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Thursday 29 March 2018 | 12 Rajab I 1439 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 23 | Number 7480 | 2 Riyals Freedom to roam with Bill Protection! Terms & conditions apply Access to quality education for Emir holds talks with Rosneft Chief Executive Officer displaced children stressed

THE PENINSULA H H Sheikha Moza Grandi. The discussion touched bint Nasser, while on the ways to ensure education GENEVA: H H Sheikha Moza speaking during for refugees and internally dis- bint Nasser, Chairperson of placed persons, in order to build Qatar Foundation (QF) and a high-level panel a prosperous future for all. Education Above All Foundation discussion at the During the discussion, H H (EAA), has urged the global UN headquarters in Sheikha Moza spoke about the community to facilitate access Geneva, urged the obstacles facing the education of to quality education for refugee and displaced children, displaced children and to global community to which prevents them from con- enforce severe penalties for facilitate access to tributing to the building of their perpetrators of armed conflict. quality education for communities. Her Highness H H Sheikha Moza bint added that education must be Nasser, Advocate for the UN displaced children given priority as it is the tool for Sustainable Development and to enforce the children of the present and Goals, participated yesterday future. A global approach needs severe penalties for Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met yesterday at Al Bahr Palace office with Igor Sechin, in a high-level panel discussion to be adapted, in order to remove perpetrators of Chief Executive Officer of Rosneft, and the delegation accompanying him on the occasion of his visit organised by the EAA in coop- institutional barriers which eration with the United Nations armed conflict. prevent the recognition and ver- to the country to follow up on the outcomes of the talks between H H the Emir and President of the High Commissioner for Ref- ification of refugee education, Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, during H H the Emir’s recent visit to Russia. Sechin conveyed the ugees (UNHCR). UN headquarters in Geneva under Her Highness added. Russian President’s greetings to H H the Emir and wishes of development and growth to the Qatari Her Highness urged the the title “Quality Education for a H H Sheikh Moza said that people. H H the Emir entrusted Sechin with his greetings to the President and wishes of progress global community to facilitate Sustainable Future: A Compre- the current increasing armed and prosperity to the friendly Russian people. The meeting reviewed the major outcomes of the access to quality education for hensive Approach for Refugees conflicts target all that is being visit in addition to cooperation between the two countries. displaced children and to and Internally Displaced People.” built. The world needs to unite enforce severe penalties for per- The session was attended by in order to put an end to those petrators of armed conflict. United Nations High Commis- who are encouraging armed The session was held at the sioner for Refugees Filippo conflict and to impose stricter sanctions on them by the U N. Emir greets Prime Before the session, H H MoI’s new five-year strategy Sheikha Moza met with Filippo Minister-designate Grandi, where they discussed aims to enhance security the joint efforts between EAA of Ethiopia and UNHCR, which includes QNA providing quality education to SIDI MOHAMED strategy by the end of 2016,” refugee children, such as estab- THE PENINSULA Brigadier Abdul Rahman Majid lishing projects in 12 countries. Al Sulaiti, Director of Planning DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim The meeting also reviewed the and Quality Department, said bin Hamad Al Thani sent future cooperation aspects. DOHA: The Ministry of Interior while addressing a press con- yesterday a cable of congratu- Both parties then took a tour (MoI) yesterday launched its ference during the launch of lations to Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali on of an exhibition that highlighted Five-Year Strategy 2018-2022 five-year strategy. the occasion of his election as the refugee children’s journey to enhance the concept of The ceremony was held at Prime Minister of the Federal and the challenges they face for security and stability and the Ministry headquarters and Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. education. achieve the progress pursued attended by Brigadier Nasser Deputy Emir H H Sheikh H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser meets with UN High Commissioner by the state in light of the Jaber Al Nuaimi, Assistant Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, in Geneva yesterday. SEE ALSO PAGE 2 massive developments Director General of the General and Prime Minister and Interior currently taking place and Directorate of Public Security; Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin expected to take place in future. Brigadier Abdul Rahman Majid Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani sent Meeting the requirements Al Sulaiti, Director of Planning yesterday similar cables to Dr Qatar reports airspace Qatar’s efforts to protect rights of the overall security and and Quality Department, and a Abiy Ahmed Ali on the same violation by Bahrain to safety sector for 2018-2022, it number of Department occasion. included 27 programs and Directors at the Ministry of Security Council and of workers lauded by UK House projects for implementation in Interior and officers. HBKU to launch UN Secretary-General the coming years. Brigadier Abdul Rahman PRAMOD PRABHAKARAN workers’ rights and it should be The MoI succeeded to Majid Al Sulaiti presented an Innovation Center THE PENINSULA spread to neighbouring states. achieve more than 90 percent outline of the strategy, its objec- QNA “This morning I pressed the gov- in its strategy for the period tives and pillars, sector-wise THE PENINSULA DOHA: British Parliament ernment once more to support 2011–2016. Among the achieve- strategy and the projects of the NEW YORK: The State of yesterday, recognised and Qatar’s progress on workers’ ments in the safety and security Ministry of Interior. DOHA: To support industrial Qatar has reported to the appreciated the efforts by Qatar rights and help extend it to neigh- sector, the fire incidents The 10 objectives of the sector of the country by United Nations Security to bolster the rights of workers. bouring countries,” he tweeted decreased from 75 to 30.5 fire strategy are to achieve stable inventing scientific solutions Council and U N Secretary- In an answer to a Member of along with the video of his incidents per 100 thousand security and reduce crime rates; for their problems, Hamad Bin General a breach of its sover- Parliament’s (MP) question, Min- question and answer in the people under previous strategy. protect life and property and Khalifa University (HBKU) will eignty by the Kingdom of ister of State for Middle East, British Parliament. “The previous strategy of respond quickly; protect society launch an Innovation Center. Bahrain. Alistair Burt, said that “Qatar is Norris asked in the par- the Ministry in cooperation with from drugs; achieve safety on In a message addressed working very hard to make sure liament: “Thanks Mr. Speaker. the concerned authorities of the roads and reduce road traffic FULL REPORT ON PAGE 8 by Ambassador H E Sheikha it produces a good World Cup Last month, Impactt’s audit of country has contributed signif- fatalities, develop national elec- Alia Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, and a safe World Cup.” the Qatari Supreme Committe, icantly to reducing the number tronic security shield; develop the State of Qatar’s per- Alex Norris, MP for Not- which is responsible for the of accidents from 34 accidents human skills and capabilities; Included manent representative to tingham North and British World Cup, highlighted signif- per 100,000 people to 30 acci- optimise the utilisation of the United Nations, to U N Labour and Cooperative Party icant positive progress in areas dents, including reducing traffic financial and technical with today’s Secretary-General Antonio politician, said in parliament that relating to workers’ rights. accidents deaths from 13.7 resources. Guterres Karel van Oos- Qatar has made significant pos- deaths per 100,000 people in edition terom, the President of the itive progress in areas relating to CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 2011 to 6.8 deaths in the first CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 U N Security Council for this month, she mentioned that Public Health Second NHS SPONSOR Al-Ahli Hospital’s to offer unique newly-established model for Pulmonary and Chest a Bahraini fighter jet has healthcare in Department providing Qatar many services

PAGE | 2 PAGE | 4-5 violated the airspace of the SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT THURSDAY 29 MARCH 2018 2018-2022 National Health Strategy State of Qatar on Sunday, Second phase of Furjan Market construction begins: QDB Better health, more care and value for all March 25. The message described the incident as a serious SANAULLAH ATAULLAH workers of shops that were not people living at Doha suburbs to all day-to-day needs of the THE PENINSULA breach that constitutes a available in the existing one and and remote areas. neighbours including phar- serious and flagrant violation a bigger entrance and exit for a The shop spaces have macies, groceries, barber- of international law, noting DOHA: Construction work for smooth traffic flow, said increased and have added an shops and laundries’ said Al that repeated violations of the second phase of the neigh- Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa, extra floor to accommodate Suwaidi. Regarding new Qatari sovereignty would bourhood markets commonly CEO of QDB, yesterday the workers at the shops, said business activity, he said that if increase tension in the region known as Furjan Market has addressing a press conference Abdul Rahman Al Suwaidi, any traders want to go beyond without regard to its security begun, Qatar Development Bank at its headquarters. Director of Al Furjan the existing activity list, he can and stability. (QDB) announced yesterday. He said that the markets Markets Project. send that particular activity. New markets will have aims at providing basic services “We are dealing with 31 CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 accommodations for the needed for day-today life to the commercial activities related CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 02 HOME THURSDAY 29 MARCH 2018 Sheikha Moza explores further collaboration with IOC & UNHCR Population rises to 2.7 million

THE PENINSULA

DOHA: The population of Qatar crossed 2.70 million mark at end of February 2018 from 2.67 million during same month last year, registering an increase of 1 percent, according to the 50th edition of Qatar Monthly Statistics bulletin released yesterday by the Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics The number of sold prop- erties reached 330, registering a monthly increase of 6.8 percent compared to January 2018. A total of 471 traffic cases LEFT: H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, met with the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), were recorded during Feb- Thomas Bach, in Geneva, yesterday. During the meeting, they explored avenues of collaboration between EAA and the Olympic Refuge Foundation to enable greater ruary, showing in a monthly access to sports facilities for refugees. RIGHT: H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser meeting with Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, at the UN Office in decrease of 18.8 percent com- Geneva. They discussed the concerted efforts of EAA and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in delivering quality education to displaced children, which includes projects pared to January. At the same in 12 countries, as well as to explore further collaboration. PICS: AISHA ALMUSALAM instance, 15 death cases were recorded during February. The total number of 1,857 live births were registered during Feb- ruary, while 205 death cases were recorded in February. The total number of regis- tered marriages was 290 mar- riages, whereas the total number of divorces reached 87 divorce cases. The total elec- tricity utilisation value during February was 2148.2 GWh wit- nessing a monthly decrease of 7.3 percent as compared with last month. The bulletin also showed that the total value of water consumption witnessed a monthly decrease of 8.8 percent as compared with last month. As for the buildings permits information, the bul- letin showed that total number of permits reached 640 permits LEFT: H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of EAA Foundation and UN SDG Advocate, participated on a high-level panel, urging the international community to in February, recording a facilitate access to quality education for displaced children and to enforce stricter sanctions against perpetrators of armed conflict. The event, which was organised by EAA monthly decrease of 32 percent in cooperation with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, took place at the United Nations Office in Geneva. RIGHT: H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser toured the International Red in comparison with January. Cross and Red Crescent Museum with Peter Maurer, the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The exhibitions explore the major humanitarian The bulletin also highlighted challenges in today’s world. that the total number of regis- tered vehicles has reached 5,319 new vehicles. THURSDAY 29 MARCH 2018 HOME 03 04 HOME THURSDAY 29 MARCH 2018 FM, ICG President discuss enhancing cooperation Cabinet approves draft law on transporting hazardous materials

THE PENINSULA law on the road transport of hazardous six months from the date of its imple- materials, road transport of hazardous mentation. The Minister of Transport DOHA: The Cabinet, in its regular substances is not permissible until and Communications may extend this meeting yesterday, approved a draft obtaining a licence from the competent period for another similar period. law on the road transport of hazardous department and after coordination with The cabinet also approved a draft materials and decided to submit it to other government bodies, in law amending some provisions of Law the Advisory Council. accordance with the conditions, con- No. (1) of 2016 on the organization of Prime Minister and Interior Min- trols and procedures specified by the sports clubs. This draft law came in line ister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser executive regulations. The licensee shall with ongoing developments and bin Khalifa Al Thani chaired the be committed to tracks and lines updates in international regulations and meeting which was held at the Emiri authorised for the road transport of standards related to the independence Diwan. Minister of Justice and Acting such materials, and not violate tracks of sport. The amendment aims at Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs H without permission from the competent strengthening the independence of E Dr Hassan Lahdan Saqr Al Mohannadi department, in coordination with the general assemblies of sports clubs to said that the Cabinet praised the results Department of Civil Defense. assume the tasks that are entrusted to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohamed bin of the visit of the Emir H H Sheikh The licensee is also prohibited from them, to find a clear and effective legal Abdulrahman Al Thani met with President of the International Crisis Group (ICG), Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to the using the road to transport hazardous mechanism to attract Qatari cadres Robert Malley, who is currently visiting the State of Qatar. The meeting discussed Russian Federation, stressing that his materials for anything other than the qualified to work in sports clubs, to means of enhancing cooperation between Qatar and the Group, in addition to issues talks with President Vladimir Putin purpose assigned. Road transport is involve athletes from various univer- of common interest. Following the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister reflected the strength in bilateral rela- prohibited without an operating card, sities, institutes and schools in interna- of Foreign Affairs witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between the tions between the two countries and and the licensee must keep the oper- tional competitions and to enhance the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the ICG. The agreement was signed by the Secretary- peoples and opened new horizons for ating card in the means of transport participation of the private sector to General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, and Malley. the development and expansion of permanently. All the parties to which invest in the sports sector and provide cooperation. this law apply shall adjust their status sports activities and services in the Under the provisions of the draft in accordance with its provisions within country. MoI’s new five-year strategy aims to enhance security CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 to unify the Ministry’s efforts to Ministry 2018-2022 includes a It also aim to strengthen the support the event. strategic goal to protect the society relationship with the community; Brigadier Abdullah from drugs, focusing on the con- raise the efficiency of securing the Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director tinuous monitoring and control coasts of the state and lastly pro- General of Civil Defense, said that of the ports of the State in coordi- tecting and securing vital facilities this strategy is a continuation of nation with the relevant author- in the country. The strategy is the 2011-2016 strategy. The pre- ities to reduce the supply and based on the principle of reducing vious strategy contributed many demand of drugs in the State. the rate of crime and increasing achievements in the field of civil Brigadier General Mohamed the degree of security and sta- defence, which included classifi- Al Ateeq, Director General of the bility, especially with the tre- cation of fires and supporting General Directorate of Passports, mendous technological devel- development projects of the stressed the importance of stra- Minister of Culture and Sport H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali opment and environmental defence fleet of Civil Defense, tegic planning in the Ministry of honouring Moutaz Al Khayyat, Chairman of the Board of Directors changes witnessed by the world. which led to the rapid arrival of Interior in developing and The strategy visualises Ministry of fire engines to the site of the event. improving services provided to of Baladna Food Industries. Brigadier Abdul Rahman Majid Al Interior as the leader in regional Brigadier Mohamed Saad Al the public. “The new strategy Sulaiti, Director of Planning and and international level in its field. Kharji, Director General of the reflects a new direction in the In a press statement, Major Quality Department, presenting General Directorate of Traffic said services provided by the Ministry Minister of Culture and General Saad bin Jassim Al Khu- an outline of the strategy at the that the Ministry of Interior’s by reducing the number of laifi, Director General of Public Ministry headquarters, yesterday. Strategy 2018-2022 was in line physical visits to MOI centers to Sports honours Baladna Security stressed the importance with the requirements of the become a paperless Ministry.” of the Ministry of Interior’s are experiencing. In preparation strategy of the National Com- Brigadier Hussain Hassan Al THE PENINSULA The Minister crowned the Strategy 2018-2022 in achieving for World Cup 2022, the core mittee for Traffic Safety in Jaber, Director of Human winners in this year’s theatre the development pursued by objective of the 2018-2022 adopting programs and projects Resources Department, said that DOHA: Minister of Culture and season, in which four plays Qatar. He said the strategy is result strategy is to contribute to host a aimed at improving traffic safety the human resource is the corner- Sport H E Salah bin Ghanem Al competed. ‘Shelli Yeseer’, which of studying the current situation secure World Cup 2022, which on the road and reducing the stone of the success of the insti- Ali, honored Baladna Food Indus- was sponsored by Baladna, and the current changes that we indicates the focus of the strategy number of traffic accidents tutions because it fulfills the objec- tries Co. W.L.L. at the celebration bagged most of awards; resulting in injuries and tives of the institution and works of World Theatre Day. The award including: best-integrated play, deaths. He added that the pre- to optimize the utilization of its was received by Moutaz Al best script, best directing, and vious strategy supported the material resources. Khayyat, Chairman of the Board best actor in a leading and role. awareness programs carried The Ministry of Interior of Directors of Baladna Food It is through its different CSR out by the General Directorate strategy attaches great impor- Industries, in the presence of activities, that Baladna trans- of Traffic and contributed to tance to the human element as the heads of accredited diplomatic lates its commitment to the raising awareness among the first and foremost pillar of the missions and a large number of Qatar National Vision 2030 and public through many Qatar National Vision 2030 is Qatari, Arab and international its support for Qatari talents and awareness programs that human development, and theatre practitioners. events across various sectors. have been implemented. therefore the strategy of the Min- Baladna was honoured for The company sponsors sports Brigadier Ahmed Khalifa istry of the Interior 2018-2022 its active contribution to the teams, such as Al Khor Sports Al-Kuwari, Director-General includes a strategic objective 2017/2018 theatre season as an Club, as well as major exhibi- of the General Directorate of entitled Developing the skills and official sponsor of two of the tions such as the AgriteQ and Drug Control said that the capabilities of the human most prominent Qatari plays, Qatar Self Sufficiency Exhibition current strategy of the resources. ‘Shelli Yeseer’ and ‘Derat Al Izz’. (QSSE).

Part of Al Furousiya Street closed for expansion work THE PENINSULA

DOHA: The Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ has announced that it will close part of Al Furousiya Street, in the three lanes leading from Al Furousiya Roundabout (Equestrian R/A) to Muaither Roundabout, starting from Sunday for a period of five months, in coordination with the General Directorate of Traffic. During this period, traffic will be diverted to three lanes parallel to the closed section of Al Furousiya Street, as shown in the attached map. The diversion aims to enable construction works as part of Al Furousiya Street Development Project, which includes increasing the number of lanes of Al Furousiya Street to four lanes in each direction with a service road on both sides of the street, in order to enhance traffic flow and increase the street capacity to accommodate current and future traffic requirements. The project also includes converting Al Fur- ousiya and Muaither Roundabouts into signal-controlled intersections to ease traffic congestion, in addition to pro- viding street lighting and pedestrian and cyclist lanes. THURSDAY 29 MARCH 2018 HOME 05 Eight countries attend 4th Military Colleges’ Forum

THE PENINSULA colleges in the friendly countries United States, the United with advanced expertise in the Kingdom, Poland, Turkey, DOHA: Ahmed bin Mohammed field of military academic edu- France, Canada, and Malaysia, Military College yesterday held cation, reported QNA. to benefit from the experts’ sug- the fourth Military Colleges’ In his opening speech, Com- gestions and experiences, in Forum, under the patronage and mander of Ahmed bin addition, to make recommenda- in the presence of Deputy Prime Mohammed Military College Maj tions through their fruitful dis- Minister and Minister of State for Gen Fahad Mubarak Al Khay- cussions, he added. Defence Affairs H E Dr Khalid bin areen stressed the keenness of Dean of Academic Affairs at Mohamed Al Attiyah. the college to hold this forum on Ahmed bin Mohamed Military The two-day event held a regular basis because of its College Dr. Khalid bin Nasser Al under the title of academic mil- great importance in promoting Khater said ithat the academic itary education in light of the discussion, dialogue and thinking and military programmes at the current challenges. with the corresponding colleges college are at the highest level in The forum, which is wit- to meet the challenges and the world, noting that this dis- nessing the participation of eight propose solutions and proposals tinction came as a result of the major countries from different on academic military education various partnerships with the regions around the world, aims and draw a picture of its various corresponding military colleges, to join efforts and establish dimensions by the experts of the through which the college suc- important and distinct partner- military academies advanced in ceeded in facing many chal- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, ships as well as strengthen coop- this area. The forum is attended lenges and putting solutions to and other officials, attend the fourth Military Colleges’ Forum. eration with the corresponding by eight friendly countries: the the problems encountered.

Qatar reports Qatar Airways Privilege Club Qatar’s effort to protect rights violation by of workers lauded by UK House Bahrain launches refreshed brand identity CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 THE PENINSULA easier and more seamless than Privilege Club members an CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 World Cup and a safe World The government of Qatar ever before. Programme guides exclusive chance to take Could the Minister tell me Cup.”Earlier, at its 331st Session, renewed its call on the UN to DOHA: Qatar Airways’ have also been updated to advantage of a 50 percent what efforts the British Gov- the ILO’s Governing Body had take necessary measures Frequent Flyer Programme, reflect Privilege Club’s new Qmiles discount when they pay ernment will be making to recognised the progress made under the charter in order to Privilege Club announced programme changes and newly using Qmiles at select stores at support further progress and by Qatar, and welcomed its maintain international peace yesterday the launch of its added partnerships. For Hamad International Airport promote it spreading to neigh- commitment to ensuring fun- and security and put an end refreshed brand identity, under Platinum members, the new and the Oryx Galleria, Doha. bouring states?” damental principles and rights to repeated Bahraini the slogan – ‘Don’t just collect redesign will allow them to Qatar Airways Chief Com- Alistair Burt, Minister of at work for all workers. violations. miles, collect memories’. enjoy newly designed mem- mercial Officer, Ehab Amin, State for the Middle East at the “After closing #ILO com- While the message high- The refreshed brand bership packs, cards and said: “This new brand identity Foreign & Commonwealth plaint on the 8th of Nov. 2017 lighted that Qatar has con- identity, which was initially baggage tags. illustrates our continued com- Office, replied: “Mr Speaker. I against it, Qatar signed a 3-year tinued its policy of restraint announced at ITB Berlin earlier The first celebratory offer mitment to listen to our happened to see the Qatari technical cooperation pro- towards irresponsible and this month, will include a range commence, which commenced members and make the pro- organiser of the World Cup just gramme with ILO, expected to provocative practices, it of new programme enhance- yesterday and runs untill April gramme easier and more a couple of days ago. They have make it a #Model for the region. stressed that Qatar strongly ments, and bring a new luxu- 12, 2018, will offer Privilege engaging to the increasingly an impressive presentation of Glad to see this recognition in condemns any violation of its rious look and feel to the Club members an exclusive discerning world traveller. We what they’ve sought to do to the British Parliament,” Lulwah sovereignty and territorial programme. chance to earn 3,000 bonus are excited to celebrate this improve not just workers’ right Al Khater, Foreign Ministry integrity, and that it reserves Over the upcoming weeks, Qmiles in Premium Class and event by offering our valued but welfare in relation to Spokesperson, said in a tweet. the right to respond to any Privilege Club will launch a 1,500 bonus Qmiles in Economy members with the opportunity workers, not just now, but Qatar Embassy in UK also violations and will not hes- number of celebratory offers Class when booking a ticket by to earn bonus Qmiles, as well looking forward to the final welcomed the development itate to take measures to and more programme enhance- April 12, 2018 for travel until as an exclusive 50 percent dis- construction phase. I think con- and tweeted “ #Qatar is grateful protect its sovereignty and ments, including a new September 30, 2018. count using their Qmiles at cerns have been well expressed to our #UK partners for defend its borders, airspace, member log in area, dashboard In addition, there is also a select Qatar Duty Free stores but sense is that the Qatari engaging in constructive dia- territorial waters and national and other functionalities second celebratory offer which and at the Oryx Galleria in system understands this very logue on workers’ rights. We security in line with interna- designed to make the members’ will commence between April Doha during the first two weeks well and is working very hard are committed to leading the tional laws and regulations. experience with Qatar Airways 1- 15, 2018 and will offer of April”. to make sure it produces a good region on labour reform.” 06 HOME THURSDAY 29 MARCH 2018 Campaign launched to raise nurses’ profile THE PENINSULA The Qatar chapter Now committee, which will be headed by of Nursing Now, a Dr. Nicola Ryley, Chief Nursing Officer, DOHA: The World Innovation Summit HMC; with the support from Mariam Nooh for Health (WISH), an initiative of Qatar global campaign run in Al Mutawa, Executive Director of Nursing, Foundation, has joined hands with Hamad collaboration with the during the forum’s plenary session. Medical Corporation (HMC) and launched International Council of Nursing Now board member, ‘Nursing Now Qatar’. Maureen Bisognano, from the Institute of The Qatar chapter of Nursing Now, a Nurses and the WHO, is Healthcare Improvement, who reviewed global campaign run in collaboration with the first of its kind in the the five strategic priorities for the Nursing the International Council of Nurses and Arabian Gulf region. Now campaign, was also present during the World Health Organisation (WHO), is the announcement. Messages of encour- the first of its kind in the Arabian Gulf agement were received from Elizabeth region. Nursing Now Qatar was played by nurses both in Qatar and around Iro, Chief Nursing Officer, WHO, and rep- announced on the final day of the Middle the world, she said, “I am proud of our resentatives of the nursing community of East Forum for Quality and Safety in nurses who bring a unique and valuable Jordan, who will be launching Nursing Healthcare, held recently. The campaign set of competencies and experience that Now Jordan in the coming months. aims to improve healthcare globally by are relevant to the diverse population Nursing and Universal Health Cov- raising the profile and status of nurses groups we care for in Qatar. This global erage will be one of the nine research worldwide, influencing policy-makers campaign plays a vital role in our efforts topics that will form the focus of WISH and supporting nurses to lead, learn, and to profile the professionalism of nurses 2018. The nine forums will highlight and build a global movement. and midwives in our health sector; and address some of the world’s most pressing FROM LEFT: Professor Lord Darzi of Denham, Executive Chair of WISH; Sultana Qatar’s Nursing Now group has will help to promote this important pro- challenges across topics that cover Afdhal, CEO; H E Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, Minister of Public Health; Professor received the support and endorsement of fession among Qatari nursing medical, ethical, technological, and Qatar’s Minister of Public Health, H E Dr professionals.” humanitarian aspects of healthcare. The Nicola Ryley, Chief Nursing Officer, Hamad Medical Corporation; and Mariam Nooh Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari. Sultana Afdhal, CEO, WISH, topics announced so far include viral hep- Al Mutawah, Executive Director of Nursing, during the launch of Nursing Now Speaking about the important role announced the formation of a Nursing atitis, eye health, and design in health. Qatar at the Middle East Forum for Quality and Safety in Healthcare. QA to bring Qsuite to Chicago Katara honours Qatari

THE PENINSULA beach volleyball team for themselves”. Qsuite features the industry’s THE PENINSULA DOHA: Qatar Airways first-ever double bed available in Qatari team. He said that Katara’s announced yesterday that it will Business Class and customisable embrace of this tournament is introduce its revolutionary private cabins for up to four DOHA: The Cultural Village part of its strategy to achieve Business Class seat, Qsuite, on people, perfect for friends, fam- Foundation (Katara) has Qatar National Vision 2030 flights from Chicago starting ilies and business colleagues honoured the Qatari beach through its cultural and sports April 1, allowing even more trav- traveling together. With adjustable volleyball team for winning third activities, and it is in the light of ellers to experience the new panels and movable TV monitors place and the Bronze Medal after Qatar’s keenness on hosting local standard of luxury, comfort, and on the centre four seats, Qsuite beating the American team in the and international sport events. customisation in international provides the ultimate personalised recent Katara International The Katara Beach Volleyball travel set by the airline, and travel experience that enables Beach Volleyball Cup. Cup is in the 4 stars category, and strengthening its commitment passengers to create an envi- Katara General Manager Dr it is the second round of the 2018 to its gateway markets in the US. ronment that suits their own Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti said World Championship, which has The introduction of the glo- unique needs. that the honouring ceremony seen participation of the best bally-acclaimed Business Class The expansion of Qsuite to was held to praise the out- ranked players, with 56 teams seat on Qatar Airways flights from Chicago is part of Qatar Airways’ standing performance of the representing 28 countries. Chicago extends Qsuite’s existing commitment to continuously US presence at both New York revolutionise the passenger City’s John F Kennedy Interna- experience, enabling travellers tional Airport (JFK) and Wash- to enjoy First Class amenities ington DC’s Washington Dulles within the airline’s Business International Airport (IAD). Class cabin. Qsuite will be fitted Qatar Airways Group Chief on the Qatar Airways Boeing Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: 777-300 ER out of Chicago “Qsuite has already established O’Hare International Air-port, Qatar Airways new Business Class seat, Qsuite. itself as an unrivalled product, and will later be introduced on setting a new standard in the airline’s state-of-the-art Business Class travel in the avi- valued Business Class travellers. to bring this luxurious, one-of- Airbus A350-900 aircraft on ation industry, and receiving By building on the successful a-kind product to the Windy flights from New York City – the global acclaim from industry launch of Qsuite in both New City, enabling travellers first US destination to feature Katara General Manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti (centre) leaders, international media, and York and Washington, DC, we departing from Chicago to expe- Qsuite on this ultra-modern, with representatives of the Qatari beach volleyball team. — most importantly — our are now tremendously excited rience this revolutionary product fuel-efficient aircraft. Over 265,000 babies benefited from QNSP

The newborn at the Women’s Wellness and screening program Research, a disease diagnosis can be overwhelming at any plays an often age, but the diagnosis is par- lifesaving role ticularly difficult when the in detecting and patient is a newborn. treating serious Dr Ghassan Abdoh says his team is committed to both edu- illnesses that cating parents about the would otherwise go importance of the screening undiagnosed or have test and also about what a pos- delayed diagnoses. itive result would mean for their family. Qatar’s Newborn Screening Program is divided into three THE PENINSULA components; the Newborn Screening Unit, which works DOHA: Qatar’s Newborn with maternity units and Screening Program (QNSP) has primary health care teams to enabled the early diagnoses of coordinate testing and follow over 850 babies born with up of results, the specialised various diseases and disorders, laboratory that conducts the since 2003. testing, and the teams that To date, the newborn heel provide treatment to affected prick test, which is generally babies, both short- and administered within 72 hours long-term. of a baby’s birth, has been Also the newborn administered to over 265,000 screening program is going newborns across the country. beyond diagnosis and Dr Hilal Al Rifai, Director parents consenting to the It allows us to detect disorders, treatment and is actively con- of Qatar’s Newborn Screening newborn screening. including those among babies ducting research and intro- Program and Medical Director “The Newborn Screening that may seem healthy at first, ducing the latest evidence- of the Women’s Wellness and Program allows us to start before they progress to serious based treatment protocols. Research Center, said the treatment before a disease or illness. This is significant as The program has intro- newborn screening program disorder progresses. The many of these newborn babies duced genomic technology plays an often lifesaving role program, which offers free may initially appear healthy, through its partnership with in detecting and treating disease screening for all however, the illnesses can Germany’s University of Hei- serious illnesses that would children born in Qatar, cur- progress very quickly,” said Dr delberg Hospital, noting that otherwise go undiagnosed or rently screens for more than Al Rifai. through more advanced tech- have delayed diagnoses. 30 disorders, most of which According to Dr Ghassan nology, it may be possible to Dr Al Rifai added that the are autosomal recessive, Abdoh, Senior Consultant of identify even more infants for number of diseases and dis- meaning both of the baby’s Pediatric Neonatology and whom early interventions can orders diagnosed to date dem- parents are carriers of the Head of HMC’s Newborn prevent serious illnesses or onstrates the importance of gene that causes the disorder. Screening Unit, which is based disability. THURSDAY 29 MARCH 2018 HOME 07 08 HOME THURSDAY 29 MARCH 2018 HBKU plans to launch Innovation Center IRFAN BUKHARI During the launch Commenting on the Maker- THE PENINSULA space initiative, HBKU President of ‘Makerspace’ said that sustainable development DOHA: To support industrial initiative, President was the “key” and building more sector of the country by inventing of HBKU, Dr. Ahmad and more green solutions to eco- scientific solutions for their M Hasnah, said nomic problems was the way problems, Hamad Bin Khalifa forward to the future. University (HBKU) will launch an that the university “HBKU has brought together Innovation Center. will establish an experts, academicians, companies Talking to media persons on “Innovation Center” so that they can share their eco- the event of launch of ‘Maker- nomic, social expertise regarding where university’s wDr. Ahmad M Hasnah, President of HBKU, with other officials during the launch of the ‘Makerspace’ space’ initiative, President of green economy at one place. It is initiative at HBKU yesterday. PIC: BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA HBKU, Dr. Ahmad M Hasnah, said faculty researchers not only an awareness activity but that among other initiatives to be will present solutions also meant to present possible launched by the university was to problems being solutions to the problems being will organize other activities an emphasis on practical side, about green economies, business the establishment of an “Inno- faced by the faced by Qatar, region and the inviting industry, government, integration, innovation, entrepre- and entrepreneurship.” vation Center” where university’s world.” students, faculty and other stake- neurship, original-thinking and For this initiative, HBKU has faculty researchers will present industries. Dr Hasnah observed that holders at one place.” practicality. partnered with a number of solutions to problems being faced Makerspace exhibition was also Taking to media persons, Dr. He said Makerspace was not experts, supporters, and partners, by the industries. The initiative brought a great place for students to be Emad El-Din Shahin, Dean of the merely an exhibit rather it was a including Qatar Development To a question about future ini- together organisations and the able to learn from practitioners College of Islamic Studies (CIS), concept to derive a new culture Bank, the Qur’anic Botanic tiatives of the university, Dr wider community for a series of and get their knowledge into said that through the initiative of preservation, dealing efficiently Garden, Qatar Green Building Hasnah, said, “The university will exhibitions, workshops, and short action. HBKU intended to integrate com- with resources and paving way Council, Qatar National Research launch an Innovation Centre talks discussing environmentally- He said that for Qatar, food munity and students with the for futuristic, green, knowledge- Fund and Al Jaber Green where industry will bring friendly and ethical industrial security was among major stra- concept of green economy. based economy. Construction. problems for our faculty practices. tegic decisions for which green To a question, he said that Elaborating upon the devel- Prominent business startups researchers.” He did not specify The opening ceremony of the and sustainable solutions were Qatar had dealt with blockade in opment of the initiative, how it and entrepreneurs practicing eco- by when the centre would be two-day event included a tour of required. “Makespace is pre- an extremely proactive and pos- impacts the community, Assistant logical models are showcasing launched. the exhibition space, which senting new and novel solutions itive way. “It is time to think stra- Professor and Assistant Dean For their work, which remains on To promote a greater under- involved HBKU’s top officials, for food security related issues tegically, implement Innovation and Community display at various outlets across standing of ethics and practices including President Dr. Ahmad M from green perspective in agri- strategically.” Advancement at CIS Dr. Mohamed the Education City Student Center of green economies across the Hasnah; Vice-President for culture to organic farming, recy- He said that Qatar was doing Evren Tok, said, “In the months until tomorrow. broader community, Hamad Bin Student Affairs, Maryam Hamad cling etc.” futuristic planning for food preceding the Makerspace Initi- Exhibitors include the Green Khalifa University (HBKU) yes- Al Mannai; Dean of the College of HBKU President noted that security and sustainable devel- ative, our team members worked Maasai Troupe, Rozy Fashion, terday inaugurated its “Maker- Science and Engineering, Dr. the initiative had been designed opment. “Qatar is still an attractive dedicatedly to develop a collab- Papercut, Q-e Waste, Safe-Q, space” initiative titled ‘Green Mounir Hamdi; and Dean of the to bring knowledge into action. destination for education, entre- orative space that could bring Qatar Behavioral Insights Unit, Economy, Business, and Entre- College of Islamic Studies (CIS) Dr. He said that it was the first initi- preneurship, investment,” he said. together diverse individuals and Agrico, Global Farm for Agricul- preneurship in Qatar’. Emad El Din Shahin. ative in that direction and “HBKU Dr Shahin said that HBKU had organizations alike to learn more tural Supplies, and IbTECHar.

2nd phase of Admissions for HBKU Juris Doctor program open Furjan Market FAZEENA SALEEM partnership with Northwestern has a rich and diverse student As part of the admission construction THE PENINSULA University Pritzker School of body. Our enrolment process is process, prospective students are Law. The JD program differs unaffected by the geopolitical asked to complete an online begins: QDB DOHA: The College of Law and from an undergraduate law climate and we welcome stu- application, send academic tran- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Public Policy (CLPP) at Hamad degree in that it targets indi- dents from across the world. We scripts demonstrating the com- Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) viduals who already hold an are proud that at this University, pletion of their undergraduate is set to receive a new batch of undergraduate degree, which our people are our greatest studies with a strong academic Al Suwaidi said one accom- students for its flagship Juris can be in any subject (including strength and when a student record from a recognized insti- modation per shop will be allo- Doctor programme. law). enrolls in an academic program tution, as well as official copies cated under a contract. The rent The admissions process is The JD’s curriculum is com- at HBKU, they become part of a of standardized test results. of accommodation is under designed to attract students of parable with the best of those thriving community that is com- Among the requirements are study and will disclosing it on the highest calibre and the fast- offered internationally and mitted to excellence and inno- two letters of recommendation, proper time. approaching deadline is on April region. We enroll up to 20 stu- equips its graduates with a high vation,” said Professor Francis. a personal statement of interest, The second phase of the 1. “CLPP is a world-class pro- dents per year and our current level of legal knowledge, thereby The present the JD program as well as other supporting doc- project is divided into two parts. vider of legal education with an enrolment across all three years enabling them to make the most has between 65-70 percent uments. HBKU’s website offers In the the first part, Al Furjan international reputation for of the programme is around 40 of a wide range of career options Qatari student enrollment rates comprehensive information on Markets will see construction quality and innovation in students,” Professor Clinton in the public and private sectors, across all three years of the the admissions process, and we of six markets that will include teaching and research. Our Francis (pictured), Dean at the multinational institutions, and program. The students come recommend interested candi- 78 shops and are expected to flagship Juris Doctor programme CLPP, told The Peninsula. in academia. from a variety of professional dates to read the full list of be completed within 12 months. is the first graduate law degree The Juris Doctor (JD) pro- “Owing to the fact that HBKU backgrounds and that enriches requirements at www.hbku.edu. Furjan markets will be located programme of its kind in the gramme at the HBKU has been is based in a regional economic the academic experience within qa/en/admissions and apply as two markets in Muaither Middle East and North Africa created through a strategic and cultural hub, the University the college. before the deadline. South (16 shops), one each in Jerian and Jenihat (21 shops), Umm Qarn (16 shops),Kharaitiyat(7 shops) and Ezdan Holding Group sponsors career fair one in Umm Al khor (10 shops). The second part includes Call for alternate THE PENINSULA 26 markets which are in the design stage, and the bank is in resolutions in DOHA: In line with the objec- the process of finalising the tives of corporate social respon- construction permits and sibility towards young gener- approvals of the markets, for construction projects ation of Qatar, Ezdan Holding which tender is expected to be Group sponsored a career fair released in the second quarter THE PENINSULA for the eleventh consecutive of 2018. year at Gulf English School in the The proposed 26 markets DOHA: The Public Works presence of representatives will be located in: Umm Authority (Ashghal) hosted a from several institutions. Lekhba, Al Gharaffa, Izghawa, joint seminar at its premises in The event is organised Bani Hajer, Luaib / Al cooperation with the Qatar annually by the school to allow Muhajirah, Al Aziziya, Muaither International Court and Dispute students to meet with com- north, Bu Sidra, Ain Khalid (2 Resolution Center (QICDRC) panies to identify the market lands), Umm Al Saneem (3 Visitors during the career fair sponsored and organised respectively and Chartered Institute of Arbi- demands. lands), Al Sakhama, Saina Al- by Ezdan Holding Group and Gulf English School. tration (CIArb) in the area of Ali Qasi, Director of Public Humaidi, Al Thakhira, Madinat alternative dispute resolution Relations and Communication Al Kaaban, Madinat ash methods and investment treaty at Ezdan Holding Group, said: framework of the objectives of Qatar for the needs of the Shamal, Rawdat Rashed, Al arbitration in relation to CIArb. “Our participation this year and the exhibition which meets our market.” The school organises Karaana, Al Wakra, Al Utouriya, construction projects. In his opening remarks, our collaboration with Gulf vision. It is among our priority the career fair ( professional Lkhreeb, Al ghwairyya, Al The seminar was held in the Eng. Ahmed Ali Al Ansari (pic- English School come within the to prepare young generation of employment exhibition) Rayyan Al Jadeed, Aba Al Hiran presence of senior Ashghal tured), Technical Office and Ain Sinan. management, including Eng. Manager at Ashghal and Pres- Al-Khalifa said, “ QDB had Abdullah Hamad Al Atiyya, ident of the CIArb in Qatar, been studying the land allo- Assistant President, a number explained the relationship AMTC wins Renault Trucks Retail cated initially by the Ministry of directors, managers and between Ashghal, CIArb and of Municipalities and Envi- senior officials. Apart from QICDRC. He also explained the ronment, and 32 land in dif- Ashghal managers and officials, institute’s efforts to spread Excellence Club Challenge 2017 ferent cities had been selected representatives from the CIArb awareness on the culture of THE PENINSULA as the first step in the project’s and QICDRC also attended the developing alternate resolu- of best dealers) was introduced by Renault Trucks second phase, which is dis- seminar. tions in the construction for its retail network to encourage and reward tributed between the internal More than 190 participants projects and how the institute DOHA: Al Attiya Motors and Trading Co. (AMTC), retail operational excellence. The club is a per- and external areas of the State including experts in the field of develops relations with various the sole distributor for Renault Trucks in Qatar manent international club rewarding the best Land, based on key criteria that construction law and the entities in the state through and one of the largest commercial vehicle dealers dealers every year based on vigorous selective demonstrates the feasibility of business of building and con- inking cooperation agreements in the country, is celebrating after being awarded criteria. By being part of this prestigious club, the building markets to facilitate tracting attended the seminar and memorandums of first place in the Renault Trucks Retail Excellence best dealers of Renault Trucks will be associated and cater to the daily needs of that covered a presentation on understanding. Club Challenge 2017. with ‘exclusive-only’ events. the residents of these areas”. the role of CIArb, its pro- Matthew Walker, Secretary This performance is an incredible achievement Winning the Retail Excellence Club Challenge The tender for the imple- grammes for the year 2018 in of the CIArb, gave a detailed and mirrors the tremendous dedication and com- recognises the remarkable workforce Renault mentation of six plots of land Qatar to be held in cooperation presentation on the Institute’s mitment to their customers that exhibited amongst Qatar possesses in delivering exceptional cus- has been awarded and will be with Ashghal and QICDRC and training programmes and the Renault team, said a statement. tomer service and obligation for their completed in the first quarter procedures of membership in events scheduled. The Retail Excellence Club (An exclusive club customers. of 2019,” he added. THURSDAY 29 MARCH 2018 HOME 09 HIA gets ISO boost; 1st airport in ME to get it THE PENINSULA The certificate was acquisition to decommissioning. presented to Engr This system provides for the DOHA: Hamad International Badr Mohammed Al management of risks and costs Airport (HIA) announced Meer, Chief Operating associated with the operation yesterday that it has been and maintenance of assets in a awarded the ISO 55001:2014 Officer of HIA, by Pietro structured and efficient manner certification, the international Foschi, BSI Group that supports continual standard for asset management, Assurance Director, at improvement and maximises the making Qatar’s airport the first the BSI office in London, value of asset management. in the Middle East to achieve this HIA was ISO 55001 certified accreditation from the British in the presence of after an independent verification Standards Institution (BSI). Michael McMillan, Vice- process was conducted by BSI The prestigious certificate appointed audit team. The President, Facilities The HIA Chief Operating Officer, Engr Badr Mohammed Al Meer, receiving the ISO Certification from was presented to Engr Badr airport currently has 37,613 Pietro Foschi, BSI Group Assurance Director, in the presence of Michael McMillan, Vice-President, Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Oper- Management at HIA. assets within the scope of HIA ating Officer of HIA, by Pietro Asset Management System, with Facilities Management at HIA, and other dignitaries at the BSI office in London. Foschi, BSI Group Assurance and was named ‘Best Staff Service plans to increase the scope for Director, at the BSI office in in the Middle East’. HIA’s duty free another 50,012 assets. management of physical assets President Facilities Management involves always complying with London, in the presence of offering also was also recognised, Engr Badr Mohammed Al and infrastructure”. at HIA said: “It is HIA’s ambition relevant legislation, regulations Michael McMillan, Vice-President, with the airport being ranked the Meer, Chief Operating Officer at HIA has also implemented its to demonstrate asset man- and standards.” Hamad Interna- Facilities Management at HIA. 4th Best Airport for Shopping in HIA, said: “Being the first airport Asset Management Policy within agement leadership within the tional Airport aims to reduce the This accreditation comes hot the World. in the Middle East to receive the its organisation, encouraging its Airport Operations and Man- risk of asset failure, which could off the heels of HIA being ranked The British Standards 55001:2014 certification from BSI staff members, stakeholders and agement business. We have adversely impact the airport’s 5th Best Airport in the World at Institute ISO 55001 is a shows Hamad International Air- partners to embrace their adopted an asset management business objectives, reduce the last week’s SKYTRAX World framework for an asset man- port’s continuous drive to deliver responsibility to care of the air- system to prevent catastrophic life cycle cost of assets, all while Airport Awards 2018. HIA was agement system that enables the excellence in safety and pas- port’s physical assets and failure of our assets and contin- achieving asset performance at also honoured with the title of business to pro-actively manage senger experience across the infrastructure. ually improve our asset man- optimum service levels for our ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ the lifecycle of its assets, from airport, through best practice Michael McMillan, Vice agement performance. This customers.

GDCD & Lekhwiya conduct mock drills QM hosts Arabic poetry event

THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Qatar Museums (QM) recently celebrated World Poetry Day by hosting a clas- sical Arabic poetry evening at the Museum of Islamic Art THE PENINSULA (MIA). Laffan Emergency and Safety College. The The event paid homage to DOHA: On the side line of the 23rd session delegations at ICDO’s session attended the the language of the Holy of the General Assembly of the International drill and took a tour inside the college and Quran, highlighting MIA’s Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO) in Qatar briefed about it. Director-General of Civil commitment to safeguarding from March 25 to 28, the General Directorate Defence, Staff Brigadier Abdullah Islamic culture and reaf- of Civil Defence (GDCD) and Lekhwiya Mohammed Al Suwaidi, said that this drill firming its position as an yesterday conducted mock drills at Ras “Al Samlah 2” helps all to deal with accidents. iconic cultural centre in the region. For centuries, poetry has been an integral part of Arabic and Islamic culture, building bridges between QF lines up events for public; opens Torba market people and emphasising their common human values and identities. THE PENINSULA QF’s dedication to supporting walkways, and beach volleyball The event, which was local food producers, every courts. Furthermore, as part of open to the public, included DOHA: Qatar Foundation (QF) Friday, Chef’s Garden – located QF’s community-inspired activ- poetry readings by some of has placed the entire community in AL SHAQAB – is hosting a ities towards supporting lifelong Qatar’s top local poets at the top of its agenda, with a farmer’s brunch from 12.30pm learning, creativity, and cultural including Mohammed Khalifa full programme of events - 3.30pm, which includes a range development among all resi- Al Attiyah, Abdelhamid designed to inspire public to of fun activities for children and dents, Qatar National Library Hashem Youssef, Ali Mirza become active, engaged citizens. the whole family. (QNL) hosts a diverse range of Mahmoud, Khaled Ahmed This year saw the continu- QF also recently announced community-orientated activities Obaidan and Mohammed ation of the hugely popular the launch of its ‘EC Running year-round, including concerts, Ibrahim Al Sada. Torba Farmers Market at the Series’. The first event took place lectures, and reading events, Commenting on the Ceremonial Court in Education on Friday, March 23, and brought designed to educate and occasion, MIA Deputy City. With the summer fast together runners from all over entertain through as many Director Learning & Outreach approaching, the market will be the country to Education City. channels as possible. & Operations, Salem Abdulla Torba Farmers Market at Qatar Foundation’s Ceremonial Court. opened Friday and Saturday The run will be repeated in April, Upcoming events at QNL Al Aswad said: “Arabic poetry evenings, until the end of April. featuring distances of 3km, 5km, include a public lecture titled is one of the earliest forms of Each weekend, the market handicrafts and gardening month, so we hope to see eve- 10km, and 21km. The races aim ‘Ecological Crisis and Future of Arabic literature and has brings together 30 vendors as supplies. ryone there. to give men and women the Food Security’ today. QNL will always been used as a cre- well as thousands of community Machaille Al Naimi, Pres- “At QF, our community opportunity to explore Education also welcome aspiring musicians ative outlet for artists to members from around the ident of Community Devel- development programmes are City, including QF’s Oxygen Park. to take part in its ‘Introduction express their opinions and country, supporting local food opment, QF, said, “After very central to everything we do, and QF also invites the public to to the Music Studio’ event on make their voices heard. We producers and agriculture. The positive feedback and due to Torba Farmers Market is just one enjoy the facilities at Oxygen March 31, offering members of are pleased to support a new Qatari-founded initiative offers popular demand and interest example of how we strive to Park, a 130,000-square-metre the community a chance to play generation of Qatari poets a wide range of produce, from the community, Torba meet the needs of our society, open space that incorporates musical instruments and make and nurture an environment including freshly-baked goods, Farmers Market will now take strengthen Qatari culture, and sports and recreation areas, and use of recording equipment and where classical Arabic poetry fruit and vegetables, homemade place in the evenings every foster social engagement.” includes football fields, running software at the library’s ‘Inno- can continue to thrive and preserves, syrups, butters, and Friday and Saturday for another Additionally, and in line with tracks, air-conditioned covered vation Station’. touch new audiences.”

Pi Day Math Contest Ashghal to close main lanes winners announced at Olympic Intersection

THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) has DOHA: The Public Works Authority announced the results of its third annual Pi Day Math Contest. (Ashghal) has announced that it will A team of four students from the Delhi Public School temporary close the main lanes of four took top honours in the competition, which encourages par- sides at the Olympic Intersection ticipants to explore the fun side of mathematics. The (Sports Intersection) for a period of 36 members of the winning team were Aakash Jain, Abhimanyu The winners of Pi Day Math Contest. hours from today evening till Saturday Sanjay Kumar, Ishaq Ansari and Yaqoob Ansari. morning. The American School in Doha team took second place, A field of 90 teams from 67 different schools in Qatar It will be in coordination with the with participants from the International School of Choueifat competed in the preliminary round, with the four top teams General Directorate of Traffic. During taking third, and the Birla Public School team placing fourth. advancing to the finals. this period, traffic heading to the Al Khaliji bank sponsored the event and provided prizes to Hasan Demirkoparan, associate teaching professor of Olympic Intersection from its four all winning teams. Fahad Al Khalifa, Group Chief Executive mathematics at CMU-Q and a Pi Day organiser, said, “The sides can turn only right and use the the development works implemented Officer, at Al khaliji, said, “In the area of banking and finance, purpose of the Pi Day competition is to get schools and stu- next intersection, as shown in the on intersections and roundabouts in a solid foundation in mathematics is crucial, as it is in many dents excited about mathematics, and to give talented stu- attached map. This temporary closure various areas of the Greater Doha, other fields. When young people are excited about mathe- dents an opportunity to shine. This year we were delighted aims to complete the final asphalt layer which aim to enhance the flow of traffic matics, a world of opportunities opens up to them.” with the level of competition.” at the Olympic Intersection, as part of and reduce congestion in vital areas. 10 VIEWS THURSDAY 29 MARCH 2018 What will Trump’s ‘ultimate ESTABLISHED IN 1996 deal’ mean for Palestinians? CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected] ANDERS PERSSON ACTING MANAGING EDITOR AL JAZEERA MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected] hen Donald Trump was elected US president in November 2016, he initially Wsignalled some real hope for the peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Pal- estinian conflict. Some analysts argued that he may actually manage to deliver EDITORIAL what he calls “the deal of the century” and bring peace to Israel and Palestine. These assumptions were based on the fact that entail for the Palestinians. decided to unilaterally disengage from Trump is the type of person that could In November 2017, it was reported that Gaza. Back then, when Ariel Sharon pre- Economic Diversification wake up one morning, say “enough”, and Trump’s peace plan would oversee the sented his plan to unilaterally disengage pressure Israeli and Palestinian leaders to establishment of an independent Pales- from Gaza, because he did not want to iversification is key to growth for any country sign a peace deal on his terms. tinian state in an unspecified territory, but negotiate an agreement with Abbas, whom and its economy. If any nation is dependent Early on in his presidency, Trump without Jerusalem as its capital and with he called a “plucked chicken”, many ana- Don one particular sector, the growth will get made the conflict a strategic priority and all the settlements remaining. The report, lysts said the Palestinians and the interna- stagnant after a point of time. The best example of unconventionally chose to go to the Middle based on the testimonies of anonymous tional community would not accept the how diversifi-cation can really push one country’s East on his first trip abroad as president. senior officials on Israel’s negotiating team, legitimacy of the unilateral disengagement growth trajectory is of Qatar. Especially after the During a press conference with Palestinian also signalled that Trump’s plan would plan. But they all did. Gaza immediately unjust siege im-posed on this great nation without Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in ignore the Palestinians’ right of return and became a valued prize for the rival Pales- any reason by a few countries has made Qatar a Bethlehem, he said that “if Israel and the give the control of the Jordan Valley to tinian factions, the EU provided monitors really diversified and stronger economy. Palestinians can make peace, it will begin a Israel. for the Rafah crossing in southern Gaza, Qatar is mainly a natural gas abundant nation process of peace all throughout the Middle In February 2018, it was reported in and Sharon’s image was transformed in and its main revenue come from this sector. But the East.” This was in line with Europe’s Arab and Israeli media that Trump’s peace many parts of the world from a war re-cent data shows that Qatar has really made a standard inside-out approach (Israeli-Pal- plan would entail the relocation of some criminal to a celebrated statesman. Could giant leap in the diversification of its economy. estinian peace first, Israeli-Arab normali- minor settlements, a possible Palestinian something like this happen this time as The total value of Qatar’s non-oil exports in 2017 sation later) to the conflict, which was also capital in East Jerusalem and some form of well? was QR18.1bn distributed to about 66 countries. And shared by the Obama administration. international protection for the holy sites It is important to note that it is still Qatar’s non-oil export has recorded a significant On many other occasions, however, in Jerusalem — seemingly an upgrade for unclear whether a mini-Palestine on 50 increase of 2.2% to QR2.2bn in February 2018, com- Trump seemed to be in favour of the the Palestinians, even if it still fell far short percent of the West Bank is Trump’s final pared to January 2018 when it was QR2.1bn. The outside-in approach (Israeli-Arab normal- of their demands. bid. The first year of the Trump presidency trend was similar in earlier months too when Qatar’s isation first, Israeli-Palestinian peace later) And, finally, earlier this month, it was has shown that he is a leader with an non-oil export value recorded a significant increase to the conflict. Moreover, he regularly reported in various media outlets that the unprecedented ability to reverse himself. of 62.4% to QR2.1bn in January 2018, compared to changed PA’s intelligence chief, Majid Faraj, has His many firings and hirings testify to this, December 2017. The growth his seen the latest version of the 35-page and it is still unclear what his latest hiring, in non-export value recorded position in peace plan in Riyadh. According to Pales- the ultra-hawk John Bolton as national 56% rise in January the debate tinian officials that spoke to the media on security adviser, will mean for Trump’s year-on-year. - he was condition of anonymity, this version of the peace plan. On the one hand, Bolton does In February, Qatar for, against peace plan included the establishment of a not, at all, believe in the two-state solution, exported goods and services If Trump’s and in Palestinian state with provisional borders and less than a year ago he said that there Despite the to about 62 countries, com- peace plan is between on half of the West Bank and the Gaza “is no chance President Donald Trump will ongoing siege, pared to 59 in January. Coun- implemented, on key Strip, without Jerusalem, and with only secure a peace deal between Israel and the the successes tries receiving Qatar’s non-oil it will end the final status humanitarian solutions to the refugee Palestinians”. But, given the unpredicta- achieved by exports included 12 Arab issues such issue. The plan, moreover, calls for bility of the president, it is difficult, at this countries and GCC, 13 present status as the set- “building a new Jerusalem for the Pales- stage, to predict how much influence Qatar’s economy European countries including quo, which, tlements tinians from the city’s surrounding vil- Bolton will have on the peace plan. through far- Turkey, 17 Asian countries everybody and lages” and also keeps Palestinian security If Trump’s peace plan is as bad for sighted approach (excluding Arab countries), 17 knows, is not a moving and borders in the hands of Israel. There the Palestinians as the recent leaks and various African countries (excluding the US seems to be consensus among the Pales- suggest, then its publication and Arab countries), three coun- real status quo, embassy tinian leadership that Trump’s plan, as it perhaps unilateral implementation will diversification tries of North and South but a constantly to Jeru- stands today, is something that “no Pales- lead to a much-needed reckoning for all programmes Americas. deteriorating salem, tinian leader could accept”. Abbas himself other parties involved; for the Pales- resulted in the rise Oman is still Qatar’s top while hassaid that the plan’s objective is “to tinians themselves, for the neighbouring non-oil export destination in situation for the never destroy the Palestinian national project”. Arab states, for the UN, for the EU, for of the GDP during January accounting for QR Palestinians. taking a Last month, Nicky Haley, the US Russia, for China, for the BDS 2017 to reach 1.2bn, or 54.4%, of the total clear stand ambassador to the UN, said that “the plan movement, for liberal Jewish groups in about $220bn, exports. It was followed by for or won’t be loved by either side”, but so far the US and for all others in the interna- compared with Hong Kong with almost QR against a there has been little, if any, critique in tional community. This is not neces- 121.9m, or 5.6%, and Germany two-state solution. Israel against it. sarily a bad thing for the Palestinians. It about $218bn in with QR118.9m, or 5.5%. But on December 6 last year, Trump The latest round of leaks also implies may finally unleash the Palestinian 2016. Turkey came in fourth place made it clear that his much-anticipated that Trump’s peace plan will go ahead with mass non-violent resistance that so with almost QR104m, or 4.8%, peace deal will favour Israel when he rec- or without the PA’s approval. This would many have called for, and it may lead followed by Switzerland with ognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and mean a unilateral Israeli withdrawal from the EU to become more assertive in the QR98.6m, or 4.5%. The Netherlands was in the sixth promised to move the US embassy there. parts of the West Bank if the Palestinians conflict. If the US tries to impose such a place followed by India, Indonesia, Bangla-desh This led Abbas to brand Trump’s peace reject the plan, as they are widely expected disastrous “solution”, Russia and China and China. efforts as “the slap of the century” and say to do. A unilateral Israeli withdrawal from may also feel the need to react. Despite the ongoing siege, the successes achieved the US could no longer play any role in the parts of the West Bank is precisely what For now, there is only one thing we by Qatar’s economy through far-sighted approach Middle East peace process following the the INSS, the leading centre-left Israeli know for sure: If Trump’s peace plan is and various diversification programmes resulted move. think-tank, has long advocated for. implemented, it will end the present status in the rise of the GDP during 2017 to reach about Over the past five months, there have In this context, it is worth remem- quo, which, everybody knows, is not a real $220bn, compared with about $218bn in 2016, and been at least three rounds of leaks sig- bering that a similar discussion to this one status quo, but a constantly deteriorating in the real growth rate of GDP at constant prices nalling what Trump’s peace plan may took place nearly 15 years ago, when Israel situation for the Palestinians. touching 2% in 2017. According to the latest World Bank reports, Qatar’s real GDP growth is expected to rise to about 2.6% this year. The surge in non-oil exports is emanated from the prudent policies and the wise leadership’s Hopes high Ethiopia’s new PM will ease political turmoil support to the private sector which plays a key role in the economic process and becomes a major AFP say, should be repealing a four ethnically based parties Hailemariam made the sur- mainstay of Qatar trade exchange with world coun- widely criticised state of emer- which has ruled Ethiopia since prise decision to resign. tries. This shows that Qatar has successfully gency imposed after Hailemar- chasing the communist Derg Shortly after, Abiy was ele- managed to over-come repercussions of the unjust or the first time, iam’s resignation last month. regime from power in 1991. vated to the top post of the blockade. Ethiopia has picked a “Lifting the state of emer- The government declared a Oromo Peoples’ Democratic leader from the Oromo gency is, I think, the first or 10-month state of emergency in Organization (OPDO), the Fethnic group that drove most important step. Without October 2016 to stop the pro- party representing Oromos in years of anti-government pro- that, there is no reform tests, but many from the Oromo the EPRDF, as the coalition tests, and analysts say Abiy agenda,” said Awol Allo, an and the second-largest ethnic scrambled to find a successor. QUOTE OF THE DAY Ahmed faces a tricky task of Ethiopian political commen- group the Amhara still feel Long seen as a tool of reconciliation and reform. tator who teaches law in alienated from a government more powerful EPRDF fac- The 42-year-old former Britain. Ethiopia’s spiral into they criticise for locking up dis- tions, the OPDO had raised its The terrorists in minister of science and tech- crisis began in late 2015 when sidents and ignoring the political clout last year by Manbij should be nology will take the reigns of Oromo activists who have demands of local communities. reaching out to the protesters. removed from the one Africa’s fastest growing long complained of marginali- “His priority should be to Abiy, then a top OPDO area, otherwise economies after more than sation condemned a gov- calm the country and, sec- official, was part of that out- two years of protests and ernment development plan ondly, he needs to address the reach, and Awol said believes Turkey will not political turmoil that led to they felt was unfair. questions of the youth because he will continue that reform hesitate to take Prime Minister Hailemariam This sparked protests that the young people are the ones push as prime minister. initiative by itself as it Desalegn’s shock resignation would spread across the that can help our country,” “When you look at the last month. But analysts say country and cause hundreds Hana Dabele, a data encoder change that has taken place did in other regions. Abiy cannot stabilise Ethiopia of deaths and tens of thou- in the capital Addis Ababa, within the OPDO as an organi- unless he convinces the coun- sands of arrests. Their griev- said of Abiy. After organising a sation, I think there is every Recep Tayyip Erdogan try’s long-serving ruling coa- ances were targeted at the all- mass release of jailed politi- reason to believe that Ahmed Turkey’s President lition to change its authori- powerful Ethiopian People’s cians and journalists last will ... push some of the reform tarian ways. Revolutionary Democratic January in a reaction to the agenda set up by his own First on his agenda, they Front (EPRDF), the coalition of public disenchantment, party,” Awol said. THURSDAY 29 MARCH 2018 OPINION 11 A brick-by-brick hardening of US stance toward Russia

merica’s most sweeping 300 men working for a Kremlin- Trump’s critics sought to portray expulsion of Russian dip- linked private military firm after him as a reluctant actor in any get- lomats since the Cold War they attacked US and US-backed tough approach to Russia, even may have seemed like a forces. The White House, meanwhile, though one senior administration A Although the nerve dramatic escalation in Washington’s firmly tied Russia to deadly strikes official described him as involved response to Moscow, but the on civilians in Syria’s eastern Ghouta “from the beginning” in the expul- agent attack was the groundwork for a more confronta- region. sions of Russian diplomats. PHIL STEWART & official trigger for the tional US posture had been taking Both the White House and Penta- “It is disturbing how grudgingly MATT SPETALNICK US expulsions, Trump shape for months — in plain sight. gon’s top policy documents unveiled he came to this decision,” said US REUTERS While President Donald Trump’s in January portrayed Russia as an Representative Adam Smith, the top administration officials conciliatory rhetoric toward Moscow adversary that had returned to the Democrat on the House Armed warned that the attack has dominated headlines, officials at center of US national security Services Committee. should not be viewed in the US State Department, Pentagon planning. Still, the Trump administration’s isolation, citing a series and White House made a series of That was all before the United actions run counter to widespread lower-profile decisions over the past States said on Monday it would expel perception, fueled by the president’s of destabilising and year to counter Russia around the 60 Russian diplomats, joining gov- own statements, that Trump has sof- aggressive actions by world — from Afghanistan to North ernments across Europe in punishing tened America’s stance toward Moscow. Korea to Syria. the Kremlin for a nerve agent attack Russian President Vladimir Putin The State Department earlier in on a former Russian spy in Britain amid a US investigation into Mos- March announced plans to provide that they have blamed on Moscow. cow’s meddling in the 2016 presi- United Nations sanctions. anti-tank missiles to Ukraine to Russia has denied any dential election. And less than two weeks ago, defend against Russia-backed sepa- involvement. Regardless of the tough actions, the Trump administration ratists in eastern Ukraine. Trump’s With Monday’s announcement, the inconsistent messaging may imposed the first sanctions against predecessor as president, Barack however, it was unclear whether undermine Washington’s strategy to Russia for election meddling and Obama, had declined to do so over Trump is promoting — or just acqui- deter Moscow’s aggressive behavior, cyber attacks, though it held off on fears of provoking Moscow. escing to — the tougher US stance experts warn. punishing business magnates In Syria last month, the US mil- developed by his advisers and “US signaling is all undercut by close to Putin. itary killed or injured as many as generals. Trump’s lack of seriousness about US officials and experts widely Russia,” said Andrew Weiss, a Russia expect ties to further deteriorate, expert at the Carnegie Endowment at least in the near term, and for International Peace. caution that Russia’s next steps Just last Tuesday, Trump con- could extend far beyond retali- gratulated Putin on his re-election, ation against American diplomats. drawing sharp criticism from fellow “The risk of escalation doesn’t Republicans. just come from tit-for-tat punish- But in another sign of mixed ments,” said Matthew Rojansky, a messaging, Trump two days later Russia expert at the Wilson Center named John Bolton, a strident Russia think tank in Washington, citing hawk, to become his national the potential for more aggressive security adviser. moves from the Middle East to the Although the nerve agent attack cyber realm. was the official trigger for the US US officials have said the expulsions, Trump administration Trump administration still seeks officials warned that the attack to avoid a complete rupture in should not be viewed in isolation, bilateral relations. One official citing a series of destabilising and said Russian cooperation was aggressive actions by Moscow. still sought to address thorny In Afghanistan, Trump’s top com- diplomatic issues like North mander on the ground accused Korea. Russia again last week of arming Taliban militants. On North Korea, Trump himself told Reuters in January that Russia was helping Pyongyang evade D-RING ROAD POST BOX: 3488 uha Salem tries to hide her decades, a coalition led by Saudi soaring inflation leaving the poorest DOHA - QATAR pain and anguish, but the suf- Arabia intervened on March 26, 2015, most vulnerable. [email protected] fering inflicted upon her by at Hadi’s request after the Houthis Speaking on the third anniversary Yemen’s relentless three- continued to sweep the south and of the war, Geert Cappelaere, S UNICEF’s regional director for the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE year-war is etched on her face. As threatened to conquer the last gov- her eyes shift from left to right, the ernment stronghold of Aden. Middle East and North Africa, said TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 conflict has devastated nearly every While the coalition and local many desperate parents had been FAX: +974 4455 7758 KHALID AL KARIMI & neighbourhood in the densely popu- militias successfully fended off the forced to “marry off their daughters” FAISAL EDROOS lated capital, she says, with death Houthi takeover of Aden, the air to provide for their families. MANAGING EDITOR and destruction stalking every attacks it carried out failed to dis- “Close to 80 percent of Yemenis TEL: 4462 7505 family. “My brother was injured by a lodge the rebels from Sanaa and live in poverty and parents have to landmine and had his right leg and much of the rest of the country. make the difficult choice of either DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4455 7769 left hand amputated,” she told Al Instead, the more than 16,000 air sending their children to beg, work Jazeera. raids it launched resulted in mass or marry them off at an early age.” LOCAL NEWS SECTION “Another relative was shot and is civilian casualties with weddings , In a survey across six provinces, TEL: 4455 7743 now paralysed.”The indiscriminate medical facilities and funerals not UNICEF found 75 percent of female spared the bombardment. respondents were married before BUSINESS NEWS SECTION “Every time we think the situ- they turned 18, with half of all the TEL: 4462 7535 ation will improve, it gets worse and girls surveyed wed before they worse,” Salem told, sighing turned 15. SPORT NEWS SECTION despondently. Some Yemenis told they were TEL: 4455 7745 “The war has brought us no optimistic their situation would Yemeni women reflect good... the Arab coalition has not improve, pinning their hopes on ONLINE SECTION served Yemen. It’s serving its own Martin Griffiths who was recently TEL: 4462 7501 interests. appointed as the UN’s special envoy [email protected] on war in a city ravaged “If the warring sides care about for Yemen. Yemen, they should make conces- But, many others said there was PUBLIC RELATIONS sions and lift us from this plight.” little prospect for peace. TEL: 4455 7613 by air attacks As the conflict enters its fourth “We are still waiting,” Ahlam [email protected] year on Monday, residents and Saleh, a high school graduate in Sanaa told. “I graduated from school activists said the fighting has ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT last year, and I thought the war extracted a grave toll on the civilian TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 loss of civilian life was so wide- population, with women suffering would stop. But it still rages. No one FAX: 4455 7870 spread, Salem said, that she feared disproportionately. knows what will happen tomorrow, [email protected] for her children’s psychological “The war has humiliated next week or in the coming months.” future. women,” Afaf Al Abara, a Yemeni Like several Yemenis CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT “I know of a lot of people whose journalist focusing on humanitarian nationwide, she thought the Saudi- TEL: 4455 7857 relatives were killed by shelling and issues, told Al Jazeera. led coalition would push the [email protected] air strikes. “Their psychological and “Women have been displaced, Houthis to the negotiating table. physical health is dire. How do you traumatised and even killed. They’ve “That hope is now shattered,” she SUBSCRIPTION & console someone who’s lost so many been exposed to the highest forms of said. “It turns out that the Houthis DISTRIBUTION loved ones?” cruelty and targeted by both parties.” are stronger than we expected after TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 Since 2014, Yemen has been According to Yemen’s Ministry of former President Ali Abdullah FAX: 44557819 wracked by a multi-sided conflict Human Rights, at least 1,665 women Saleh’s death, and that the Saudi [email protected] involving local, regional, and inter- had been killed or wounded since the coalition is not serious in returning national actors. start of the war with both sides rou- Yemen back to normal.” The Houthis who ruled a tinely denying them access to Ahlam Othman, a 35-year According to kingdom there for nearly 1,000 medical and humanitarian aid. housewife in Sanaa, told: “Neither All thoughts and views Yemen’s Ministry of years, exploited widespread anger More than 18 million civilians side was interested in ending the expressed in these columns Human Rights, at against President Abd-Rabbu were currently hemmed in by the tragedies unfolding across the are those of the writers, least 1,665 women Mansour Hadi ‘s decision to postpone fighting, with at least 10 million — a country. When my children ask me if long-awaited elections and his number greater than the entire pop- the war will be over soon, I simply not of the newspaper. had been killed or stalled negotiations over a new ulation of Sweden — requiring reply with Inshallah [God willing].” wounded since the constitution. immediate humanitarian assistance. With fighting showing no signs of All correspondence start of the war with The Houthis marched from their Getting accurate information on abating, Othman said it was too dif- regarding Views and both sides routinely stronghold of Saada province to the death toll is difficult, but Save The ficult to offer a simple “yes or no” Sanaa, and surrounded the presi- Children estimated at least 50,000 answer to that question. Opinion pages should be denying them access dential palace, placing Hadi under children died in 2017, an average of “Every day we are prepared to send to editor-in-chief to medical and house arrest. 130 every day. meet death, and this is how it’s been office or mailed to the humanitarian aid. Prompting one of the world’s Residents told, the cost of food for the past three years. Every day we worst humanitarian crises in and fuel had skyrocketed, with prepare.” [email protected] 12 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA THURSDAY 29 MARCH 2018 Syrian army prepares huge operation in last rebel bastion

AP Douma’s fall would seal the rebels’ worst BEIRUT/AMMAN: THE Syrian defeat since 2016, driving them from army is preparing to launch a their last big stronghold near the capital, “huge” operation against the last and would also carry potent symbolism. rebel-held town in eastern Ghouta unless the Jaish Al Islam The town was the main centre of street insurgent group agrees to hand protests in the Damascus suburbs against over the area, a pro-Syrian Assad’s rule that ignited the conflict government newspaper reported yesterday. seven years ago. Routed by the Russian- backed Syrian army, rebels Watan newspaper said. war, and thousands more have in other parts of eastern A Syrian official, speaking been injured, according to res- Ghouta are leaving in convoys on condition of anonymity, cuers and a war monitor. to insurgent-held areas in the said the situation was in a The eastern Ghouta area had northwest under withdrawal critical phase: “These two days nearly two million people before deals that are restoring Pres- will be decisive,” the official the conflict, and was a major Syrian government forces are seen as they arrive in the northern town of Tal Rifaat, yesterday. ident Bashar Al Assad’s said, without giving further industrial and commercial hub control. details. before the war, with rural zones Douma’s fall would seal the The area has been quieter in that provided residents of the rebels’ worst defeat since 2016, recent days as Jaish Al Islam has capital with their main source UN calls for $150m urgent relief in Syria driving them from their last big negotiated with Russian forces of fresh produce and dairy. stronghold near the capital, and about Douma’s fate. The rebel UN officials said they were AP would also carry potent sym- group said on Tuesday Russia continuing their efforts to get emerging from eastern Ghouta A renewed push by the Syrian bolism. The town was the main had yet to give an answer to its another convoy of aid into the with diarrhea, lice and skin dis- government and Russia to take centre of street protests in the proposals. It accused Damascus besieged city, where estimates DAMASCUS: Aid groups need eases. It said many walked for the last rebel-held pocket in Damascus suburbs against and Moscow of seeking to of the number of people who $150m to provide urgent relief to kilometers (miles) on bare feet to eastern Ghouta could drive tens Assad’s rule that ignited the con- impose demographic change by remain have shrunk to around a quarter-million people recently reach the shelters. of thousands more out of their flict seven years ago. forcing residents to leave. 70,000 from more than displaced by separate offensives The shelters were over- homes and into shelters. Backed by Russia and Iran, A witness in Douma reached 100,000 as a steady stream of by the Syrian government outside crowded, had no proper sani- Russia gave the rebel Army the government has repeatedly by telephone said dozens of res- civilians began to leave in recent Damascus and by Turkish-led tation, and lacked toilets and of Islam faction 48 hours from forced rebels to surrender areas idents took to the streets of the days. forces in the north, a top UN Syria showers, said the ICRC. It said it Tuesday to agree to leave the and withdraw to Idlib, where the city yesterday calling on rebels “It’s a fluid situation. We are official said yesterday. was working with the Red town of Douma or face one last United Nations describes the and opposition-led authorities planning a convoy ... the minute UN coordinator Ali al-Za’atari Crescent to improve them. assault that could kill countless conditions faced by hundreds of negotiating with the Russians to we have all the approvals and said some 80,000 people have fled The Russian military oper- civilians trapped inside. The gov- thousands of displaced oppo- reveal more information about guarantees of going in and out the government’s offensive in the ation in Syria said Monday more ernment was amassing its forces sition supporters as the talks. we will do the convoy,” Ali Al eastern Ghouta region east of than 120,000 residents had around the town in “catastrophic”. Although Jaish Al Islam Zatari, the UN Humanitarian Damascus, where shelling and air- arrived on the government’s side preparation. The Jaish Al Islam group denies planning to leave, two coordinator in Syria, told a news strikes have killed some 1,600 of the front lines around eastern The Army of Islam is the last says it is determined to stay in rebel sources said the fighters conference in Damascus. people in five weeks. He said Ghouta. The Syrian Observatory faction holding out against the Douma, where tens of thou- are weighing options including State media said more than 50,000 were still living in shelters for Human Rights monitoring government in eastern Ghouta. sands of civilians are sur- leaving for rebel-held areas 125,000 people had left rebel- that have been stretched beyond group said 100,000 had crossed If the fighters agree to leave, rounded by government forces. further northeast in Qalamoun, held areas since the start of the capacity. over. None of the figures could they will follow some 25,000 The government says it will or in southern Syria, despite offensive. Around 26,000 people had be independently verified. others - fighters and civilians - crush any rebels who do not some opposition by rival rebels Rebels and their families returned to their towns after they Another 180,000 displaced who have elected to board buses agree to leave or to live under there. who are being evacuated to were recaptured by the gov- Syrians are in need in the to rebel-held northwest Syria state rule. The Syrian military backed other opposition areas were ernment, said Khaled Hboubati, northern town of Tel Rifaat, after instead of reconcile with the gov- “The forces deployed in by Russian firepower has mainly leaving from a pocket the head of the Syrian Arab Red Turkish forces seized the ernment. Many say they cannot Ghouta are preparing a huge overrun most of eastern Ghouta encompassing the towns of Crescent, at a joint press con- Kurdish-controlled town of Afrin, serve in President Bashar Assad’s military operation in Douma in an operation that began on Arbin, Ain Tarma and Zamalka ference with Al Za’atari in said Al Za’atari. He told reporters conscription army. Others say if the Jaish al-Islam ter- February 18. More than 1,600 that was controlled by Failaq al- Damascus. in Damascus that “finance is they cannot trust the govern- rorists do not agree to hand people have been killed in some Rahman, the other main rebel The International Red Cross coming, but is still beneath the ment’s notorious security over the city and depart,” Al of the fiercest bombing of the group in eastern Ghouta. said Monday that children were required level.” services.

Turkey, UN send 26 Zambian House delays debate Kenyan oppn politician still held in airport aid trucks to Idlib NAIROBI: Tweeting from what he called “Toilet at Terminal 2,” a Kenyan opposition politician said yesterday he was still detained on motion to impeach president in the “filthy” facilities at the country’s main airport after he refused ANATOLIA an attempt to deport him amid lingering election tensions. REUTERS between the government and challenged his election victory A High Court judge declared Kenya’s interior minister, national HATAY: A Turkish aid opposition after disputed 2016 in court, alleging electoral fraud, police chief and permanent secretary for immigration in contempt agency and the United LUSAKA: Zambia’s parliament elections. a claim the government denied. of court for disregarding an order to immediately release Miguna Nations sent 26 trucks of has delayed a debate on a “In view of the gravity of the The opposition believes that Miguna, said a lawyer for the politician, Nelson Havi. Miguna’s humanitarian aid supplies to motion seeking to impeach motion, the same is being under the constitution, the pres- lawyers asked the court to jail the officials for six months and fine the northwestern Syrian city President Edgar Lungu over studied and we shall revert to ident should, when faced with them $2,000 when they are to appear in court today. The court of Idlib yesterday. accusations of breaching the you in due course,” said the a legal challenge of this kind, will jail them if they don’t show, Justice George Odunga said. Turkish Disaster and Emer- constitution, according to a letter sent on Monday from the hand over power to the speaker Miguna had been deported to Canada last month in a crackdown gency Management Authority letter from the parliamentary Clerk of the National Assembly of the National Assembly until on politicians who attended the mock inauguration of opposition (AFAD) officials told Anadolu clerk.. to Garry Nkombo, UPND par- the court makes a decision. leader Raila Odinga to protest President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re- Agency that they sent six trucks Zambia’s main opposition liamentary Chief Whip who filed The UPND’s case against election. A court later ordered that Miguna’s Kenyan passport be carrying beds, tents, and party, the United Party for the motion. Lungu was dismissed on a tech- restored and that he be allowed to return. containers. National Development (UPND), UPND spokesman Charles nicality after its lawyers failed However, when Miguna arrived on Monday at Jomo Kenyatta The officials, who spoke on filed a motion last week. The Kakoma said the motion would to provide evidence within the International Airport plainclothes officers tried to hustle him onto condition of anonymity due to notice set yesterday as the date now not be debated until par- required time limit. an outbound plane, witnesses said. That failed when he protested. restrictions on talking to the for the lawmakers’ debate and liament’s next session begins in Chishimba Kambwili, a Yesterday, Miguna posted statements on social media saying he media, confirmed the trucks vote on the motion. June. Signed by a third of the lawmaker of Lungu’s ruling was still “detained inside a tiny and filthy toilet” in one of the ter- entered Syrian territory from The impeachment motion 166-member house, the motion Patriotic Front who seconded minals. “I have not eaten. I have not taken a shower. I have not Turkey yesterday through the has rekindled tensions in needs the backing of two thirds Nkombo’s motion, was arrested been given access to my lawyers, family members and Cilvegozu border gate in Africa’s second-largest copper to succeed. The opposition last Thursday by Zambia’s Anti- physicians.” southern Turkey’s Hatay producer and threatens to derail argues Lungu violated the con- Corruption Commission on sus- Lawyer Japheth Mutinda, representing Kenya’s attorney province. Commonwealth-brokered talks stitution in 2016 when it picion of fraud. general, said Miguna could not appear in court in response to an earlier order because his entry into the country was still being processed. Mutinda also said the interior minister, national police chief and permanent secretary for immigration failed to appear Israel warns it may use lethal in court yesterday as ordered because they were at a police grad- fire on Gaza border protests uation with the president. AFP EU envoys discuss Iran sanctions for April BRUSSELS: European Union ambassadors discussed yesterday JERUSALEM: Israel has warned that its possible new sanctions on Iran after a proposal by Britain, France soldiers could use live fire if Gaza Palestinians and Germany, and could decide to impose them at a foreign try to breach the border with Israel during a ministers’ meeting next month, diplomats said. mass rally planned for tomorrow. “The idea is to have a final decision on Iran sanctions by or at The demonstration marks the annual Pal- the April Foreign Affairs Council,” one diplomat said, referring to estinian Land Day, commemorating the killing the European Union’s next foreign ministers’ meeting due in Lux- of six unarmed Arab protesters in Israel in 1976. embourg on April 16. Britain, France and Germany proposed fresh It is expected to kick off more than six weeks EU sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missiles and its role in the of protests throughout the Palestinian territories war in Syria, according to a confidential document seen by Reuters, leading up to the inauguration of the new US in a bid to persuade Washington to preserve the 2015 nuclear deal embassy in Jerusalem around May 14. with Tehran. Gazans are expected to gather from Friday in camps being erected along the High ranked Qaeda militant killed in Libya strike border fence, a few hundred metres (yards) from the Israeli lines. WASHINGTON: One of the militants killed in a US air strike in Israeli armed forces chief Lieutenant Former Zambian minister to stand on trial Libya over the weekend was a high ranking Al Qaeda in the Islamic General Gadi Eisenkot said in comments pub- Maghreb (AQIM) official, the United States said yesterday. Former Zambian minister and a leading critic of President Edgar Lungu, Chishimba lished Wednesday by local daily Yediot Aha- The strike on Saturday, the first against Al Qaeda militants in Kambwili, gestures while arriving at the Lusaka Magistrates Court Complex yesterday, ronot that the current border tension pre- Libya, killed “two terrorists” as part of efforts to deny militants a sented the most serious risk of conflict since to stand a trial on charges of profiting from the proceeds of crime. safe haven in the country’s vast desert. The military had not said he took up his post in 2015. who the target of the strike was until now. THURSDAY 29 MARCH 2018 ASIA 13 Mamata meets Kejriwal & gets backing of BJP rebels

IANS Former union minister in Tripura and the result was Yashwant Sinha met there for all to see. He also NEW DELHI: West Bengal Chief Banerjee along with referred to Assam where Con- Minister Mamata Banerjee gress did not go for alliance. yesterday met Delhi Chief BJP MP Shatrughan “So they should reflect on these Minister Arvind Kejriwal and got Sinha and said they things. There are mature the backing of BJP rebels came to meet her as people there. They should Shatrughan Sinha, Yashwant there was a need to reflect,” he said. Sinha and Arun Shourie to her Targeting the government, efforts to forge a broad coalition save the country. Shourie said Modi has become of forces for one-to-one fight “very tired now” and has lost the with the BJP in the 2019 Lok grip on the government. Sabha polls. Chandrasekhar Rao’s daughter “It seems he is strong, but While Kejriwal, who met K Kavitha and Lalu Prasad’s actually he is busy only with cer- Banerjee for about half-an- daughter Misa Bharti besides emonial stuff. And the gov- hour, did not speak to the media, MPs from Biju Janata Dal, Sama- ernment is paralysed. He is, as the BJP rebels expressed their jwadi Party, Rashtriya Janata Mr Advani said, a very good Chariot festival cooling down support for her endeavours. Dal (RJD) and DMK. event manager but he, it is Former union minister Shourie hailed Banerjee’s turning out, is only an event Devotees being sprinkled with water as they pull a chariot decorated with flowers and statues of Yashwant Sinha met Banerjee pitch for one-to-one contest manager. He is announcing Kapaleeswar during a chariot festival in Chennai yesterday. along with BJP MP Shatrughan with the BJP in 2019 elections. schemes but not seeing what is Sinha and said they came to “If this is one-to-one happening to schemes. And the meet her as there was a need to formula is adopted, then the people are now seeing that his save the country. “We worked opposition parties start with 69 pronouncements and the results together for a long time in the percent of the votes. Because are very different,” he said. (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee gov- even at the height of his popu- Referring to the problems of Their faith in CBSE shaken, students ernment and you are all familiar larity, Modi got only 31 percent farmers in Maharashtra, Shourie with her personality,” he said. of the votes,” he said. said the distance between Modi’s fume over re-examination decision “The role she has played in Supporting Banerjee, he said “propaganda and the ability to this direction is admirable. We that coordination in each state manage the media and the reality IANS with the news. Why could the Akanksha Sharma, 15, a Class came to thank her and she should be left to the wisdom of is too visible to people”. CBSE not keep the question X student from south Delhi said: should continue discharging the the dominant person. “He He also alleged that real control NEW DELHI: The CBSE faced a paper safe? It speaks a lot about “I don’t know what my fault is. role strongly in the future. She should distribute tickets in such of the government and of the party hailstorm of rebukes and crit- its incompetency,” Tishita Why should I write my math has our full support and coop- a way that everybody can come was slipping from Modi’s hands into icism yesterday after it Chopra, mother of a Class X exam again. Just tell me why. It is eration,” Yashwant Sinha said. together in that particular BJP chief Amit Shah’s hands. “This announced that two papers of student of Shiv Nadar School, not my fault. I should not be pun- Shatrughan Sinha said Ban- region,” Shourie said. is a very big change in the last four class X and XII will be said. ished for the paper leak.” erjee was a mass leader con- Answering a question on months and the country will pay re-conducted on account of “My daughter worked so hard Sharma said she was con- nected to the grassroots. Congress, he hoped that the for this,” he said. their being leaked earlier, with for her exam and was very excited fident of having done well in her “We are with her in her principal opposition party “will Shourie called upon the the victims admitting the after the paper. But she is com- maths exams but is “already struggle for the country. Nation see the good sense for eve- media not only to look at oppo- incident has shaken their faith pletely dejected now and asked stressed and uncertain how it is is bigger than the party. All this rybody to be together”. sition parties as alternative to in the school board. me what’s her fault in all this.” going to be in a fresh exam”. work is not anti-party but pro- “Because if this momentum (of Modi but also to the movements Parents and students in Chopra raised some per- Ironically, she said, Prime nation. We have come to give BJP’s victories) is not broken, there such as the one by farmers in unison dubbed the Central tinent questions on the func- Minister Narendra Modi had her support for the sake of the will be no Congress and nobody Maharashtra. Board of Secondary Education tioning of the board when she addressed CBSE students in a country,” he said. even among them personally in the He said youth leaders (CBSE) “incompetent” and flayed said “why did it not have any televised address, asking “us not Banerjee, who arrived in second round,” Shourie said. Hardik Patel, Alpesh Thakore it for “playing with the future of alternate paper” when it came to fear exams”. Delhi on Monday, had met NCP Citing the instance of Bihar and Jignesh Mevani had the students” by re-conducting to know of the leak well before “Is this what he meant we chief Sharad Pawar and MPs of where Congress was part of emerged in Gujarat and Kan- the maths and economics exams the exam and “why did it not should not fear about,” she said, BJP’s ally Shiv Sena on Tuesday. coalition that defeated the BJP, haiya Kumar had emerged at for Class X and Class XII cancel the paper” in the first urging the government to She had also met Telangana he said the party did not take JNU. “Parties should also respectively. place, instead of re-conducting revoke the decision and “not Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief K Banerjee’s offer for an alliance connect with them,” he added. “We all are very affected it now. make our lives miserable”.

SC junks plea for probe into Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination Rafale deal: India, France IANS an unseen hand in it. the nation had a right to know the Each one of the eye-witnesses plea for the review of Justice “We are, however, not sat- truth, it said: “.... such a right described how Godse moved Kapoor Commission that had signed secrecy NEW DELHI: The Supreme isfied that new research into a long cannot be invoked where the truth forward and shot Gandhiji. All gone into the conspiracy Court yesterday rejected a plea concluded matter justifies a re-ini- is already well-known merely the evidence reveals that three dimension to assassinate Gandhi pact: Minister seeking fresh investigation into tiation of criminal investigation or because some academic research shots entered the body,” said the where it had pointed to the the assassination of Mahatma that anything that might be stated raises a different perspective in order rejecting the plea for involvement of Hindu rightwing IANS Gandhi, saying it was not should be allowed to reopen a case law. “This would amount to reo- reinvestigation. leader V D Sarvarkar and his convinced there was any need. such as this,” their order said. pening issues based on hearsay.” Not accepting the fourth bullet group in the murder of Mahatma. NEW DELHI: An agreement The bench of Justice S A Bobde The court said that the “criminal The court said that it was theory, the court said that there The court pointed to the on protecting classified data and Justice L Nageswara Rao dis- cases which result in conviction and constrained to say this because were two exit wounds while one report of amicus curiae was signed by India and France missed the plea by Pankaj Kumud- even execution of death sentences Nathuram Godse was convicted bullet did not exit the body. “Thus, Amarendra Sharan that the on March 10, 2018, replacing chandra Phadnis, who had sought and the demise of those who have on the basis of the evidence of only two spent bullet were found at finding of the Kapoor Com- an earlier agreement signed in re-investigation of the assassination served life sentences ought not to eye-witnesses who were present the place of occurrence. No fourth mission was “unfair” as Sar- 2008, Minister of State for on the basis of fresh material which, be reviewed, neither is there a pro- at the prayer meeting. spent bullet or empty cartridge was varkar or his representative Defence Subhash Bhamre said he said, was not available earlier vision in law for review”. “The meeting itself was found at the place of occurrence.” never had the opportunity to yesterday. and pointed to the involvement of Addressing the contention that attended by innumerable people. The court also declined the present his side before it. “An agreement between India and France regarding the Exchange and Reciprocal Protection of Classified or Protected Information was Sri Lanka president cuts PM’s signed on March 10, 2018, during the visit of President duties in power struggle of France to India,” Bhamre said in the Lok Sabha. “This agreement defines AFP cleared Wickremesinghe of any the common security regula- wrongdoing. But Mahendran tions applicable to any COLOMBO: Sri Lankan Pres- was held responsible for exchange of classified and ident Maithripala Sirisena passing sensitive information protected information yesterday reduced the respon- to his bond-dealer son-in-law between the two countries.” sibilities of Prime Minister Ranil Arjun Aloysius to make $75m Bhamre was responding Wickremesinghe as a power in undue profits. to a question by Telugu struggle worsened within their Sirisena joined hands with Desam Party (TDP) MP Mut- uneasy coalition. Wickremesinghe’s United tamsetti Srinivasa Rao, who Sirisena took away the National Party (UNP) to oust sought to know if India and central bank, the policy-making strongman president Mahinda France had signed any new National Operations Room and Rajapakse in January 2015 after confidentiality agreement several other institutions from a decade in power. replacing the 2008 pact. the control of Wickremesinghe, But since then their alliance The Minister’s statement who had held them since coming has fractured, with Sirisena becomes significant in the Win Myint (centre) waves to the crowd after being elected as Myanmar’s president after a Union to power in January 2015. clashing with free-market backdrop of the opposition Parliament session in Naypyitaw yesterday. The changes were pub- champion Wickremesinghe demanding details of the lished in a government gazette over economic policy. Rafale fighter jets deal from notice issued yesterday which Relations worsened further France, while the government Myanmar elects new president transferred the responsibilities after their coalition did badly has been sticking to its stand to Finance Minister Mangala in local government elections that it cannot reveal the price AP comes as Suu Kyi’s civilian gov- Swe, the vice-president with the Samaraweera. last month. The president of the fighter jets in the ernment has struggled to military’s backing, had 211 votes There was no official expla- blamed the premier for their interest of national security NAYPYITAW: Myanmar’s implement peace and national and Henry Van Tio, the vice- nation for why the Central Bank electoral setbacks. and because of a confidenti- parliament yesterday elected as reconciliation, with the powerful president selected by the upper of Sri Lanka had been taken Earlier this year, Sirisena ality agreement signed by the the country’s new president a military. house, had 18. away from the prime minister’s publicly lambasted Wickremes- two countries in 2008 under longtime loyalist of Aung San Win Myint, the vice-pres- “I will try my best to the control. In 2015 a central bank inghe and his UNP, saying they the UPA government. Suu Kyi who is expected to carry ident selected as presidential greatest degree I have and carry governor appointed by Wick- had mismanaged the economy. The Congress alleges that on his predecessor’s practice of candidate by the lower house out my civic duties as best I can,” remesinghe, Arjuna Mahendran, Sirisena said the current gov- there are irregularities in the deferring to her as her nation’s and backed by Suu Kyi’s ruling the newly elected president told was accused of insider trading. ernment was also more corrupt deal for buying 36 Rafale de facto leader. party, received 403 votes from reporters as he left parliament Sirisena appointed a special than the former regime they fighter jets off-the-shelf from The election of Win Myint the combined houses. Myint after the vote. inquiry which toppled together. France. 14 ASIA THURSDAY 29 MARCH 2018

13 dead in roof Pakistan PM and Chief Justice collapse, landslide in Pakistan meet to lower political tension AP

INTERNEWS Analysts see the move held over a dinner the next ISLAMABAD: Pakistani offi- as part of an effort by evening. cials say 13 people have died ISLAMABAD: In a surprise move the prime minister to Meanwhile, an official handout in two incidents - a landslide amid heightened tensions between issued by the Supreme Court said in a northern region and a the ruling party and the judiciary, convince the judiciary the meeting was arranged on the roof collapse at a warehouse Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan that the PML-N prime minister’s request received in the south. Abbasi dashed to the Supreme government does not through Attorney General Ashtar Mohammad Tariq, a Court of Pakistan to have his first want to confront it Ausaf. It was held in a cordial deputy administrator in the one-on-one meeting with Chief atmosphere in the chambers of the northern Diamir district, says Justice Saqib Nisar. and to communicate chief justice. six perished under a landslide Official sources confirmed yes- the difficulties the The handout stated the prime that took place near the terday that the meeting took place government faces due minister showed keen interest in village of Fugage. late in the night on Tuesday. providing all possible assistance Villagers were clearing The unexpected meeting to judiciary’s active in revamping the judicial system mud and bricks on between the heads of the two insti- role in questioning the as visualised by the chief justice. Wednesday that had blocked tutions which continued for some quality of governance. The prime minister assured the a road in the mountainous hours may help in defusing the top judge that the government area from an overnight land- perceived tension between the would provide all resources to the slide when a second landslide ruling Pakistan Muslim League-N backdrop of Abbasi’s recent judiciary in order to enable it to was set off, killing six of them and the judiciary and in lowering interview to a private TV channel provide speedy and inexpensive and injuring a seventh man. political temperature especially in which he said that his gov- justice in addition to facilitating In the southern city of against the backdrop of criticism ernment was ready to initiate a easy access of justice to the people. Sukkur, a warehouse roof of the judiciary by former prime dialogue with any institution. Abbasi also highlighted diffi- caved in yesterday, burying minister Nawaz Sharif, his The same offer had been culties of the Federal Board of about 40 workers. Police daughter Maryam Nawaz and extended by Sharif while talking Revenue and the tax department officer Mushtaq Jatoi says Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi during the Pakistan other relatives facing corruption to the media outside the account- due to litigation involving revenue seven died. He says 28 injured Day military parade in Islamabad, recently. charges in an accountability court, ability court where he had come in different courts. The chief justice workers were rescued. He legal observers believe. to face corruption references assured the prime minister that he says a search for other victims Analysts see the move as part of against him. The meeting was not would look into the matter and to free education, public tation and protection of envi- is still underway. an effort by the prime minister to unprecedented as a similar inter- such litigation would be health, improvements in gov- ronment, etc. According to the convince the judiciary that the action took place between the then fast-tracked. ernment hospitals and pro- Supreme Court’s handout, At least 2 gunned PML-N government does not want prime minister Yousuf Gilani and The prime minister pledged full vision of quality and Abbasi also told Nisar that the to confront it and to communicate the former chief justice Iftikhar support for public interest litigation affordable health services, Council of Common Interest down at funeral in the difficulties the government faces Chaudhry in February 2010 at the initiatives undertaken by the chief revamping medical education had approved National Water due to judiciary’s active role in ques- height of tension on the justice. He assured that all steps especially in private medical Policy that would help in fru- Afghan province tioning the quality of governance. appointment of judges. A three- would be taken to materialise the colleges, provision of clean ition of the chief justice’s The initiative came against the hour-long follow-up meeting was chief justice’s vision with respect drinking water, better sani- efforts in that direction. KABUL: An Afghan official says that at least two people including a district police chief were gunned down when mili- tants opened fire on a crowd gathered at a funeral in eastern North Korea committed to denuclearisation: Kim Nangarhar province. Noor Ahmad Habibi, AFP meeting!” he added. Kim told Xi deputy spokesman for the pro- there was “no question that my vincial governor in Nangarhar, BEIJING: North Korean leader first foreign visit would be to the says that four other civilians Kim Jong Un was given a lavish Chinese capital”, according to were wounded in the attack. welcome by Chinese President North Korea’s official KCNA Matiullah Safi, district police Xi Jinping during a secretive trip news agency. chief for Khewa district, was to Beijing as both sides try to “This is my solemn duty as attending the funeral of a repair frayed relations before someone who should value and soldier when he was shot and Pyongyang’s landmark summits continue the DPRK-PRC (North killed by unknown gunmen, with Seoul and Washington. Korea-China) relations through added Habibi. No one has US President Donald Trump generations.” claimed responsibility for the welcomed the Beijing meeting KCNA said Xi accepted an attack, but both Taliban and said there was now a “good invitation to visit Pyongyang in insurgents and Islamic State chance” Kim would scrap his what would be his first trip to the group affiliates are active in nuclear weapons — but warned North Korean capital since he eastern Afghanistan and have that sanctions must stay in force took power in 2012. claimed previous attacks in in the meantime. The two men had not met Nangarhar province. On his first trip abroad since since Kim took over after the taking power, Kim and his wife death of his father, Kim Jong Il, First transgender were greeted by an honour guard in December 2011. Relations and a banquet hosted by Xi, have been strained as China has news anchor makes China’s President Xi Jinping (second right), his wife Peng Liyuan (right), North Korean leader Kim according to state media, which backed a series of tough UN Jong Un (second left) and his wife Ri Sol Ju, posing for a picture in Beijing, yesterday. headlines in Pakistan confirmed the “unofficial” visit sanctions against Pyongyang on Wednesday only after Kim over its nuclear and missile tests. AFP had returned by train to North denuclearisation” on the sent him a message on Tuesday maintained at all cost!” he But Xi underscored the Korea. Korean peninsula, according to to say his meeting with Kim tweeted. importance of developing ties, LAHORE: A Pakistani TV The two men held talks at China’s Xinhua news agency. “went very well and that KIM Trump also said there was saying it was “a strategic choice channel has put the country’s the stately Great Hall of the Kim also expressed will- looks forward to his meeting now “a good chance that Kim and the only right choice” and first transgender news anchor People during which they ingness to hold the summits with with me”. Jong Un will do what is right for that he was willing to maintain on the air, a watershed hailed their nations’ historic Trump and South Korean Pres- “In the meantime, and his people and for humanity” and frequent contact with Kim cultural moment for the relations, with Kim pledging he ident Moon Jae-in, it said. unfortunately, maximum sanc- denuclearise. “under the new circumstances”, marginalised community. was “committed to Trump tweeted that Xi had tions and pressure must be “Look forward to our according to Xinhua. Marvia Malik, a former model who appeared on the Lahore-based private broad- caster Kohenoor for the first Six given death sentence for Thai family massacre time last Friday, said she has Nine Pakistanis make it to received “unprecedented love and support” since landing the AFP Forbes ‘30 Under 30’ Asia list village chief Worayuth Sanlang said the verdict read out at job. “My family never accepted to return. Then they shot him in Krabi’s provincial court yes- or owned me,” she said, adding INTERNEWS BANGKOK: Six men were the head along with seven terday. While death sentences that the rift drove her to seek sentenced to death yesterday for family members. Three others are still on the statute books in a better future in Lahore, Paki- KARACHI: Nine Pakistanis have been featured on Forbes the massacre of a Thai village were injured but survived, Thailand, no prisoner has been stan’s cultural capital. magazine’s latest prestigious annual ‘30 Under 30’ Asia list. headman and seven members including a woman who played executed since 2009. “Here I received unprec- The list, available on the Forbes website yesterday, fea- of his family, including three dead after a bullet passed Gun murders are common edented love and support tured 300 young innovators and disruptors who are reinventing children, over a land dispute. through her ear. in Thailand, a country where from everyone that I never their industries and driving change across Asia-Pacific in the The execution-style murders, The court said the massacre firearms are widely available. got from my own family,” she categories of arts, enterprise technology, entertainment and which caused widespread public was motivated by a land dispute Killings are often motivated by said, adding that the positive sports, social entrepreneurs, celebrities, youngest, finance and horror, saw the masked gunmen between the village headman revenge, “loss of face” and response only escalated once venture capital, healthcare and science, industry manufac- storm into the local leader’s com- and the lead gunman, Surikfat business disputes. But while she went on air for the daily turing and energy, media marketing and advertising, retail pound in the southern province Bannopwongsakul. petty arguments and disputes broadcast. In 2009 Pakistan and e-commerce, big money and consumer technology. of Krabi in July 2017 and take his “The six defendants used frequently turn deadly, mass became one of the first coun- The nine Pakistanis have been selected through seven family hostage with handcuffs pistols to shoot all the eight killings are rare. A survivor of tries in the world to legally entries in the third edition of the annual ‘30 Under 30’ Asia list and blindfolds. victims, which included women the massacre and relative of the recognise a third sex. Last for their achievements in the categories of entertainment and They held the group for as well as girls aged four, eight, victims, Anchalee Booterb, wel- year the first transgender sports, enterprise technology, retail and e-commerce, social several hours while waiting for eleven, devastating the public,” comed the sentences. passport was issued. entrepreneurs and healthcare and science. “It’s probably fair to say that Pakistan often gets a raw deal when it comes to international media coverage, with head- lines usually dominated by themes like religious extremism and terrorism, women’s rights or border conflicts,” Forbes Uzbek media freedom improved, but repression still prevalent: HRW reported. REUTERS “And while these areas are worthy of coverage, this South 2016, President Shavkat Mir- Human Rights Watch that by security services as a major Asian nation has many more positive stories that don’t see the ziyoyev pledged to put an end freedom of the press had factor in how they conduct their light of day, such as the incredible pool of young talent pushing ALMATY: Uzbekistan has made to human rights abuses, and slightly increased under Pres- work.” Among other moves, Mir- boundaries in numerous industries and disciplines,” it added. some progress in improving his government allowed the ident Mirziyoyev and described ziyoyev has ordered the release In the entertainment and sports category, Momina Mus- freedom of the press, but still has New York-based rights group a media environment that has of at least 27 political prisoners, tehsan, 26, is featured for using her fame and social media fol- a long way to go before jour- to resume work in the country entered a period of change,” it including nine journalists, jailed lowing to advocate for social causes important to her, including nalists can operate freely, last year after a seven-year said. under his predecessor Islam women’s rights, cyber bullying and mental health awareness. Human Rights Watch said. ban. “But all pointed to cen- Karimov who ruled with an iron After coming to power in “Many journalists told sorship and fear of repression fist for 27 years. THURSDAY 29 MARCH 2018 ASIA 15 Malaysia votes to redraw electoral map

AFP Malaysian lawmakers voted overwhelmingly KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian in favour of a bill to lawmakers voted yesterday to redraw the electoral map in what redraw constituency critics slammed as a bid to rig boundaries despite looming polls, sparking angry concerns that it protests outside parliament and will unfairly tilt the Duterte takes fury from opposition MPs inside. The election is expected election in Prime action to curb within weeks and Prime Minister Minister Najib Razak’s Najib Razak is battling to keep favour. fake drugs his long-ruling coalition in REUTERS power despite allegations that billions of dollars were looted The opposition claims the from a sovereign wealth fund he overhaul will favour Najib’s coa- MANILA: Philippine Pres- founded. lition by decreasing voter ident Rodrigo Duterte He is also facing a tough numbers in BN’s traditional (pictured) has opened a new challenge from an opposition seats, making it easier for their front in his war on drugs, headed by veteran former- MPs to be elected, and creating targeting fake over-the- premier Mahathir Mohamad, 92, more constituencies dominated counter medicines to try to who is seeking to win over the by the traditionally pro-gov- stem the spread of counterfeit government’s traditional support ernment Muslim Malay majority. paracetamol, his lawyer said base of rural Muslim voters. But lawmaker Liang Teck yesterday. After a heated debate in par- Meng, whose party is a member Salvador Panelo, chief liament, which is dominated by of the ruling coalition, told par- Former chairwoman of pro-democracy group Bersih, Maria Chin Abdullah and opposition coalition presidential legal counsel, the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) liament the opposition opposed prime ministerial candidate Mahathir Mohamad protest against a controversial proposal to redraw said Duterte had ordered coalition, lawmakers voted over- the changes as “they know they electoral boundaries outside near the Parliament House, in Kuala Lumpur, yesterday. police to arrest those whelmingly in favour of a bill to will not get the mandate of the responsible. redraw constituency boundaries people to rule the country”. of jailed opposition leader Anwar 1MDB deny wrongdoing. the popular vote for the first time “They do not only despite concerns that it will Hundreds of protesters Ibrahim, said the electoral Nevertheless, Najib is tipped in 2013, and as discontent grows undermine or weaken the unfairly tilt the election in Najib’s marched to parliament as the bill overhaul was “scandalous”. to win at the elections — which at graft scandals, race-based pol- national economy by hitting favour. was tabled, waving banners that “We believe an election must be called by August at the itics in the multi-ethnic country a large-scale industry, they Opposition lawmakers got to read “stealing an election is not victory may be stolen from us,” latest, but are expected sooner and rising living costs. also threaten national their feet and jeered at the ruling winning an election”, and were she said. — due to BN’s tight grip on the Redrawing constituencies to security by endangering the coalition MPs and waved joined at one point by Mahathir, The controversy over state system and the weakness of the favour the government is nothing health of a vast majority of placards that read “rise up to who denounced the changes as fund 1MDB has rocked Najib’s opposition. new in Malaysia and has been the people,” Panelo said in a stop cheating”. “kleptocracy”. administration, with the US Justice BN, which has governed used for decades by BN leaders, statement. The changes must now by Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Department alleging that $4.5bn Malaysia since independence in including Mahathir. An estimated one in 10 given royal assent but that is deputy leader of the opposition was stolen in a campaign of fraud 1957, is under pressure to do better The passing of the law was medical products in low- and expected to happen quickly. coalition Pact of Hope and wife and money-laundering. Najib and in the looming polls after losing the latest sign polls are looming. middle-income countries is substandard or falsified, the World Health Organization said in January. It said the Myanmar man fake drugs business accounts Japan premier likely to meet Trump on April 18 for about 10 percent of the jailed for revealing annual $300bn global REUTERS “Abe will also likely to for American consumers. “I understand the US position industry. life as child soldier ask Trump to exempt “Protectionism, at first that it cannot continue with a Panelo said poor-quality TOKYO: Japanese Prime glance, appears to benefit a trade deficit, but the United drugs could also contribute to ANATOLIA Japan from his steel Minister Shinzo Abe is finalising nation which exercises it, but it States itself should make efforts,” antibiotic resistance, threat- details for a summit with US and aluminium tariffs.” is not necessarily so,” Abe said. Aso told the same committee. ening to undermine life- YANGON: A Myanmar court President Donald Trump on “Japan wants to be a flag bearer The meeting between Abe saving medicines in future. yesterday has given a man April 18 to discuss strategy the official, who has been briefed to promote a free trade which and the US leader is expected to More than 4,000 Filipinos two-year jail sentence for before a proposed meeting on the matter and asked not to will bring a win-win situation to be held at Trump’s Mar-a-Largo have been killed by police revealing his life as child between North Korean and US be identified. each nation.” retreat in Florida, according to during Duterte’s war on soldier, according to his leaders, a ruling party official Abe, speaking at a parlia- His finance minister, Taro the source. illegal drug use and thou- family member. said yesterday. mentary committee, said Jap- Aso, echoed that view and said North Korea’s Kim Jong-Un sands more by unidentified Aung Ko Htwe, a former Abe will also likely to ask anese steel products were some of responsibility for the is set to meet South Korean Pres- armed men. Police say those child soldier, was arrested and Trump to exempt Japan from his helping to make US auto makers trade imbalance rested with the ident Moon Jae-in in April and killed were all dealers who charged under Article 505 (b) steel and aluminium tariffs, said more competitive and cheaper United States. then possibly Trump in May. put up violent resistance. of the country’s Penal Code last August after telling the media how he was kidnapped by the Myanmar military in 2005 when he was a teenager. Singapore asks rights Yesterday, the judge handed down the sentence to him under the sedition charge group to give evidence in a court in Dagon Seikkan Township of Yangon. in fake news inquiry Htwe’s sister Nay Zar Tun REUTERS said: “I have no idea what is opposed to the death penalty wrong in telling how he and a case against a free- became child soldier.” SINGAPORE: Singapore speech campaigner. “The military already yesterday invited Human Rights “From the examples it relies admitted that they had used Watch (HRW) to give evidence on, HRW seems to advocate the child soldiers,” she said. “It at a parliamentary hearing on use of false and fabricated alle- seems they are still using “fake news” as a dispute grew gations in political discourse,” child soldiers.” between the New York-based Nair said in a written argument Aung Ko Htwe, a resident group and the city state. submitted to the committee. of Yangon, shared his long A parliamentary committee Nair was among 79 people struggle with the Radio Free in Singapore is reviewing pos- asked to speak in parliament Asia (RFA) Burmese Service sible measures to prevent over the eight days set for the in early August last year. “deliberate online falsehoods”, hearing. He received a death sen- mirroring efforts in various The committee said it had tence in 2007 for accidentally Delivery ceremony countries to tackle false infor- earlier invited a HRW official murdering a motorbike mation amid growing questions to speak at a hearing in late owner during an effort to Media take pictures of Singapore Airlines (SIA) first Boeing 787-10 aircraft during a water cannon salute about the influence of internet March, which the group first escape from the military upon its arrival from Boeing’s production facility in North Charleston, South Carolina at Singapore companies. accepted but later declined. camp in restive Shan state, his Changi Airport, yesterday. The 787-10 is the latest variant of Boeing’s Dreamliner family of aircraft. Activists worry that laws Human Rights Watch Asia sister said. aimed at “fake news” could be director Brad Adams said it had used to stifle free speech. sought the Singapore govern- “We can hear you on any ment’s view ahead of the pub- date in May, or after May, after lication of its report but had Parliament reopens,” the com- received none. Manila’s homeless set to move into govt housing mittee said in a press release, The group’s earlier offer to addressing Human Rights send an official to testify before REUTERS 115,000 units of public housing about 12,000 homeless people too far from city centres. Watch (HRW). the Singapore committee also are empty across the country, from Manila in an overnight “It’s ironic that when there Vikram Nair, a member of went unanswered, he said. MANILA: Thousands of according to rights group march to occupy 6,000 apart- are millions of homeless people, the ruling People’s Action Party, “The purpose of the homeless Filipinos are ready to Kadamay. ments in an empty government there are thousands of housing said this week Human Rights hearing was not to discuss our illegally occupy empty “More people are moving to site in Bulacan, about 40km units built with public money Watch had in a recent report findings and recommendations government housing if a plan to the cities as they lose their away. lying idle.” used “clearly false” examples in good faith, or to get our hand over these buildings is homes and lands to highways A year on, the occupiers “Most of the units that were to further its agenda and input into dealing with ‘delib- delayed, campaigners said, and industries,” said John Paul number 20,000 and a resolution occupied in Bulacan don’t have undermine public discourse. erate online falsehoods’ ... but underlining a growing crisis in Lapid at the non-profit Urban to give empty homes meant for running water or electricity; In its report, the rights to engage in ridiculous and one of South-east Asia’s poorest Poor Resource Centre of the the police and armed forces to some don’t even have doors or group called on Singapore to irrelevant arguments aimed to countries. Philippines, set up in 2010 to the homeless is awaiting Pres- roofs. But it’s still better than amend or repeal laws that it discredit our report and There are about 4.5 million address rising poverty in cities. ident Rodrigo Duterte’s being on the street.” said were too broadly worded Human Rights Watch,” he said homeless people in the Philip- “They are forced to live in approval. A spokeswoman for the and were used to “arrest, in a statement. pines of a population of about shanties and under bridges, More such occupations are National Housing Authority, a harass, and prosecute critical Last week, representatives 106 million, according to the sta- risking their health and safety, planned if there are delays, said government entity that provides voices”, including a Sedition Act of global tech giants including tistics office. About 3 million and constantly facing eviction. Michael Beltran at Kadamay, affordable housing for low- and Public Order Act. Facebook and Twitter spoke at homeless are in Manila, possibly The only solution is to match which estimates nearly 90 income families, said they are The group cited several the hearing to express concern the most in any city in the world, empty government homes with percent of homes meant for the still validating the occupiers to examples including a defa- about new laws to tackle false- charities estimate. the homeless,” he said. police and armed forces are determine those qualified to get mation case against a blogger, hoods, saying sufficient rules At the same time, nearly Last March, Kadamay led vacant, mainly because they are “the idle units”. a case against an activist were already in place. 16 EUROPE THURSDAY 29 MARCH 2018 EU unveils action plan on military mobility

AFP Officials want to create Nato has deployed around a “military Schengen 4,000 troops along with tanks BRUSSELS: The EU yesterday zone” similar to and artillery in Poland and the launched plans to make it easier Baltic countries both as a sign of to move troops and equipment the EU’s civilian determination and to be ready around the bloc as Europe seeks passport-free travel if a crisis erupts. to boost its defences in the face area by simplifying Elsewhere, the pattern is of the growing threat from customs checks and erratic. Some countries have Russia. streamlined procedures for Officials want to create a bureaucracy that moving vehicles and dangerous “military Schengen zone” similar currently cause goods such as ammunition, to the EU’s civilian passport-free hold-ups for Nato others not. travel area by simplifying forces and vehicles “If you want to take a mil- customs checks and itary truck with general cargo bureaucracy that currently trying to cross borders. into Italy you only have to give cause hold-ups for Nato forces 48 hours notification, whereas and vehicles trying to cross since the Ukraine crisis and in other countries you have to Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak (left) with the US Ambassador to Poland Paul W Jones borders. Kremlin’s annexation of Crimea give up to 14 working days,” after signing a contract to buy a US-made Patriot anti-missile system, in Warsaw, yesterday. Top Nato commanders said in 2014 — and the current dip- Braw said. the changes are essential if lomatic spat over the nerve In some cases, military Europe is to have a serious agent attack on a former Russian convoys have to be registered deterrent to potential Russian spy in Britain has done nothing months in advance in exacting Poland & US sign arms procurement deal aggression, warning that cum- to calm matters. detail, down to number plates REUTERS bersome checks are hampering “There is a practical and drivers’ names, severely Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula in the United States and a score of their ability to move resources dimension to these proposals, but restricting commanders’ ability 2014 and the resurgence of other Western countries quickly. the end purpose is obvious as to adapt their plans. WARSAW: Poland signed the Russian military and political including Poland in response to Working with EU member soon as tensions rise with Russia,” While troops can be moved largest arms procurement deal assertiveness towards its a nerve toxin attack on a former states, over the next year the a European diplomat said. by air, moving an armoured bri- in its history yesterday, agreeing neighbours. Russian spy in Britain, the most European Commission, the Another warned that “we gade’s worth of tanks needs with the United States to buy Two-thirds of Polish sweeping action against Moscow bloc’s executive arm, will carry can no longer say that conflict roads and railways, and boosting Raytheon Co’s Patriot missile weaponry dates from the 20th since the heights of the Cold out an assessment of existing in Europe is impossible”. European infrastructure is a key defence system for $4.75bn in a century Cold War era when the War. bureaucratic hurdles and US General Ben Hodges, part of the plan. major step to modernise its country was in the Soviet-led Yesterday’s deal is for the transport infrastructure to see commander of US ground forces The EU is already in the forces against a bolder Russia. Warsaw Pact. delivery in the year 2022 of two where and how improvements in Europe at the time, in October process of upgrading key “It is an extraordinary, his- Deputy Foreign Minister Patriot system batteries man- can be made. last year said that to create an transport corridors around the toric moment; it is Poland’s Vladimir Titov told the state-run ufactured by Raytheon, each “We must be able to quickly effective deterrent to Moscow, continent and plans to adapt the introduction into a whole new Sputnik news website in coming with two fire units con- deploy troops either within the Nato needed to move forces “as projects to take military needs world of state-of-the-art tech- November that Patriot deploy- sisting of one sector AN/ EU or rapidly launch military quick or quicker than Russian into account. nology, modern weaponry, and ments were part of a US plot to MPQ-65 radar and four M903 operations abroad and to do so Federation forces”. EU countries — working defensive means,” President surround Russia with missile launchers. we need infrastructure that is fit The Baltic states of Estonia, with Nato — will draw up a list Andrzej Duda said during the defence systems “under the Warsaw is negotiating with for purpose,” EU transport com- Latvia and Lithuania have of military requirements by the signing ceremony. pretext of mythical threats to Washington to buy more Patriot missioner Violeta Bulc said. already created a military mini- middle of this year which will Nato member Poland has security”. systems, a new 360-degree The EU plans do not mention Schengen among themselves, then be compared against accelerated efforts to overhaul The Patriot deal follows radar and a low-cost interceptor Russia specifically but tensions Elisabeth Braw of the Atlantic existing transport infrastructure its ageing weaponry following Monday’s expulsion of more missile as part of a second phase with Moscow have been high Council think tank said. and plans to upgrade it. Moscow’s annexation of than 100 Russian diplomats by of military modernisation.

German far-right Brexit: UK plans to boost activist arrested Border Force staff over arms sales BLOOMBERG We need to make sure that AFP every area is made secure.” LONDON: The UK plans to hire The Home Office has had BERLIN: A German far-right 1,000 new customs and immi- to reverse plans to trim the U.K. activist was arrested in gration staff to ensure the Border Force following the Hungary yesterday on security of the country’s border 2016 vote to leave the European suspicion of illegally selling after Brexit. Union. Brexit has imposed a weapons through a website The workers will be funded huge strain on the department, that urged citizens to defend from an additional $560m which in addition to controlling themselves against migrants, pledged to the Home Office, the borders, is devising pro- Berlin prosecutors said. Philip Rutnam, the top civil grams to register EU nationals The suspect, 34-year-old servant at the department, told living in Britain and grant them Mario Roensch, was detained lawmakers on Parliament’s permanent residency. Rudd in an early morning raid on Home Affairs Committee yes- said she expects the new his Budapest home by Hun- terday. They’re supplementary recruits to meet the force’s garian anti-terror officers. to 300 new workers recruited needs. Prosecutors said he is in the fiscal year that’s about to “We think it is going to be “strongly suspected” of end, he said. enough, we’ve done careful Republican guards, gemdarmes and cadets from military school carry the coffin of Lieutenant- running the far-right website “We are launching a analysis of it, but if we need Colonel Arnaud Beltrame during a national ceremony at the Hotel des Invalides, in Paris, yesterday. Migrantenschreck (Migrants’ national advertising campaign more, we will make that fright) , which according to for another thousand Border decision as we go forward,” German media called on cit- Force staff in order to improve Rudd said. izens to “arm themselves Slain cop in French attack honoured the quality of our border and The Home Office later clar- against refugees”. prepare specifically for Brexit,” ified that some of the new 1,000 AP “He is believed to have Invalides, the final resting place a united nation,” Macron said. Home Secretary Amber Rudd workers will replace departing illegally sold 193 permit- of Napoleon. Macron delivered After inspecting troops at the told the same panel. “They will staff, and some will be addi- requiring firearms to buyers PARIS: The slain hero of last a patriotic public eulogy calling monument as a military band be placed across the country. tional headcount. in Germany.” week’s extremist attack in for national solidarity after last played a stirring rendition of the They added that Hun- southern France was honoured week’s attack, which together French national anthem, the garian police searched two yesterday in an elaborate, with myriad other extremist Marseillaise, Macron posthu- properties in connection with daylong national homage led by attacks on French soil have mously awarded Beltrame the Former Catalan minister the probe, and seized computer French President Emmanuel claimed more than 200 lives Legion of Honor, France’s hard drives as evidence. Macron. since 2015. highest award. hands herself into police Public broadcasters NDR The tribute came as ques- Beltrame symbolised “the Two former presidents, ANATOLIA and WDR said Roensch, who tions were raised about possible spirit of French resistance,” Francois Hollande and Nicolas had been on the run from failures by French counterter- Macron said. Sarkozy, also attended. Around German authorities, was rorism officials in tracking the Beltrame died of his wounds the country, the tribute included LONDON: A former detained under a European gunman, who was on a radical- on Saturday morning, hours minutes of silence in schools and Catalan government arrest warrant. ization watch list before he went after swapping himself for a in police stations. minister has handed herself They also reported that on a rampage on Friday. hostage during a siege in a Two cities in southern in to police in Edinburgh, the weapons allegedly sold by The coffin of Lt Col Arnaud supermarket near the city of France, Pau and Beziers, have Scotland, under a European the suspect fired rubber Beltrame was driven through Carcassonne. voted to name a street in Bel- arrest warrant issued by bullets of the kind “that could the morning drizzle in a pro- “We will prevail thanks to trame’s name - and the mayor Madrid. cause serious injuries and kill cession across Paris from the the resilience of the French. ... of Versailles plans to do the Clara Ponsati, the people”. Pantheon to the Hotel des We will win by the cohesion of same. former Catalan education minister, has faced charges of “violent rebellion and misappropriation of public funds” over her role in a First Van Gogh painting up for auction in Paris controversial referendum Former Catalan minister Clara Ponsati on Catalonia’s AFP (left) with her lawyer Aamer Anwar at Scheveningen near The the bidding would stop. discovered in Naples in 2016 independence. at St Leonard’s police station, in Hague, is expected to go for The scene dates from the thanks to a tip-off from a sus- Under the arrest Edinburgh, yesterday. PARIS: The first Van Gogh around $6m when it is auctioned same period in 1882 when Van pected drug trafficker. warrant, the Spanish gov- painting to go under the hammer in June. Gogh painted “View of the Sea The oil on paper, which ernment seeks the extra- Catalan leaders from the central in France in more than two But with the art market at Scheveningen”, which was belongs to a European collector, dition of former Catalan leader Madrid government to call it off. decades was unveiled yesterday. booming, and prices for artists stolen by the Italian Camorra also graced the walls of the Van and ministers. Former Catalan leader “Women Mending Nets in like Vincent Van Gogh rock- organised crime syndicate from Gogh Museum for several years The referendum took place Carles Puigdemont is in custody the Dunes”, which the Dutch eting, experts said that it was the Van Gogh Museum in after being previously on show under tense conditions on in Germany after being arrested artist painted early in his career hard to predict exactly when Amsterdam in 2002 and in Montreal. October1, despite calls to under an international warrant. THURSDAY 29 MARCH 2018 AMERICAS 17 Lawyer floats Flynn & Manafort pardons

REUTERS

WASHINGTON: An attorney for President Donald Trump raised the idea of Trump pardoning two of his former top advisers last year as Special Counsel Robert Mueller was building a case against them as part of his Russia probe, the New York Times reported yesterday. John Dowd, who was Trump’s lead lawyer in the special counsel investigation until he resigned last week, broached the issue in discus- Stevante Clark (left), brother of Stephon Clark, disrupts a special city council meeting at Sacramento sions with attorneys for former Paul Manafort (left) and Michael Flynn. national security adviser City Hall , in California, yesterday. Michael Flynn and former cam- The discussions ating with Mueller’s probe. paign manager Paul Manafort, between John Dowd Robert Kelner, Flynn’s the report said, citing three lawyer, and Reginald Brown, California to probe Sacramento shooting people with knowledge of the and lawyers for Manafort attorney at the time, REUTERS talks. Manafort and Flynn did not respond to requests for be an independent part of this fans from entering the arena, White House Press Secretary indicated Trump’s comment. investigation,” Sacramento much like they did last week, Sac- Sarah Sanders said at a press Manafort is facing charges SACRAMENTO: California’s Police Chief Daniel Hahn, the ramento media reported. briefing that White House legal team was in two separate indictments attorney general joined an department’s first black leader, Two Sacramento officers, counsel “Ty Cobb is the person concerned about charging him with a variety of investigation yesterday into this said at a news conference. responding to a report of that would be most directly what the two former offenses, including conspiring month’s killing by Sacramento Hours after the attorney someone shattering car involved in this and he’s got a aides would reveal if to launder money, tax evasion police of an unarmed black man general’s announcement, pro- windows, shot Clark in his statement on the record saying and failing to register as a standing in his grandparents’ testers interrupted a city council grandparents’ backyard on the that there’s no discussion and they cut a deal with foreign agent of Ukraine’s backyard, a death that sparked meeting, chanting “Stephon night of March 18. Clark was there’s no consideration of those Mueller in exchange former pro-Russian gov- street protests. Clark” as his brother Stevonte holding an object the officers at this time at the White House.” for leniency, according ernment. He has denied wrong- The slaying of Stephon sat on the table in front of Sac- believed was a firearm, but after Dowd did not immediately to the newspaper. doing and is preparing for trial. Clark, 22, was the latest in a long ramento Mayor Darrell he fell they only found a cell respond to a request for The discussions between string of fatal shootings of black Steinberg, a video posted on the phone by his body, police said. comment. Dowd and lawyers for Manafort men by police officers that have website of CBS News showed. The family disputes police According to the newspaper, dential election. and Flynn indicated Trump’s raised questions about race and “The mayor and the city of accounts that Clark was the discussions about potential The paper said in its report, legal team was concerned about justice in the United States and Sacramento has failed all of breaking car windows and plans pardons raise questions about however, that it was unclear what the two former aides would fueled the Black Lives Matter you,” his brother said to the to file a lawsuit against the city. whether Dowd was using the whether Dowd discussed the reveal if they cut a deal with movement. crowded chamber. California Attorney General issue to influence Flynn and idea of the pardons with Trump Mueller in exchange for leniency, “Due to the nature of this Protesters then marched to Xavier Becerra said state inves- Manafort’s decisions about before approaching the lawyers according to the newspaper. investigation, the extremely high Golden 1 Center, where the Sac- tigators will act independently whether to plead guilty and for Flynn and Manafort. Dowd denied to the Times emotions, anger and hurt in our ramento Kings were about to tip while overseeing the investi- cooperate with Mueller’s inves- Flynn later pleaded guilty to that he discussed pardons with city, I felt it was (in) the best off their NBA game against the gation, and will also review the tigation into possible Russian lying to the FBI about his con- lawyers for the president’s interest of our entire community Dallas Mavericks. They blocked Police Department’s procedures interference in the US presi- tacts with Russia and is cooper- former advisers. ... to ask the attorney general to the entrance and prevented many and practices.

Senator Menendez US refuses to pay over 25% contributions to UN peacekeeping runs for re-election AP AP Haley said US law is supposed to The General Assembly sets place for another year. that the UN is improving security cap the contribution at 25 percent. the budget and respective con- Some missions have been peacekeepers’ training and UNION CITY: Eschewing any UNITED NATIONS: The United The second-biggest contributor, tributions by vote. Spokesmen credited with helping to protect security, appointed a victims’ mention of the corruption States will no longer shoulder China, pays a bit over 10 percent. for Assembly President Miroslav civilians and restore stability, rights advocate for victims of scandal that dogged him for more than a quarter of the multi- President Donald Trump’s Lajcak and UN Secretary- others have been criticised for abuse and is reviewing all peace- years and put his political billion-dollar costs of the United administration has complained General Antonio Guterres corruption, ineffectiveness and keeping operations with an eye career in jeopardy, US Sen Bob Nations’ peacekeeping opera- before that the budget and the declined to comment on Haley’s sexual abuse and exploitation. toward refining their priorities Menendez launched his bid for tions, Washington’s envoy said US share are too high and remarks, noting that the peace- “Peacekeeping also has and makeup. a third term yesterday, telling yesterday. pressed to cut to this year’s keeping budget will be up to the become increasingly deadly Still, he said more needs to a cheering gymnasium full of “Peacekeeping is a shared budget. It is $570m below last 193 member states to decide. work. Some 59 peacekeepers be done to strengthen peace- high school students that “I am responsibility,” US Ambassador year’s, a smaller decrease than Drawing 105,000 troops and were killed through “malicious keeping forces and ensure here because I am your vote.” Nikki Haley said at a Security Washington wanted. other personnel from countries acts” last year, compared to 34 they’re deployed in tandem with The 64-year-old New Council debate on peacekeeping “We’re only getting started,” around the world, the peace- in 2016,” Guterres said at yester- political efforts and not instead Jersey Democrat is being reform. “All of us have a role to Haley said when the cut was keeping missions operate in day’s debate. of them. They also shouldn’t be challenged by Bob Hugin, a play, and all of us must step up.” approved in June. It followed a places from Haiti to parts of India A UN report in January overloaded with unrealistic Republican political new- The US is the biggest con- $40m trim the year before. and Pakistan, though the bulk of blamed many of the deaths on expectations, he said. comer who formerly headed tributor to the UN’s 15 peace- Haley said yesterday the US the operations are in African inaction in the field and “a deficit “Lives and credibility are New Jersey-based pharma- keeping missions worldwide. will work to make sure cuts in countries. The biggest is in of leadership” from the world being lost,” he said. “A peace- ceutical company. Washington is paying about 28.5 its portion are done “in a fair and Congo, where the Security body’s headquarters to remote keeping operation is not an army percent of this year’s $7.3bn sensible manner that protects UN Council agreed just Tuesday to locations. or a counterterrorist force or a Kansas water park peacekeeping budget, though peacekeeping.” keep the 16,000-troop force in Guterres noted yesterday humanitarian agency.” officials charged over boy’s death Shots fired at Lula’s campaign buses Baltimore emergency AP BLOOMBERG dispatch system hacked REUTERS TOPEKA: A water park BRASÍLIA: Two campaign buses no indications the two attacks company co-owner accused belonging to former Brazilian were related. of rushing the world’s tallest President Luiz Inacio Lula da WASHINGTON: Baltimore’s “During the Baltimore waterslide into service and a Silva were hit by gunfire during computer network that outage, details of incoming designer accused of shoddy his tour of a southern state, supports emergency calls was callers seeking emergency planning have been charged according to local media reports. hacked this past weekend and support were unable to be in the decapitation of a Two of the three buses that suffered temporary disruption relayed to dispatchers electron- 10-year-old boy on the ride made up the former president’s that forced city officials to ically and instead had to be in 2016. caravan were hit by four bullets, resort to manual operations to manually managed by call With the latest charges while traveling without a police handle calls, the city mayor’s center support staff,” Johnson unsealed, three men con- escort in Parana state. office said. said. nected with Texas-based Photos published in the Bra- A “limited breach” affecting He said the impacted com- Schlitterbahn Waterparks zilian news media showed holes Baltimore’s computer-assisted puter server was isolated and and Resorts and its park in in the side of the vehicle car- dispatch system, which is used taken offline to mitigate the Kansas City, have been rying journalists accompanying to support and direct 911 and threat and the computer- indicted by a Kansas grand Lula’s visit. No was reported as other emergency calls, was assisted dispatch system was jury, along with the park and injured. identified Sunday morning, fully restored by early Monday the construction company Since leaving office in 2010 according to Frank Johnson, morning, about 17 hours after that built the ride. Caleb with sky-high approval ratings, A supporter of right-wing federal deputy and presidential candidate Baltimore’s chief information the issue was identified. Schwab died on the 17-story Lula has become a deeply polar- Jair Bolsonaro, prepares eggs to throw at the convoy of former officer. “These critical services ride when the raft he was izing figure in Brazil, idolised by Brazilian leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in Curitiba, southern The disruption was the were not impacted nor dis- riding went airborne and hit many on the left for the legacy Brazil, yesterday. second cyber attack on a major rupted at any time, as they were an overhead loop. of his social policies and loathed US city within the past week, temporarily transitioned to The Kansas attorney gen- on the right for the corruption money-laundering. A Supreme former president has been coming just days after Atlanta manual mode,” Johnson said in eral’s office said Schlitterbahn that flourished under his Court ruling, due April 4, is likely traveling the country rallying was struck by a widespread a statement. co-owner Jeffrey Henry, 62, Workers’ Party government. to determine whether he goes supporters. But he has also ransomware attack that inter- A spokesman for the and designer John Schooley He is the front-runner in to jail, possibly as soon as next courted protests in many areas, rupted bill collection services, mayor’s office said the 911 dis- were charged with reckless opinion polls for the 2018 pres- week. including Sunday in the neigh- downed the airport’s wireless patch system itself was not second-degree murder, along idential election, but he is also As Lula’s legal cases have boring state of Santa Catarina internet and impeded other city hacked. He declined to say if the with Henry & Sons Con- likely to be banned after being wound their way through the where his campaign bus was hit services. A senior US cyber city had identified any suspects struction Co. convicted of graft and Brazilian court system, the by eggs and stones. security official said there were behind the breach. 18 HOME THURSDAY 29 MARCH 2018 Expert trains teachers at IIS

THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Ideal Indian School (IIS) conducted a refresher course for its teachers on Tuesday and yesterday. The main objective of the course was to hone and strengthen their skills. It also aims to help the teachers to keep pace with the rapid advancements in knowledge and technology. Dr. T P Sasi- The winner of BMW520i with the officials of Splash . kumar, an educa- Dr T P Sasikumar, an expert, shares his views during a course for teachers at tionist and motiva- Ideal Indian School. tional speaker from Splash announces BMW winner Kerala, was the chief guest and he addressed the teaching-learning a unique and stands for quality and value teaching faculty. He shared his memorable experience. It was based education and that this THE PENINSULA promotion organised to cele- COO Landmark Group Qatar; ideas on the topic ‘Creative and a vibrant session and all the can be achieved only if the brate its 25th birthday. The Saikat Mishra, GM; and other Innovative Learning’. teachers took part very enthu- teachers upgrade their DOHA: Splash on March 11 lucky winner of the grand prize dignitaries from Splash on In his session, he discussed siastically. Inaugurating the knowledge, teaching method- announced the winner of was Mohammad Rahim and he March 22 in Splash, Centrepoint, the various strategies to be session, Principal of the school, ology and learn to understand BMW520i over its grand was felicitated by Santosh Pai, in Al Asmakh Mall. adopted to make Syed Shoukath Ali, said that IIS their students better. Expat children put agility & dexterity on test at football tourney THE PENINSULA categories, such as U8, U10, U12, assistant coach by the Aspire strong mental discipline as well U14 and U16, participated in the Academy at the talent centre in as support from their parents. DOHA: The children of expa- event. The tournament was Al Khor, said that the tournament According to an Indonesian triates from various communities opened by Indonesian Ambas- plays pivotal role in selecting Embassy official, Boy Dhar- of different countries, predom- sador to Qatar, Air Marshal (Ret.) good players. mawan, the tournament supports inantly from Indonesia, residing Muhammad Basri Sidehabi. “It’s interesting to work with the 2022 World Cup preparation in Qatar took part in Inter-club The envoy welcomed the these boys. They belong to dif- in Qatar and also promotes Football Tournament 2018 tournament which promotes ferent nationalities and speak multi-track diplomacy which recently. sports, fitness and healthy life- different languages,” said a Qatar enhance bilateral relations The tournament was ini- style and also strengthens the Gas employee who has been in between Indonesia and Qatar, tiated and sponsored by Al Waha relationship and cooperation Qatar since 16 year ago. particularly after the visit of Emir Club in collaboration with Indo- among the communities of dif- “Inspiring the children and H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad nesian community at Al Waha ferent countries. keeping them motivated is a Al Thani to Indonesia on 17-18 Football Field in Al Khor Com- The envoy spoke to the tough job,” said a former Indo- October 2017. The event is also munity, Al khor. players not only about victory, nesian Football player Under-23 used to promote the 18th Asian According to the Head of but mostly about strengthening team. Games which will be held in both Steering Committee of tour- friendship and fraternity with According to him, in order to cities of Indonesia, Jakarta and nament, Muhammad Yunus Bani, other communities. Yunus Bani, be successful, the players need Palembang, on August 18 and Expat children in action at the Inter-club Football Tournament 2018. football club teams of five who was acknowledged as an to have regular practices, having Septembre 2, 2018.

CROSSWORD NOVO Pearl Qatar ROYAL PLAZA VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER Tomb Raider (2D/Action) 11:30am, 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30pm & Poomaram (Malayalam) 11:30am & 11:30pm 12:00midnight Real Player One 10:00am, 12:00noon, 12:45, 3:30, Baaghi 2 (Hindi) 11:30am, 2:30 & 11:30pm 5:15, 6:15, 9:00, 11:10 & 11:45pm Peter Rabbit (2D/Animation) 12:00noon, 1:45, 3:30 & 5:15pm Hurricane Heist (2D) 10:00am, 12:00noon, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 6:00, Ready Player One (2D/Action) 2:30 & 9:00pm 8:00, 8:15, 10:00, 11:00pm & 12:00midnight Acrimony (2D) 10:15am, 2:45, 7:15 & 11:45pm Maan Jao Naa 5:00 & 9:30pm Etlouly Barra (2D/Arabic) 12:45, 5:15 & 9:45pm 7 Days In Entebbe (2D/Thriller) 5:00 & 11:45pm Baaghi 2 (2D/Hindi) 10:00am, 3:00 & 8:00pm My Perfect You (Tagalog) 7:00 & 9:15pm 7 Days In Entebbe (2D) 12:50, 5:50 & 11:00pm Etlouly Barra 7:00pm Talq Sena3y (2D/Arabic) 10:00am, 2:30 & 11:00pm Hurricane Heist (2D/Action) 7:15pm Pacific Rim: Uprising (2D/Action) 12:00noon, 4:30 & 9:00pm Black Panther (2D/Action) 10:00am & 12:45pm Red Sparrow (2D/Action) 3:30, 6:15, 9:00 & 11:45pm ASIAN TOWN Ready Player One (3D/IMAX) 11:00AM, 2:00, 5:00, 8:00 & 11:00PM Baghi 2 (Hindi) 1:00, 3:45, 6:30, 9:15pm, 12:00midnight & 01:00am Poomaram (Malayalam) 12:30, 3:15, 6:00, 8:45, MALL 11:30pm & 02:00am IRA (Malayalam) 3:45 & 9:15pm Rangastalam(Telugu)12:15,12:30, 3:30, 6:45, 10:00pm& 01:00am Baaghi 2 (Hindi) 11:30am, 9:30 & 11:30pm Peter Rabbit (2D/Animation) 12:15, 4:15 & 6:00pm Poomaram (Malayalam) 2:00 & 4:30pm Cake 2:00 & 11:30pm AL KHOR My Perfect You (Tagalog) 7:30pm Maan Jao Naa 4:45 & 11:30pm Peter Rabbit (Animation) 10:30am, 1:15 & 3:15pm Hurricane Heist (2D/Action) 7:45 & 9:45pm Ready Player One (Action) 10:30am, 6:00 & 11:30pm 7 Days In Entebbe (2D/Thriller) 9:30pm 10:30am Ready Player One (2D/Action) 2:15, 7:00pm & 12:00midnight Pacific Rim (Action) My Perfect You (Tagalog) 5:15 & 10:00pm Baaghi 2 (Hindi) 12:30, 3:30, 6:15, 9:15pm & 12:00midnight LANDMARK The Hurricane Heist 1:00, 7:45pm & 12:30am Poomaram (Malayalam) 3:15 & 8:45pm Baaghi 2 (Hindi) 11:30am, 5:00 & 11:30pm Poomaram (Malayalam) 11:30am & 2:00pm Peter Rabbit (2D/Animation) 12:15, 2:15, 4:00 & 5:45pm ROXY Ready Player One (2D/Action) 2:00, 7:30 & 11:15pm Peter Rabbit (Animation) 10:30am, 12:30, 2:30 & 4:30pm Maan Jao Naa 4:30 & 9:15pm 7 Days In Entebbe (Thriller) 7:30pm Baaghi 2 (Hindi) 10:30am, 1:20, 4:10, 7:00 &9:50pm My Perfect You (Tagalog) 7:00 & 11:30pm Etlouly Barra 10:00pm Ready Player One (Action) 10:30am, 1:20, 4:10, 7:00 & 9:50pm Hurricane Heist (2D/Action) 9:30pm The Hurricane Heist (Action) 10:30am, 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30 & 9:45pm Pacific Rim (Action) 6:30, 9:50 & 11:10pm FLIK Mirqab 7 Days In Entebbe 12:25 & 8:40pm Note: Programme is subject to change without prior notice. Baaghi 2 12:20, 6:20pm & 12:20am Black Panther 4:00pm Etlouly Heist 2:20 Hurricane Heist 5:30, 9:10 & 11:15pm BAAGHI 2 Pacific Rim: Uprising 10:50am, 1:10, 4:20, 9:25 & 11:50pm My Perfect You 11:20am, 7:35 & 10:50pm Peter Rabbit 10:30am 12:30, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30, 6:30, 7:05 & 4:25pm Poomaram 2:15 & 9:15pm Ready One Player 10:25am, 12:20, 1:30, 4:35, 7:40 & 10:45pm 3D 3:25, 6:30, 9:35pm & 12:35am Red Sparrow 6:40 & 10:00pm Sherlock Gnomes 1:50 & 5:00pm Tomb Raider 12:00noon,2:40, 8:30 & 11:00pm

Ronny, is hired by ex-lover Neha, to track down her daughter Riya, who has been kidnapped. THURSDAY 29 MARCH 2018 MORNING BREAK 19

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 04. 12 AM SHOROOK 05. 29 AM

ZUHR 11. 39 AM MAGHRIB 05. 51 PM ASR 03. 07 PM ISHA 07. 21 PM

WEATHER TODAY

Dr. Khalid Al-Shafi, Editor-in-Chief of The Peninsula, with students from the Gulf Studies Center of Qatar University. Also seen is professor Dr Noureddine Miladi (third right), Head of Department of Mass Communication at Qatar University College of Arts and Sciences (QU-CAS). PIC: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA Students from Gulf Studies Center at QU visit The Peninsula

THE PENINSULA students. The students and professor observed a student. “The interesting Master’s in Gulf Studies Programme said that they are regular readers of part of the newspaper is the selection at Qatar University. DOHA: Dr. Khalid Al Shafi, Editor-in- The Peninsula and it helped them in of articles and opinions. The Peninsula “I am honoured to join the group Chief of The Peninsula received at his their research works. has different supplements which are to visit a print media outlet of an Arab office on Tuesday a group of students “The Peninsula has high standards very useful for students and country,” said Marian Gao, another from the Gulf Studies Center at Qatar of news coverage and writing. It has researchers alike,” the student added. student. University. improved a lot compared to 2012,” The student said that she would “I saw a great team. I asked several The students were accompanied said Professor Dr Noureddine Miladi. like to thank The Peninsula for the questions regarding the development by Professor Dr Noureddine Miladi, He said that The Peninsula had made hospitality and providing first-hand of newspaper and its name and I am o o Head of Department of Mass Commu- huge leap in term of improvement in information about the newspaper and very impressed with the answers. 25 C 37 C nication at Qatar University College all areas. its editorial operations. Qatar University’s Gulf Studies Center of Arts and Sciences (QU-CAS). “This is one of the best certified “All sections gave an idea about arranged a good practical-study Minimum Maximum The students were provided newspapers and its website is the best news processing. I have been reading activity for the students,” said Gao. Misty at places at first becomes relatively firsthand information about the news- in the region. Online version of the The Peninsula for long time online and Another student, Nurgul, said: The hot daytime with slight dust at times and paper, its development since its launch newspaper is very reader-friendly. The in print version,” said the student. Peninsula — in both print and online some high clouds.

in 1996. The curious students posed online newspaper maintains a rich Another student said that online forms — is very helpful in providing HIGH TIDE 03:30 – 15:45 LOW TIDE 10:30 – 21:15 many questions to Editor-in-Chief and archive for last many years and it is very version of The Peninsula was very information to expatriates about what Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department heads of various sections of the news- helpful for the research scholars,” said informative and she took help for her is going in the country.” paper who explained the role of each Miladi. project on food security last semester. Gulf Studies Center is a part of the section of daily including local news Comparing The Peninsula with “Most of the material that I was College of Arts and Sciences at Qatar section, business, sports, online, edi- other newspapers, Miladi said: “I looking for my project was available University. The Center was established torial and production, in addition to would like to say that this newspaper online.” in 2013, to cover topics of politics and the photography and marketing and is more comprehensive than other “The visit was very exiting as we security, energy, economics, culture advertisement. newspapers.” got a lot of information about func- and society. The Center also aims at Each head of section answered “It caters wide spectrum of tioning of a newspaper,” said Wafa producing thought-provoking questions raised by the visiting readers, citizens and expatriates,” Sultana Mohahiddin, a student of research on the Gulf Region.

ISPAT office opens in Doha

The Ambassador of Turkey to Qatar, Fikret Ozer (third right); Sheikh Mohammed bin Faleh bin Jabor Al Thani (second left), Adra Ermut (fourth left), President of Investment Support and Promotion Agency of Turkey (ISPAT); Ashraf Abu Issa (third left), Chairman and CEO of Abu Issa Holding; Elif Nazir Sukkar (left), Advisor, ISPAT; and other officials after the opening of the ISPAT office in Doha to support and encourage Turkish investment in Qatar.

PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT / THE PENINSULA

Katara to hold longest Senyar Festival

RAYNALD C RIVERA allow preparations for the THE PENINSULA competitions which will kick off on April 4, the first week DOHA: The longest edition of will see the pearl diving com- Senyar traditional pearl petition which will start on diving and fishing compe- April 7, followed by fishing tition is all set to start next championship which starts on week, underlining the April 14. The final week will commitment of the Cultural see this year’s top ten in pearl Village Foundation (Katara) diving and fishing competi- in upholding Qatar’s rich tions as well as the top five maritime heritage. last year compete in an “The aim is to preserve Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti (right), Katara General Manager exciting championship which culture and heritage from van- and Jihad Al Jaidah, member of 7th Senyar organising is new this year, said Al Syrian artistes performing at the “Syria, your love in my heart” concert held ishing this renaissance era, and committee, speaking at a press conference at Katara, yesterday. Jaidah. This April will be dif- on Tuesday at Katara Drama Theatre to mark the seventh anniversary of the Katara is taking responsibility ferent for Katara Beach area Syrian Revolution. to revive the culture of our “Every year, the teams teams increased from less as it is expected to be bustling ancestors,” said Katara General have been asking us to extend than 10 last year to 15 this with activities with the Katara hosts concert to mark Syrian revolution Manager Dr. Khalid bin the festival for them to have year. A total of 67 teams are presence of shops. Ibrahim Al Sulaiti at a press more time that’s why we have taking part in the fishing He said participants will THE PENINSULA conference yesterday. made it longer and we are competition,” he said. be accompanied by their fam- Azzawi. They performed many tradi- In its seventh year, the 100 percent sure they will More than 1,000 partici- ilies and children and it is a tional Syrian songs and some related to annual competition promises enjoy it,” he added. pants aboard 82 dhows are good chance for the young DOHA: A concert marking the seventh their revolution and struggle for the past to be very exciting with a Al Jaidah said partici- participating at this year’s ones to get direct exposure on anniversary of the Syrian revolution was seven years with a tremendous interaction whole slew of enhancements pation had been opened not championships which will be Qatar’s richest culture and held at Katara Drama Theatre on by the audience. At the outset of the when it comes to features, only to Qataris but also to held in a new location which heritage. “This April will be Tuesday evening. Titled “Syria, your concert, Syrian Ambassador Nizar Al duration, participation and other nationalities including is close to Halul Island, a different for Katara Beach as love in my heart,” the concert hosted Hiraki thanked Katara for hosting this rules. “This year’s Senyar will GCC citizens and that there popular fishing site around it is expected to be bustling by the Cultural Village Foundation important event which assures the be totally different from its had been an increase in the 100km from Doha, he said. A with activities and with (Katara) was organised by the Syrian message of peace and tolerance past editions. In the previous number of participating total of QR4.3m will be shops,” said Al Jaidah. Embassy in Doha. despite the pain of the Syrian people. six years, the maximum teams. As per rules, each awarded to winners in the He said that the partici- Members of the Syrian community He also thanked the Qatari people duration of Senyar was one team, which has around 10 to various categories which pants will be staying on the in Qatar and many other communities and leadership for the constant and week, but this year we have 15 members, is allowed to include pearl diving, Haddaq beach and even cook their came to show solidarity with the great support they provide for the extended it to nearly a have four non-Qatari and Laffah in addition to food near their boats as it was Syrian people and their revolution. Syrians and added that the concert was month,” Jihad Al Jaidah, members, he said. family championship. in the past, adding Qatar Red Several famous Syrian singers and held not only to celebrate the anni- member of the organising “For instance in pearl Katara beach will start Crescent will be present artistes performed at the concert such versary of the revolution but also to committee, told The diving competition, the receiving the participating throughout the championship as Yahya Hawwa, Mohammed Makki keep the Syrian crisis present in the Peninsula yesterday. number of participating dhows on April 1 to period to ensure their safety. and the famous Iraqi artist Mustafa Al minds of everyone. 20 MORNING BREAK THURSDAY 29 MARCH 2018