CongratulationsC to our team and and itsit people on this historic victory in 2019 AsianA Cup. Greetings to our heroes and the technicalte and administrative bodies who have made this tournament an ArabA achievement, presented an exciting football match and fulfilled the dreamsd of millions of fans of Qatari football across the great Arab world.

Saturday 2 February 2019 | 27 Jumada I 1440 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 23 | Number 7790 | 2 Riyals MABROOK QATAR

Qatar beat Japan to win Asian Cup

RIZWAN REHMAT maiden final appearance. After the final whistle, staggering $5m while four-time champions Japan THE PENINSULA captain Hassan Al Haydos received the winner's got richer by $3m. CONGRATULATIONS trophy from FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Qatar captain Al Haydos said yesterday: "I don't QATAR yesterday stunned regional giants Japan the company of AFC President Salman bin Ibrahim have words to describe my feelings. It is a historic 3-1 to win the Asian Cup and cap a commanding Al Khalifa. achievement. It was a wonderful performance by Amir holds phone talks run of form that saw the young side remain unde- Qatar Football Association (QFA) President the team. It was a team effort. Each and every player feated in seven matches. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani and worked very hard and our coach Felix Sanchez with President of Turkey Feared striker produced a breath- Vice President Saud Al Mohannadi were also present managed a great campaign." : Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad taking overhead kick for his team's opening goal in at the trophy ceremony held at Zayed Sports City QFA President said yesterday: "This is a historic Al Thani held yesterday via telephone a the 12th minute before team-mate Abdulaziz Hatim Stadium. Almoez sparkled for Qatar firing in 9 goals day for Qatar football. The team delivered under conversation with President of the made it 2-0 with a spectacular left-footed during from 7 matches to win the Most Valuable Player pressure. I congratulate the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan, shot from outside the box close to the half-hour award worth $30,000. bin Hamad Al Thani on this amazing victory for who congratulated HH the Amir and the mark. Goalkeeper — who created a new Qatar. The players deserve all the credit for their Qatari people for the national team's win Japan reduced the deficit with a neat effort record by not conceding a goal in 608 minutes — beautiful performance." of AFC Asian Cup 2019, wishing His from in the 69th minute but was declared the Best Goalkeeper of the Tour- The QFA President added: "This is a truly a team Highness continued success. young Qatar converted a penalty nament. Al Sheeb received a trophy and a cash prize effort. The coach and the players worked extremely kick (83) to seal Qatar's title triumph in their of $10,000. Qatar's historic win was worth a hard in the build-up of the event and during the Amir, President of Iraq hold talks tournament. I am sure the players are already looking forward to playing in the Copa America DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad later in the summer." Al Thani held yesterday via telephone a Japan, coached by , yesterday conversation with President of the dominated proceedings the second half but it was Republic of Iraq Dr. Barham Salih, who Qatar all the way in the first when two spectacular congratulated H H the Amir and the Qatari goals set them on their way in the well-fought final people for the national team's win of AFC played under lights. Asian Cup 2019, wishing His Highness In the 12th minute, Afif found Almoez on the continued success. edge of the Japan box with a neat lob. Almoez juggled with the ball not once but twice despite being under Team's strength, unity praised pressure from Japan skipper . A fraction of a second later after receiving the : Qatar’s national team coach loopy cross, Almoez produced a spectacular Felix Sanchez stressed that the strength overhead kick with his right foot to send the ball to and unity of his team were the key factors the left of Japanese keeper Shuichi Gonda. The ball in winning the final against Japan 3-1. sailed above the head of Yoshida before crashing Sanchez said that Qatar played one of the into the net with a late dip. `P5 best teams in Asia and in the world. SEE P4, 6, 8 & SPORT PAGES 02 HOME SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2019 SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2019 HOME 03 04 HOME SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2019

Football fans celebrate as Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s tweet congratulating Qatar team’s victory appears on the huge screen at Souq Waqif. Euphoria after Qatar’s historic victory

SIDI MOHAMED the players receive best technical of the tour- THE PENINSULA and physical training under the nament’s supervision of sports trainers and 2019 final – Thousands of jubilant citizens private doctors.” which saw and expatriates including women At Sheraton Hotel Park, the Qatar beat and children celebrated atmosphere was more than Japan 3-1– yesterday the victory of Qatari amazing with fans from all walks was held at football team against Japan in of life had gathered much earlier its Cere- AFC Asian Cup 2019 by taking to before the beginning of the monial the streets waving Qatari flags match to support the Qatari team Court, with Nasser Al Rashid to express their pride and love and share the joy together. Fans members with the country and the watched the game on a giant of the public joining the QF com- champion team. screen. munity to cheer the nation’s foot- Huge crowds had gathered “Victory is the culmination balling heroes on to victory. hours before the start of final of the State’s efforts and its Thousands of people also match at dozens of places across support for the sport. Congratu- watched the final match at the country like Souq Waqif, lations to the government on the Souq Al Wakra on giant Katara, Sheraton Hotel Park, victory and thanks to fans from screens and celebrated the Education City, Qatar Mall, Souq Oman, Kuwiat and other Arab victory. Fans left their homes Al Wakra, Aspire Park etc. along countries who encouraged and watched the game till end with their families to watch the Qatari team in the ground,” said together at the Souq in an game on giant screens. another Qatari citizen, Rashid. atmosphere of joy and A huge number of excited “We are so happy, and very applause on every new goal fans enjoyed watching match on proud of our team,” said Nasser scored by Qatari football giant screens with loud clapping Al Rashid, who watched the team. on every goal scored by Qatari game with among a huge crowd The hashtags #WeAreProu- team. While men and women at Sheraton Park. dOfYou and #QatarAndJapan Fans celebrating at Education City. were wearing scarfs of Qatari “We watched all the matches, remained top trends on flags, children were also dressed and the performance of the team in Qatar. “We are proud of you in maroon dresses in an raising Qatari flags. seats, cafes and eateries. He added: “We cannot was extraordinary and it suc- either you win or lose the expression of love with Qatar. The expatriates also shared “The team did the best, not describe our feelings today, we ceeded in maintaining the same match,” said Al Maadeed tweeted With the victory of Qatar joy with citizens and congratu- only in this match but also in all are very happy and it is first time level in the entire tournament. before the start of the final against Qatar, the marches and lated them over this historical previous matches and we were to be happy about football.” All these victories of the team match. celebrations started all over the victory saying that it was not only expecting this victory due to He noted that it is important was without fans in the stadium Another Twitterati said country in general and the Doha for Qatar but also for all Arab team’s performance. We are very to mention the efforts of Aspire but it succeeded to win,” he immediately after Qatar’s Cornich in particular. Main nations and Muslims. proud of our team; it is a historic Academy because Aspire is the added. victory: “Congratulations to our arteries around Doha Corniche In Souq Waqif only, more victory to score 19 goals in Asian secret of our success today, and Also fans gathered at Edu- championships. We really witnessed huge traffic con- than 20,000 people watched the Cup and conceded only 1 goal,” some of the Qatari team players cation City to watch the national deserved the cup. We showed gestion for hours due to the big game and celebrated the historic said Jassim, a Qatari citizen, who graduated from it. “Aspire football team win the AFC Asian how respectful we are and how number of people and vehicles moment in a wonderful jubilant was watching the final match in includes many sports facilities Cup 2019 for the first time. QF’s Qatar is powerful and remains which had come from all areas ambience enjoying facilities like Souq Waqif with his family. for all groups of the society and special screening the best despite blockade.”

More than 10,000 fans flock to Aspire Park THE PENINSULA in front of a giant screen that had been espe- of Qatar on the national team’s success DOHA cially erected by Aspire Zone Foundation in which is the result of Qatar’s wise and Aspire Park. visionary leadership and focus on More than 10,000 fans flocked to Aspire Park The celebrations had a particular signifi- building generations of talented yesterday evening to mark one of the biggest cance given ’s role over the athletes. sporting moments in Qatar’s history as the years in supporting the development of the “The team’s triumph at the 2019 AFC national football team won the 2019 AFC Qatar national team and its players. Eight of Asian Cup is a testament to a carefully Asian Cup. the eleven players in the Qatar national team planned strategy and highlights the support Huge crowds made up of nationals, are Aspire Academy graduates. and backing of the country’s citizens in terms expats, families and children watched the Aspire Zone Foundation has extended of sports investment,” Aspire Zone Foun- thrilling final and cheered on the national team its heartfelt congratulations to the people dation said in a statement. SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2019 HOME 05

Amir congratulates President, PM of Lebanon Qatar beat Japan to win Asian Cup QNA/DOHA FROM PAGE 1 Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad The goal gave Almoez a new Al Thani sent yesterday a cable of Asian Cup record - the most goals congratulations to President of the by a player in the continent's Lebanese Republic General Michel biggest national team event. You did great job tigers of Tamim. You made best repre- Qatar team is crowned the Asian Cup with distinction and Aoun and Prime Minister Saad Al Almoez, 21, broke the record of sentation from all the Arabs by wonderful performance merit, proud of this historic achievement of Qatar and the Hariri on the occasion of the retired Iranian giant Ali Daie who with high sport ethics, congratulations to H H the Amir Arab, and this young professional team which proved its formation of the new Lebanese scored 8 in one edition. and all those who live on the land of Qatar on this ability and talent in the strongest regional tournament, government, wishing them and the Qatar piled on more misery achievement, proud of you, the heroes of Asian Cup for Asian Cup 2019, promising 2022 World Cup in Qatar. government success, and the on Japan in the 27th minute when winning Asian Cup 2019 with all due respect. brotherly Lebanese people further yet another Afif assist – his 10th of development and prosperity. the 24-team competition – found Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Hatim in the right position just a Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani and little outside of the box. Hatim Prime Minister and Interior Minister moved ahead with a couple of H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin short strides and then fired a left- On behalf of all members of the Ministry of Defense, we Congratulations to the leadership and the people of Khalifa Al Thani also sent cables of footed curling shot that went to the extend our congratulations to Amir H H Sheikh Tamim Qatar and to the Arab nation on the victory of 2019 congratulations to Prime Minister of right of keeper Gonda. It was 2-0 bin Hamad Al Thani, and the people of Qatar on the Asian Cup against Japanese Samurai. Qatar, which hon- the Lebanese Republic Saad Al Hariri for Qatar within the first hour and victory of Qatar football team, the champion of Asian oured the Arabs with this achievement, will honour the on the occasion of the formation of Sanchez's side started to show the Cup, wishing all the best. people of Arab and Middle East by hosting first 2022 the new Lebanese government. kind of form that annihilated hosts World Cup in the history of the region. UAE in the semi-finals on Tuesday. Amir condoles with Both sides walked off the pitch with Qatar leading 2-0 but Brazilian President Japan struck back with a dinked shot from Minamino over Qatar QNA/DOHA keeper Al Sheeb after being set up by Osako in the 69th minute. In the I congratulate H H the Amir and the people of Qatar. I Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad 83rd minute, a bit of drama saw would also like to thank the team and the administrators Congratulations to our national football team! What a Al Thani sent yesterday a cable of Qatar race to a 3-1 lead. Referee for this honorable victory which is an added value to the great performance throughout the whole tournament! condolences to President of the relied on a VAR steadfastness of the people and leadership. Federative Republic of Brazil Jair decision to rule that Japan captain Bolsonaro on the victims of the Yoshida had handled the ball collapse of a dam in the state of Minas inside his own box. Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and records. We achieved amazing Gerais in the Southeast of Brazil. Man-of-the-Match award the footballs fans in Qatar. The results. It is something truly Deputy Amir H H Sheikh winner Afif calmly scored from team and the backroom staff did worth celebrating," he added. Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani and the spot to give Qatar a 3-1 cushion an amazing job at this tour- "The best thing about this is Prime Minister and Interior Minister that remained intact until the final nament," QFA Secretary General how everyone feels about this You overcame all hindrances; the land, the fans and the H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin whistle. "Congratulations to eve- Mansoor Al Ansari told The win. Our goal now is to ensure media propaganda distorting the image of our national Khalifa Al Thani also sent similar ryone in Qatar - the Amir H H Peninsula yesterday. to do everything for our next team, and secured the victory on Asian Cup with respect. cables. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al "This is a historic night. We event which is the Copa Congratulations, H H the Amir, Qatar and all the Arabs. Thani, the Father Amir H H Sheikh broke barriers. We broke America." Deputy PM receives call from US Secretary of State

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Minister of Culture and Sports praises Amir’s support for team’s victory Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani received yesterday a phone call QNA defeat of Japan 3-1. The Minister of Culture and Sports of the Qatari society. from US Secretary of State Mike DOHA His Excellency said that the congratulated Qatar Football Associ- The Minister stressed that the Pompeo. The call focused on bilateral achievement was thanks to the support ation (QFA) and its president Sheikh State of Qatar deserved that relations and the means to enhance Minister of Culture and Sports H E Salah of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al- achievement, adding that the national them, in addition to discussing issues bin Ghanem Al Ali praised yesterday the Hamad Al-Thani and his commitment Thani, as well as every national team side was a clear winner after some of joint interest. The two sides achievement of the Qatari national team to developing Qatari sports, and belief player who delighted all Qatari football outstanding performances and record discussed, during the call, the after they won the AFC Asian cup for the in the role sports play in the progress of fans with their performances on and numbers worthy of the State of Qatar progress made in the peace process first time in their history, following the peoples. off the pitch that reflected the values and Qatari sports. in Afghanistan. 06 HOME SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2019

Qatari fans celebrate after the national team won the football final match against Japan during the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, in Doha,yesterday. Envoys hail Qatar’s victory

IRFAN BUKHARI now in Sweden after this great Qatar football week.” Ahmed, Ambassador of THE PENINSULA Actually, she added, all football fans in the Bangladesh to Qatar world, focusing now on Qatar’s World Cup 2022, congratulated Qatar’s As thousands of jubilant citizens and expatriates will be very impressed by Qatar National Team’s leadership, nation and yesterday took to the overcrowded streets in Doha amazing performance now being the Asian Cup’s team on the victory to celebrate Qatar’s historic Asian Cup triumph, Champions. “Warm congratulations again Qatar!” saying that it was a the diplomatic fraternity congratulated country’s Dr Bart De Groof, Ambassador of Belgium said great victory. leadership saying Al Annabi’s football victory was that Qatar’s victory was very fantastic result and “Heartiest congratula- an expression of Qatar’s ambition to defy the odds. a unique presentation tions to Qatar and we Congratulating Qatar for winning AFC Asian by Qatari team. “I am look forward to Qatar Qatar’s players celebrate with the trophy and Cup, Ambassador of Turkey to Qatar, Fikret Ozer, currently in Belgium hosting a great event in Omani flag after winning the 2019 AFC Asian said that Qatar was his and missing the cele- 2022.” second home and he brations taking place He said that Qatari Ashud Ahmed Cup final against Japan, in Abu Dhabi, yesterday. was very delighted on on streets of Doha. I team performed very Qatar’s victory. “It is congratulate Qatar, well in the whole tournament and defeated four also a victory for football team, technical time Asian champion Japan in the final. “Al Annabi Qatar Team celebrate Turkey. I watched the team. It is the result of really deserved this victory. This achievement is a full match complete 95 long preparation and pride for all Arab countries and Qatar has made a winning AFC Asian minutes and the game hard work,” he said in history,” he added. played by Qatari team an audio statement to Yevhen Mykytenko, Ambassador of Ukraine Cup with Omani fans was excellent. I con- The Peninsula. He said said: “My heartfelt congratulations to the players gratulate the whole that if Qatar team con- Dr Bart De Groof and the State of Qatar. I am very happy as much country, H H the Amir, tinued playing like this, as are fans in Qatar and across the world. The young QNA/ABU DHABI Qatari nation and also it would be an important team by 2022 World Qatari players have won great pride for H H the Fikret Ozer to expatriates on this Cup. Amir, people and the country,” he said in a The Qatar national team, who won the 2019 AFC historic moment,” he Ambassador of statement to The Peninsula. Asian Cup Title for the first time in Qatar’s history, said while talking to The Peninsula. to Qatar, Syed He said that it is also celebrated along with the fans from Oman after The Ambassador said that Qatari team is tech- Ahsan Raza Shah con- a great achievement they claimed the new continental Cup at the Zayed nically strong and presented excellent performance gratulated H H the ahead of the Qatar Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi. during the entire tournament. “I am very happy Amir, the government National Sport Day. Immediately after the crowning, the Qatari today,” he said. and brotherly people of “Qatar is the only country players went to the Omani fans and they raised In a video message Qatar on Qatar’s mag- in the world which has the flags of the Sultanate and those of Qatar, a on the official twitter nificent victory in the dedicated a national matter that was highlighted by social media net- account, US Charge Asian Cup. “Well Done holiday for sport.” works and platforms and was widely admired. d’Affaires, William and Mabrook Qatar,” “Qatari team is a strong The gesture is a tribute to the Omani fans, Grant, said: “Mabrook he added. team. I like the attacking who supported the Qatari team during the AFC Qatar, its people, gov- Talking to The style they play under the championship, especially in the qualifying ernment, H H the Amir Peninsula, Nuran Niya- guidance of a great matches and even in the final match. and tremendous Qatari Syed Ahsan Raza Shah zaliev, Ambassador of coach. In another three- Qatar football team claimed the title of the Yevhen Mykytenko team for winning Asian Kyrgyzstan said that it and-half-year when the AFC Asian Cup after beating Japan 3-0 in the final Cup for the first time. was a great victory for Qatar. “I congratulate the 2022 World Cup is on Friday, the team’s stars also received all indi- Mabrook.” whole nation and the played in Qatar, these young players will have more vidual awards. Talking to The Qatari team on this experience and I am sure they will give strong com- Almoez Ali, the Qatar national team player, William Grant Peninsula, Ambassador historic win. Qatar petition. Today the Qatar football players wrote the appreciated the great role of Omani fans as there of Italy, Pasquale played very interesting state of Qatar in golden letter of the history of football were no Qatari fans attending the tournament, Salzano said that the and honest game in and world,” the Ambassador of Ukarine added. adding that the “Omanis supported us and we victory of Qatar in the entire tournament Eumelio Caballero have the right to celebrate with them after the Asian Cup is really his- and this victory is a Rodríguez, Ambassador crowning, and we sincerely thank them for their toric and well source of pride for the of Cuba said: “Great support”. deserved. “All players whole region and all victory! This is the result The fans carried a big flag of Qatar, in addition played very well with Arab nations,” he said. of the very good and to the small hand-held flags, as well as the flags commitment and He said that dedicated efforts being of many Arab countries such as Oman, Algeria support of the whole becoming Asian made by the Qatari and Lebanon. The large number of fans who sup- nation. They presented football champion was authorities for the devel- ported the Qatari team were wearing the logo of Nuran S Niyazaliev excellent skills in the a great achievement opment of sport in Al Annabi with the background of the names of entire tournament,” he for Qatar expressing general and football in various players. Apart from their attendance, they added. The Ambas- hope that such events and achievements will make particular. We could carried flags in the stadium and continued to cheer sador congratulated H the region stronger and strengthen unity in the observe with how much for Al Annabi players and sing songs throughout H the Amir and all Pasquale Salzano region. He said that people in Kyrgyzstan were also enthusiasms the Qatari the game. people of Qatar on happy over Qatar’s people and so many Eumelio Caballero ‘extremely huge victory. foreign residents working success’. Ambassador of here in Qatar enjoyed each one of their goal, reflecting Ambassador of Sweden to Qatar, Ewa Polano, Kazakhstan, Askar a very strong spirit of patriotism and national unity.” Qatar’s coach praises said in a statement: “Congratulations Qatar! You Shokybayev, said that “The Embassy of the Republic of Cuba would like to deserve it very much! This was an amazing and Qatar has achieved the convey its heartfelt congratulations to H H the Amir players’ efforts very emotional football week, first winning over summit. “Congratula- and to all Qatari people and expatriates. It is a great the UAE in semifinal, where we felt sports and pol- tions and glory to the step on the road to the successful hosting of the 2022 QNA/ABU DHABI itics were painfully intertwined, and now being leadership of the State World Cup.” the Champions of Asian Cup,” the Ambassador said of Qatar, Amir H H Ambassador of Bulgaria, Metin Kazak, said that it Qatar’s national team coach Felix Sanchez in a statement. Sheikh Tamim bin was wonderful performance by Qatar’s team in dif- stressed that the strength and unity of his team “Qatar is making Hamad Al Thani, Father ficult conditions. “I con- were the key factors in winning the final against history! I am the Askar Shokybayev Amir H H Sheikh gratulate H H the Amir, Japan 3-1. Sanchez said that Qatar played one of Ambassador of Sweden Hamad bin Khalifa Al Qatari nation and the the best teams in Asia and in the world. He added but today I feel proud, Thani and the people of team that played with that Japan adopted an attacking approach, but having seen the match Qatar on the victory in this incredible and fasci- determination, courage praised the resilience of the Qatari defense despite in Katara, since I am nating Asian Cup.” and will till the end and the pressure from the Japanese side. On World also feeling a bit of “The Qatari team’s performance in all seven won the Asian Cup final,” Cup 2022, he said that he is not thinking about being Ambassador of matches of the tournament was on the highest level. he said. The Ambassador overseeing the Qatari team during that time. Qatar tonight. Sport I think that the results of Qatar in this very said that it was amazing The Japanese manager meanwhile lamented shall bring us nations important cup are best confirmation for its prep- presentation by Qatari the loss in the final, but said he was proud of his closer together and I am arations to 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and I team and a huge success team for their performances throughout the tour- convinced the interest would like to wish all the best. Let the strongest for Qatar. “I wish further nament. He also said that the coaching staff will and curiosity in Qatar always win,” he said. successes for the team analyze the match and work on improving in the Ewa Polano will grow even more Talking to The Peninsula, Ashud Metin Kazak and country,” he added. future. SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2019 HOME 07 08 HOME SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2019 Celebrations as Qatar erupts with joy

PICS: BAHER AMIN, SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA AND AL-SHARQ PHOTOGRAPHERS. SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2019 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 09 Lebanon announces govt after eight-month delay AFP Gibran Bassil is to fleeing into Lebanon. BEIRUT This time, the latest sticking remain as foreign point was finding a spot in gov- Lebanon announced a minister, while Ali ernment to represent inde- government line-up, ending an Hassan Khalil is pendent Sunni lawmakers eight-month wait that had also staying on in opposed to the premier but heightened fears of a major allied to Hezbollah. economic collapse. charge of the finance On Thursday, the president’s The new cabinet, unveiled ministry. Free Patriotic Movement took during a press conference at the 10 positions, including foreign presidential palace, includes 30 in aid pledged at a conference minister, giving an 11th spot to ministers from Lebanon’s rival in April, notably to help boost the independent Sunni law- political clans. The new line-up the country’s ailing infra- makers. Its ally Shia movement is to see four women take up structure. The French president Hezbollah took three portfolios, office, including at the head of welcomed the formation of the including the health ministry. the interior and energy minis- new government. Fellow Shia party Amal also tries. Gibran Bassil is to remain “President Emmanuel took three, among them finance. as foreign minister, while Ali Macron reaffirms his com- Hariri’s Future Movement party Hassan Khalil is also staying on mitment to the sovereignty, sta- took five posts. in charge of the finance bility and security of Lebanon, Listed as a terror organi- ministry. underlining the importance of sation by the United States, Hez- On May 24, after parlia- the policy of dissociation and the bollah is the only party not to Palestinians affected by tear gas after Israeli security forces’ intervention during the ‘Great March mentary elections, President fight against terrorism,” a have disarmed after the Leb- of Return’ demonstration near Gaza-Israel border in Rafah, Gaza, yesterday. Michel Aoun quickly nominated statement from the Elysee anese civil war from 1975 to Prime Minister Saad Hariri for Palace said. Lebanon is gov- 1990. It is a staunch ally of the his third term as premier and erned by a complex system regime in Syria, where it has 32 Palestinians wounded in border clashes tasked him with forming a which aims to maintain a pre- helped President Bashar al- cabinet. But political parties in carious balance of power across Assad’s forces regain large parts the small multi-confessional religious and political of the country from rebels and AFP The Israeli army said border for often-violent pro- country spent eight months communities. jihadists. The new women min- GAZA CITY approximately “10,000 dem- tests. They want to be able to arguing over the new govern- But finding that equilibrium isters include Raya al-Hasan as onstrators” gathered in dif- return to the homes their fam- ment’s make-up. in government cabinets often interior minister from the pre- Thirty-two Palestinians were ferent locations along the fence ilies fled in the war surrounding “We are facing economic, takes time. In 2009, it took mier’s Future Movement. shot and wounded by Israeli separating the Gaza Strip from Israel’s creation in 1948, and financial, social and adminis- Hariri five months to form a Nada Boustani, from the troops in renewed clashes along Israel. they are calling for an end to a trative challenges,” Hariri said government, while his successor Free Patriotic Movement, is to the Gaza border yesterday, the “They are rolling tyres blockade of Gaza. at a press conference after the Tammam Salam took ten become energy and water min- health ministry in the Hamas- and hurling rocks at (Israeli) At least 246 Palestinians announcement. “It has been a months after he was nominated ister. The new government now run enclave said. troops,” a spokeswoman said, have been killed by Israeli fire difficult political period, espe- in 2013. These delays are often has 30 days to draw up a min- Ministry spokesman Ashraf adding a number of explosive in Gaza since March 30, the cially after the elections, and we linked to tensions over neigh- isterial declaration to outline its Al Qudra said in a statement devices were thrown towards majority during border protests must turn the page and start bouring Syria. They have been priorities before it starts they were shot during protests the Jewish state’s forces. but also by tank fire and air- working,” he said. exacerbated since civil war working. This too could prove along the border, but none were Palestinians have for nearly strikes. Two Israeli soldiers have A new government will be broke out there in 2011, sending to be difficult, in view of internal reported to be in a life threat- a year gathered at least weekly been killed over the same able to unlock billions of dollars tens of thousands of Syrians divisions. ening condition. in various spots along the Gaza period.

Turkey seeks life in prison for US A-G says he can rule on Netanyahu indictment before polls consulate worker REUTERS and intended to make a decision decision, if there is any, to con- be “giving in to pressure from the Bezeq Telecom Israel in return JERUSALEM as soon as possible. sider filing an indictment in the left and the media” to indict him for more positive coverage on a REUTERS/ Netanyahu is facing possible cases relating to the prime min- “at any cost, even when there is news website belonging to the Israel’s attorney general (AG) said charges in three graft cases. He ister, or part of them, subject to nothing, as long as it’s before the firm’s owner. A Turkish employee of the US yesterday there was no legal denies any wrongdoing and has a hearing, even before the election.” In a second case, police consulate in Istanbul could reason to prevent him from called the cases a witch-hunt. election date.” Netanyahu, who heads the contend that Netanyahu received face life in jail if convicted of indicting Prime Minister Benjamin He is favourite to win the Not doing so, Mandelblit said, right-wing Likud party, has said expensive gifts from rich friends. espionage and coup charges Netanyahu on corruption charges election but opinion polls show would undermine the principles he would not bow out of the race A third investigation focuses on accepted by a court yesterday, before an election on April 9, one of his toughest challengers, of everyone being equal under if Mandelbit announces his suspicions that Netanyahu nego- state-owned Anadolu news should he decide such a move was former general Benny Gantz, the law and the right of the intention to accept police rec- tiated a deal with one newspaper agency reported. warranted. making gains. Mandelblit said he public to know about decisions ommendations to indict him. for better coverage in return for Metin Topuz’ arrest in Attorney General Avichai had informed Netanyahu’s of such importance. Police say Netanyahu promises to back legislation that October 2017 exacerbated Mandelblit said his team was lawyers “there is no impediment Netanyahu said on Facebook granted regulatory favors to tel- would have limited the circu- tensions between Washington examining the case materials to making and publishing a the attorney general seemed to ecommunications company lation of a rival. and Ankara, already strained over US support for Kurdish fighters in Syria, Turkey’s plan to buy a Russian defence system, and the US jailing of Parents of Tunisia students an executive at a Turkish state bank in an sanctions- busting case. protest teacher strike The Istanbul court ruled to keep Topuz, a translator AFP conduct first term exams or give and fixer for the Drug TUNIS out grades. They are hoping to Enforcement Agency, in pressure the government to detention until trial hearings Hundreds of parents of Tunisian return to negotiations with the scheduled for March 26. students gathered yesterday in union. “The future of our children Topuz was arrested over the capital to protest a teachers is a red line,” the parents chanted. alleged links to the network strike observed at schools across “Teachers endanger the of US-based cleric Fethullah the country, calling for a return future of our children over very Gulen, whom Turkey accuses to regular classes. narrow interests and for a few of a coup attempt in 2016. For months a syndicate of dinars... what a shame,” Hela Gulen denies that. secondary school teachers, affil- Mejri, a 39-year-old mother of The indictment seeks life iated with the country’s powerful two high school students, said. imprisonment for Topuz on UGTT trade union which led two With second trimester exams charges of “attempting to mass strikes in recent months, steadily approaching, the parents overthrow the constitutional has been demanding wage hikes, fear their children could go the order”, spying and bonuses and the implementation entire school year without “attempting to remove the of previous deals reached with assessment. High school students government”. the government. in several Tunisian cities have Parents of Tunisian students hold placards and banners, as they shout slogans against Secretary Strikes have repeatedly dis- organised similar protests in ICC orders conditional General of the National Federation for Secondary Education (FNES), during a protest in the centre rupted the Tunisian school year, recent weeks, demanding the release of ex-Ivory of the capital yesterday. with most teachers failing to resumption of regular classes. Coast leader AP/THE HAGUE Mnangagwa accuses West of ‘backing violence’ At least 60 dead in Boko International Criminal Court Haram attack: Amnesty judges ordered the conditional AFP HARARE set on fire. “We regret the loss the protests on the main more than 1,100 people, release of Ivory Coast’s ex-pres- of life but we needed to opposition Movement for including opposition law- REUTERS/ABUJA ident and a former youth Zimbabwe’s President protect property as well as Democratic Change (MDC) makers, trade unionists and minister, more than two weeks Emmerson Mnangagwa other citizens not involved in party and on non-govern- even some children as part The militant group Boko Haram killed after they were acquitted of yesterday accused western the protests,” Mnangagwa mental organisations that of the crackdown, which at least 60 people when it renewed its involvement in deadly violence countries of supporting told local reporters. they said were backed by has been criticised by the attack on the northeast Nigerian town that erupted after their coun- violent countrywide protests “We have told the western governments. US, the European Union of Rann on Monday, Amnesty Interna- try’s 2010 election. last month that were sparked western countries that they When he took over from and Britain as well as by tional said. Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji by a huge rise in fuel prices. cannot turn around and raise Robert Mugabe in 2017, rights groups. The attack was one of the bloodiest in said that former president At least 12 civilians died concerns when they are the Mnangagwa pledged to revive Mnangagwa, who won a the group’s decade-long insurgency. It Laurent Gbagbo and Charles and hundreds more were ones sponsoring the vio- the moribund economy and disputed election in July, also came two weeks after Boko Haram had Ble Goude should be freed but injured following a joint lence,” the privately-owned attract foreign investment by announced a package of overrun the same town, driving out did not immediately give police and military NewsDay newspaper quoted ending the country’s interna- measures for state workers Nigerian soldiers and marking its re-emer- details of the conditions of crackdown on protesters Mnangagwa as saying. tional isolation. after strikes by doctors and gence as a force capable of taking army their release. after shops were looted and Authorities have blamed Police have arrested teachers over poor pay. bases. 10 VIEWS SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2019 Al Marri meets Pope, conveys ESTABLISHED IN 1996 struggle of blockade’s victims CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI QNA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI hairman of the National Com- [email protected] mittee for Human Rights Dr. Ali bin Sumaikh Al Marri met with His Holiness Pope ACTING MANAGING EDITOR CFrancis of the Vatican and conveyed MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED the complaints and suffering of thou- [email protected] sands of the blockade’s victims, calling on His Holiness to take an urgent humanitarian stand by pressing those DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR countries to stop their grave violations MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI and to end their suffering, including [email protected] students expelled from their schools as a result of the continued unjust blockade against the State of Qatar for almost 20 months. Al Marri urged His Holiness Pope Francis, ahead of his visit to Abu Dhabi, to pressure the UAE authorities EDITORIAL and the other countries of the blockade and demand that civilians be kept out of the political crisis, and to hold those countries accountable for Courageous Qatar the crisis’ grave humanitarian conse- quences in order to protect human ATAR’s dream run in the Asian Cup was not just rights and defend peace and security. a sporting triumph. The fact that Qatar remained He warned at the same time that the Qunbeaten in seven straight matches actually persistence of the UAE in its violations showed the country’s courage under pressure. The will threaten peace and security in the decision of the hosts UAE to create hurdles for Qatar’s region. He added that Qatar is supportive The meeting also discussed the fans and journalists to travel to the country for the During the meeting, Al Marri gave of the efforts of His Holiness the Pope partnership between the National Asian Cup backfired spectacularly. Qatar, hosts of the a brief summary of the repercussions in establishing peace and security Commission for Human Rights and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, remained calm in the face of of the blockade imposed on the State around the world, but noted that the Vatican in the field of interfaith dia- adversary but in full control on the pitch, reeling off of Qatar. He warned against the esca- victims of the blockade wonder what logue and human rights, where he wins against some of the top sides in Asia. lation of human rights violations due future of peace is there in the GCC in briefed His Holiness on the activities of Qatar, coached by Felix Sanchez, launched the Asian to the stubbornness of the blockading light of the hate and the discrimination the NHRC in this field and its expe- Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over Lebanon, indicating countries and their refusal to respond carried out by the United Arab rience in organizing international exhi- they were just keen on a win first-up. In the second to the complaints and appeals of those Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi bitions on human rights in Islam. The clash, Qatar warmed up with purpose smashing six affected, as well as their neglect of Arabia, the Kingdom of Bahrain and possibility of organizing the calligraphy goals against helpless North Korea in Group E. With reports by the Office of the High Com- with support of Egypt against the exhibition on “Human Rights in Islam” two wins out of two, Qatar steamed ahead like steam missioner for Human Rights and the people of the Gulf. in the Vatican in the future, after the engine when they crushed fierce arch-rivals Saudi decision of He criticized the rhetoric of the success of the previous editions, hosted Arabia with a 2-0 win. Three straight wins meant Qatar the Interna- blockading country that calls for peace, by many countries of the world. qualified for the round of 16 by topping teams in Group tional Court while blockading and violating the At the end of the meeting, the E of the 24-team tournament. of Justice. rights of people at the same time. He President of the NHRC presented His In the round of 16, Qatar were faced with a huge The highlighted that even the people of the Holiness the Pope with a book of man- task as 2007 Asian Cup Chairman of blockading countries did not escape uscripts on human rights in Islamic champions Iraq stood in Al Marri urged the NHRC those punitive measures, as they were culture. their way. Qatar’s Bassam His Holiness Pope expressed his prevented from being with their fam- The President of the NHRC also Al Rawi curled in a spec- Francis, ahead of his appreciation ilies and relatives in the State of Qatar. met with Secretary of the Vatican for tacular free-kick to see his visit to Abu Dhabi, of the efforts He pointed out that the call for Relations with States Bishop Paul side home as Qatar stormed made by His peace should be preceded by the call to Richard Gallagher and briefed him on Qatar’s bold into the quarter-finals of the to pressure the UAE Holiness lift the blockade imposed on the State the Committee role in the protection tactics and tournament. In the last- authorities and the Pope Francis of Qatar and lift the injustice on its and promotion of human rights. He impressive eight stage of the hugely other countries to protect victims. He stressed that there is no real also reviewed the legislative reforms tactical nuance popular event, Qatar took of the blockade human rights will on the part of the UAE to bring adopted by the Qatari government to on Korea Republic. in the world, peace to the region, as it works to develop human rights, especially the from the players Sanchez’s well trained and demand that stressing the punish the people through the actions rights of employment, women and was on display troupe did not disappoint civilians be kept Committee’s taken against citizens and residents of children, which came in support and throughout the again and emerged as con- out of the political readiness to the expulsion of students and the vio- in response to the recommendations three-week vincing 1-0 winners over the strengthen lation of the right to property, work, of the Committee. World Cup side. crisis, and to hold partnership movement and residence, as well as the Al Marri stressed the committees tournament. Five-match win streak those countries and cooper- involvement of UAE officials in commitment to enhancing cooper- Qatar’s young put Qatar against the accountable for ation with the incitement in the media and various ation with the Vatican City in the field players left mightiest of challenges - the crisis’ grave Vatican to platforms. He also noted that the UAE of the protection of human rights they faced home favourites support its and Saudi Arabia previously approved worldwide, praising the rhetoric of football pundits and hosts UAE. But with humanitarian efforts to a law that criminalizes the sympathy of peace and security that calls for the amazed at the momentum and form on consequences in protect their citizens with the people of Qatar, respect of human rights regardless of talent available to their side Sanchez’s boys order to protect human rights threatening them with imprisonment ethnic or religious differences. the coach. fired in four goals and human rights and in the region and huge financial fines. In that context, Al Marri called on humiliated UAE not only on and the Al Marri praised the speech of His the Vatican City to exert more effort in the pitch, but negated the defend peace and world. Holiness Pope Francis on the occasion the face of the growing hate speech pressure tactics of the event security. Al Marri of the celebration of the 70th anni- and incitement, to avoid the tragedy hosts. During the match, the Qatar players were pelted told His versary of the Universal Declaration of that the GCC people live in as a result with water bottles and sandal throwing, an act wide Holiness Human Rights and his affirmation that of the punitive measures of the block- frowned upon by the global football community and Pope Francis that he carries a message the goal of the Declaration of Human ading countries. the sport fraternity at large. from thousands of families that were Rights is to remove walls which sepa- Al Marri handed the Vatican Qatar’s bold tactics and impressive tactical nuance torn up for 20 months as a result of rates the humans and to support inte- official all the reports which docu- from the players was on display throughout the three- punitive measures that lack morals grated human development ments the violations made by the week tournament. Qatar’s young players left football and human values. He added that the He added that he agrees, high- blockading countries, including the pundits amazed at the talent available to the coach. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United lighting that the most dangerous report of the office of the High Com- Almoez Ali, the record-breaking striker, is one name Arab Emirates, and the Kingdom of element of the blockade of Qatar is the missioner for Human Rights, and a that is on everybody’s lips. The young striker fired in Bahrains measures also caused violations that separates thousands of copy of the decision of the Interna- an astonishing 9 goals in seven matches to take Qatar couples to get separated from their families. Al Marri also said that it was tional Court of Justice on the com- to its best football moment. It was truly a wonderful children under the pretense of a those type of violations that His plaint of the State of Qatar regarding display of young and the seniors handling undue political dispute that those families Holiness Pope Francis warned in his the discriminatory practices of the pressure off the field to emerge winners. Take a bow, have no connection to speeches to the world. UAE. Qatar! World should help resolve Venezuela’s turmoil

everal million people have fled After an opposition party deci- the country’s Constitution.” QUOTE OF THE DAY Venezuela due to its economic sively won the 2015 National If the current administration Today we made collapse, and the nation is Assembly elections, Maduro watered remains in place, it must be said that facing a critical situation as two down the assembly’s authority, overcoming the severe economic and history for our country, Speople vie for recognition as the legit- cracked down on opposition parties, humanitarian crises in Venezuela will be we need to be very imate president. Cooperation and con- and increasingly moved toward dic- very difficult. Fair elections should be proud about our structive engagement by the interna- tatorship. He was reelected in a May held again quickly with support from tional community will be essential for 2018 presidential election from which and monitoring by the international achievement. This is peacefully bringing this situation opposition party candidates were community, and an administration that one step more towards under control. effectively excluded. reflects the will of the majority of cit- be ready for 2022 and Venezuela, a South American oil- The United States and many izens must be established. represent Qatar as a producing nation, is roiled by political Central and South American nations The left-wing, anti-U.S. and pop- instability. President Nicolas Maduro have recognized Guaido as president. ulist line followed since the reign of very competitive team has started his second term, but oppo- Major European nations have former Venezuelan President Hugo at the World Cup. sition leader Juan Guaido, who heads announced that they too will rec- Chavez is being brought into question. the National Assembly, has claimed ognize Guaido if Maduro does not hold Trumpeted as “21st-century Felix Sanchez this move is illegitimate. Guaido has a new election. Japan’s position is “that socialism,” these policies threw money Qatar’s Football coach declared himself to be Venezuela’s it is an urgent matter for Venezuela to from plentiful oil revenues into social interim president. restore democracy in accordance with welfare programs for the poor. SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2019 OPINION 11 Trump’s new conflict with Europe his week, the European Union leaders desperately tried to dissuade reaction to Washington’s hubris. “For Union as a vehicle for German finally launched a long- President Trump from pulling out of a long time, the United States has imperialism, bent on “delegiti- mooted mechanism aimed at the nuclear deal, which was the been able to weaponize interde- mizing” other European salvaging trade between the product of years of complex pendence for its own security pur- nation-states. Tcontinent and Iran. diplomacy and which even US intelli- poses without much in the way of Hazony - and the White House, In a joint statement, the foreign gence sources believe has effectively effective challenge,” they wrote, by extension - is “spectacularly ministers of France, Britain and curbed Iran’s nuclear program. But referring to the United States’ unques- misinformed about the status of ISHAAN THAROOR Germany - the three Western Trump took no heed, withdrawing tioned control of the global financial nation states in Europe or Ger- THE WASHINGTON POST European signatories to the nuclear from the accord and reinstating system. many’s power over them and the accord with - said a Paris-reg- various layers of sanctions on Tehran. But that could change. “Key EU,” Stelzenmüller wrote. Besides, istered “special purpose vehicle” Now, Washington’s closest American officials have worried in the she asked, “to what imaginary would enable European companies to partners are building mechanisms of past that if the United States is not golden age of nationalism exactly conduct business deals with Iran by defense against it. “This is really the careful, it might undermine this archi- should Europe’s clock be turned bypassing the US financial system and first instance in which Europe is trying tecture by taking aggressive steps that back? 1989? 1945? 1918?” thus avoiding the risk of triggering to stand up to the coercive economic would encourage states and other It’s not clear how Pompeo American retaliation. power the US is wielding,” Esfandyar entities to create their own networks,” might answer, but the same also In a joint statement, “To avoid real money being traded Batmanghelidj, the founder of the Farrell and Newman added. goes for many of the right-wing the foreign ministers between Iran and Europe that the Europe-Iran Forum, said in a phone On Thursday, German Foreign populists he lauded. The chaotic of France, Britain and United States could use as evidence to call with reporters hosted by the Minister Heiko Maas emphasized mess of Brexit - still championed by Germany - the three justify sanctions, the corporation is European Leadership Network, a Europe’s willingness to break with the Trump and his allies - has softened expected to operate essentially as a think tank in London. On the same United States. “This step makes it the nationalist platforms of some of Western European clearinghouse for credit points,” phone call, Ellie Geranmayeh, a senior clear that we are also going our way Europe’s most hard-bitten signatories to the explained my colleague Rick Noack. fellow at the European Council on in a determined and united way Euroskeptics. nuclear accord with “If an Iranian company trades with a Foreign Relations, pointed to the within the European Union - even if “Even successful populists and Tehran - said a Paris- European counterpart, it can use emergence of “dedicated teams in others take a different view,” he said nationalists like Matteo Salvini and those credits to pay for purchased European ministries” that are devel- from the sidelines of ministerial Luigi Di Maio in Italy, Victor Orban registered “special goods.” oping tactics to dent the Trump meetings in Romania. in Hungary, Jaroslaw Kaczynski in purpose vehicle” The project may have only limited administration’s “overuse and over- The Trump administration cer- Poland and the Alternative for would enable impact, as a statement from the State reach” of sanctions as a policy tool. tainly has a different view. It has Deutschland have dropped the idea Department suggested. The Euro- “No one is under the illusion that aggressively lobbied its European of leaving the euro or the European European companies to peans intend the vehicle to be used this is a silver bullet,” Geranmayeh counterparts to help squeeze Tehran, Union and are instead working to conduct business deals mainly to trade in food, medicine and said, referring to the new joint with mixed success at best. At odds alter the functioning of the bloc with Iran by bypassing medical devices, not more lucrative German-British-French corporate with the major powers of Western from within,” noted Steven the US financial system goods - though Iranian officials indi- entity, “but it’s the beginning of . . . a Europe, it turned east, hoping to cul- Erlanger of the New York Times. cated that they hoped it could be more resilient response.” tivate more nationalist and illiberal The months ahead will see a and thus avoiding expanded in the future. Sanctions experts Henry Farrell allies in Hungary and Poland. crucial test of Trumpian politics on the risk of triggering But experts say the move is conse- and Abraham Newman argued in The Later this month, Secretary of the continent. Far-right political American retaliation. quential for its symbolism alone. Washington Post’s Monkey Cage blog State Mike Pompeo will attend a parties will hope for big gains in Western European that the moves are an overdue summit in Warsaw focused on the European parliamentary elections Middle East that was initially billed as in May. But, as key leaders did last a conference on countering Tehran’s week at the World Economic influence in the Middle East. Pompeo Forum in Davos, European liberals had hoped to lead an anti-Iran charge, and centrists will only grow louder but vociferous pushback from other in their attacks on Trump’s dis- participants forced the Trump admin- ruptive brand of nationalism. The istration to shift its tone. special accommodation of Iran “This is not an anti-Iran meeting may turn out to have been their or coalition-building exercise,” a opening salvo. senior US official told journalists in a telephone briefing this week. The divisions over Iran are exac- erbating the deeper rift between Trump and Washington’s closest friends across the pond. Many European officials were shocked by a speech Pompeo delivered in Brussels D-RING ROAD at the end of last year, in which he POST BOX: 3488 celebrated the continent’s ascendant DOHA - QATAR right-wing nationalist movements [email protected] and attacked the multilateralism that has been the bedrock of European peace and prosperity for decades. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE In an op-ed for the Financial TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 Times, Constanze Stelzenmüller of the FAX: +974 4455 7758 Brookings Institution said the Trump administration has embraced the MANAGING EDITOR US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Minister of State for Europe and the Americas Sir Alan Duncan attending the thesis of Israeli writer Yoram Hazony, TEL: 4462 7505 Security Council meeting at the United Nations headquarters in New York. whose recent book casts the European DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4455 7769

LOCAL NEWS SECTION n the aftermath of Brazil’s dead- where businesses game that system signatures to get a factory, big farm or TEL: 4455 7743 liest mine disaster, a nasty and by going cheap, officials leverage red mine approved and running. Just to familiar feud has broken out. tape for rent-seeking and politicians acquire an environmental license BUSINESS NEWS SECTION Green groups and community are willing to mortgage public interest entails clearing three separate TEL: 4462 7535 Iactivists blamed avaricious industri- for pork and patronage. bureaucratic hurdles. “Environmental alists, free-market fundamentalists The mining catastrophe reflected licensing should be rigorous but also SPORT NEWS SECTION and their official enablers for gutting each one of these smaller disgraces fair,” Flavio Miguez de Mello, vice TEL: 4455 7745 MAC MARGOLIS safety protocols that led to last week’s and, thankfully perhaps, has shaken a president of Brazil’s National BLOOMBERG collapse of a tailings dam at Vale’s number of Bolsonaro’s tidy pieties. Academy of Engineering, told me. ONLINE SECTION He quickly muted his boast that Miguez should know: He’s one of TEL: 4462 7501 Brazil is a model environmental Brazil’s leading experts in dam safety [email protected] steward and backpedaled from his and also a junior partner in a small aggressive campaign vow to peel back hydroelectric generator in the hills PUBLIC RELATIONS outside Rio de Janeiro. “It took a Brazil’s mine disaster environmental restrictions. Public TEL: 4455 7613 decade to obtain environmental pressure will likely build to rein in the [email protected] reveals its shaky influential miners’ lobby, which critics licenses for a three meter dam,” have slammed as the “mud caucus.” Miguez said. “Some investors are ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Notwithstanding the partisan abandoning plans to build hydro TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 slurry, Brazil clearly suffers both from power for thermal plants, which foundation FAX: 4455 7870 environmental negligence and pollute more but take months instead [email protected] corner-cutting capitalism as well as of years to obtain permits.” from bureaucratic overkill. Despite Those travails pale before the CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT Feijao iron ore mine, in Minas Gerais centuries of mining prowess, Brazil human catastrophe still playing out in TEL: 4455 7857 state, which has claimed at least 110 scored below five other Latin America mining country. Yet the bureaucratic [email protected] lives, with more than 230 people still nations in mining regulatory sinkhole is one reason why govern- missing. Their outcry clashed with the standards, according to Fitch Solu- ments on the left and right generally SUBSCRIPTION & mantra among businesses and some tions’ Mining Risk/Reward Index. have agreed on the urgency of ration- DISTRIBUTION Brazil is hardly the policymakers that a top-heavy state Brazil is hardly the only offender. alizing the licensing process. That may TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 only offender. Although and its thicket of environmental stric- Although the number of tailings dam be because the migraine-inducing red FAX: 44557819 tures are strangling enterprise and failures has been declining globally, tape that only a lawyer could love [email protected] the number of tailings spooking investors. serious dam breaks are on the rise apparently is no guarantee of human dam failures has been It might be just one more of the worldwide. Even before the deadly safety or of conservation. Brazil has declining globally, partisan shouting matches that has Feijao breach, Brazil was already logged 10 serious tailings dam serious dam breaks are poisoned the Brazilian conversation home to two of the eight worst tailings breaches just since 2000. All thoughts and views lately. But what if both camps are dam collapses since 2014-a record the Neither has regulatory rigor led to expressed in these columns on the rise worldwide. right? President Jair Bolsonaro took country’s paper-pushers have failed swift adjudication of reparations or Even before the deadly office on a promise to raze the old to address. Planners, wonks and legis- punishment once disaster has struck: are those of the writers, Feijao breach, Brazil Brazil by eliminating bureaucracy and lators spent 33 years arguing over the No mining executive, regulator or not of the newspaper. dam security bill, which finally was engineering firm was jailed in the was already home to the kudzu of regulations that hold back enterprise and individual liberty. written into law in 2010. Yet directors 2015 dam failure that killed 19 people All correspondence two of the eight worst Move over human rights, classroom for the new mining regulatory body and buried an entire town. Thanks to tailings dam collapses multiculturalism and nature pre- were appointed only in December and nimble negotiators, the mine operator regarding Views and since 2014-a record the serves: Guns for all, home schooling, the agency opened with a backlog of Samarco, a joint venture of Vale and Opinion pages should be silos and sluice ways were the new some 20,000 mining concessions still Australian-owned BHP Group, has yet country’s paper-pushers send to editor-in-chief agenda. His appeal struck a nerve in a in limbo largely due to red tape. to pay a centavo of the near $100 office or mailed to the have failed to address. country where rules beget more rules. It can take years, a pile of million fine levied for that But it glosses over the shadow land paperwork and countless stamps and catastrophe. [email protected] 12 ASIA SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2019 India budget showers tax sops, reaches out to farmers

IANS The Budget came out he also raised the threshold for NEW DELHI with a direct income Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) support of Rs6,000 on interest received on bank Setting aside all conventions with per annum for small deposits from Rs10,000 to an eye on the coming elections, Rs40,000, and TDS on rent from Finance Minister Piyush Goyal farmers with land- Rs180,000 to Rs240,000. yesterday showered tax sops for holding size up to two Taken along with Standard the middle class and salaried tax hectares which would Deduction and other sops like payers including zero tax liability be transferred directly interest paid on home loans, edu- for those with income is up to cation loans, contribution to Rs5 lakh and announced an into their bank National Pension Scheme, annual income support of accounts. medical insurance premium and Rs 6,000 for small farmers and medical expenses on senior cit- contributory pension for direct income support of izens, the effective exemption labourers in the demonetization- Rs6,000 per annum for small would go up further. hit unorganized sector. farmers with land-holding size The budget also stepped up Taking the place of an ailing up to two hectares which would defence allocation which he said Arun Jaitley, in his 100-minute be transferred directly into their will be crossing Rs3 lakh crore Finance Minister Piyush Goyal (centre) leaves the Finance ministry to table the budget in Parliament, speech, Goyal also announced bank accounts. The scheme for the first time in 2019-20. “If in New Delhi. yesterday. raising the Standard Deduction would be funded completely by necessary, additional funds for the salaried class and pen- the Central government and would be provided for securing sioners from Rs40,000 to would directly benefit 12 crore our borders and to maintain pre- Rs50,000 and proposed farmer families, he said to the paredness of the highest order.” exemption from tax on notional cheers of the ruling benches. Turning to macro finance, Highlights of Interim Budget 2019-20 rent on second self-occupied Acknowledging reduced Goyal revised the fiscal deficit home. This would help families returns for farmers due to falling target for 2019-20 at 3.4 percent TAX 17. Rs 60,000 crore for MGNREGA maintaining homes at two loca- food prices in the international of the GDP, up by 0.1 percent tar- 18. Rs 1.7 lakh crore to ensure food for all tions due to their jobs. market and declining inflation, geted this year. The Interim 1. Within 2 years, tax assessment will be done 19. 22nd AIIMS to open in Haryana In a big relief for the middle Goyal said the scheme would be Budget pegged the total expend- electronically 20. Approval has to be given to PM Kisan Yojana income group, he increased the implemented from December 1 iture for 2019-20 at Rs27,84,200 2. IT returns processing in just 24 hours 21. Rs 6,000 per annum to be given to every farmer having rebate under Section 87A of the last year for which Rs20,000 crore, up from Rs24,57,235 crore 3. Minimum 14% revenue of GST to states by Central up to 2 hectare land. Applicable from September 2018. Income Tax Act from Rs 2,500 crore has been allocated in the in the revised estimates of the government Amount will be transferred in 3 installments. to Rs 12,500 — the equivalent of revised estimates for the current current fiscal, which is a rise of 4. Custom duty abolished from 36 Capital Goods 22. National ‘kamdhenu ayog’ for cows. Rs 750 crore for 5 percent tax on Rs2.5 lakh to fiscal and Rs75,000 crore in the approximately 13.3 percent. 5. Recommendations to GST Council for reducing GST rates National Gokul Mission Rs5 lakh slab — and also raised Interim Budget for the whole of At the outset, Goyal said the for home buyers 23. 2% interest subvention for farmers pursuing animal hus- the eligibility criterion for next fiscal. paralysis of the past had been 6. Full rebate up to Rs 5 lakh annual income after all bandry. Creation of separate department for fisheries. claiming the rebate to Rs5 lakh For the unorganised sector, broken and India solidly put back 24. 2% interest subvention for farmers affected by natural from Rs3.5 lakh earlier. This Goyal announced a contributory on track and marching towards deductions 7. Standard deduction increased from Rs 40,000 to Rs calamities and additional 3% interest subvention for timely effectively reduces the tax lia- pension scheme providing for growth and prosperity. The gov- payment. bility of those with net taxable Rs3,000 per month on attaining ernment had succeeded in 50,000 income upto Rs5 lakh to nil. 60 year that will benefit 10 crore breaking the back of the “back 8. Exemption on tax on second self-occupied house 25. free gratuity limit increased to Rs 20 lakh from Rs 10 However, tax liability for workers in the unorganized breaking” inflation which stood 9. Ceiling Limit of TDS u/s 194A increased from Rs 10,000 lakh those with net income above sector. Those who enter the at 2.19 percent in December. to Rs 40,000 for women 26. Bonus will be applicable for workers earning Rs 21,000 Rs5 lakh would still start from scheme at 18 years will have to Critics of the budget said the 10. Ceiling Limit of TDS u/s 194I increasedd from Rs 180,000 monthly Rs2.5 lakh as earlier. The Interim pay a monthly premium of Rs55 exercise was one of optics and to Rs 240,000 27. Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mandhan will provide assured Budget neither changed the while those who enter at 29 years rhetoric. They raised questions 11. Capital tax Benefit u/s 54 increased from investment in monthly pension of Rs 3,000 with contribution of Rs 100 existing tax rates or the slabs. will have to pay Rs100 per month like where the money would one residential house to two residential houses. per month for workers in unorganized sector after 60 years The tax giveaways involve a till they reach 60. The gov- come for funding the schemes to 12. Benefit u/s 80IB increased to one more year i.e. 2020 of age. revenue sacrifice of Rs23,100 ernment will contribute a benefit farmers and labour in the 13. Benefit given to unsold inventory increased from one 28. Our government delivered 6 crore free LPG connections crore a year to benefit more than matching share in the pension unorganised sector. year to two years under Ujjawala scheme three crore salary earners and account of workers. The government may bank OTHER AREAS 29. 2% interest relief for MSME GST registered person pensioners — Rs18,400 crore on This scheme, he said, will be on the gross borrowing that has 30. 26 weeks of Maternity Leave to empower the women account of Rs12,500 tax rebate implemented from the current been estimated at over Rs7 lakh 31. More than Rs 3 lakh crore for defence and other changes and Rs4,700 year and a sum of Rs500 crore crore but on the direct taxes front 14. State share increased to 42% 15. PCA restriction abolished from 3 major banks 32. One lakh digital villages in next 5 years crore on account of raising the has been allocated and more will contrary to claims of buyoancy 33. Single window for approval of Indian filmmakers. standard deduction. be given if needed. In a big relief and compliance ramping up, 16. 2 lakh seats will increase for the reservation of 10% The Budget came out with a to pensioners and senior citizens, there is a defict. Farmers’ income scheme an insult, says Rahul IANS & REUTERS dismissed the scheme. “Dear youth, while putting more peanuts”. “With just Rs 500 a else... There is a lot of fantasy prices in recent years, blaming NEW DELHI NoMo (Prime Minister Narendra burden on the common man”. month for the distressed farmers, language and castles being con- Modi for resorting to big imports Modi) five years of your incom- Reacting to the last budget of the Modi government had made structed in the air. There is very despite bumper local crop pro- Congress President Rahul Gandhi petence and arrogance has the Modi government, the Chief it obvious that they did not rec- little actually happening in real duction in a bid to keep inflation yesterday said the Modi govern- destroyed the lives of our Minister said it was “an election- ognize the gravity of the problem. terms,” Tharoor told reporters. in check. “Our debt burden has ment’s scheme to provide direct farmers. Giving them Rs 17 a day centric budget aimed at mis- The exercise is a mockery of the Several farmers said the risen because we have been income support of Rs6,000 each is an insult to everything they leading the people with false interests of the farming com- budget had not swayed them to making losses,” said Jitendra to poor and marginal farmers, stand and work for,” tweeted promises”, which were not munity,” he said. vote for Modi’s party. “The gov- Nirwal, who grows sugarcane in was an “insult” to everything the Gandhi ending the post with backed by numbers. “Though Congress MP Shashi Tharoor ernment is trying to lure farmers the northern state of Uttar farmers stand and work for. #AakhriJumlaBudget. ostensibly a populist budget, it called the Interim Budget a by offering peanuts,” said Raju Pradesh. “The government Finance Minister Piyush The Congress has been dis- was a typical budget of a gov- “damp squib” and nothing close Shetti, a farmer leader and should have waived farm loans.” Goyal in his Interim Budget missive of the budget describing ernment on its last legs, with to “real terms”. “The whole member of parliament in the “I lost more than 80,000 2019-20, announced the it as the “BJP’s manifesto” for the nothing except fake promises for budget exercise has turned out western state of Maharashtra. rupees last year after prices Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Lok Sabha elections and an the people,” Amarinder Singh to be a damp squib. Only one “These measures will hardly plunged,” said Kiran Shelke, an Nidhi (PM-KISAN) providing “Account for Votes”. said in a statement here. thing on which mostly people make any difference to our onion grower in Maharashtra’s direct income support of Punjab Chief Minister Ama- Rejecting the budget as “all applauded, and on which, I don’t earnings.” Shetti said the pro- Nashik district. “If the gov- Rs6,000 to farmers with a land rinder Singh also described the fluff and no action”, he termed have any difficulty is the posed sum was negligible com- ernment can ensure higher holding up to two hectares. budget as “a hogwash, with the Rs6,000 a year announced deduction of tax for the middle pared to the losses incurred by market prices, there won’t be any Taking to Twitter, Gandhi nothing for the farmers and for marginal farmers as “mere class,” he said. “But everything farmers due to the fall in crop need for the 6,000 rupees.”

2 IAF pilots dead Jailed Reuters reporters launch in Mirage crash last appeal to Myanmar court in Bengaluru AFP fled during an army-led IANS YANGON crackdown the United Nations BENGALURU has described as “ethnic Lawyers for two Reuters jour- cleansing”. Two senior pilots of the nalists jailed for seven years in But their sentence pro- Indian Air Force (IAF) died Myanmar on charges linked to voked outcry over media yesterday after a Mirage- their reporting of the Rohingya freedom in Myanmar with calls 2000 fighter crashed on a test crisis lodged an appeal yes- echoing across the world for sortie at a military airport in terday with the Supreme Court their immediate release. the city’s eastern suburb, a — a last chance of a reprieve In January Yangon’s High Defence Ministry official said. through the legal system. Court rejected their initial “Two IAF pilots died of Reporters Wa Lone, 32, and appeal leaving their fate in the fatal injuries after a Mirage- Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, both Myanmar hands of judges at the Supreme 2000 trainer aircraft crashed nationals, were arrested in Court. at the HAL airport in Ben- Yangon in December 2017 and “Our petition asks that the galuru,” said the official. later jailed for violating the Supreme Court finally provide The pilots were identified Official Secrets Act. justice to Wa Lone and Kyaw as Squadron Leader Sameer Reuters says the charge was Soe Oo, reverse the lower Abrol and Squadron Leader Marauding leopard causes panic in Indian city trumped up to muzzle their courts’ errors, and order the Siddarth Negi. “The aircraft reporting into a massacre of release of our journalists,” a A man tries to capture a leopard after it strayed into a residential area in the northern city of was on an acceptance sortie Rohingya men. The two were statement from Reuters said. Jalandhar, India. The leopard went on the prowl for several hours attacking inhabitants before it was after upgrade by the HAL. convicted of possessing clas- Under Myanmar law Investigation on the cause of tranquilised. Four people were hauled to the ground and bitten by the marauding feline who stalked sified information regarding Supreme Court judges hear the accident is being ordered. the alleys and backstreets of the Punjab city for more than six hours before it was caught. Those security operations in Rakhine appeals individually, giving Further details are awaited,” attacked all escaped serious injury The leopard was eventually cornered in a house and sedated. state, from where hundreds of lawyers for the journalists added the statement. thousands of Rohingya Muslims several options. SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2019 ASIA 13 Pakistan oppn reject hike in Haj expenses, demand subsidy

INTERNEWS The federal cabinet on Senator Mushtaq of ‘tsunami’. He regretted that the PPP leader Raza Rabbani minister was not angry. ISLAMABAD Thursday announced the Haj Ahmed of Jamaat-i- government didn’t seek recom- pointed out the absence of Min- State Minister Ali Policy 2019 under which the cost Islami (JI) said that mendation from the Council of ister for Religious Affairs Noorul Mohammad Khan responded The opposition parties in Paki- of performing the ritual under the entire nation Islamic Ideology (CII) before Haq Qadri in the ongoing session. to the notice, saying the gov- stan’s Senate rejected the 63 the government scheme has deciding on the matter pertaining He asked the treasury benches ernment was standing by its percent increase in Haj expenses been fixed at Rs456,426 (with was worried about to a religious obligation. if the minister was angry. stance of establishing a Mad- and tabled a calling attention Qurbani), against last year’s the policy. He added He said that introducing the “Neither did he address the inah-like state. notice yesterday. expense of Rs280,000 per that the government new policy was tantamount to press conference on Haj policy The minister clarified that Senator Mushtaq Ahmed of person. Now, every individual should have provided refraining people from per- [yesterday], nor has he 70 percent of expenditures are Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) submitted will have to pay an additional forming Haj, adding that the gov- responded in the Senate to the made in Saudi Arabia and the the notice. He expressed disap- Rs176, 426. some relief to people ernment “should not invite ill notice.” In yesterday’s cabinet government has no control over pointment over the Haj policy Under the Haj Policy 2018, in the Haj cost. He wishes” of pilgrims. meeting, Qadri had reportedly expenditures there. He further and reminded the government the cost of Haj for individuals said that the recent “The government claiming walked out after his proposal for elaborated that expenses for that it had claimed to transform in the north of the country was to be a Madinah state is a subsidy of Rs45,000 per accommodation, meals and the country into a Madinah-like Rs280, 000 and for the south, increase in Haj refraining people from visiting pilgrim was rejected by his fellow other services have drastically state. The senator said that the it was Rs270,000. expenditure has Makkah and Madinah,” he said, members of the federal cabinet. been increased in the Kingdom entire nation was worried about However, in the new policy, pushed the religious claiming that the same gov- Sources said that Qadri was due of Saudi Arabia. the policy. He added that the the cost of Haj for individuals in obligation out of the ernment had announced to to accompany the information “The government has been government should have pro- the north has been fixed at spend billions for restoration of minister at the press briefing. trying to provide some relief,” vided some relief to people in the Rs456,426 (with Qurbani) and people’s reach. cinemas. The information minister, he said. Haj cost. He said that the recent Rs436,975 (without Qurbani), He suggested that instead of however, denied reports that Chairman Senate Sadiq San- increase in Haj expenditure has while for those in the south it is Ahmed, yesterday, termed spending billions of rupees for Qadri was to be present at the jarani suggested that provision pushed the religious obligation Rs446,426 (with Qurbani) and the move a “drone attack” and restoration of cinemas, the gov- presser. Senator Shibli Faraz of of further subsidy to Haj pilgrims out of the people’s reach. Rs426,975 (without Qurbani). said that Haj has become a target ernment should subsidise Haj. the PTI told the Senate that the would be a better move.

Trump ‘serious’ about Afghan Musharraf’s withdrawal, Taliban says former aide joins Imran Khan AFP withdrawal was the first goal. KABUL “Secondly, we want the estab- INTERNEWS lishment of an Islamic ISLAMABAD US President Donald Trump is system,” he continued, damp- serious about getting out of ening tentative hopes among Former All Pakistan Muslim Afghanistan, the Taliban said Afghans that the insurgents League (APML) chairman Dr yesterday, outlining the would agree to participate in Muhammad Amjad was wel- “Islamic system” comprising the existing democratic system comed into Pakistan “all Afghans” that the group built since 2001. Tehreek-i-Insaf by party says it hopes to establish under He said they would head and Prime Minister any peace deal. establish such a system through Imran Khan. Taliban spokesman Zabi- “negotiations with different “I have complete faith in hullah Mujahid spoke to AFP via political sides, even if they have PTI’s manifesto and lead- WhatsApp a day after the US so far been under the umbrella ership,” Dr Amjad said. “Even said talks with the militants are of the invaders”. If the gov- in its initial days, the PTI gov- “on the right path”, fuelling ernment in Kabul will not stand ernment has brought the speculation of a breakthrough in the way, he added, “then of country on a track that leads in the 17-year conflict. course there will be no need for to success,” the newly The US President’s apparent war”. Mujahid said the insur- inducted member of PTI said. eagerness to pull troops out has gents are not seeking to Dr Amjad quit the chair- weighed on the negotiations, monopolise power. manship of APML, founded which culminated with six “Inshallah (God willing) all Afghan national sport by ex-military ruler retired straight days of meetings in Afghans, including different general Pervez Musharraf, on Pakistani horsemen compete during a game of the traditional sport of Buzkashi, in Quetta, yesterday. Qatar last week. political sides” can take part, he August 10, 2018 — less than The ancient game of Buzkashi is an Afghan national sport which is played between two teams of “An agreement was reached said. Such a system would be two months after being nom- on a principle framework... based on the principle of shura, horsemen competing to throw a animal carcass into a circle. inated as the chairman by which, if implemented, and if or council, with Islamic experts Musharraf in his place. the Americans take honest steps making decisions and “repre- and stick to it truthfully, then sentatives of people and God willing we are hopeful that scholars” contributing. the Americans will end the Mujahid said the group was occupation of Afghanistan,” “100 percent hopeful” of estab- US seeks full account of North Korea weapons Mujahid said. “It appears that lishing such a system. Trump is serious,” the Taliban He admitted that the AFP where the location is. I don’t the spotlight of meeting the picture at ending decades of hos- spokesman continued. Taliban regime of the 1990s WASHINGTON think it’s a great secret,” he told reclusive leader again, the US tility despite repeated failures in US special envoy Zalmay experienced “a lot of economic, reporters at the White House. special representative on North the past, saying that Trump “is Khalilzad also spoke this week social and security problems” A US negotiator called late on has offered to host Korea, Stephen Biegun, said the unconstrained by the assump- of a “draft framework” for a — a key one being how to sep- Thursday on North Korea to the talks. “We’ve made tre- administration is “clear-eyed” tions of his predecessors”. deal, though he warned that arate men from women. provide a detailed account of its mendous progress with North and prepared for contingencies “I have this perfect major hurdles — including any Under the Taliban women weapons to seal a peace deal, Korea,” said Trump, whose June if talks fail. outcome moment where the US withdrawal — remain. were largely confined to their saying President Donald Trump summit with Kim in Singapore On Tuesday, Director of last nuclear weapon leaves Experts have hailed the homes, venturing outside only was ready to offer a future that was the first ever between leaders National Intelligence, Dan Coats, North Korea, the sanctions are development as a milestone in with a male escort and hidden includes diplomatic relations of the two countries that never told the Senate Intelligence lifted, the flag goes up in the the conflict. But it has prompted beneath a burqa. Girls edu- and economic aid. formally ended the Korean War. Committee that “North Korea is embassy and the treaty is signed concerns from Afghans and cation was banned and women Trump is set to hold a second The meeting produced a unlikely to give up all of its in the same hour,” Biegun said observers who feared foreign were prohibited from the work- summit with North Korean document in which Kim pledged nuclear weapons and production at Stanford University. troops could withdraw before place save in some few areas leader Kim Jong Un in around a to work toward the “denuclear- capabilities,” an analysis counter “Now that’s an ideal, I know, a lasting peace is reached such as medicine. month and said on Thursday that ization of the Korean peninsula.” to Trump’s position that there is and these things are going to between the insurgents and the Now, the militants “don’t he would announce the exact As skeptics voice worry that “a decent chance” of the North move haltingly along different government in Kabul. oppose the education of date and venue early next week. Trump is overly eager to make giving up its nuclear weapons. courses. But they can also be Mujahid said a foreign women”, Mujahid said. “I think most of you know a legacy-building deal and enjoy Biegun painted an upbeat mutually reinforcing,” he said.

Hong Kong seizes Facebook bans accounts tied to record 8 tonnes of Indonesian fake news group pangolin scales AFP media. At least one of its AFP JAKARTA members was jailed following HONG KONG a wide-ranging investigation. Facebook has shut down hun- Indonesia is battling its own A record eight tonnes of pan- dreds of accounts and pages wave of online hate speech, as golin scales found in a container linked to an Indonesian group conservative groups exploit from Nigeria was unveiled by accused of spreading hate social media to spread lies and Hong Kong officials yesterday, speech and fake news, the target minorities. Authorities are underscoring the city’s central company said yesterday. worried inflammatory material role in the booming illegal The world’s biggest social posted online could crack open wildlife trade. network said cyber group social and religious fault lines in Customs officers said they Saracen engaged in “coordinated the world’s largest Muslim- conducted a joint investigation abuse of the platform” by oper- majority country ahead of pres- with mainland officials on 16 ating a network of hoax accounts idential elections in April. January, seizing 8,300kg of pan- that mislead online readers about Some 800 Saracen-linked golin scales and 2,100kg of ivory who was behind them. accounts, 207 pages, 546 tusks hidden inside a container “The people behind this groups and 208 Instagram — declared to be carrying frozen activity coordinated with one accounts linked to the group A customs officer stands in front of sacks of seized endangered pangolin scales next to ivory elephant beef — at a customs facility. another and used fake accounts have been yanked from the tusks at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound in Hong Kong yesterday. “This is a record high in to misrepresent themselves, network, Gleicher said. About quantity for a seizure of pangolin and that was the basis for our 170,000 people followed at scales,” the customs department of uncarved tusks, in an acrid- on Hong Kong to do more to crack southern Chinese financial hub action,” Facebook’s head of least one of the pages, and more said. A man and a woman from smelling room. Officials esti- down on illegal wildlife smuggling played a “disproportionate” role cybersecurity policy Nathaniel than 65,000 followed at least a trading company in the city mated the value of the haul at by ending legal loopholes and in wildlife crime — accounting Gleicher said in a statement. one of the Instagram accounts. have since been arrested. HK$62m ($8m). lenient sentences. for around a fifth of all global Saracen gained infamy in The groups and accounts Customs officers displayed The announcement came less In a landmark report ana- ivory seizures and nearly half of Indonesia two years ago when were shut down “based on their dozens of sacks filled with scales than two weeks after a coalition lysing seizures and convictions, all pangolins seized in the last police accused it of deliberately behaviour, not the content they to the media as well as hundreds of local conservation groups called conservationists said the decade. spreading untruths via social were posting”, Gleicher said. 14 EUROPE SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2019 UK rejects EU’s Gibraltar description as ‘colony’

ANATOLIA The British reaction governed by Madrid. Spain LONDON came after a footnote imposed a blockade on the region from 1968 until 1985 — The UK said yesterday it is to new EU legislation a year before it joined the EU — “completely unacceptable” to guaranteeing visa- cutting off access to the land refer Gibraltar as a “colony,” free travel for border and communication for hitting back at EU language Britons in post-Brexit Gibraltarians. describing the British oversees The territory has been one territory as a “colony of the Europe referred of the hard-fought issues in British Crown.” to the disputed Brexit negotiations since Spain The British reaction came Mediterranean demanded to have the last say after a footnote to new EU leg- territory as a on regulations over it. islation guaranteeing visa-free “We have taken a decisive travel for Britons in post-Brexit colony, sparking an step towards resolving a con- Europe referred to the disputed immediate diplomatic flict that has lasted more than Mediterranean territory as a row between London 300 years between the UK and colony, sparking an immediate and Brussels. Spain,” said Spanish Prime Min- diplomatic row between London ister Pedro Sanchez last and Brussels. November, calling Gibraltar a Sir Tim Barrow, the British He said the UK would not territory that has yet to be German Chancellor Angela Merkel (left) and Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan hold joint Ambassador in Brussels, negotiate the status of the ter- “decolonised.” The vast majority press conference after their meeting in Berlin, Germany, yesterday. expressed anger over the ritory even if the withdrawal of Gibraltar residents consider description during a meeting agreement is reopened in the themselves British. In a 2002 yesterday morning with his EU coming days. referendum on whether Spain counterparts. Gibraltar — a British and the UK should share sover- Separately, Prime Minister overseas territory at the tip of eignty over the territory, 98.5 ‘Farewell to Facebook’, bids Theresa May’s official the Iberian peninsula home to percent voted to remain under spokesman said: “It is com- some 30,000 people — was exclusive British rule. pletely unacceptable to describe ceded to Britain by Spain under In the 2016 Brexit refer- Gibraltar in this way.” “Gibraltar the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht, but endum, 95.9 percent of voters Germany’s retiring Merkel is a full part of the UK family and Spanish claims over the region in Gibraltar voted to remain in has a mature and modern con- continued. the EU. Barring a delay over the REUTERS page,” she said. “You know that The move could not contrast stitutional relationship with the In referenda in 1967 and lack of a deal acceptable to both BERLIN I am no longer CDU president, more sharply with Donald UK. This will not change due to 2002, the Rock’s public widely sides, the UK is set to leave the so I will now close my Facebook Trump, who is Merkel’s opposite our exit from the EU,” he added. rejected proposals for it to be bloc on March 31. German Chancellor Angela page.” For a public figure to in some respects and whose Merkel took another step in her close down a social media quick-fire tweets defined both stage-managed exit from presence with such a large fol- his campaign and his politics yesterday, posting a lowing is an unusual move, presidency. Mother guilty video to announce the closure leading some to speculate that, Merkel’s page often went Pro-Brexit campaign of her Facebook page after whatever else Merkel plans for days without an update. stepping down as head of her her post-chancellor life, she Her farewell video was of mutilating party. envisages doing so as a private flooded with hundreds of com- fined for data breach Merkel, chancellor of citizen. ments in many languages within daughter Europe’s largest economy since Her 13-year dominance of minutes of going online. AFP Leave.EU and Eldon 2005, decided last year after a European politics has made her Many of them referenced LONDON Insurance — known as GoS- series of election setbacks to retirement a guessing game, the 2015 decision to open Ger- REUTERS kippy Insurance at the time — relinquish leadership of the with some expecting her to take many’s borders to hundreds of LONDON A British media watchdog were fined a total of £120,000 Christian Democratic Union up a senior role in the European thousands of Syrian war ref- yesterday fined a top pro-Brexit ($157,000, ¤137,000). (CDU) and not run for another Union or the United Nations. ugees - a move that came to A London mother was found campaign and an insurance The amount was reduced term. Merkel has always deflected define her chancellorship. guilty of subjecting her company headed by its donor by £15,000 from the fine orig- In the video, Merkel thanked questions over her future. “I don’t support you! What 3-year-old daughter to for violating data protection inally announced in November her 2.5 million followers and Building a large social media you did and do in Europe and female genital mutilation rules. following an appeal. invited them to continue fol- following to serve as a valuable with your people is shameful,” yesterday in Britain’s first The Information Commis- The ICO concluded that lowing her via the government’s communications channel is wrote Maria Balogh in conviction for FGM - more sioner’s Office (ICO) said the Leave.EU used Eldon Insurance official Facebook page or on arduous work. Hungarian. than 30 years after the Leave.EU lobby group funded customers’ details to unlawfully Instagram, which shares Merkel’s following is ahead “You were my candidate for practice was outlawed. by Arron Banks used the per- send them nearly 300,000 pictures. of her friend and ally French president,” wrote Martha The Ugandan mother-of- sonal data of his insurance messages backing Britain’s split “Today is the day on which President Emmanuel Macron’s Reardon Berwick in English. “I two, who cannot be named company’s clients to send them from the European Union I would like to thank you for all 2.3 million followers, and dwarfs only wish you were here in the for legal reasons, could face targeted political ads. during the 2016 campaign. your support of my Facebook Britain’s Theresa May’s 503,000. US!” up to 14 years in jail. Police and anti-FGM campaigners said the con- viction would send a strong message that FGM is child Catalan separatists’ abuse and will be prosecuted. “It’s going to send a shockwave around the com- trial set for munity. It’s a wake-up call. It will be a huge deterrent,” activist Hibo Wardere said. Justice Philippa Whipple February 12: Court adjourned sentencing until March. Police launched an AFP hear testimony from police investigation after the girl’s MADRID officers and citizens who were parents rushed her to hos- injured during clashes suring pital on August 28, 2017. The Twelve Catalan separatists will the October 1, 2017 inde- jury took five hours to return go on trial on February 12 over pendence referendum. the guilty verdict at Lon- their bid to make the region Riot police beat protesters don’s Central Criminal independent from Spain, the and stormed polling stations on Court. Supreme Court said yesterday, the day of the referendum in an The girl’s Ghanaian naming the country’s ex-prime attempt to stop it from going father, who was also on trial, minister among those called to ahead. was acquitted of FGM and of testify. But the court refused a failing to protect his Nine of the accused are request to summon as expert daughter from the risk of charged with rebellion for their witnesses US linguist and social FGM. During the trial, the role in the dramatic breakaway critic Noam Chomsky and 37-year-old mother told the attempt in October 2017. They respected British historian Paul jury her daughter had hurt face up to 25 years in jail. Preston. It also declined to call herself after falling while Snowman Spain’s conservative former on Spain’s King Felipe VI to climbing on a kitchen prime minister Mariano Rajoy testify. A car drives past a snowman near Hartley Wintney, in Hampshire, 40 miles west of London, yesterday. worktop at their east London will be one of “hundreds” of - Rebellion accusations - In flat. witnesses to testify at the trial, pre-trial detention for months, a Supreme Court document the nine jailed defendants were said. Rajoy sacked Catalonia’s being transferred from the regional government and called northeastern region of Cata- snap local elections after the lonia to prisons near Madrid on Italian prosecutors probe coast guard over shipwreck Catalan parliament declared Friday. independence in October 2017 Supporters in Barcelona AFP it fell under Libyan jurisdiction, minutes earlier can save a life,” increasingly insisted Libya following a banned inde- cheered them as they were ROME despite receiving no response Vella said. Italy’s far-right handle rescue operations off the pendence referendum. taken away, waving the region’s from the Libyan coast guard. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo North African country since a He was unseated by a no- red, yellow and blue separatist Italian prosecutors are investi- “There was a gap of three Salvini has closed the country’s controversial accord was confidence vote backed by flag. gating the deaths of 117 people hours between the first sighting ports to migrants and demanded reached in 2017 — with EU Catalan separatist parties last Three others will also stand in a shipwreck off Libya last of the stricken dinghy by an Europe take its share. backing — to rebuild Tripoli’s year. trial, accused of disobedience month and whether delays at the Italian military aircraft” and the Europe has been wrestling coast guard capacities. Rajoy’s Deputy Prime Min- and misuse of public funds. rescue command centre in Rome Libyan response, Agrigento with divisions over how to The Agrigento prosecutors ister Soraya Saez de San- Supporters of inde- cost lives, a Sicilian prosecutor assistant prosecutor Salvatore handle the problem since the have delivered their initial inves- tamaria, former Catalan pres- pendence for Catalonia call the said yesterday. Vella said. migration crisis of 2015 when tigation to Rome prosecutors, ident Artur Mas and Barcelona’s trial a “farce”. The IMRCC (maritime rescue “There were many women more than one million people who will have to decide whether current mayor Ada Colau are But many Spaniards coordination centre) in Rome in the boat, one holding a arrived on its shores, many of there is enough evidence for a also among those summoned support it, having looked on in was alerted at 13:40 on January newborn, not more than two them fleeing conflict in the trial of IMRCC officials for to testify in the trial. disbelief as the rich region’s 18 to a dinghy in distress but said months old. Even getting help 10 Middle East. Italy has “failing to provide assistance”. The court said it would also then executive tried to secede. SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2019 EUROPE / AMERICAS 15 Trump blames Russia; pulls out of INF treaty

AP “For too long,” Trump and will work with Nato and our WASHINGTON said in a written other allies and partners to deny Russia any military advantage The Trump administration said statement issued by from its unlawful conduct.” yesterday it is freeing itself from the White House, An American withdrawal the constraints of a nuclear arms Russia has violated had been expected for months, control treaty with Russia and the treaty “with after years of unresolved dispute will begin withdrawing from the over Russian compliance with pact today. impunity, covertly the pact. It was the first arms President Donald Trump developing and control measure to ban an entire blamed the Russians for the fielding a prohibited class of weapons: ground- demise of the Cold War-era missile system that launched cruise missiles with a pact, known as the Interme- range between 500km and diate-Range Nuclear Forces poses a direct threat 5,500km. Russia denies that it treaty. to our allies and has been in violation. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo holds a news briefing at the State Department in Washington, “For too long,” Trump said US officials also have troops abroad.” DC, yesterday. in a written statement issued by expressed worry that China, the White House, Russia has vio- which is not party to the treaty, lated the treaty “with impunity, treaty, which will be effective in is gaining a significant military covertly developing and fielding six months, he said. advantage in Asia by deploying Russia angered, EU worried after exit a prohibited missile system that He said the US “has fully large numbers of missiles with poses a direct threat to our allies adhered” to the treaty for more ranges beyond the treaty’s limit. AP whole world; the United States obstacle to deploying interme- and troops abroad.” than 30 years, “but we will not Leaving the treaty would allow MOSCOW has taken another step toward diate-range missiles that could The INF treaty, signed in remain constrained by its terms the Trump administration to its destruction today,” Kon- reach Europe and China. 1987, has been a centrepiece of while Russia misrepresents its counter the Chinese, but it’s Russian politicians yesterday stantin Kosachev, head of the The US move was regarded superpower arms control since actions. We cannot be the only unclear how it would do that. blamed the United States for foreign affairs committee in the with anxiety in Europe. the Cold War. Some analysts country in the world unilaterally “The strategic rationale for undermining global security by upper house of parliament, said Ministers from the Baltic worry its demise could fuel a bound by this treaty, or any leaving the INF seriously ending compliance with a after the announcement. countries that border Russia - new arms race. other.” involves China,” Behnam Ben nuclear arms treaty, while “This step carries a threat to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia - Trump said that today the Nato said that if Moscow Taleblu, a defence expert at the European countries watched the entire system of interna- were mostly in support of the US will “suspend its obligations” failed to destroy all new missile Foundation for Defence of with dismay and Nato said tional security, but first of all for US move and blame Russia. under the treaty, meaning it will systems that Washington insists Democracies, said. Russia was at fault for the pact’s Russia because after leaving the “It is up to Russia to show if be freed from its constraints, violate the treaty, “Russia will He noted the quality and demise. INF the Americans will deploy they still want to meet the con- including the testing and bear sole responsibility for the quantity of Chinese ground- Russia accused the United these missiles in European ditions. There is a six-month deployment of missiles banned end of the treaty.” Trump said based missiles and growing States of unilaterally seeking to countries,” said another senator, notice period so there is still by the pact. his administration “will move prospects for Chinese and neuter the treaty and of resisting Igor Morozov. But the end of the time to meet the conditions and At the same time, the US will forward with developing our American conflict in the Russian attempts to resolve the treaty could also serve Russia’s that is what we should be begin withdrawing from the own military response options Asia-Pacific. dispute. “I ‘congratulate’ the strategic interests, removing any banking on,” Blok said. Ukraine state Hungary oppn unites against govt

REUTERS forged by concerns about new balances with scant resistance government would pack the new broadcaster chief BUDAPEST administrative courts which, from the opposition, which has court with judges loyal to from January 2020, will hear mostly been weak and mired in Orban’s government. Hungary’s often-divided oppo- cases about government infighting. The government has said the sition parties came together business such as taxation and “The new law violates the courts would be independent fired before polls yesterday to urge the country’s elections. The justice minister principle of separation of and more efficient than gener- top court to investigate an will oversee its appointments powers,” five parliamentary alist courts that currently handle AFP journalists yesterday issued a overhaul of the justice system, and budget, which the oppo- opposition parties and several state matters. KIEV joint letter calling Alasania’s which they say could make it sition says is a conflict of interest. other MPs and politicians wrote The Constitutional Court can dismissal a “clear sign of cen- vulnerable to government Orban, whose Fidesz party in a joint press release, adding theoretically veto the law or The head of Ukraine’s state sorship” and a “very dangerous influence. came to power in 2010, has used they would ask the Constitu- force Parliament to reconsider, broadcaster has been fired just precedent for the country”. The rare unified political a two-thirds majority in Par- tional Court for a review. Justice but the body has rarely pre- two months before a crunch Politician Mustafa Nayyem, front against Prime Minister liament to solidify his power and Minister Laszlo Trocsanyi has sented a real obstacle to presidential election, sparking a former reporter and leading Viktor Orban’s government was erode democratic checks and rejected concerns that the lawmaking. accusations of censorship by figure in Ukraine’s 2014 pro-EU media and opposition politi- revolution, called the move “a cians yesterday. very worrying signal”. Zurab Alasania, who has “The goal is clear: to clean 6.6 magnitude run the state-run National Ukrainian broadcasting from Public Broadcasting Company criticism and exposure two of Ukraine (UA:PBC) since 2017, months before the elections,” earthquake said the channel’s supervisory politician Sergiy Leshchenko board terminated his contract wrote on Facebook. hits Mexico on Thursday evening over what Poroshenko was elected in it called “the politicisation of 2014 after his pro-Russian AP news”. predecessor Viktor Yanukovych MEXICO CITY It also criticised Alasania for was ousted following the failing to adequately cover a popular protests. He came to A strong earthquake jolted march in support of the cre- power on promises to shut southern Mexico yesterday, ation of an independent down the Russia-backed con- rattling nerves and swaying Ukrainian Orthodox Church flict in the country’s east and tall buildings hundreds of and two other events that were tackle corruption. miles away in the capital, but attended by President Petro But the war, which has there were no reports of Poroshenko, who this week already claimed more than serious damage, injuries or launched an uphill battle for 10,000 lives, is dragging on deaths. The US Geological re-election. with no end in sight and critics Survey reported that the “The allergy of authorities say Poroshenko has done too quake had a magnitude of 6.6. to the channel has reached the little to fight graft. It was centred about 10 miles stage of intoxication,” Alasania Opinion polls put him from the city of Tapachula in wrote on his Facebook page. behind ex-prime minister Yulia Chiapas state and struck at a The 54-year-old, who is Tymoshenko, who rose to inter- depth of 40 miles. also one of the founders of national prominence in 2004 Chiapas civil defence Ukraine’s popular online tele- during the anti-corruption Huge waves official Arturo Barrientos said vision channel Hromadske, had Orange Revolution demonstra- that there were no reports of Waves crash on the lighthouse of “La Isla del Mouro” in the port town of Santander, Spain, yesterday. been due to stay in his post until tions and announced her own serious damage and author- 2021. Dozens of Ukrainian run last week. ities were monitoring the sit- uation. Barrientos said cracks appeared in a wall at an ele- mentary school in the state capital, Tuxtla Gutierrez, but US judge throws out bid to protect Obamacare law the children were evacuated safely. “It was felt pretty strongly, but everything is REUTERS Maryland had failed to show that sky,” Hollander added. Trump’s accusing Trump of violating an Attorney General Jeff Sessions in normal. We went out into the WASHINGTON the Trump administration is likely administration has taken several anti-corruption provision of the November. Hollander noted that street, and that was it,” to terminate enforcement of the steps to undermine Obamacare Constitution called the emolu- the Supreme Court recently Enrique Vidal, a lawyer who A US judge yesterday threw out 2010 law, officially called the after Congress failed in Repub- ments clause. rejected a similar challenge to the lives in Tapachula said via the state of Maryland’s bid to Affordable Care Act. lican efforts to repeal the law By tossing the Obamacare appointment of Whitaker, a text message. “Those with protect the healthcare law known The claim made by Maryland championed by Trump’s Demo- lawsuit, Hollander avoided having Trump loyalist who has been crit- children in schools went to as Obamacare in a ruling that also Attorney General Brian Frosh, a cratic predecessor Barack Obama. to decide on the lawfulness of icised by Democrats, and that look for them since there are sidestepped a decision on Democrat, “consists of little more Frosh said in a statement that Whitaker’s appointment, other courts have found he was buildings that are still whether President Donald than supposition and conjecture Hollander’s decision does not end although the judge did say Mar- lawfully appointed. damaged from 2017.” Trump’s appointment of Matthew about President Trump’s possible his effort to defend the law. yland had presented “sound argu- Whitaker remains as acting The same region was Whitaker as acting attorney actions,” Hollander wrote. “We will resume this litigation ments” in support of its con- attorney general, though Trump rocked in September 2017 by general was lawful. “In effect, the state proclaims immediately if the president tention that Deputy Attorney has nominated William Barr, who a magnitude 8.1 earthquake In a win for the Republican that the sky is falling. But, falling breaks his promise of continued General Rod Rosenstein should previously held the post, as that killed nearly 100 people president, Baltimore-based US acorns, even several of them, do enforcement,” said Frosh, who is have become acting attorney attorney general, the top US law and damaged thousands of District Judge Ellen Hollander said not amount to a falling pursuing separate litigation general when Trump fired enforcement official. buildings. 16 AMERICAS / CLASSIFIEDS SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2019

Mexico army destroys Venezuela oppn leader explosives found rejects mediation offers outside refinery AP MEXICO CITY AP Venezuela’s increasingly isolated as more CARACAS opposition has called nations back Guaido. Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez on supporters to flood Maduro yesterday continued Obrador said yesterday he would not be Venezuelan opposition leader the streets again a show of strength as com- intimidated by explosives and a threat Juan Guaido said yesterday he mander-in-chief that has seen found near a refinery in the central state of has turned down offers from the today in nationwide him crisscross Venezuela to Guanajuato. presidents of Mexico and protests against oversee military exercises in Guanajuato is one of Mexico’s hot spots Uruguay to negotiate with Maduro, the second recent days as he vows to defend for massive fuel theft, which Lopez Obrador embattled Nicolas Maduro, a day such mass action this his socialist government no has tried to combat by deploying the mil- before nationwide street matter the cost. itary. “We’re not going to fall for any prov- protests called to escalate week. “We’re in a historic battle,” ocation,” Lopez Obrador said. “We are not pressure on the socialist leader Maduro told several hundred going to pay attention to any act of intim- to step down. Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. troops standing in formation idation.” The administration had initially In a letter to both presidents, The United States also around armored vehicles. characterised the explosives found inside Guaido urged them to back Ven- rejects offers from Mexico, “We’re facing the greatest a pickup truck parked outside a refinery in ezuela’s struggle, saying to Uruguay and the Vatican to political, diplomatic and eco- the city of Salamanca as fake. But the army remain neutral aligns them with mediate a dialogue. nomic aggression that Vene- later confirmed they were real even though Maduro. “At this historical Bolton’s talk turned tougher zuela has confronted in 200 they did not present a danger. It did not moment that our country is yesterday in an interview with years.” explain why. going through, to be neutral is conservative radio talk show The military’s top leadership An army spokesperson said that sol- to be on the side of the regime host Hugh Hewitt in which he is backing Maduro, though ana- diers safely destroyed the explosives. that has condemned hundreds warned that it could be a beach lysts warn that rank-and-file A message allegedly from the leader of of thousands of human beings area more like Guantanamo. troops frustrated by their coun- a fuel theft ring in Guanajuato threatened to misery, hunger and exile — A defiant Maduro remains try’s economic and humani- Lopez Obrador and was found hung some including death,” he said. dug in, blaming the White House tarian crisis may not share that distance from the refinery. It appeared to The opposition’s priority is for openly backing what he calls unwavering loyalty. reference the explosives. to end Maduro’s grip on power a coup to remove him from Venezuela’s opposition has and usher in a transition by power and exploit his country’s called on supporters to flood the holding democratic elections, vast oil wealth. streets again today in Brazil judge reopens Guaido said in the letter to Uru- He retains support from nationwide protests against guayan President Tabare powerful allies, including Russia Maduro, the second such mass Vazquez and Mexico’s President and China, but is growing action this week. probe into scandal tied to President’s son

AFP BRASÍLIA

A supreme court judge in Brazil yesterday overturned an injunction requested by Pres- ident Jair Bolsonaro’s senator son that had frozen a probe into a suspicious payments scandal involving a former close aide. The development dealt a blow both to the son, Flavio Bolsonaro, and to the pres- ident, who has unsuccessfully been trying to distance himself from the growing scandal, which now also implicates his wife. The affair is proving a dogged embar- rassment to President Bolsonaro, who won office by campaigning fiercely on promises to stamp out corruption. Flavio Bolsonaro won the injunction last month from another supreme court judge by arguing the case should be taken away from Rio de Janeiro prosecutors and shifted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (centre), attending military exercises flanked by Defence to the jurisdiction of the supreme court, Minister Vladimir Padrino (left) and Bolivarian National Guard Commander Richard Lopez (right), which should deal with it under secrecy at the Bolivarian National Guard Command in Macarao, Caracas, yesterday. afforded to federal lawmakers. Trump leans toward declaring emergency on border

AFP political temperature around the he set for Congress to agree on the wall project a political crusade WASHINGTON issue — could even come in his State funding for wall construction. But to demonise immigrants and to of the Union speech to Congress on Thursday he described negotia- satisfy his base. President Donald Trump gave his next Tuesday. tions with opposition Democrats “a He previously tried to pressure strongest indication yet yesterday “Well, I’m saying listen closely waste of time.” Congress into backing his idea by that he will soon declare a state of to the State of the Union, I think The president says that existing refusing to sign off on budgets for emergency, bypassing the need for you’ll find it very exciting,” Trump sections of walls should be extended swaths of the federal government, congressional approval to fund said. “I’m certainly thinking about along the border to stop what he leading to a five-week shutdown of US-Mexico border wall. it,” he said of declaring the emer- describes as an uncontrolled some 800,000 government jobs. Trump hinted in remarks at a gency. “I think there’s a good chance invasion of criminals. Democrats, By declaring a national emer- White House meeting on cross- we’ll have to do that.” Trump’s who control the lower house, have gency on the border, Trump would border trafficking that a declaration threat comes well before the expi- repeatedly rejected Trump’s funding in theory be able to tap unrelated — which would further heat the ration of a February 15 deadline that demands, saying that he has made funding to use wall construction. Brazilians pay homage to victims of dam collapse

AP friends who worked at the mine. A BRUMADINHO, BRAZIL spokesman for the Minas Gerais Fire Department said after the ceremony A week after the deadly collapse of that authorities were not calling off a mining dam in the Brazilian state the search for bodies although no of Minas Gerais, dozens of people one had been found alive since turned up to pay homage to the 110 Saturday. victims killed and 238 who are still Yesterday, operations seemed missing. to enter a new phase as firefighters A ceremony was held at the site began excavating the mud with of the disaster around 1pm local heavy machinery. So far, efforts Rescue workers attend a mass for victims of a collapsed tailings dam owned time, the hour at which the dam have been focused on finding bodies by Brazilian mining company Vale SA in Brumadinho, Brazil, yesterday. breached a week ago, unleashing a closer to the surface and did not destructive torrent of reddish- involve backhoes. begun testing water quality around drinking water from the Sao Fran- brown mining waste. The tailings, which contain toxic the mining complex, while state and cisco River. The wave of mud is cur- Backhoes stopped digging in the levels of iron oxide, plastered 252 federal authorities have told resi- rently moving toward the Sao Fran- mud, and rescuers looking for sur- hectares of the adjacent city of Bru- dents to refrain from using water cisco at about 1kph, but officials vivors in the thick mine tailings all madinho and the Paraopeba River. directly from the Paraopeba or 100- hope the Retiro Baixo hydroelectric looked to the sky as 10 fire Vale SA, the company that ran metres around it. dam and plant complex about department and police helicopters and operated the dam, said the res- The Paraopeba River flows into 300km from Brumadinho will released flower petals on the iron idues did not have dangerous levels the much larger Sao Francisco River, prevent the mud from contami- ore mining complex. of metals, but experts argue that the which could also be contaminated. nating it. “It is totally devastated, it looks impact on the environment could Hundreds of municipalities and The tailing is expected to reach like there has been a war,” said be irreversible. Authorities and larger cities such as Petrolina, the Retiro Baixo dam between Feb- 23-year-old Edvan Cristi, who lost environmental organisations have 1,400km from Brumadinho, get ruary 5 and 10. SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2019 CLASSIFIEDS 17

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LONDON/NEW YORK double to 550 million tonnes a first announced in 2014, would percent majority stake. sale led to delays in announcing tonnes in 2005 and triple last REUTERS year (mtpa) by 2030, triggering focus on this new market Exxon and Qatar are the final decision to proceed year’s 21 million tonnes, Wood a race among oil and gas com- dynamic. strengthening a global alliance with the project, one of the Mackenzie’s research director Qatar Petroleum and Exxon panies eager to dominate the It is part of Qatar Petro- across LNG projects from the people said. The people spoke for global gas and LNG, Giles Mobil Corp are expected to market. leum’s plans to invest some United States to Mozambique. on condition of anonymity Farrer, said last month. announce plans next week to The Golden Pass LNG Ter- $20bn in the United States as the Exxon is trying to get a seat at because the conversations were More than 320 million proceed with a $10bn project minal is a receiving and regas- company seeks to increase its Qatar’s table, and to do so may private. The move comes as tonnes of LNG was shipped glo- that will expand a liquefied ification facility in Sabine Pass, overseas oil and gas footprint. be willing to make certain con- ConocoPhillips hones its focus bally in 2018, according to Ref- natural gas (LNG) export facility Texas that can handle up to 2 The most likely buyer for cessions, one of the people said. on international projects. initiv Eikon shipping data. in Texas, three people familiar billion cubic feet of natural gas ConocoPhillips’ stake is Exxon Qatar was the world’s The Golden Pass project is Qatar left the Organization with the transaction said. imports per day to the United Mobil, two of the people said, largest LNG producer in 2017 one of many that could be of the Petroleum Exporting ConocoPhillips, the third States. adding that the existing partners and has annual output of 77 approved this year. Firms are Countries (Opec) last year, partner in the existing terminal, However, as US gas pro- do not want to bring in another million tonnes. expected to make final decisions allowing it to expand in the plans to sell its 12.4 percent stake duction has soared to new participant, as plans for the Exxon and ConocoPhillips on projects that could add more United States without con- in the project , the people said. records, bolstered by shale pro- project are in advanced stages. declined to comment, while than 60 million tonnes per cerns about proposed legis- LNG demand is soaring. duction, the demand for export Currently, Exxon has a 17.4 Qatar Petroleum could not annum of LNG capacity this lation that could limit OPEC Worldwide consumption of the capacity has increased. The percent stake in the project, and immediately be reached for year. That’s well above the pre- members’ investments in the fuel is expected to more than potential $10 billion expansion, Qatar Petroleum holds the 70 comment. ConocoPhillips’ stake vious record of about 45 million country. Unilever warns of Rush to stockpile ‘challenging’ 2019 sweeps UK AFP the lower half” of the group’s 3 THE HAGUE to 5 percent range for coming factories years. Unilever reported net The new chief executive of profit of €9.8bn ($11.2bn) for REUTERS Anglo-Dutch consumer giant 2018, up 51.2 percent, but a 5.1 LONDON Unilever warned Thursday of percent decrease in turnover a “challenging” year ahead to €51bn. British factories stockpiled despite big profits driven by Analysts had expected goods in January at the fastest ice-cream sales in 2018. better sales figures and Uni- rate since records began in The comments by Alan lever shares were down 1.85 the early 1990s as they Jope, who took over as head of percent to 46.48 euros near the braced for a potentially the maker of Dove Soap, close of trade on Thursday. chaotic Brexit in less than two Magnum ice cream and Unilever blamed the drop months’ time, a business Marmite spread in November, on exchange rates, particularly survey showed yesterday. came as earnings disappointed in the latter half of the year, and The IHS Markit/CIPS UK analysts and shares dropped. the disposal of its large spreads Manufacturing Purchasing Former CEO Paul Polman business in July. Managers’ Index (PMI) also stepped down following a failed However the group behind showed deepening pes- post-Brexit plan to move the brands also including Ben and simism across the sector firm’s headquarters from Jerry’s said ice cream sales which saw output grow by London to the Netherlands after were helped by a heatwave in the smallest amount since Brexit. Europe in the summer of 2018. July 2016. BBVA financial results “In 2019 we expect market Unilever has had a troubled Sterling slipped against conditions to remain chal- year with the collapse of the the dollar after the PMI fell to Spanish bank BBVA’s Chairman Carlos Torres and Chief Executive Officer Onur Genc pose before the lenging,” the Scotsman said in plan to move its HQ to Rot- 52.8 from 54.2 in December, annual results presentation at the company’s headquarters in Madrid, Spain, yesterday. a statement, adding that sales terdam, after a revolt by a three-month low and below growth was expected to be “in shareholders. the consensus forecast in a Reuters poll of economists for 53.5. While better than the similar readings of manufac- Deutsche Bank insists best to come after first profit in years turing in France and Germany, survey compiler AFP competitors or European rivals The Deutsche boss refused of the thicket of legal entangle- IHS Markit said the out-per- FRANKFURT AM MAIN such as Spain’s Santander or BNP to be drawn by analysts or jour- ments that throttled per- formance of British factories Paribas in France. nalists on a potential merger formance in the past. was driven by a surge in Germany’s biggest lender Revenues fell four percent, with Frankfurt rival Com- By the end of 2018 its pro- demand for stockpiling mate- Deutsche Bank reported to 25.3 billion euros, but the bank merzbank, after reports the visions for litigation costs were rials ahead of Brexit. yesterday a profit for the first was able to increase pre-tax German government favours a down to €1.2bn, compared with The stocks of purchases time in four years, with execu- profit eight percent to €1.3bn. tie-up to create a new national €7.6bn at the end of 2016. index rose to the highest tives looking to convince Much of that increase was champion. Board member Karl von level ever seen in a Group of investors and media a phase of down to a cost-cutting drive, “We have our plan and we Rohr said some 19 out of 20 Seven country, a record that “controlled growth” has begun. which saw outgoings fall five are working very hard on real- major legal risks threatening the spans more than 1,500 data The firm reported €267m percent to €23.5bn as bosses ising this plan,” Sewing said. bank had been “completely or points. ($305m) net profit, compared slashed almost 6,000 jobs, Executives aim to continue partially resolved”. “The fact that there is still with a loss of €751m in 2017 and bringing headcount to 91,700. cutting costs, with the payroll set Deutsche sees no danger at least some positive growth €8.2bn over the previous two Deutsche said it had a com- to fall below 90,000 in 2019, from recent scandals linked to is almost certainly down to years combined. fortable capital ratio -- a while betting on a solid per- the so-called “Panama Papers” the biggest reading for The result, however, was measure of a bank’s cash buffer formance from Deutsche’s leak of information about off- inventory building in the sur- short of expectations of 505 to withstand sudden economic strongest areas in investment tested” if the “extremely adverse” shore companies, which saw vey’s 27-year history,” ING million euros from analysts sur- shocks -- of 13.6 percent. banking. market conditions seen in the prosecutors raid the bank’s twin- economist James Smith said. veyed by Factset. “We achieved all of our The lender claims a place last quarter persist, Sewing tower headquarters in Frankfurt “After all, we are so close Weighing on earnings was objectives for 2018,” said chief among global leaders in fields acknowledged. in November. to Brexit day and an econom- a final quarter last year that executive Christian Sewing (pic- such as managing international Equinet Bank analyst Philipp Neither do bosses judge ically disruptive ‘hard’ Brexit brought losses of €425m, with tured), who replaced crisis- financial flows or bond trading. Haessler told AFP he was “not there is a major risk from a remains firmly on the table.” Deutsche blaming “challenging fighting British boss John Cryan Although early 2019 has optimistic that the bank will money-laundering scandal at Prime Minister Theresa financial markets” and “neg- last April after years of struggle been marked by pessimism achieve its return on equity Danske Bank. May, under pressure from ative” media headlines. to turn the bank around. about global growth prospects, target. To do that it would have Nevertheless, investors were her own Conservative Party, But there was no repeat of “A new phase is beginning, Deutsche will target a return on to make significant gains in not immediately won over by the wants to reopen a Brexit the massive 1.4-billion-euro one of controlled growth” in all tangible equity of four percent market share, which will be board’s upbeat tone, with shares treaty with the European charge related to tax reform in the bank’s sectors, he added. -- a broad measure of profita- difficult.” in Deutsche shedding 3.15 Union to replace a contested the US that hit in late 2017. “We won’t lose sight of cost bility -- compared with 0.5 Deutsche can point to one percent by 1:05 pm (1305 GMT) Irish border arrangement, Deutsche’s performance still discipline and integrity,” Sewing percent in 2018. major factor in its favour this to 7.50 euros -- close to their all- something Brussels has fails to match major American promised. The plans will “certainly be year, as it sees itself largely free time low. rejected. SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2019 BUSINESS 19 Amazon shares drop on concerns of rising costs

BLOOMBERG Amazon’s spending will increase SEATTLE in 2019, emphasizing that expenditures in 2018 were light Amazon.com Inc. shares dropped and the company has to keep after the e-commerce giant gave investing in people and facilities a tepid first-quarter sales to expand. forecast and raised concerns In the fourth quarter, Ama- Andrew Bailey about rising costs, slowing retail zon’s biggest of the year, growth and a murky outlook for revenue rose 20 percent to its business in India. $72.4bn. Analysts projected Brexit: UK & EU Sales will be $56bn to $60bn $71.9bn. Net income was $6.04 in the current period, the per share, compared with an regulators agree company said Thursday, com- average estimate of $5.56. Sales pared with analysts’ average Amazon’s future if India isn’t a at Amazon Web Services, the top to cooperate on estimate of $61bn. Though big part of it. Up until now, China seller of cloud-computing fourth-quarter sales and has been its biggest failure.” services, climbed 45 percent to finance earnings topped analysts’ esti- In the fourth quarter, overall $7.43bn, maintaining the pace BLOOMBERG mates, growth in the North losses from international oper- of the previous period. Oper- LONDON American retail unit slowed dra- ations widened to $642m, ating expenses grew 18 percent matically in the key holiday reversing a trend of improving in the recent quarter, according British and European Union regu- period, and comments about profitability. On a call with to the company’s statement. lators agreed to cooperate on over- uncertainty in India sent the reporters, Olsavsky also said Advertising was a key mon- sight of financial firms and share key stock lower. headwinds from foreign cur- eymaker, highlighting Amazon’s market information in a move that Shares were down 4 percent rency exchange rates are ability to charge brands and mer- will help avert problems arising from in pre-market trading at 7.32 am curbing revenue. chants for visibility to its 100 a no-deal Brexit scenario, especially in New York yesterday. Worldwide shipping costs million-plus loyal Prime sub- for asset managers. Finance chief Brian Olsavsky increased 23 percent in the scribers, who pay fees in The European Securities and (pictured) tried to reassure fourth quarter, outpacing online exchange for delivery discounts, Markets Authority detailed two coop- investors that the company sales growth and highlighting movie and music streaming and eration agreements, known as a remains on the right track. But the strain of free shipping pro- other perks. The company’s memoranda of understanding, with he had few encouraging words motions Amazon launched to ‘other’ revenue category, which the UK Financial Conduct Authority, about growth in India, saying the fend off competition from is mostly advertising, grew 95 as politicians in both jurisdictions effects of new e-commerce reg- Walmart Inc. and Target Corp. percent to $3.39bn in the quarter. seek to cushion the effects of the UK ulations in the country are still over the holidays. Amazon also Shoppers will spend $484bn leaving in March without a divorce uncertain. Chief Executive saw a big deceleration in sub- globally on Amazon this year, deal. Officer Jeff Bezos has pledged scription-services revenue, up 26 percent from 2018, and The agreement smooths the way about $5bn to chase growth in which is mostly Prime mem- the Seattle-based company will for regulators in the UK and India, seeing the world’s second- bership fees. More than 100 capture more than half of all remaining 27 EU member states to most populous country as the million Prime members online spending in the US, cooperate on oversight of investment best frontier for Amazon’s inter- worldwide pay monthly or according to EMarketer Inc. funds as well as to share data, national push. But its grand yearly fees in exchange for Bezos has been pushing beyond including for potential market abuse plans were thrown into chaos shipping discounts and music the low-margin business of investigations. The deal also allows after the country implemented and video streaming. Amazon selling goods online into more authorities to exchange information new e-commerce regulations, increased the price of Prime last profitable categories like cloud on credit rating agencies and trade which some analysts believe year, and free two-day shipping computing and advertising. repositories. The agreements should could cut its growth in the has become a common offering Those profits also help fuel “minimize the potential for dis- market by as much as half this from other retailers. Amazon’s growing devices ruption, which we know is particu- year. The company forecast first- business, which includes smart- larly important for the investment “That’s wildly concerning,” quarter operating income of home and connected-car management sector, credit rating said Tom Forte, an analyst at DA $2.3bn to $3.3bn, in line with gadgets that operate on Ama- agencies and trade repositories,” FCA Davidson & Co. “Think about projections for $2.99bn. zon’s voice-activated Alexa Chief Executive Andrew Bailey said how damaging it will be to Olsavsky also hinted that platform. in a statement.

CROSSWORD MALL ROYAL PLAZA

Manikarnika (2D/Hindi) 2:00pm; Vantha Vantha Rajavathaan Varuen (2D/Tamil) 2:00 & 11:15pm; Rajavathaan Varuen (2D/Tamil) 2:00 & Njan Prakashan (2D/Malayalam) 2:15 & 11:15pm; 11:30pm; Minuscule: Mandibles From Far Away 2030 (Qatari/Arabic) 4:30pm; Manikarnika (2D/Hindi) 6:15pm; (2D/Animation) 2:30pm; 2030 (Qatari/Arabic) A Dog’s Way Home (2D/Adventure) 5:15pm; 4:15pm; Njan Prakashan (2D/Malayalam) 4:45 & Replicas (2D/Thriller) 7:00pm; Destroyer (2D/Action) 9:00pm 11:30pm; The Kid Who Would Be King (2D/ On The Basis Of Sex (2D/Biography) 9:00pm, Adventure) 4:45pm; A Dog’s Way Home (2D/ Adventure) 5:45pm; Replicas (2D/Thriller) 7:00, ASIAN TOWN 9:30 & 11:30pm; The Girl In The Orange Dress (2D/ Tagalog) 7:30pm; Destroyer (2D/Action) 7:15pm; Sarvam Talamayam (Tamil) 12:00noon & 12:00midnight; Nadi Elregal Elserri (2D/Arabic) 9:30pm; Sarvam 21st Noottaandu (2D/Malayalam) 2:30, 8:15pm & 02:00am Thaalamayam (2D/Tamil)9:00pm; Nadi Elregal & 12:00midnight; Vijay Superum Pournamiyum (2D/ Elserri (2D/Arabic) 9:30pm; Malayalam) 5:30 & 11:15pm; Njan Prakashan (2D/Malayalam) 12:00noon, 1:00, 2:45, 3:45, 5:30, 6:30, 8:15, 9:15, 11:00pm, 12:00midnight, 01:30 & 02:00am; Manikarnika (2D/Hindi) LANDMARK 6:00pm; Vantha Rajavathaan Varuen 12:00noon, 3:00, 2030 (Qatari/Arabic) 2:15 & 5:15pm; 9:00pm & 02:30am A Dog’s Way Home (2D/Adventure) 2:15 & 5:15pm FLIK Mirqab Mall Manikarnika (2D/Hindi) 2:30 & 8:45pm; Minuscule: Mandibles From Far Away (2D/Ani- 2030 (2D/Arabic) 10:50am, 1:05pm; mation) 3:30pm; Njan Prakashan (2D/ A Dog’s Way Home 10:20am, 12:20, 2:20, 4:25, 6:25, 8:45 Malayalam) 4:00 & 11:30pm; The Girl In The 10:35pm; Bumblebee 4:55 & 11:25; Glass 12:40 & 10:10pm Orange Dress (2D/Tagalog) 6:45pm; Destroyer 10:45am, 1:15, 3:45, 6:15, 8:50 & 11:25pm; Vantha Rajavathaan Varuen (2D/Tamil) 6:45 & How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2D/Action) 11:30pm; Replicas (2D/Thriller) 7:00, 9:30 & 10:30am & 5:30pm; Replicas 11:50am, 12:15, 2:00, 4:10, 6:35, 11:30pm; 8:25 & 9:45pm; Miniscule - Mandibles From Far 11:30am, 1:305, 3:30 & 7:45pm; Nadi Alregal Alserri 2:45, 5:45, 8:00 & 10:45pm; Njan Prakashan 3:00, 6:00pm & 12:05am; The Kid Who ROXY Would Be King (2D/Adventure) 10:40am, 12:30, 3:15, 7:30, Destoyer 9:30, 10:20 & 11:55pm; 9:55pm; Vijay Superum Pournamiyum (2D/Malayalam) 6:30, How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World 9:10pm & 12:00midnight Yesterday’s answer (2D/Action) 12:30, 2:45, 5:00 & 7:15pm; Nadi Elregal Elserri (2D/Arabic) 5:40, 7:30 & AL KHOR 10:15pm; Njan Prakashan (2D/Malayalam) 11:15am, 4:15 & 9:15pm; Njan Prakashan (Malayalam) 12:30, 3:20, 6:10, Sarvam Talamayam (Tamil) 12:15, 6:00 & 11:45pm; 9:00, 11:50pm; Vijay Superum Pournamiyum (2D/Malayalam) 12:00noon, Replicas 12:30, 1:00, 2:50, 3:20, 5:10 & 8:00pm 5:45 & 11:30pm; Replicas (2D/Thriller) 2:00, 7:00pm & Vantha Rajavathaan Varuen (2D) 11:00am, 12:00midnight; Manikarnika (2D/Hindi) 2:45 & 8:30pm; 2:00, 5:00, 8:00 & 11:00pm Vantha Rajavathaan Varuen 3:00 & 8:45pm

Note: Programme is subject to change without prior notice.

SARVAM TALAMAYAM

Sarvam Thaala Mayam is an upcoming Tamil-lan- guage musical drama film written and directed by Rajiv Menon. SPORT Saturday 2 February 2019 Qatar's historic Asian Cup triumphh

Pages 21, 22, 23 & 24 Almoez, Al Sheeb bag top Asian Cup awards

THE PENINSULA ABU DHABI

Almoez Ali was named the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) yesterday as his record nine goals helped Qatar clinch the continental title for the first time. Almoez struck once in Qatar’s 3-1 win over Japan in the final at the Zayed Sports City Stadium to also seal the Top Goal-scorer Award on a historic night for him and his team. The 22-year-old Al Duhail forward scored in the 12th minute with a spectacular overhead effort that left Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda helpless. Almoez bettered the previous record of eight goals, held by Iran’s . Almoez, who was also the leading marksman at last year’s AFC U23 Championship in China, had found the net in four of Qatar’s six matches en route to Qatar’s Almoez Ali (centre) poses with the trophy for Most Valuable Player of the tournament with the final, including a four-goal AFC President Salman Al Khalifa and QFA President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani. haul against DPR Korea in the group stage. custodian played a key role in Al historic campaign, keeping six time for his perfect record to Meanwhile, Qatar’s Saad Al Annabi’s unprecedented march successive clean sheets as his side finally be broken, with a goal Sheeb won the Best Goalkeeper to the title, conceding only once became the first in the competi- from Japan’s Takumi Minamino Qatar’s Saad Al Sheeb Award as the competition’s out- in his side’s seven matches. tion’s 63-year history to reach the in Qatar’s 3-1 win in the tourna- celebrates with his Best standing shot-stopper. Al Sheeb was almost final without conceding a goal. ment’s final the only blemish on Goalkeeper Award. The 28-year-old Al Saad unbeatable throughout Qatar’s It took 609 minutes of game his impressive record. Almoez eyes Europe move before 2022 World Cup

REUTERS managed the last time the tour- ABU DHABI nament took place in the . Almoez Ali brushed off a row His spectacular overhead about his eligibility to scoop an kick not only helped earn his I look for European Asian Cup winner’s medal and country a first continental crown, teams because in our smash a 23-year-old scoring it won the Sudan-born 22-year- league in Asia, not record yesterday, confirming that old the Player of the Tournament Qatar have a potential star in the and top goalscorer awards. only in Qatar, but in making for when they host the “I thought I’d score goals but all of Asia, we know 2022 World Cup. not nine,” he told reporters. teams are weak and Almoez notched his ninth “I thought it could be two or goal of the tournament in the 3-1 three but the team helped me a we see that at the victory over Japan at Zayed lot because they defended so World Cup. They do Sportspy,g City, bettering the record well,,y only conceding g one g,goal, so not go ffar.ar Always, ofof eight that Iranian Ali Daei I would have been embarrassed they go out:o Qatar notnot to score ggoals.oals. “Breaking Ali Daei’s record was ststrikerriker AlmoezAlm Ali somethingsomething amazing for me.” Almoez, who ggraduatedraduated from Qatar’sQatar’s Aspire Academy, said the coach,”coach,” ththee Spaniard said. nextnext stestepp he wanted to take in his “He’s 10100 percent com- careercareer was a move to a EuropeanEuropean mitted,mitted, each game he gives his club.club. all, anandd hhee ararrived at this tour- “Of course,course, I look for namentnament in theth perfect moment. EuropeanEuropean teams becausebecause in our HeHe worksworks forfor the team, he pres- leagueleague in Asia, not onlyonly in Qatar, suressures thethe centrecen backs. butbut in all of AsiaAsia,, we know “He got two awards and teamsteams are weak and we theythey are fullyfu deserved, in seesee that at the World footballfootball we always talk about Cup.Cup. They do not go far. thethe group. Yes,Y he got these Always,Always, ththeyey ggoo out, “ becausebecause of theth group but he also hehe said.said. workedworked reallyreall well. “I hhopeope to go out “We’re vvery proud of him. [to[to Europe]Europe] to learn He’sHe’s headingheading the right way.” andand to come bbackack A dayday tthatha finished with Ali forfor thethe World allall smiles asas he organised the CupCup in Doha team photophoto wwith the trophy on in 20222022.”.” thethe pitch startedstar out potentially fraught.fraught. Ali and his team-mate BassamBassam AlAl Rawi were the subjectsubject of a protest by the UnitedUnit Arab Emirates FAF over their eligi- Qatar coach Felix bilityb to represent SSanchez,anchez, a former QQataratar which was dis- BarcelonaBarcelona yoyouthuth coach, said mmissedisse by the Asian Ali’sAli’s value to the team was FFootballootba Confederation not justjust in hittinghitting the back of onlyonly hours beforeb kickoff. the net.net. The strikerstrik said it had not Almoez Ali “Almoez“Almoez is a ffantasticantastic beenbeen worriedworried about it at all. player,player, he’shehe’ s a pleasurepleasure to “No“NoNo concern,”conc he said. SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2019 SPORT 21

Fans in Doha celebrate Qatar’s win in the Asian Cup final against Japan, yesterday.

Qatar win hearts not just the Cup

FAWAD HUSSAIN “It’s like a dream come This is a historic day for Qatar football. THE PENINSULA true. This victory will go a I congratulate the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin long way in making Qatar Hamad Al Thani on this amazing victory for Qatar’s historic AFC Asian Cup a football force,” Qatar. The team delivered under pressure. triumph seems nothing less than Abdulaziz, 22, a Qatari The players deserve all the a fairy tale. football fan, said. credit for theirir bbeautifuleautiful Their 3-1 victory against “We had already won giants Japan in the final culmi- when we defeated the UAE performance. Thisis is trultrulyy nated their dream run in conti- 4-0 in front of hostile fans a team effort. The coachand and the the nent’s premier national team and this win over Japan is players worked extremelyely hhardard event despite their ordeal in the just icing on the cake,” he in the build-up of the eventvent and UAE, winning them many hearts added. during the tournament. I amm sure the all over the world. Another enthusiast players are already lookingng fforwardorward The 2022 FIFA World Cup thanked fans who sup- hosts entered the 24-team com- ported Qatar in UAE to playing in the Copa Americarica later in thehe summer.summer.”” petition with just an outside Qatar’s Almoez stadiums. chance of winning their first “We really appreciate Ali shakes major title in presence of Asian their support as we were hands with FIFA QFA Presidentdent powerhouses like four-time just confined to cheering President Gianni Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifaa champions Japan, South Korea our national side from Infantino as he bin Ahmed Al Thani and Iran. screens at home,” said is presented But the gutsy Al Annabi side, Khalid Abdullah. the trophy for coached by Spaniard Felix Apart from winning Most Valuable Sanchez, stunned all who came the first-ever title, Qatar on their way with dominating Player of the achieved individual mile- “Congratulations to everyone in Qatar - the performance throughout the tournament. stones as well. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the tournament. When Almoez Ali Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Yesterday, Qatar started as underdogs incidents. The team continued to play scored yesterday final’s first goal with a fab- Thani and the footballs fans in Qatar. The team against Japan, ranked 43 places higher with true spirit of the game and was ulous overhead kick, he became the first and the backroom staff did an amazing job at than them in the FIFA rankings but that applauded by many included popular man to score 9 goals in a single edition, sur- this tournament. This is a historic night. We made a little impact as Sanchez’s men coach Jose Mourinho. passing Iran legend Ali Daei, who scored toppled their counterparts to clinch their “I feel I should applaud (Qatar’s per- eight goals in the 1996 tournament. broke barriers. We broke records. We achieved first-ever Asian Cup title. formance) because I think it is a victory Qatar’s goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb, who amazing results. It is somethingsomething truly Earlier in the tournament, they for strategy, organisation and pragmatism. conceded first goal in the tournament in worth celebrating. TheThe best thingthing shocked South Korea (40 places higher) I think they played the way they wanted second half, yesterday also completed 609 about this is how everyoneveryone feelsfeels in the quarter-finals, and Saudi Arabia to to play,” said Mourinho while assessing minutes with a clean sheet, a new conti- about this win. Our goaloal now is to finish on top of in their group. Qatar’s performance earlier in the nental record. ensure to do everythinghing for our The game of the tournament was tournament. Prior to the AFC Asian Cup, Qatar Qatar’s battle against the UAE in the semi- While the Qatari spectators could not achieved several stunning results including next event which is thethe CopaCopa final, dubbed as the ‘blockade derby’ which attend the games because of a travel ban their win over World No. 8 Switzerland in America.”merica.” they won 4-0 after outclassing the hosts. in the UAE, attempts by the organisers to a November friendly. However, there latest During the victory, Qatar had to brave block support for Al Annabi totally went triumph is believed to boost the side ahead QFA Secretary-Generalneral hostile onlookers in the match but the in vain as fans from other nationalities of major tournaments including this sum- Mansoor Al Ansarisari players remained calm and focused including the South Koreans and Omanis mer’s Copa America as they prepare for the despite several sandal-throwing continued to back Qatar. home World Cup. He’s our Guardiola: Qatari AFC President praises players hail coach Sanchez Qatar’s achievement QNA ABU DHABI AFP champions Saudi Arabia, Iraq and ABU DHABI South Korea on their march to President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Sheikh Salman the final, but those weren’t the bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa (pictured) yesterday praised the Qatar coach Felix Sanchez only challenges they faced. achievement of the Qatari side after they won the AFC Asian Cup shrugged off comparisons to Pep The Qataris were pelted with for the first time in their history, saying that the wing reflects the Guardiola yesterday after shoes and plastic bottles by a continental status of Qatari football. masterminding a breathtaking hostile home crowd as they beat The AFC President and first the first vice-president of (FIFA) Asian Cup victory just three years the United Arab Emirates 4-0 in crowned the Qatari team as champions of the 17th edition of the before the 2022 World Cup on the semi-finals. Asian Cup after beating Japan 3-1 in the final match of the evening home turf. The UAE then lodged a at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi. Almoez Ali scored a tour- protest over the eligibility of Ali Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa stressed that the Qatari nament-record nine goals and and defender Bassam Al-Rawi team’s victory is the resultult of ambitious strategies focused the Maroons conceded only once which was dismissed just hours on building a new footballball ggeneration.eneration. as they swept to the first conti- Qatari forward Almoez before the final. Sheikh Salman binn Ibrahim Al Khalifa nental title in their history, Sanchez insisted he had “no noted the technical levell ooff tthehe finalfinal mmatchatch Ali (right) celebrates with beating Japan 3-1 in the final. concerns” about the eligibility was fantastic all aroundd and ggaveave a cleaclearr coach Felix Sanchez. Ali said he saw shades of row. picture of the level of Asiansian ffootball,ootball, aaddingdding Manchester City’s Guardiola in “I’m very proud to be the that it was the perfect ending to the totour-ur- Sanchez, who coached Barce- striker. “I compare him to Guar- good relationship,” the Spaniard Qatar national team coach. Today nament. He also highlightedghted tthathat thisthis editionedition lona’s youth players before diola because he has the same said. we made history. I’m only was particularly specialal as it was the largestlargest joining Qatar’s national academy ideas.” But Sanchez said that Ali “He’s very easy to coach thinking about today. It’s a great in terms of the numberr of teams par-par- in 2006 and working his way only made the comment because he’s a hard worker and day for me and the players and ticipating. He also highlightedighted the bigbig through the ranks. “because I’m there (listening) and he deserves everything that has the country,” Sanchez said. prize money allocateded for thethe “I’ve been working with him he wants to keep playing”. happened to him in this “We’re focused on our work competition, the superbb organ-organ- for nine years, he’s highly intel- “I’ve worked with Almoez for tournament.” and we have the full support of ization, and the enthusiasticsiastic ligent,” said the 21-year-old a very long time and we have Qatar upset former the QFA.” fan support. 22 SPORT SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2019

Qatar’s Almoez Ali poses with the trophy after winning the Asian Cup final against Japan in Abu Dhabi, yesterday.

Forward Almoez Ali shoots to score Qatar’s first goal during the Asian Cup final yesterday.

Abdelaziz Hatem (second right) celebrates with team-mates after scoring Qatar’s second goal in the Asian Cup final against Japan at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, yesterday.

Fans celebrate Qatar’s win at the Aspire Park in Doha yesterday. PICTURE: BAHER AMIN / Nation THE PENINSULA celebrates

Abdelkarim Hassan (left) and captain Hassan Al Haydos Qatari players and officials celebrate the win. throw coach Felix Sanchez in the air as the team celebrates their win at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2019 SPORT 23

Players of Qatar celebrate their win over Japan in the Asian Cup final at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi yesterday.

1-0 Almoez Ali - 12’

Forward Almoez Ali (centre) shoots to score Qatar’s first goal during the AFC Asian Cup final against Japan in Abu Dhabi, yesterday.

Qatar’s Abdelaziz Hatem scores their second goal in the Asian Cup final against Japan in Abhu Dhabi yesterday.

2-0 Abdelaziz Hatem - 27’

Almoez Ali scores Qatar’s first goal during the 3-1 Asian Cup final against Japan Akram Afif - 83’ yesterday.

Qatar’s Akram Afif (right) shoots to score his team’s third goal. SPORT Saturday 2 February 2019

AFCAFC ASIASIANAN CUPCUP Roll ooff Honour MVMVP,P, TopTop Goalscorer: AlmoezAllmom ez AliAlii (Qatar)(Qatatar) Best GGoalkeeper:oalkeeper: SaadSaaad AlAl SheebSheeeeb (Qatar)(Qataar)r Man-of-the-Match:Man-of-the-Match: AkramAkA raam AfifAfifif (Qatar)(QQattaar) FairplayFairplay Award:Award: JapanJaJapaan

Qatar reign supreme

ARMSTRONG VAS AL ANNABI’S PATH TO THE PENINSULA ASIAN CUP GLORY

Qatar were crowned champions Group Stage - January 9 of Asia for the first time after Beat Lebanon 2-0 beating Japan 3-1 in yesterday’s Second-half goals from Bassam Al AFC Asian Cup final at the Zayed Rawi and Almoez Ali saw Qatar pick Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi. up a 2-0 win over a determined Two superb goals from and well-organised Lebanon as Almoez Ali and Abdelaziz Hatim they recorded an opening victory in in the first 30 minutes of the Group E. match laid the foundation for a facile win over while Akram Afif added a late penalty to secure the Group Stage - January 13 West Asian nation’s first-ever Beat North Korea 6-0 continental crown in spectacular Almoez Ali was the star of the show fashion. as he scored four and set up a fifth A spirited second-half display in Qatar’s 6-0 defeat of North Korea from Japan saw them pulling one as Felix Sanchez’s side moved to the back through Takumi Minamino top of the Group E standings and to make it 2-1 but Qatar’s goal into the knockout stage. with seven minutes to go for the final whistle effectively sealed the Group Stage – January 17 title for Felix Sanchez coached Beat Saudi Arabia 2-0 side. Almoez Ali’s rich vein of form at Qatar got off to a dream start the competition continued with the by scoring the opener after just striker scoring twice to help Qatar 12 minutes before Hatem added beat Saudi Arabia 2-0 and claim top a second in the 27th minute with spot in Group E. a stunning long-range effort. Ali’s ninth strike of the com- Round of 16 – January 22 petition saw him break Daei’s Beat Saudi Arabia 2-0 record for the most goals by a A glorious second-half Bassam Al player in a single edition of Asia’s Rawi free-kick proved the difference premier event. as Qatar overcame a determined Japan did pull one back nine Iraq 1-0 to progress through to the minutes after the hour mark quarter-finals. courtesy of a clinical finish by Takumi Minamino but, with Quarter-final – January 25 seven minutes left on the clock, FIFA President Gianni Infantino (left) and AFC President Sheikh Salman Al Khalifa (second left) present the Asian Cup to Qatarikipper s Beat South Korea 1-0 Akram Afif converted from 12 Hassan Al Haydos during the presentation ceremony, yesterday. President of Qatar Football Association (QFA) Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Abdelaziz Hatem’s terrific long- yards after Qatar were awarded a penalty to secure a maiden bin Ahmed Al Thani is also present. range strike on 78 minutes helped Asian Cup crown for his side. Qatar beat Korea Republic 1-0 to On a historic night for the their dream run into the final. though Qatar were cruising but, match official Ravshan Irmatov Qatar began the tournament claim a place in their first-ever AFC Qataris, Felix Sanchez’s talented Just 12 minutes into the final, given their status as the tourna- initially allowed play to carry on. campaign by beating Lebanon Asian Cup semi-finals. charges recorded their seventh Qatar edged ahead courtesy of a ment’s record champions, the Stepping up to the spot, 2-0, following it up with 6-0 win successive victory, while there fine effort by Almoez, who Japanese were always going to Akram made no mistake in over North Korea and rounded Semi-final: January 29 was unbridled joy for Qatar, the latched onto Akram’s left-wing issue some sort of a response. sending Gonda the wrong way to off the group engagements with Beat UAE 4-0 defeat ended Japanese hopes of cross and juggled the ball a And, in the 69th minute, the seal a monumental triumph for a facile 2-0 win over Saudi Two goals in either half saw Qatar claiming what would have been couple of times before brilliantly Samurai Blue duly reduced the Qatar, one that few would argue Arabia, to finish on top of the beat host nation the United Arab a record-extending fifth title. directing an overhead kick into deficit when Tsukasa Shiotani’s they do not deserve following a group with an all win record. Emirates 4-0 to progress with Having never previously pro- the far corner. incisive pass was diverted by dominant campaign that has seen Two Qatari players, Almoez relative ease and set up today’s title gressed past the quarter-finals, Three minutes before the into the path of them emerge as one of Asia’s and Al Sheeb, walked away with clash with the Japanese side. Qatar’s triumph will come as a half-hour mark, the Qataris Minamino, who coolly placed his most-exciting national sides the top awards. Almoez got the huge boost especially as they are doubled their lead when Hatem shot over Saad Al Sheeb for his defeating some of the continents top goalscorer award for his 9 Final: February 01 set to make their FIFA World – the goal-scoring hero in the first goal of the tournament. power houses. goals in 7 matches of the 24-team Beat Japan 3-1 debut as hosts in just three years’ quarter-final win over Korea But, as the game entered its Before the final triumph tournament and also the Most Two superb goals from Almoez Ali time in 2022. Republic – produced another closing stages, Qatar were against Japan, Qatar downed UAE Valuable Player (MVP) award. and Abdelaziz Hatim in the first Entering the final with a sen- stunning left-footed effort from awarded a penalty with just 4-0 in the semi-final, South Al Sheeb bagged the Best 30 minutes of the match and a sational record of having won 25 yards that had Shuichi Gonda seven minutes remaining as Korea 1-0 in the last eight stage, Goalkeeper award as he con- late penalty by Akram Afif secured their previous six games – scoring beaten all ends up as it bent Maya Yoshida was penalised for while in the pre-quarter-finals ceded just one goal in seven Qatar’s first-ever continental crown 16 goals and conceding none in inside the post. handball upon consultation with Qatar edged Iraq 1-0. matches while Japan got the Fair- in spectacular fashion. the process – Qatar continued At this stage, it looked as the after In the group league matches, Play award