted bail in March 2014, and Dushyant Chautala parted coats to ensure its return, the said he tendered his resignation Earlier, Khattar was unani- said. state of Haryana,” Khattar said. the charge of rape was dropped ways with the INLD in December ruling BJP fi elded 15 rebel can- which has been accepted. mously elected leader of the BJP The minister also clarifi ed the On Thursday, after the an- by the Delhi High Court. 2018 after a bitter vertical split in didates in the assembly polls, Chautala was present with Legislature Party at a meeting party would not take any sup- nouncement of the results of the He later formed the Haryana the party and the Chautala fam- including 11 defected INLD leg- Khattar when he met Governor here. port from Haryana Lokhit Party elections, Chautala extended Lokhit Party, and won the as- ily. islators. Satyadeo Narain Arya to stake the His name was proposed by MLA Goyal Kanda. unconditional support to the sembly election from Sirsa.

World Bank chief meets PM Delay in making state-level ‘Missing’ teen couple changes hurt party: Tharoor traced after three years

IANS told the court that the teenagers IANS ing the new president by election in whatever capacity”. New Delhi are now adults and can take their New Delhi because they believed it would In a 45-minute interview to own decisions. create factionalism in the party Karan Thapar, Tharoor said the The CBI traced the two to and could also lead to a lopsided Congress party’s performance in wo teenagers who eloped Khayerpur village at Bodhjang ongress MP Shashi Tha- result. He revealed that he had dis- Maharashtra and Haryana is a sign due to family pressure near Agartala in Tripura last roor agrees that the party cussed this with both Sonia Gan- that it is reviving but this is only Tand torture from their month. Cwas “stunned into negli- dhi and Rahul Gandhi but refused the very beginning of what is likely families in Rajasthan were “When they realised that they gence” by the defeat in the May to reveal their thinking. to be a lengthy process. He said the traced three years later from a have been traced, they started general elections. It led to a delay Speaking about the new think- recent state elections clearly sug- remote village in Tripura, po- talking about taking extreme in carrying out state-level changes tank set up by Sonia Gandhi to gest that economic issues such as lice said yesterday. steps. We counselled them and in Haryana. If the changes had determine the Congress party’s unemployment and farmer dis- The two, who are adults now, when they became convinced, taken place six months earlier, it position on issues of critical im- tress are becoming more impor- were brought to Rajasthan where they came along with us” said a could possibly have improved the portance, Tharoor said he did not tant than political issues such as a kidnapping case had been fi led CBI offi cer, adding that the girl party’s showing in the recent elec- know why he was not chosen as its national security and illegal im- against the then minor boy by the was kept at the Nari Niketan in tions. member. As he put it, he cannot migration. girl’s family, and were produced Delhi and the boy was produced Tharoor said that a free and demand to be made a member. And Tharoor acknowledged that in in the Rajasthan High Court. before the court and was granted fair election was the best way of if the party believes it doesn’t need Maharashtra, where the National- However, the Central Bureau bail. choosing the new Congress presi- him, it has a right to come to that ist Congress Party now has more of Investigation (CBI) which During investigation, it was dent but accepted that his was a conclusion. Asked repeatedly if he seats than Congress both at the traced the couple, has ensured revealed that the girl was not lonely voice and possibly a minor- was disappointed by his exclusion, assembly and Lok Sabha levels, World Bank President David Malpass meets Prime Minister that the kidnapping case is kidnapped. She left her home on ity of one. He said senior leaders of Tharoor said: “I’m available to the there is a need to rethink the rela- Narendra Modi in New Delhi yesterday. quashed and both of them are her own as she was in love with the Congress were against choos- party whenever they need me and tionship between the two allies. safe and secure. The CBI has also the boy. Gulf Times 18 Sunday, October 27, 2019 INDIA

TRAGEDY POLITICS INVESTIGATION ACCIDENT CRIME Operation stepped up to Search on for new RBI off icer who killed Navy to assess condition Security guards stab two rescue boy from borewell Kerala BJP chief self was depressed: police of ship carrying naphtha men to death in Delhi

Rescuers have stepped up eff orts to save a The Bharatiya Janata Party has launched a search A Reserve Bank of India off icer who allegedly A joint operation, involving multiple agencies A security guard was arrested for allegedly two-year-old boy who fell into an abandoned for a new chief of the Kerala unit of the party after committed suicide in Odisha’s Jajpur district, including an Indian Navy helicopter team, is stabbing two men to death following an argument borewell in a village in Tamil Nadu’s the incumbent P S Sreedharan Pillai was appointed was depressed after failing to get a job transfer underway to assess the precarious condition of a in outer Delhi’s Swaroop Nagar area, police said Tiruchirappalli district. The boy fell into the as Mizoram governor. Senior leaders K Surendran, from Assam to his native state of Odisha, police tanker carrying naphtha gas, which ran aground yesterday. According to the police, the victims were borewell at around 5.30pm on Friday and got M TRamesh, Sobha Surendran and Kummanem said yesterday. Asish Ranjan Samal, the general off the shores near Panaji earlier this week. The identified as Sunil, 25 and Ravi Kumar 29. Police stuck at 30ft. Later at night, he went further Rajasekheran are among the front-runners. The manager of RBI’s Guwahati branch, allegedly vessel is currently stuck on a rock, and is carrying said the incident took place on Friday night when down and is stuck at about 70ft. Tamil Nadu Kerala unit of the BJP has two power centres – one committed suicide by hanging himself at a a cargo of 2,000 tonnes of naphtha and has an inebriated Ravi Kumar arrived at a construction Health Minister C Vijaya Baskar said yesterday led by federal Minister of State for External Aff airs hotel room in Chandikhola in Jajpur district. onboard 50 tonnes of heavy oil and 19 tonnes site, where his father Ram Singh was working, and that oxygen was being supplied into the V Muraleedharan and the other led former state He had gone to his native village Naraharipur of diesel. “A crew of four experts and support got into a scuff le with one of the security guards, borewell. He said after the boy slipped further party president P K Krishnadas - and the race on October 23 to meet his mother. He was has gone onboard to assess the condition of the Dharmender. Soon after the altercation, Ravi to 70ft, off icials were not able to hear his cries. is between the two to get their nominee to the scheduled to leave for Bhubaneswar the next vessel,” a statement said. The unmanned tanker called his friend Sunil, while Dharmender called Several teams with their own technologies tried party top’s post. While Ramesh and Sobha are day to meet his wife, a doctor, and son, a Class Nu Shi Nalini was anchored five nautical miles his acquaintance Jai Kumar, 27. Later, as the scuff le in rescuing the boy, but all have failed so far from Krishnadas’ camp, Surendran is a diehard 12 student. “The bank off icials told his mother off Goa on the directions of the Mormugao Port escalated, Dharmender and Jai stabbed Ravi and and the operation has been taken over by the supporter of Muraleedharan, who as a federal that he was going to Bhubaneswar. However, Trust and on Thursday began to drift towards the Sunil with a knife, leading to their deaths, the police National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and minister has an edge in lobbying, which is likely to he checked into a hotel in Chandikhola instead shore of the state capital due to strong winds and said. While Jai was arrested, the police are on the the State Disaster Response Force. shift to Delhi in the coming days. where he committed suicide,” the police said. rough seas. lookout for Dharmender. Delhi tightens security for Diwali amid terror threats laden vehicles or enter the po- volved will be brought to book,” IANS lice stations on foot. he added. New Delhi Subsequently, picket duties “Investigation in the truckers’ have been enhanced and dog killings is underway and some ecurity was tightened in squads and QRTs have been put important clues are available New Delhi yesterday on on 24-hour alert. with us about the case,” Singh Sthe eve of Diwali festi- Besides Delhi, the intelligence said, referring to the recent kill- val following terror threat from agencies have also asked police ings of two truckers in south Residents light fireworks outside their homes to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, in Raiganj town in the eastern state of West Bengal, Jaish-e-Mohamed (JeM) mili- commissioners of Bengaluru, Kashmir. yesterday. tant group, police said. Mumbai and Ahmedabad to en- He added that the police have The threat is reportedly based hance vigil in markets known for identifi ed the attackers and on a series of phone intercepts Diwali shopping. measures have been taken to involving two Jaish command- Though no specifi c terror provide security to truckers and ers. In Delhi, security is at the threat inputs have been re- people associated with horticul- highest alert in three crowded ceived, a general alert has been ture from outside the valley. Most Sivakasi fi reworks units markets – Sarojini Nagar, Lajpat sounded in the wake of threats The DGP, however, said that Nagar and Karol Bagh. after the government scrapped it is not possible to provide se- Besides, armed security in Article 370 of the constitution curity cover in remote areas more than two dozen malls and which granted special status to though he asserted that forces still unaware of green crackers multiplexes in the national cap- Jammu and Kashmir. have been deployed in many ar- ital has been beefed up, police On the instructions of Home eas in south Kashmir to prevent told IANS. A general alert was Minister Amit Shah, the internal such attacks. IANS being looked at. as the rest of the units are yet to works, said they haven’t re- also sounded in other cities, in- security department is co-ordi- “This is an attack on the Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu N Ellangovan, the owner of Sri develop the formula. ceived proper information about Velavan Fireworks, said the new So far, NEERI has visited only the formula and other details for cluding Mumbai, Bengaluru and nating with various state police economy and the livelihood of formula developed by CSIR- one factory to conduct a dem- manufacturing green crackers Ahmedabad. and are monitoring the situa- the people. It is being done to fter a blanket ban on fi re- NEERI is not supposed to con- onstration on green crackers but and have manufactured conven- A senior police offi cer said tion, particularly in the Kash- disrupt the daily lives of the crackers by the Supreme tain barium nitrate but since it’s the boremen, people in charge of tional fi recrackers this year. security has been upgraded at mir Valley, a source in the Home people,” Singh said. ACourt in October 2018, not possible to produce crackers adding chemicals to fi recrackers, He said while they had their two dozen vital installations, in- Ministry said. “Such actions are not in the workers and fi recracker manu- without the chemical, they have don’t have any awareness about regular training session on what cluding government buildings in In Srinagar, Kashmir police interest of the people. To a large facturers feared for their liveli- reduced its volume and used green crackers, he said. chemicals should be added and central Delhi. chief said militants are trying to extent, people are condemning hood and business. some additives to retain the ef- “Water starts boiling and what should be avoided while Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) damage infrastructure facilities such acts. Our fi rst priority is However, the industry was fect. emits smoke and vapour when manufacturing crackers, no and armed paramilitary person- like water and electricity sup- to help people associated with saved after the announcement Numerous tests to develop the chemical (given by CSIR- training session on the manu- nel have been deployed in key plies. apple trade. It is not possible to of ‘green crackers’, but it is yet green crackers have been con- NEERI) is added and the offi cials facturing of green crackers was areas, including Khan Market, Director General of Police cover all the areas, but a major- to reach Sivakasi, which manu- ducted but the current formula are not revealing the chemi- held. Bengali Market, Connaught (DGP) Dilbag Singh was replying ity of the areas which could be factures 90% of fi recrackers in can only be used for three va- cal components to the factory G Daniel, a dealer and retailer Place, India Gate, Rajpath, India to questions on the damages to a covered have been secured,” he India. rieties of crackers – sparkle, owner or boremen. The boreman of fi recrackers, said: “The work- International Centre (IIC) and transmission tower in Shopian said. Green crackers are considered chakra and flower pot, Ellan- simply follows the instructions ers are willing to manufacture Delhi Gymkhana. in South Kashmir by suspected The DGP also said that though eco-friendly as they emit 30% govan said. without knowing anything,” Ku- green crackers but there is lack Earlier last week, police sta- militants earlier this week. there were no specifi c inputs less pollutants than the con- Sivakasi’s manufacturing mar said. of information and training, “Damaging a tower is an at- about any possible militant at- According to Ellangovan, the which is stopping them.” tions across Delhi were asked ventional ones. These crackers units have been in the business tempt to damage the necessary tack, terrorists are always on the were developed by the Council for over 95 years and are aware of CSIR-NEERI team also conduct- Speaking about the cost of to keep their gates locked with infrastructure linked to water lookout to carry out strikes on of Scientifi c and Industrial Re- the entire chemical components ed a trial production of these green crackers, he said whenever a sentry posted there round the and electricity supplies that security forces. search-National Environmental and they have made eff orts to re- products and approved them as there is a new invention or tech- clock. Only government vehi- Engineering Research Institute duce pollution by changing the green crackers. They also gave nology, the price for that prod- cles were allowed entry inside. benefi t the people so that they “There is no input about any (CSIR-NEERI) to reduce air pol- formula, he added. the samples to the three manu- uct will obviously be more. An alert of the Intelligence are inconvenienced,” Singh said. major attack on October 31, but lution and decrease health haz- Vijay Kumar, the editor of facturing units in Sivakasi and According to Daniel, fac- Bureau (IB) said that police sta- He said steps are being taken militants and their handlers al- ards in the country. Pyro India News, a fi reworks the units got certifi ed by CSIR- tories have lost workers after tions and police colonies in Del- to foil any further attempt by ways try to harm peace. Research by CSIR-NEERI trade journal, said out of the NEERI and received approval the judgment of the Supreme hi may be targeted via suicide the militants to damage the in- “In the last few days, our an- showed that barium nitrate is an 1,150 factories in the region, only from the Petroleum and Explo- Court to ban firecrackers. or direct attacks by terrorists. frastructure in the valley. ti-terror operations have also important element which aids three – Standard Fireworks, Sri sives Safety Organisation. Many people have found other According to IB input last week, “We have taken some steps. gained pace and militants have the emission of harmful chemi- Kaliswari Fireworks and Sonny Kumaravel Pandian, a bore- jobs fearing the shutdown of terrorists may use explosive- I am hopeful that this case will suff ered damages,” the DGP cals and hence alternatives are Fireworks – make green crackers man at the Sri Velavan Fire- firecracker factories. be cracked soon and people in- added. Shivakumar returns, Transport fi rm starts talks with employees gets rousing welcome IANS fi cials. It was at this meeting Hyderabad that the chief minister asked IANS Ravi Gowda told IANS. raided his homes and offi ces in the TSRTC to invite JAC lead- Bengaluru Shivakumar was released from Bengaluru, Kanakapura and New ers for talks. Tihar Jail after 50 days on Thurs- Delhi on August 2, 2017. he Telangana State Road JAC leader Ashwatthama day on conditional bail, granted Shivakumar was a minister Transport Corpora- Reddy had earlier said the talks ongress leader D K Shiva- by the Delhi High Court. He was in the previous JD-S-Congress Ttion (TSRTC) yesterday should cover all the demands. kumar was given a rousing in custody in connection with coalition government (May 2018- launched talks with employees He denied dropping the de- Cwelcome when he arrived a case under the Prevention of July 2019) and energy minister in top end a 22-day strike. mand of merger. at the airport yesterday, nearly two Money Laundering Act (PMLA) the Congress government (2013- Acting on an order of the The talks are being held two months after he fl ew to Delhi on 2002, fi led on a complaint by the 2018). Telangana High Court, the days before the next hearing being summoned by the Enforce- Income-Tax Department, which Shivakumar addressed his sup- TSRTC yesterday invited the of public interest litigations ment Directorate (ED) in a money had seized Rs8.6 crore from his porters as he came out of the air- Joint Action Committee (JAC), (PILs) in the court. At the pre- laundering case and later arrested, apartment in New Delhi in Au- port. which is spearheading the vious hearing last week, the a party offi cial said. gust 2017. “I thank all my supports, party strike, for discussions to re- court had asked the govern- Former Karnataka chief minis- “The central government mis- leaders, cadres, friends and well- solve the deadlock. The gov- ment to hold talks with the ter and Janata Dal-Secular leader used law enforcing agencies, like wishers for my early release from ernment on Wednesday set up striking employees. H D Kumaraswamy and Congress the ED, the I-T Department and the prison. Though I never took a committee of TSRTC offi- The strike by nearly 50,000 leaders from Kanakapura, Shiva- the Central Bureau of Investiga- bribe or cheated anyone, I was cials to look into the demands employees began on October kumar’s home constituency, were tion to harass our senior leader punished for no reason,” said an of the employees, except the 5, but the government de- present at the airport to welcome Shivakumar,” said state Congress emotional Shivakumar. corporation’s merger with the clared the strike illegal and the 57-year-old politician. chief Dinesh Gundurao. Accusing the Bharatiya Janata government. refused to hold talks. After “About 500 supporters, includ- The Karnataka High Court on Party-led state and central gov- The committee submitted the expiry of the deadline on ing state Congress leaders, greeted August 29 rejected Shivakumar’s ernments of conspiring to fi nish its report to the government October 5 evening, the chief him at the airport and accompa- plea for interim protection against his political career, Shivakumar Former Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy welcomes late on Friday. Chief Minister K minister declared that only nied him in a convoy to the party arrest in the ‘hawala’ case. said in Kannada that his family Congress leader D K Shivakumar on his arrival at the Kempegowda Chandrashekhar Rao discussed 1,200 employees remained offi ce. There he was accorded a The alleged money launder- members and friends were “tor- airport he was granted conditional bail by the Delhi High Court, in the report with Transport in the state-owned transport hero’s welcome,” party spokesman ing came to light after tax offi cials tured” by the ED. Bengaluru yesterday. Minister P Ajay Kumar and of- utility. Gulf Times Sunday, October 27, 2019 19 LATIN AMERICA

Argentinians, in shadow of crisis, weigh change in today’s national election

Reuters What many in Argentina call edge talks with global creditors portant farm sector. born from the decades-ago rule Macri’s supporters say he stronghold — said he had previ- Buenos Aires the “disease” of infl ation is run- on about $100bn in sovereign “We don’t want Cristina to of Juan Peron and his wife Eva needs more time after inheriting ously voted for the conservative ning at an annual rate of over debt after a tumbling peso cur- come back,” said Julio Liguori, Peron — or Evita — have risen an already weakened economy. leader in 2015 but would likely 50%; the country has been in re- rency sharpened fears of a de- 70, a clothing store owner in the in popularity as Macri’s star has His reforms to open the coun- not do so today, instead going for n this South American nation cession for most of the last year fault. bread basket town of Saladillo, waned. try with trade deals and overseas a third option like Roberto Lav- stretching from lush jungles in and the outlook is darkening; job Volker is planning to vote for adding he worried Fernandez de Their social welfare focus has investment would eventually get agna. Ithe north to the edge of the Ant- numbers are down and poverty is Macri’s main rival, centre-left- Kirchner — who brought in caps been an easier sell than the eco- the economy going again, they “Macri disappointed me be- arctic at its southernmost point, above 35%. ist Alberto Fernandez, who has on farm exports and raised taxes nomic frugality that Macri has claim. cause he did things the wrong the country’s 45mn people are “The truth is that these last brought the country’s power- during her two terms as president argued is needed. “I vote for Macri because...you way around. I think he made weighing a vote for change ahead of four years were very complicated ful Peronist political fl ank to the — would wield signifi cant power “With the previous president cannot fi x a country in four years great investments in the country presidential elections today. for the country. At every step brink of victory. behind the scenes if elected. that we had, there was work. that Kirchnerism destroyed in that people don’t see, and maybe At the heart of the decision is we’ve gone deeper into debt, and Polls give him a 20-point lead. “At some point Alberto Fern- There was food every day at the 12,” said Naura Akil, 46, a fi nance in the future that will serve us, economic hardship that has roiled the number of poor people has His running mate is Cristina andez would have to break with table, and today that is miss- sector worker in the capital, re- but not now — people have needs Latin America’s No 3 economy increased,” said Mario Volker, 25, Fernandez de Kirchner, a populist either Cristina or with the farm- ing in many homes and missing ferring to the three successive today,” he said. since the middle of last year. currently out of work in the port icon with huge support among ing and business community. He in my home too,” said Marcia terms of Fernandez de Kirchner “I am a trader and I see it. The It has hurt President Mauricio capital city of Buenos Aires. the poor who ran the country cannot be loyal to both at the Leites, 31, a mother of four in the and earlier her late husband Nes- need for work and all the small Macri, who under pressure had In the balance is the future of from 2007 to 2015. same time.” poor northeastern province of tor Kirchner. companies that have fallen. That been pushing austerity measures one of the world’s top grain ex- She remains divisive and is lit- Fernandez and the Peronists, Misiones. “I think if we change Sergio Operti, 58, a car dealer directly infl uences us — it’s like a to rein in debt. porters, which is facing knife- tle loved by investors and the im- a nebulous political movement president, it would be good.” from central Cordoba — a Macri domino eff ect.”

Security in focus as Uruguayans Pinera pledges cabinet prepare to vote

By Mauricio Rabiff etti, AFP Montevideo shake-up after protests

ruguayans will today pick a successor to leftist Reuters/AFP President Tabare Vazquez as well as voting on Santiago Ucrime-busting constitutional reform to estab- lish a military police force and create full life terms for the most serious off ences. hilean President Sebastian The South American nation has long been consid- Pinera said yesterday he ered a bastion of peace and stability in an often tur- Cwould shake up his cabinet bulent region but that has been called into question to quell a week of mass protests recently by a declining security situation. against inequality that have rocked “Democracy in Uruguay is very strong and must the South American nation. be protected from risks,” Vazquez told reporters last His announcement follows a week in his fi nal message before Uruguay’s 2.6mn peaceful rally on Friday that saw voters head to the polling stations. 1mn Chileans fl ood the streets to The vote comes on the same day as a general election call for reforms to the country´s in Argentina and against a backdrop of regional strife social and economic model. following massive street protests in Ecuador, Chile and “I have put all my ministers on Bolivia, the latter over alleged electoral fraud. notice in order to restructure my In 2018, South America’s second smallest country cabinet to confront these new de- registered a record 414 murders, up 45% on the year mands,” Pinera told reporters from before. The alarming hike prompted the question on the La Moneda presidential palace. whether or not to accept a proposal to change the Pinera did not announce the spe- constitution, creating a military National Guard. cifi cs of the reshuffl e, nor did he say It would also allow for full life sentences — review- when he would announce them. able after 30 years — in a country with a current maxi- A document obtained by Reu- mum term of 32 years. ters, however, suggested Pinera was Other clauses would set tougher sentences for mur- considering replacing the heads of der and rape, and authorise police to conduct night- at least nine ministries, including time raids on the homes of suspected drug dealers. the ministries of interior, defence, The vote should be tight with opinion polls show- economy, transportation and envi- ing between 39% and 53% support for the reform. ronment. Security has been a major campaign issue as the Protests in Chile began over a Broad Front looks to win a fourth consecutive term. hike in subway fares more than a In power since 2005, the Front faces a tough test for week ago but boiled into riots that re-election with voters angered by a stagnant econo- have killed at least 17 people, re- my, infl ation of 7.5% and 9% unemployment. sulted in more than 7,000 arrests Their candidate this time around — there is no re- and caused more than $1.4bn of election in Uruguay — is 62-year-old Daniel Mar- losses to Chilean businesses. tinez, the former mayor of Montevideo. He leads with The centre-right Pinera, a bil- 40% in opinion polls but that’s not enough to win lionaire businessman, called for outright in the fi rst round. a new “social pact,” earlier in re- Former senator Luis Lacalle Pou of the centre-right sponse to protesters’ demands. National Party has 28% but, unlike Martinez, he is He has promised to boost the more likely to benefi t from a united front in an even- minimum wage and pensions, ditch tual second round on November 24. fare hikes on public transportation Lacalle Pou, 46, would be able to count on historic ri- and fi x the country’s ailing health vals the liberal Colorado Party, led by economist Ernesto care system. Demonstrators march during a protest against Chile’s state economic model in Santiago on Friday. Talvi and the right-wing debutant Open Cabildo, led by The riots prompted Pinera to de- former army commander-in-chief Guido Manini Rios. clare “war” on vandals and put the thanks to the contribution of all of the 1973-90 Augusto Pinochet dic- tion, which dates from the Pinochet Authorities deployed some In the last three elections, the Front didn’t need alli- military in charge of security across its citizens,” adding it would not tatorship era. dictatorship. 20,000 police and soldiers in San- ances in Congress because it commanded an absolute much of the country. enforce a curfew later yesterday. Santiago’s governor Karla Ru- Francisco Anguitar, a 38-year- tiago, using tear gas and water can- majority, political scientist Eduardo Bottinelli told AFP. Santiago has been on lockdown “We are in a new reality,” Pinera bilar praised the march, saying it old software developer attending nons to disperse demonstrators. However, it has left them isolated and means this every night this week, with strict said. “Chile is diff erent from what it represented “the dream of a new the demonstrations Friday, told Soldiers have been guarding San- time around the “second round is completely open.” curfews enforced by thousands of was a week ago.” Chile.” AFP: “We’re asking for justice, tiago’s metro stations as three of the The Broad Front is a coalition of leftist movements heavily armed soldiers on the streets. One of the most controversial Police said 820,000 people honesty, ethical government. It’s seven lines — which usually carry that in 2005 broke a near monopoly on the presidency The move sparked outrage members in the current cabinet is marched in the capital. not that we want socialism or com- 3mn people per day — have reopened. shared by the National and Colorado parties since among many in Chile, who said his Interior Minister Andres Chad- For the past week, pent-up an- munism.” Despite a recent decrease in seri- 1830, two years after Uruguay gained its independ- words and actions harkened back to wick, the president’s cousin. ger has erupted over a socio-eco- In an initial burst of violence, ous incidents and arrests, the vio- ence. the grim era of military rule under The police and army troops have nomic structure that many feel has metro stations were destroyed, lence has been the worst since Chile Tabarez was the Front’s fi rst president before he dictator Augusto Pinochet. been accused of using unnecessary left them by the wayside, with low supermarkets torched and loot- returned to democracy after the was succeeded by former left-wing guerrilla Jose Mu- Speaking with reporters yester- force in putting down the protests. wages and pensions, costly health ed, traffi c lights and bus shelters Pinochet dictatorship. jica, who became a cult fi gure known as “the world’s day morning, Pinera said he would The United Nations is sending a care and education, and a big gap smashed, and countless street bar- The movement still lacks rec- poorest president” due to an austere lifestyle that saw lift the state of emergency today team to investigate allegations of between rich and poor. ricades erected and set alight. ognisable leaders and was mostly him give away most of his salary and drive to work in evening at midnight “if circum- abuse. The protesters’ demands now The national human rights in- roused through social media, which an old Volkswagen Beetle. stances allow.” On Friday, demonstrators carry- includes not only better social stitute INDH said 584 people have analysts say makes it harder for the Voters today will also elect all 99 deputies and 30 Chile´s military said yesterday ing indigenous and national fl ags benefi ts but also the scrapping and been injured and 2,410 detained government to negotiate any reso- senators in parliament. the city “had tended to normalcy... sang popular resistance songs from replacing of the nation’s Constitu- during the protests. lution.

Morales vows second-round ballot if fraud found in offi cial tally

By Daniel Ramos and Mitra Taj, tional election observers and for- Protesters yesterday again second-round vote with Mesa. Reuters eign governments cast doubt on blocked roads in parts of the When the quick count re- La Paz the legitimacy of his win. highland capital of La Paz for a sumed, it confi rmed Morales’ So far, only Venezuela, Cuba second day. prediction last Sunday that he and Mexico have sent him their An indefi nite strike against would secure the 10-point over olivian President Evo Mo- congratulations, while the Eu- his government continued in the Mesa in a crowded race of nine rales yesterday vowed to ropean Union and some of the city of Santa Cruz, an agricul- candidates, enough to avoid a Bhold a run-off election region’s largest countries — the tural and industrial centre where riskier run-off race with the op- if an audit of a vote count that United States, Brazil, Argentina opposition to him has long been position more united behind handed him an outright win fi nds and Colombia — have pushed strong. Mesa. evidence of fraud, as he sought to him to hold a run-off vote with Morales is already Latin Amer- The fi nal vote count by the TSE calm a sixth day of protests and chief rival Carlos Mesa to restore ica’s longest-serving president. showed Morales had 47.08% of international criticism over his credibility to Sunday’s election, He ran for a fourth term this votes to Mesa’s 36.51%. disputed re-election to a fourth the tightest since 2002. year in defi ance of term lim- The TSE and Morales have said consecutive term. “I invite the foreign minister of its and a national referendum they welcome an audit by the re- Morales railed against the op- Argentina, the foreign minister that rejected lifting them, after gional group the Organization of position in a regional stronghold of Brazil, the foreign minister of a court ruling gave him a green American States (OAS), but have of support for his leftist govern- Colombia plus the United States light. not specifi ed if they will accept ment. to come — let’s do an audit vote The country’s embattled elec- its condition for its conclusions He said his rivals were “envi- by vote,” Morales said in a speech toral board, the Supreme Elec- to be legally binding. ous” of his achievements after 14 before military brass in the coca- toral Tribunal (TSE), has denied Brazil, landlocked Bolivia’s years in offi ce and accused them, growing region of Cochabamba. charges of electoral fraud lodged biggest trade partner, has gone without providing evidence, of “I’ll accompany (the audit). If by the opposition. the farthest in turning up pres- trying to stir up unrest to try to there’s fraud the next day we’ll The accusations were fuelled sure on Morales, warning it Protesters march on Friday in La Paz against the results of last Sunday’s election, with a sign reading ‘Evo unseat him illegally. convene a second-round” elec- when the board abruptly halted would not recognise the results footman of Maduro and Castro’, referring to Bolivian President Evo Morales, Venezuelan President Nicolas But he appeared worried about tion, Morales added in comments publication of a quick vote count until the OAS fi nishes an audit of Maduro and Cuban leader Raul Castro. his reputation abroad as interna- broadcast on state TV. that showed Morales headed to a the vote count. Gulf Times 20 Sunday, October 27, 2019 PAKISTAN Rehman won’t accept ‘deal’ with Imran govt

Police authorities ready to deal with possible rioting in Islamabad Internews refused to accept any deals with Islamabad the government. The law enforcement agencies are prepared to deal “The Diplomatic Enclave with be condoned off rigor- The two sides, after holding with the possible violence and unrest that may trig- ously, with shipping containers around the Red Zone. two rounds of talks which con- gered by the upcoming “Azadi March” being planned Police commandos, Rangers, trained personnel of the meeting between the Re- cluded late on Friday night, with- Rehman: the ‘Azadi March’ will begin today as planned. by the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam – Fazlur (JUI-F), led by Anti-Riot Force, and the Frontier Constabulary would hbar Committee of the out giving any timeframe, have Fazlur Rehman and his allies with the objective of be deployed in the Red Zone to secure and seal the Aopposition parties of decided to continue the talks. the high court,” he said. Islamabad on October 31. dislodging the government. area,” an off icial maintained. Pakistan and the Imran Khan The government team, while “We have not been able to He accused the government of Islamabad will be protected by a police force of more “We have requisitioned around 10,000 personnel to as- government’s negotiating team insisting on the Parade Ground reach any conclusion, but will using diff erent tactics that would than 11,000, with the assistance of more than 4,000 sist the Islamabad administration from Azad Kashmir, has not yielded any result, as as the destination of the “Azadi continue to hold talks,” JUI-F only create strife. personnel seconded from other forces, including the Punjab, the Frontier Constabulary, the railways and the deadlock persisted on where the March”, referred to a past deci- leader Akram Durrani said after Talking to media persons in paramilitary forces, sources within the police say. Rangers,” he maintained. “Azadi March” that is being or- sion of the Islamabad High Court the meeting. Larkana, he said that arrest of Rawalpindi District police are also ready to prevent any “Paramilitary forces will be deployed on Margalla Hills ganised by the Jamiat Ulema-e- (IHC) in this regard. The leaders from the two sides, JUI-F workers will have no eff ect mob from reaching Islamabad, the Rawalpindi police while the hilly tracks will be barricaded strongly,” the Islam – Fazlur (JUI-F) is to cul- The two sides took a break of to the disappointment of media on the “Azadi March”. spokesman said. off icial added. minate. nearly two hours after the fi rst representatives, did not respond Rehman said that the federal “Islamabad and Rawalpindi will separated from the The off icials tasked in chalking out a security plan say Inside sources said yesterday round of talks, during which De- to questions as they left the Dur- government has shut down pet- other parts of the country, (with) an ‘iron wall’ of ship- that shipping containers will be placed at Margalla, that the government’s negotiat- fence Minister Pervaiz Khattak rani residence, where the talks rol pumps, ration shops, stopped ping containers in and around the twin cities,” said an Tarnol and Sangjani areas around D-14 near Motorway, ing team on Friday had rejected spoke with the prime minister via were held. traffi c, and even banned a JUI-F off icer tasked with planning for the situation, adding Golra More, Carriage Factory More, from Fateh Jhang the demand of the Rehbar Com- telephone. “We will invite you again when organisation, which he claims is that around 1,180 containers would be placed on the to Dhamman Phatak, Pir Wadhai More, Khayaban-e-Sir mittee to allow gathering of Sources said that Prime Min- date and venue of next round of proof of “the undemocratic in- cities’ busiest roads. Syed, New Katarian, Double Road, Faizabad, Sohan their workers at the sensitive D- ister Imran Khan maintained that talks is decided,” Durrani said. tentions of the regime”. The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) will be create an Bridge at Islamabad Highway, Korang Bridge, Kak Pull, Chowk in Islamabad. the government would estab- However, Mian Iftikhar, a He said that Pakistan had be- “iron wall” with 686 shipping containers at 53 main and Taramri Chowk, Park Road near Rawal Dam Chowk, The government team stuck to lish its writ and that the “Azadi member of the Rehbar Commit- come isolated in the world due artery roads – excluding mule-tracks and minor trails Bhara Kahu, Third Road, Korianwala Chowk, Kashmir their stand that the opposition March” would not be allowed to tee, later said that it could not to the failed foreign policy of the joining Rawalpindi and Islamabad and entering into Highway, all three sides of Bani Gala, Pir Sohawa, Shah parties would be allowed to hold reach D-Chowk in Islamabad. be said at present as to when and Khan government. jurisdiction of Islamabad, the sources said. Allah Ditta Road, Zero Point, IJP Road, Ninth Avenue a public meeting at the Parade He said that the government where the next round of talks Rehman said that according The security sources say the ICT has been divided into and Seventh Avenue, Serena Hotel, Marriott Hotel, Ground. had tried its best to reach an would be held. to one report, corruption levels three tiers, with the last tier, the Diplomatic Enclave, Overhead Bridge of I-8, and 20 entry points at IJP Road JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman agreement with the opposition. JUI-F chief Rehman has said in the present government’s fi rst declared the most sensitive Zone in the security plan. joining Islamabad. said that the “Azadi March” “We gave the option of Parade that “Azadi March” will begin to- year had broken the record of would go ahead as planned, and Ground in the light of decision of day as scheduled, culminating in previous governments.

ANP boots senator Sharif for indiscipline Asfandyar Wali’s Awami National Party (ANP), based in Khyber suff ers Pakhtunkhwa province, has terminated the basic membership of Senator Sitara Ayaz on heart charges of violating the party’s constitution and discipline. A statement issued by the party attack said its Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial president Aimal Wali under Article 27 of the ANP AFP/Internews constitution has terminated Lahore Ayaz’s membership. It said that the senator was given personal hearing but failed to ormer prime minister give satisfactory answers to the Nawaz Sharif suff ered a charges. Fminor heart attack while Ayaz, who belongs to Swabi, being treated in hospital on bail also served as minister in the from prison where he is serving provincial cabinet from 2008 seven years for corruption, his to 2013 when the party was in party said yesterday. power. The Lahore High Court grant- Dressed Ayaz was issued a show-cause ed Sharif – who was PM three notice last month, accusing her times before he was ousted over to thrill of “using the party for personal corruption in 2017 – bail on interests and creating rifts Friday at Rs10mn ($63,900) on Models present creations by within”. medical grounds “for an indefi - fashion designers Stella Jean nite period”. Roma (above), Kanwal (left), “The former prime minister Nauman Arfeen (right), Zainab PTI forms panel had a minor heart attack last Chottani (below, left) and night as he continues to suff er Humayun Alamgir (below) during on accountability from an autoimmune blood dis- the Fashion Pakistan Week (FPW) order,” Pakistan Muslim League Winter Festival 2019, in Karachi. Prime Minister Imran Khan’s – Nawaz (PML-N) spokeswom- ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e- an Marriyum Aurangzeb told re- Insaf (PTI) has claimed to have porters in Islamabad. become the first political party She made the disclosure min- in the country to introduce a utes after Islamabad High Court comprehensive mechanism granted Sharif interim bail in of internal accountability in its another graft case on health constitution. grounds. “Yes, we have constituted The bail will remain eff ec- the Standing Committee on tive until Tuesday, when judges Accountability and Discipline hearing an application seeking [SCAD],” a party spokesman said. bail for Sharif on health grounds According to the announcement return to take up the case. issued by the party’s media “Nawaz Sharif’s condition department, Salman Aftab has has slightly improved but it re- been appointed as head of the ally concerns us why level of five-member SCAD through a platelets in his blood drop after notification signed and issued by reaching a satisfactory level,” party secretary-general Aamir said Aurangzeb. “This situation Kiani. requires immediate medical at- The spokesman said the party’s tention. I appeal to people to constitution empowers the pray for the ailing former prime SCAD to perform its functions minister.” independently, free of any “Nawaz Sharif suff ered a heart influence. attack in Services Hospital La- hore, and doctors are saying he survived this heart attack but is feeling weak,” a member of the Sharif family told media, re- questing anonymity. Federal tax authorities begin seizing benami properties This was corroborated by the lawyer of Sharif’s brother She- hbaz. Internews that the FBR issued here. The worth of the provisional- fair market value on both the However, the government has These zones are being funded The lawyer said at the Is- Islamabad One kanal is 500sq yards. ly-attached properties is in the benamidars and the benefi cial had to extend the provisional at- through the FBR’s own resourc- lamabad High Court yesterday These properties are in the hundreds of millions of rupees, owner of the properties. tachment periods of properties es. that the health condition of names of 12 persons, three of and offi cials of the FBR’s Anti- The provisional attachment is allegedly owned by bigwigs of In order to unearth benami the former prime minister was he Federal Board of Rev- them being close relatives. Benami Initiative suspect the the fi rst step in the long process the PML-N and Bilawal Bhutto properties, the federal cabinet worsening. enue (FBR) has started However, the FBR suspects benefi cial owners and benami- of establishing that the property Zardari’s Pakistan Peoples Par- last week approved the issu- Shamim Begum, Sharif’s Tprovisionally attaching that the real owner is one Tausif dars have close links with politi- belongs to someone else. ty (PPP) after its investigators ance of the Benami Transaction mother, was at the Services Hos- hundreds of millions of rupees’ Ahmad. cal leaders. Both the FBR and accused failed to make headway in fi ling (Prohibition) (Amendment) Or- pital in Lahore to meet her ailing worth of alleged benami prop- The benamidars [persons They stressed, however, that persons have the right to present references against accused per- dinance 2019, aimed at expand- son, according to reports. erties on suspicion that the real holding someone else’s prop- it had to be established that the their cases before the Adjudi- sons within the statutory dead- ing the defi nition of a “whistle- The 69-year-old Sharif was owners are political persons who erties in their name] are Tahir properties were owned by the cating Authority, the Federal lines. blower”. taken to hospital on Thursday have kept the assets in the names Rauf, M Sadiq, M Anas, Ijaz political persons. Appellate Tribunal, the high Section 22(3) of the benami In addition to a person, the when his blood platelet count of other people. Ahmad, Abdul Shakoor, Faisal Parliament had approved the court, and fi nally, before a spe- law states that “the initiating of- cabinet approved the inclusion dropped to dangerous levels. Benami properties are the Ahmad, Waqas Nasim Akram, Benami Transactions (Prohi- cial court. fi cer can provisionally attach the of an entity or agency in the After a blood transfusion, his ones which the real owners Ahmad Yar, Sana Gilani, Fayaz bition) Act in 2017 but it only This is the FBR’s second property for three months from defi nition for the purpose of the platelet count returned to nor- have retained in other peo- Gilani, and Sikandar Gilani, ac- became eff ective this year af- major enforcement action in the date the show-cause notice Benami Law. mal, but dropped again later. ple’s names, either to hide their cording to provisional attach- ter Imran Khan’s Pakistan Te- Rawalpindi in its ongoing drive is issued”. Information obtained during He was again injected with source of income or evade taxes. ment orders. hrik-e-Insaf (PTI) government against benami properties. The law authorises the FBR to investigations by the National platelets and has since been un- The Benami Transactions The provisional attachment cleared its rules. Earlier, on July 2, the FBR had further extend the provisional Accountability Bureau (NAB) der treatment. Prohibition Zone-I Islamabad order shall take immediate eff ect The law authorises the gov- provisionally attached six prop- attachment period until the Ad- and the Federal Investigation The Supreme Court disquali- has provisionally attached 3,141 and will be valid for either 90 ernment to confi scate benami erties allegedly owned by Sena- judicating Authority decides the Agency (FIA) can now be used fi ed Sharif from politics for life kanals of land located in six ju- days or the issuance of an order property, and the courts can tor Tanveer Ahmed of former case. as legal information for the pur- over graft in 2017, and he later risdictions of Rawalpindi Divi- of continuation of provisional award rigorous imprisonment prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s Benami zones are currently pose of tracing and identifying received a seven-year jail sen- sion, according to 12 diff erent attachment, whichever is earlier, of up to seven years and impose Pakistan Muslim League – Na- facing shortages of both human real owners of benami proper- tence. provisional attachment orders according to the order. fi nes amounting to 25% of the waz (PML-N). and fi nancial resources. ties. Gulf Times Sunday, October 27, 2019 21 PHILIPPINES

Call to join vegan groups Palace will not interfere in verdicts on Marcos family

By Catherine S Valente Manila Times

alacanang vowed to respect the rule of Mlaw and not interfere with the judiciary following the Sandiganbayan’s deci- sion junking another ill-gotten wealth case against the Mar- coses. Palace spokesman Salva- dor Panelo said the executive would let its co-equal branch, the judiciary, to exercise its in- dependence. “The administration does not interfere with the judici- ary,” Panelo said in a text mes- sage. “The rule of law must always prevail in courts regardless of who are the parties. Their deci- sion must be accorded respect and obedience,” he added. Panelo’s statement came af- ter the Sandiganbayan Fourth Animal rights activists in solidarity with vegan advocates worldwide participate in a rally in Manila, yesterday. The activists called on people to join vegan groups and for stronger animal rights awareness, Division dismissed the third claiming animals are being abused, exploited and tortured in the pharmaceutical, entertainment, and fashion industries. civil case against former presi- dent Ferdinand Marcos, his wife Imelda, and spouses Fe and Ignacio Gimenez. The P267.37mn civil case was junked reportedly because of insufficient evidence. The anti-graft court ruled that there were “defects” in the pieces of evidence against the respondents. Govt gets Russian off er to “It is apparent that the de- fects in the pieces of evidence that were presented by the Re- public prevent it from success- fully pursuing the present civil forfeiture case,” the Sandigan- bayan said. The anti-graft upgrade military hardware court noted that some of the photocopied pieces of evidence By Ranz Lewin Embudo our country. That’s why we are ready “Boost your defence capabilities oil products and liquefi ed natural gas. were so poor in quality that the Manila Times to help your country. But I would like to help your country (become) more We are ready to help your country letters and numbers stated in to repeat, that’s up to you, Filipinos, effi cient against terrorism,” Khovaev increase (its capability to produce) them were unreadable. to decide which option is the most said, noting that terrorism is a threat electricity,” the ambassador added. The court said it was impos- ussian Ambassador to the convenient for you,” he said. to all countries. Meanwhile, he assured that Rus- sible to discern the points that Philippines Igor Khovaev over Khovaev added that Moscow Russia expressed its interest in ex- sia would off er more jobs for overseas the prosecution wanted to es- Rthe weekend said Moscow had would give brand-new and sophis- ploring the South China Sea during a Filipino workers. tablish. expressed interest to help the Philip- ticated technologies to help develop bilateral meeting between President “Filipino workers are most wel- “Consequently, even if the pines acquire advance technologies the Philippines’ military capability. Rodrgio Duterte and Russian Presi- come, we need Filipinos for the de- defects of these exhibits were to develop capabilities in defending The ambassador said this assist- dent Vladimir Putin held in Moscow velopment of our economy,” Khovaev disregarded, little or no pro- itself and in exploring the South Chi- ance would be done in “full com- last October 2. said. bative value can be accorded na (West Philippine) Sea. pliance with international law” to The ambassador invited Philippine He pointed out that the Philippines to them,” the Sandiganbayan Russia, according to Khovaev, promote stability and peace in the companies to explore Ruussia’s oil is a “friendly country and the new added. wanted to help the Philippines in region. and natural gas resources. partner of Russia in the Asia-Pacifi c Early this month, the Sandi- upgrading its defensive capabilities He added that no other country “It is a unique off er to the Philip- region.” ganbayan Second Division dis- with military hardware, including could off er such help because Rus- pines. No other country can ever “I would like to say we are working missed the P1.052bn ill-gotten rifl es and armoured vehicles, and sia’s production of defence equip- make a similar off er,” he said. with Philippine partners, at all levels, wealth case involving the Mar- through joint naval exercises. “We ment is “based on Russian technolo- “We off er not only true oil and experts, and with government offi - Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor coses and suspected dummies, off er the same technologies we use in gies.” natural gas. We also off er the locals, cials,” Khovaev said. Khovaev. also for insufficient evidence.

Recruitment fi rms warned against law violations The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has Former Senate president’s contributions hailed warned recruitment and manning agencies, including foreign em- ployers and principals, that non-submission or incomplete submis- sion of reports related to their hired overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) By Javier J Ismael fi ghting mayor, stalwart of de- esty and consistency. committee, he recommended the Government, he supported far- is punishable under the law, Manila Times reported. Manila Times mocracy — these are but some As senator, he authored and prosecution of top government reaching amendments to fur- POEA Administrator Bernard Olalia disclosed that some recruitment of the tributes given to Pimentel sponsored several key pieces of offi cials of previous adminis- ther strengthen the role of local agencies and employers have not submitted relevant information for his years of public service. legislation, among them the Lo- trations in relation to the Expo government units in national about their recruits on account of data privacy and confidentiality, motions ran high as the He has been called names cal Government Code of 1991, Pilipino centennial scam and the development. Pimentel obtained consequently resulting in inconclusive monitoring reports. Olalia family and friends of by his detractors, including the Co-operative Code, the Phil- misuse of funds of the Retire- Senate approval to return the pointed out that data privacy should not be a reason for their non- Eformer Senate president Don Quixote de Pimentel for ippine Sports Commission Act, ment and Separation Benefi ts police to the supervision of local compliance as the processing of personal information of OFWs is Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr his courageous, but sometimes the Act Creating the Autono- Systems of the Armed Forces. government units and authored a allowed under existing laws bid their last goodbye to their lonely, battle against a dicta- mous Region in Muslim Mind- Pimentel also recommended law to set the date for elections of He said failure to report on the status of employment of an OFW is a loved one and colleague yester- tor, corruption in government, anao (ARMM) and the People’s the prosecution of certain per- ARMM offi cials. prohibited act under Republic Act 8042, as amended. day. electoral fraud and even foreign Small-Scale Mining Act. He also sonnel of the Land Registration On Wednesday, his remains He reminded recruitment and manning agencies that disciplinary The former Senate chief was imperialism. authored and co-sponsored the Administration for involvement were brought to the Senate for actions and penalties can be slapped against those who violate the given a 21-gun salute, fi tting for What sticks in the mind Generic Drugs Act and the Act in faking of land titles. traditional necrological rites giv- law. Olalia also noted that as a requirement for accreditation, foreign a leader of the chamber, Cabi- more, however, is the reputa- Establishing the Philippine Po- His committee also conducted en in honour of former members principals and employers sign an undertaking to monitor the employ- net member and mayor, before tion that he, as a public offi - lice under a Reorganised Depart- a series of investigations of al- of the chamber who have passed ment of OFWs and to submit a report of significant incidents relative being buried at the Heritage cial and private individual, has ment of the Interior and Local legations of Gov. Luis Singson away. Pimentel passed away early thereto. Memorial Park in Taguig City. earned for fearlessness, incor- Government. on jueteng. As chairman of the morning of October 20. He had Fearless parliamentarian, ruptibility, integrity and hon- As chairman of the blue ribbon Senate Committee on Local suff ered from lymphoma. Agriculture dept seizes ‘tainted’ meat cargo from China

By Jan Arcilla The two vans carried two re- (Friday), the quarantine offi cers importation, distribution and cases of the ASF virus. Presi- Food Corp tested positive for the Manila Times frigerated containers of dimsum, and inspectors completed the sale of processed products from dent Rodrigo Duterte recently virus based on a report conduct- dumplings, Peking duck and inspection,” he said at a news countries and regions aff ected ordered government agencies to ed by the BAI. fresh and frozen duck desserts. conference. by the ASF virus. carry out measures to contain But it maintained that these he Department of Agri- The inspectors found other Quoting Crest team leader and It listed China, Belgium, Bul- the spread of the ASF virus in the products are safe for consump- culture (DA) has inter- products such as marinated retired police general Jonathan garia, Cambodia, Czech Repub- country and to extend aid to hog tion. Tcepted two container vans chicken wings, minced veg- Ablang, the Agriculture secre- lic, Hong Kong, Hungary, North raisers who have lost their live- The Department of Health has of meat from China, a country etables with meat, egg noodles, tary added that the shipment Korea, Laos, Latvia, Moldova, stock to the disease. advised the public to always look aff ected by the African swine fe- breaded chicken fi llets, fresh was initially declared as tomato Mongolia, Myanmar, Poland, The Philippine hog industry for processed pork meat prod- ver (ASF) virus. squid rings and frozen scallops. paste and vermicelli. Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slova- is reportedly losing around P1bn ucts with Certifi cate of Product Meanwhile, a local company Upon validation, Agriculture “A report from our anti- kia, South Africa, Ukraine, Vi- a month from ASF infections as Registration. yesterday voluntarily recalled Secretary William Dar said the smuggling team leader (Ablang) etnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the holiday season nears. The DA on Thursday said its products that had allegedly consignee for the two containers said the apprehended items were Germany. Pampanga-based Mekeni there were some processed meat tested positive for the virus. was Jeniti International Trading stuff ed in reefer containers with Dar said all products from Food Corp yesterday announced products, including hotdog, to- The DA’s anti-smuggling unit, located in Escolta in Binondo, temperature setting at minus these countries would be con- that it is recalling all its all-pork cino and longganisa that tested Compliance and Regulatory Manila. Agriculture Secretary William Dar. 18 degrees Celsius, obviously fi scated by DA-BAI Veterinary based products amid the contro- positive for the ASF virus and Enforcement for Security and Dar added that they had not indicating that the goods kept Quarantine offi cers and inspec- versy that their products tested that these products were seized Trade (Crest), together with the yet tested the meat products for dustry (BAI) will now also col- therein were not what they were tors. The DA earlier confi rmed positive for the African swine in a Mindoro port. Bureau of Customs conducted possible presence of the ASF vi- lect samples from the products declared to be,” Dar said. that Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, fever virus. It, however, refused to name a spot inspection in the Port of rus. (because they were) just con- Since last year, the Agricul- Pangasinan, Quezon City, Cavite The move came after sources the brands as they are still con- Manila on October 18. “The Bureau of Animal In- fi scated]… and until yesterday ture department has banned the and Nueva Ecija have recorded said meat products of Mekeni ducting validation. Gulf Times 22 Sunday, October 27, 2019 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 Qatar is making huge progress in tapping FDIs Foreign direct investment (FDI) is considered a powerful engine for economic growth. Inward FDI not only serves the long-term fi nancial interests of foreign investors, but also plays a signifi cant role in the growth dynamics of receiving countries. In this context, Qatar has taken some bold initiatives to attract foreign direct investments such as fast-tracking procedures and providing incentives that benefi t investors. At a recent business event in Washington DC, Sultan bin Rashid al-Khater, undersecretary of the Ministry Beyond the ballot box: Sociological reading of Commerce and Industry, said Qatar has developed legislations regulating the business environment to allow foreign investors up to 100% ownership in all sectors. of the 2019 Tunisian presidential election Additionally, non-Qatari investors and commercial companies are now allowed to invest in the realty sector and By Darim Al Bassam Additionally, they are all targeted on worked out with those that went before Political loyalty is generated through own properties in several vital economic and tourism areas removing the incumbent political them. Eight years into the Arab Spring, some combination of emotional across the country. leaderships; and their constituency Tunisia’s successive governments attachments, charisma or personal The country has recently approved a draft law regulating s the is formed from a mass base of young had failed to deliver on the primary leadership qualities, discursive public and private partnerships with the aim of off ering new birthplace people, particularly university students. demand of the revolution: economic attacks on established elites, and the of the After his landslide win of 72.7% opportunity for the underprivileged and promised power transfer to people and opportunities to the private sector and involving companies 2011 Arab votes, the newly elected Tunisian horizontal social inclusion of deprived distribution of individual or collective in the implementation, construction, fi nancing and A uprisings, we President Kais Saied said that youth had regions. These inequitable and diffi cult benefi ts. operation of the State’s can consider the helped “turn a new page” and promised economic conditions have contributed In order to understand the impact “Qatar has various facilities. Tunisian experience to “try to build a new Tunisia. Some to frustration with not just the ruling of social dynamics of this new trend, “Qatar has also of democratic 90% of 18-to-25-year-olds voted for parties but the entire political system. political sociology theories tell us that streamlined streamlined procedures transition as a reference model of Saied, according to estimates by the This situation has provided ground for populist cycles typically occur during and regulations for the political change in the Arab region. In Sigma polling institute, compared with the emergence of populist outsiders periods of political and economic procedures spite of the rough road and tensions 49.2% of voters over 60. Also, the new from the formal political establishment. transition that shift or loosen the issuance of commercial that emerged in the fi rst few years that president had described his projected But we should be aware that unlike social moorings of party systems. and regulations and industrial licences followed the revolution, Tunisia was victory as a “revolution within the the identity politics or xenophobia Populist leadership thrives when social and the development able to ensure a dynamic public sphere constitutional legitimacy”. emerging in American and European groups, mainly the youth are becoming to meet all of services and and vibrant freedom of press, to create a In comparison with traditional political discourse, these anti- detached from existing parties and infrastructure to meet all pluralist political arena and to establish political changes, one can notice a novel politicians are pitching something available for electoral mobilisation by investors’ needs” investors’ needs,” al- a civil state based on a democratic feature of mobilisation of collective uniquely Tunisian: a populism rooted political newcomers. This detachment Khater said. constitution adopted by the people’s identity and collective action in this in moral politics of recognition among may be attributable to the emergence of deputies assembly. Its successful generation of political changes. It is the youth, in battling poverty, tackling new personalities and groups who have Stressing that Qatar has emerged stronger and more transition did not come from a vacuum. done by the orchestration of events corruption, and empowering local grass never been politically incorporated, economically independent than in the past, the senior Qatari The country has benefited from through the use of modern media root people. or to the rupturing of bonds between offi cial said the blockade has presented an opportunity for several structural advantages, technology – the Internet, mobile Putting all of this self–triumph voters and established parties. These the country to make its economy more accessible to the including inheritance of deeply phones and assistance from local and aside, the Tunisian experience which are precisely the conditions that have world and establish new shipping routes with its major trade historical modern reforms and foreign media.. belongs to the fourth generation of existed during the last election in partners. associated political culture, a More importantly, coloured democracies should be sociologically Tunisia. Qatar’s economy also witnessed a signifi cant boost as new homogeneous population, a politically revolutions have the distinguishing scrutinised in its trajectory in order to Consequently, most of the emerging neutral republic military and security characteristic of a high level of go beyond simplistic interpretations of leaders identifi ed as “neopopulist” national companies went public and as many as 823 Qatari forces, a strong labour and women horizontal public participation. They the dynamics at work. Social science have mobilised electoral support businesses were established in food production, services, movements that assure public do not fall into the category of vertically researchers need to put themselves to among atomised or loosely organised and manufacturing industries. liberties, and active civil society ruled classic revolutions because work in order to investigate the diverse popular sectors, and made little eff ort to Qatar is also expanding industrial cities to feature 769 organisations capable of exercising they have no political theory of major political reconstructions at play in penetrate or organise civil society. industrial land plots as work continues to complete 337 societal accountability that hold social change. The political objective Tunisia. Politics’ bipolarisation has Confl ict sensitive analysis in Tunisia projects in the manufacturing sector and create promising public officials and service providers is replacement of elite rather than the driven rival discourses and rival truths. can inform us that in recent years investment opportunities in non-oil sectors. to account for their action and substitution of a new ruling class for the I am inclined to label the case of political challenges to the neoliberal performance. existing one and the transformation of Tunisian emerging trend of populism as model followed by the ruling collision Last month, the World Bank noted that Qatar was Based on the above, Tunisia’s property relations. “electoral populism”. Populists under have grown since it worsen economic among the top 20 countries that have undertaken business democratic transition appeared to When we endeavour to analyse this category, like the newly inaugurated and social conditions and was not able environment reforms for 2020. As a result the country was benefi t from a strong cushion of this new post election political space president, do not engage in extensive to meet social demands that triggered ranked 77th globally on the ‘Ease of Doing Business 2020’ pragmatism and consensus over the in Tunisia, cataclysm, atypical, and organisation-building activities in the 2011 uprisings. Meanwhile, the index. past eight years. The remarkable rupture are a few words to describe the either the partisan or civic spheres. populist discourse of the Marxists The World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business 2020 report Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet, situation after the results the recent They mobilise voters in electoral leaned Tunisian Left was dogmatic has been based on some 10 indicators and Qatar’s global made up of four civil society groups, presidential election. Populism is in campaigns without encapsulating and was not able to produce a well- was awarded the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize the national mood as the Arab world’s them in party organisations, labour defi ned economic alternative. Such valuation rose in three key indicators including the ease of for successfully negotiating a way out of lone democracy joins the global trend of unions, or other large-scale secondary dire situation provided opening of registration of property ownership, where Qatar ranked fi rst a grave political crisis in 2014 when the anti-establishment populism. associations. The relationship between political space for new forms of popular in the world. transition was close to collapse. Tunisians are looking for leaderships the leader and populist constituencies mobilisation. Given its organisational According to the report, Qatar made signifi cant The soft landing transition and the seen as not part of the system and who is thus direct and largely unmediated malleability and policy fl exibility, improvements in three business areas last year, namely getting absence of violence, however, should can promise new ideas, because it hasn’t by representative institutions. populism is likely to thrive under these electricity connection, registering property and access to not be mistaken for stagnation or a conditions and will remain a central credit, measures which refl ected in the country improving its gradual return to the status quo as some feature of Tunisia’s political landscape rankings in the WB index for respective groups. politicians thought they can do. Tunisia for years to come. Far from running its continues, instead, to experience a deep course, the cycle of populism appears to The improvement in Qatar’s ranking resulted from several and meaningful revolution. Since the be in full swing in the country. important reform policies undertaken and enhanced co- 2011 uprising, the Tunisian political Moreover, the correspondence operation with many ministries, public entities, and the landscape has shifted signifi cantly as between political eras and the level of private sector with the aim to position Qatar as the region’s electoral coalitions have been made and populist organisation is not uniform, preferred business and fi nancial hub. unmade, and as established political however, suggesting that diff erent Earlier this year, the ministerial group for stimulating parties have fractured into smaller patterns of populist mobilisation and co-operating with the private sector in the economic parties or collapsed amid leadership are infl uenced but not directly disagreements. In this context, the determined by underlying structural development projects signed an agreement with the World recent rise of the two presidential and institutional conditions. Whether Bank Group to conduct an investment climate assessment candidates who won the fi rst round or not populist leaders organise their and an evaluation on the business regulation environment in refl ect less party platforms and constituencies is heavily conditioned Qatar aimed at promoting and expanding growth driven by affi liation and more the ambitions of by the political alignments and confl icts the private sector. self-styled charismatic fi gures. engendered by their reforms. Sociologically speaking, the sweeping To prove this thesis, we can see that changes in the political landscape that in the recent Tunisian election an To Advertise the recent 2019 presidential election independent professor of constitutional was able to introduce is similar, in my law achieved a resounding victory in a [email protected] opinion, to the ‘‘coloured revolutions’ presidential run-off that could chart a Display that happened in the former Soviet new course for the young democracy. It states more than two decades ago. They is a major and rare development for an 44466621 44418811 all have in common a proposed socio- independent to come out of ‘nowhere’ political transformation intended to to overtake candidates from the well- Classified introduce ‘democracy from below’. entrenched major parties. In light of 44466609 44418811 Although diff ering in content, this surprising development, many they share a common strategy: rebel observers have commented that Saied’s Subscription against the political establishment, success represents a punishment of the mass protests/revolutions occur major parties and political personalities [email protected] within the constitutional framework that have occupied the scene since the to widen forms of public participation Tunisian revolution of 2011 without in governance: they are legitimated as Tunisian President Kais Saied has said that youth had helped “turn a new page” and fulfi lling much of the promises made to © 2019 Gulf Times. All rights reserved a movement for ‘greater democracy’. promised to “try to build a new Tunisia”. Tunisians. To Page 23 Gulf Times Sunday, October 27, 2019 23 COMMENT The challenges of data analytics in healthcare: Transpired promises or an uncertain future?

delivering on its hopeful promises? for a cultural, technological, and industry needs to adapt in time. a strong movement in incorporating The programmes operate with the And what obstacles are encumbering educational change to occur and for „Is Regulation Really Imperative: DNA data, but other data coming premise that tomorrow’s jobs may its progress? individualised personal healthcare to Cases For and Against from wearables have not gained that not be in existence yet, and that „Big Data, Bigger Challenges become standard practice within the With the large-scale much traction within the dominant winning the race to the forefront is Although the Big Data Revolution healthcare environment. pervasiveness of unconventional medical community. vital for survival in the decades to has accelerated the growth Change within healthcare system data collection practices comes the „Aligning with Contemporary come. and investment by healthcare is rather slow and takes time, but need for some form of oversight. Needs zDr Mowafa Househ is a organisations in pooling data the solution inherently lies within North America and Europe have Privy to worldwide trends, the researcher, innovator, social together to improve patient-care, the medical education system. If done especially well by enacting College of Science and Engineering entrepreneur, teacher, and author many challenges remain unseen. doctors are trained to use electronic country-specific laws. In the Gulf – one of Hamad Bin Khalifa of Health Informatics in the Arab Firstly, traditional computing power health records, or take undergraduate Co-operation Council, healthcare University’s fast-evolving entities World and an editor of Big Data, cannot process these large amounts courses in biomedical and health organisations have complied with – has inaugurated its Master of Big Challenges: A Healthcare of data. That is what the field of or implemented international Information Systems in Health Perspective, currently employed as Big Data is now trying to achieve – standards for health privacy policy Management and a Master of Data an Associate Professor at Hamad to look at new ways of combining Big Data collection and procedures in hospitals nation- Analytics in Health Management Bin Khalifa University’s College of traditional and non-traditional via non-traditional wide. Though regulation exists, in collaboration with the College Science and Engineering in Qatar. sources and use algorithms to find you may be finding that different of Health and Life Sciences. They His primary research interests revolve data patterns to improve patient means can help in hospitals are adopting different are unique programmes designed to around the use of information and monitoring, disease surveillance, procedures when it comes to the prepare students for professional communication technologies to treatment prescriptions, and patient the move towards privacy of health information. roles in the design and management empower patients and clinicians, care. The ultimate trophy? Improved A rather difficult question of information systems and services specifically focusing on social media patient support and cost-saving personalised care, awaits us when we examine the in healthcare organisations and and mobile technologies in healthcare mechanisms for the healthcare but when will ownership of electronic health sectors. for the promotion of public health By Dr Mowafa Househ industry. records, which give a narrow The programmes personify practice and healthcare literacy. He A non-traditional approach definition of “access permission”, the university’s long-standing obtained his PhD from the Faculty is likely to sit well with the we overcome its by no means guaranteeing complete commitment to creating leaders of of Human and Social Development he healthcare industry had penetration of technology in all challenges? confidentiality. Additionally, some tomorrow who are savvy, informed, – Health Information Science at the long embraced traditional aspects of our lives, but it leaves patient protection acts have failed to and aligned with future trends. University of Victoria in Canada. data collection methods us with very complex questions. enlist fitness trackers, social media T such as public medical How ethical are these data informatics, they will be exposed sites, and credit card payments records, inpatient monitoring, or collection methods? Are healthcare to different types of data and can under its data privacy clauses. Once administrative filing systems as professionals equipped to employ be trained on how to integrate such electronic health records are made About Hamad Bin Khalifa University the only mechanism for advancing such data-gathering means? How information within a professional public online, we lose the legal Innovating Today, Shaping Tomorrow patient-care. But an overpowering can we apply such methods in framework. With the rise of Big Data framework within which we may be trend of collecting data from seem- medical diagnoses and treatment? and AI, proponents can argue that able to regulate their use. Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), ity through an enriching academic ingly disparate and unconnected Is all data equal and the same? AI will make much of the decisions Overcoming these challenges will a member of Qatar Foundation for experience, innovative ecosystem, and sources has been recently on the Personalisation of health means related to diagnosis and treatment depend on whether these sources Education, Science, and Community unique partnerships. HBKU delivers rise. Whether we approve or not, soliciting data from DNA, socio- options for patients, yet doctors will are making a substantial difference Development (QF), was founded in multidisciplinary undergraduate and the smart watches we wear, social demographic statistics, wearables, be needed to relay this information in clinical decision-making. If 2010 as a research-intensive university graduate programmes through its media platforms we use, smart and even environmental factors. to patients. This is where we envision physicians become increasingly that acts as a catalyst for transforma- colleges, and provides opportunities phones we carry, and genetic data Combining these dissimilar the medical profession to move from reliant on non-traditional ways of tive change in Qatar and the region for research and scholarship through we bear are slowly but surely paint- sources of data to understand a disease-focused approach to a gathering information, the need to while having global impact. Located in its institutes and centres. For more ing the future of the healthcare we patients at the individual level is human-centred approach. Whatever regulate will become imperatively Education City, HBKU is committed to information about HBKU, visit www. receive. an undeniable reality, but it will changes ultimately take place, one evident. Reliability of data sources building and cultivating human capac- hbku.edu.qa But how successful is this trend in take much time and resources thing is certain – the healthcare plays a major role here; we have seen

US poultry is part of the Brexit debate Three-day forecast TODAY result and preserve peace in Northern enterprise, has tried to suggest the Venezuela’s chaos, ISIS, the Cold War. Maximum Temperature : 380c By Mark Damazer Minimum Temperature : 300c Los Angeles Times Ireland and protect the British reverse. What has been striking in the Brexit economy. Trump’s enthusiasm may be debate is that, when challenged by MONDAY Almost all the forecasts provided necessary, but it is as much an more moderate voices than Corbyn’s, Maximum Temperature : 350c merica has loomed large in by reputable economists, including embarrassment as it is helpful to the no government minister – even Minimum Temperature : 290c Britain’s Brexit debate. Or those in the UK Treasury, suggest that Brexit cause. In part, this is because those deeply hostile to the EU’s rules TUESDAY rather, Donald Trump and Britain would be considerably poorer if of the widely held view throughout – chooses to make even a broadly Maximum Temperature : 340c AAmerican poultry have. we leave the EU than if we remain in it Europe that not only are US poultry positive case for the United States’ Minimum Temperature : 280c – no matter what deal, if any, is fi nally regulations unsatisfactory. Much of way of going about its business. If US It would be an obvious Fisherman's forecast overstatement to say that US chicken approved. the entire American economic model policies were precisely the same but – or even President Trump – is the Forecasts are, of course, imperfect, is thought to be based on a harsh view some more orthodox fi gure occupied WARNING of workers’ rights – not enough job the White House, there would be less Inshore : Thundery rain reason consecutive prime ministers something the leading Brexiteers expected with strong have been unable to manage a stress. They believe the predictions are security, not enough paid holiday, not anxiety. wind by afternoon disobliging Parliament in eff orts to based on a pessimistic, even defeatist, enough guaranteed maternity and Boris Johnson now eff ects a “close Offshore : Nil leave the European Union. But no view of an insipid Britain unable to paternity leave. pals” relationship with Trump to add WEATHER Inshore : Misty at places at first Brexit debate is complete without its take advantage of the apparently But it is more than that. The United icing to the obligatory view for any becomes relatively chlorinated chicken moment. marvellous opportunities that await States is easier to attack now, in almost British prime minister that we have “a hot daytime with local The poultry issue is this: American when we are fi nally liberated from our any argument, because of President special relationship.” But whatever he clouds and chance of thundery rain at places processing plants dip their chickens current trade patterns shaped by our Trump. Very few people who criticise actually believes about worker rights by afternoon in chlorinated water to kill pathogens, EU membership. the American version of a market – and he has said contradictory things and they sell those chickens the world The Brexit cause holds as an article economy have any detail at their – he dares not now say outright that Offshore : Misty at times with some clouds over – but not to any country in the of absolute faith that, free from the command. Yes, it has long been the he wants Britain to have an economic WIND EU. EU residents, including Brits, “shackles” of the EU, we will strike case that many European governments and social model closer to the United Inshore : Southeasterly-North- don’t like the idea of eating chlorine trade deals that will more than make see the US as too keen on deregulation States’ than to the EU’s. easterly 05-15/25 KT Offshore : Southeasterly-Easterly with their chickens. up for the new obstacles to our trading and too unforgiving a society, but In any event, a British-US trade deal 04-14 KT So, as Britain contemplates a post- relationship with the EU – currently every suspicion is now given more will be very tricky and will probably Visibility : 4-8/3 KM Brexit trade deal with the United our largest trading partner by a long potency by Trump. take a long time to negotiate and ratify. States, one continuing cry of the anti- way. Throughout the Brexit debate, That poultry issue will need sorting. Offshore : 2-4 FT Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn But Trump’s advocacy is not going to Brexit contingent, and not only the This is, to put it mildly, a gamble. Around the region anti-Brexit contingent, is that we Brits Above all we will certainly want, has claimed that the version of warm many British hearts. Johnson Weather do not want to choke down your foul and need, a deal with the United Brexit being pursued by the British will need him to kickstart any deal – Weather tomorrow Max/min (forgive the pun) chlorinated chicken. States. During the referendum government was based on following but Johnson will be holding his nose. today Max/min P Cloudy 27/17 And if that weren’t bad enough, we’d campaign, Barack Obama suggested the US “downhill” by diluting – Tribune News Service Baghdad M Cloudy 28/17 M Sunny 29/22 have to negotiate the matter, as well that his administration would be workers’ rights currently cemented Kuwait City S T Storms 28/22 Sunny 35/28 as other points of a trade deal, with in no hurry at all to sort out the by our membership of the EU. But z Mark Damazer is the former Manama Sunny 36/28 Sunny 33/24 Donald Trump. fiendishly complex details of any Corbyn’s lifelong anti-Americanism master of St Peter’s College, Oxford, Muscat Sunny 34/24 Showers 15/12 The Brexit debate is always such deal – a statement widely is understood. He has, after all, spent and former head of BBC Radio 4. Tehran Showers 16/12 peppered with other – you may think seen as trying to help the Remain decades blaming the United States He is currently an honorary fellow weightier – themes, of course: The cause. Donald Trump, strongly for more or less everything – Cuba’s at St Peter’s and at Caius College, need to honour the 2016 referendum hostile to the EU as a multinational less than perfect human rights record, Cambridge.

Sociological reading of the 2019 Tunisian presidential poll

From Page 22 seem to provide no real alternative. collectivity and their habitus. mix right and left-wing inclinations in “Broadening our democratic This focus on direct democracy their political messaging. Around the world The election of Saied marks an imagination in this way”, he says, demonstrates the new president’s Tunisia is historically divided Weather Weather end to a hard-fought election cycle “helps build local movements that ideological fl exibility. While his profi le along socio-political (modernists vs today Max/min tomorrow Max/min that saw political outsiders surge are capable of overcoming the if far from the ideological world of traditionalists), and geographic (coast Athens Sunny 27/13 M Sunny 25/13 over establishment fi gures that were inequities existing in our country”. political Islam, many analysts have vs interior). Bourgiba’s modernisation Beirut S T Storms 26/21 Rain 24/20 blamed for years of socio-economic In this regard, the new president recently considered him as the face system was by nature Urban centred Bangkok S T Storms 34/27 I T Storms 35/27 problems. has made no secret of his ambitions of a right-wing, social conservatism and regionally biased. Regionalism, Berlin Showers 16/06 P Cloudy 12/03 Internationally, the new president of to amend the Constitution. He has in Tunisia. Indeed, in many of his a widespread sentiment often not Cairo P Cloudy 28/18 Fog 27/17 Tunisia belongs to the new generation argued for the need to inject forms positions, he is clearly an expression addressed openly, remains a crucial Cape Town Rain 17/11 Showers 14/12 of leaders who advocate participatory of direct democracy into Tunisia’s of the widespread – yet often largely element of political, social and cultural Colombo S T Storms 28/24 T Storm 28/24 and bottom-up democracy. We can parliamentary system, for instance overlooked – social conservatism that identifi cation. The breakeven of Dhaka P Cloudy 29/23 M Sunny 31/21 see some progressive leaders in Latin by choosing representatives from characterises Tunisian society. electoral data shows that territorial Hong Kong P Cloudy 26/22 P Cloudy 26/19 America that advocate this line of popular Congresses active at the This conservatism is neither loyalty still orientated the voting Istanbul P Cloudy 20/13 P Cloudy 22/13 democracy. “Throughout the world local levels. necessarily religious nor rooted behaviour of several groups, but it Jakarta S T Storms 33/25 S T Storms 32/24 the era of established parties is over,” From my experience in the in any brands of political Islam is slowly eroding. Saied’s victory is Karachi Sunny 36/24 P Cloudy 35/26 Saied argued. He proposed devolving development fi eld, this is hard to according to some sociologists. Still, rooted in this erosion. London M Sunny 12/02 M Sunny 11/02 power to elected local councils that implement in a situation of weak it is widespread and informs social The post-2015 liberal rule by Baji Manila M Sunny 33/27 Cloudy 33/26 will decide local spending priorities, economy and a lack of appropriate relations and behaviours at the Kaied Sebsi and deterioration of Moscow Cloudy 14/06 M Cloudy 08/02 with each representative held local self organisation and procedural micro-level not only in rural areas economic situation made the Tunisian New Delhi Sunny 32/18 M Sunny 32/19 accountable by the possibility of recall justice. For this modality to properly but also in several urban areas which people increasingly disillusioned, New York Rain 22/14 M Sunny 20/13 elections. function, a great deal of research witnessed massive immigration from especially among the new millennial Paris Rain 14/05 P Cloudy 12/05 He is fighting for social change work is needed from Tunisian the interior. Yet, at the same time, youth. Economic and political Sao Paulo M Sunny 33/21 S T Storms 32/20 and pushing the democratic sociologists and economists to draw he is also supported by many who stagnation nurtured the feeling that Seoul Sunny 17/05 S Showers 19/08 imagination to new levels. His out an epistemologically suitable, were historically associated with political elites do not act. Or, they Singapore T Storm 31/26 T Storm 29/26 populism seeks democracy from country-specifi c community based the extreme left in Tunisia. This act, but only for their own interests. Sydney Sunny 21/13 Sunny 20/13 below as the real people power. development models derived from the has made Kais Saied resemble other The presidential vote made these Tokyo Cloudy 22/16 Cloudy 21/15 For him, elected representatives norms and values of local people, their contemporary populists which tend to grievances crystal clear. Gulf Times 24 Sunday, October 27, 2019 QATAR Over 40 nationalities take part in Aspire Torch Staircase Run

ith more than 200 con- testants taking part, WAspire Zone Founda- tion (AZF) said it successfully concluded the eighth edition of the Aspire Torch Staircase Run on October 25. The event in- volved participants of all ages and backgrounds in the race cat- egories for children, adults, mas- ters and companies. The participants hailed from more than 40 nationalities, AZF said in a statement yesterday. Britain’s Andrew Jones took fi rst place in the masters — men’s category for the second con- secutive year by reaching the 51st fl oor of The Torch Doha. Mohamed al-Obaidli from Qa- tar came second, while Croatian Ivo Kovacic fi nished third. Abdullah Aman al-Khater, di- rector of Venues and Events at Aspire Logistics, awarded the winners. In the men’s adult category, Tu- nisian Nasreddine Mansour came in the fi rst place, while Cornelia Jan Wouters from the Netherlands fi nished runner-up and French Snapshots from the eighth Aspire Torch Staircase Run. Matthieu Corpet came third. The winners were honoured by while Americans Hanan Eriksson Academy students this year add- mittee of the race, said: “I cer survivor, and Sami al-Asali Sherif Sabri, managing director and Jenna Khatib coming second ed a special fl avour to the race, congratulate all the winners participated in the masters cat- of The Torch Doha. and third, respectively. with 11 students taking part in and we are happy with the suc- egory of the race to present a role In the women’s adult category, Nidal Yahya from India took the race until the 51st fl oor. cess of the eighth edition of model for others. Briton Stephanie Innes-Smith the fi rst place in the same cat- Abdulsalam Arif Alawi won the race, which witnessed a They achieved good positions, snatched fi rst place, with Hanna egory for boys, followed by Brit- the fi rst place, while his col- great demand for registration. with Shaaban ranked 23rd out of Clark from Denmark the runner- ain’s Liam Wilson in second and leagues Muwafaq Faqeer Algadi This edition is one of the most 31 participants in this category, up and Tunisian Amira Azizi fi n- Hassan Shipchandler from the and Abdalla Nabil Adam came outstanding ones of the race while al-Asali came 26th. ishing third. US in third. second and third, respectively. with the participation of two Shaaban said, “I participate Cheryl Aquionaval from the Amal al-Sheemy, manager of Nasser Abdullah al-Hajri, di- categories for the first time today in support of cancer pa- Philippines won in the masters Media and Communication at rector of Communication and this year: 11 students from our tients. Sport was part of my — women’s category, followed by AZF, honoured the winners in Public Relations at AZF, crowned academy as well as cancer sur- treatment for fi ghting this dis- Swiss Manuela Pauley in second both the boys and girls categories. the winners. vivors, who participated in the ease.” and Maria Cecilia from the Phil- In the corporate category, the As part of the CSR activities of event to mark the breast cancer On the sidelines of the race, ippines in third. Civil Defence team won the race, AZF, the race this year coincided awareness month observed in- AZF reserved a dedicated Fun The winners were honoured followed by the Civil Aviation team with the Breast Cancer Aware- ternationally in October.” Zone for families and off ered a by Khairiya al-Absi, manager of in second and RasGas in third. ness Month. Meanwhile, the public availed range of food and beverage out- Partnership and Sponsorship at The winning teams in the cor- AZF donated 30% of the reg- of a free check-up at a van po- lets as well as a special area for Aspire Logistics. porate category were crowned by istration fees for participation in sitioned near The Torch Doha as the giant screen to watch the In the children’s section, Aisha al-Khater and Ahmed Mahmoud the race to Qatar Cancer Society well as a booth to get answers and race. al-Maadeed from Qatar defend- al-Abdullah, Civil Aviation team to support its activities. obtain more information. The fun zone included activi- ed her last year’s title by retaining offi cer. Al-Khater, also the chair- Mohamed Shaaban from Pal- ties such as taekwondo exercises fi rst place in the category of girls, The participation of Aspire man of the Organising Com- estine, a 56-year-old colon can- and Thai boxing.

Doha Youth Camp for Voluntary and Humanitarian Work begins today Activities of the Doha Youth Camp for Voluntary Stars of Science unveils top four contestants for Season 11 and Humanitarian Work will begin today under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and Sports. The event is being organised in collaboration tars of Science has unveiled the temperature in a full-scale room for Lime Auto Extractor’ fell short of with the Islamic Co-operation Youth Forum as part top four contestants for Sea- an hour and a half. the jury’s expectations. of the Doha – OIC Youth Capital 2019 activities and Sson 11. The concrete panels did this by The extractor, which is designed under the motto ‘The Youth is the Power of Nation’. In a bid to prove that their prod- utilising their unique hollow-core to extract the carpel of dry citrus The initiative aims at developing the capacities of ucts were ready for user testing, the construction, which allows for im- fruits by separating it from the pulp Muslim youth in the fields of relief and disaster man- show’s fi ve remaining contestants proved cooling through more effi - while preserving the nutrients, still agement, a press statement notes. The activity will presented their prototypes in Friday cient air circulation. produced unusable material. continue until November 6, organised by the Qatar night’s production prototyping epi- However, it was the medical inno- Anfal had to leave the competi- Cultural and Heritage Events Centre in collaboration sode of the show. vations that stole the show. tion, but she remained adamant that with Qatar Charity at Darb Al Saai. Overcoming challenges in science The jury had the chance to try this was not the end of her innova- “The Doha Youth Camp for Voluntary and and innovation, Nuha Abu Yousef, Nuha’s ‘Active Lazy Eyelid Stick- tion journey as she plans to travel Humanitarian Work initiative is an opportunity for Abdulrahman Saleh Khamis, Husam er’, asking her questions about its to Singapore to continue working Muslim youth to exchange experiences in the field of Sameer, Youssef El Azouzi and An- weight and size as they took turns on her project and obtain a Master’s volunteerism and humanitarian work with an aim to fal al-Hamdani demonstrated their wearing the device. degree. develop their capacity in the fields of relief and disas- knowledge in industrial design to The sticker, which stimulates the “To all innovators watching; pur- ter management. It will witness overnight accom- the jury. muscles responsible for closing the sue your idea, no matter how small it modation for the participants, reflecting a practical At this stage of the competition, eye in patients with affl icted facial might be. Present it to the world and reality of the situation faced by aff ected people and any engineering concerns should muscles and ensure it blinks in uni- challenge all the hardships you face refugees as a result of wars and natural disasters. have been resolved, and the par- son with their unaff ected eye, ended with courage and patience,” she said. The accommodation of participants in the camp will ticipants are expected to have begun up garnering the highest marks from Sadeq Qasem, Stars of Science be similar to that of refugees and those aff ected by integrating aesthetic and ergonomic the jury. Season 2 winner, co-hosted this disasters and wars,” the statement explains. considerations in their design. “Nuha faced the challenges of week’s episode alongside Khalid. Mohamed Ali al-Ghamdi, the camp supervisor “The most important goal for any being both a mother and an ambi- Holder of the Excellence and and assistant to Qatar Charity’s CEO, said the camp product is to prove it works, with- tious young woman in the scientifi c Creativity Award in Entrepreneur- will contribute “to promoting proximity among out question. However, it is equally fi eld despite the unique pressures ship by the Amir of Kuwait, Sadeq young people of Islamic countries and building important that users comprehend they hold,” noted Khalid al-Jumaily, – an innovator and entrepreneur bridges of dialogue to exchange experiences for and appreciate the design so that long-standing host of Stars of Sci- – shared some wisdom with all the empowering young people of the Islamic world”. they can make room for it in their ence. contestants, motivating them to “The activity provides a professional and daily lives,” said Prof Abdelhamid “She set a remarkable example for stay focused on their goals and on advanced framework in the areas of humanitarian El-Zoheiry, a Stars of Science jury Arab women on how to tackle chal- the needs of their target markets. and development work for the participants through member. lenges in science and innovation.” Sadeq also encouraged them to programmes that include theoretical and practical “Our Season 11 innovators have Youssef and his ‘Flow Modula- enjoy every minute of their Stars of activities, in addition to the acquisition of a number shown that they can engineer their tor Stent’ were not far behind in the Science journey, urging them to con- of technical skills by the young people,” he said. way around technical challenges, voting, as he confi dently answered tinue their work even after the show. Al-Ghamdi pointed out that the training period but from this point on, they need every concern the jury had about He said, “Do not focus on the would include seminars, training courses and work- to prove that they can market their his invention; while expert mentors prizes and awards, focus on the fu- shops on international law, codes of conduct for product, too.” hailed Abdulrahman for the quality ture and ask yourselves – what will humanitarian response and other relevant activities. Husam kept his Stars of Science of his Interactive Educational Prayer I do in the future with my project?” He also explained that the camp would uphold journey alive as his ‘Effi cient Com- Mat and his ability to successfully The full broadcast guide to Stars the motto in order to enable the youth of the Islamic fort Concrete Panel’ passed its tests, innovate a religious tool. of Science Season 11 is available on- world to further engage in the process of construc- successfully maintaining a cool Unfortunately, Anfal and her ‘Dry line at www.starsofscience.com The top four innovators of Stars of Science Season 11. tion and development. The camp’s programme would seek to promote the spirit of giving and assistance among the Mus- lim youth and establish a modern and sophisticated approach that works to develop traditional charita- ble works, build modern models of Islamic giving Eighth QU ExxonMobil Teachers Academy to take place in Doha and ensure the sustainability of these models, he stressed. Al-Ghamdi said that the objectives of the camp ducation partners ExxonMo- economic growth. These skills mat- tar’s school system would have tak- dean of Qatar University’s College include establishing positive values and fostering a bil Qatar and Qatar University ter fundamentally for Qatar’s eco- en part in the programme by the end of Education. culture of creativity and innovation among young E(QU) will host the eighth Qa- nomic and sustainable future,” a of this year’s academy. These teach- “With the support of the Ministry people through an eff ective network of youth activ- tar University ExxonMobil Teachers press statement noted. ers are expected to impact more of Education and Higher Education, ists in the field of humanitarian and development Academy in Doha. More than 50 teachers will take than 18,000 students through their the academy has helped hundreds of work in the countries of the Islamic world. The academy, which was estab- part in this year’s academy. classrooms. teachers directly contribute to the hu- In addition, the camp will provide Muslim youth lished in 2012 with QU’s National Around 40 of these teachers are “The Ministry of Education and man development objectives of Qatar with an opportunity to go through real experiences Centre for Educator Development grade 3-6 math and science teachers Higher Education is working hard National Vision 2030,” said Alistair by simulating the reality of some communities and support from the Ministry of from Qatar’s government schools, to give Qatar’s students the chance Routledge, president and general in the areas of education and health and how to Education and Higher Education, A file picture from an earlier edition eight are Teach For Qatar (TFQ) fel- to develop strengths, interests and manager for ExxonMobil Qatar. “ promote them. provides science and math teachers of the academy. lows, and the remaining are repre- goals during their school experience “It is our responsibility as educa- Dr Hamad al-Fayyad, supervisor of the Doha from Qatar’s government schools sentatives from the Ministry of Edu- through programmes like the Qatar tors and as a community to provide Youth Camp for Voluntary and Humanitarian Work with an opportunity to learn new It also helps them inspire students cation and Higher Education. University ExxonMobil Teachers them (young people) with an ena- 2019, added: “This activity will highlight Qatar’s and eff ective teaching strategies and with STEM education so that they All participating teachers have Academy,” said Hissa al-Aali, direc- bling environment that supports eff orts in the field of humanitarian and volunteer enhance existing skills. have a chance to be the innovators, been selected by the ministry, QU tor of Training and Educational De- their learning and development. work. Many entities will participate in this, such The academy’s purpose is to educators and researchers of their and TFQ. “They are determined and velopment Centre at the ministry. This is what the Qatar University as the Permanent Committee for Emergency, Civil ensure that teachers have deep generation. passionate individuals who are en- “We’re looking forward to co- ExxonMobil Teachers Academy is Defence, Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), Hamad knowledge of their discipline by “Its overall mission is to support gaged in their profession and com- hosting another edition of the Qatar all about,” added Dr Abdullah Abu Medical Corp, Qatar Charity, the UN Refugee Agency providing them with access to national eff orts to improve work- mitted to students and their learn- University ExxonMobil Teachers Tineh, director, National Centre for and many other partners.” high-quality learning and profes- force development by building crit- ing,” the statement stressed. Academy with our partner, Exxon- Educational Development at Qatar sional development opportunities. ical skills in the interest of national More than 380 teachers from Qa- Mobil Qatar,” said Ahmed al-Emadi, University.