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SUNDAY Vol. XXXX No. 11286 August 25, 2019 Dhul-Hijja 24, 1440 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

All set for new academic year Ashghal starts works of B-Ring Road project Thousands of students return to school around the country as the new academic year begins today, marking the end of the summer holidays. The authorities concerned, including the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Ministry of Interior zWork is currently underway to implement parts of the first four phases of the project and the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), have made the necessary preparations to ensure that the resumption of classes takes place smoothly - both within and outside the school premises. Steps have been taken to make sure traff ic circulation z Project includes developing B-Ring Road and Al Khaleej Street remains smooth around schools and there are adequate mechanisms in place to ensure the safety of children going to and z Project is being implemented at a cost of QR472mn, with all phases slated to be returning from school. Stores selling ‘back-to-school’ supplies have also seen hectic activity over the past few days. Pictured is a busy outlet in Doha on the eve of the start of the new academic year. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed Page 4 completed by the second quarter of 2021

he Public Works Authority In brief (Ashghal) has started imple- T menting the B-Ring Road De- velopment project as part of its ef- QATAR | Offi cial Squabbles erupt as G7 forts to enhance traffi c fl ow and ease Amir congratulates congestion in central Doha. Ukrainian president Work is currently underway to im- leaders open summit plement parts of the fi rst four phases His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim of the project, according to a press bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness statement by Ashghal. the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Reuters hard to fi nd common ground. Mohamed Arqoub al-Khaldi, head Hamad al-Thani sent yesterday cables Biarritz, France “This is another G7 summit which of Doha City Projects in Ashghal’s of congratulations to the President of will be a diffi cult test of unity and soli- Roads Projects Department, said B- Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, on his darity of the free world and its leaders,” Ring Road Development is one of the country’s Independence Day. HE the quabbles erupted among G7 na- he told reporters ahead of the meeting. most important road projects being Prime Minister and Minister of Interior tions yesterday as their leaders “This may be the last moment to re- implemented by the authority, It in- Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Sgathered for an annual summit, store our political community.” cludes developing B-Ring Road and al-Thani also sent a similar cable to exposing sharp diff erences on global Trump arrived in France a day after Al Khaleej Street, which are charac- Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman. trade tensions, Britain’s exit from the responding to a new round of Chinese terised by their heavy traffi c move- EU and how to respond to the fi res rag- tariff s by announcing Washington ment as they connect traffi c to and QATAR | Telecoms ing in the Amazon rainforest. would impose an additional 5% duty from vital areas such as Msheireb, Al Vodafone Qatar makes French President Emmanuel Ma- on some $550bn worth of Chinese im- Muntazah, Corniche, Al Sadd and Bin cron, the summit host, planned the ports, the latest tit-for-tat trade war Mahmoud. 5G available for all three-day meeting in the Atlantic sea- escalation by the world’s two largest B-Ring Road also connects a number Vodafone Qatar yesterday announced side resort of Biarritz as a chance to economies. of services facilities such as Rumailah that all Vodafone SIM cards are now unite a group of wealthy countries that “So far so good,” Trump told report- Hospital, in addition to touristic desti- 5G-ready. All Vodafone customers on has struggled in recent years to speak ers as he sat on a seafront terrace with nations such as the National Museum any of its prepaid or postpaid mobile with one voice. Macron, saying the two leaders had a of Qatar, Museum of Islamic Art, Souq plans have the chance to experience Macron set an agenda for the group special relationship. “We’ll accom- Waqif, Al Bidda Park as well as com- the benefits of high-speed 5G mobile – France, Britain, Canada, Germany, plish a lot this weekend.” mercial establishments. Rasheeda Intersection, Al Orouba In- Company under the supervision of connectivity, the company has said in Italy, Japan and the United States – Macron listed foreign policy issues Al-Khaldi said: “Several Doha tersection and Bin Dirham Intersec- Italconsult at a cost of QR472mn. a statement. Page 4 that included the defence of democra- the two would address, including Lib- Metro stations are located within tion. The project has been divided into cy, gender equality, education and the ya, Syria and North Korea, adding that the project area, which increases the A new intersection will be devel- fi ve phases to facilitate the implemen- LATIN AMERICA | Environment environment. He invited Asian, Afri- they shared the objective of preventing importance of this project as it will oped at the intersection of Al Khaleej tation of the construction works and New fi res as outrage can and Latin American leaders to join Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. facilitate transportation between a Street with Al Jazeera Street. minimise its impact on the surround- them for a global push on these issues. However, the initial smiles could number of vital destinations in the Three roundabouts will be con- ing residential and commercial areas. over Amazon grows However, in a bleak assessment of not disguise their opposing approach- centre of Doha and the rest of the verted into signal-controlled inter- All phases of the project will be com- Hundreds of new fires are raging relations between once-close allies, es to many problems, including the country.” sections, which are the Qasr Al Mar- pleted by the second quarter of 2021. in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, European Council President Donald knotty question of protectionism and The project aims to develop B-Ring mar, Al Mannai (Al Khaleej) and Wadi In order to reduce the impact of off icial data showed yesterday, as Tusk said it was getting “increasingly” tax. To Page 12 Road and Al Khaleej Street, with a to- Msheireb (Al Jaidah Bridge) rounda- construction works on the area’s thousands of troops were made tal length of 10km, and enhance their bouts. residents and visitors, all closures available to help fight the worst capacity by increasing the number The project also includes provid- and diversions are being designed to blazes in years. Page 15 of lanes on each of them from two ing several elements that will increase maintain all entrances to residential to three lanes in each direction, the traffi c safety in the area, such as two areas and commercial establishments statement notes. pedestrian bridges with elevators on open to traffi c during the project im- This is in addition to developing Al Khaleej Street, as well as cycling plementation period, in addition to Onaiza Street, and parts of the streets and pedestrian lanes, road signs and maintaining two open lanes in each perpendicular to B-Ring Road such as road markings, and new street light- direction on B-Ring Road in case of Al Matar, Wadi Msheireb, Rawdat Al ing. The number of parking bays will implementing any traffi c diversion. Khail and Al Rayyan streets. be increased, in addition to landscap- Ashghal will also implement a The project also includes develop- ing works. number of measures to reduce noise ing the entrance to Rumailah Hospi- The B-Ring Road Development from construction works, such as us- tal. Project also includes the development ing special equipment that produce In order to enhance traffi c fl ow in of infrastructure services in the area less noise and are regularly main- the area and facilitate movement be- such as upgrading the stormwater tained, in addition to implement- tween A-Ring Road and B-Ring Road, drainage system to avoid water accu- ing excavation works during certain the project will upgrade six mulation during the rainy season, and hours of the day to minimise incon- intersections – the Fareej Abdul developing the existing potable water, venience to the area’s residents, as Macron (Second right) and his wife Brigitte Macron (right) pose with Trump and Aziz Intersection, Al Doha Al Jadeed irrigation and drainage networks. well as using water tanks to spray wa- US First Lady Melania Trump at the Biarritz lighthouse, southwestern France, Intersection and the intersections The project is being implemented ter during excavation works to control ahead of a working dinner yesterday. known as Asiad Intersection, Wadi by Al Jaber & Makhlouf Construction the resulting dust. Public bus ridership in Qatar jumps 40% zRidership to and from the form of introducing bus routes to Lagoona Mall. Improvements have also The ‘Metroexpress’ service has been establishment of four new bus de- cover new destinations and improv- included more frequent timetables, also launched for users in the West Bay pots that will have bus stops, bus care HIA increased by nearly ing and optimising existing ones. The improvements to smartcard purchase area as part of eff orts to providing inte- centres and housing and recreational 90% over the last year and MoTC has launched fi ve new airport and top-up options, and increased grated transport solutions. facilities for the operating company’s exceeded 1mn passengers bus express services, linking Al Khor, marketing and information about bus Metroexpress is a free trial ride- staff . The Pearl-Qatar, West Bay, Al Matar services, including the development sharing service, currently covering the Moreover, some 627 electric buses ublic bus ridership in Qatar has Al Qadeem and the industrial areas to and launch of the Karwa bus mobile West Bay QIC and DECC station areas. and their associated charging equip- risen by 40% between 2015 and Hamad International Airport. application. Meanwhile, the infrastructure facili- ment will be imported and put into op- P2018, the Ministry of Transport “These enhancements have proven Additionally, a network of Doha ties that support public bus operations eration during 2020. and Communications (MoTC) said so popular that ridership to and from Metro ‘Metrolink’ feeder bus routes are being developed and improved in “By so doing, Qatar will become the yesterday. HIA has increased by nearly 90% over has been established to support Metro association with the bodies concerned. fi rst country in the region to have a full This, the MoTC said, “is ascribed to the last year and exceeded 1mn pas- operations. Development works include the es- fl eet of electric buses for public tran- signifi cant enhancement works” car- sengers, compared to 2017,” the MoTC Some 24 new routes have been in- A Karwa bus. (Image courtesy of tablishment of four new locations for sit. The move to procure electric buses ried out by the ministry to boost the said. troduced since April this year, trans- Mowasalat website) buses in Al Qassar, Al Wakrah, Lusail represents the MoTC’s strong commit- performance effi ciency of the public The MoTC has also developed and porting people to and from Red Line City and Education City, opening up ment to sustainable and environment- bus service and increase ridership, in enhanced existing bus routes. This stations in the West Bay area to Al launched when the other two Doha fi ve new bus stops in the Al Sudan area, friendly public transportation, aiming co-ordination with Mowasalat (Karwa). includes the buses covering the areas Wakrah. Metro lines enter service; 10 routes for Lusail City, Al Wakrah, the Industrial to make all public buses in Qatar elec- The enhancement works have taken of the West Bay, The Pearl-Qatar and Some 25 more routes will be the Green Line and 15 for the Gold Line. Area, Msheireb and Gharaff a and the tric by 2030,” the MoTC said. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, August 25, 2019 QATAR Patients benefi t from language services at The Cuban Hospital z 24-hour translation service helping improve clinical care and reduce delays

24-hour translation serv- medical information in their lan- performed since 2016. ice launched last year to guage. The translator becomes a Philip Lowen, CEO of The Cu- Aimprove communication medium between the doctor and ban Hospital, says hospitals can be between Arabic-speaking pa- patient – they become the pa- challenging to navigate, especially QRCS personnel along with their Sudanese counterparts visiting tients and Cuban health profes- tient’s voice.” during emergencies. He says the flood-hit villages. sionals working at Hamad Medi- “We’ve seen an improvement regular stress of a hospital visit is cal Corporation (HMC)’s The since the service was introduced, amplifi ed when there is a language Cuban Hospital has benefi ted specifi cally in terms of reduced barrier, underscoring the essential thousands of patients since be- delays in our outpatient depart- role interpreters’ play as a bridge ing introduced, HMC has said. ments because our professional between a patient and their phy- QRCS comes to The initiative, which consists interpreters can talk to the pa- sician. of in-person interpreters and tient in their native language “We recognised the need to telephone translation services, and then immediately relay what ensure appropriate communica- is resourced by translators with the patient has said in the na- tion between all of our patients the aid of Sudan Arabic, Spanish and English lan- Philip Lowen Liza Reinberger tive language of the doctor. Our and clinical staff and sough guage skills. interpreters help assure eff ec- interpreters who could speak According to Liza Reinberger, there have been fewer delays and their fi rst language. While many tive communication between English, Spanish and Arabic. We director of Health Information an overall enhancement in the of our staff members speak Eng- doctors and patients and help found that this rare skillset was fl ash fl ood victims Management Service at The delivery of healthcare as many lish, there are a limited number prevent misunderstandings. The obtainable in countries located Cuban Hospital, the service has of the challenges associated with of Arabic speaking clinicians at interpreting service has ben- in the Maghreb Region, and spe- improved the patient experience patients and doctors not speak- the hospital,” said Reinberger. efi ted many of our patients, but cifi cally in Morocco, Mauritania QNA As the disaster occurred, within the hospital’s Emergency, ing the same language are elimi- “Language barriers can com- specifi cally the large percentage and Tunisia,” said Lowen. Doha QRCS activated its Disaster Inpatient, and Outpatient De- nated. plicate doctor-patient communi- of Arabic patients who we care “Today, we off er this service Information Management partments and also resulted in “The Cuban Hospital is unique cation but, through the transla- for,” added Reinberger. 24 hours a day and also provide Centre (DIMC), to keep up- safer patient care. She says since in that all of our medical and tion service, our Arabic-speaking Since 2017, The Cuban Hos- our patients with over the phone he Qatar Red Crescent dated about the situation and the service was introduced, nursing staff speak Spanish as patients can ask questions and get pital has seen a 30% increase in translation, which we’ve found Society (QRCS) has im- contact international humani- Arabic-speaking patients us- to be an eff ective solution during Tmediately responded to tarian organisations to co- ing its outpatient departments. peak times. Not only do our pa- the heavy rain and fl ash fl oods ordinate the subsequent relief The Cuban Hospital was offi - tients appreciate the service, but in many parts of Sudan. eff orts. cially opened in January 2012 as so do our doctors – who have been A relief team from its rep- QRCS’s mission in Sudan is a joint project between the gov- particularly appreciative of the resentation mission in Sudan closely watching, while mak- ernments of Qatar and Cuba. It improved access to over the phone conducted a fi eld assessment ing arrangements with other functions in collaboration with translators,” added Lowen. to identify the damage in Bahri partners to launch an emer- HMC and has more than 450 The translation service has Locality due to a surge in water gency intervention as soon as Cuban staff members. expanded from three interpret- levels. possible. The Cuban Hospital pro- ers to 13 and currently serves Together with a team of the A direct result of large vides all medical and surgical between 2,000 and 2,400 pa- Sudanese Red Crescent Soci- stagnant water masses is the services in more than 25 speci- tients each month. Lowen said ety (SRCS), QRCS’s personnel spread of mosquitoes and alities. The hospital has seen a the translation service has been visited a number of worst-hit other disease-bearing insects, sharp rise in the patient visits expanded to meet increased villages. which poses a serious risk of over the years, recording over demand associated with the A sand dam was washed malaria, diarrhoea, and other 85,000 outpatient visits and expansion of services at the away by the overfl owing river infections. nearly 6,500 inpatients in 2018, hospital, which serves Dukhan water, which is now 0.5-1m Many health facilities, compared to 63,000 outpatient and communities in the west- high. schools, and mosques were visits and 4,700 inpatient visits ern region of the country, while The people were evacuated also damaged, and the de- in 2016. The hospital has also also supporting the public health by the government and sup- struction of toilets is expected experienced a 35% growth in the system as a whole, caring for pa- port authorities to neighbour- to have a bad environmental The Cuban Hospital number of surgical procedures it tients from Doha. ing, higher ground. impact.

Gulf Times 4 Sunday, August 25, 2019 QATAR Thundery rain, strong Vodafone Qatar makes 5G winds forecast for today hundery rain is ex- erly with a speed of 5-15 warning for today, some pected in the coun- knots. The wind speed may off shore areas are expected Ttry today along with go up to 30 knots during to see misty conditions in available for all customers strong winds by the after- thundershowers, according the early hours of the day noon, the Qatar Met de- to the weather report. and will also remain partly partment has said. The detailed forecast also cloudy at times. odafone Qatar yesterday an- services on either of the compatible experience using the potential of While places around the says it will be misty in some The maximum tempera- nounced that all Vodafone devices currently available at Voda- 5G.” country may experience places by early this morning, ture is expected to be 40C VSIM cards are now 5G-ready. fone stores - the Huawei Mate 20 X Since switching on its 5G network cloudy conditions today, followed by a hot day. There today in Doha, Wakrah and All Vodafone customers on any of 5G and Xiaomi Mi 5G. a year ago, Vodafone Qatar has been the weather forecast map is a chance of local cloud for- Mesaieed. its prepaid or postpaid mobile plans Vodafone Qatar chief operat- leading the deployment of 5G across – available on the Met de- mation, and the conditions Yesterday, a maximum of have the chance to experience the ing officer Diego Camberos said, the country, the statement adds. partment’s Twitter page - may turn thundery and will 44C was recorded in Jumay- benefi ts of high-speed 5G mobile “Vodafone Qatar is delighted to Vodafone Qatar’s 5G network is highlights the possibility of be accompanied by blowing liyah and Karana, followed by connectivity, the company has said extend to all of our loyal custom- live in dozens of residential loca- rain in the Abu Samra area. dust by the afternoon. 43C in Sheehaniya, Turay- in a statement. ers a new way to experience the tions across Qatar, including Al Winds are expected to Visibility, meanwhile, na and Batna, 41C in Abu “The benefi ts of Vodafone 5G are Internet with 5G mobile network Waab, Abu Hamour, Al Aziziya, Al blow at a speed of less than may drop to 2km or less in Hamour and Ghuwairiyah, exceptional - ultra-fast network connectivity. This newest achieve- Mamoura, Al Rayyan, Umm Salal 5 knots at fi rst, after which some places during thun- 40C in Mesaieed and 39C in speeds and low latency enables ment marks yet another milestone Mohamed, Khartiyat, Al Hilal, they will become mainly dery rain. Doha (airport area) and the faster, seamless connectivity. Cus- in Vodafone Qatar’s commitment Muntazah, Muraykh and Al Sadd. northeasterly-northwest- While there is no marine Qatar University area. tomers can stream a major sporting to meeting the growing demand for For more information on 5G, one event with no delay and download statement notes. digital innovation while continu- can visit https://www.vodafone.qa/ a full HD fi lm in mere seconds,” the Vodafone customers can use 5G ously transforming the consumer en/network/5G. 101 abandoned vehicles removed in Sheehaniya

Al Sheehaniya Municipality’s General Control Section conducted a campaign during July to remove abandoned vehicles. According to a press statement, issued by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), a total of 101 abandoned vehicles were removed during ‘Back to School’ campaign concludes the drive that covered various areas within the administrative limits of the municipality. A total of 193 violation reports were also issued during the campaign.

The ‘Back to School’ campaign, conducted by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education for the sixth consecutive year, concluded at KidZania Doha and Mall of Qatar yesterday. The initiative was aimed at preparing school students for the new academic year that begins today. It was held in co-operation with a number of partners and supporters. On Twitter, the ministry thanked the volunteers and supervisors involved in the campaign.

Seven-member gang of gold smugglers busted

QNA necessary procedures and Doha inspecting the defend- ants’ residence and means of transport they use, the gang of seven Asian tools used in the crime nationals has been were found, in addition to Aarrested on charges of cash and gold bullion worth smuggling gold out of Qatar, about QR1mn, the state- the Interior Ministry said ment said. yesterday. The ministry said that The ministry said in a the defendants and seizures press statement yesterday have been referred to the that the North Security De- competent authorities to partment was able to arrest commence their procedures the gang after they tried in this regard, calling upon to smuggle gold out of the the public to co-operate to country by turning it into reduce the occurrence of powder after mixing it with such crimes by immediately other additional materials. reporting them to the com- After completing the petent authorities.

The gang members with the seized items. Gulf Times Sunday, August 25, 2019 5 QATAR Applications open for National Leadership Programmes pplications for Qa- and government sectors. tar Leadership Centre’s Moreover, the programmes A(QLC) 2020-2021 Na- incorporate their own annual tional Leadership Programmes week-long Learning Journey Doha Bank off icials with the latest winners. are now open, it has been into the curriculum, taking par- announced. ticipants to meet leading execu- This provides an opportunity tives and experts in important for accomplished Qatari leaders markets, such as Sweden, Japan, working in the public, private Singapore, the US and others, to Doha Bank announces and government sectors to en- learn from their experience at hance their leadership capabili- the head of some of the world’s ties and supplement Qatar’s rap- most foremost organisations. id development, QLC has said in After the initial online ap- winners of Al Dana draw a statement. plication period, which will His Highness the Amir Sheikh conclude on September 22, can- Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani didates will then be evaluated oha Bank has an- Al Dana Qatari Family Account liver exceptional customer ex- founded QLC in 2010, envision- leaders to fulfi l their potential, Singapore as well as the Interna- through a series of standards nounced the winners Draw for the month of June. perience by off ering continu- ing a hub and a national platform all of whom are making a real tional Advisory Group, Profi les that are based on leadership Dof Al Dana fi fth draw The Qatari Family account is ous promotional campaigns for of leadership development and impact at various tiers of man- International and Al Jazeera Me- qualities, including psychomet- for 2019 and its 40th anniver- the bank’s latest addition to Al its loyal customers. Doha Bank excellence that would support agement in prominent organisa- dia Institute. ric testing, assessment centre as sary 10gm Salary Transfer Gold Dana Product Suit where dedi- celebrates its 40th Anniversary future and present Qatari lead- tions in the country. And, in the Due to the in-depth nature of well as panel interviews with top draw held at its head offi ce. cated prizes for families to ben- by rewarding its loyal custom- ership in improving their own upcoming National Leadership these programmes, participants experts and leaders representing The event was attended by efi t from while having chances ers with 40 Al Dana Gold win- capabilities as well as the people Programmes 2020-2021, we look are required to dedicate three to diff erent sectors. the bank’s senior offi cials and to win all prizes under Al Dana. ners and 40 salary transfer around them. to build on this legacy, alongside fi ve days a month throughout Therefore, the fi nal selected a representative from the Min- Al Dana off ers the “coun- Gold winners and Personal “Under the leadership of HE our valued partners, and enrich the academic year. group of applicants that will istry of Commerce and Indus- try’s biggest prize pool, big- Loan Gold winners. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad the capabilities of new par- Notably, the programmes pro- begin National Leadership Pro- try’s Quality Licence and Mar- gest individual prize of QR2mn, “It is a testimony of Doha bin Khalifa al-Thani, Qatar Lead- ticipants to ultimately serve the vide comprehensive curricula grammes 2020-2021 in March ket Control Department. and largest number of winners Bank’s rich culture of reward- ership Centre has been continu- country.” that cover a variety of subjects 2020 will represent a highly As part of its 40th anniver- with monthly draws and a wide ing and thanking its custom- ously striving to develop strict The centre off ers three world- including strategic corporate qualifi ed group of individuals sary celebrations, 40 winners range of prizes and dedicated ers for being the linchpin of its selection criteria to ensure diver- class National Leadership Pro- policymaking, crisis leadership, that embody strong personal went home with 10gm of gold. prizes for senior citizens, la- successful 40-year long jour- sity in the participants’ specialist grammes – Rising Leaders, fi nancial management, negotia- initiative, deep intellectual cu- Doha Bank also announced 34 dies and young savers and ac- ney. Doha Bank will continue competencies and backgrounds. Executive Leaders and Govern- tion and persuasion skills as well riosity and a desire to improve winners who were part of fi fth count holders of Al Dana Sav- to reward its customers for This promotes the learning and ment Leaders, the statement as communication, branding, themselves, which would make Al Dana Draw. ings Plan”, the bank has said in their ceaseless support and for sharing process outside of the notes. The multi-modular pro- and positioning in competitive a positive impact in their work- B R Krishnan claimed the Al a statement. inspiring us to develop innova- leadership programmes,” said grammes were developed by es- markets. To bolster the knowl- place and contribute to Qatar Dana prize of QR50,000, while Braik al-Marri, chief retail tive products and services that Sheikh Dr Abdulla bin Ali al-Tha- teemed educational institutions, edge they have gained through National Vision 2030, the state- M R A Almannai won QR10,000 banking offi cer at Doha Bank, keep us ahead in the business.” ni, board member and managing including University of Cam- these programmes, participants ment adds. and 30 winners took home said: “The Al Dana Savings ac- To participate in the Al Dana director, QLC. bridge, University of Oxford, meet with infl uential leaders in To learn more about QLC, and a QR5,000 cash prize. W A J count encourages customers to Draw, customers can transfer “Since our founding at the HEC Paris, Harvard University, Qatar, the region and throughout to apply to one of the centre’s Hanzab received the 1mn Doha grow their savings by multiply- their salary to Doha Bank and turn of this decade, the centre Georgetown University, Duke the world to gain insights formed three National Leadership Pro- Miles prize, and H A Alansari ing their winning chances in maintain a balance of QR5,000 has built itself a young but proud University, University of Chi- in the highest-level boardrooms grammes, one can visit www. won a family staycation at Ba- various draws. or open an Al Dana account and history of empowering Qatari cago and Civil Service College and offi ces in the public, private qlc.org.qa nana Island Resort under the “Doha Bank continues to de- maintain QR5,000. Auto Class Cars launches all-new MG5

uto Class Cars, the au- nology and aff ordable price.” thorised distributor of Al-Sahn noted, “We, at Auto AMG in Qatar, launched Class Cars, are happy to be the the all-new MG5 in Qatar in a fi rst to launch this car in the special event held at the MG Middle East markets, a clear in- showroom on Salwa road in dication of our strong position Doha. and the mutual trust between The event was attended by MG and Auto Class Cars.” Sheikh Faleh bin Nawaf al-Tha- Tom Lee, managing direc- ni, director, operations, Auto tor, SAIC Motor Middle East, at Nasser Bin Khaled Group; the parent company of MG Mo- Hesham al-Sahn, general man- tor’s Middle East operations, ager, Auto Class Cars; Karim added: “This new model is a Monir, head of marketing, Auto true game-changer and will be lumbar support for both driv- 118hp and up to 150 Nm of torque, Class Cars; Tamer Abdallah, MG pitched directly against less er and passenger, a rear-view and mated to a fuel-effi cient brand manager in Qatar; and ex- well-equipped models from camera and a CVT. An entertaining driving ecutives from MG Motor. the established brands. With an 360 o surround-view camera experience is bolstered by MG’s The launch of all-new MG5 is extremely competitive price, for ultimate safety are also avail- XDS system for enhanced cor- part of MG Motor’s plan to put in a segment that is dominated able, depending on model. nering, a choice of three steering the car on sale across the Middle by fl eet sales, the MG5 is a true The MG5 is particularly roomy, models and ESP traction control East, according to a statement. challenger model that will hold and is 4,601mm long, 1,818mm across all trims. Sheikh Faleh said, “Auto great appeal among its young Snapshots from the launch of the new MG5 in Qatar. PICTURES: Shaji Kayamkulam and supplied wide, 1,489mm high and comes The MG5 is big on safety. Pas- Class Cars continues to target customers.” with a 2,680mm wheelbase and sive safety features include a strengthen its collaboration Ensuring that the region’s handling, the statement notes. grille make a strong visual state- of cutting-edge features. The 512 litre boot. It also off ers a pre- high-tensile steel cage-style with MG and the launch of the car buyers will no longer have The MG5 is totally new from ment, while the double curve on-board infotainment sys- mium travel experience courtesy body, the use of advanced laser new MG5 in Qatar is in line with to compromise when choosing the ground-up, with a sporty of the side panels serves to ac- tem includes a 10.1-inch touch of the carefully designed, extra- brazing technology to enhance our strategic plans and expan- a compact sedan, the all-new look that perfectly suits those centuate the new model’s sports screen, Apple CarPlay and An- comfy seats and use of soft- overall vehicle strength and stiff - sion in Qatar, to maintain our MG5 brings together spacious with an active lifestyle. At the credentials. droid Auto. Cruise control comes touch material around the cabin. ness powered by curtain airbags. ascending growth. MG is now sporty styling with an impres- front, the lightning blade design Designed with the tech-savvy as standard, while push button In the Middle East, the MG5 An auto-hold function, ABS, a favourite choice, thanks to its sive list of hi-tech features and LED headlights, daytime running millennial audience in mind, start, keyless entry, electrically will come with a 1.5L petrol en- EBD and a corner brake control amazing design, modern tech- entertaining performance and lights and chrome Wingspan the MG5 is equipped with a raft adjustable seats with manual gine delivering max power of all contribute to active safety. Galeries Lafayette begins Cleanliness drive at Al Shamal Corniche Let’s Play Campaign

aleries Lafayette Doha, complete fun outing for the en- the renowned Parisian tire family, the statement adds. Gdepartment store in Qa- Speaking about the cam- tar, has launched its Let’s Play paign, Kevin Gerard Pender, Campaign that will take visitors head of Visual Merchandising “back to their childhood days”. at Galeries Lafayette, said: “The The department store’s latest Let’s Play concept is all about summer campaign off ers a “fun- the desire to return to the spir- fi lled escape from the heat and will ited childhood days. Shopping be on until the end of September”, should be fun and lighthearted according to a statement. and we wanted to transform the Known for its ‘retailtainment’, store into a playground, a place Galeries Lafayette Doha is now full of surprises. dotted with retro games and “When I walk through the animated interactive spaces for store and observe our custom- diff erent age groups. A colourful ers enjoying the Let’s Play acti- map handed out at the entrance vation zones, it puts a smile on and found at the tills will guide Galeries Lafayette Doha is now dotted with games and animated my face. Designing this concept visitors to the gaming spots set interactive spaces for diff erent age groups. was truly a lot of fun.” up across the three-storey store. Galeries Lafayette Doha at 21 The Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), represented by the Municipality of Al “Once at the gaming sec- bowling, mini race track, bil- it a celebration of one’s youth, High st, Katara, has welcomed Shamal, recently held a cleanliness drive at Al Shamal Corniche. Dead mangroves were removed tions, you can return to the liards or retro video games such fi lled with fond memories, nos- all to be a part of the Let’s Play during the campaign initiated by the Department of General Services Aff airs and the General spontaneity and creativity of as Tetris and Space Invaders,” talgia and a yearning for life”. Campaign and encourages visi- Cleaning Department along side the coastal areas of the municipality. The drive was part of a childhood and enjoy a selection the statement notes. The playful vibes combined tors to use the #LetsPlayAtGLD programme aimed at preserving the beaches in Qatar. The waste materials were transported to Al of captivating games - whether The use of neon colours, with the exclusive Galeries La- and share their experience on Arish area where they were disposed off . it be table tennis, crazy golf, retro looks and games “makes fayette experience makes it a social media. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, August 25, 2019 QATAR Galileo International School launches new facilities

launch event was held in Doha learning progress in terms of academic proach to learning, opportunities to se- for Galileo International School, disciplines such as mathematics, sci- lect projects with a view to the pursuit AMuaither, to mark the offi cial ence, literature, history, geography, art, of particular careers, based on their in- opening of its new facilities. music, health and so on but also in terms terests, talents and goals, and learning The event was attended by a number of general capabilities like collaboration, beyond the four walls of the classroom. of offi cials. critical and creative thinking, problem- The co-scholastic programme, “Thinking schools, learning nations” solving, digital literacy and personal which includes opportunities for stu- is the paradigm at the heart of teaching and social capability, according to the dents and staff to work together in the and learning at Galileo International statement. school’s Eco club, Literary club, Sci- School, Doha, which follows the Indian The school recruits and develops ence club, Art club and various intra- Central Board of Secondary Education skilled Indian teachers who collaborate school competitions and activities, (CBSE) curriculum. in delivering a high-quality curricu- “enables students not only to develop, “Implementing a thinking curricu- lum, in developing appropriate learn- consolidate and lum depends on highly skilled creative ing materials and in understanding and apply their skills in areas of interest to and fl exible educators who are able to acting on assessment results to enable them, but also to show leadership, be- adapt their pedagogy to prepare stu- improvements in teaching and learning. come experts and truly shine”. dents for the world beyond tomorrow,” a The school takes a skills-based ap- “We have designed a unique curricu- statement notes. proach to curriculum design and teach- lum for Communicative English, which Operating as a CBSE school, Galileo ing methods in order to provide students enhances the communication and in- International School is undertaking as- with “meaningful, hands-on” learning teracting skills of the students,” the sessment reform to recognise students’ experiences, a globally-focused ap- statement adds. Off icials at the launch event. CMU-Q welcomes Class of 2023 he Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) community Tgathered to formally welcome the new students who will begin their fi rst year of studies next week. The Class of 2023 comprises more than 100 students. Michael Trick, dean, CMU-Q, of- fered his encouragement as he wel- comed the students to the CMU-Q community: “Allow me to reassure each one of you, we have selected you because you have talent, work ethic, creativity and drive. We chose you be- cause we believe you will succeed and thrive at Carnegie Mellon Qatar.” The students also heard from Mar- yam al-Naemi, a 2018 graduate from the Information Systems Programme, The Class of 2023. who shared words of advice with the incoming students: “Class of 2023, be fi erce, be inspired, be kind, be hard- working, be a Tartan, because from now on, you are offi cially part of this CMU-Q family.” CMU-Q off ers undergraduate pro- grammes in fi ve areas: biological sci- ences, business administration, com- putational biology, computer science and information systems. This is the 16th incoming class since Dean Michael Trick CMU-Q opened its doors in 2004. welcomes the class. Maryam al-Naemi addressing the students. Gulf Times Sunday, August 25, 2019 7 QATAR China backs GCC unity, regional stability: envoy

By Ayman Adly Staff Reporter

ver the past 30 years, Qatar and China have maintained sta- Oble and friendly relations that have withstood the test of time, Chi- nese Ambassador to Qatar Zhou Jian has said. Both friendly countries “have given support to each other on issues of core interests and major concerns, deepen- ing political trust between them”, he said. Speaking to local media, he said that at the beginning of this year, the Chi- na-Qatar Friendship Council and the Qatar-China Friendship Association were established.

“China appreciates Qatar’s rational and wise response to the crisis. We sincerely hope that all parties could consider the common interests of the Arab world, and resolve diff erences through dialogue within the Chinese Ambassador to Qatar Zhou Jian. framework of the GCC” work of the GCC. We hope your rela- terrorism. Such violence and crime “This will serve as new platforms for tions could return to normal as soon as cannot be tolerated by any civilised mutual understanding and friendship. possible, so as to maintain peace and countries. If we turn a blind eye to it, During the holy month of Ramadan stability in the region. We believe that it will endanger the lives and prop- this year, the documentary, ‘Traveler’s all parties have the wisdom and capac- erty of Hong Kong people, ruin the Footprint - China’ was broadcast on ity to resolve their diff erences. China is rule of law, prosperity and stability, TV, creating a new round of ‘China in- willing to play an active and construc- and destroy the rule of the Central terest’ in Qatar.” tive role in this regard,” he said. Government and the “One country, He regretted that the Gulf crisis has Zhou explained China’s stand re- two systems, arrangement,” pointed now entered the third year, and said garding some of the hot topics, in out the ambassador, stressing that the Chinese people deeply regret this. particular Hong Kong and Xinjiang. “Hong Kong affairs are China’s in- “As a true friend of the Arab world, He said Hong Kong, known as the ternal affairs and we will never allow what China wants to see most is unity “the Pearl of the Orient”, is a hot spot any foreign interference.” and harmony among our Arab friends. of tourism and investment for Qatari Regarding Xinjiang he said be- The least we want is quarrel among people. There are two fl ights between tween 1990 and the end of 2016, the brothers”. Doha and Hong Kong every day, taking region experienced many violent He stressed that the crisis is not Qatari tourists, who experience the acts .”Many innocent people were benefi cial to any of the countries, nor prosperity and charm of this modern killed and several hundred police to the entire GCC. metropolis. “However, the ongoing officers died in the line of duty. The “China appreciates Qatar’s rational protests that went violent there are property losses incurred were enor- and wise response to the crisis. We risking the reputation of the place and mous.” sincerely hope that all parties could discouraging people to go there. He said the Chinese government consider the common interests of the “The protests have gone far be- has opted for vocational education Arab world, and resolve diff erences yond the scope of peaceful demon- and training to help the people return through dialogue within the frame- strations, nearly reaching acts of to normal life with enough skills. Gulf Times 8 Sunday, August 25, 2019 REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA

UNREST RIGHTS TRAGEDY CONFLICT POLITICS 12 dead in Niger ‘Boko Tanzanian journo released Algeria’s minister resigns Car blast, air strikes Buthelezi, 90, steps down Haram’ village attack after arrest over ‘false’ news after deadly stampede hit Syria’s Idlib city as Inkatha Party leader

A night raid blamed on Boko Haram has left a A Tanzanian journalist arrested for “publishing false Algeria’s Culture Minister Meriem Merdaci resigned A car bomb exploded in the rebel-held Syrian city Mangosuthu Buthelezi, head of the once-feared dozen villagers dead in southeastern Niger on the information” after broadcasting a story about police yesterday, following the deaths of five young music of Idlib yesterday, a war monitor and opposition Zulu nationalist Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), yester- frontier with Nigeria, a local off icial said yesterday. brutality was released yesterday, his lawyer said. fans in a stampede at a packed concert by rapper news channel said, as air strikes hit its outskirts in a day stepped down as party leader after 44 years. The attack on Friday night in the border district Joseph Gandye, who works for local station Wa- Soolking in the capital, the president’s off ice an- government off ensive on the last major opposition Buthelezi, 90 led the party from its inception, a of Gueskerou, is the latest to hit the Diff a region tetezi TV, was arrested in the financial capital Dar es nounced. It said Merdaci handed her resignation bastion. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for reign marked by bloody territorial battles with ANC near Lake Chad, which is crisscrossed by militant Salaam on Thursday after airing a story on August to interim president Abdelkader Bensalah “who Human Rights and opposition-run Orient News said supporters in black townships during the 1980s and groups and traff ickers who murder and kidnap 9 about police in the central city of Iringa forcing six accepted it”. On Friday, prime minister Noureddine a car blew up in the Al-Qusoor neighbourhood. The 1990s that left thousands dead. As prime minister of people in local communities as they compete for young detainees to engage in sexual acts. “He has Bedoui fired the head of ONDA (the National Off ice Observatory said the blast killed two and wounded the “independent” homeland of KwaZulu, a political money and influence. “Twelve villagers were killed just been released on bail by the police in Iringa,” his of Copyright and Neighbouring Rights), the public at least 11. A new push by Syrian government and creation of the apartheid government, Buthelezi on Friday at around 8:00pm (1900 GMT) by Boko lawyer Jones Sendodo said. The Tanzania Human authority in charge of organising concerts. An Russian forces to take the area has seen heavy was often regarded as an ally of South Africa’s racist Haram elements,” a local elected off icial said. Rights Defenders Coalition, which founded Watetezi investigation has been opened. Thursday night’s strikes and advances this week in the south of Idlib apartheid regime. He was dogged by allegations He said eleven of those killed had been shot, but TV last year, defended its journalist, saying the stampede that killed five came as fans thronged an province and nearby Hama, prompting a new civil- that he collaborated with the old government to fuel did not give further details. report gave all sides involved a chance to respond. entrance of the August-20 Stadium in Algiers. ian exodus. violence to derail the ANC’s liberation struggle. Zimbabwe union Security forces arrest rejects govt pay Palestinians in West Bank deal as anger over

AFP Jerusalem economy grows

sraeli security forces have AFP goods are available. On assum- arrested a number of Pal- Harare ing offi ce, President Emmer- Iestinians in the West Bank son Mnangagwa who came to as part of a manhunt after an power following the 2017 ouster explosion that killed an Israeli he main Zimbabwe pub- of long-time ruler Robert Mu- teenager, the army said yester- lic sector union yesterday gabe, promised more freedoms day. Trejected a pay off er from and to revamp an already ailing The homemade bomb on the government, which is try- economy. Friday near the settlement of ing to avert threats of strike ac- But the country has seen Dolev, northwest of Ramallah, tion amid growing anger over the growing protests as the economy killed 17-year-old Rina Shnerb country’s ailing economy. falters. A Harare court yesterday and wounded her father Eitan The Apex Council, which rep- freed on bail 10 people arrested and brother Dvir. resents most of the country’s during protests by a rural teach- No Palestinian group took public service workers, said the ers’ union, a day after the dem- responsibility for the blast. proposal to boost salaries by onstration over poor salaries and “As part of the ongoing pur- 76% fell far below the demands working conditions. suit,” Israel’s army, Shin Bet of civil servants, who are buck- Eight of those arrested on Fri- security service and police ling under the pressure of sky- day are from the Amalgamated “apprehended a number of rocketing living costs. Rural Teachers Union of Zimba- suspects and transferred them Zimbabwe’s government off er bwe (ARTUZ), whose members to security forces for further would see the lowest-paid work- gathered outside the Finance questioning,” the military said er taking home about ZW$1,023 Ministry’s offi ces to present a in a statement. (US$97) up from the current 582 petition as part of their protests An army spokesman could (US$55). in downtown Harare. not provide further details or In a statement, the Apex They carried a small red card- the number of arrests made Council which represents the board coffi n, which they said after what the military has workers said “the off er does symbolised the death of their called a fighters’ attack. A relative of Mohamed Abbasi (not pictured), a Palestinian resident of Jerusalem, helps him demolish his home in east Jerusalem, not meet the stated position of livelihoods because their sala- Shnerb was buried on Friday yesterday. Complying to an Israeli court order which ruled that the house was built without a municipality permit, Abbasi decided the workers, which is pegged at ries have dropped in value to less in her central Israeli home- to have his house demolished using a bulldozer that he hired in order to save on costs that would have been higher if a Israeli ZW$4,750 (US$452) for the least than US$50 a month. town of Lod. government bulldozer had carried out the demolition. paid civil servant.” Along with their lawyer Doug Her father and brother were The off er came after some Coltart and bystander, the in stable condition yesterday, Palestinians sporadically the Six-Day War of 1967, but mostly involved guns, knives about a possible increase in vi- workers had threatened strike teachers were arrested by the Jerusalem’s Hadassah hospital attack Israelis in the West bomb attacks have been rare. and car ramming. olence in the run-up to Israel’s action over the high cost of liv- police and charged with crimi- said. Bank, occupied by Israel since Palestinian attacks have There have been concerns September 17 general election. ing. The civil servant salary bill nal nuisance which attracts the gobbles up more than 90% of equivalent of less than US$2. tax revenue. The pay impasse is But they refused to pay the fi ne part of gathering storm clouds arguing that by demonstrating facing the Zimbabwean govern- peacefully, they were exercising ment amid shortages of basics a constitutionally guaranteed Yemen govt takes control of Zarif heading to Asia in like fuel, bread and medicines right. They ended up spending and surging prices when the the night in police custody. city after separatist clashes push against US sanctions

AFP condition of anonymity, also Dubai said the government troops took AFP Bashir defence asks control of one of the Elite Forces’ Tehran Britain sends another warship to Gulf military camps. “Fighting be- emeni government troops tween the two sides has moved Britain is sending another war- ing sanctions on Syria. court for release on bail took control yesterday of to the outskirts of the city,” add- ran’s Foreign Minister ship to the Gulf to defend free- The navy said HMS Duncan, Ythe city of Ataq, two days ed the source. Mohamed Javad Zarif will dom of navigation, the defence a type 45 frigate, sailed from after deadly clashes between The two have sent reinforce- Ihead to East Asia today, minister said yesterday, after Britain on August 12, alongside AFP The judge in Khartoum yester- loyalists and southern separa- ments to the area, the rival sides his offi ce said, as part of a Iran seized a British-flagged HMS Kent, which was also Khartoum day heard three witnesses, two of tists in the capital of Shabwa said yesterday. diplomatic push to win relief tanker in the region. heading to the Gulf to replace them investigators who searched province, a pro-government The fl are-up in Shabwa comes from biting US sanctions. Tensions have risen between the HMS Duncan. Bashir’s residence after his oust- source said. after deadly clashes earlier this Zarif would visit China, Iran and Britain after Iranian “Wherever the red ensign udan’s deposed longtime er and the other a banker. Fighting between the troops month between the government Japan and Malaysia fresh on commandos seized a British- flies around the world, the UK president Omar al-Bashir “We ask the court to release and forces linked to the South- and troops from the so-called the heels of a tour of Western flagged tanker last month. stands by to protect freedom Sappeared in court yester- the accused on bail,” Bashir’s ern Transitional Council (STC) Security Belt, who are domi- European nations, spokes- That came after British forces of navigation whenever is it day for the second hearing of his lawyer Hashem Abu Bakr said, broke out in Shabwa on Thurs- nated by separatists seeking an man Abbas Mousavi said late captured an Iranian oil tanker tested,” defence minister Ben corruption trial, during which to which the judge answered he day night, in the latest such independent south, erupted in Friday on the ministry’s Tel- near Gibraltar, accused of violat- Wallace said. his defence asked for his release would examine a written re- confrontation. At least 11 people Yemen’s de-facto capital Aden. egram channel. on bail. quest. After the hearing, as a have been killed, medical sourc- The STC partially withdrew “Bilateral relations and Bashir, wearing a traditional massive security convoy escort- es said. Fighters from the Elite last week from key sites it oc- most importantly regional sanctions on Zarif late last Norway. In a post on Twitter, white gown, sat in the same met- ed the 75-year-old Bashir back to Forces — established in 2016 cupied in Aden under pressure and international issues are month in a bid to target any he said “despite US eff orts to al cage he appeared in Monday prison, two opposing groups of with the support of the United from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, some of the topics our foreign assets he has in America and destroy diplomacy” he met when his trial on graft charges demonstrators staged protests. Arab Emirates — “were forced to but it retains control of key mili- minister will discuss with the squeeze his ability to function French President Emmanuel opened. One group of a few dozen pro- retreat after entering a number tary sites. The STC has since aforementioned countries’ as a globe-trotting diplomat. Macron, Foreign Minister In the fi rst hearing, an investi- testers chanted slogans for Ba- of government buildings” in driven government troops out offi cials during the trip,” said But Zarif hailed his visit to Jean-Yves Le Drian and had gator said Bashir had admitted to shir to face justice not just over Ataq, the source said. of two military camps in Abyan Mousavi. France on Friday following interviews with media in Par- receiving at least $90mn in cash corruption but for his role in the The source, who spoke on province. The United States slapped trips to Finland, Sweden and is, including AFP. from Saudi royals in recent years. country’s deadly confl icts. Rights activists demand Saudi reforms before Grand Prix

By Anthony Harwood The fi rst phase of construc- women to be allowed to watch be able to speak out on human London Correspondent tion, which includes two 20,000 the race unaccompanied by a rights issues without fear of re- seater stadiums, will not be fi n- man, and guarantees that driv- crimination.” ished until 2022 — the earliest ers and spectators can speak out Saudi Arabia has been accused uman rights campaign- when a Grand Prix could be host- about human rights abuses in of using high-profi le sports ers are up in arms about ed there. Liberty Media, which Saudi Arabia without fear of ‘re- events to defl ect attention from Hplans for Saudi Arabia to owns the commercial rights to crimination’. Peter Frankental, scandals such as the murder of host its fi rst ever Formula One F1, has said the 10 teams would Amnesty International UK’s the Washington Post journalist, Grand Prix at a massive $7.25bn seek reassurances on issues in- Economic Aff airs Programme Jamal Khashoggi and the coun- entertainment city being built in cluding human rights, gender Director, said: “It’s not for us to try’s war in Yemen which has the desert. equality and media freedom be- say where Formula One stages its caused the world’s biggest hu- Amnesty International hit out fore any go-ahead is given. races, but Liberty Media should manitarian crisis. after it emerged migrant work- A 2015 report by the Interna- be under no illusions over the As 75% of F1 fans are aged 16- ers would be building the world’s tional Journal of Construction way the Saudi authorities are 44, it’s hoped a project like Qid- longest F1 circuit — with cars Engineering and Management likely to see this as yet another diya, — with fun rides, an arts passing under an illuminated said 69, 241 accidents had been opportunity to ‘sportswash’ the centre, a private school, hospital aquarium and a big dipper that recorded in Saudi Arabia in one country’s terrible image. and 18-hole golf course – will mimics what’s happening on the year — with the construction “Despite long-overdue re- become one of the country’s track. industry accounting for half of forms on women’s rights, Saudi most popular attractions. Work on the project, called them. Arabia is still in the grip of a A Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia Qiddiya, began earlier this year Amnesty International is swingeing crackdown on human Saudi Arabia’s planned Grand Prix circuit at a desert theme park. would be the third in the Gulf re- 28 miles from Riyadh, the capi- insisting that any contract F1 rights — with women’s rights gion, after Abu Dhabi and Bah- tal of Saudi Arabia where women signs with the Saudis contains activists, lawyers and members “Formula One should, at Grand Prix contain stringent themselves should be open to rain, which sees protests every were only given the right to drive safeguards not only on work- of the minority community all the very least, insist that any labour standards across all sup- all without discrimination, and year over that country’s human a year ago. ers rights, but also freedom for targeted. contracts it signs over a Saudi ply chains, while any F1 races drivers and spectators should rights record. Gulf Times Sunday, August 25, 2019 9 AMERICAS Vaping thought to be behind patient’s death

By Issam Ahmed, AFP to inhale either vaporised nicotine or to the estimated 7,000 chemical con- Washington cannabis, and many of the products stituents present in combustible ciga- have been sent for lab testing. rettes, and vaping is generally believed “The severity of illness people are to be safer than smoking. patient who had recently been experiencing is alarming and we must The liquids do, however, contain vaping has died in the US after get the word out that using e-ciga- nicotine, which has been studied for Adeveloping severe lung disease, rettes and vaping can be dangerous,” decades and is known to be highly ad- offi cials said on Friday, as authorities said Illinois health department direc- dictive, and a variety of other constit- scrambled to fi nd the cause behind al- tor Dr Ngozi Ezike. uents classed as “potentially harmful” most 200 more potential cases. But Ileana Arias, acting deputy di- according to a 2018 study compiled by “On Thursday, we received a report rector on non-infectious diseases at the US National Academy of Sciences of the death of an adult who had been the CDC, added that although the requested by Congress. Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell and Bank of England Governor Mark Carney attend the three-day ‘Challenges for hospitalised with severe unexplained cases appeared similar, “it is unclear if The report identifi ed “substantial Monetary Policy’ conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. respiratory illness after reported vap- these cases have a common cause, or if evidence” that the vapour contains ing,” Jennifer Layden, the chief medi- they are diff erent diseases with similar traces of metals, either from the coil cal offi cer in the Midwestern state of presentations.” used to heat the liquid, or other parts Illinois said. No specifi c product has been iden- of the device. She declined to provide the person’s tifi ed or blamed for the illness in any Another potential red fl ag is the gender, but said that the ages of the of the cases. presence of diacetyl, which is used to Trump wouldn’t stop Fed chair patients treated in the state had been E-cigarettes have been available in add a butter fl avouring but has been between 17 and 38. the US since 2006, and are sometimes linked to a serious but relatively rare As of Friday, there were 193 cases used as an aid to quit smoking tradi- lung disease. across 22 states of potential cases of tional tobacco products like cigarettes. Brian King, deputy director of the Powell if he off ered to resign severe lung illness associated with e- Their use among adolescents has CDC’s offi ce on smoking and health, cigarette use since the end of June, ac- skyrocketed in recent years: some said it was possible, therefore, that Reuters by China, helped trigger a sharp drop did I wouldn’t stop him.” Powell was cording to fi gures released by the Cent- 3.6mn middle and high school stu- such cases were arising before the Washington on Friday in the US stock market. in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, on Fri- ers for Disease Control and Prevention. dents used vaping products in 2018, an current investigation and were only “I don’t think he’s doing a good job day for a meeting with other central The cause has not been determined increase of 1.5mn on the year before. being registered now through height- at all,” Trump told reporters as he left bankers. but all had recently used e-cigarettes E-cigarette users don’t get exposed ened monitoring. resident Donald Trump sharply the White House shortly before mid- He said the Fed would “act as appro- criticised Federal Reserve chair- night on Friday. priate” to keep the US economy healthy Pman Jerome Powell on Friday and “I don’t think he’s much of a chess in a deteriorating global economy but said he wouldn’t try to stop the chief US player, but I’ve got him so, you know, stopped short of committing to a series central banker if he off ered to resign. that’s what I have,” added the presi- of rate cuts sought by Trump. Trump, departing the White House to dent, who earlier questioned on Twit- Faced with growing risks to the travel to the G7 summit in France, told re- ter who was “our bigger enemy,” Powell economy, the Fed cut rates for the fi rst porters, “I’m not happy with Jay Powell.” or Chinese leader Xi Jinping. time in more than a decade last month, Measles-hit NZ girl His comments continued a war of Asked if he wanted Powell to re- and markets overwhelmingly expect words against Powell that, along with sign, Trump replied: “Do I want him the central bank to deliver another cut retaliatory tariff s imposed on US goods to resign? Let me put it this way, if he at its September policy review. visited Disneyland

Reuters in an advisory on Friday night. number of cases of the highly conta- Los Angeles The Orange County Health Care gious and sometimes deadly virus in Agency said that the girl was in Southern the United States between August 8 Companies sue in Canada over California from August 11-15. and August 15. teenage girl from New Zea- During her stay in southern Califor- The disease was declared eliminated land sick with measles visited nia the girl visited the Universal Stu- in the United States in 2000, meaning new rules to lower drug prices ADisneyland and other popular dios Theme Park and several destina- there was no continuous transmission tourist stops across Southern Califor- tions in Hollywood and Santa Monica, for at least a year. nia earlier this month, possibly infect- Los Angeles health offi cials said, add- CDC offi cials say the United States By Allison Martell, Reuters The new rules will save patients, comment given that the matter was ing others, local government health ing that anyone who was also at those risks losing its measles elimination Ottawa employers, insurers and government now before the courts. offi cials warned. locations may be at risk of developing status if the current outbreak, which drug plans money, at the expense of The new regulations expand the in- The alert comes amid the worst measles. began in October 2018 in New York drug company profi ts in Canada. formation the PMPRB can consider outbreak of measles in the United Orange County health offi cials said state, continues until October 2019. ive pharmaceutical companies They could eventually have con- when setting drug price caps, among States in a quarter century, with more she visited Disneyland in Anaheim Measles, considered one of the most said on Friday they have fi led a sequences in the United States, the other things, giving it the ability to than 1,200 cases reported across 30 on August 12 and stayed at the nearby contagious viruses in the world, in- Fcomplaint in a Canadian court world’s largest pharmaceutical market. consider cost-eff ectiveness, measured states since October 2018, according Desert Palms Hotel. fects 90% of exposed people who have challenging the constitutionality of The regulations give new powers to in quality-adjusted life years, for the to the US Centers for Disease Control There was no information on her not been immunised, according to the new Canadian regulations meant to the Patented Medicine Prices Review fi rst time. and Prevention. current condition. Los Angeles County Health Depart- lower patented drug prices, setting up Board (PMPRB), which sets maximum The Trump administration, which “The Los Angeles County Depart- So far in 2019 a total of 16 measles ment. a fi ght with the federal government drug prices. has repeatedly said that it wants to ment of Public Health is looking to cases have been reported among Los Symptoms of the virus, which can ahead of an October 21 election. The new rules were published in address the high cost of prescription identify others who are at risk for Angeles County residents, and 11 in- cause severe complications and even The complaint was fi led in Quebec’s an official register on Wednesday drugs in the United States, said in July measles and may have been exposed to fected people are known to have trav- death, include fever, cough, runny Superior Court by the Canadian arms after being announced earlier this it would let US states and others start a non-resident measles case that trav- elled through the county. nose, red eyes and a characteristic rash of US-based Merck & Co and Johnson month and are to go into force on pilot programs importing drugs from elled to Los Angeles County while in- The CDC said earlier this week that which can appear up to three weeks & Johnson’s Janssen Inc, Germany’s July 1, 2020. Canada. fectious,” the health department said there had been a 1.8% increase in the following exposure. Bayer AG and Boehringer Ingelheim, All fi ve fi rms said in separate news It has also said it may base what and France’s Servier Inc. releases on Friday that in Canada, the Medicare, the government healthcare The fi ling ratchets up a confronta- 10 provinces have always had the au- program for the elderly, pays for cer- Avowed Trump supporter from Mexico convicted of alien voter fraud tion between the pharmaceutical in- thority to regulate the prices of medi- tain medicines based on prices in other dustry and the Liberal government of cines, not the federal government. countries, including Canada. n avowed Republican activist fi ve-day trial in which defence lawyers passport fraud, faces up to 22 years in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, which The new rules “will slow and limit Drugmakers, represented in Canada and supporter of US President presented letters of thanks from Trump prison when he is sentenced on Novem- has vowed to make aff ordability a key Canadians’ access to new break- by lobby group Innovative Medicines ADonald Trump, who was born and top Republican Party offi cials. ber 26, according to a statement from plank of its election campaign. through medicines,” Merck Canada Canada, have argued that lower prices in Mexico but lived in the United States The case posed an ironic twist to the US attorney for the Eastern District Prescription drug insurance cover- said in a release. would delay drug launches, reduce in- illegally for more than 20 years, was Trump’s oft-repeated but unsubstanti- of California announcing the verdict. age in Canada is provided through a Janssen echoed Merck Canada’s vestment in life sciences and drive new found guilty on Friday of identity theft ated claim that millions of non-citizens According to evidence presented at patchwork of public and private plans, concerns, adding that the provinces drug trials out of the country. and fi ve counts of alien voter fraud. fraudulently cast ballots against him in trial, Lerma was born in Mexico in 1955 with the federal, provincial and ter- had already adopted policies to control Ottawa says other countries with A federal court jury in Sacramento, 2016, skewing the popular vote in favour but in the early 1990s he fraudulently as- ritorial governments off ering varying costs of patented medicines. lower drug prices have investment and California, returned the guilty verdict of his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clin- sumed the identity, including Social Se- levels of coverage and determining Health Canada, Canada’s federal drug access that are as good as or better against Gustavo Araujo Lerma, 64, after ton, while he won in the Electoral College. curity number, of a Puerto Rico-born US what the plans and patients pay. health department, said it could not than Canada’s. several hours of deliberation, capping a Lerma, who also was found guilty of citizen, Hiram Velez, who died in 1997. Star Wars and Marvel TV shows lead vast Disney streaming lineup

By Andrew Marszal, AFP to the record-grossing Star Wars the Disney Channel and National mothers and children fl eeing Anaheim fi lms, describing it as “exhilarat- Geographic. from armed villains. ing and liberating” to tell stories McGregor joined Kennedy on Also announced was a “spy that expand beyond two hours. stage to confi rm rumors that he series” inspired by critically ac- isney on Friday lifted the lid The online streaming service would return as the Jedi master claimed Star Wars fi lm Rogue on three live-action Star Disney+ featuring fi lm and tele- who was fi rst portrayed by Alec One, with Diego Luna and Alan DWars series for its much- vision shows will launch Novem- Guinness in the 1977 original Tudyk to reprise their roles in a hyped new television streaming ber 12 in the US as well as Canada Star Wars. prequel storyline. service, including Ewan McGre- and the Netherlands, before roll- Few details were given for the Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige gor’s return as Obi-Wan Kenobi, as ing out worldwide. series, except that it has been revealed three previously unan- the company revealed a vast lineup Chief executive Bob Iger told written and will begin shooting nounced shows which will over- for its Netfl ix rival. investors on a recent earnings next year. lap with the most successful fi lm Previously unannounced se- call that “nothing is more im- Introducing the fi rst trailer for franchise of all time — Ms Marvel, ries set in Marvel’s wildly popu- portant to us” than the platform, the separate Mandalorian series, Moon Knight and She-Hulk. lar superhero universe and a live- which will compete in a crowded which will be available at launch, More details emerged for fur- action Lady and the Tramp fi lm marketplace with Netfl ix, Ama- showrunner Jon Favreau said the ther Marvel superhero shows were among the shows teased at zon Prime, Apple TV+, HBO Max show would take place after Re- What If...?” — an animated series the biennial D23 fan convention and more. turn of the Jedi in a world where imagining diff erent outcomes for in California, to whooping cheers As well as off ering Disney’s celebrations about the end of each of the 23 Marvel fi lms to date from Disney devotees dressed as enormous back catalog, includ- the evil Empire had given way to — and WandaVision, which was their favourite characters. ing all animated fi lms and Pixar chaos. intriguingly described as a “half But the loudest ovation was movies within its fi rst year, it It will be set in a “world where classic sitcom, half full (Marvel saved for the Star Wars presenta- will feature a plethora of newly like the old samurai movies and Cinematic Universe) spectacu- tion, with the fi rst offi cial trailer commissioned shows. It will cost the old Westerns, where the gun- lar” inspired by Dick Van Dyke. for Disney+ launch series The $6.99 a month in the US. fi ghters are rolling and people are Also appearing on a bumper line- Mandalorian showing a dark, Friday’s sweeping presenta- fi ghting for their own safety,” he up were an “unscripted” Muppets lawless universe populated by tion in a packed 6,800-seater said. “It’s a dangerous world.” show, a grown-up Lizzie McGuire murderous bounty hunters. hall in Anaheim lasted nearly New footage showed battered reboot starring Hilary Duff , a series Lucasfi lm president Kath- two hours, and set out titles from Stormtrooper helmets mount- of shorts featuring Forky from Toy leen Kennedy said the TV shows across Disney-owned brands in- ed on spikes and crumbling in Story 4, and a mockumentary based Members of the audience try the Disney on Broadway virtual reality experience at the D23 Expo at the would be “identical” in quality cluding Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, the desert dust, with cowering on High School Musical. Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. Gulf Times 10 Sunday, August 25, 2019 ASIA

Two Rohingya refugees killed in gunfight with police

Bangladesh police said they had shot dead two Rohingya refugees N Korea fi res ‘short-range during a gunfight in a refugee camp yesterday after the pair were accused of killing a ruling party off icial. Nearly 1mn Rohingya live in squalid camps in southeast Bangladesh, 740,000 of whom ballistic missiles’ into sea fled a 2017 military off ensive in Myanmar. AFP latest joint drill wrapped up on Blue House convened a Na- ter Takeshi Iwaya told reporters. ing of Pyongyang’s actions by Earlier this week, Stephen The incident comes two days Seoul Tuesday. tional Security Council meet- “It can’t be overlooked the US allies. Biegun, the US special envoy for after a second failed attempt to “The military detected two ing and expressed “grave con- no matter what the size and Nuclear talks between North Korea, said during a visit repatriate the refugees, which unidentifi ed projectiles pre- cerns” in a statement, pointing distance are,” he said. Pyongyang and Washington to Seoul that Washington was saw not a single Rohingya turn orth Korea yesterday sumed to be short-range bal- out Pyongyang had carried out Washington was monitoring have been gridlocked since a “prepared to engage” as soon as up to return across the border to fi red what appeared listic missiles,” South Korea’s the launch after the joint US- the situation following reports second summit in Hanoi in it hears from Pyongyang. conflict-scarred Rakhine state. Nto be two short-range Joint Chiefs of Staff in a state- South Korea military drills had of a missile launch, a senior US February collapsed without an But on Friday, the North “Both men died as they were ballistic missiles into the sea ment yesterday after the latest ended. offi cial said. agreement over the extent of vowed to “remain as the biggest rushed to a hospital,” local police after vowing to remain the launch. “NSC members agreed to “We are consulting closely denuclearisation in the North ‘threat’ to the US” if Washing- inspector Rasel Ahmad said, biggest “threat” to the United The missiles fl ew about continue diplomatic eff orts with our Japanese and South and a sanctions relief. ton persisted with sanctions, in adding that the incident took States and branding Secre- 380km (240 miles) and reached with the international commu- Korean allies.” US President Donald Trump a statement by Foreign Minister place in Jadimura refugee camp tary of State Mike Pompeo as an altitude of 97km at a top nity to bring the North back to South Korea’s military said and North Korean leader Kim Ri Yong Ho. in Cox’s Bazar district. “toxin.” speed of Mach 6.5 before land- negotiation table with the US it would share intelligence on Jong Un agreed to kick start Ri also launched a scathing Ahmad said the two Rohingya were It was the latest in a series of ing in the East Sea, also known to achieve the goal of complete the launches with Japan de- working-level talks during an attack on Pompeo, calling him shot and critically injured during a short-range missile tests the as Sea of Japan, it said. denuclearisation in the Korean spite Seoul saying earlier this impromptu meeting at the De- a “diehard toxin” after the top manhunt for suspects after a youth nuclear-armed nation has car- “Our military is tracking the peninsula.” week that it was terminating militarised Zone on June 30 US diplomat said Washing- wing off icial of the ruling Awami ried out in recent weeks in pro- movement in the North in case Tokyo also believed North such exchanges amid a growing but no contacts have been held ton would continue to keep the League party was killed, allegedly test against US-South Korean of additional launches, with Korea had fi red “ballistic mis- diplomatic and trade spat with since with the North repeat- “toughest” sanctions on the by armed refugees. military exercises, which it sees fi rm readiness,” it added. siles” in violation of UN resolu- its neighbour, which had raised edly expressing anger at the war North until the reclusive state Awami League off icial Omar Faruk as a rehearsal for invasion. The South Korea’s presidential tions, Japanese Defence Minis- concern it could weaken track- games. denuclearises. was shot in the head on Thursday, at a settlement near the border town of Teknaf, Ahmad said. His murder had sparked anger among the local population, with hundreds of furious people blocking a key highway leading Police fi re tear gas to the camps for hours, burning tyres and vandalising shops visited by refugees. Ahmad said the two men killed on Saturday had been identified as as clashes return to key suspects in Faruk’s killing and added that they had been shot while the off icers were ambushed by the suspected criminals. “It was wrong of the refugees to Hong Kong streets agitate the locals. We want justice in the quickest possible time,” AFP UK consulate staff er returns home aft er detention said Abdul Matin, a friend of the Hong Kong deceased politician. (AFP) A British consulate employee public safety management.” detained in China has returned Yesterday, Cheng’s relieved ong Kong riot police to Hong Kong, his family said family announced his return. Taiwan braces for yesterday fi red tear gas yesterday, ending a two-week “Simon has returned to Hong Typhoon Bailu Hand baton-charged ordeal during which Beijing’s Kong,” his family said in a Facebook protesters who retaliated with state media smeared him with post, adding he would take “some Taiwan braced for typhoon Bailu a barrage of stones, bottles and lurid allegations. time to rest and recover”. yesterday, shutting businesses and bamboo poles, in another tense Simon Cheng disappeared Britain’s Foreign Off ice said schools as airlines cancelled hundreds bout of violence. after visiting the neighbouring “we welcome the release of flights amid warnings of landslides, The city has been gripped by city of Shenzhen on of Simon Cheng and are A demonstrator throws back a tear gas canister as they clash with riot police during a protest in Hong floods and high seas on the island. three months of street protests August 8 and was placed in delighted that he can be Kong yesterday. Typhoon Bailu, categorised at that started against a proposed administrative detention by reunited with his family.” the weakest typhoon level by extradition bill to China but police, unable to contact his “Simon and his family have protesters were detained as of- Ryan said, giving one name. the protests in a strategy dubbed Taiwan’s weather bureau, made have spun out into a wider pro- family or his British employers. requested privacy and we fi cers swept through, with po- “The government won’t re- “white terror” by the landfall in yesterday afternoon in democracy movement. He was returning to Hong would be grateful if this is lice justifying their charge on spond to peaceful protest. If I am movement. the southern county of Pingtung An uneasy peace had de- Kong on a high-speed train respected,” the department “a large group of violent pro- arrested it is because I come out Hong Kong-based airline Ca- with maximum winds of 137km scended this week but that and sent messages to his said in a statement. testers” who had set fi res and to speak for justice.” thay Pacifi c has sacked staff over (85 miles) per hour. was broken yesterday as girlfriend as he was about to Cheng was released as the hurled bricks. Hundreds of thousands their political activities, while Hundreds of people were moved thousands of demonstrators go through customs, shortly term had expired, the police The city had appeared to have marched peacefully last Sunday, the MTR – the city’s metro op- to safety, while more than 350 – many wearing hard hats and before he was stopped by said, adding he had “confessed pulled back from a sharp nose- as a key protest group sought to erator – has been pilloried for flights were cancelled. Some gas masks – marched through Chinese authorities. to the facts of his illegal dive into violence, with the last regain the moral high ground in a closing stations after Chinese 34,000 soldiers were deployed in the industrial Kwun Tong In a statement posted on the activity”, but without saying serious clashes taking place a city shocked at the level of state-media accused it of of- the south amid fears of floods. area, where they were blocked Twitter-like Weibo, Shenzhen what he was accused of. week and a half ago just after violence. fering an “exclusive” transport The storm, which was the first by dozens of offi cers with police said Cheng was The Global Times, a state-run protests paralysed the fi nancial But yesterday’s face-off un- service to protesters. to make landfall on the island in shields and batons outside a “punished with administrative tabloid newspaper, said he hub’s airport. derscored the dangerous dead- Protests started against a bill more than two years, cut power police station. detention for 15 days... for had been held for “soliciting Tension fl ickered through- lock into which the city has that would have allowed extra- to nearly 30,000 homes and Frontline protesters pulled violating the law of the prostitutes”, citing police in out the march, where dozens sunk – with the government un- dition to China, but have bled caused localized flooding in together a barricade of traffi c People’s Republic of China on Shenzhen. (AFP) of the most radical demonstra- moving in the face of protester into wider calls for democracy southern Taiwan. barriers and bamboo construc- tors known as “braves” had demands, and demonstrators and police accountability in the The bureau issued wind and rain tion poles, spray-painting walls gathered, battle-hardened by a stubbornly refusing to leave the semi-autonomous city. warnings for southern Taiwan, with insults directed at the shots, prompting a charge from as protesters retreated, leaving three-month street campaign. streets. Protesters say Hong Kong’s including the port city of Kaohsiung police. police wielding batons and a trail of broken bottles and at “I understand being peace- China has used a blend of unique freedoms are in jeopardy where businesses and schools were As the afternoon wore on pepper spray. least one small fi re in their wake. ful will not solve the problem,” intimidation, propaganda and as Beijing tightens its political closed. It also put out a warning to some fi red stones from sling- Tear gas swept across the road Several of the black-clad 19-year-old student protester economic muscle to constrict chokehold on the city. seafarers around the island. (Reuters) Chinese ship inches closer to Vietnam coastline amid S China Sea tensions Reuters yesterday under escort from at exploit any natural resources Earlier in the week, the United Hanoi least four ships and was around within that area, according to States said it was deeply con- 102km (63 miles) southeast the agreement. cerned about China’s interfer- of Vietnam’s Phu Quy island Vietnam and China have for ence in oil and gas activities in Chinese survey vessel and 185km (115 miles) from the years been embroiled in a dispute waters claimed by Vietnam, and yesterday extended its ac- beaches of the southern city of over the potentially energy-rich that the deployment of the ves- Ativities to an area closer to Phan Thiet, according to data stretch of waters and a busy ship- sels was “an escalation by Bei- Vietnam’s coastline, ship track- from Marine Traffi c, a website ping lane in the South China Sea. jing in its eff orts to intimidate ing data showed, after the United that tracks vessel movements. China’s unilaterally declared other claimants out of develop- States and Australia expressed The Chinese vessel group was “nine-dash line” marks a vast, ing resources in the South China concern about China’s actions in followed by at least two Viet- U-shaped, expanse of the South Sea” the disputed waterways. namese naval vessels, according China Sea that it claims, includ- Chinese Foreign Ministry The Haiyang Dizhi 8 vessel to the data. ing large swathes of Vietnam’s spokesman Geng Shuang, in re- fi rst entered Vietnam’s exclusive Vietnam’s foreign ministry did continental shelf where it has sponse to the US statement, said economic zone (EEZ) early last not immediately respond to a re- awarded oil concessions. Washington was “sowing divi- month where it began a weeks- quest from Reuters for comment. On Friday, Vietnamese Prime sion and had ulterior motives”. Rescuers help a survivor of a ferry that caught fire off Indonesia’s Java island to disembark after long seismic survey, triggering A country’s EEZ typically ex- Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc “The aim is to bring chaos to arriving at Tangjung Perak port in Surabaya, East Java, yesterday. a tense standoff between mili- tends up to 200 nautical miles and his Australian counterpart the situation in the South China tary and coastguard vessels from (370km or 230 miles) from its expressed their concern about Sea and damage regional peace Vietnam and China. coastline, according to an in- China’s activities in the South and stability. China is resolutely The Chinese vessel contin- ternational UN treaty. That China Sea, known in Vietnam as opposed to this,” Geng told a ued to survey Vietnam’s EEZ country has sovereign rights to the East Sea. daily news briefi ng on Friday. 300 evacuated after ferry fi re

Reuters channel TV One. It was initially Offi cials have given no de- Jakarta reported there were 277 people tails about the possible cause US, SE Asia to hold fi rst-ever joint maritime drill on board. of the fi re. Rescue eff orts were A statement from the Basar- complicated by the boat’s man- ndonesian rescuers found nas rescue agency said it had ifest listing only 111 passengers, AFP comes as a deteriorating trade resource-rich waters contain province east of Bangkok. three people dead and evac- been confi rmed there were 303 offi cials said. Bangkok war with China threatens to some of the world’s most vital The purpose of the five-day Iuated 300 from the blazing people on board, three of whom Mismatches in passenger engulf the global economy. commercial shipping lanes. maritime drill is to “maintain wreckage of a ferry off the coast were killed. data have been a long-standing US Secretary of State Mike Despite having conflicting maritime security, focus on of Java island, an offi cial said “The search will continue problem in Indonesia’s trans- The US and 10 Southeast Asian Pompeo attended a regional interests with four rival prevention and pre-empt yesterday, signifi cantly more today,” Basarnas offi cial Budi portation sector. states will hold their first-ever joint summit earlier this month with claimants in Asean, China last wrongdoing in the sea”, said a than were originally said to Prasetyo told Reuters earlier. Ferries are an important maritime exercises in September, the 10-country Association of year held a joint maritime drill US embassy statement. have been on board the vessel. Basarnas deployed ships from means of transport in Indone- aimed at preventing “wrongdoing” Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) with the regional bloc. The drills will primarily take place off The KM Santika Nusantara nearby ports and an aircraft for sia, which is made up of some as Washington and Beijing jostle in a bid to promote the Trump The navies of the US and Asean the coast of Vietnam’s southernmost was travelling between In- air monitoring. 17,000 islands. for influence in the region. administration’s so-called “Indo- will do the same on September Ca Mau province, where the US Navy donesia’s second-largest city Prasetyo acknowledged the Sea connections are cheaper Washington has traditionally Pacific” strategy. 2, the US embassy in Bangkok will dispatch “suspicious boats” in of Surabaya and the town of discrepancy in the number of and more extensive than air been the dominant naval Also a source of friction is announced late Friday, with a mock exercise to help Asean’s Balikpapan on Borneo island people said to have been on links. However, safety stand- power in Southeast Asia and its China’s expansive claims to the exercises launching at a navies to “search, verify and legally when it caught fi re on Thurs- board and said many passen- ards are not always strictly re-engagement with the area the South China Sea, as the Thai naval base in Chonburi prosecute” the boats. day evening, government of- gers did not list their names on enforced and accidents occur fi cial Syahrul Nugroho told TV the ferry’s manifest. fairly often. Gulf Times Sunday, August 25, 2019 11 BRITAIN

Study into reason for Johnson, EU trade barbs athletes’ poor teeth

By Aamna Mohdin on Brexit at G7 summit Guardian News & Media Who would be Brexit’s Mr wants a deal, Britain is ready to No-deal Brexit would shrink UK’s global infl uence, say ex-ambassadors the re-emergence of a border No-Deal? Johnson and Tusk leave without one, a position which could lead to a return of ritish Olympic and profes- exchange accusations that infuriates Tusk, who once Leaving the European Union without a deal would relationships with our European neighbours. sectarian fi ghting on the island. sional athletes could be said there was a “special place vastly shrink the UK’s international influence and “No deal represents the biggest unilateral abandon- Johnson has staked his leader- Bdamaging their teeth by AFP/DPA in hell” for those who promoted would represent “the biggest unilateral abandonment” ment of those interests in modern British history. ship on a “do or die” withdrawal regular using sports drinks, en- Biarritz, France Brexit without a plan. of long-term British interests in recent history, a group “It should not be allowed to happen. We hope the from the EU by the current ergy bars and gels, according to “One thing I will not co-op- of former ambassadors have claimed. prime minister uses this G7 meeting to signal a diff er- deadline of October 31. a study. erate on is a ‘no deal’, and I still In a letter, signed by 25 former senior diplomats and ent approach.” He has promised to fi nd alter- Researchers from University ccusing one another of hope that Prime Minister John- published in the Times, they urged the prime minister, The intervention came after the Brexit secretary, Steve native solutions for the Ireland College London surveyed 352 fe- being “Mr No Deal”, Brit- son will not like to go down in Boris Johnson, to “signal a diff erent approach” at this Barclay, confirmed that the UK would not nominate issue without the need for the male and male athletes across 11 Aish Prime Minister Boris history as Mr ‘No Deal’,” Tusk weekend’s G7 summit in Biarritz, a new candidate for the role of EU commissioner, as backstop, though EU leaders re- sports, including cycling, swim- Johnson and EU Council Presi- told reporters in Biarritz. France, and retain “close relationships with our Euro- other members states consider who to nominate. main to be convinced. ming, rugby, football, rowing, dent Donald Tusk exchanged Informed of Tusk’s comments pean neighbours”. He said it would be a distraction to nominate someone “There are a large range of al- hockey, sailing and athletics. accusations at the G7 summit while fl ying over France’s Atlan- It said: “An impending no-deal Brexit … would result in for the post. ternative arrangements – these The study concluded that elite yesterday over who will be to tic coast into Biarritz, Johnson an unprecedented – and self-inflicted – diminution of “We are leaving the EU on 31 October,” Barclay said. we will be discussing in the athletes had poor oral health blame if Britain crashes out the responded that a no-deal Brexit Britain’s international influence. “As a departing member state we will not be involved coming weeks,” Johnson said. despite eff orts to care for their bloc without an accord. would not be his responsibility. “We need a foreign policy based on long-term UK in- in the new commission so it would be a distraction to No further one-on-ones are teeth. Johnson had held bilateral He said that it is up to the EU terests and a strong economy, and that requires close nominate a new commissioner.” – Guardian planned between Johnson and The fi ndings, published in the talks with German Chancellor to get rid of the so-called Irish Merkel or Macron at the G7 after British Dental Journal, showed Angela Merkel and French Presi- backstop, a provision guaran- their meetings last week, a sen- 94% of athletes brushed their dent Emmanuel Macron ahead teeing that border checks will then that point should be borne Brexit eschatology with the and acceptable to all member ior British government offi cial teeth twice a day, compared with of the G7, expressing cautious not return between Ireland, in mind too.” president of the Council,” said states, including Ireland”. said. 75% of the general public, while optimism that a deal could be an EU member, and Britain’s Pressed on Tusk’s famous Johnson. Johnson has called the back- Johnson also called on the 44% fl ossed regularly, compared agreed before Britain leaves the Northern Ireland. “special place in hell” jibe that Eschatology, a word of ancient stop “anti-democratic” because British parliament – which re- with 21% of the public. EU on October 31. “I don’t want a ‘no-deal’ many observers believe was Greek origin meaning literally it would require London to keep peatedly rejected the Brexit deal The study builds on previous However, his frosty exchanges Brexit. I say to our friends in aimed at Johnson, the premier the “study of what is last”, con- its regulations aligned with negotiated by his predecessor research by the UCL Eastman with Tusk – which took place a the EU, if they don’t want a ‘no- said he did not want to discuss cerns death and the afterlife. those of the EU during a transi- Theresa May – to “get Brexit Dental Institute that measured day before the pair hold bilat- deal’ Brexit, then we have got to the afterlife with his Polish col- Johnson, who himself read tional period when the country done” so Britain leaves on Oc- tooth decay, gum health and acid eral talks at the summit – gave get rid of the backstop from the league. Classics at Oxford University, is is no longer a member of the tober 31. erosion in elite athletes. an indication of the mountain treaty,” Johnson said. “I have great relations with fond of peppering his comments bloc. “I am confi dent that they will It found that 49% of athletes to climb if they hope to recon- Addressing Tusk directly, the our friends and partners in the with Latin and Greek phrases. Johnson and Tusk are set to understand that their historic had untreated tooth decay, and cile their positions in barely two British prime minister added: “If EU and intend to continue to Tusk has insisted the EU was meet today. function is to respect the will 32% reported their oral health months. Donald Tusk does not want to go improve them the whole time still “willing to listen to ideas European offi cials argue the of the people, the democratic had a negative impact on train- Johnson says that while he down as Mr ‘No-Deal’ Brexit, without getting into any post- that are operational, realistic backstop is necessary to avoid mandate,” he said. ing and performance. The latest study attempted to explore why. Researchers found that 87% of athletes regularly drank sports drinks, Notting Hill carnival ‘can unite divided country’: organisers 59% ate energy bars, and 70% used energy gels, all of which are known to damage teeth. By Lanre Bakare Previous fi ndings have sug- Guardian News & Media gested elite athletes may have a higher risk of oral disease be- cause of having a dry mouth he Notting Hill carnival is during intensive training. the ideal way to bring to- Dr Julie Gallagher, from the Tgether a divided country institute, said: “We found that and remember those who have a majority of the athletes in our been caught up in the Windrush survey already have good oral scandal, its organisers have said. health-related habits in as much Matthew Phillip, the carni- as they brush their teeth twice a val’s executive director, said the day, visit the dentist regularly, event – which takes place over don’t smoke and have a healthy the bank holiday weekend and general diet. is Europe’s biggest street festi- “However, they use sports val – is designed to break down drinks, energy gels and bars barriers. frequently during training and “Carnival was brought to us competition; the sugar in these by the Windrush generation,” he products increases the risk of said. “It was that infl ux of peo- tooth decay and the acidity of ple which created carnival in the them increases the risk of ero- fi rst place. sion. “It was a chance for the di- “This could be contributing verse community of Notting Hill to the high levels of tooth decay to come together and celebrate and acid erosion we saw during the fact that we’ve got a lot more the dental check-ups.” in common with people than Gallagher said the athletes diff erences. interviewed for the study were “That’s still relevant today.” willing to consider behaviour It also off ers a chance for a changes, such as additional fl uo- country – that is at its most di- Residents cover up plants at the ride use from mouthwash, more vided in decades, according to entrance to residential homes, frequent dental visits and reduc- recent studies – to forget its dif- ahead of Notting Hill Carnival in ing their intake of sports drinks, ferences. London, while another resident to improve oral health. “It is absolutely more impor- (right) fixes a plywood board at Researchers went on to work tant now than ever,” said Phil- the entrance of his home. with the elite athletes and their lip. “You look around carnival support team members to de- and Ladbroke Grove and you sign an oral health intervention see people from all walks of life study. celebrating and enjoying food together. “All you’ll see is smiling faces. Royals take It brings everybody together.” He added: “I really believe commercial flight that carnival should be cel- to visit queen ebrated and highlighted and the whole nation should be proud Prince William has taken a of it. commercial no-frills flight to “It puts the UK on the map for visit his grandmother Queen that one weekend and it high- Elizabeth II, winning plaudits and lights London as a city that’s favourable comparisons to his welcoming and inclusive of all brother Harry after the younger people from all walks of life.” sibling was criticised for using The event, which is celebrat- private jets. ing its 53rd year, is estimated William, wife Kate and their to bring more than £100mn to children took a Flybe flight to London’s economy and is the Aberdeen en route to the queen’s second largest carnival in the Scottish summer residence in world, behind Rio de Janeiro in Balmoral. Brazil. British newspapers said the flight One million people are pre- cost £73 a ticket ($89.16) and dicted to attend the event, which published pictures of William also makes it the largest public carrying the family’s luggage by order challenge for the Metro- hand to the plane. politan police. “We were delighted to welcome Last year the Met installed the Duke and Duchess of knife arches after using “Big Cambridge and their family on Brother-style” facial recogni- board one of our flights again, tion in 2017, where the system A road sign and hedge is covered by netting ahead of Notting Hill A pedestrian walks past a boarded-up Sainbury’s supermarket store front ahead of Notting Hill Carnival this time when they flew from was wrong 98% of the time, Carnival in London. in London. Norwich to Aberdeen with according to a report by the our franchise partner, Eastern campaign group “Big Brother jority of carnival-goers are law- Phillip said community stew- have been questioned this year, “But we have an issue with the camps – there’s been a lot of in- Airways,” British regional airline Watch”. abiding, sadly a small number ards would again be used to and Phillip says the organisers planet and we encourage people terest in hearing the real stories. Flybe said in a statement. On the Sunday of last year’s are intent on committing acts of “complement” the police. encourage traders to consider to be ecological wherever pos- It creates a diff erent feel.” Kensington Palace declined to event, the Met activated a Sec- violence. He said: “Carnival is not a where they are sourcing from sible.” This year, as during the 2017 comment on the flight. tion 60 order across the carni- “While this behaviour does public order problem, it is a and said there will be water Phillip said a proactive PR and 2018 events, there will be The trip came after high profile val area in west London after form a very small part of what celebration. Many of the com- points – organised in conjunc- campaign, which involved tell- a 72-second silence for those criticism of William’s brother receiving intelligence, meaning is on the whole a spectacular munity stewards know the area tion with Thames Water – so ing stories of the everyday peo- killed in the Grenfell Tower fi re, Harry over his use of private jets stop and search powers could be event, the MPS (Metropolitan intimately, and that local knowl- people can use refi llable bottles. ple behind carnival, has helped at 3pm today and tomorrow. to take trips with wife Meghan. enforced. Police Service) is uncompromis- edge and welcome means there’s “During carnival people make counteract negative press atten- “Grenfell Tower is in our William’s use of a commercial This year the arches will be ing in striving to maintain the a softer feel. do and mend,” he said. “People tion that focuses on crime. community so we feel it’s im- flight was held up as a shining used again. safety and security of the pub- “People are coming from all have always recycled things in “We’ve had far greater cov- portant to show our support,” example to his brother in the Dave Musker, the Met offi cer lic, and will do what is necessary over the world to celebrate; we order to make their costumes erage of the people who make said Phillip, who added that the newspapers, with the front page in charge of the policing opera- and proportionate to protect don’t want it to feel oppressive.” and in that sense carnival has al- carnival – the band leaders, the 72 seconds represented a second of the Sun newspaper declaring: tion, said: “While the vast ma- those attending.” The event’s green credentials ways been a green event. sound-system leaders, the mas for every person who died. “Wills gives Harry a flying lesson.” Gulf Times 12 Sunday, August 25, 2019 EUROPE

Italy’s M5S, PD Thousands join anti-G7 talks hit stumbling rallies in Spain, France block over AFP/Reuters PM Conte Irún, Spain/Bayonne, France

Reuters ore than 9,000 anti- Milan G7 protesters joined Ma mass march over a bridge linking France and Spain alks between Italy’s an- yesterday as leaders from the ti-establishment 5-Star Group of 7 nations descended TMovement (M5S) and the for their summit in the Atlantic centre-left Democratic Party resort of Biarritz. (PD) to form a new government Since Monday, anti-capitalist have hit a stumbling block over activists, environmentalists and the PD’s opposition to Giuseppe other anti-globalisation groups Conte being reinstated as prime have been fl ocking to a counter- minister. summit in southwestern France The two parties, tradition- that organisers insisted would ally bitter foes, started talks on be peaceful. Friday to try to reach common Yesterday’s march took place ground for a new government in the French coastal town of after the ruling coalition of M5S Hendaye, about 30km (18 miles) and right-wing League implod- from Biarritz, without incident ed last week after months of in- in a good-natured atmosphere, fi ghting, forcing Conte to resign. with police giving a fi gure of On Thursday, President Sergio 9,000 but organisers saying as Mattarella gave Italy’s fractious many as 15,000 people turned parties fi ve days to clinch a deal up. A placard reading ‘stop climate crime’ is seen as demonstrators take part in a march yesterday in to resolve a political crisis and Biarritz is a popular tourist Hendaye, southwest France, to protest against the annual G7 summit. avoid a snap election. destination that would normally In his fi rst meeting on Friday be basking in its annual summer lied under cloudless blue skies that prompted donors to pledge activists, families, anti-glo- with M5S leader Luigi di Maio, boom, but with US President in Hendaye, the slogan refer- €850mn ($954mn) to rebuild it. balists, a handful of anti-gov- PD chief Nicola Zingaretti said Donald Trump and other world ring to the wildfi res ravaging the Waving thousands of fl ags, ernment “yellow vest” protest- any new government would have leaders fl ying in for three days world’s largest rainforest. they marched across the Bidas- ers and Basque nationalists, AFP to mark a break with the past, in- of talks, the resort was in lock- “If the climate was a cathe- soa River heading for the Span- correspondents said. cluding appointing a new leader. down. dral, we would already have ish town of Irún, chanting slo- There was even a group “Nothing personal,” Zinga- “Heads of state: act now, saved it,” read another, referring gans while some played drums. dressed in traditional Basque A man lobs a stone during a protest yesterday in the city of retti said yesterday. Amazonia is burning!” read one to Notre-Dame in Paris, which The colourful crowd was an shepherd costumes, with red, Bayonne, southwest France, on the sidelines of the annual G7 In later comments on Face- banner as the huge crowd ral- was ravaged by a fi re in April eclectic mix of environmental white and green Basque fl ags as summit. book, he said his party is open to far as the eye could see. any kind of dialogue on a list of “The counter-G7 demonstra- wearing a yellow vest – symbol big challenges if we don’t act to- policy priorities put forward by tion is in this Basque region and of the anti-government demon- gether.” M5S. “We will continue to work we want people to see we are strations that have been held in Overnight, 17 people were ar- to try and open a new political Likelihood of ‘G5+2’ downplayed part of it,” said Alfredo Akuna, a France for months. rested and four police lightly in- season.” 46-year-old engineer from San “It’s more money for the rich jured when skirmishes erupted Speaking to reporters in Biar- Sebastián in northern Spain who and nothing for the poor. We see near in Urrugne, a village some ritz yesterday ahead of the G7 From Page One growing dependency on the United States. wore traditional Basque cloth- the Amazonian forests burn- 25km south of Biarritz. summit, Conte, who has contin- Johnson and Trump will hold bilateral talks this ing. “We’re involved in many ing and the Arctic melting. The Friday night’s confrontation ued to serve in a caretaker capac- Before his arrival, Trump repeated a threat to tax morning. movements including anti- leaders will hear us,” he said. occurred as activists tried to ity, said it was a question of poli- French wines in retaliation for a new French levy Johnson and European Council head Donald capitalism and anti-fascism so But authorities remain on block police from a site where cies and not people. on digital services, which he says unfairly targets Tusk sparred before the summit over who would it’s important to be here to show high alert, with Biarritz in lock- they had set up camp, with po- “The political season (of the US companies. be to blame if Britain leaves the EU on October 31 that.” down and police deployed en lice fi ring tear gas and using con- M5S-League government) is for Two US offi cials said the Trump delegation was without a withdrawal agreement in place (see re- “We are very happy because masse in the neighbouring town troversial rubber rounds known me something that’s over and also irked that French riot police used water can- port on page 11). it was a huge challenge,” said of Bayonne as well to keep pro- as LBDs to disperse them, AFP done with and cannot be reo- nons and tear gas yesterday to disperse anti-capi- Despite the Brexit tensions, diplomats played Sebastian Bailleul of Alterna- testers at bay. correspondents said. pened anymore,” he said. talism protesters in Bayonne, near Biarritz. down the likelihood of Trump and Johnson join- tives G7, one of the march’s or- “I want to call for calm and Earlier on Friday, police A deal between M5S and the A police helicopter circled as protesters taunted ing hands against the rest, citing Britain’s foreign ganisers, saying that the event for unity,” French President blocked several hundred dem- PD would give Italy a more mod- lines of police. policy alignment with Europe on issues from Iran had “brought together French, Emmanuel Macron said in an onstrators from reaching a erate, Europe-friendly govern- The leaders themselves were gathering behind and trade to climate change. Basque and international strug- address to the nation just be- roundabout on the road between ment and force the League into tight security in a waterfront conference venue, “There won’t be a G5+2,” one senior G7 diplo- gles”. fore the opening of the summit, Biarritz and the Spanish border. opposition. the surrounding streets barricaded by police. mat said. “The top capitalist leaders are where world leaders were to ad- And yesterday French riot The meeting between the two Adding to the unpredictable dynamic between Indeed, Johnson said he would tell Trump to pull here and we have to show them dress the Amazon crisis along police used water cannons and leaders, described as very cor- the G7 leaders are the new realities facing Brexit- back from a trade war that is already destabilising that the fi ght continues,” said with other global issues. “We teargas to disperse anti-capital- dial, followed a previous meeting bound Britain: dwindling infl uence in Europe and economic growth around the world. Alain Missana, 48, an electrician won’t be able to face all these ism protesters in Bayonne. of emissaries from both parties who said there was reason for optimism. But amid mutual suspicions and gaping policy diff erences, both parties are upping the Docking aborted for Russia’s fi rst humanoid robot in space stakes, betting that the other has more to fear from a return to the polls in the autumn. AFP The docking had been sched- Fedor blasted off Thursday in It was to trial those manual On Friday, Di Maio said the Moscow uled for 0530 GMT but a live a Soyuz MS-14 spacecraft from skills in very low gravity inside talks would go nowhere unless broadcast of the event on the Russia’s Baikonur Cosmodrome the space station. the PD agreed to cut the number website of the Russian space in Kazakhstan and was to stay on “The fi rst stage of in-fl ight of lawmakers to 600 from 945. n unmanned spacecraft agency Roscosmos was inter- the ISS until September 7 learn- experiments went according to In a tweet yesterday, PD law- carrying Russia’s fi rst rupted when the Soyuz ap- ing to assist astronauts in the the fl ight plan,” the robot tweet- maker Andrea Orlando accused Ahumanoid robot to be proached about 100m of the ISS. space station. ed after reaching orbit. M5S of continually raising the sent into orbit failed to dock at “The Soyuz is on a safe trajec- Soyuz ships are normally Fedor copies human move- bar. “The other day there were the International Space Station tory above and behind the space manned on such trips, but this ments, a key skill that allows it 10 priority points, at 2pm yester- (ISS) yesterday, in a new setback station that will bring it in the time no humans were travelling to remotely help astronauts – or day it was a cut in the number of for Moscow. vicinity of the orbital complex in order to test a new emergency even people on Earth – to carry parliamentarians, at 9pm it was “Russian cosmonauts issued again in 24 hours and 48 hours,” rescue system. out tasks while the humans are Conte or nothing. It’s very hard a command to abort the auto- Nasa said. Instead of cosmonauts, Fedor, strapped into an exoskeleton. to go on like this.” mated approach of an uncrewed Roscosmos director Dmitry also known as Skybot F850, was Fedor is not the fi rst robot to Clouding things further are Russian Soyuz spacecraft to the Rogozin said on Twitter that a strapped into a specially adapted go into space. PD worries that M5S may be International Space Station,” new attempt would be made to pilot’s seat, with a small Russian In 2011, Nasa sent up Robo- tempted to reopen channels with the US space agency Nasa said in dock the craft on Tuesday morn- fl ag in its hand. naut 2, a humanoid developed the League, which has shown a statement. ing, after earlier reports said this This handout picture taken on July 26 and released by the off icial “Let’s go. Let’s go,” the robot with General Motors that had a signs of regretting its move to “The craft was unable to lock would take place tomorrow. website of the Russian State Space Corporation Roscosmos on was heard saying during launch, similar aim of working in high- scupper the government two onto its target at the station” and “The situation is diffi cult, but August 21 shows Russian humanoid robot Skybot F-850 (Fedor) repeating the famous phrase risk environments. weeks ago. “backed a safe distance away under control,” he said. being tested ahead of its flight on board Soyuz MS-14 spacecraft at used by the fi rst man in space It was fl own back to Earth in Yesterday Italian newswire from the orbital complex while Tass news agency quoted the the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Yuri Gagarin. 2018 after experiencing techni- Adnkronos cited League offi cial the Russian fl ight controllers as- head of the Russian side of the The silvery anthropomorphic cal problems. Fabio Cantarella as saying the sess the next steps”, Nasa said. ISS, Vladimir Soloviov saying Russia’s space industry has landing shortly after lift-off – it robot stands 180cm tall and In 2013, Japan sent up a small party was ready to off er Di Maio Russian fl ight controllers had that “telemetry analysis showed suff ered a series of setbacks was the fi rst failure in the history weighs 160kg. robot called Kirobo along with the position of premier in any told the ISS crew that it ap- there were failings with radio from accidents and corruption of manned Russian fl ights. Fedor has Instagram and the ISS’s fi rst Japanese space new government. peared the problem that pre- equipment” on the station. scandals in recent years. The life-size robot named Fe- Twitter accounts with posts commander. vented automated docking was “There is no threat to the sta- Last October, a Soyuz rocket dor, short for Final Experimental saying it is learning new skills, Developed with Toyota, it was in the station and not the Soyuz tion and its crew,” a Roscosmos carrying an American and a Rus- Demonstration Object Research, such as opening a bottle of wa- able to hold conversations – al- Spain’s ex-king spacecraft, Nasa added. statement said. sian had to make an emergency is the fi rst ever sent up by Russia. ter. beit only in Japanese. has heart surgery

Spain’s former king Juan Carlos I, who retired from public life in June, had successful open heart 35,000 march against racism surgery yesterday. The triple bypass operation went “without incident”, Lucia Alonso, AFP unmistakable support for solidarity burg, in which the far-right Alter- the manager of the private Dresden instead of exclusion,” said Ana-Cara native for Germany (AfD) party is hospital in Madrid, told the media. Methmann, a spokeswoman for the expected to make signifi cant gains. “As is customary for this type of organisers. The AfD is campaigning on an an- procedure, the patient has been ome 35,000 people have joined Among the attendees were Fi- ti-immigration platform. referred to the intensive care a rally in support of an inclu- nance Minister Olaf Scholz and the “Unteilbar ... stands against any unit for post-op monitoring,” she Ssive society and against xeno- leaders of the far-left Die Linke par- form of group-based misanthropy said in a statement broadcast on phobia and racism yesterday in the ty, Bernd Riexinger and Katja Kip- and anti-feminism, against limit- Spanish public television. eastern German city of Dresden. ping. ing basic free rights, against social King Felipe VI appeared relaxed The demonstration is organised “Racism and discrimination have decline and poverty - for a society and smiling when he arrived at by the group Unteilbar (Indivisible), no place in our society, and neither in which all people can live free from the hospital at midday along with which staged a similar protest in the do cuts to social services or the re- fear,” the organisers said a day before his mother, former Queen Sofia. capital, Berlin, last year, drawing striction of fundamental rights,” or- the rally. When the 81-year-old Juan Carlos 250,000 people. ganiser Ario Mirzaie said. Countless politicians have spoken arrived at the hospital on Friday “Tens of thousands of people from The Unteilbar demonstration was out in favour of the group to draw at- for the operation, he told the Storch Heinar (centre), a stork mascot against racism, takes part in a demonstration titled Dresden ... as well as from many taking place one week before state tention to the threat of right-wing press: “You’ll see me on the way ‘Unteilbar’ (Indivisible) against exclusion in Dresden. parts of Germany have shown their elections in Saxony and Branden- gains in next week’s state elections. out.” Gulf Times Sunday, August 25, 2019 13

INDIA Tributes pour in for Jaitley understanding of matters had Agencies very few parallels. He lived well, New Delhi leaving us all with innumerable happy memories. We will miss ormer fi nance minister him!” Last tweets show and senior Bharatiya Jana- Finance Minister Nirmala Fta Party leader Arun Jaitley Sitharaman paid rich tributes to died at the age of 66 yesterday. her predecessor, describing him Jatiley, suff ering from pro- as a mentor with matchless as- how much he longed illness, was admitted to tuteness. New Delhi’s All India Institute “No words can describe the of Medical Sciences on August 9 loss of Shri @arunjaitley. A men- after complaints of breathless- tor to many of us, a guide and missed politics ness and was put on life support. a moral support and strength. “It is with profound grief Have learnt so much from him. IANS separatist psyche. Pakistan was that we inform about the sad A fi ne large-hearted person. Al- New Delhi more than enthusiastic in trying demise of Mr Arun Jaitley, hon- ways ready to help anyone/eve- to exploit the situation.” Jaitley then delved into the ourable member of parliament ryone. His intelligence, sagacity, run Jaitley may have been history of militancy in the valley, and former fi nance minister, at astuteness have no match,” she battling with prolonged saying, “By 1989-90, the situa- 12.07pm on Saturday,” the hos- said in a tweet. illness, but nothing could tion of J&K had gone out of con- pital said in a statement. Former prime minister Man- A mohan Singh said Jaitley was a keep him away from taking part trol and separatism with terror- Tributes poured in for Jaitley in the political discourse. Till the ism picked up. Kashmiri pandits, great orator and an outstanding who was one of Prime Minister time he was admitted to the All an essential part of Kashmiriat, parliamentarian. Narendra Modi’s most trusted India Institute of Medical Serv- suff ered such atrocities which colleagues and an accomplished The country has lost a great ices where he died yesterday, only the Nazis had infl icted in the lawyer. leader who always worked for Jaitley continued tweeting. past. The ethnic cleansing took President Ram Nath Kovind the betterment of society, Singh His last tweet came on August place and they had to move out.” said Jaitley’s death leaves a huge said. President Ram Nath Kovind leaves after paying tribute to former finance minister Arun Jaitley at his 7 when he paid tributes for Tulsi- He stressed on how Kash- void in the intellectual ecosys- “He was an eminent law- residence in New Delhi yesterday. das Jayanti before tweeting how mir was changing. “The last ten tem. yer, an excellent orator, a very heartbroken he was at the demise months have not seen any protest. “Extremely saddened by the good administrator and an fairs as well as defence during He often served as a trouble- multinational corporations. of his cabinet colleague Sushma Not even in Srinagar. Law and or- passing of Shri Arun Jaitley after outstanding parliamentarian. Modi’s first term. shooter for the Modi govern- He stopped practising law in Swaraj on August 6. der enforcement, making life safe battling a long illness with forti- In his death the country has He oversaw the implementa- ment. 2009 after he became leader But it was his series of tweets for lakhs of Kashmiris and pres- tude and dignity. A brilliant law- lost a great leader who always tion of the Goods and Services Born in 1952 in New Delhi, of the opposition in the Rajya on August 6 on the abrogation of suring handful of separatists and yer, a seasoned parliamentarian, worked for the betterment of Tax - India’s biggest tax reform Jaitley trained as a lawyer and Sabha. Article 370 that prove how much terrorists has been at its best. The and a distinguished minister, he society,” he said. since independence. joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vid- Jaitley was a member of the he missed politics. Even when next logical step obviously is total contributed immensely to na- Congress president Sonia His health had deteriorated yarthi Parishad (ABVP) student BJP’s top decision-making body, he was away from it owing to his integration of the state. The deci- tion building,” he tweeted. Gandhi said Jaitley’s contribu- since last year after he under- organisation. a spokesman for the party and critical health, he could hardly sion to reverse the situation cre- Vice President M Venkaiah tion to public life will forever be went a kidney transplant and a Jaitley was an active student held various ministerial posts keep himself from commenting ated by Panditji needed clarity, vi- Naidu said Jaitley’s death was an remembered. subsequent cancer diagnosis. leader in Delhi and spent 19 in the coalition government led on issues that mattered. sion and determination,” he wrote, irreparable loss to the nation. “Jaitley had a long innings as Jaitley did not contest the months in jail for joining pro- by the BJP’s Atal Bihari Vajpayee In a thread of 10 tweets, Jait- referring to India’s fi rst prime Prime Minister Narendra a public fi gure, parliamentarian 2019 parliamentary polls and tests against the imposition of from 1999-2004. ley congratulated Prime Minister minister Jawaharal Nehru. Modi, who is in the UAE, said he and minister and his contribu- opted out of the new govern- the state of emergency by former Known to be sociable and a Narendra Modi and Home Min- “It also needed political cour- has lost a valued friend. tions to public life will forever be ment, citing “serious health prime minister Indira Gandhi in keen lover of cricket, Jaitley was ister Amit Shah for axing Article age. The prime minister has cre- “BJP and Arun Jaitley ji had remembered,” she said. challenges.” 1975 during which liberties were a paradoxical mix. 370. “Prime Minister Shri Naren- ated history through his absolute an unbreakable bond. As a fi ery Congress leader and former His death comes as a setback curbed. “I am economically liberal. dra Modi and Home Minister clarity and determination,” the student leader, he was at the defence minister A K Antony to BJP which has lost two top Jaitley was a prominent young I’m conservative on issues deal- Shri Amit Shah achieved the Im- ailing politician said, taking a dig at the Congress. forefront of protecting our de- said he had a long standing and leaders in the recent weeks. leader in the anti-corruption ing with sovereignty, terrorism possible with the new Kashmir policy. In my blog today, I have His attacks on the grand old mocracy during the Emergency. good relationship with Jaitley. Former foreign minister Su- movement led by activist Jay- and separatism. Then on the gay analysed the impact of this de- party continued. “India’s most He became a much liked face of “He was a person who used shma Swaraj, another promi- aprakash Narayan. rights issue, I was one of the fi rst beautiful state has not had invest- to maintain a very good relation nent BJP leader, died at 67 on He joined the BJP after its for- people in the BJP to speak on this cision, and history of failed at- our party who could articulate tempts on resolving the J&K is- ments from even the hotel chains. with all, irrespective of political August 7. mation in 1980 and rapidly pro- subject,” the party programmes and ide- sue,” the ailing former fi nance Consequently, there are no new affi liations. He is certainly go- A member of the upper house gressed on the path of becoming Jaitley said in a 2016 inter- ology to a wide spectrum of so- minister had said. jobs, no revenue for the state. ing to be missed by all those who of parliament or Rajya Sabha ciety.” a successful lawyer and politi- view published in the Hindustan “The J&K history of the past These constitutional provisions knew him,” said Antony. “I have lost a valued friend from 2009-2019, Jaitley was cian. Times newspaper. seven decades shows that the are not cast in stone. They had to whom I have had the honour of Lawyer-turned politician known as an eloquent speaker He practised law in various high He supported ending an ar- journey of this separate Status be removed/diluted through the knowing for decades. His in- Jaitley held the key portfolios with friends and admirers cut- courts and the Supreme Court chaic Indian law that criminal- has been towards separatism due process of law that is done sight on issues and nuanced of finance and corporate af- ting across party lines. and appeared in court on behalf of ised homosexuality. and not integration. It created a now.”

Delhi colony mourns its Ex-minister leaves behind most famous resident rich and chequered legacy IANS New Delhi IANS mies, ahead of mighty China. But on the fl ip side, Jaitley But his stint as the finance New Delhi India remained in that slot till could not strictly adhere to the minister will also be remem- the last quarter of the last fi scal Fiscal Responsibility and Budget bered for the Modi govern- he nation may have lost year, though the government on Management (FRBM) Act glide ment’s most controversial and one of its tallest leaders, he Bharatiya Janata Par- year basis maintains it is still the path, due to the structural dis- devastating decision - demon- but for Kailash Colony, T ty’s exhilaration of hav- fastest growing economy. ruptions in the economy, ironi- etisation. While the impact a crowded South Delhi locality ing won 303 seats in this where Arun Jaitley lived, it was a T Jaitley also managed to control cally following the implementa- and the achievement of its in- year’s parliamentary elections bigger loss. infl ation - bringing it down from tion of the GST. Yet, by keeping tended objective to crack down dimmed slightly with Arun As the body of Kailash Col- 7.2-2.9%. He showed a path of the fi scal defi cit under control, on terror funds is still debated, ony’s most famous resident Jaitley’s announcement that fi scal prudence. Fiscal defi cit was his government won a rare and the government claimed the arrived from AIIMS, a stream he would not be a part of Prime brought down to 4.1% in 2014-15, coveted rating upgrade from sudden decision - on which of visitors arrived to pay their Minister Narendra Modi gov- 3.9% in 2015-16, 3.5% in 2016-17, Moody’s Investors Service. many say Jaitley was not kept homage. ernment. The party’s chief trou- 3.53% in 2017-18 and 3.4% the The cleanup of non-perform- in the loop by the prime min- Despite occupying top gov- bleshooter opted out of active last fi scal year. ing assets (NPA) of banks started ister - boosted tax collections, ernment positions, Jaitley had offi ce due to poor health. The Goods and Services Tax during Jaitley’s time as fi nance compliance and digital trans- kept his private home as his base, Jaitley was undoubtedly one (GST) regime and the Insolvency minister and under his watch. actions and all money became away from the Lutyen’s zone of the BJP’s most prominent and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) were The gross NPA declined from accountable, thus rooting out that is more identifi ed with the leaders, besides being the fi - implemented during his tenure, 11.2% in March 2018 to 10.3% in black money. power elite. nance minister during the fi rst even though the GST wasn’t ex- December 31, 2018. Some public There is no denying that Jait- Born in 1953, Jaitley, son of term of its government between actly a BJP brainchild. sector banks even returned to ley was the government’s key lawyer Maharaj Kishen Jaitley, 2014 and 2019. And he leaves Jaitley had opposed it when profi t. fi refi ghter, even beyond fi nance. started his journey from Naraina behind a rich and chequered the Congress government first Then there were FDI reforms. He defended the government in Vihar in West Delhi. His parents legacy, one where his tenure as introduced it during its last While the defence, insur- media and public on the multi- had migrated to Delhi from La- the fi nance minister is marked term. But he succeeded in im- ance and aviation sectors were billion dollar Rafale fi ghter jet hore. with bold reforms, including plementing the tax reform with opened to higher FDI, many deal. It was he who carried the Jaitley is remembered here as some of the most far-reaching a federal democratic struc- others were thrown open to the message to the public that the a responsible citizen and a car- since Independence, as well as ture and an equal voice of the automatic route cutting down Rafale jet prices, details of which ing neighbour. the notorious ‘demonetisation’ states, including that of the delays. The archaic Foreign were submitted in a sealed enve- “We have been living here for that dealt the hardest blow to non-BJP-ruled states, some- Investment Promotion Board lope to the Supreme Court, were over a decade, but not on a single the country’s masses. occasion have we felt that a VIP thing the Congress found hard (FIPB), one of the remnants of signifi cantly lower than negoti- He is credited with usher- was living next door,” said one of to achieve. After initial teeth- the bureaucratic set-up, was ated during the Congress gov- ing India into the league of the the neighbours. “We were never ing troubles, the tax reform has abolished. FDI infl ows shot up ernment’s tenure from 2007- told to adjust in any way pos- world’s fastest growing econo- somewhat settled now. to over $44bn from $23.8bn. 2012. sible - not with car parking, the height of the walls or the balcony that could off er a view into his home. He was a down-to-earth leader,” the neighbour said. Even the security guards and The Punjab link and love for ‘Amritsari kulchas’ others who work in the area re- called his deeds. “In this big posh locality, there IANS cousins and relatives who live ment coming,” he had said. At this, he replied: “Despite was no water cooler for labourers Amritsar here. I have been politically His favourite local food was my ancestral roots in Punjab, and guards. When Jaitleyji saw closely connected with Punjab ‘Amritsari kulchas’, a local deli- Captain Sahib (Amarinder this, he asked his staff to install and my base was always Amrit- cacy. Singh) called me an ‘outsider’ water coolers right outside his ormer fi nance minister sar. I know all the party workers “I am getting a regular sup- and a ‘pseudo’ Punjabi. Will he house. Now, there are fi ve water Arun Jaitley, who died here,” he was often quoted as ply of ‘Amritsari kulchas’ even be kind enough to tell me which coolers for people like me,” said a Fyesterday, had a connec- saying in his interactions with when I am in Delhi,” he had state in India does the Con- guard posted outside an eye hos- tion with the Sikh holy city of voters. said. gress president (Sonia Gandhi) pital near Jaitley’s residence. Amritsar - from relatives to the In his fi rst and last electoral Amarinder Singh, who is belong to? I will rather ask him About 200 metres away from famous ‘Amritsari kulchas’. battle in his political career now the chief minister, won the why he is still so obsessed with Jaitley’s house is Yadav Taxi In his debut Lok Sabha elec- spanning over four decades, he seat by a margin of more than a a mindset of ‘Maharaja’. He is a Service, which has been there tion in 2014, which he lost to had said he was excited to be in lakh votes by defeating Jaitley. monarch in a democracy. He is for over 30 years. “He came here Congress’ Amarinder Singh, he the fray from Amritsar for two At that time, the Akali Dal- too much obsessed with him- around 1995, and since then we said he had a greater Amritsar reasons. Bharatiya Janata Party alliance self. Even feudalism has not have been hearing stories of his connection than his political “Firstly, I am a Punjabi was in power in the state. gone out of his head. He is al- humble and kind nature from his rival. belonging to Amritsar, and During the campaigning in ways rude and thinks he has the servants and domestic help,” Bi- “If you ask me about my secondly I want to serve my 2014, Singh often accused Jait- right to insult others. He is the rendra Yadav, one of the drivers, ancestral town, I would say constituency by using my in- ley of being a ‘pseudo’ Punjabi discredited captain of a sinking said. Punjab BJP president Shwait Malik pays tributes to Jaitley in Amritsar yesterday. Amritsar as I have at least 40 fl uence with the new govern- and a ‘guest from Delhi’. ship.” Gulf Times 14 Sunday, August 25, 2019 INDIA

SETTLEMENT SECURITY CRIME CONTROVERSY ACCIDENT Ordnance factory TN continues to be on Chinese origin man DUSU removes busts of Fire breaks out at workers call off strike high alert over LeT held for double murder Savarkar, Bose, Bhagat Singh Sreesanth’s house

A strike called by employees of 41 ordnance Tamil Nadu police yesterday continued with their A man of Chinese origin was arrested The Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) A major fire broke out at former cricketer factories was called off yesterday following tight security for the second day across the state yesterday for allegedly murdering his wife has removed the busts of freedom fighters S Sreesanth’s house in Edapally in Kochi an assurance by the government that a panel following an intelligence alert that six Laskhar- and father, police said. The incident took Bhagat Singh, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar early yesterday, officials said, adding that will be formed to look into their concerns. The e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists have entered the state, place on Friday night in Tangra, also known and Subhas Chandra Bose from the campus no one was injured. While Sreesanth was employees began the strike on August 20 off icials said. The group is said to be comprising as China Town. “Li Wan Tho was arrested after after a backlash from the National Students’ away shooting for a film in Mumbai, his wife, against the government’s plans to corporatise one Pakistani national and five Sri Lankans, the confessing to killing his wife and father,” Joint Union of India, the Congress’ students wing. children and domestic helps were inside the the factories as private sector entities. The police said. The police have beefed up security Commissioner of Kolkata Police Muralidhar The busts were installed without permission house when the fire broke out at around strike was called off following a series of at places of worship, railway stations and other Sharma said. He said the relationship from the university administration by former 2am. An alert neighbour, seeing the fire dialogues between representatives of various places. “We have increased our security alert. All between him and his wife Li Hou Meihha had DUSU president Shakti Singh on his last day and smoke, immediately called fire officials employees’ federations and senior off icials vehicles are being checked thoroughly. About 200 soured over allegations of his extramarital in office on Tuesday. Late on Friday, when who doused the blaze and evacuated the of the defence production department. “The police personnel are working round-the-clock,” a affair and a quarrel broke out between the the busts were removed, the Akhil Bharatiya family by breaking open a glass ventilator. workers were reaff irmed that the proposed senior police off icial in Nagapattinam district told couple on Friday. “In a fit of rage, Tho hit his Vidyarthi Parishad - the students wing of the According to Sreesanth, the fire broke corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory IANS. He said a large number of policemen have wife on the face with an iron bucket several Bharatiya Janata Party - said in a statement: out in the drawing room on the ground floor. Board, which is the parent organisation of all been posted at the famed Velankanni Church times. When his father came out to see what “The act of insulting the idols of Bhagat Singh, It is believed that a short circuit in a ceiling 41 factories, is under examination. Workers will in the district. According to him, security will be was happening, he also hit his father with the Savarkar and Subhas Chandra Bose by the fan caused the fire. The family has been join duty from Monday,” said a senior defence further beefed up at the church during a festival bucket before leaving the house,” the officer NSUI has exposed the distorted mindset of the moved out and is waiting for Sreesanth to ministry off icial. from August 29 to September 8. added. Congress.” return.

Opposition team sent Integration of back from Srinagar Kashmir with IANS Srinagar

n opposition party del- egation, led by former ACongress president Rahul India is now Gandhi, was yesterday stopped at Srinagar airport and sent back to Delhi. The delegation of 12 oppo- sition leaders wanted to visit Kashmir Valley to take stock of the situation. The valley has complete: Shah been placed under security lock- down since August 5, when Arti- IANS Stating that 33,000 police- Advising IPS officers to al- cle 370 was abrogated. Hyderabad men have so far laid down their ways play the role of safeguard- The delegation comprised the lives for the nation, he told the ing the constitution, he urged Communist Party of India (CPI) IPS probationers that they were them to reach out to people and leader D Raja, Communist Party ome Minister Amit going to become part of this make close rapport with them of India (Marxist) chief Sitaram Shah yesterday said great tradition of serving the to become ideal and successful Yechury, Congress leadersGandhi, HJammu and Kashmir’s nation. police officers. Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Shar- integration with India was Shah said the country faced “I come from a cadre-based ma and K C Venugopal, Loktantrik completed with the scrapping several challenges to its inter- party and from my long expe- Janata Dal (LJD) chief Sharad Ya- of Article 370. nal security like terrorism, nar- rience I can tell you that com- dav, Trinamool Congress leader He said under the leadership cotics, cybercrime and chal- munication, interaction and Dinesh Trivedi, Dravida Munnetra of Prime Minister Narendra lenges created by neighbouring co-ordination are the key to the Kazhagam’s Tiruchi Siva, Nation- Modi, the parliament scrapped countries. success,” he said. alist Congress Party (NCP) leader the special status to make Stating that peace and secu- Shah said both elected repre- Majeed Memon, Rashtriya Janata Kashmir an integral part of In- rity is a must for a developed sentatives and civil servants get Dal’s Manoj Jha and Janata Dal dia. India and to achieve Modi’s opportunity to serve the nation (Secular)’s D Kupendra Reddy. Shah was speaking at the vision of making India a $5tn but while elected representa- On Friday, the Kashmir ad- passing out parade of the 70th economy, he said without in- tive get five years, the civil ministration had advised the batch of Indian Police Service ternal security and law and or- servants get this opportunity opposition leaders not to visit, (IPS) probationers at the Sardar der, peace and security was not for 30 years. saying attempts should not be Vallabhbhai Patel National Po- possible. He advised the IPS officers made to disturb the gradual res- lice Academy. He recalled that Patel, as the to work fearlessly within the toration of normalcy in the state. Paying rich tributes to Sard- founder of civil services, had purview of the constitution. The visit of the opposition ar Vallabhbhai Patel, Shah said described civil servants as pro- “There may be occasions when delegation comes almost three India’s first home minister tectors of national interests. He you get orders which don’t weeks after the government achieved the challenging task asked the IPS probationers to come under the purview of the scrapped Article 370 of the con- of merging 630 states with the always keep in mind the words constitution and you may be stitution that accorded special Indian Union. of Patel, who had termed IPS as confused over the interpreta- status to the state. Recalling that the Nizam of the watchdog of a corruption- tion of the constitution. You Before leaving for Srinagar, Hyderabad State was not ready free India. should understand the spirit Raja said they were not going to to accede to the Indian Union, Noting that most of the pro- of the constitution and imple- the valley to create any law and Shah said Patel succeeded in bationers come from middle ment it.” He asked IPS offic- order problem. Azad also said doing so with the historic po- class and poor backgrounds, ers to follow the ‘mantra’ of they were not going to break any lice action. Shah said God had given them SMART policing which stands law as they were leaders of re- “Under Sri Sardar Patel’s an opportunity to use their po- for sensitive, moral, alert, re- sponsible political parties. leadership, historic police ac- sition to uplift crores of poor sponsible and techno-savvy. “The government says the sit- tion made Hyderabad, Telan- and make India better. A total of 103 probationers, uation in J&K is normal. But then gana, Andhra, parts of Karna- Becoming an IPS officer is including 12 women, passed they don’t allow leaders to visit? taka and Maharashtra a part of not the goal, he told the pro- out of the Academy. The pro- Haven’t seen such a contradic- India. The credit for making bationers, adding it is just bationers include six from Roy- tion. If things are normal there, this city a part of India goes to the beginning of a journey al Bhutan Police and five from why aren’t we allowed to visit?” police action,” he said. to achieve the goal. He asked Nepal Police. Azad said. Shah said Jammu and Kash- them to make their contribu- Telangana Governor E S L “We are citizens of the coun- mir was the last missing point tion in taking India to a re- Narasimhan, Minister of State try. So is everyone in J&K. We are as its accession to India was not spectable place. for Home G Kishan Reddy, Te- not people who will make things complete with the continua- “Making prosperous, edu- langana Home Minister Mo- diffi cult for anyone. We just Home Minister Amit Shah presents a trophy to Indian Police Service (IPS) probationers as they take part tion of Article 370. “Everyone cated and secure India should hamed Mehmood Ali, National want to see the situation on the in an academic passing out parade at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad was feeling something was be our goal and not personal Police Academy director Abhay ground,” Yadav said. yesterday. missing,” he said. gratification,” he said. and others were present. Jet founder controls 19 Sword dance Row over Jerusalem companies, says ED advert on bus tickets IANS on the back of the bus tick- Tirupati ets. The BJP demanded action IANS (FEMA) against Jet Airways and “Huge amounts appear to have against those responsible for New Delhi Goyal based on complaints from been sent abroad by way of infl at- “hurting the sentiments of various sources. ed commission to its own group n advertisement pro- Hindus.” He said that the business em- entity in Dubai which acted as the moting pilgrimage BJP leaders and workers he Enforcement Directorate, pire of Goyal, who stepped down airline’s exclusive overseas Gen- Ato Jerusalem on bus staged a protest in Tirupati which carried out raids at from the post of chairman of the eral Sales Agent (GSA),” he said. tickets in the temple town of and raised slogans against of- Tthe residence of Jet Airways airline in March this year, includes The offi cial revealed that in- Tirupati has sparked a row in fi cials. They said the senti- founder Naresh Goyal, has said 19 privately-held companies of vestigations indicate that Goyal Andhra Pradesh, forcing the ments of Hindus should be it has got details of 19 companies which 14 are registered in India is likely to be the benefi ciary state government to order a respected. held by him of which fi ve are lo- and fi ve are registered abroad. owner of some bank accounts probe. BJP leader Sunil tweeted cated abroad and how money was The offi cial said, Goyal “indi- abroad having huge deposits. State Endowments Minis- that the advertisement of Je- siphoned off to other countries rectly controls” various entities “Prima facie these transactions ter Vellampalli Srinivas said rusalem trip for Christians on through dubious transactions. “abroad” some of which are in involve various violations under some of the tickets of Andhra Tirumala bus tickets was un- The ED has carried out tax havens. FEMA,” he added. Pradesh State Road Transport necessary, unacceptable and searches at over 12 locations in “Preliminary investigations Offi cial sources added that the Corporation (APSRTC) that communal. Delhi and Mumbai including the done so far indicate that Goyal charge of undisclosed assets held were supposed to be issued The Tirumala Tirupati Dev- offi ce and residential premises of has structured various tax evading abroad could lead the agency to from Nellore depot have been asthanam (TTD), which runs Jet offi cials. A senior ED official schemes involving domestic com- book Goyal under the stringent diverted to Tirupati. the Tirumala temple, said said raids were also carried out panies and companies in foreign and criminal anti-money laun- He said Telugu Desam Party there was no wilful publica- at the residence of Goyal. tax jurisdictions thereby siphon- dering law. and Bharatiya Janata Party tion of any religious matter. The offi cial said that during ing off huge amounts in foreign One company under the ED leaders were trying to make TTD chairman Y V Subba searches several incriminating jurisdictions through dubious or scanner is the Isle of Man-based baseless allegations against Reddy said the previous TDP documents related to payments fi ctitious transactions,” he said. Tail Winds Corporation and it is Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mo- government was responsible for made to foreign companies The offi cial said that the cti- fi suspected that it controlled all Women of the Rajput community perform “Talwar Raas”, a han Reddy with the “help of printing the advertisements. and digital evidence have been tious or infl ated payments ap- the activities of Jet Airways. traditional Gujarati dance using swords, at the Bhuchar Mori their friendly media”. “Severe action will be taken seized. The offi cial said the agen- pear to have been made to some of ED also had searched the war memorial, in Dhrol near Jamnagar, some 260km from The minister said it was the against those involved in this cy has taken up the investigation these foreign entities under vari- premises of Hasmukh Deepchand Ahmedabad. Some 2,000 Rajput women participated in the previous TDP government episode and also against those into alleged violation of the For- ous airline lease agreements and Gardi, a partner and investor in the event. which had given the contract who are spreading false infor- eign Exchange Management Act aircraft maintenance agreements. Isle of Man fi rm, the offi cial said. for printing religious material mation,” he said. Gulf Times Sunday, August 25, 2019 15 LATIN AMERICA Sanctions sought New fi res as outrage over near-extinct Mexico porpoise

By Nina Larson, AFP Mexico, meanwhile, is ada- Geneva mant that it is doing everything over Amazon grows possible to save the vaquita, and should not be sanctioned. By Carlos Fabal and ‘Supertanker’ plane onservationists are urg- “I don’t believe that a simple Allison Jackson, AFP combats wildfires ing countries to slap solution like penalising Mexico Porto Velho Ctrade sanctions on Mex- will serve the vaquita,” Hesiquio The Bolivian government has ico over its failure to rein in il- Benitez Diaz, the country’s Di- deployed a “supertanker” air- legal fi shing that could doom rector-General of International undreds of new fi res are craft to help fight wildfires that the vaquita marina porpoise to Cooperation and Implemen- raging in the Amazon have devastated vast swathes extinction within months. tation, told an event last week Hrainforest in northern of the country. With only around 10 vaqui- on the sidelines of the CITES Brazil, offi cial data showed yes- The aircraft is a converted Boe- ta believed to remain in their meeting. terday, amid growing interna- ing 747 on loan from a US com- sole habitat off northwestern In 2015 Mexico’s government tional pressure on President Jair pany and will be used to douse Mexico, environmentalists in- declared a ban on fi shing in a Bolsonaro to control the worst flames in the Chiquitania region in sist only “drastic measures” 1,300sq km area off the coast of blazes in years. the country’s east, President Evo can rescue the world’s smallest San Felipe, but has been unable Multiple fi res were seen across Morales said yesterday. porpoise from disappearing al- to rein in the rampant illegal a vast area of the northwest- The plane is capable is together. fi shing in the area. ern state of Rondonia on Friday dumping 75,000 litres of water They are appealing to coun- “The situation of organised when AFP journalists fl ew over per flight and will be used for tries attending the Conven- crime that is operating in the the area. four deployments a day, De- tion on International Trade in region goes beyond the capac- Several people in the capital fence Minister Javier Zavaleta Endangered Species (CITES) ity of many governments,” Diaz Porto Velho told AFP yesterday told the newspaper La Razon. in Geneva to wield the treaty’s said, stressing that “these peo- that what appeared to be light Hundreds of fires are cur- harshest sanction in a bid to ple are better armed than our clouds hanging over the city was rently devastating forests force Mexico to ensure the authorities.” actually smoke from the blazes. and agricultural land in Brazil, vaquita’s survival. However environmentalists “I’m very worried because of Bolivia, Peru and Paraguay. “The parties should sanction insist Mexico could police the the environment and health,” The fires in Brazil have Mexico and put a ban on trade small area where the vaquita Delmara Conceicao Silva told prompted a global outcry over of CITES-listed species from live if it were willing to put in AFP. “I have a daughter with Brazilian President’s Jair Bol- Mexico until they get the situa- the resources. respiratory problems and she sonaro’s environmental policies. tion under control,” Zak Smith, The region “is smaller than suff ers more because of the A tract of the Amazon jungle burns while being cleared by loggers and farmers in Porto Velho. Director of International Wild- the size of the city of Los Ange- fi res.” life Conservation for the Natu- les,” Smith said. The fi res in the world’s largest The new data came a day af- Earlier this week, Bolsonaro French President Emmanuel “There are forest fi res all over ral Resources Defense Council Mexico, meanwhile, is calling rainforest have triggered a glo- ter Bolsonaro authorised the blamed the fi res on non-govern- Macron, who has taken the lead the world, and this cannot be (NRDC), told AFP. for a “more creative” approach. bal outcry and are a major topic deployment of the military to mental organisations, suggesting in pressing his Brazilian counter- used as a pretext for possible CITES, which regulates trade It has asked for CITES ap- of concern at the G7 meeting in fi ght the fi res and crack down on they deliberately started them part over the fi res, had earlier ac- international sanctions,” Bol- in more than 35,000 species proval to set up totoaba fi sh Biarritz in southern France. criminal activity in the region. after their funding was cut. cused Bolsonaro of lying to him sonaro said. of plants and animals, has the farms, which it maintains Offi cial fi gures show 78,383 US President Donald Trump The growing crisis threatens about Brazil’s stance on climate Brazil’s powerful agriculture power to sanction countries would satisfy the demand for forest fi res have been recorded and British Prime Minister Boris to torpedo a blockbuster trade change. sector — which strongly sup- that break the rules or fail to swim bladder and drive down in Brazil this year, the highest Johnson, both attending the deal between the European Un- Environmental specialists ports Bolsonaro — has expressed rein in illegal trade in species the price, thereby removing the number of any year since 2013. G7 summit, have off ered their ion and South American coun- say the fires are coming amid concerns over the president’s protected under the treaty. incentive for poachers. Experts say the clearing of countries’ assistance in fi ghting tries, including Brazil, that took increasing deforestation in rhetoric, fearing boycotts of Known as “the panda of the Critics warn that opening a land during the months-long dry the fi res. 20 years to negotiate. the Amazon region, which in their products in key markets. sea” for the distinctive black legal market for captively-bred season to make way for crops or “Any help is welcome in re- EU Council president Don- July took place at a rate four In an editorial yesterday, the circles around its eyes, the totoaba would provide an op- grazing has aggravated the prob- spect to the fi res,” Brazil’s ald Tusk told reporters at the times that of the same month respected Folha de S Paulo news- vaquita has been decimated portunity for laundering ille- lem. Defense Minister Fernando G7 yesterday that it was hard in 2018, according to data from paper warned that Bolsonaro’s by gillnets used in the Gulf of gally poached totoaba. More than half of the fi res are Azevedo e Silva told reporters to imagine European countries INPE. “bravado” had worsened the cri- California to fi sh for another And even if the plan worked, in the Amazon, where more than yesterday. ratifying a trade pact with the Bolsonaro has previously at- sis caused by accelerating defor- endangered species, the totoaba they say it would not help in the 20mn people live. The blazes have stirred out- Mercosur bloc as long as Brazil tacked the institute, describing estation. fi sh. short term, since the demand is Some 1,663 new fi res were rage globally, with thousands of fails to curb the fi res ravaging the its data as lies and engineering “The damage to (Brazil’s) im- The totoaba’s swim bladder is for large swim bladders, from ignited between Thursday and people protesting in Brazil and Amazon, which is known as the the sacking of its head. age is done and it could have im- considered a delicacy in China large fi sh, which would take Friday, according to Brazil’s Na- Europe on Friday. “lungs of the planet” because of On Friday, he insisted that the portant trade repercussions,” it and can fetch up to $20,000 on years to breed. tional Institute for Space Re- More demonstrations are its crucial role in mitigating cli- fi res should not be used as an ex- said. “Nationalistic bravado will the black market. “By that time, it would be too search (INPE). planned in Brazil today. mate change. cuse to punish Brazil. not win the game this time.” The lucrative market for the late to save the vaquita,” Alejan- swim bladders has turned the dro Olivera, who works in Mex- Gulf of California into a battle- ico for the Center for Biological Activist stabbed to death ground, as armed poachers use Diversity, told AFP. drug cartel-like tactics to get Mexico has also made other A Mexican biologist was stabbed to death near hold of the “cocaine of the sea”. “creative” attempts to save the the nature reserve where she worked in the ‘Shock’ investment sought to stem the Policymakers from more than vaquita porpoise. southern state of Chiapas, authorities said on 180 countries attending the 12- In 2017, it launched a plan to Friday — the second environmentalist murdered day CITES meeting are due to round up all remaining vaquitas there recently. fl ow of Central American migrants discuss the plight of the vaquita and relocate them to a protected Greenpeace and other environmental groups tomorrow and could — in the- area. condemned the killing of researcher Nora Lopez, ory — heed environmentalists’ But the project was aborted 43, who headed a parrot protection program in Reuters Poverty and rampant corruption national initiative for the massive gen- calls for sanctions, although when one of the fi rst captured the Aluxes Eco-Park, a private nature reserve San Pedro Sula that allows drug traffi cking and crimi- eration of jobs and productive invest- such a move is unlikely. vaquitas died. outside the city of Palenque. It is the same area nal gangs to fl ourish in the so-called ments in our countries.” Environmentalists say they Now, Olivera said, scientists where Jose Luis Alvarez Flores, an ecologist who Northern Triangle have prompted The plan, which focused on infra- hope the parties will at least are trying to gather vaquita worked to protect howler monkeys, was found egional leaders on Friday called many to seek a better life in the United structure projects including railways, warn Mexico that sanctions DNA samples “so that in the fu- murdered in June, a killing that also drew interna- for “shock” investment in in- States. highways, pipelines, ports and airports, will be on the table if it does not ture, we can bring them back.” tional condemnation. Rfrastructure in Honduras, Gua- “The Northern Triangle region needs is needed to reduce the “migratory mo- show progress in safeguarding If the vaquita does become According to government figures, 120 environ- temala and El Salvador to reduce the a shock of investment,” said Honduran mentum,” it said. the vaquita. extinct, it would be the fi rst mentalists have been killed in Mexico in the past number of migrants fl owing from the President Juan Orlando Hernandez, Hernandez noted that the proposal “If the CITES parties don’t species listed under CITES 15 years, often in apparent retaliation for fighting three economically fragile countries, host of a regional summit that wrapped will be submitted to the United Nations. respond at this meeting and highest-priority Appendix I to mining, oil or infrastructure projects. bound for the United States. up on Friday that also included political The summit was held in Honduras’ take drastic and dramatic action suff er that fate since the treaty Lopez, whose work was focused on protect- Eff orts to stem the fl ow of Central and business leaders from Mexico, Co- second biggest city and industrial hub, to compel Mexico to do more... took eff ect four decades ago. ing the scarlet macaw, was found on Wednesday Americans, many seeking legal asylum lombia and the Dominican Republic as San Pedro Sula, which has seen waves this could be the meeting where “It would be a tragedy,” with multiple stab wounds at the hostel where in the United States, have gained im- well as all six Central American nations. of migrants fl eeing one of the world’s the fi nal nail is put into the Smith said. “If we can’t save she had been living in Palenque, said the Chiapas petus as US President Donald Trump In the summit’s fi nal declaration, the highest homicide rates at more than vaquita coffi n,” said DJ Schu- the vaquita, what does it say state prosecutor’s off ice. It said it had sent a continues to pursue a mix of threats and leaders signaled their “commitment to 47 per 100,000 residents, according to bert, a wildlife biologist with about all of our eff orts to save special investigative team to the scene. stepped-up immigration enforcement. promote the formation of a great inter- 2018 government data. the Animal Wildlife Institute. wildlife?”

Cold, hard euros: Venezuela turns to European cash as US sanctions continue to bite

Reuters at the same price in both curren- — producers are making an eff ort dependently able to verify that Caracas cies. to conduct business in other cur- information. The increased use of euros fol- rencies. One of the oil industry sources lows the United States imposing Russian state oil company said several companies that had rom supermarket check- a series of sanctions on the Opec Rosneft, for example, has noti- accepted payment in euros in outs in the capital Caracas nation’s oil industry. fi ed customers that future tender cash had been providing services Fto electronics stores in the With the US fi nancial sys- contracts for oil products will be to PDVSA for less than a year. central city of Maracay, Venezue- tem closed to state oil company denominated in euros rather than He added that the practice was lans struggling with hyperinfl a- PDVSA, as Washington tries to dollars. limited to fi elds PDVSA operated tion and a deep economic crisis cripple the fi nances of Venezue- The oil industry sources said on its own, rather than its joint are turning to a new form of pay- lan President Nicolas Maduro’s that PDVSA has used euros in ventures with foreign companies ment: euros in cash. administration, the company has cash to pay suppliers and con- like US oil major Chevron and Runaway infl ation that has asked clients to make payments tractors in transactions that pre- China National Petroleum Corp made even large piles of the lo- for crude exports in euros. viously took place via Venezuelan (CNPC). Chevron declined to cal bolivar currency worthless And with international com- bank accounts — explaining the comment. CNPC did not respond — combined with the socialist panies increasingly hesitant to broader circulation of European to requests for comment. government’s relaxation of re- pay using traceable bank trans- banknotes throughout the econ- The sources declined to name strictions on the use of foreign fers for fear of being hit with US omy. the companies receiving pay- currency — has encouraged Ven- sanctions themselves, PDVSA A source from a Venezuelan ment in euros, but said most were ezuelans to turn to dollar bills for has collected payment for at least construction company that has small. everyday transactions in the past two shipments of exported crude done work for PDVSA, who asked PDVSA has off ered to pay larg- year. in euros cash via intermediaries, to remain anonymous, said the er, more established suppliers in But in the past four months, according to three oil industry construction company had ac- euros via bank transfer, according euros have also started prolifer- sources, who asked to remain cepted payment in euros in cash to two of the oil industry sources, ating in markets and stores in the anonymous. because it was the only way to though it is not clear whether the South American country. Reuters could not independ- charge the state fi rm. companies accepted. With the stock of dollars in cir- ently confi rm details of PDVSA’s The source said the construc- Carrying a national flag, Venezuelans march in support of President Nicolas Maduro, as they protest The oil industry is not the only culation still far greater than eu- euro transactions. tion company — which had pre- against US sanctions, in Caracas on Friday. source of the euros. ros, Venezuelan merchants tend Neither Venezuela’s Infor- viously been paid by PDVSA via The central bank has received to quote items at the same price mation Ministry nor PDVSA Venezuelan bank accounts — supplies the public healthcare illicit money fl ows that would be fi nance commission was plan- euros in cash for the sale of some in the European and US currency responded to requests for com- then used the euros in cash to pay network with medicine — paid a easily traceable if payments were ning an investigation into the of its gold reserves, a source with — ignoring the euro’s higher val- ment. for lubricants and machine re- vaccine provider in euros in cash made electronically, said Chaim origins and uses of cash euros in knowledge of the situation told ue on international markets. The US dollar has traditionally placement parts from local sup- in July. Bucaran, an opposition con- Venezuela. Reuters in January. “That’s just how it works here,” been the currency used for oil pliers. The institute did not respond gressman. He said the committee had The central bank this year be- said Oscar Ramirez, an electron- deals globally. Other branches of the Ven- to a request for comment. “Organizations have paid for detected some private airplanes gan giving Venezuelan fi nancial ics trader at the City Market But with Washington crack- ezuelan state are also using euros. While the use of euros in cash imports, medicines and food in bringing in euros in cash to Ven- institutions foreign exchange in shopping centre in eastern Cara- ing down on several major oil- According to a source familiar in Venezuela is not illegal, oppo- euros,” said Carlos Paparoni, an- ezuela. cash rather than via transfer, fi ve cas’ Sabana Grande neighbour- producing countries — includ- with the deal, Venezuela’s So- sition lawmakers are concerned other opposition lawmaker, add- He did not provide further fi nance sector sources said this hood, who was quoting phones ing Venezuela, Russia and Iran cial Security Institute — which that cash could be used to hide ing that the National Assembly’s details and Reuters was not in- year. Gulf Times 16 Sunday, August 25, 2019 PAKISTAN

Govt slaps ban on Elections chief rejects new jobs, purchases

Internews president’s appointees Islamabad Internews chief and its members. had upheld the Constitution’s the words “in his discretion” had Islamabad He made it clear that he would supremacy by the decision, add- been omitted from the relevant he Pakistan Tehreek-e- not administer oath to the “un- ing that the government should article of the Constitution. Insaf (PTI)-led govern- constitutionally” appointed learn to respect the Constitu- He said the entire process of Tment of Pakistan has lection Commission of Pa- members. tion and parliament, and that appointment had been marred slapped bans on the purchase kistan (ECP) chief retired Separate letters were also sent government could not be run by constitutional violations for of all types of vehicles, creation Ejudge Sardar Mohamed to Siddiqui and Kakar, asserting through presidential ordinances and on behalf of the govern- of new posts, rationalised utili- Raza has refused to administer that their joining reports were of and notifi cations. ment. ties spending, provision of one the oath of offi ce to the newly- no consequence. She also asked the govern- The constitutional require- newspaper, and keeping other appointed members of the elec- The Pakistan Peoples Party ment to review its “dictatorial” ment of fi lling these vacancies expenditure at bare minimum in toral authority, saying that their (PPP) welcomed the Raza’s deci- approach. within 45 days of their occur- order to ensure compliance on appointment was against the sion not to administer the oath Former Senate chairman and rence had already been violated, austerity drive during the cur- Constitution. to the two men, saying that the constitutional expert Mian Raza he explained. rent fi scal year. The two members, who had ECP had set an example by re- Rabbani said that the manner in “Those trying to wear the The increasing budget defi cit been appointed by President Dr jecting the “unconstitutional” which Siddiqui and Kakar were shoes of Sharifuddin Pirzada is major area of concern for the Arif Alvi a day earlier, had ar- Aurangzeb: regretted that the Rehman: the government move of the Pakistan Tehreek- appointed by the president was should realise that this is not a government under the Inter- rived at the ECP headquarters to parliamentary panel on ECP should learn to respect the e-Insaf (PTI) government. in clear violation of Articles 213 question of interpretation of an national Monetary Fund (IMF) formally assume charge. members had been ignored. Constitution and parliament. In a statement, the PPP’s par- and 218 of the Constitution. article, but a deliberate circum- programme, and now the gov- Law Minister Barrister Farogh liamentary leader in the Senate, He said it is unfortunate that vention of the Constitution,” he ernment has decided to show its Naseem has described the ECP Informed sources said that Raza had observed that the ap- Sherry Rehman, said the pro- this “attack” on parliament and remarked. political will to curtail expendi- chief’s decision not to admin- when Khalid Mehmood Siddiqui pointment of ECP members was cedure for the appointment of the Constitution had come from Pakistan Muslim League – ture through an austerity drive. ister the oath to the president’s and Munir Ahmad Kakar went not in accordance with the rele- ECP members had clearly been within, as under Article 50 of Nawaz (PML-N) spokesperson The austerity campaign had appointees as unconstitutional. to ECP secretary Babar Yaqoob vant articles of the Constitution, defi ned in the Constitution, and the Constitution, the president Marriyum Aurangzeb regretted failed to yield any positive re- He said that Raza had neither Fateh Mohamed’s offi ce along the sources said. that the government had violat- happened to be part of the par- that the parliamentary commit- sults during the last fi nancial the justifi cation nor the author- with their joining reports, the The ECP chief also cited a ed the document. liament. tee on the appointment of ECP year 2018-19, when the budget ity to examine the validity of the secretary conveyed to them Ra- judgment rendered by a fi ve- She said the government by- “In this instant case, the members had been ignored, and defi cit escalated to highest-ever notifi cation. za’s views on their appointment member bench of the Supreme passed the Opposition Leader in president has, with mala fi de that a one-sided decision had in absolute fi gures during fi rst However, the opposition par- and a communication that he Court in 2013, holding that the parliament and the parliamen- intention, violated the 18th con- been taken. year of the PTI-led regime. ties have praised Raza for up- had sent to the ministry of par- president does not enjoy discre- tary committee on the appoint- stitutional amendment by mak- She demanded that the gov- The government had already holding the supremacy of the liamentary aff airs. tionary power in the appoint- ment of ECP members. ing these appointments in his ernment reverse its “unconsti- slapped ban on provision of re- Constitution and parliament. In his letter to the ministry, ment of the electoral authority’s Rehman said the ECP chief discretion,” he said, adding that tutional” decision. freshment such as tea or biscuits during the offi cial meetings, which sometimes irritated bu- reaucrats. Some offi cial meetings con- Fact and fiction tinued to proceed for hours on a NAB won’t pursue daily basis, so this created prob- lems especially those who are diabetic. However, according to an of- tax cases against fi ce memorandum (OM) issued by ministry of fi nance, owing to fi nancial constraints, the com- petent authority is “pleased” to businessmen enforce austerity measures dur- ing the fi nancial year 2019-20 with immediate eff ect: Internews in mind,” the NAB chairman (i) There will be a complete Karachi added. ban on purchase of all types of He reiterated that the bureau vehicles (excluding motorcycles) would do utmost to improve both for current as well as devel- he National Account- the country’s image, damaged opment expenditure; ability Bureau (NAB) by the money launderers, and (ii) Creation of new posts will Tof Pakistan would stop expressed the resolve that such be banned except those required pursuing income tax or sales elements would not be spared. for development projects and tax-related cases against busi- “However, businessmen would approved by the competent au- nessmen, and would refer them not be bothered.” thority; to tax authorities for investiga- Iqbal told the traders’ del- (iii) Entitlement of periodical, tions, the chairman of the anti- egation that a special desk has magazines, newspapers etc of corruption watchdog has said. been set up at the NAB head- entitled offi cers will remain re- “The NAB would not proc- quarters to protect the interests stricted to only one; ess the cases of income tax of the business community. (iv) Principal Accounting Of- and sales tax of business com- Referring to discussions fi cers (PAOs) will ensure ration- munity, and has ordered the with the NAB chairman, senior alised utility consumption i.e. return of all previous cases of FPCCI vice-president Mirza electricity, gas, telephone, water business community to FBR Ikhtiyar Baig said the NAB etc and the expenditure on pur- (Federal Board of Revenue) as would not involve itself in tax- chase of assets, repair and main- per law,” NAB chairman retired related cases of businessmen. tenance and other operational judge Javed Iqbal was quoted “However, if any business- expenditure shall be kept at bare as saying in a statement issued man is involved in money- minimum level while remaining by the Federation of Pakistan laundering and was conniving within the budgetary allocation Chambers of Commerce and with politicians and bureau- for the fi nancial year; and Industry (FPCCI). crats for wrongdoings, this Commuters ride past a billboard in Peshawar displaying a government campaign featuring a fake fact – that polio vaccines are (v) Both sides of paper shall be “He (the NAB chairman) has would be a separate matter, and imported from India (right) – and a true fact that polio vaccines are imported from Indonesia. used in all offi cial communica- ordered the withdrawal of all would fall in the jurisdiction of tions. notices served by NAB Mul- the NAB,” he said. tan on owners of fl our mills of FPCCI president Daroo Multan, Bahawalpur and D.G Khan said: “The NAB is a peo- Khan division,” the statement ple- and business-friendly in- said. “(the NAB chairman) stitution, and gave top priority himself would review the no- to solving problems being faced tices of fl our mills.” by the business community.” “The business community PTI-led government survives full The statement said a delega- tion of the FPCCI met Iqbal in of Pakistan appreciates the role Islamabad. of the NAB and the measures “The business community taken for transparency and is playing an important role curbing the corruption of the country,” he said. “Business year of disruption and division in economic development. The prosperity of traders will community is the backbone of lead to the prosperity of the the country, contributing in Internews The most signifi cant legisla- country, and the NAB is play- economic development, and Islamabad tive victory was the passage of ing its role while keeping this the same should be facilitated.” the 26th Constitutional Amend- ment Bill, which increased the he Pakistan Tehreek-e- number of seats from erstwhile Pakistan is a key ally in dealing with Insaf (PTI) government of Federally Administered Tribal TImran Khan crossed the Areas (Fata) in the National and refugee issues, says UNHCR off icial fi rst-year mark with usual blus- Provincial Assemblies. tery rhetoric, more promises and Minister of State for Parlia- The deputy representative of the United Nations High Commission stiff resistance from the opposi- mentary Aff airs Ali Mohamed for Refugees (UNHCR), Iain Hall, has said that Pakistan is a key ally in tion benches in parliament. Khan acknowledged that the par- dealing with the refugee issues, and that the UN views its eff orts in Protests by members of the liamentary report card needed high esteem. opposition began with Prime improvement. He stated this while addressing the prize distribution ceremony of Minister Imran Khan’s maiden According to the minister, par- the Inter-Club Boys and Girls Taekwondo Championship, organised speech. liament confronted many chal- by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Directorate of Sports and the His inaugural address, as the lenges during the fi rst legislative SPENT TIME IN PRISON: Opposition Leader Shehbaz Sharif and former president Asif Ali Zardari. KP Taekwondo Association, at Hayatabad Sports Complex in leader of the house, was punc- year. connection with the International Youth Day Celebration. tuated by opposition slogans Apart from the shortfall in Sharif, showed up for 53 ses- In the fi rst of fi rsts, seven community decorated the main Hall said Pakistan is a key UN partner, from providing services to against his government. making new laws, the 15th legis- sions, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was representatives of parliament hall of the National Assembly refugees to peacekeeping around the world, having contributed in In response, members of the lature has a list full of unfulfi lled present for 38, and Asif Zardari – Shehbaz Sharif, Asif Ali Zard- with a 40’ by 60’ national fl ag the last 40 years to helping Afghan refugees. treasury benches also decided to promises. attended 20 sessions. ari, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, ahead of the joint meeting of the The Afghan refugees are nationals of Afghanistan who fled their show off their majority by heck- The prime minister’s commit- The attendance of lawmak- Rana Sanaullah, Khawaja Saad house on Kashmir. country as a result of major wars. ling the opposition. ment to hold weekly Q and A ses- ers, including the prime minister Rafi que, Ali Wazir, and Mohsin The joint session on the terri- As of 2013, Afghanistan was the largest refugee-producing country Despite the uproar in the sions happens to be one of them. himself, was low. Dawar – were served prison torial dispute between India and in the world, a title held for 32 years. house, the National Assembly On the bright side, keeping its The current legislature also terms. Pakistan had the highest attend- Afghans make up the second largest refugee group after Syrians. (NA) somehow managed to hold promise, the government man- experienced a delay of over fi ve In other news from parlia- ance from both sides of the po- The majority of Afghan refugees (95%) are located in Pakistan and three joint sessions during the aged to play the national anthem months in the formation of its ment, scuffl es between lawmak- litical aisle. Iran. fi rst parliamentary year. at the beginning of the parlia- standing committees, which play ers also made headlines. However, the spirit of politi- In terms of the legislature’s mentary sessions. a crucial role in scrutiny of leg- Among the more prominent cal bipartisanship ended shortly output, a total of 10 bills sailed Among other challenges, the islation and oversight of the ex- ones were arguments between after the arrest of PML-N leader Bilawal donates buses to university through the bitterly-divided house recorded poor attendance ecutive. Abdul Majeed Khan Niazi and Maryam Nawaz, which sparked house. throughout the year. During the tumultuous year, Agha Rafi ullah, Ataullah and fresh political wrangling in the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has Three of these bills were re- The Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal the ruling party also managed to Zulfi qar Bachani, fi ery former already divided house. donated two buses as a gift from the government and the people of lated to fi nance. (MMA)’s Abdul Akbar Chitrali restrict the word “selected” from information minister Fawad According to sources, mem- Sindh to the University of Baltistan Skardu. Four bills covered routine secured the highest spot by at- being used to address the prime Chaudhry and the Pakistan Mus- bers of the treasury and opposi- He announced the decision during a meeting with Vice-Chancellor amendments to existing laws, tending 88 legislative sessions. minister. lim League – Nawaz (PML-N)’s tion benches are expected to fi ght Mohamed Naeem Khan, who paid a courtesy call on the PPP and two were meant to repeal two Leader of the Opposition in Irked by the move, members of Mushahidullah Khan. tooth and nail in the new legisla- chairman to welcome him to Baltistan, according to a press release. old laws. the National Assembly, Shehbaz the opposition staged walkouts. On the lighter side, the Hindu tive year. Gulf Times Sunday, August 25, 2019 17 PHILIPPINES Tropical Go assures private hospitals help over non-payment of claims storm By Javier J Ismael Manila Times

enator Christopher Law- rence “Bong” Go assured Sthe Private Hospitals As- leaves sociation of the Philippines Inc. (Phapi) that his panel is willing to listen to their concerns re- garding claims payment from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth). two dead Go, chairman of the Sen- ate Committee on Health, said DPA metropolitan Manila over Phapi president Rustico Jimen- Manila the past two days, triggering ez could present their issues to floods and causing suspension the Senate. of school classes in some areas. He added he would relay the wo people were killed Each year the Philippines issues raised by Phapi to Phil- in landslides and fl oods is hit by an average of 20 cy- Health President Ricardo Mo- Tcaused by tropical storm clones, causing floods, land- rales. Bailu in the northern Philip- slides and other accidents. “You have two venues where pines, local authorities said yes- One of the strongest in recent you can air your concerns. First, terday. memory, Typhoon Haiyan, hit in a Senate hearing,” Go told A 17-year-old girl was killed the country in November 2013, Jimenez. when a landslide buried a house killing more than 6,300 people “Second, I asked the presi- in Pasuquin town in Ilocos Norte and displacing more than 4mn. dent of PhilHealth, General province, while a 37-year-old Bailu made landfall in south- Morales, to listen to you pri- man was swept away by fl oods in ern Taiwan yesterday before vately and discussed what nearby Laoag City, the provin- heading for China’s south- should be fi xed to avoid this cial disaster risk management eastern coast. kind of problem,” he added. Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go attends the inauguration of the 38th Malasakit Center in Ilocos Sur. offi ce said. At least six people in the Dozens of private hospitals Two children — aged nine and eastern and central parts of the have complained that their PhilHealth claims, doctors are tees next week. Failon, Go mentioned that he matters with Health Secretary 11 — were also injured in a sepa- island were injured in weather- claims have not been paid by aff ected as well,” Go said. The senator lamented that if would help enhance medical Francisco Duque 3rd. rate landslide in Pasuquin, the related accidents, according PhilHealth. He gave assurances that these these issues continue, hospitals services. “I am on it and it is just right offi ce said. to the Central Emergency Op- “I understand where Dr concerns would be addressed might have diffi culty providing On the upgrading of medi- to use money allotted for health More than 8,200 residents eration Centre (CEOC). Mean- Jimenez is coming from. If there during the joint hearing of the quality service. cal equipment in public hospi- on equipment,” the senator were affected by the floods and while, 14 tourists trapped by is delay or non-payment of health and blue ribbon commit- In an interview with Ted tals, Go said he would discuss said. landslides, it added. landslides in mountainous ar- Bailu was packing maximum eas in eastern Hualien County sustained winds of 100 kilome- were rescued yesterday, CEOC tres per hour (km/h) and gusts said. of up to 125km/h as it crossed The passage of Bailu dam- over the northern Philippines aged power poles in southern to Taiwan, where it made land- and eastern parts of Taiwan, Duterte to drop visit to Fujian province fall yesterday. once leaving more than 95,000 It has dumped heavy rains households without electricity over northern provinces and yesterday. By Catherine S Valente to bring up the arbitral award regarding with President Xi Jinping to discuss the Manila Times a dispute between the Philippines and accomplishments, as well as the shared China in the South China (West Philip- goals of the Philippines and China under pine) Sea. The arbitral award largely fa- our Comprehensive Strategic Co-opera- resident Rodrigo Duterte will no voured Manila over Beijing. tion,” he said. longer visit Fujian province to in- Montealegre said Duterte and Xi were Duterte earlier announced that he Former foreign aff airs Paugurate the school building there set to sign agreements covering educa- would be fl ying to Beijing to fi nally raise built in honour of his mother as his trip tion, science and technology, and eco- the arbitral ruling that was handed down to Beijing has been cut short, the Depart- nomic and social development. in The Hague with Xi. secretary posts bail ment of Foreign Aff airs (DFA) said. “Both leaders will also witness the Montealegre said it would be up to the In a pre-departure briefi ng on the signing of a number of co-operative bi- president on how to bring the issue up. president’s offi cial visit to China, For- lateral documents and memorandum of He added that the DFA was not aware By Darwin Pesco appear at the arraignment and eign Assistant Secretary Meynardo understanding, which are all aimed to if anyone was trying to stop the president Manila Times pre-trial on September 20. Montealegre said the president’s Fujian Duterte: shortened trip further increase the breadth and depth from talking about the landmark deci- Meanwhile, Yasay’s wife, visit had been postponed to a “more ap- of our co-operation between the Philip- sion during the China visit. Cecile, said her husband would propriate time.” ture, sometimes it’s substantive, some- pines and China,” he added. “I think that’s the president’s preroga- ormer foreign aff airs sec- still be confi ned at the Manila “It’s postponed… It’s not appropriate times it’s also due to domestic issues,” The DFA offi cial said Duterte was tive to discuss the particular issue. At the retary Perfecto Yasay Jr Doctors Hospital for more vital at this time… It was just postponed for Borje said during the same Palace news looking forward to his fi fth bilateral same time, he already made pronounce- F(pictured) has posted a tests and would likely be dis- a more appropriate time in the future,” briefi ng. meeting with Xi, and to discussing issues ment on this particular matter. So, it’s P240,000-bail after his arrest charged this weekend. Montealegre told reporters. “But for this particular visit, there was of mutual interest with his counterpart. the president’s call to discuss this spe- over alleged violation of banking MPD director Vicente Danao Duterte had announced he would visit a plan and then the recommendation “President Duterte looks forward to cifi c issue,” Montealegre said. laws. said Yasay was brought to the Fujian to attend the inauguration of a now is to move it at a later date because exchanging views with President Xi on According to him, Duterte would also Na- hospital after the latter com- school named after his mother, Soledad. it’s more appropriate to be done at a later how to accelerate the pace of our func- pay a courtesy call to Chinese Vice Presi- tional plained of chest pain. Chief of Presidential Protocol Robert date and not at this particular time,” he tional co-operation in terms of concrete dent Wang Qishan. Capital On Thursday, the former DFA Borje said the decision to postpone the added. projects, as well as on issues of mutual “The president and Vice President Region chief was arrested by the Manila visit to Fujian was more of a logistical is- The president, who will arrive in Bei- interest to both countries,” Monteale- Wang are expected to discuss ways to in- Regional police for alleged violations of sue. jing on August 28, will hold a bilateral gre added. “This will be the fi fth visit of crease trade and investment and deepen Trial the provisions of Republic Act “Sometimes the window shortens for meeting with Chinese President Xi Jin- the President to China. In Beijing, the the friendship between our countries,” Court 8791, or the “General Banking reasons that are maybe logistical in na- ping the next day, where he promised president will hold a bilateral meeting he said. Branch Law,” and Republic Act 7653, or 10 then the “New Central Bank Act.” ordered Based on an MPD report, the Ma- sometime between 2001 and nila Police District (MPD) to 2009, Yasay, together with fi ve “immediately” release Yasay un- other offi cers of the Banco Fili- Senator proposes six-week citizen training for youth less “he is being held for other pino Savings and Mortgage Bank lawful cause(s).” “conspiring and aiding each oth- After his arrest, Yasay said he er,” secured from the bank a loan By Javier J Ismael Gordon has filed Senate Bill the youth in nation-building of two years shall be manda- order; and disaster risk reduc- would not post bail until he was of P350mn for Tierrasud Inc, Manila Times 927, or the “Citizen Service and shall ensure their well- tory for Filipino students who tion and management. given a chance to question the partly guaranteed and secured by Act of 2019,” seeking to require being. It shall instill in them are at least 18 years of age, Those with medical condi- judge, whom he accused in a a real property owned by Tropi- basic citizen service train- a sense of patriotism and na- regardless if they are taking tions that prevent them from Facebook post of “abuse of due cal Land Corp. enator Richard Gordon ing, establish a citizen service tionalism, and encourage their vocational or baccalaureate participating in the above pro- process and travesty of justice.” After the loan was granted, encouraged all Filipino corps and create the Citizen involvement in public and civ- courses. grammes may instead partici- Signed by Judge Danilo Leyva, the report said, all accused, in- Sstudents to undergo a Service Commission. ic affairs. The basic training shall cover pate in fi rst aid and life sup- the release order directed the cluding Yasay, failed to report mandatory basic citizen train- He explained that the Con- Under the bill, full time ba- military training focusing on port, and humanitarian-related former secretary of the Depart- the loan accommodation to the ing for at least six weeks per stitution provides that the sic citizen service training for external and territorial defence; training provided by the Philip- ment of Foreign Aff airs (DFA) to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. year for a period of two years. State recognise the key role of at least six weeks for a period internal security and peace and pine Red Cross. Disaster-resilient SMEs ‘key to value chain’s sustainability’

Manila Times understand the journey and nuity.To date, over 1,500 SMEs and sustainability to include flood cycle of the area to allow Manila challenges faced by small and have availed of this service. investing 10% of its capital ex- the natural flow of the Mariki- medium enterprises. We want to SM Prime has partnered with penditure on disaster-resilient na River; provision of a four- help them not only by providing the National Resilience Coun- features depending on a mall’s meter elevation for SM Seaside mall and medium enter- a strong market but by building cil, APEC Emergency Pre- existing hazards; capacity- City Cebu, which boasts of prises (SMEs) form the their resilience to overcome their paredness Capacity-Building building; and collaboration and design features against earth- Slifeblood of the Philippine risks and maximise their oppor- Center, UNDRR and Global Ed- public-private partnerships quakes and water-treatment economy through the stimula- tunities,” he said. ucation and Training Institute at the global, regional and na- facilities that recycle used wa- tion of economic activity. A strong advocate of disaster and Department of Trade and tional levels. ter; construction of rainwa- SM, as a staunch supporter resilience, Sy is the first Filipi- Industry, among other disas- “Through these efforts, we ter catchments in 20 SM malls of SME growth, recognises that no representative to the Private ter risk reduction organisations seal our commitment in cre- to help minimise flood water; disaster-resilient SMEs are the Sector Advisory Group of the to provide capacity-building ating a more equitable and capacity-building and public- key to a sustainable value chain United Nations Office for Dis- and technical assistance on the progressive environment for private partnerships with the and in attaining business con- aster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). Center’s operations. business partnerships for gen- national and local government tinuity. SM Prime is taking a step fur- “Supporting our SME part- erations to come,” Sy said. units through Arise Philippines “Empowering supply chains ther by helping SMEs bounce ners to focus their efforts from For many years, he and SM and the National Resilience is particularly close to our back immediately after a dis- managing disasters to manag- have been leading DRR efforts Council; and recent launch of hearts because SM’s roots were aster. It built an SM Reliance ing risks is a critical step to- for the private sector in the the Business Continuity Pro- borne from our father’s entre- Center (Center) in SM Clark, ward an enduring partnership Philippines in partnership with gramme for its SME mall ten- preneurial spirit,” Hans Sy said. Pampanga, to serve as the data in resilience,” Sy said. various organisations and gov- ants. Sy, the chairman of the Ex- storage and capacity-building SM works both directly and ernment agencies. SM Prime manages malls, ecutive Committee and SM In- facilities for SME partners. The indirectly with nearly 25,000 Some of SM’s notable DRR residences, offices, hotels and vestments Corporation Adviser Center also serves as the infor- SMEs, representing 27% of the initiatives include the ad- convention centers. It remains was speaking at the United Na- mation and communications total SMEs in the Philippines ditional elevation for the SM committed to being a catalyst tions Global Compact-Global hub for SM. today. These are SM’s mall Mall of Asia complex as pro- for economic growth by deliv- Hans Sy, SM Prime Holdings chairman of the Executive Committee Reporting Initiative regional It has provided free storage tenants, traders and suppliers, tection against storm surges ering innovative and sustain- and the only Filipino global board member of the United Nations sustainability summit held at data to serve as repository for mainly in retail. and flooding; building of SM able lifestyle cities, thereby Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, has cited the importance Conrad Manila. documents essential to early It has integrated three plat- City Marikina on stilts after enriching the quality of life for of disaster resilience especially for SMEs during a regional “It is because of this that we recovery and business conti- forms in terms of its operations considering the 100-year-old millions of people. sustainability summit in Manila. Gulf Times 18 Sunday, August 25, 2019 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Brazil deserves global support to contain wildfi res

Wildfi res are raging through the Amazon, the largest rainforest in the world, even as the global community have expressed concern over the loss of vast swathes of forest considered a vital bulwark against climate change. While it is important to track down the source or the exact cause of the fi re, it is even more important to assist Brazil in containing wildfi res that are raging in the Amazon state of Pará, threatening the rainforest and nearby communities. It is heartening to note that Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro has issued a decree, which authorises the Britain and Italy are now deployment of soldiers in nature reserves, indigenous lands and border areas in the region to help fi ght a “record number” of forest fi res in the Amazon. Bolsonaro has criticised the reaction of some other nations, insisting wildfi res “cannot be used as a pretext” the terrible twins of Europe for punitive sanctions. “The Amazon is bigger than Europe, how will you fi ght criminal fi res in such an area?” he told the media recently. By Martin Kettle less eff ort to address its underlying Merkel, who hosted Johnson’s fi rst ineffi cient and institutionally rotten. London economic, social and political problems. European trip as prime minister on While the citizens of most countries in “We do not have the resources for that,” Bolsonaro said Instead, like Italy, Britain appears to Wednesday, were to be asked privately Europe liked to think that they obeyed as the fi res are burning across a range of states in Brazil’s be drifting steadily to the right under to nominate her most unwelcome EU the laws, paid their taxes and provided section of the Amazon rainforest. or most of the time since 1945, skilful populist leaders whom the politi- leader colleagues, it is a fair bet that for their poor, many Italians picked It came after France and Ireland said they would not the politics and government of cal institutions are proving unable to Johnson and Salvini would come top of and chose which rules to follow, joked ratify a huge trade deal with South American nations Britain and Italy have seemed control. her current list, above even Hungary’s about paying their taxes and were often overtly hostile to the impoverished unless Brazil does more to tackle blazes in the Amazon. Flike polar opposites. True, both The collapse of Italy’s populist coali- Viktor Orbán. were important European powers. True tion this week is not, at fi rst sight, an The Italian and British rightwing south of the country, as Salvini is today Given the seriousness too, each had a place among the world’s event with many British resonances. populist leaders, egged on by Donald to African and Arab migrants. of the issue, France major economies. Even now, Britain and Both parties in the coalition are recent Trump’s administration in Washing- For a while, it was possible to believe The Amazon is and Germany said Italy will be among the select group of creations, a far cry from a Conservative ton, represent a deliberate challenge to that, if there were convergence between that the Amazon fi res economically powerful nations whose party that traces its history deep into traditional politics in general and to the the two, it would be Italy that managed leaders will gather in the Second Empire the 19th century. The rightwing Lega EU’s future in particular. Until recently, to change, adapting itself to the liberal a vital carbon should be added to the splendour of Biarritz’s Hotel du Palais is the latest iteration of the old anti- the visit of a British prime minister to democratic capitalist habits of the EU. agenda of the Group of 7 this weekend for the latest G7 summit. migrant Lega Nord, which dated from the German chancellor was a ritual reaf- But that hasn’t happened. Italy’s ex- store that slows summit, which began at In the past, that was where the simi- only 1991, while the Five Star Movement fi rmation of commitment to stability. ceptionalism is now, if anything, more down the pace of seaside town of Biarritz larities began to ebb away. In politics, is more recent still, a root-and-branch Not any more, and not on Wednesday. pronounced. Under Johnson, Britain is in southwest France Britain was famously stable while Italy anti-establishment party. Yet the divi- It is an alarming thought – though it accelerating in a similar direction of its was infamously not. British govern- sion that brought down the coalition should not be overplayed either – that own. Since the fall of the Syriza govern- global warming yesterday. ments were domestically strong, while and led to prime minister Giuseppe Wednesday‘s was almost certainly the ment in Greece, Italy and Brexit Britain The Amazon is a vital Italian governments were weak and Conte’s resignation on Tuesday has real most destabilising Anglo-German sum- together pose the most direct challenges carbon store that slows short-lived. echoes of the battles in the Conserva- mit since Munich in 1938. to the EU’s legal, budgetary and human down the pace of global warming. It is known as the “lungs In Britain, leftwing politics was root- tive party. To add the words “except Italy” to rights underpinnings. of the world” and is home to about 3mn species of plants ed in industrial unionism, while Italy Like Theresa May, Conte was forced every generalisation about Europe For the avoidance of doubt, precise and animals, and 1mn indigenous people. possessed the largest, most modern- to quit because the Lega, under Matteo would become tiresome, historian parallels between Italy and Britain, minded and most alluring communist Salvini, has created a position in which AJP Taylor once said. From now on, he or Salvini and Johnson, should not be Satellite data published by the National Institute for party in the West. When Britain looked it thinks it can win an election. That is added, the words should therefore be pushed too far. There remain many Space Research has shown an increase of 85% this year in in the mirror it saw the embodiment precisely the belief that fi res Boris John- taken as read. Many of us grew up look- profound differences between the fi res across Brazil, most of them in the Amazon region. of probity and practicality, while Italy son. Salvini’s mix of anti-immigrant ing at Italy’s place in Europe in that way. two national conjunctures. But their Although fi res are a regular and natural occurrence was all too often synonymous with braggadocio, confrontational hostility Cooler and more stylish than us, cer- rightward trajectories, their preoccu- during the dry season at this time of year, crime and corruption. While Britain to the EU in general, and to Germany in tainly, but also more corrupt and more pation with winning votes on the right maintained its autonomy by refusing to particular, plus his readiness to borrow unshakeably right wing, Italy seemed not the centre, and their mastery of environmentalists blamed the sharp rise on farmers setting join the eurozone, Italy enthusiastically and increase the defi cit, and his inten- to follow its own unique and inimitable the black arts of political campaign- the forest alight to clear land for pasture. embraced its upper mid-table place in tion, if elected, to slash taxes, has its route through European modernity. ing in the digital age all come from the The rate of forest destruction soared more than 278% the EU and its membership of the single refl ections in Priti Patel’s potentially For much of the postwar era, this way same soil. Those who have argued for in July compared with the same month a year ago, Doha- currency was shamelessly engineered. brutal migration controls, Johnson’s of looking at Italy made some sense. many years for Britain to become more based international broadcaster Al Jazeera said citing a Today, the political comparison is sabre-rattling approach to May’s with- Compared with centralised France like Germany or Sweden have to wake marked not by divergence but by an drawal agreement and the UK govern- and Britain, Italy was a devolved state. up to what is happening. Italy and research by the Amazon Environmental Research Institute. increasing convergence. Politically, ment’s election-mode fi scal liberality. Power lay in the cities and the regions, Britain, an improbable political duo if Previously, Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research Britain is becoming more like Italy. Like None of this is to pretend that Britain where Rome’s writ did not run. Com- ever there was one, have become the pegged the rate of deforestation in June at 88% higher than Italy, Britain is an increasingly hard to and Italy are marching to exactly the pared with Germany and Scandinavia, terrible twins of Europe. – Guardian during the corresponding month in 2018. govern country that makes less and same political drum. But if Angela Italy was economically protectionist, News and Media The Amazon is the largest tropical forest in the world, covering more than 5mn sq km across nine countries: Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela. The Amazon has been inhabited by humans for at least 11,000 years and is home to more than 30mn people – about two-thirds of whom live in cities carved out of the greenery, Al Jazeera said. Among those living in the region are about 1mn indigenous people who are divided into some 400 tribes, according to indigenous rights group Survival International.

To Advertise [email protected] Display 44466621 44418811 Classified 44466609 44418811 Subscription [email protected] Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson disembarks from an aeroplane upon landing © 2019 Gulf Times. All rights reserved at the Biarritz Pays Basque Airport in Biarritz, south-west France The Lega, under Matteo Salvini, has created a position in which it thinks it can win yesterday, on the first day of the annual G7 Summit. an election. Gulf Times Sunday, August 25, 2019 19 COMMENT A law just for Trump’s presidency?

By Elizabeth Shwe litigation and negotiation. The bill will fi nd its way through its thorny Sacremento, California would be “one more tool in California’s path that achieves the goal of the bill toolbox” to protect state resources in while not upending the other Her- the event of federal changes, according culean eff orts to invest in California’s alifornia is considering a to Annie Notthoff , the western advo- environment,” Wade said. far-reaching law that would cacy director of the Natural Resources Advocates say they aren’t just play- lock current environmental Defense Council. ing politics. They point to the fact that Cprotections into place and How is this legal? States have the Trump administration signifi cantly would only be in eff ect until the end of jurisdiction to pass their own environ- weakened the Endangered Species Act Donald Trump’s presidency. mental laws. In fact, the Endangered just last week. The premise of the Senate Bill 1 is Species Act clearly asserts that state Even if Trump is not re-elected in simple: to maintain environmental and laws are allowed to be more restrictive 2020, it will take years to reinstitute worker safety standards that the state than the regulations in the act. some regulations, said Kim Delfi no has had in place for decades, even if the If federal changes occur, the bill would from Defenders of Wildlife. federal government rolls them back. let California more quickly adopt any air, “I’ve worked on ESA issues for 25 Standards that were eff ective before water, endangered species and certain years. This is the worst I’ve ever seen January 19, 2017 – the day before Pres- workers’ safety standards – as they it,” she said. ident Trump took offi ce – would be en- existed before the Trump administration Even opponents have been vocal forceable under state law until January took offi ce – into state law. about their support for the main intent 20, 2025, or when Trump would leave Senate Bill 1 is not the fi rst of its of the bill. offi ce if he wins a second term. kind. In 2003, California passed a “This bill is an honest eff ort to pro- Trump has made eliminating envi- similar law, SB 288, aimed at protect- tect California from potential changes ronmental regulations a priority. It’s ing the state against any rollbacks on in federal law in several areas,” Wade why Senate President Pro Tem Toni federal air regulations implemented said. “We are not opposed to the intent Atkins, Democrat-San Diego, says it’s by the Bush administration. That law of the bill,” said Regele of CalChamber. necessary for California to have an is narrower in its scope than the one California Attorney General Xavier “insurance policy against the exploita- under consideration now and has never Becerra has fi led a total of 27 environ- tion of our natural resources and our been used. mental lawsuits against the Trump ad- people.” In May, Oregon Governor Kate ministration and has won 18 of them, “SB 1 would insulate California from Brown signed a similar law that allows Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins says it’s necessary for California to have an “insurance policy against the exploitation according to his offi ce. systematic undermining of the regula- her state to adopt federal environ- of our natural resources and our people.” Last week, Becerra fi led a lawsuit tory process at the federal level and mental standards of the Clean Air and as part of a coalition led by New York the weakening of our clean air, clean Clean Water Acts that were eff ective Act, which she said requires the US with locking into place an old regula- Water Coalition. challenging the Trump Administra- water, safe drinking water, endangered as of January 19, 2017, if the federal Bureau of Reclamation to comply with tory approach on water under the state SB 1 would make the old regulatory tion’s replacement rule of the Clean species, and worker protection acts government rolls them back. state law for operations on the Central Environmental Species Act. approach California law. Because the Power Plan. that were all adopted on a bipartisan The most contentious part of the Valley Project. Since 2008, California has oper- bill doesn’t have language that protects Becerra also threatened to sue the basis in the 1970’s,” Atkins said in a California bill would subject the Cen- Put simply, whether or not Cali- ated under a regulatory approach that “voluntary agreements,” opponents federal administration over its changes statement. tral Valley Project, a federal project, to fornia’s Endangered Species Act can limits how much water farms and said stakeholders will walk away from to the Endangered Species Act. California currently holds the bur- the state’s Endangered Species Act. legally apply to a federal project is an water agencies can use. The Obama the table if this bill passes. In May, Becerra led a coalition of 17 den of initiating lawsuits against the The California Chamber of Com- open question of law, and would most administration decided to update to a “This is a whole eff ort we’ve been states and the District of Columbia in federal government on environmental merce, an opponent of the bill, says likely result in a lawsuit. project-oriented approach that is less working on for years. It would be suing the US Environmental Protec- policies it doesn’t support. Advocates that provision goes too far. The bill has a severability clause that regulatory and incorporates new sci- wasted time and energy,” said Jeff tion Agency for their eff orts to weaken say the measure would shift the burden “It is completely unconstitutional to would mean that the rest of the meas- ence – such as restoring a side channel Kightlinger, general manager of the the nation’s single vehicle emission of making legal challenges to the fed- force a federal agency to adhere to a state ure would still apply even if one part of on the Sacramento River that would Metropolitan Water District of South- standard. This led to an agreement eral government. standard,” said chamber policy advocate it is challenged. provide a shallow habitat for fi sh to ern California. between California and four major Although California has its own Adam Regele, citing the Supremacy Many of the opponents support the rest instead of forcing them to stay in Many stakeholders believe that this automakers on restricting greenhouse environmental laws, it relies on the Clause of the US Constitution. main intent of the bill, but farm and the main channel. new project-oriented approach is a gas emissions. federal government for some protec- Notthoff from NRDC thinks other- water agencies say portions of it could Final approval for this “voluntary better way to improve habitat and fl ow SB 1 has passed the Senate and the tions. wise. interfere with their eff orts to make agreement” approach is expected by in the Delta than the old regulatory Assembly Appropriations Commit- Right now, California can address She pointed to the 1992 federal water supply more reliable. 2021, according to Mike Wade, execu- way. tee held a hearing on it Wednesday. – weakening of any standard through Central Valley Project Improvement The most contentious part has to do tive director of the California Farm “It’s our hope that the Legislature Tribune News Service

Germany’s Social Democrats hope new leadership will save party

Three-day forecast By Andrew McCathie It is the candidates’ commitment new leadership’s hands following two right Alternative for Germany. TODAY Berlin to either backing or abandoning the state elections on September 1. On the other side of the political centre-left SPD’s coalition with Mer- The elections could result in the ledger, the SPD also appears to have Maximum Temperature : 400c kel’s conservative Christian Demo- SPD losing its long-held grip on power missed the boat on global warming, Minimum Temperature : 320c lmost 20 candidates are lin- crats (CDU) that has emerged as one of in Brandenburg and crashing to below with young voters increasingly drawn MONDAY ing up for the job of leading the key issues in the leadership race. 10 per cent in Saxony, to the strong environmental creden- Maximum Temperature : 400c Germany’s Social Democrat- “We have to see what else is possible potentially increasing the clamour tials of the Greens. Minimum Temperature : 320c ic Party (SPD) in a ballot that with the CDU,” said Boris Pistorius, in the party to pull out of the CDU-led Today’s SPD is a long way from A TUESDAY could decide the fate of Chancellor who is running alongside fellow state coalition. reaching the heights seen in the 1998 Maximum Temperature : 390c Angela Merkel’s grip on power. minister Petra Koepping. The SPD leadership ballot follows election that brought Schroeder to Minimum Temperature : 320c But while the SPD was once a model But other candidates are not so the dramatic resignation in June of power. Fisherman's forecast for social democrats around the world, happy with the status quo, which has party chief Andrea Nahles, who had The party is currently hovering at the prospect of leading Germany’s seen the SPD prop up a CDU govern- convinced her reluctant party to sign around 13%, according to Berlin poll- oldest political party has dulled in ment for all but four of Merkel’s 14 up again to a new Merkel-led coalition. sters Forsa. WARNING Inshore : Thundery rain recent years following a plunge in years in power. But Nahles’ departure has done The slump underscores “the ex- expected associated support. Party health spokesman Karl Lau- little to change the party’s fortunes, tremely dramatic situation” facing with strong wind by Candidates have until September terbach and Alexander Ahrens, mayor and falling support has turned the role the SPD, said Forsa chief Manfred afternoon Offshore : Nil 1 to join the leadership race, with of the eastern city of Bautzen, are in of successor into something of a poi- Guellner. WEATHER Finance Minister and Vice-Chancellor favour of ending the coalition, which soned chalice in German politics. “It has obviously completely lost the Inshore : Misty at places by early Olaf Scholz one of the few prominent many SPD members see as contribut- The SPD swept to power nation- link to the ‘working class’ and is now morning becomes hot daytime with c of local SPD members gunning for the job. ing to the party’s decline. ally more than 20 years ago under only backed by a minority of voters,” couds maybe thundery Leadership hopefuls will present “We have a clear analysis of why the then chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, he said. associated with blow- their case to the party’s 426,000 party is down,” said Dierk Hirschel, winning 40.9% of the vote and paving Amid the gloomy outlook, Scholz, ing dust by afternoon Offshore : Misty at some places members over the course of 23 regional an economist with the service sector the way for their coalition with the the SPD’s big-name leadership candi- at first and p cloudy conferences, which will form the union Verdi, pointing to the SPD’s Greens. date, has said running was “not a very at times build-up to a special party conference coalition with Merkel as preventing Schroeder’s tough labour-and- easy decision.” WIND welfare reform agenda led to a major But he and his running mate Klara Inshore : Northeasterly-North- in December, when the winner — or the party from pursuing a more com- westerly 05-15/30 KT winners — will be formally elected. prehensive social policy. split in the SPD, with a large number Geywitz came to the conclusion that Offshrore : Northwesterly-North- In an attempt to breathe life into the Hirschel and his running mate, SPD of members switching their allegiance their party needs them. easterly 03-13 KT ailing party, which sunk to a record lawmaker Hilde Mattheis, are cam- to hard-left party Die Linke. “We are campaigning for a stronger Visibility : 3-8/2 KM low of 20.5% in the 2017 national elec- paigning for “a radical restart” for the The new leadership will also have SPD, because that is the only way for Around the region tion, the Social Democrats have paved SPD, whose history dates back to 1863. to draw up plans for tempting back us to at some point once again have an the way for dual leadership teams and But any decision on the future of the supporters who have been drawn to option other than the grand coalition,” Weather Weather are encouraging women to run. CDU alliance could be taken out of the the anti-foreigner message of the far- Scholz said. (AFP) today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Baghdad Sunny 48/29 Sunny 48/30 Kuwait City Sunny 43/30 Sunny 46/31 Manama Sunny 39/32 Sunny 41/32 Muscat Sunny 37/29 Sunny 34/27 Live issues Tehran Sunny 36/23 Sunny 36/23 Tourism hotspot Barcelona alarmed by crime surge

AFP mayor in charge of security, acknowl- robberies are concentrated in the two City hall recently boosted its crime- Barcelona edged there was a “security crisis” most visited neighbourhoods — the fi ghting budget and the regional gov- but called for a “calm and responsible Ciutat Vella, the densely populated ernment has deployed more offi cers to analysis” of the problem. district at the city’s heart, and the the city, including anti-riot units. surge in muggings and Thefts and violent robberies in Eixample, a tree-lined district that is But according to police only one in burglaries in Barcelona, Barcelona, a city of 1.6mn residents, home to most of Barcelona’s famous 10 people arrested for violent robber- mainly targeting tourists, jumped by 28 % between 2016 and monuments such as the Sagrada Fa- ies in 2018 and 2019 went to prison. has sparked alarm in Spain’s 2018, according to police fi gures. milia basilica. In response, some locals have A Around the world second-largest city, leading local The trend has continued in 2019 organised “citizen patrols” to fi ght residents to form their own crime- with a 31% rise in violent robberies “You see so much crime. Weather Weather fi ghting patrols. during the fi rst half of the year. Carrying signs in diff erent lan- today Max/min tomorrow Max/min The US consulate in Barcelona on But the total number of violent insecurity, so much guages they tour the city and metro Athens Sunny 36/26 Sunny 35/24 Wednesday warned its nationals of crimes — homicides and bodily anxiety, that you stations, warning of pickpockets. Beirut Sunny 31/27 Sunny 31/26 “an increase in violent crime in the injuries — fell during this period and When they spot a suspected thief Bangkok T Storm 31/26 T Storm 30/26 city” and urged them not to “display the murder rate in Barcelona is lower say: ‘Either we do they blow whistles and shout “leave Berlin P Cloudy 32/19 P Cloudy 32/19 signs of wealth such as wearing ex- than in other European cities such as pickpocket!” until the person goes Cairo Sunny 37/25 Sunny 38/26 pensive jewellery or watches”. London, Berlin and Brussels. something to save away. Cape Town Showers 16/11 P Cloudy 15/10 The alert came just days after “Barcelona continues to be a very Barcelona or it will “You see so much insecurity, so much Colombo T Storm 28/26 T Storm 28/26 Afghanistan’s ambassador to Spain safe city,” said Sonia Andolz, an expert anxiety, that you say: ‘Either we do Dhaka S T Storms 34/27 I T Storms 33/27 was lightly injured in a group mugging on security policies, adding the rise in turn into a South something to save Barcelona or it will Hong Kong T Storm 29/26 S T Storms 29/26 to steal his watch in the city centre, crime “was not enough to justify the American city’” turn into a South American city’,” said Istanbul Sunny 30/23 Sunny 30/23 and a 91-year-old French woman was alarm that is being generated”. Eliana Guerrero, a member of one of the Jakarta M Sunny 33/24 P Cloudy 32/24 hospitalised after thieves yanked her The boom in tourism the city Gustavo Equia, who owns an Argen- patrols who is originally from Colombia. Karachi P Cloudy 31/27 P Cloudy 31/27 necklace, causing her to fall. experienced since it hosted the 1992 tinian empanada shop in Ciutat Vella “This didn’t happen before. There London P Cloudy 32/17 M Sunny 32/18 Barcelona, a European tourist Summer Olympics is partly to blame, that was held up three times in a single were robberies, but not the violence Manila T Storm 31/26 T Storm 30/26 hotspot, has recorded eight murders Andolz said. night recently, complains that the we have today,” added Guerrero, a real Moscow M Sunny 21/09 P Cloudy 22/14 since July, an unusually high number “Tourism always draws pickpock- neighbourhood has been “left in the estate agent who unsuccessfully tried New Delhi S T Storms 32/26 P Cloudy 33/27 for the Mediterranean seaside city, and ets,” she said. hands of God.” to become a police offi cer. New York P Cloudy 25/16 P Cloudy 25/18 in June a visiting South Korean public The number of tourists who stayed “There are more and more prob- City offi cials and experts are con- Paris Sunny 33/18 Sunny 33/18 servant died from injuries she suff ered at a hotel in Barcelona soared from lems, many thefts, stabbings,” he cerned. Sao Paulo P Cloudy 19/12 P Cloudy 24/14 during a mugging. 1.7mn in 1990 to 8.8mn in 2017, ac- added. “Taking justice into your own hands Seoul M Sunny 30/20 P Cloudy 32/22 The city’s hotel association has cording to municipal fi gures. Many blame Barcelona’s left-wing is not the solution. A citizen without Singapore S T Storms 31/27 S T Storms 31/27 warned that Barcelona’s reputation Millions more arrive on cruise ships mayor Ada Colau, accusing her of training, without a uniform and with- Sydney M Sunny 20/11 Showers 15/12 could be “seriously harmed”. or stay in holiday fl ats. being too lenient since she came to out any controls can never play this Tokyo Cloudy 31/22 Cloudy 29/24 Albert Batlle, Barcelona’s deputy Nearly 60% of all burglaries and power in 2015. role,” said Andolz. Gulf Times 20 Sunday, August 25, 2019 QATAR

Doha Marriott Hotel facade. Doha Marriott Hotel lobby. Katara Hospitality plans full renovation of Doha Marriott

atara Hospitality, a global hotel owner, developer Kand operator based in Qa- tar, has announced a full renova- tion of “Doha’s most iconic hotel, Doha Marriott Hotel. Opened in 1973 as the Gulf Hotel, this project will “see a fi rst-time ever full property re- imagination” since it opened its doors on the Doha Bay, Katara Hospitality has said in a press statement. Aiming to modernise the prop- erty and its facilities, the invest- ment will see the full renovation of all guest rooms, public areas, recreation facilities and the con- An artist’s impression of the Doha Marriott Hotel marina. ference and meetings space. The hotel’s food and beverage An iconic tower is to be added “This renovation is a key mile- Guests booked at the hotel off er will also be enhanced. to give special visual-connectivi- stone for the iconic hotel, known after September 1 are being con- The main purpose of the ty between the two towers; a new to be the fi rst 5-star hotel in tacted individually for alternate project renovation is to celebrate family pool with a dedicated zone Doha, and reiterates the hotel’s arrangements. the heritage of Qatar and to bring for kids activities and a full new commitment towards creating “When the Doha Marriott back the original iconic identity external landscape design with all an elevated brand experience for re-opens, it will strengthen its of the building. necessary supporting buildings. guests,” the statement notes. position as Doha’s most iconic While maintaining the original When it reopens, the property This project is expected to be property, with the highest stand- A living room in a suite. design; minor modifi cations are will refl ect perfectly the synergy completed by end-2021 and will ards of luxurious and modern fa- made to enhance the function- between the striking 1970s ar- require the full closure of the ho- cilities in all aspects of its opera- By adopting a pioneering ap- come a necessity for consumers local people, sourcing their in- ality of the building, such as the chitecture of one of Doha’s most tel. tions,” the statement adds. proach from the start, the hotel throughout Western markets, gredients locally and essentially. project entrance road and a port recognised landmarks, with all All facilities and services will During its time, Gulf Hotel was has become distinguished in the smart hospitality partner brands Katara Hospitality has ap- coacher will be developed to be the style and functionality that is be fully available until September the country’s fi rst fi ve-star hotel development of the hotel and such as Marriott International pointed UrbaCon Trading & more welcoming and to give ex- expected of a leading 21st century 1, when the hotel will close for and helped lead the hospitality tourism landscape. have responded by engaging with Contracting as the contractor for ceptional guest experience. luxury hotel. renovation. industry in Qatar. Today, as local needs be- the local community, employing Doha Marriott Hotel renovation.

Ashghal completes 75% of School Zone Safety Programme

he Public Works Author- ity (Ashghal), as part of TSchool Zone Safety Pro- gramme, has completed the im- provement of roads surrounding 375 schools, covering around 75% of the total number of schools. Announcing this yesterday, the authority said work is under way to complete the implemen- tation of safety schemes around 65 schools. Ashghal stressed that it priori- tises the programme to enhance traffi c safety in the surround- ing areas within the framework of the implementation of the National Traffi c Safety Strategy (2013-2022), in order to reduce traffi c congestion in these areas, Some of the school zones after development works by Ashghal. separate pedestrian and vehicle traffi c, improve temporary un- the designs of surrounding road Programme aims to ensure the paved roads and ensure the safety schemes are in progress for an- safety of students and parents of students and parents upon ar- other 40 schools, according to upon their arrival at or departure rival at or departure from school. Ashghal. from schools and to ease traffi c Priority was given to 504 In total, 503 out of 504 schools, congestion which is seen next to schools across Qatar in co-ordi- or 99.8% of the schools, are list- schools and which exacerbates nation with the Ministry of In- ed in diff erent treatment stages. due to the lack of parking spots, terior and the National Commit- “Ashghal continues to imple- sidewalks and footpaths. tee for Traffi c Safety, based on a ment a comprehensive and ongo- Based on a study by the Road study conducted by the Ministry ing programme to enhance traffi c Operation and Maintenance de- of Education and Higher Educa- safety in school-surrounding partment at Ashghal, the de- tion to select school areas in need areas as part of the implementa- signs, which will develop traffi c needs, noting that the enhance- establishment of parking lots of development. tion of the National Road Safety safety standards in school zones, ment and maintenance of these and various stopping points to In addition to fi nalising de- Strategy, by improving road con- are set according to the results walkways will also be ensured. facilitate passenger drop-off and signs for the surrounding roads ditions and maximising safety,” of the study and adjusted in line In addition, safe entrances to pick-up and determine pedes- of 23 schools, which are expected the statement noted. with the school administration’s schools, which overlook main trian crossing sites. to get started as soon approv- Highlighting that road safety recommendations. streets, are provided as well and As part of the programme’s als are obtained from the enti- is the main objective, Ashghal Implementation of the plans bright-coloured rumble strips implementation, Ashghal has ties concerned in the country, said the School Zone Safety follows to establish safe roads in are placed to alert drivers when co-ordinated with the adminis- the school zones, providing car arriving at or leaving a school trations of the schools concerned parks and building medians and district. Also, clear warning sig- in order to determine the safety small roundabouts in order to nals will be put up on the roads requirements in school zones be- manage traffi c fl ow in those ar- leading to schools. fore the designs are fi nalised and eas. The completion of the integrat- the implementation starts. These works also include ed development works for every Further, all safety elements putting up a suffi cient number of school needs about three months, will be ensured at the schools directional signs and road mark- preceded by several stages of that are currently being built or ings near schools. studying and evaluating safety those which will be built in the Moreover, the speed limit elements, which include the de- future. in school zones will be set at termination of the entrances and The list of schools included in 30km/h and speed bumps will be exits of the roads leading to the the programme to promote traffi c installed in order to reduce ve- school in order to place the direc- safety around schools is increas- hicular speed. tional signs within walking dis- ing at both monthly and annual In order to ensure pedestri- tance of the institution. rates, from 276 schools in 2012 ans’ safety, Ashghal said its team These are in addition to setting (beginning of the programme) to creates safe pedestrian paths for standards, technical foundations 504 in 2019, and the number is them and for people with special and general requirements for the rising.