BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 Evergreen Rossi wins DOW JONES QE NYMEX INDEX Saudi to account for QATAR 2, 3, 16 BUSINESS 1-4, 7-8 Dutch INTERNATIONAL 4-13 CLASSIFIED 5-7 21,33900 9,030.44 43.01 two-thirds of $140bn -9.00 +252.71 +0.27 COMMENT 14, 15 SPORTS 1-8 title -0.04% +2.88% +0.63% GCC defi cit in 2017: IIF Latest Figures published in QATAR since 1978

MONDAY Vol. XXXVIII No. 10496 June 26, 2017 Shawwal 2, 1438 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals Emir, Father Emir perform Eid prayer, receive well-wishers

In brief

QATAR | Offi cial Emir exchanges Eid greetings with Rouhani His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday exchanged greetings with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr Hassan Rouhani on the advent of Eid al-Fitr during a phone call the Emir held in the afternoon.

QATAR | Offi cial Emir holds phone talk with Pakistani PM His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday held a His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim telephone conversation with Pakistan’s bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin congratulate him on the occasion of Khalifa al-Thani perform the Eid al-Fitr advent of the blessed Eid al-Fitr. During His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness the prayer along with citizens at Al Wajbah the phone call, the Emir also expressed Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani at the Al Wajbah Palace. praying area yesterday morning. condolences over the death of several people in the explosion of an oil tanker in the east of Pakistan, and wished speed recovery to the injured. The Emir also expressed Qatar’s readiness to help Pakistan in this disaster. Earlier, the Emir and His Highness the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani sent cables of condolences to Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain Lower rhetoric to expressing sincere condolences. HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness the bin Khalifa al-Thani also sent a similar Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani receive well-wishers on the advent of cable of condolences to Prime Minister Eid al-Fitr at Al Wajbah Palace. Nawaz Sharif. help ease tension QATAR | Health Hospital receives 430 emergency cases Festive spirit marks The Emergency Department at Hamad General Hospital received 430 cases in Gulf, says US from 6am until 6pm yesterday. These Eid celebrations included six cases of injury resulting from diff erent road accidents, while „Demands very diffi cult for Qatar to meet: Tillerson eople from diff erent walks of life eager to look their best for the spe- most of the other cases pertained in Qatar celebrated the fi rst day of cial occasion. “It is the best part of the to stomach pain and complications PEid al-Fitr in an atmosphere of pi- day... starting the celebrations with related to eating, according to a „Each of the countries urged to continue talks ety, festivity and camaraderie yesterday. Eid prayers at the mosque in the com- statement. In addition, there were a Citizens and expatriates turned up pany of friends, family and all believers, limited number of trauma injuries. for the early morning prayers in large whether you know or do not know them. The majority of patients were Agencies are stronger when they are working Doha on Thursday, according to Qatar numbers, which was followed by the It is a great feeling of being one family. I given treatment instantly and they Washington together towards one goal which we all News Agency. exchange of greetings and family visits am living here on ‘single’ status, so my left the hospital the same day, the agree is stopping terrorism and coun- On June 5, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, through the day. friend invited me to have breakfast with statement noted. Similarly, the Hamad tering extremism. Bahrain and Egypt severed diplomatic Some others chose to spend time at his family after the prayers,” said an Arab Medical Corporation Ambulance S Secretary of State Rex Tiller- “Each country involved has some- ties and transportation links with Qa- malls and enjoy the various attractions expatriate. Service received 130 calls for help son has called for a lowering of thing to contribute to that effort. A tar, accusing it of supporting terrorism, lined up for the occasion. Many residents visited relatives in the from Saturday midnight until 6pm Urhetoric to ease the tension in lowering of rhetoric would also help a charge that Doha denied. The faithful gathered at various morning and had breakfast with them yesterday. All such cases pertained the Gulf region following the blockade ease the tension. The United States The demands of the blockading mosques and designated grounds early after the Eid prayers, spent some qual- to minor problems and were handled imposed by Saudi Arabia and its allies will continue to stay in close contact countries confi rm what Qatar has been in the morning for the prayers, as traf- ity time together as is the custom dur- accordingly, with a total of 60 on Qatar. with all parties and will continue to saying from the beginning – they have fi c patrols controlled the exit and en- ing Eid among many communities in the ambulances being on service. In a statement issued in Washing- support the mediation efforts of the nothing to do with combating terror- try points of key areas to guarantee the country. ton, Tillerson said some of the de- Emir of Kuwait,” the statement add- ism, but it is about limiting Qatar’s smooth fl ow of vehicles and prevent any “Doha hosts a large number of ex- mands presented by Bahrain, Egypt, ed. sovereignty, and outsourcing its foreign congestion due to the rush. patriate communities with their dis- BRITAIN | Inspection Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Qatar faces the prospect of diplo- policy, the Director of the Government After the conclusion of the prayers, tinctive cultures, heritage and beliefs. Sixty high-rises fail Emirates will be very difficult for Qa- matic isolation in the long-term if it Communication Offi ce (GCO) Sheikh people exchanged Eid greetings and However, everyone believes that Eid is fi re safety tests in UK tar to meet, and advised the parties does not accept the demands made by Saif bin Ahmed al-Thani has said. wished each other peace, prosperity and a great opportunity for people to come involved in the dispute to focus on its Gulf neighbours to end the ongo- Responding to the demands, Meshal joy. together in a warm and festive atmos- At least 60 properties in London and areas which provide a basis for dia- ing dispute, a UAE minister warned on Hamad al-Thani, Qatar’s ambassador A dominant theme among people of phere, which is highly evident here. In other cities across Britain have failed logue. Saturday. to the United States, tweeted that the all nationalities and backgrounds was particular, Qataris are keen to maintain fire safety tests, the government said “A productive next step would be for The list of 13 demands submitted list was meant to “punish Qatar for its their love for Qatar, with some stress- their traditions and enhance the joyful yesterday. The inspections came in the each of the countries to sit together and by Saudi Arabia and its allies include independence”. ing that they were able to enjoy peace, spirit of Eid,” said a Turkish expatri- wake of the June 14 blaze that engulfed continue this conversation,” Tillerson downgrading ties with Iran, stopping Qatar has maintained the list of de- safety and prosperity under the coun- ate who took part in the early morning London’s Grenfell Tower, killing 79 said. support for Islamist groups, closing mands as unreasonable, unrealistic and try’s wise leadership. prayers. people. Late last week the Department “While some of the elements will be a Turkish military base in Qatar and an impingement on the country’s sov- They expressed their solidarity and A large number of activities and for Communities had put the number very diffi cult for Qatar to meet, there shutting down Al Jazeera network and ereignty. reiterated their support for the country, events have been lined up at malls and of buildings needing updating at 34. are signifi cant areas which provide a its channels. The four countries want Qatar to hoping and praying for a quick resolu- other venues such as Doha Exhibition Along with London, the cities aff ected basis for ongoing dialogue leading to The four countries have given Qatar comply with the demands in return for tion of the ongoing row. and Convention Centre, while the Min- include Manchester, Plymouth, resolution,” the statement said. 10 days to accept the demands. Kuwait an end to the three-week-old diplo- Many of those who performed the istry of Interior is hosting a cultural and Portsmouth and Norwich. “We believe our allies and partners handed the list of collective demands to matic and trade blockade. Page 16 morning prayers arrived in new clothes, awareness programme. Pages 2, 3, 16 Qatar taking right approach, says Erdogan

Agencies mands as unreasonable - was taking the demands,” Erdogan, speaking outside Turkey, the most powerful regional the Gulf’s security,” he said. “Re-evalu- state,” he said. Erdogan said Turkey had Istanbul right approach. a mosque in Istanbul, said. “...This ap- country to stand by Qatar, has sent 100 ating the base agreement with Qatar is also off ered to establish a military base Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emir- proach of 13 demands is against interna- cargo planes with supplies since its not on our agenda.” in Saudi Arabia, but never received a ates, Egypt and Bahrain imposed a tional law because you cannot attack or neighbours cut air and sea links. It has Hurriyet newspaper said last week a clear answer. resident Tayyip Erdogan yester- blockade on June 5 on Qatar and issued intervene in the sovereignty of a coun- also rushed through legislation to send joint exercise by Turkish and Qatari forc- “If Saudi Arabia wants us to have base day dismissed calls for Turkey 13 demands including closing Al Jazeera try.” more troops to its base in Doha. es was expected following the Eid al-Fitr there, a step towards this also can be Pto close a military base in Qatar television, curbing relations with Iran, Erdogan said the demands on Qatar Two contingents of Turkish troops holiday which started yesterday, and the taken,” he told reporters. “I made this and said a wider list of demands issued shutting the Turkish base and paying had gone “too far.” with columns of armoured vehicles have number of Turkish soldiers sent to Qatar off er to the king himself and they said by four Arab states was an unlawful reparations. “What we are talking about here is an arrived since the crisis erupted on June could eventually reach 1,000. An air force they will consider this.” intervention against the Qatar’s sov- Qatar said it was reviewing the list, attack on the sovereign rights of a state,” 5, and Defence Minister Fikri Isik said contingent was also envisaged, it said. “They did not come back to us since ereignty. but said it was not reasonable or action- he said. on Friday that further reinforcements “Will we take permission from oth- that day and even though they still Erdogan said the call to withdraw able. “There cannot be such an attack on would be benefi cial. ers when we co-operate on defence with didn’t come back to us on this, asking Turkish forces was disrespectful and “We approve and appreciate the at- countries’ sovereignty rights in interna- “The strengthening of the Turkish a country? No off ence but Turkey is not Turkey to pull back its troops (from Qa- that Doha - which described the de- titude of Qatar against the list of 13 tional law.” base would be a positive step in terms of an ordinary country, it is not an ordinary tar) is disrespectful against Turkey”. Gulf Times 2 Monday, June 26, 2017 QATAR

Emir and Father Emir attend Eid prayer, meet well-wishers

QNA Doha

is Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin HHamad al-Thani and His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al- Thani performed the Eid al-Fitr prayer along with citizens at Al Wajbah praying area yesterday morning. HE Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Khalifa al-Thani, His Highness the Personal Representative of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani, His High- ness Sheikh Mohamed bin Kha- lifa al-Thani, HE Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa al-Thani, and HE Speaker of the Advisory Council Mohamed bin Mubarak al-Khu- laifi and their excellencies sons of His Highness the Father Emir took part in the prayer. A number of sheikhs, minis- ters, members of the Advisory Council, ambassadors and citi- zens also attended the prayer. Dr Thaqeel Sayer al-Sham- mari, Court of Cassation judge and Supreme Judiciary Council member, who led the prayer de- livered the Eid sermon in which he thanked God for his grace on Muslims as they completed the fast and highlighted the benefi ts of fasting. He also pointed to the virtues of Islam, which encourages co- operation in righteousness and piety and ensure the security and protection of the homeland and obedience to the guardians. He called on Muslims to wor- ship God Almighty and follow the pillars of Islam, urging them to work and maintain kinship rela- tions. Scores of worshippers per- formed the Eid al-Fitr prayer in mosques and praying areas across the country. Following the prayer, His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Kha- lifa al-Thani received scores of well-wishers on the advent of Eid al-Fitr at Al Wajbah Palace yesterday morning. They received HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifah al-Thani, HE Speaker of the Advisory Council Mo- hamed bin Mubarak al-Khulaifi , Sheikhs, ministers, ministries’ undersecretaries, Advisory Council members, and citizens. The Emir also received heads of diplomatic missions accred- ited to Qatar as well as army and police offi cers, and heads of na- tional institutions and depart- Emir greets leaders ments. The well-wishers expressed of Slovenia, Croatia their sincere congratulations Interior Ministry participates in Ehsan Centre Eid celebrations and Mozambique and blessings to the Emir. HE Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Kha- lifa al-Thani, His Highness the he Ministry of Interior participated press the appreciation of the eff orts made His Highness the Emir Sheikh Personal Representative of His yesterday in the Eid al-Fitr celebra- by the older generation. Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Highness the Emir Sheikh Jassim Ttions of Ehsan Centre for Empow- He stressed that the Ministry of Interior His Highness the Deputy Emir bin Hamad al-Thani, His High- erment and Elderly Care. is keen on enhancing its partnership with Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad ness Sheikh Abdullah bin Kha- HE the Director General of Public Se- all segments of the society, particularly al-Thani and HE the Prime lifa al-Thani, His Highness Sheikh curity at the Ministry of Interior Major the elderly. Minister and Minister of Interior Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani, General Saad bin Jassim al-Khulaifi , and Al-Attiyah congratulated the centre’s Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser and HE Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa Assistant General Director for General resident on the advent of Eid al-Fitr. bin Khalifa al-Thani have sent al-Thani, attended the reception Directorate of Industrial Security Khalifa He noted that the visit is part of more cables of congratulations to along with their excellencies sons Mohamed al-Attiyah visited the centre comprehensive eff orts by the Ministry of Slovenian President Borut of His Highness the Father Emir. yesterday and gave fl owers and gifts to the Interior to take care of the elderly. Pahor and Croatian President Later in the day His Highness elderly to put a smile on their faces and It was also an aspect of the Ministry’s Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic on the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- help give them a sense of connection with social responsibility towards all segments the occasion of their countries’ mad al-Thani and His Highness police personnel during this joyful occa- of society, al-Attiyah added. National Day. the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad sion. The Assistant General Director for His Highness the Emir Sheikh bin Khalifa al-Thani received The Director General of Public Secu- General Directorate of Industrial Security Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, His scores of well-wishers, includ- rity at the Ministry of Interior expressed said that the visit was also to prove to the Highness the Deputy Emir Sheikh ing Sheikhs and citizens on the his happiness at spending the first older generation that they were not segre- Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani occasion of Eid al-Fitr at Al Wa- day of Eid with the centre’s residents, gated from the Qatari society, but a part of and HE the Prime Minister jbah Palace. stressing on the importance of support- it that is a source of pride. and Minister of Interior Sheikh The well-wishers extended ing the centre and forming a bond with He added that the Ministry is always Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa their greetings to the Emir and the elderly. looking to provide more support to the al-Thani have also sent cables of the Father Emir, praying that Al-Khulaifi praised Ehsan Centre for elderly in order to help them get a sense congratulations to Mozambique Eid carries good and blessings to the example it sets in how to deal with the of fulfi lment for their years of service to HE the Director General of Public Security at the Ministry of Interior Major General Saad President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi the Qatari people and the Arab elderly, saying that the visit was a small the country and its development eff orts. bin Jassim al-Khulaifi giving gifts to the elderly at the Ehsan Centre for Empowerment on the occasion of his country’s and Islamic nations. attempt to pay back the favour and to ex- - QNA and Elderly Care yesterday on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. Independence Day. Gulf Times Monday, June 26, 2017 3 QATAR

Eid celebrations Katara festivities begin

Katara - the Cultural Village Foundation yesterday received thousands of visitors from diff erent nationalities at its esplanade, who turned up enjoy the theatrical performances and other shows lined up to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. Thousands of people in Qatar celebrated the first day of Eid al-Fitr yesterday with prayers, family gatherings and visits to malls and other public attractions. Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, general manager of Katara, said the Traff ic remained under control despite the large crowds as patrols manned the exit and entry points of key areas to guarantee the smooth flow of vehicles. theatrical performances were based on Arabic heritage, with stories from PICTURES: Shaji Kayamkulam, Jayan Orma the celebrated book One Thousand and One Nights. He stressed that Ka- tara is keen to provide its visitors with convenient access to the attractions and facilities on off er, including persons with disability. In addition, Katara is presenting a number of shows performed by international professionals. The first show starts at 7pm, the second at 8.30pm and the third at 9.45pm, while the distribution of Eid gifts for children takes place at 7.30pm and 9pm at the Katara Esplanade every day. Karata’s visitors can also enjoy diff erent water sports at its beach from 3.30pm until 6.30pm daily.

Fun at The Pearl-Qatar

United Development Company (UDC), master developer of The Pearl-Qatar, has launched a three-day fun-filled line-up of family-oriented activities in celebration of Eid al-Fitr. The celebrations are taking place in 29 La Croisette in Porto Arabia on the Island and include a variety of activities for children and families. The three-day performances will entertain the Island’s residents and visitors alike, according to a statement from UDC. Eid al-Fitr celebrations at The Pearl-Qatar are being held between 6pm and 10pm. Filipino expatriates observe I-Day

By Joey Aguilar Staff Reporter

ultural and entertain- ment performances, and Ca showcase of Filipino cuisine and artistry marked the 119th Philippine Independence Day celebration in Doha yester- day. Philippine ambassador Alan L Timbayan and offi cials of the United Filipino Organisations in Qatar (UFOQ) led the opening of the three-day gathering yes- terday, which was attended by a large number of Filipino expatri- ates in the country. “This year’s theme, ‘Pag- Timbayan (fourth left), labour attache David Des Dicang (fourth right), and Fos with some of the participants babagong Sama-Samang Ba- Performers entertain the audience at the festivity. of the ‘Lakan and Lakambini’ pageant. PICTURES: Ram Chand likatin (change in the nation, a shared responsibility)’, em- Timbayan stressed that Fili- he added. On relations between opportunities. The fi rst day of City Centre Rotana, featuring all scheduled for today. ‘Lakan’ was over three days in order to give a bodies President (Rodrigo) Du- pino expatriates in Qatar should the Philippine and Qatar, Tim- the celebration showcased sev- Filipino organisations in Doha, known as a ‘paramount ruler’ large number of Filipinos in Qa- terte’s commitment to uplift take the opportunity to contrib- bayan said the two countries eral performances by members at 9am. in the island of Luzon during tar a chance to witness and take the life and dignity of Filipi- ute to the Philippine govern- have friendly and co-operative of the Filipino community, in- A students’ cultural presen- the pre-Hispanic time while part in the festivity. nos by implementing reforms ment’s growth and development relations, “which are anchored cluding community singing led tation is also set to take place at ‘Lakambini’ referred to Lakan’s He added that the Philippine that will ensure the safety of “by doing well in our respective on the principles of mutual by the Maharlikans Vocal En- 10am. female counterpart. embassy and its attached agen- the public and improve public fi elds and living up to the best of trust, respect and understand- semble Philippines. One of the highlights of the The ‘Lakan’ and ‘Lakambini’ cies, as well as other organisa- services,” the envoy said in his our abilities”. ing.” Attendees also enjoyed an ar- celebration is a pageant titled, represent the Filipino commu- tions, have also set up booths message. “I urge all of you to continue He pointed out that the visit ray of authentic Filipino food of- ‘Lakan at Lakambini Kalayaan nity in Qatar, seeking to promote to provide various services and He urged Filipinos in Qatar to to uphold the best standards of of President Duterte to Qatar fered by several Filipino eateries 2017’ or ‘The Search for Ambas- unity among Filipino expatriates assistance for Filipino expa- support the current administra- professionalism and work eth- further enhanced the relations in Doha. sadors of Goodwill’, which will in the country. triates, such as free paralegal tion in its eff orts to fi ght cor- ics so that you may, in your own between the two countries with Meanwhile, the celebration see the participation of commu- UFOQ chairman Ressie Fos services, consultations, a med- ruption and “dispel polarity and small way, represent the best of the signing of key agreements today is expected to enthral the nity organisations. said they decided to hold the ical mission and seminars, for misinformation”. what your country can offer,” aimed at exploring economic crowd with a ‘grand parade’ at The talent competition is Independence Day celebration three days. Food tourism to ‘enhance Boy falls into Qatar-Philippines ties’ manhole, dies six-year-old Indian boy has died after fall- ing into an uncovered manhole in the Wu- By Peter Alagos pendence but also aims to enhance the Philippine embassy launched in Akair area late Saturday evening. Business Reporter and promote the country’s business 2015, “serves as a vehicle to promote The victim, identifi ed as Izan and the Filipino entrepreneurial Filipino cuisine in this part of the Ahmed Basheer (pictured), spirit in the local market. world, and it aims to attract Qatari was a student of the Ideal In- ood tourism is one of the sec- “Food represents the many fac- tourists and other expatriates to ex- dian School, sources told Gulf tors that could further en- ets a country can off er to local and plore the Philippines either for lei- Times. He was the son of Para- Fhance trade and cultural rela- international tourists. Regional sure or business.” mbath Basheer and Rahana. tions between the Philippines and provinces in the Philippines show- “Moreover, the initiative is the Izan, who had reportedly Qatar, the chairman of the United case their own local cuisine, which platform through which the Philip- Philippine ambassador Alan L Timbayan leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony gone to dine at a restaurant, Filipino Organisations in Qatar attracts many tourists to their re- pine embassy can support Filipino of the 119th Philippine Independence Day celebration yesterday. Also seen accompanied by his parents (Ufoq) said yesterday. spective areas; and the attention restaurant owners and entrepre- are (from left) Fos, labour attache David Des T Dicang, and Mutya ng Pilipinas in Wukair on the tragic day, Ufoq chairman Ressie S Fos said generated by these visitors will defi - neurs in Qatar because Kulinarya Tourism International 2016 winner Jaya San Jose. was found missing after the family fi nished their Filipino restaurants and eateries nitely have an impact on the tourism Qatar, as a brand, is community- meals. Thereafter, a search was launched for the were among the Philippine busi- and business sectors,” Fos told Gulf driven and supported by the Fili- esta’ gathered 1,500 patrons of in Qatar can also organise an event boy by relatives, friends and some community nesses that took centre stage during Times. pino community,” Kulinarya Qatar Filipino cuisine, while a three-day similar to the QIFF but one that members in the area, and a complaint was also the opening ceremony of the 119th Citing the annual Qatar Inter- said. “thanksgiving” event was attended caters to non-Filipinos in Qatar as registered with the Wakrah police. Philippine Independence Day cele- national Food Festival (QIFF), Fos Since its inception, Kulinarya by 12,000 people. well. His body was found in the manhole, in the im- bration, which concludes tomorrow said Qatar Tourism Authority un- Qatar has organised events such as In 2017, Kulinarya Qatar launched “There are a number of Filipino mediate vicinity of the restaurant in the early hours at City Centre Rotana. Organised by derscores the role of food tourism in ‘Iftar ng Bayan’, which attracted 200 the ‘Be Fit with Kulinarya Qatar’ dishes that are sought by Arabs and yesterday. Izan’s family hails from Koduvally in the the Philippine embassy in Doha and promoting unity by bringing diff er- visitors, while the ‘Filipino Com- during National Sport Day, drawing other expatriates in Qatar. Some Indian state of Kerala’s Kozhikode district. Ufoq, in collaboration with Kulinar- ent cultures together through global munity and Family Day’ received more than 3,000 participants. restaurants and cafes that carry the The child’s tragic death, which occurred on the ya Qatar, the event not only com- cuisine. around 6,000 visitors. Fos suggested that Filipino res- Filipino brand have a good number eve of Eid al-Fitr, has saddened the expatriate memorates the Philippines’ inde- Kulinarya Qatar, an initiative by Similarly, the ‘Filipino Food Fi- taurant owners and entrepreneurs of international patrons,” he added. community. Gulf Times 4 Monday, June 26, 2017 AFRICA

Eid Mubarak! UN against refugee returns from Cameroon

AFP Geneva

he UN last week voiced alarm at the many Nigerian refugees returning from Cam- Teroon to Banki, a border town clouded by Boko Haram violence and already struggling with overstretched supplies and services. “I am extremely worried that large numbers of Nigerian refugees hosted in Cameroon are again returning to northeast Nigeria — into a situation dangerously unprepared to receive them,” UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi said in a statement. The Nigerian military recaptured Banki in September 2015 after fi erce battles with the Is- lamist militants, whose insurgency has killed at least 20,000 in Nigeria alone since 2009. On June 1, UNHCR had said that more than 12,000 refugees had returned to the area in May alone, complaining about diffi cult conditions in the Minawao refugee camp on the Cameroonian side of the border, and insisting they needed to get home to harvest crops. They joined some 45,000 people who have fl ed into the town from elsewhere in Nigeria, Faithful take part in the Eid al-Fitr prays at a mosque at the Ikoyi district of Lagos yesterday. adding to the problems caused by a lack of shel- ter, severe overcrowding, inadequate water sup- plies and sanitations facilities and insuffi cient aid. And in the past three weeks, another 889 ref- ugees, most of them children, have returned to Banki, the agency said last week. “It is my fi rm view that returns are not sus- tainable at this time,” Grandi said, pointing out that the returning refugees had “put a strain on the few existing services.” And the situation could become even more Deby says cash crunch diffi cult in Banki once the rains begin, bring- ing with them an elevated risk of the spread of diseases. “A new emergency, just as the rainy season is starting, has to be avoided at all costs,” Grandi said. He said UNHCR was working hard to step up an information campaign in the Minawao camp may hit war on terror “to ensure that refugees are given accurate in- formation on the conditions in Banki before Agencies the West to combat neighbouring Ni- tervention in Mali, Cameroon, Ni- disappointed and think Chad did too contributor to MINUSMA, the UN they make the choice to return.” Paris geria’s Islamic State-affi liated Boko geria, Niger, we have not been helped much, that it must withdraw from peacekeeping force in Mali, with UNHCR said it was also working to help im- Haram fi ghters as well as Al Qaeda. fi nancially. these theatres to protect itself... 1,390 soldiers. prove the situation in the town and ensure that Chad has in recent years sent Chad spent out of it own resources We reached our limits...If nothing It has contributed 2,000 troops returnees are quickly screened and receive food had’s President Idriss Deby, troops to fi ght militants in Nigeria, over 300bn CFA francs ($512mn) in is done, Chad will unfortunately be to the force fi ghting Boko Haram, and shelter and other basic support. an important Western ally Niger, Cameroon and Mali. the fi ght against terrorism without forced to withdraw.” the Islamist group based in Nigeria Cin the fi ght against Islamist “Chad is a small country with no any external help,” he said. Asked about a timetable for a pos- but also active across the borders in militants, has warned in an interview fi nancial means which has known A former French colony, Chad also sible withdrawal, he said: “I think northeast Nigeria. Nguesso daughter charged that cash-strapped Chad could be huge problems in its recent history. hosts the headquarters of France’s end-2017, early 2018, if this situa- The other countries involved in forced to withdraw some of its troops It is the duty of those who have 3,000-troop strong regional an- tion was to continue, Chad would the regional force are Cameroon, Ni- with graft in French court from the fi ght if it does not get fi nan- more means to help it,” Deby told ti-militant operation, known as no longer be able to keep as many ger and Nigeria. cial help. RFI-TV5-Le Monde in a joint inter- Barkhane. soldiers outside its territory. Some of “We can’t keep being everywhere, rench investigators have charged the Chad has one of the most capable view released yesterday. Asked if he was disappointed by our soldiers should gradually return in Niger, in Cameroon and in Mali,” daughter and son-in-law of Congo’s armies in the region and Deby has “Apart from intelligence from his Western allies, he said: “I am to the country.” he said. “All that is excessively ex- FPresident Denis Sassou Nguesso with played a key role in eff orts backed by time to time, training, since our in- absolutely certain that Chadians are Chad is currently the third-largest pensive.” corruption, judicial sources told AFP yesterday. Julienne Sassou Nguesso, 50, and her 53-year-old husband Guy Johnson were placed under investigation this week for “money laun- dering and misuse of public funds”, the sources said. South African sugar producer’s workers strike over wage dispute Already in March, the nephew of the Congo- Brazzaville president, Wilfrid Nguesso, was placed under investigation on the same counts. Reuters have failed to reach an amicable agree- The labour dispute comes as the rise the union says employers are of- and that most lived over 30km away The development is part of a series of inquir- Johannesburg ment under the auspices of the CCMA South African economy is in reces- fering, as well as pension benefi ts for from the farms and struggled to fi nd ies by the French authorities into the assets of and a strike certifi cate has been is- sion for the fi rst time since 2009 be- both full-time and seasonal workers or aff ord transport. three African presidential families that began in sued,” an FAWU statement said. cause of weakness in manufacturing among a host of other demands. Illovo was not immediately avail- 2010. round 1,000 workers at sugar The Commission for Conciliation, and trade. “That 5% is an insult. If you look able for comment. French investigators have been looking into producer Illovo are set to go Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) There is also growing opposition at what the infl ation rate has been Agriculture accounts for less than the entire Nguesso clan as well as relatives of Aon strike over wages and oth- is a dispute resolution body mandat- in the country to President Jacob since December, it would mean 5% of South Africa’s GDP but is ex- Gabon’s late president Omar Bongo and his son, er benefi ts after talks with employers ed by law to mediate labour disputes. Zuma, whose decision in March to workers are toiling for nothing,” pro- pected to help to boost the economy the current ruler, and President Teodoro Obiang broke down, the trade union repre- Illovo is a wholly-owned sub- fi re fi nance minister Pravin Gordhan vincial FAWU organiser August Mb- after recovering from last year’s Nguema of Equatorial Guinea. senting the staff said yesterday. sidiary of London-listed Associated triggered credit downgrades by all hele said. drought. Obiang’s son, Teodorin, is currently fi ghting “The Food and Allied Workers Un- British Foods and operates in South three major credit rating agencies. Mbhele said the lowest paid It was one of two areas to show a case in a Paris court for having pillaged the ion and employers from eight Illovo Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Ma- FAWU members are seeking a 10% workers on sugarcane farms earned growth when the economy slipped country’s assets to fund a lavish personal life- farms in Kwa-Zulu Natal province lawi, Zambia and Swaziland. wage increase, versus the 5% annual around 2,752 rand ($213) monthly, into recession. style. Soweto’s urban entrepreneurs take on the world

By Gregory Walton, AFP month supported by her four- taking backyard fashion design- The Soweto store now carries Soweto, South Africa strong team which includes two ers, backyard furniture makers an eclectic range of products that salespeople, a tailor and an as- who don’t have a place to show- includes bespoke speakers, shoes, sistant. case their products,” said Xolo furniture, clothes, cosmetics and t the back of Mandisa “I was just playing with my Ncanywa, a consultant on the freshly-brewed coff ee. Zwane’s typical yellow passion then they came in and project. “We want them to be the Despite receiving support Aplaster-clad Soweto house helped me organise my business next IKEA.” from banking giant CitiGroup’s is a bustling hive of activity set to fi nancially,” she said of the Box The entrepreneurs on the philanthropic foundation, the a soundtrack of gospel music and Shop, situated just miles away scheme receive mentoring, prac- project is not charity. crying babies that emanates from from her Soweto base. tical assistance and investment It recoups its operating costs nearby. “My ambition is to take take advice from Box Shop’s team of when the entrepreneurs make Every day the 42-year-old my brand to the world — I want 11 experts. their profi ts when their objects fashion designer packs into her to be the go-to for contemporary Such hands-on “start to fi n- sell on the website. small improvised workshop sur- African design.” ish” support for small-scale en- The store in Soweto opened in rounded by sewing machines Zwane, who lived in Benin trepreneurs is a fi rst for South 2016 and has since signed-up 80 and brightly coloured spools of for seven years, travels to the Africa. diff erent small-scale entrepre- thread. west African country every two Designers and manufacturers neurs. When she began making her months to source the materials like Zwane pitch their ideas to It now makes around 100,000 distinctively bold and bright Af- which she transforms into dress- the Box Shop, which is backed by rand ($7,800) in sales per month. rican print garments in South es, skirts and trousers. US-based not-for-profi t Tech- The Box Shop team are already Africa’s most famous township in Buyers worldwide can pur- noServe, to win support for their picking a site for another store, 2009, she made just three every chase many products of the Box products. this time in Durban, as well as month. Shop’s 43 local brands on its “Selling out of their car boots, planning 15 ‘pop-up’ locations to “Before I was just making for website, while a larger selection they were always doomed to be coincide with major events. friends and family — and they is available for South African and small...This changes all that,” Despite the government spend- weren’t even paying! Then I was international visitors at its phys- said Shungu Kanyemba, co- ing six bn rand developing the able to hire four people to grow,” ical store in Soweto. founder of the Box Shop. townships in 2016 and vowing to she told AFP. The store is made of large met- The Box Shop gives the suc- make small-scale entrepreneur- Designer Mandisa Zwane of ‘Kwande — Love My Print’ talks to AFP at The Box Shop on Vilakazi Street Zwane is one of dozens of al shipping containers, giving the cessful entrepreneurs feedback ship part of its economic strat- in Soweto. township entrepreneurs whose project its name, and hosts offi c- on their plans and advises on egy, South Africa’s townships creations have sold worldwide es, a coff ee shop and will soon be sourcing materials and fi nance, are struggling to become hubs of population living in townships burg home in 2013. “Before the Box a major deal to supply a chande- with help from Soweto’s Box extended to include a hair salon handling personnel issues and commercial activity. — 38% of working-age citizens Shop I had been struggling — peo- lier to a client in the USA. Shop, a not-for-profi t organisa- and a radio station. managing their operations. A citizen of Egypt or Burkina — South Africa is hoping that the ple weren’t seeing my products,” Oscar Hilary, 33, who lives in tion helping local designers and The hilly tourist hub is one of It also takes a risk on the en- Faso is six times more likely to nascent entrepreneurial gold-rush he said at the bustling, sawdust- Soweto, has been employed by craftspeople market their crea- the most famous in Africa and is trepreneurs it chooses: the Box start a business than a South taking hold in Soweto will benefi t strewn Furntech community Mpolweni as a joiner for a year tions internationally. the site of Nelson Mandela’s one- Shop advances money for the raw African, according to the Glo- the country’s poorest citizens. workshop on the edge of Soweto. and credits his boss’ international She now sells her designs as time house as well as one of Des- materials for products to be sold bal Entrepreneurship Monitor Velaphi Mpolweni, 49, began Mpolweni is now making exposure for keeping him in a job. far away as Atlanta and London, mond Tutu’s current homes. on the website so the entrepre- group. making home furnishings from 670,000 rand a year in sales, em- “It helps a lot,” he said. “It making up to 60 pieces every “It’s about access to market — neurs are not out of pocket. But with about half its urban the back of his modest Johannes- ploys four men and has just inked keeps us going.” Gulf Times Monday, June 26, 2017 5 AMERICA

Trump attends Free speech rally treasury chief’s glitzy wedding

AFP CSI: NY and Cold Case, and Washington had small roles in several mov- ies, according to her website. She also works as a fi lm pro- resident Donald Trump ducer. and First Lady Melania A book Linton wrote about Pstepped out of the White spending her gap year in Zam- House Saturday to toast new- bia, In Congo’s Shadow, drew lyweds US Treasury Secretary criticism for inaccuracies and Steven Mnuchin and Scottish for a tone that a Washington actress Louise Linton at their Post critic described pointedly glitzy Washington nuptials. as “the perfect White-Savior- The wedding, held in a his- in-Africa story”. She later toric auditorium near the Na- apologised and agreed to give tional Mall, had been a closely any profi ts to charity. held secret until a friend of the Linton met Mnuchin at a couple, US Commerce Secre- wedding reception in Los An- tary Wilbur Ross, let word slip geles in 2013, and he proposed earlier this week. two years later, she told The Trump, sporting a black New York Times. tie tuxedo, and Melania, who Mnuchin, 54, a former donned a pink blush dress her Goldman Sachs executive and spokeswoman said was Gilles hedge-fund manager, is also a Mendel silk chiff on, drove past former Hollywood fi lm fi nan- crowds of bystanders hoping to cier. snap a photo of the fi rst couple He had named Linton last as they journeyed a few blocks month as interim head of Dune south for the glamorous aff air. Entertainment, a company he About 300 guests were due helped found, but she resigned to attend, including Vice Pres- after Democrats raised ques- ident Mike Pence and other tions about possible ethical members of the Trump admin- confl icts. istration. Mnuchin has been a key Canadian Finance Minister player in Trump administra- Bill Morneau was believed to tion eff orts to craft and pass People attend a rally about free speech outside the White House in Washington. be among the guests. Linton, tax reforms, and in urging 36, holds journalism and law Congress to raise the nation- degrees. al debt ceiling. This will be She has appeared on Ameri- Mnuchin’s third marriage and can television shows including Linton’s second. The Last Knight Democrats attack opens to franchise low $69.1mn

Angeles $3.5bn worldwide. Obama on hacking Los Angeles The latest take on the se- ries centres on an alliance The GoP is going to town nothing from August to January behind-the-scenes account of whelming bipartisan support, but so great if the Democrats and between Bumblebee, Cade on Obama’s failure to act with the knowledge that Russia the Obama response to reports of Trump administration offi cials Republicans could get together, t seems the Transform- Yeager — who Mark Wahlberg on intelligence reports was hacking into our election. Russian meddling, said that amid have been working to weaken the wrap their arms around it so ers franchise is rusty. As of also played in 2014’s Age of Ex- concerning hacking They did nothing. They’re re- confi dence that Clinton would House version. that everybody is happy with it,” Iyesterday morning Trans- tinction — and roles played by sponsible,” she said yesterday on win and for fear of Obama being “If Donald Trump wants to do Trump told Fox and Friends pro- formers: The Last Knight, the franchise newcomers Anthony AFP ABC. seen as interfering, the adminis- something about Russia and Rus- gramme, in a previously taped fi fth instalment directed by Hopkins and Laura Haddock. Washington Some Democrats saw abun- tration warned Moscow but left sia meddling, instead of saying interview broadcast early yester- Michael Bay, looks to bring in Together, the team works to- dant irony in Trump blaming countermeasures for later. Obama didn’t do enough, sup- day. $69.1mn from 4,069 domestic gether to save the world. Obama for indecisiveness against The Post said Obama issued port our sanctions bill,” Schumer “But we won’t get one Demo- locations during its fi ve-day Audiences have earned the resident Donald Trump a Russian operation that Trump four warnings to the Russians said on ABC. cratic vote — not one,” he said. opening weekend. fi lm a B+ CinemaScore, while yesterday stepped up himself has long seemed to play — including one he delivered di- Criticism of Trump’s failure to “Their theme is resist. That’s a franchise low for the critics have mostly dismissed it Phis criticism of Barack down — including when he fi red rectly to Putin — causing Moscow sharply condemn Russian inter- It is obstruction,” Trump said, sequel from Paramount and — it currently holds a 15% fresh Obama’s response to concerns FBI chief James Comey for pur- to pull back on possible plans to ference has continued to vex his as he singled out top Senate Dem- Hasbro, behind the fi rst in the rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Russia was trying to disrupt the suing his investigation of “this sabotage US voting operations. administration. ocrat Chuck Schumer for attack: modern series, which earned The Last Knight was un- 2016 election, and some Demo- Russia thing”. But after Trump’s shock victo- As recently as Tuesday, White “I saw Senator Schumer criticis- $70.5mn in 2007. The Last contested at the box offi ce this cratic lawmakers agreed, with But one infl uential Democratic ry in November, some Obama ad- House spokesman Sean Spicer ing the bill a couple weeks ago Knight carries an estimated weekend, but a few indie re- one calling the former leader’s lawmaker joined in the criticism ministration offi cials expressed could not give a clear answer and he had no idea what was in $217mn production budget. leases showed traction. handling of the threat a “serious of the previous president. regret at the lack of tougher ac- when asked repeatedly whether the bill.” This makes Transform- Sofi a Coppola’s The Beguiled mistake”. Adam Schiff , the ranking Dem- tion. Trump believes the Russians in- Democrats have formed a unit- ers: The Last Knight the latest remake from Focus Features In a fl urry of weekend tweets ocrat on the House Intelligence “Wow, did we mishandle this,” terfered in the 2016 elections. ed front against the controversial summer blockbuster to bank played at four theatres this and a prerecorded television ap- Committee, said on CNN that he a former administration offi cial “I have not sat down and talked health measure, criticising it as on overseas ticket sales to have weekend, and should gross pearance, Trump said his pred- understood that the Obama ad- told the newspaper. to him about that specifi c thing,” a “war on Medicaid,” the health- a shot at turning a profi t. $240,545 with a strong per ecessor failed to act after the ministration was worried about In an interview with yester- Spicer said. “Obviously we’ve care programme for lower income In China, the big-budget ac- screen average before it ex- CIA informed him in August that being seen as “trying to tip the day’s Fox and Friends programme, been dealing with a lot of other Americans, and calling it a worse tion sequel made $41mn in its pands to over 500 locations Russian President Vladimir Putin scales for Hillary Clinton”. Trump groused about Obama’s issues.” plan than one that passed the opening day alone. next weekend. had personally ordered an opera- But he went on: “The Ameri- response, saying: “If he had the As Republicans scrambled to House of Representatives in May. The projected interna- “We’re thrilled by this open- tion to help Trump defeat Hillary can people needed to know. I information, why didn’t he do wrangle enough votes to pass Schumer said the Republicans tional cume through Sun- ing,” said Lisa Bunnell, Focus Clinton in the November election. didn’t think it was enough to tell something about it? He should health care reform legislation, US shouldn’t expect any support day is $196.2mn, powered by Features’ distribution presi- “Since the Obama Administra- them after the election...I think have done something about it. President Donald Trump lashed from the opposition. $123.4mn in China. dent. “This is Focus’ third tion was told way before the 2016 the administration needed to call But you don’t read that. It’s quite at Democrats accusing them of For the past seven years, Re- The Last Knight comes at a collaboration with Sofi a and Election that the Russians were out Russia earlier, needed to act sad.” “obstruction” over the bill. publicans have worked to repeal time when Paramount could she’s created an entertaining, meddling, why no action?” he to deter and punish Russia earlier Following Trump’s election Senate leaders last week un- Obamacare. have used an all-around hit, atmospheric thriller featuring asked in one tweet. and that was a very serious mis- win, Obama expelled 35 Russian veiled a revamped health care Senate Republicans are paint- following recent misses Bay- strong female representation In another, alluding to a Wash- take.” diplomats and added new sanc- plan aimed at fulfi lling Trump’s ing the new plan as less austere watch and Ghost in the Shell. in front of and behind the cam- ington Post article that laid out Another Democrat, Senator tions. pledge to repeal Obamacare, the than the House bill. While the latest Transformers era.” the Russia timeline, he tweeted: Ron Wyden, a member of the in- While Schiff criticised Obama, landmark reform of his Demo- “Right now, we’ve got pre- movie has been advertised as Wonder Woman continues to “Obama Administration offi cial telligence committee, expressed Senate Democratic leader Chuck cratic predecessor Barack Obama. miums going through the roof, “the fi nal chapter” and Bay’s post impressive numbers, and said they ‘choked’ when it came similar disappointment. Schumer pushed back hard. But the measure so far has deductibles are sky-rocketing. last go-around, the franchise holds onto second place during to acting on Russian meddling of “I am troubled learning this The New York lawmaker failed to garner enough support Folks with health coverage cards will continue — Paramount its fourth weekend in theatres. election. They didn’t want to hurt new information that the Obama helped steer a bill through the to pass with only Republican but no care because they can’t af- has at least two more movies his weekend, it should earn an Hillary?” administration didn’t do more,” Senate this month to toughen votes — although the party has ford the deductible,” Health Sec- slated, including a spinoff that additional $25.2mn, bringing A top Trump aide, Kellyanne he told CNN on Friday. sanctions against Russia and bar a majority in the Senate — after retary Tom Price said on CNN, could star Hailee Steinfeld. its domestic total to $318.4mn. Conway, was more blunt still. Such matters should transcend Trump from weakening them on a handful of GOP lawmakers re- making the rounds on morning The franchise has histori- Earlier this week, the fi lm “It’s the Obama administration politics, he added. his own. volted. news shows to promote the Sen- cally been massively profi t- became the highest-grossing responsible for doing absolutely The Washington Post, in a The bill passed with over- “The healthcare bill would be ate Republican plan. able and seen solid multiples live-action movie to be direct- for the studio. Together, the ed by a woman — a major dis- fi rst four earned over $1.3bn tinction for Patty Jenkins. domestically and well over

Court says Ivanka Trump must testify SC justice may announce retirement in knock-off shoes suit AFP Conway told ABC: “I will never migration matters. rights, but with liberal justices — joined the court in April. Ivanka Trump must give testimony in a lawsuit against her Washington reveal a conversation between a The original ban and a later on social issues like gay rights, Republicans hold a 52-48 apparel company, which is accused of lifting designs from a Italian sitting justice and the president revised order, both blocked the death penalty and abortion. majority in the Senate, and shoemaker, a judge ruled. In a order issued Friday, New York or the White House, but we’re by courts, represented one of It was Kennedy who wrote under rules they passed to ex- District Judge Katherine Forrest rejected Trump’s assertion that he White House declined paying very close attention to Trump’s most controversial the decision establishing a pedite Gorsuch’s confi rmation she should be exempted, because of the demands on her time to comment yesterday these last bit of decisions.” actions. constitutional right to same- they would need only a simple as a White House off icial. Despite “the obvious time constraints Ton speculation that a One of those decisions is due They sparked global con- sex marriage nationwide. majority to fi ll the next court that Trump must currently have...it is nonetheless true that she pivotal US Supreme Court jus- today, when the court is set to demnation and threw travel Speculation about a Kennedy vacancy. is alleged to have personal involvement in the events at issue,” tice might announce his retire- rule on a White House chal- from the targeted countries — retirement was sparked partly But a strongly conservative Judge Forrest wrote in her three-page ruling. “Accordingly, she ment yesterday, the last day of lenge to lower-court fi ndings Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Su- because he was slow to hire successor to Kennedy could cannot avoid a deposition in this matter.” The court limited the the high court’s current ses- that blocked Trump’s attempt dan, Syria and Yemen — into clerks for the court’s next term. push the court fi rmly to the time of the deposition to just two hours, however, and ruled that sion. to limit travel from several pre- turmoil. If he does step down, Trump right, and Democrats say they it must take place in Washington by October of this year. The Justice Anthony Kennedy, dominantly Muslim countries. Kennedy, who was appointed would have a chance to deepen would fi ght such a pick fi ercely. luxury brand Aquazzura last year filed a federal complaint against who has cast the decisive vote Two federal appeals courts to the high court by President his mark on the nation’s ju- “I expect Armageddon on Trump and her manufacturer, Marc Fisher Footwear, for trade dress in some of the court’s most far- have ruled against the travel Ronald Reagan in 1988, has diciary with the opportunity the next one,” Republican Sen- infringement, unfair competition and deceptive trade practices. reaching decisions, turns 81 ban, with one saying it vio- often cast a “swing” vote from to pick another nominee for ator Orrin Hatch said after the The Italian company said Ivanka Trump “copied nearly every detail” next month and is widely be- lated laws against religious the bench. a lifetime appointment to the Gorsuch confi rmation, “be- of the brand’s “well-known and coveted ‘Wild Thing Shoe’ from the lieved to be thinking of retiring. discrimination and another He typically sides with con- bench. cause that’s going to change... shape and silhouette to the fringe covering the toes, to the tassel When asked about that, fi nding that Trump had ex- servatives on economic mat- His fi rst nominee, Neil Gor- the direction of the court” far on the heel”. Her manufacturer has flatly rejected the charge. White House adviser Kellyanne ceeded his authority on im- ters, gun control and voting such — once a clerk to Kennedy into the future. Gulf Times 6 Monday, June 26, 2017 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

BREAK IN BALI OFFBEAT TRADITION TURBULENCE REVISION Australian PM Turnbull New Zealanders celebrate AirAsia flight U-turns Abe to push for reform gets Trump-brand tie Maori New Year Matariki after engine trouble in pacifist constitution

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, New Zealanders celebrated Maori New Year An AirAsia flight from Australia to Malaysia Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wants to accelerate who at times has had frosty relations with yesterday, known as Matariki, with bonfires, was forced to turn around 90 minutes into plans to amend Japan’s pacifist constitution, US President Donald Trump, received a traditional dance displays, storytelling, and a flight yesterday due to a problem with the saying he expects to submit a proposed pink Trump-branded tie yesterday as a gift family gatherings. The new year is marked engine, before landing safely back in Perth revision to lawmakers before the end of the during a visit to a Coptic Orthodox church. by the rise of Matariki, the group of stars also in western Australia. Video posted on social year, media reported. Abe said in a speech Turnbull appeared bemused after receiving known as the Pleiades star cluster or the Seven media shows the Airbus A330 to Kuala Lumpur in Kobe city yesterday he planned to submit the silk necktie from Pope Tawadros II of Sisters in southern hemisphere skies, and the shaking heavily and one of the engines making a proposal for the first ever amendment of Alexandria and Coptic Orthodox Bishop sighting of the first new moon. The brightness a loud noise. Passengers said the captain had Japan’s post-World War II constitution during Daniel at the St Mark Coptic Orthodox Church of the stars was thought to determine how announced that there appeared to have been an extraordinary session of parliament that in Sydney. Turnbull had a famously difficult successful the harvest would be in the coming an engine seizure. “He said ‘I hope you all say will be convened later this year, Japan’s main Former US president Barack Obama and his first telephone call in January with Trump, year. “Matariki marks the passing of the old a prayer, I will be saying a prayer too and let’s daily newspapers reported. Abe has proposed entourage take a break after a walk through who became irritated that he was expected year and the beginning of the New Year,” hope we all get back home safely’,” Sophie amending the constitution’s war-renouncing the field while visiting Jatiluwih tourist site in to honour a refugee resettlement agreement Charles Royal from New Zealand’s national Nicolas, one of the passengers, told reporters Article 9 by 2020 to officially recognise Tabanan on Bali island. made by his predecessor, Barack Obama. museum Te Papa explains. after landing in Perth. Japan’s Self-Defense Forces as its military. Search continues for scores buried by China landslide

AFP Diexi, China

escuers dug through earth Rescuers walk toward to a landslide along a road near the village of Xinmo in Maoxian county, China’s and rocks yesterday in an Sichuan province, yesterday. Rincreasingly bleak search for more than 90 people still missing a day after their village in southwest China vanished under a huge landslide. At least 10 people have been confi rmed dead after the ava- lanche of rocks buried 62 homes in Xinmo, a once-picturesque mountain village nestled by a river in Sichuan province, the lo- cal government said. The Tibetan and Qiang Auton- omous Prefecture of Aba revised the number of confi rmed dead down from 15 to 10. The number of people who remained unac- counted for was also lowered from 118 to 93 after the prefec- Chinese rescuers search for survivors at a landslide area in the village of Xinmo. ture said some of those earlier re- ported missing had been traced. “The house is in one place here vators removed debris at the base diaper when the house shook. Only three survivors — a couple but the people who were inside of the grim and grey slope yester- “Rocks were in the living and their one-month-old baby were dragged way out over there. day as rescuers in orange jump- room. My wife and I climbed — have been found since heavy They’re not in the same place suits searched between rocks for over, took the baby and got out,” rain brought down a side of the any more. The landslide washed a second day. he told state broadcaster CCTV mountain early Saturday. away the people all over the Some 3,000 workers with from his hospital bed. The offi cial Xinhua news place. You simply can’t fi nd them life-detection instruments and But his parents and three- Locals deliver food supplies to the site of a landslide in the village of Xinmo. agency cited geological experts any more.” sniffer dogs were taking part year-old daughter remain miss- at the site as saying the chance of You Sunfang and her husband in the search, state media said. ing. In Diexi, another hamlet crying, heartbroken,” she said. packed with bottled water, tubs in rural and mountainous parts fi nding any survivors “was really rode fi ve hours on a motorbike The landslide blocked a 2-km overlooking Xinmo, corn farmer Xinmo residents were farm- of food and plastic bags of meat of China, particularly at times of slim”. from another village to get news stretch of river and 1.6km of Yang Cangxin said she knew eve- ers who grew corn, peppercorn down the hill for any potential heavy rains. Relatives of the missing were about her uncle, but police would road. Rescuers found a droopy- ryone in the neighbouring vil- and potatoes, she said, though survivors. At least 12 people were killed in also losing hope. Huo Chunlai, not let them into the site. eyed white dog on the rubble, lage. some had opened guest houses AFP reporters were not al- January when a landslide crushed wearing a lace-brimmed sunhat, “If he had lived on the edges apparently looking for its own- “It’s so hard to imagine some- for tourists. Xu Zhiwen, the pre- lowed to enter the disaster area. a hotel in the central province of returned from the aff ected site on maybe there would have been er, according to state broad- thing like that happening when fecture’s deputy governor, said A Maoxian county government Hubei. foot. Her cousin and two aunts hope. But he lived right in the caster CGTN. In the only story you’re sleeping quietly and there had been 142 tourists visit- offi cial, Yang Baihui, said it was More than 70 were killed in lived in Xinmo. She said locals middle of the slope where the of survival, Qiao Dashi, whose peacefully in your own bed. It’s ing the village on Friday but none “because this is a Tibetan area, the southern commercial hub of asked rescuers to stop the search. landslide came down,” she said, wife and baby also escaped, just awful. They had no idea what of them were buried. foreign media are not allowed Shenzhen in December 2015, by a “There’s no hope they’re alive,” wiping away tears. said he had woken up after 5:00 was coming,” Yang, a woman in Some 30 people from another to go in and interview people.” landslide caused by the improper Huo said. At least half a dozen red exca- am to change his crying son’s her 40s, told AFP. “We were all village brought wheelbarrows Landslides are a frequent danger storage of waste.

Police use Eid celebrations across Indonesia pepper spray Xi to attend Hong on Melbourne Kong anniversary protesters Australian police fired pepper spray to break up AFP Xinhua did not provide more clashes between right-wing Beijing details about the trip. Carrie nationalists and anti-racism Lam, a former career civil serv- protesters on the streets of ant, was chosen in late March Melbourne yesterday, the resident Xi Jinping will as the city’s new chief executive latest protest held by anti- visit Hong Kong this and will be sworn in on July 1. immigration groups in the Pweek to celebrate 20 Xi’s visit comes at a time country. Far-right activists years since the former British when Beijing stands accused of from the True Blue Crew, colony’s return to China, state squeezing the city’s freedoms which says it is opposed to media confi rmed, a trip that and frustrations have led to refugees and the “Islamisation” will stoke resentment among the emergence of a new inde- of Australia, faced off with pro-democracy activists. pendence movement calling for members of a left-wing It will be Xi’s fi rst visit to Hong Kong to break from the coalition promoting tolerance Hong Kong since the head of the mainland. in the city. Communist Party became pres- Protesters say they are pre- Australia has seen a rise in far- ident in 2013. Xi will be in the paring to gather during the Pictures from different parts of the country show Indonesians attending prayer and right activist groups opposing city from Thursday to Sunday handover celebrations and Xi’s greeting their friends and neighbours during Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Asian immigration following a to attend a ceremony marking visit will be shrouded in a huge number of ‘lone wolf’ attacks the anniversary of the handover, security operation. by home-grown radicals. which took place on July 1, 1997. Xi, who will be accompanied Victoria Police said one person The Chinese leader will also take by his wife Peng Liyuan, will was arrested for possession part in the inauguration of the tour the garrison of China’s of a weapon and one detained fi fth administration of the Hong People’s Liberation Army in for breach of the peace, and Kong Special Administrative central Hong Kong and an in- a knife and a knuckle duster Region, the semi-autonomous frastructure project, the Post were confiscated. city’s government. said. “Police were forced to deploy capsicum spray when a small number of protesters Alleged IS militants kill policeman in Indonesia attempted to breach a police line, with one person Two alleged Islamic State suspect the attackers have given aftercare as a result (IS) group militants stabbed links with IS and Bahrun Naim, of the capsicum spray,” a a police off icer to death in because we found a IS flag, spokeswoman said. western Indonesia, authorities books and CDs linked to IS in TV footage showed nationalist said yesterday. They entered the house of one attacker,” protesters holding Australian a security post in North national police spokesman flags on poles or draped Sumatra’s police headquarters Setyo Wasisto told AFP. around their shoulders, while in Medan city where they Bahrun Naim, an Indonesian opposition protesters held stabbed a police off icer, who is fighting with IS in Syria, placards with anti-racism off icials said. Several police has been accused of directing messages. The rally attracted off icers fought back against a series of mostly botched hundreds of protesters and a the militants, killing one and terror plots in his homeland in heavy police presence kept the critically injuring another. “We recent years. opposing groups separated, local media reported. Gulf Times Monday, June 26, 2017 7 BRITAIN/IRELAND

POLITICS POLICY OBITUARY LAW AND ORDER BLAZE Talks with DUP on govt New steps to crack down Former SNP leader Woman dies in suspected Man hospitalised support going well: Patel on criminal financing today Wilson dies at 79 drugs incident: police after fire in building

Talks with Northern Ireland’s Democratic Britain will bring in new rules today to crack The former leader of the Scottish National Party, A 35-year-old woman has died after taking Residents had to be evacuated after a fire broke Unionist Party on a deal to prop up Britain’s down on funds used to finance organised crime Gordon Wilson, has died. He was 79. Wilson led suspected illegal drugs, the police said. out on the top floor of an east London block of minority government in parliament are and terrorism, requiring businesses such as the party from 1979 to 1990. He represented Officers were called to an address in South flats. A man was taken to hospital after breathing “progressing in the right way”, the International banks, estate agents, accountants and payment Dundee East in the House of Commons from Shields on Saturday amid concerns of the in smoke at the four-storey building on Turin Development Secretary, Priti Patel, said firms to carry out more checks on money flows. 1974 to 1987. He died in hospital early yesterday welfare of the woman and a 35-year-old man. Street, Bethnal Green. A total of 72 firefighters yesterday. Prime Minister Theresa May’s The government said that while the majority of after a short illness. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon The woman was treated by paramedics but tackled the blaze, which destroyed one flat and Conservatives hope to secure the support of the businesses were vigilant, the new rules would said Wilson had been “a passionate advocate for died at the scene. The man remains in hospital the entire roof. An investigation into the cause DUP to pass legislation after the party lost its improve the quality of the checks to make sure that Scotland at every level”. Former First Minister under observation. Northumbria Police said has been launched. Smoke was “pouring out of parliamentary majority in an election earlier this businesses can spot suspicious activity and report Alex Salmond said Scotland “owed him a great the type of drug she took was not known. every window of the block” as flames engulfed month. “From what I understand with the DUP, it. “Terrorist financing and money laundering debt”. Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said: Police have reminded people about the the flat and spread to the roof, according to the talks are ongoing and they are progressing are significant threat to our national security, “On behalf of the Scottish Labour Party I would dangers of taking illegal drugs. The warning an eyewitness. The fire service was called at in the right way as well, so that deal will come to and we are determined to make the UK a hostile like to extend our condolences at this sad time.” comes after four people were treated in a 16.25BST on Saturday and the flames were under the conclusion at the right time,” Patel told ITV’s environment for illicit finance,” Stephen Barclay, Wilson is survived by his wife Edith, his daughters hospital earlier in the month after taking what control by 19:30. London Fire Brigade received Peston on Sunday show. economic secretary to the Treasury, said. Margaret and Katie, and five grandchildren. was thought to be ecstasy. almost 50 emergency calls.

Hackers’ Residents evacuated over fire risk threat hits Davis warns MPs access to e-mails Tories against Guardian News and Media London

arliament has been hit by a “sustained and deter- Pmined” cyber-attack by plot to oust hackers attempting to gain access to MPs’ and their staff ers’ e-mail accounts. Both houses of parlia- ment were targeted on Friday in an attack that sought to gain ac- cess to accounts protected by weak passwords. prime minister Fewer than 90 e-mail accounts were compromised during the Guardian News and Media “I don’t think she is what the and customs agreement Britain cyber-attack on Westminster, London stock market would call a strong- was asking for. sources told the Press Association. hold,” the former governor of “I never said it was a breeze,” he MPs said they were unable to Hong Kong told ITV’s Peston on said. “I said it will be turbulent, access their e-mails after the at- avid Davis has said a Tory Sunday. there will be diffi culties but at the tack began and cited blackmail leadership election to oust He claimed that the Democratic end there is a point of common as a possible motive. The estate’s DTheresa May would have a Unionist party, with which May is interest.” digital services team said they catastrophic eff ect on Brexit ne- still haggling to get a deal for her Quoting Britain’s trade defi cit had made changes to accounts to gotiations, adding that any col- minority government, represent- with the EU and mentioning the block out the hackers, and that leagues stirring up trouble for the ed a “toxic brand”. interests of manufacturers, farm- the changes could mean staff were leader were being “self-indul- Davis said the Tories had been ers and others in Germany, France unable to access their e-mails. gent”. dealt a “diff erent hand” after be- and Holland, he argued that there Tory MP Andrew Bridgen told The secretary of state for exit- ing stripped of their majority in were interests on both sides to fi nd the Press Association that such ing the EU did not deny reports the general election. a mutually benefi cial outcome. an attack “absolutely” could leave that colleagues had urged him to He also said he could not be He also said a number of senior some people open to blackmail. stand for the leadership in a pri- “100% sure” that Britain would fi gures – including the governor “Constituents want to know the vate meeting. But he insisted that secure a Brexit deal at the end of of the Bank of England – were information they send to us is his response was to urge them to its talks with the EU27, insisting putting their own interests for- completely secure,” he said. get behind May. He said his mes- he never claimed it would be an ward, but added: “It is not a ma- An e-mail sent to all those af- sage to any colleagues agitating easy process. cho clashing of antlers, it is about fected, seen by the Guardian, for change was: “Get on with the Asked if he was absolutely sure fi nding the place that suits both said: “Earlier, we discovered unu- day job. People put us here to de- there would be a deal at the end sides.” sual activity and evidence of an liver a decent economy, to deliver of the two-year process, Davis Asked about Michel Barnier, attempted cyber-attack on our a decent life for them, to deliver replied: “I’m pretty sure, I’m not the chief EU negotiator, Davis computer network. Closer inves- Brexit.” 100% sure. It is a negotiation.” described him as “very French, tigation by our team confi rmed Davis argued that the more Pressed on the issue, he said very logical … very grand … very that hackers were carrying out “self-indulgent nonsense you go there would be a deal but added elegant”. a sustained and determined at- in for”, the more diffi cult it was for that he could not be certain it But he said the negotiations tack on all parliamentary user ac- the government to achieve suc- would involve the free trade deal would be slow. counts in an attempt to identify cess, including over Brexit. weak passwords. Claiming that two minutes Some ministers ‘want Hammond as caretaker PM’ “These attempts specifi cally discussing the issue of leadership were trying to gain access to our on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show Some members of the ruling months by May during the e-mails. We have been working was “two minutes too long”, he Conservative Party want Finance election campaign and had closely with the National Cyber compared May favourably to her Minister Philip Hammond been widely expected to be fired Security Centre to identify the predecessors, saying she was do- to become prime minister, after the vote. But the party’s method of the attack and have ing a good job. replacing Theresa May and poor showing has propelled him made changes to prevent the at- But former Conservative chair steering the country through the back into the spotlight. Citing tackers gaining access, however Lord Patten added to pressure Brexit process, the Sunday Times some members of May’s top our investigation continues.” on the prime minister by say- reported. May, prime minister for team the Sunday Times said The changes are believed to ing that while he did not think it less than a year, has been badly Hammond should be appointed have stopped MPs and their of- A council worker helps a resident leave Dorney Tower residential block on the Chalcots was “seemly to dance on Theresa damaged by her failure to win a as a caretaker prime minister to fi ces from accessing e-mails on Estate in north London yesterday. Thousands of residents from 650 London flats were May’s grave” he believed her posi- parliamentary majority in a June see the country through until mobile phones and tablets out- evacuated on Saturday due to fire safety fears in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, tion was badly weakened. 8 election and is still working 2019 when it off icially leaves the side Westminster. “Access to sys- but dozens refused to leave their homes, according to local officials. Four of the five He also blamed the “calami- to persuade a small northern European Union. Brexit minister tems from the Westminster estate Chalcots Estate towers in Camden, north London, were deemed unsafe after they were tous errors of two Conservative Irish party to support her David Davis should be named has not been aff ected,” the e-mail found to use cladding similar to that on Grenfell, widely blamed for the rapid spread of prime ministers” – citing May and Conservatives in government. as his deputy, the newspaper said, before adding that further the massive blaze last week that is presumed to have killed 79 people. David Cameron – for plunging the Hammond was sidelined for quoted sources as saying. disruption was likely. country into “a hell of a mess”. Six injured as car hits Egg throwing contest Harry ‘wanted out’ of royal role crowd celebrating Eid Agencies been chosen because they are London on the path shown to me by our mother,” he said. Guardian News and Media to hospital, they have gone to the The event, called Eid in the “I love charity stuff and meet- London Royal Victoria infi rmary in New- Open, had been organised by rince Harry once “wanted ing people.” castle, three children and three Newcastle Central mosque. It be- out” of the royal family, but Earlier this week, Harry adults.” gan at 7.30am yesterday morning, Pinstead decided to “stay in spoke out about the heartbreak- ix people have been in- Asif Anwar, 29, told the New- and was set to include food stalls and work out a role” for himself, ing images of him following his jured after a car drove into castle Chronicle what he saw. and a bouncy castle. according to an interview with mother’s coffi n during her 1997 Sa crowd of people celebrat- He said: “The lady lost control In a statement on Facebook the the Mail on Sunday. funeral, telling Newsweek that ing Eid in Newcastle. The inci- of the car and hit some people. mosque said: “Immediately after The prince, 32, caused a stir no “child should be asked to do dent happened outside Westgate Two of them were kids.” the Eid prayers when the people earlier this week when he said that.” Sports Centre in the west end of The incident came six days af- were starting to leave the venue, a that he didn’t think any mem- He also revealed that no-one Newcastle shortly after 9am yes- ter a man drove a van into a crowd car collided with pedestrians. The ber of the royal family wanted to in line to the throne was look- terday morning. of Muslims near Finsbury Park injured were immediately attend- become monarch, and revealed ing forward to taking over from Northumbria police do not mosque in London, killing one. ed to by the emergency medical doubts about his own role in the Queen Elizabeth II. believe the incident is terrorism Anwar said his fi rst thought was services and the police. All the in- family in his latest interview. “We are not doing this for our- related. The driver, a 42-year-old that it was a terror attack. jured have been taken to the hos- The fi fth-in-line to the throne selves but for the greater good of woman, was arrested at the scene “It was chaos, everyone was pital. We pray and hope that all told the newspaper that being in the people,” he said. and is in police custody. panicking people just don’t know those aff ected recover soon fully. the army was “the best escape “Is there any one of the royal Hundreds of people had gath- what is going on these days. Ter- “We thank the emergency I’ve ever had”, and that his expe- family who wants to be king or ered outside the sports centre rorism is what everyone was medical services, the police and rience of being “just Harry” led queen? I don’t think so, but we for Eid prayers. Witnesses said thinking straight away,” he told over 100 volunteers from the him to consider quitting his royal will carry out our duties at the prayers had ended but people the Chronicle. mosque for their quick response role. right time.” were gathered in the car park af- In a late morning update yes- to the incident. We were able to “I felt I wanted out but then Harry has also said he has terwards. terday Northumbria police said clear the area promptly ensuring decided to stay in and work out a thought about the future direc- Three children were among the extra offi cers were on patrol there was no delay in the injured role for myself,” he said. tion of the royal family. injured, the ambulance service among the community following being attended to. A competitor smashes a raw egg on his head during a The popular royal has since “We want to make sure the said. the incident. “We urge everyone to please contest at the World Egg Throwing Championships at become a champion of wounded monarchy lasts and are passion- A North East ambulance serv- They reiterated there was noth- pray for all those aff ected. The Swaton Vintage Fair in Lincolnshire, England, yesterday. soldiers, a calling that came to ate about what it stands for. ice spokesman said: “We received ing to suggest a terror link but that police are investigating the inci- Entrants travel from many countries to take part in him during two front-line tours “But it can’t go on as it has our fi rst 999 call at 9.15am to re- a full investigation was under- dent at the moment and we will the annual village fair where the World Egg Throwing to Afghanistan with the army. done under the Queen. There port a car that had mounted the way. No other suspects are being give an update as soon as we have Championships are held. “We are incredibly passionate will be changes and pressure to kerb. We have taken six people sought, the force said. more information.” with our charities and they have get them right.” Gulf Times 8 Monday, June 26, 2017 EUROPE

POLITICS SUMMIT DIPLOMACY ACTIVISM Macron mulls convening Dutch slam ‘unnecessary’ Thousands protest Belgian parliament in Versailles row with Morocco N-plants in human chain

French President Emmanuel Macron is The Netherlands reacted coolly yesterday after People from Germany, the Netherlands and considering a joint session of parliament in the Morocco summoned its ambassador home Belgium who oppose atomic energy formed a palace of Versailles, government spokesman in a row about the extradition of an alleged human chain yesterday to protest the Belgian Christophe Castaner said. Speaking on LCI drug traff icker, saying comments by Rabat nuclear power plants Doel and Tihange. television, Castaner said he could not confirm were “incomprehensible and unnecessary”. According to organisers, more than 50,000 or deny that July 3 was the date when the Morocco said late Saturday it has been in talks demonstrators took part, calling on the National Assembly lower house and the Senate with Dutch off icials in the past two days urging immediate shutdown of the reactors Tihange 2 upper house could hold a rare joint Congress them to extradite “a notorious drug traff icker” and Doel 3, the safety of which have been called Participants in the anti-nuclear ‘Chain Reaction’. at Versailles. “I do not know the date.(But) it who allegedly funds “some groups in northern into question over thousands of microcracks. is important that he sets a direction,” he said. Morocco”. It had demanded “concrete and The human chain spanned from the Tihange Belgium’s ageing nuclear plants have created Macron’s year-old Republic on the Move party urgent measures”. But the Dutch foreign and plant in Huy, Belgium, through the Netherlands tensions with Germany. In 2016, Germany asked (LREM) won a huge majority on June 18 that justice ministries voiced baff lement. “The on to the German city of Aachen, which borders the Belgian government to temporarily shut down boasts scores of lawmakers never before elected Protesters lie on the street during a demonstration Netherlands is committed now and in the future the other two countries. Organisers had said Doel 3 and Tihange 2, until questions could be — unprecedented in France and central to his against the new temporary prison for the G20 to an eff ective collaboration with Morocco based 60,000 were needed to cover the approximately answered about their safety, a request that was promise to clean up French politics. Summit in Hamburg, Germany. on international legal frameworks.” 90km distance. Technical problems with dismissed by Belgium’s nuclear regulator. Albanian Festival in Spain vote critical test of its democracy

Reuters “I am full of confi dence this Tirana will be a beautiful day for Al- bania,” Rama said after casting his ballot. lbanians were voting in The Interior Ministry said in a parliamentary elec- a statement hundreds of cases Ation yesterday with of vote buying and intimida- the ruling Socialists and rival tion of voters had been re- Democrats seeking a major- ported, but did not give more ity to push through judicial re- details on the political parties forms vital for membership of involved in those incidents. the European Union. Opinion polls give Rama’s The race pits Socialist Prime Socialists the edge over the Minister Edi Rama against the Democrats, but it is not clear centre-right Democratic Party whether he could garner of Lulzim Basha. enough support to win an out- Neither party won the 70 right majority. seats needed for a majority in The two frontrunners have the 2013 or 2009 election. said they will jointly ask the Polls opened at 7am (0500 European Union to advance to- A horse rears in the crowd during a festival in the town of Ciutadella, on the Balearic Island of Menorca. GMT) on what is forecast to be wards accession. the hottest day of the year so They have not said whether far with temperatures reaching they might rule together in 39 degrees Celsius. coalition. They close at 7pm. The eld- Since taking offi ce, the So- erly and the young were up ear- cialists have improved tax ly to vote when polling stations collection and boosted the opened in Tirana, to avoid the performance of the electricity heat or to head to the beach af- sector. ter voting. Turnout at 1pm was Economic growth acceler- 27.28%. ated to 3.45% last year, com- Battling Schulz hits out Thousands of Muslims, who pared with 0.97% in 2013. But make up 60% of the popula- they failed to fulfi l promises to tion, recited prayers in the create 300,000 new jobs and newly-built pedestrian square secure free healthcare for eve- in central Tirana early yester- ryone aged over 40. day to mark the end of Ram- The country’s international adan. reputation was tarnished by at ‘arrogant’ Merkel Exit poll results are expected data showing Albania had be- shortly after polls close, with come Europe’s biggest open- Schulz facing an electoral rout is fusing debate on the future of the country”. He also laid down gay marriage as a “He was relatively new and had criti- the fi rst offi cial results due to- air cannabis producer. attempting to spark a revival Merkel’s tactic, he said, is to hold off on condition for any future coalition involv- cisms against the chancellor’s immigra- day. Basha, a foreign-educated airing her views rather than engage, there- ing the SPD. tion policy which had divided public opin- The vote will be watched former transport and inte- AFP by making people lose interest in politics. “I will sign no coalition deal in which ion,” added Neugebauer. closely by Albania’s Euro- rior minister, accuses Rama of Dortmund, Germany While the Social Democratic Party marriage for all is not inscribed,” said the But migrant arrivals have tapered off , pean neighbours, keen for it glossing over Albania’s prob- (SPD) takes position on issues, “the other 61-year-old former European Parliament and Merkel’s CDU and CSU “have won to leave behind a history of lems with “facades and palm side is silent”, said Schulz. chief, who was rewarded with 10 minutes increasing trust that they have the best election irregularities and trees” and says he has neglect- ocial Democrat chief Martin Schulz “That’s what one calls in circles in Berlin of applause for his 90-minute speech. strategy to deal with the refugee situation”, violence. ed the economy. lashed out yesterday at Chancellor asymmetric demobilisation. I call it an at- The SPD’s call for gay marriage comes Renate Koecher from opinion research “I expect a radical change, Implementing a sweeping SAngela Merkel, accusing her of “ar- tack against democracy,” charged Schulz, just a week after the Greens set a similar group Allensbach Institute wrote in the a better future for the Alba- judicial reform aimed at root- rogance” as he sought to reverse his party’s whose party is a junior partner of Merkel’s condition, putting pressure on Merkel’s Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. nians so they don’t emigrate ing out widespread graft will plunging popularity three months before grand right-left coalition. CDU, which has so far refused to allow But former chancellor Gerhard throughout the world,” Tirana be a priority for the next gov- general elections. “The biggest danger is the arrogance of same gender couples to wed. Schroeder sought to boost morale, telling resident Petrit Sulo said after ernment as it seeks progress Schulz’s decision to take his party’s reins power,” he warned. The SPD will be hoping its campaign the congress yesterday that “there is still casting his ballot. towards joining the European initially jolted the Social Democratic Party But CDU general secretary Peter Tauber programme will help it regain ground, but time to turn the tide” as many voters de- Campaigning has been Union. (SPD) to life, but the trend has reversed. hit back quickly, saying on Twitter: “The Schulz himself has warned of a “rocky cide only at the last minute. mainly peaceful after a pact by “This is the chance to do With weeks to go before Germany heads desperation must be so deep that we dem- road” ahead after his party suff ered heavy Warning the party against wavering, the the two main rivals that sought something to change the coun- to the polls on September 24, the SPD is ocrats are being accused of attacks against losses in three straight state elections veteran SPD heavyweight said that “there to guarantee a trouble-free try. trailing Merkel’s centre-right Christian democracy.” viewed as dress rehearsals ahead of the can be no self-doubt along the way”. election. It is a hot day but it is the day Democratic Union (CDU) by 15 percentage The general secretary of Merkel’s Bavar- September vote. Party members are so far still keeping Both main parties want to when you decide for the next points, according to a survey published ian allies CSU, Andreas Scheuer, also told For analysts, the sudden drop in support the faith, perhaps for want of an alterna- ditch the Socialist Integration four years for yourself and your Sunday by Bild am Sonntag. Passauer Neue Presse that the “personal for Schulz’s SPD boils down to the govern- tive. “The SPD should not be underesti- Movement (SIM) of president- families,” Basha said after cast- Schulz was in a combative mood at yes- attacks against the chancellor...show the ment’s success in curbing a refugee infl ux mated. Angela Merkel is trying to lull the elect Ilir Meta, which gained ing his vote. terday’s special congress gathering party huge helplessness of the SPD”. that saw 890,000 migrants arrive in 2015. voters to sleep and keep them away from the role of king-maker by Rama said last month the rank-and-fi le to approve their campaign Meanwhile in Dortmund, Schulz under- Schulz initially “was presented as an the election... but she won’t succeed this propping up their respective Balkan country could get a programme, with harsh words for Merkel lined his party’s push for “social justice”, alternative to Madame Merkel”, said Gero time,” Leon Hahn, who heads the party’s governments for the last eight green light for formal talks to whom he accused of launching an “attack with higher taxes for big earners and free Neugebauer, a political science analyst at youth wing in the southwestern state of years. start at the end of this year. against democracy” by “systematically re- schooling for all. Berlin’s Free University. Baden-Wuerttemberg, told AFP. Spain forest fi res force evacuation of 1,500

Agencies Emergency services were work- Madrid ing to contain the fi re but adverse windy conditions made it diffi cult to predict when the blaze would be ajor forest fi res in south- brought completely under control. ern Spain has forced “We expect changes in the wind Mthe evacuation of more that could aff ect the fire,” An- than 1,500 people from homes, tonio Sanz, government del- campsites and hotels, a govern- egate in Andalusia, told reporters. ment offi cial said yesterday. By 11am (0900 GMT) yesterday Like much of Spain, the area near emergency services had deployed 11 Huelva is on high alert for for- planes, 10 helicopters and dozens of est fi res because of a heat wave. land vehicles against the fl ames in Last week, 64 people died in a for- a joint military-civilian operation. | est fi re in neighbouring Portugal. Around 750 people are being housed The blaze was spotted on Sat- temporarily in sports centres, ac- urday night in the Moguer region cording to the emergency services. near Huelva and was being treated Some residents had already been al- as a level 1 — or maximum threat lowed to return to their properties. | — by emergency services. Jose Fis- The fi re could threaten the Don- cal, environment minister for the aña National Park, an important Andalusia regional government, wildlife reserve home to numerous said yesterday the fi re was likely to endangered species including the have been caused by arson, Span- Iberian lynx and Spanish Imperial ish newspaper El País reported. Eagle. A fire in Mazagon. A burnt area after a wildfire in Mazagon, at the Donana National Park. Gulf Times Monday, June 26, 2017 9 INDIA

POLITICS PEOPLE LAW AND ORDER CRUELTY OBITUARY Sushma targets Meira Actor Ravi Teja’s brother Five detained as temple 40 chained mentally ill Malayalam filmmaker Kumar using old video dies in road accident flag post damaged patients rescued Mohanan dies at 69

External Aff airs Minister Sushma Swaraj has Actor Bharat, brother of Telugu star Ravi Teja, Five people have been detained on suspicion At least 40 mentally ill patients, kept bound Noted filmmaker K R Mohanan died in targeted Meira Kumar using a 2013 video and died in Hyderabad in a road accident on Saturday of having damaged a new flag post coated with in chains, have been rescued from hotels and Thiruvananthapuram yesterday. He was 69. a newspaper report. Meira Kumar has been night, police said. Bharat, 46, has starred in many gold at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. CCTV lodges in Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam district, Mohanan had been ailing for the last one named the opposition’s presidential candidate. Telugu films. “The accident occurred on Saturday cameras identified the culprits, who were caught police said yesterday. The mentally ill patients month. He died at a private hospital. His In the six-minute video, Swaraj is seen berating night around 11pm on the Outer Ring road near by the temple guards. Police are questioning were ostensibly brought to a shrine in the prominent films include Ashwathama (1978), the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance Shamshabad. Bharat was driving a Skoda, which them. “This is really sad and unfortunate. district by their relatives seeking a cure. “Since Purushartham (1987) and Swaroopam (1992). government, pointing to a number of alleged rammed into the back of a parked truck. Due to We are told mercury dipped in a cloth was the treatment takes time, relatives often leave He was also an accomplished documentary scams. Four minutes into the video, then speaker the high speed collision, he died on the spot,” a thrown on the lower portion of the flag post the patients under the care of hotels or lodge filmmaker. A graduate from the Film and Meira Kumar is seen saying “alright”, “thank police source said. A case has been registered and it got damaged,” State Devasom Minister employees by paying Rs 8,000-10,000 per Television Institute of India, Mohanan played you”, “okay”, “I have to proceed”, hinting Swaraj against the truck driver as he didn’t take proper Kadakampally Surendran said. The new flag post month,” a police off icial disclosed. “We received a key role in setting up the CPI-M-backed conclude her speech. Swaraj also attached a link precautions in parking the vehicle after it broke had reportedly cost Rs35mn. Police believe the a complaint in the last few days that the hotel/ Kairali TV in the nineties and also headed the of a news report dated May 3, 2013, which said she down. Police haven’t ruled out drunken driving as reason for the crime may be business rivalry. lodge employees tie up the patients in chains. programme division of the channel during its was “interrupted” by the Speaker “at least 60 times the cause of the accident. Bharat’s body has been The attackers are believed to be against the Based on this, we rescued 40 mentally ill formative period. His last rites will be held in during the next 120 seconds of Swaraj’s speech”. shifted to the Osmania General Hospital mortuary. business group which paid for the flag post. patients yesterday,” the police off icer said. his home district Thrissur today.

Seven Heavy rains lash Mumbai dead in Two militants Gulmarg cable car accident killed, three

IANS Srinagar soldiers hurt family of four from Delhi and three locals were Akilled yesterday when a tree uprooted by strong winds sent a gondola car cabin hurtling hundreds of metres down in Jammu and Kashmir after snap- in Kashmir ping the cable, authorities said. Police sources said several ca- IANS ble cars - former chief minister Srinagar Omar Abdullah put their number at 15 - crashed down a valley in the tourist haven Gulmarg. wo militants were killed “A couple and two children and three soldiers injured were among the dead,” a police Tyesterday in fi ghting that offi cer said. A large number of erupted the previous day with an security personnel were de- attack on a CRPF patrol that left ployed to reach the site where a trooper dead, authorities said. the cable cars had fallen to take After hours of fi ghting to liq- out the bodies. uidate the two militants holed up The dead were identifi ed as in the Delhi Public School (DPS) The Delhi Public School (DPS) at Panthachowk where the gunfight with Jayant Anderaskar, his wife complex here, the security forces suspected militants and government forces took place yesterday. Manisha and their daughters said both were dead and all fi ring Anagha and Jhanvi. They were had halted. Director general of police highway between Ram Munshi reported to be from Shalimar The security personnel which S P Vaid had earlier said that Bagh and Sempora. The curbs Bagh in Delhi. went from room to room in the two militants were holed up in were lifted after the battle ended. The other three victims were school found two bodies in one the school, whose students are Also, in a freak accident, a identifi ed as Mukhtar Ahmed room, an offi cer said. mostly from the Kashmiri elite policeman’s rifl e went off at the Ganie, Javed Ahmed Khandey “The bodies of the two mili- families. site of the militant attack on and Farooq Ahmed - believed to tants have been spotted inside The militants had on Saturday Saturday. A CRPF trooper and be tourist guides. one room from where fi ring had attacked a Central Reserve Police a policeman were injured in the It was the fi rst such disaster started. There has been no fi r- Force (CRPF) vehicle on the Sri- incident. in the ropeway project which ing from the militants during the nagar-Jammu highway, killing a Meanwhile a wreath laying has 36 cabins and 18 towers and last one hour,” the offi cer added. sub-inspector and injuring two ceremony was held in Srinagar is a joint venture of the Jammu The school was thoroughly troopers. yesterday to pay tribute to the and Kashmir government and a searched and the operation later The militants then took refuge CRPF offi cer who was killed in a French fi rm. It is hugely popular called off . in the school, which by then had militant attack on Saturday. with tourists who fl ock to Gul- Three soldiers, including two closed for the day. Security forc- Wreaths were laid on the body marg, a skiing hub. offi cers, were injured earlier es immediately surrounded the of assistant sub-inspector Sahab Abdullah wondered why the yesterday as the security forces complex to prevent the gunmen Shukl. cable car operations had not launched the fi nal assault against from escaping. Survived by wife and children, been suspended during the high the rebels inside the school com- The Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) Shukla belonged to Gorakhpur in winds. “That’s a laid down SOP plex in Pantha Chowk area. militant outfi t claimed respon- Uttar Pradesh. (standard operating procedure).” Rail tracks at Kalva station near Mumbai lie submerged after heavy rains. Mumbai “All injured army personnel sibility for the attack. Senior civil, paramilitary and “Heart breaking images com- witnessed heavy rains since early yesterday morning leading to waterlogging in several are stable and out of danger,” a Srinagar district magistrate police offi cers including state ing out of Gulmarg,” the Na- parts of the city. The city also recorded the season’s highest tide so far, with waves police source said. They were Farooq Ahmad Lone on Sat- chief secretary B B Vyas and S P tional Conference leader added. reaching a maximum height of 5.02m at around 1pm. shifted to a military hospital at urday imposed restrictions on Vaid paid their respect to the late “What a tragic way for a family Badami Bagh cantonment. the stretch of Srinagar-Jammu offi cer. holiday to end. Can’t sympathise enough with the families.” The two-stage Gulmarg cable car lift ferries people to a height of 13,780 feet above the sea level. It is the world’s second highest operating cable car project, with Modi recalls ‘dark night of’ a cabin capacity of ferrying 600 people in one hour. Emergency in radio address

IANS smothered and the press complete- Vizianagaram where the district New Delhi ly muffl ed. administration undertook a 100- Toddler “The judicial system too could hour non-stop campaign with not escape the sinister shadows people’s participation to construct rime Minister Narendra Modi of the Emergency. The present- 10,000 household toilets in 71 vil- found dead in a broadcast yesterday re- day students of journalism and lage councils in March this year. Pcalled the “dark night” of the champions of democracy have “You will be happy to learn that Emergency when thousands of po- been endeavouring towards raising the administration and the peo- in borewell litical activists were arrested and awareness about that dark period, ple together did construct 10,000 the country had virtually become a by constant reminders, and should toilets in 100 hours successfully. “prison”. continue to do so,” he said. Seventy one villages became open IANS In his monthly radio address Modi also recited a poem writ- defecation free,” Modi said. Hyderabad ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Modi, who is cur- ten by former prime minister Atal Modi congratulated the ISRO for rently in the US, also greeted the Bihari Vajpayee on the completion its successes. nation on Eid and Lord Jagannath of one year of Emergency wherein “If our feet are grounded in yoga, fter three days of op- Rath Yatra, lauded a cleanliness ini- he longed for the end of restrictions our dreams are eager to transcend eration to rescue an tiative by a village in Uttar Pradesh and return to freedom. Vajpayee the limits in the sky. Just a few days A18-month-old girl from and construction of 10,000 house- was in jail at that time. ago, ISRO launched its Cartosat-2 a borewell in Telangana’s Ran- hold toilets in 71 gram panchayats in Modi also mentioned how resi- series satellites, a nano satellite and gareddy district, she was found Andhra Pradesh. dents of Mubarakpur village in 29 foreign satellites belonging to 14 dead at a depth of 180 feet. He also touched upon the latest Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor district re- countries including Italy, Germany, Rescue workers pulled out the achievements of the Indian Space turned government funds meant for France and Japan,” he said. body early yesterday, dashing all Research Organisation (ISRO), the constructing toilets, and used their Congratulating the Indian space hopes of her parents, relatives international reach of yoga and the own money for the purpose. scientists, the prime minister noted and hundreds of people who had empowerment the GeM (govern- “The residents of Mubarakpur that India’s Mars Mission complet- been waiting at the site, many ment e-marketplace) and schemes village returned the money to the ed 1,000 days on June 19, though its praying for her safety. like Mudra are bringing about while government, saying, they would life was initially deemed to be just Chinnari fell into the 450- again asking people to replace wel- construct the toilets with their own six months. feet deep borewell in a fi eld on come bouquets with books or khadi labour and their own money; The prime minister said if chil- Thursday evening while playing handkerchiefs. He also urged and the sum of Rs1.7mn dren are interested in sports, they with her elder sister and other people to encourage their chil- could be used for providing should be given opportunities and children in Chenvel village in dren to play sports instead of other facilities in the village. should not be “forced off the play- Rangareddy district, about 55km just confi ning them to studies. “I’m happy to see that ing fi elds” to be locked in rooms from Hyderabad. “June 25, 1975, was a dark cleanliness is no longer with books. National Disaster Response night that no devotee of confi ned to being a govern- “They should study as well, if Force (NDRF) personnel, fi re democracy, no Indian can ment programme. It is getting they can do well in studies, they services, the police and revenue ever forget,” Modi said in transformed into a move- should certainly do so, but if they department offi cials took part the 33rd edition of his ad- ment by the society and the have the potential and the inclina- in the rescue operation. A team dress, recalling that during people,” he observed. tion to do well in sports, that should from the Oil and Natural Gas that period, the country had Modi also lauded the be encouraged and supported by the Commission (ONGC) also joined virtually become a “prison”, eff orts of administration school, college, family and all the them on Saturday. with the opposition’s voice and people of Andhra’s people around them,” he said. Gulf Times 10 Monday, June 26, 2017 LATIN AMERICA

Colombia arrests Caracas protests fl are as 8 in blast probe

Reuters Bogota

ight people from a little-known urban Maduro alleges ‘coup’ guerrilla group have been arrested in Econnection with a bombing last week at AFP cisms. He has accused the govern- an upscale mall in the Colombian capital Bo- Caracas ment of violating human rights, in- gota, the police said on Saturday. terfering in elections and detaining Three people were killed and eight wound- political prisoners. ed when an explosive detonated in a women’s housands of Venezuelans Brushing off Maduro’s suggestion restroom at the Andino shopping centre on marched Saturday in a new that he step aside, Almagro said in a June 17. Tfl are-up of protests against video: “We will never give up until we Four men and four women, members of Nicolas Maduro, as the embattled have the freedom of Venezuela in our The People’s Revolutionary Movement (MRP) president claimed several people had hands.” rebel group, were captured — half in Bogota been detained over an alleged “coup” He said he would resign only and half in El Espinal in Tolima province, na- plot aimed at triggering a US military “when free and transparent national tional police director Jorge Nieto told journal- intervention. elections are held...(and) when all ists. Protesters in the capital and other political prisoners are released and Those arrested will be arraigned on charges cities marched on military installa- exiles are given amnesty.” including homicide and terrorism, he said. tions, where they demanded an end He set a further condition: the The MRP, who have only been publicly to “brutal repression” and called for prosecution of “the murderers of known since late 2015, are being investigated Maduro’s resignation and new elec- each of the protesters, as well as of for involvement in another 14 attacks, Nieto tions. their chain of command.” said. “Let’s send a message to the armed Despite Almagro’s eff orts, the OAS “The interdisciplinary team continues with forces: Are you going to continue General Assembly, meeting this week the investigation to clarify the diff erent ter- killing Venezuelans or respect the in the Mexican resort of Cancun, was rorist actions and individualize and identify Constitution?” opposition deputy unable to reach agreement on a plan both the material and intellectual perpetra- Jose Manuel Olivares said. to deal with the instability in Ven- tors of these acts,” Nieto said. A 22-year-old protester died out- ezuela. The device, placed behind a toilet bowl, side the base on Thursday, three days Maduro called the OAS’s failure went off on June 17 afternoon amid busy Fa- after a 17-year-old was killed when to advance a plan “a diplomatic and ther’s Day weekend shopping. national guardsmen opened fi re. political victory” for Venezuela, and Fatal victims of the bombing were 23-year- The death toll in three months of said his country would “never” re- old French woman Julie Huynh, who had been protests now stands at 75. turn to the grouping. volunteering in a poor area of the city, and Co- The government and opposition Meantime, Maduro’s critics were lombian citizens Ana Maria Gutierrez, 27, and blame each other for the violence. angered anew on Saturday after the Lady Paola Jaimes Ovalle, 31. The opposition coalition known as release of a video on which an oppo- Bogota, once the site of frequent car bombs MUD called on the military on Satur- sition leader’s voice is allegedly heard and kidnappings, has grown safer over the day to “lower its weapons.” crying out from a prison window that past decade as the police and military in- Saturday’s protests coincided with he is being tortured. creased surveillance and put more armed of- the commemoration of the Battle An opposition activist throws teargas back at riot police in clashes at the Francisco de Miranda air force base during a “Lilian, they are torturing me! Re- fi cials on the streets. of Carabobo of June 24, 1821, which demonstration against the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on Saturday. port them! Report them!” the voice Purses and bags were once checked at the marked a decisive step towards Ven- of Leopoldo Lopez is said to be heard entrance to shopping malls, but the practice ezuela’s independence from colonial Maduro has repeatedly claimed our country. They will be severely that he resign in exchange for the on a video made by his wife, Lilian has been scaled back in recent years. rule. that the United States is to blame judged,” he said. country’s continued membership in Tintori, outside the Ramo Verde mil- Bomb dogs still typically check cars at park- Addressing a crowd after a tra- for the grave political and economic “I am not exaggerating when I say the regional body. itary prison near Caracas. ing facilities in the capital. ditional military parade, Maduro crisis in the oil-producing country, it would have involved the arrival of Luis Almagro, the OAS secretary- Tintori said her husband, a leader A peace accord signed last year with the claimed that an unspecifi ed number which has fuelled the often violent American ships and troops in Ven- general, has been at the centre of an of the Popular Will party, is being Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia of people had been detained and demonstrations of recent months. ezuelan waters, on Venezuelan soil,” angry tiff between the organization held incommunicado. (Farc), the country’s biggest guerrilla group, would face military trial over an al- “All the detainees are under mili- Maduro said. and the Maduro government, which Lopez is serving a sentence of further raised hopes bomb attacks might be a leged coup plot, backed by Venezue- tary jurisdiction because they are Earlier on Saturday, the head of the in April initiated the two-year proc- nearly 14 years after being convicted thing of the past. lan opposition leaders and aimed at involved in the coup, and have vio- Organization of American States dug ess of withdrawing from the group. of inciting violence during anti- But the country’s second-largest insurgent precipitating a US intervention in the lated laws fundamental to the inde- in his heels in a war of words with Venezuela has grown increasingly Maduro protests in 2014 that left 43 group, the National Liberation Army (ELN), country. pendence, peace and sovereignty of Caracas, fl atly rejecting its demand irritated by Almagro’s pointed criti- people dead. in February detonated a bomb outside a bull- fi ghting ring in Bogotá’s centre, injuring doz- ens of police. Both the ELN and the Farc have condemned Fans re-enact historic Inca sun festival the Andino attack.

By Moises Avila, AFP Coricancha to Cuzco’s main Criminals kill 11 Cuzco, Peru square, where ancient ruins of the Incan city stand along Ba- roque churches and palaces built in Mexico state t the highest point of the by Spanish conquistadors. Coricancha temple in Cuz- “I feel happy and proud, like Aco at dawn, an indigenous every Cuzco resident, to partici- Reuters actor interpreting a ceremony of pate,” said Alexander Carbajal, Mexico City the ancient Inca raises his hands to who is taking part for the second receive the sun’s fi rst rays. year and portrays a soldier of the But these are changing times imperial guard of the Inca in the leven people were killed in Mexico’s Ve- for the ancient Inti Raymi fes- staging. racruz state by criminal gangs on Sat- tival, one of the most impor- During the ceremony Cuzco Eurday, including four children and the tant Incan religious ceremonies: is gridlocked: the day before the head of the state’s federal police and two other nearby, a drone fl ies overhead, main party, some 250 delegations federal police offi cers, Governor Miguel Angel recording the staging. parade through, music ringing Yunes said. For today’s South American out and dancers twirling. Veracruz is home to rival drug cartels in- civilizations, June 24 marks the The procession begins the cluding the Zetas and Jalisco New Generation, southern hemisphere’s winter morning of June 23 and lasts until or CJNG, which are fi ghting over drug traf- solstice. dawn the next day. fi cking turf. But for the country’s indig- “As people from Cuzco we feel Armed gunmen shot and killed the three enous population it commemo- proud,” said Alice Quispe Con- police offi cers, including the head of the fed- rates the beginning of the sun’s dori, who dons a colorful pon- eral police in Veracruz, Camilo Juan Castagne, journey back to “Pachamama” cho. at a restaurant in the city of Cardel. — the word for “Mother Earth” During Spanish colonization In the port city of Coatzacoalcos, two adults in Quechua, a language spoken of the region the tradition was and four children were killed, while two wom- by some 3.2mn Peruvians. largely repressed by Catholic en were killed in the city of Orizaba. Approximately 80,000 peo- priests and continued only in se- “We are not facing human beings, we are ple crowd in and near Cuzco, a cret from 1542 to 1824. facing beasts, cowards, villains, people who southeastern Peruvian city, for It was revived in 1944 and to- are capable of killing children so as to have the celebration, many clad in day is a source of Andean pride, the citizens Veracruz living in fear,” Yunes in vividly coloured costumes. particularly in Cuzco, the an- a video posted online as he visited the crime The theatrical representation cient Incan capital. scene in Cardel. at the ancient Incan ruins Sak- “Cuzco is a large and ancient “We will not allow them to impose their law saywaman draws some 3,500 city, and many towns of the same of violence in Veracruz, we will not allow or- audience members, as locals and era are now cloaked in oblivion,” ganized crime to rule in Veracruz,” he said. tourists alike observe the re- said the deputy minister of tour- Some 30,000 people have disappeared in enactment of ancient rites and ism, Rogers Valencia, noting the Mexico since drug violence increased sharply sacrifi ces meant to ensure a good disappearance of the Mesopota- around 2007. harvest. mian cities of Nineveh and Baby- Since former president Felipe Calderon sent Actors portraying the Incan lon. “Cuzco, with its 3,500 years, David Ancca, an actor performing the role of the Inca emperor, takes part in a recreation during the Inti Raymi Festival at the army out to battle drug gangs at the end emperor and his wife go from lives.” the Sacsahuaman fortress compound on the hills over the Andean city of Cuzco in Peru on Saturday. of 2006 more than 150,000 have been killed. Divisive Kirchner back in Argentina election arena

AFP Kirchner, who in 2003 inherited agement as president. She denies economy back into recession and Born in La Plata, near Buenos prices, costing Argentina hun- Buenos Aires an economy in shambles after wrongdoing and says the cases are embarrassed the country with Aires, Kirchner met Nestor as a dreds of millions of dollars. what was then the largest sover- politically motivated. attacks against her favourite foes. 20-year-old student and married And critics continue to link eign debt default in history. To her working-class base, They included the old Falk- him six months later. her to the mysterious 2015 death ristina Kirchner, the leftist Since standing down two years Kirchner and her late husband lands War enemy Britain, big Nestor became governor and of Alberto Nisman, a prosecu- ex-president who domi- ago she has channelled popular Nestor were saviours who res- media conglomerates she sought Cristina a senator in Santa Cruz tor who had accused her of ob- Cnated Argentine politics anger against the budget cuts of cued Argentina after a 2001 eco- to dismantle, and “vulture” fund province in Patagonia. structing his investigation into a for years alongside her late hus- her successor Mauricio Macri, nomic crisis and stood up for the capitalists who sued Argentina Cristina Kirchner has sought 1994 bombing at a Buenos Aires band, has remained a divisive launching a new party called country’s underdogs. over its defaulted debt. to channel the legacy of Eva Per- Jewish centre. fi gure since leaving power — and Citizen Union, and her return to Nestor turned the country She left offi ce in 2015 — when on, the fi rst lady of the populist That case has been thrown out is now seeking public offi ce again. politics spells a headache for the around thanks to booming de- term limits barred her from run- president Juan Peron in the 1940s in several courts. The 64-year-old will make a conservative president. mand for Argentine agricultural ning again — with an approval and 50s. Nearly every time Kirchner bid for a Senate seat in October’s Her supporters hope a seat in exports and his tough negotiations rating of more than 50%. But she But while many Argentines appears in court, demonstrators midterm elections — despite fac- the Senate might pave the way for to restructure most of the coun- failed to get her chosen successor worship Evita, Kirchner’s legacy rally outside in her support. ing corruption charges — two top a fresh presidential bid in 2019. try’s $100bn in privately-held elected. Argentines voted for the is darker. Former Argentine president Asked in 2015 how he thought party offi cials in her party an- It could also spare her jail: the debt. After Nestor died of a heart centre-right businessman Macri In one case, she is accused of Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner she would spend her post-presi- nounced on Saturday. mother of two is being investi- attack in 2010, she defended his instead. favouring a construction mag- speaks at a rally in Buenos Aires. dential life, her former chief of staff Kirchner took offi ce in 2007, gated over three sets of corruption legacy and won re-election in 2011. Kirchner now accuses Macri’s nate friend for public contracts in Anibal Fernandez said she “won’t vowing to continue the work charges and faces trial in a fourth But to her opponents, Kirch- camp of trumping up charges to Patagonia. dering the central bank to sell just stay home picking roses or started by her husband Nestor case of alleged fi nancial misman- ner is a bully who steered the sideline her from politics. She also stands accused of or- dollar futures at artifi cially low taking care of the grandkids.” Gulf Times Monday, June 26, 2017 11 PAKISTAN Pakistan deploys special force for Chinese security

„Pakistan to deploy two Chinese citizens – who were ing Taliban insurgents fi ghting 15,000-strong military unit allegedly killed by the Islamic the US-backed Kabul in order to to protect citizens of China State group in the country – had limit the infl uence of its old rival, working in the country been illegally preaching. India, in Afghanistan. „China urges Afghans, So far there has been no offi - Pakistan denies that and says Pakistan to form crisis- cial confi rmation of the Chinese it wants to see a peaceful, stable management mechanism pair’s fate. Afghanistan. Pakistan has been battling Is- Several people were killed Agencies lamist and nationalist insurgen- when Afghanistan and Pakistan Islamabad cies in mineral-rich Baluchistan border troops exchanged fi re for since 2004, with hundreds of hours in early May. soldiers and militants killed in As a result, a major border akistan has deployed a the fi ghting. crossing was closed for more 15,000-strong military The IS group has been making than three weeks. Pforce to protect Chinese inroads in the country through China is also worried about nationals working on energy alliances with local militant the spread of Islamist militancy and infrastructure projects in outfi ts, although its presence from lawless ethnic Pashtun the country, the president said is generally downplayed by the lands along Pakistan’s border yesterday, after the abduction government. with Afghanistan, in particu- of a Chinese couple raised safety In a related development China lar the danger of members of its concerns. Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain shakes hands with Chinese has urged Afghanistan and Pa- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistani Adviser to the Prime Uighur Muslim minority being President Mamnoon Hussain Foreign Minister Wang Yi upon his arrival at President House in kistan to improve relations and Minister on National Security and Foreign Aff airs Sartaj Aziz attend a radicalised there. told visiting Chinese Foreign Islamabad yesterday. establish a crisis prevention and press briefing at the Nor Khan Air base in Rawalpindi. In Pakistan on Saturday, Wang Minister Wang Yi in Islamabad management mechanism, the said counter-terrorism was an that the protection of Chinese Beijing is investing around Baluchistan province, which is Chinese foreign ministry said. prove relations, rebuild mutual Wang was visiting Pakistan on important part of China’s re- citizens working in Pakistan was $50bn in its South Asian neigh- at the heart of the China Paki- Foreign Minister Wang Yi met trust strengthen co-operation, the weekend. lations with Pakistan and he the “top priority” of the govern- bour as part of a plan unveiled stan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Afghan President Ashraf Ghani achieve mutual safety and mu- Neither Afghan nor Pakistani thanked Pakistan “for its fi rm ment, according to a statement in 2015 to link its far-western project but racked by separatist in Kabul on Saturday and said a tually development,” Wang said, offi cials were available for com- support for China’s fi ght against issued by the presidency. Xinjiang region to Gwadar port and Islamist insurgencies. three-way conference mecha- according to the statement. ment. the violent terrorist group the Later Chinese Foreign Minis- in Baluchistan with a series of Authorities were going to all nism involving the two coun- “As Afghanistan and Paki- Afghanistan and Pakistan ‘East Turkistan Islamic Move- ter Wang Yi and Pakistani Ad- infrastructure, power and trans- possible eff orts to arrest those tries and China could promote stan’s mutual friend, China en- have been uneasy neighbours ment’,” China’s Xinhua news viser to the Prime Minister on port upgrades. responsible for kidnapping, dialogue and co-operation, the courages them to establish a cri- ever since Pakistan’s independ- agency reported. National Security and Foreign But fears over safety arose last Hussain said. ministry said in a statement on sis prevention and management ence in 1947. China says the East Turkistan Aff airs Sartaj Aziz attended a month when two Chinese work- China has stated it will co- its website. mechanism as soon as possible, Their ties have been poisoned Islamic Movement is a violent press briefi ng at the Nor Khan ers were abducted in Quetta, operate with Pakistani authori- “China sincerely wishes for to properly deal with any kind of in recent years by Afghan accu- Uighur separatist group with Air base in Rawalpindi. the capital of the southwestern ties to investigate whether the Afghanistan and Pakistan to im- sudden occurrence.” sations that Pakistan is support- links to militants in South Asia. FBR issues list Oil truck explosion kills of countries for 146 people in Pakistan exchanging „The tanker had suff ered a fi nancial data burst tyre „Explosion occurred when a large number of people Internews petent authority agreement in started collecting the spilling Islanmabad June to implement the con- fuel vention from July 1. „Army aircraft removed the The FBR also issued letters to injured to Lahore, Faisalabad he Federal Board of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and Multan Revenue (FBR) of Paki- and Securities and Exchange Tstan on Saturday issued Commission of Pakistan to in- Reuters a list of at least 88 countries, timate banks and other fi nan- Lahore including tax haven Switzer- cial institutions to provide in- land to automatically swap formation of accounts related to fi nancial information of their residents and companies of 88 n oil tanker crashed and citizens — but does not men- enlisted nations. exploded on a road in Pa- tion United Arab Emirates and The FBR, in a letter to SBP, Akistan yesterday, killing Panama, the tax avoidance said a fi nancial institution is 146 people, many of whom were hubs for wealthy Pakistanis. required to start due diligence collecting leaking fuel before The country will exchange procedure for reportable fi - it ignited, government offi cials fi nancial information with at nancial accounts from July 1. and rescue workers said. least 88 countries from the next It is imperative for FBR to The speeding tanker over- fi scal year under an agreement issue the list of participating turned on a sharp bend on a with the Organisation for Eco- jurisdictions before the cut- highway on the outskirts of the nomic Co-operation and De- off date, it added. city of Bahawalpur. velopment (OECD) to curb tax The FBR said the rules per- The driver lost control when evasion and avoidance. taining to exchange of infor- the vehicle blew a tyre, a provin- FBR issued the list of OECD mation provide a concept of cial government spokesman said. member countries for the pur- passive non-fi nancial entity, A large crowd of people gath- pose of automatic exchange which is defi ned as an entity ered, many to collect fuel in con- of information to prevent tax that is not active, and is not a tainers, and the tanker exploded crimes. participating jurisdiction of a in a huge fi reball about 45 min- The countries include Swit- fi nancial institution. utes later. zerland, which is infamous for “As a result, reporting fi - Rescue workers said that parking in its banks and other nancial institutions are re- about 80 people had been in- avenues illegal money of Paki- quired to look through for jured. stanis. controlling persons of such “People of the area and pas- The list, however, does not investment entities which are sers by had started gathering fuel Pakistani soldiers stand guard beside burnt out vehicles at the scene where an oil tanker caught fire following an accident on a highway near contain the territories, like not located in participating when it exploded, burning eve- the town of Ahmedpur East, some 670km from Islamabad yesterday. United Arab Emirates and jurisdictions,” rybody,” provincial government Panama, which are presently the FBR said.“In such cases spokesman Malik Mohamed lecting fuel or watching events Khalil Ahmed, a 57-year-old Oil is a precious commodity rived for our village,” he said. under discussions for poten- the reporting fi nancial insti- Ahmed Khan told Reuters. unfold. former government employee for villagers in Pakistan, where About 50 people were killed in tial tax evasion by Pakistanis. tutions will report on the con- An estimated 20 children were Police had tried to clear the who lives in the village, said he more than 60% of the popula- bomb attacks in Pakistan on Fri- Yet, FBR said the list is pro- trolling individuals who are among the dead, he said. area before the tanker exploded had lost 12 relatives in the fi re, tion survives on $3 a day, ac- day but there was no suggestion visional and will be updated reportable.” The accident happened the but people ignored them, Khan which fi refi ghters extinguished cording to a World Bank survey. of an attack yesterday. when required. FBR further said it is impor- day before Pakistan celebrates said, adding that the initial crash in two hours. “People were collecting oil “According to initial re- In 2016, the country signed tant for fi nancial institutions the Eid al-Fitr festival, when had blocked the road, causing a “One body has been recovered in bottles, cans and household ports, somebody tried to light a OECD’s multilateral conven- to have a list of participating families get together to celebrate traffi c tailback. and 11 others are still missing,” utensils. We tried to get them to cigarette,” said rescue services tion on mutual administra- jurisdictions, “so that they can the end of the fasting month of The driver of the tanker sur- Ahmed said. move back before the fi re start- spokesman Jam Sajjad Hussain. tive assistance in tax matters, carry on with their required Ramadan. vived the accident and was taken “After the spill, people began ed but no one was listening,” Police in the area could not which is the most powerful due diligence process and to Many bodies were burned be- into police custody, he said. calling their relatives to come and Ahmed said. be reached for immediate com- multilateral instrument to apply the ‘look through’ treat- yond recognition and television The explosion took place on gather the oil, and some showed He estimates that about 100 ment. control off shore tax evasion ment in case of investment pictures showed piles of burnt a stretch of highway cutting up from nearby villages as well. people from the small hamlet are About 40 people with serious and avoidance. entities, which are non- par- out motorcycles, apparently through the village of Ramzan There must have been 500 people missing. burns were airlifted to hospitals The country signed the or- ticipating jurisdiction fi nan- those of people who were col- Joya. gathered when the fi re began.” “The day of judgment has ar- in the nearby city of Multan. ganisation’s multilateral com- cial institutions.”

‘Toy’ bomb kills six Afghans celebrate Eid Rawalpindi police to appear children in Pakistan in new uniforms from July 1

AFP others wounded critically,” a Internews According to the Punjab Peshawar local government offi cial said Rawalpindi AIG (logistics), the new olive on condition of anonymity. colour uniform was designed Another local security of- after consulting a school of bomb resembling a toy fi cial confi rmed the incident olice in Pakistan’s gar- fashion design and stitched by killed at least six chil- and casualties. rison city of Rawalpindi reputed fi rms. Adren yesterday in Paki- The origin of the bomb was Pwill start wearing new All of the policemen from IG stan’s northwestern tribal area unclear. Dozens of children, olive green uniform from July to constables will be wearing bordering Afghanistan, offi - mostly in northwest Pakistan, 1, as 18,000 new kits have been the new uniform in the Punjab cials said. have lost their lives in the past delivered to them. province. The bomb exploded while when playing with “toys” that Each of the police person- Unlike the old traditional the children were playing with turned out to be explosive nel will be given two pair of khaki trouser and black shirt, it in Speenmark village in the devices.“Toy” bombs were new kits, consisting of two the new uniforms include a South Waziristan tribal dis- airdropped in neighbouring trousers, two shirts, two round shirt with two pockets, a trou- trict. Afghanistan by Soviet forces necks, one belt and badges. ser with four pockets and a “Six children aged between during the 1980s as weapons Afghans greet each other outside the Shah-e Doh Shamshira Mosque, on the first day of Eid al-Fitr, But they have to wear old cap. Women offi cials will also six to 12 years, all boys, were against those who opposed which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, in Kabul, Afghanistan yesterday. shoes which were given to be given uniforms sewn from killed by a toy bomb and two their invasion. them as per routine. the same cloth. Gulf Times 12 Monday, June 26, 2017 PHILIPPINES

Philippine, Vietnam navies play sport on disputed island

Reuters Manila

hilippine and Vietnamese navies have been play- Ping soccer, volleyball and tug-of-war games together on a South China Sea island, the lat- est get-together by two coun- tries concerned by Chinese assertiveness in the disputed waters. The two sides played in mixed teams on Thursday on South- Members of the negotiating team holding megaphones rush to their vehicles, as they west Cay in the Spratly archipel- This handout photo released yesterday shows destroyed buildings in downtown Marawi after weeks of fighting between militants head for ground zero of the fighting between government troops and militants in ago, the Philippine navy said, the and the military. Marawi, to rescue trapped residents during ceasefire on southern island of Mindanao. third event of its kind since 2014 on an island held four decades ago by the Philippines, but now under Vietnamese control. The games are among a series of exchanges between two coun- tries, quietly demonstrating their unity in the face of Beijing’s expanding presence and signs of Envoys talk with militant militarisation of manmade is- lands in the Spratly chain. Ariesh Climacosa of the Phil- ippine Naval Forces West said the games showed how the two sides could get along and would trust and understand each other leader during brief truce better. Relations strengthened under z Emissaries hope for more cause this is very precarious,” positions held by troops. Res- not allow the fl ames to go bigger the previous Philippine admin- dialogue with Maute leader Hermoso told reporters. cue teams tried to reach trapped by joining extremists,” he said. istration, leading to the signing z Some civilians freed He said the Maute group re- civilians and recover bodies of Conditions for those trapped of a strategic partnership in 2015, during brief ceasefire leased some women and chil- dead residents killed in the heart in Marawi have been dire, with at a time when both countries dren yesterday and the emissar- of a city battered for weeks by witnesses reporting bodies on were locked in fi erce disputes Reuters ies had come under fi re briefl y clashes, air strikes and artillery streets, limited food and water with China and enjoying warm Marawi City from rebel snipers. shelling. and a constant threat of being ties with the United States. “We have only established a Military spokesman Jo-Ar killed by either the militants, or foothold with the Maute,” he Herrera said troops had not air strikes. hilippine emissaries met said. resumed operations after the The threat of Islamic State yesterday with a leader of “We hope both sides will truce and were holding defen- gaining a foothold in the Phil- De Lima to fi ght arrest Pa militant group loyal to again grant us the respite.” sive positions. ippines has been raised by their order over ‘weak’ case Islamic State, offi cials said, tak- The military had on Satur- “We have reports there were losses in Syria and Iraq, and ing advantage of a short truce in day said Abdullah Maute had around fi ve people who came intelligence reports that the Detained Senator Leila de Lima a battle over a southern city oc- fl ed from the town and was no out from ground zero,” Herrera militants are seeking new bas- has said that she would contest cupied by rebels for more than a longer in the fi ght. told news channel ANC. es from which to project their the latest warrant of arrest issued month. Though they have no solid “We’re very confi dent we can agenda. against her by a Muntinlupa The eight leaders entered evidence, the authorities be- rescue more.” Though the military is con- Regional Trial Court (RTC) the confl ict zone in the heart of lieve his brother, Omarkhayam, Residents attended prayers fi dent it can retake Marawi handling one of the three drug Marawi City alongside rescue was among three of the seven at a Marawi mosque in an emo- soon, the level of the militants’ related cases filed against her by teams. Maute brothers killed. tional gathering. preparations, combat capability the Department of Justice (DOJ). It was not immediately clear A source familiar with the The violence has displaced and resilience has created some Manila Times reported. what was discussed with Ab- meeting said the emissaries some 246,000 people, and trepidation about whether their In a statement, De Lima said her dullah Maute, one of two broth- were from Marawi and were killed more than 350, most assault could be the beginning legal team would file a motion for ers in charge of the group named only granted access to Maute of them rebels, and about 69 of a wider campaign. reconsideration on the ground of after them. because they were of the same members of the security forces. Lieutenant Colonel Em- absence of a probable cause. Retired General Dickson Her- “Maranao” clan. Twenty-six civilians have manuel Garcia, head of the “The prosecution’s case is moso, who co-ordinates eff orts The seizure of Marawi has been killed but offi cials be- Western Mindanao civil-mil- extremely weak, the weakest to free trapped civilians, said a caused the biggest internal se- Army troopers escort a rescued child from ground zero of the fighting lieve many more could be dead. itary operations, on Satur- among the three trumped-up unilateral eight-hour truce by curity crisis in decades for the between government troops and militants in Marawi, yesterday. “This is supposed to be a day of day said intelligence indicated drug charges,” said De Lima who the army to mark the Eid al-Fitr Philippines, and a realisation happiness,” said Imam Aleem that Malaysian operative and is currently detained at the Philip- holiday was extended to enable that the long-feared arrival of mainly Roman Catholic nation, ern Philippines than previously Ansari Abdul Malik, who led extremist fundraiser Mah- pine National Police custodial the talks, details of which he Islamic State could be a reality. and the protracted occupation imagined. The daily air strikes the prayers. “Families should mud Ahmad had been killed, centre at Camp Crame, withheld to avoid jeopardising Images of black-clad fi ghters and presence of foreign fi ghters were halted yesterday but small be together but they were torn while Isnilon Hapilon, the Is- Quezon City. chances for dialogue. and Islamic State fl ags fl ying in suggests the militants may have skirmishes took place as rebel apart.” lamic State anointed “chief” of “We need to balance this be- Marawi has caused alarm in the bigger designs on the south- snipers fi red intermittently on “This is just a small fi re, do Southeast Asia, had fl ed. Fatalities but no victory as drug war marks its fi rst year

Reuters tions have not been eff ective,” Manila’s docks, the body count Manila said Gloria Lai of the Interna- is too high. tional Drug Policy Consortium, There were nine killings in a a global network of non-govern- single night in Navotas earlier aunched a year ago, Phil- mental groups focused on nar- this month, according to local ippine President Rodrigo cotics. media. LDuterte’s brutal war on The problem is, according to In mid-May, said resident drugs has resulted in thousands Derrick Carreon, the Philippine Mary Joy Royo, a dozen gunmen of deaths, yet the street price Drug Enforcement Agency’s arrived on motorbikes and ab- of crystal methamphetamine in spokesman, that while nine ducted her mother and stepfa- Manila has fallen and surveys domestic drug labs have been ther. show Filipinos are as anxious as busted, shabu smuggled in from Their corpses were found later ever about crime. overseas has fi lled the market with execution-style gunshots Duterte took power on June 30 gap. “Demand needs to be ad- to the head and torso. last year, vowing to halt the drug dressed because there are still “They should be targeting the abuse and lawlessness he saw drug smugglers,” Carreon said. drug lords,” Royo told Reuters. as “symptoms of virulent social While smuggled shabu has “The victims of the drug war are disease.” kept the price down in the capi- A relative of a victim cries behind the police line at the site of a the poor people.” Thanks to his campaign, gov- A portrait of Jenny Royo and her husband Rogelio Gilvuena is lighted by tal, the offi cial data shows the drug-related shooting by unidentified men riding on motorcycles at As the death toll has risen, so ernment offi cials say, crime has a candle inside their shanty at a fishport in Navotas city, Metro Manila. price has gone up in the already Navotas City in Metro Manila. has domestic and international dropped, thousands of drug substantially more expensive outrage. dealers are behind bars, a million he is above the law — that he is price of crystal meth, the highly far-fl ung regions, like the insur- In the most recent survey, Albayalde, the capital’s police In October, the Hague-based users have registered for treat- the law,” wrote Amado Picardal, addictive drug also known as gency-racked southern island of published on April, 92% said it chief, said people, particularly in International Criminal Court ment, and future generations an outspoken Filipino priest, in ‘shabu’, should be rising as less Mindanao. was important that drug sus- Manila, felt safer now, especially said it could investigate the kill- of Filipinos are being protected a recent article for a Catholic supply hits the streets. Duterte declared martial law pects be captured alive. due to a crackdown on drug us- ings if they were “committed from the scourge of drugs. Bishops’ Conference of the Phil- But the Philippine Drug En- in Mindanao last month after Respondents also reported a ers who he said commit most of as part of a widespread or sys- “There are thousands of peo- ippines publication. “He has ig- forcement Agency’s own data militants inspired by Islamic 6.3% rise in street robberies and the crime. tematic attack against a civilian ple who are being killed, yes,” nored the rule of law and human suggests shabu has become even State stormed Marawi City, break-ins. In the fi rst 11 months of Du- population.” said Oscar Albayalde, Metro rights.” cheaper in Manila. and the army’s failure to retake More than half of those polled terte’s rule, police say 3,155 sus- Police operations were halted Manila’s police chief told Reu- The drug war’s exact death In July 2016, a gram of shabu the city quickly has dented the said they were afraid to venture pects were shot dead in anti- for much of February after it ters. “But there are millions who toll is hotly disputed, with crit- cost 1,200-11,000 pesos ($24- president’s image as a law-and- out at night, a proportion that drug operations. emerged that anti-drug police live, see?” ics saying the toll is far above the $220), according to agency’s fi g- order president. had barely changed since the Critics maintain that many of abducted and killed a South Ko- A growing chorus of crit- 5,000 that police have identifi ed ures. Surveys by Social Weather drug war began, said Laroza. them were summarily executed. rean businessman last year, but ics, however, including human as either Last month, a gram cost Stations (SWS), a leading Manila “People still have this fear Police say they have inves- the outcry over the rising body rights activists, lawyers and the drug-related killings, or sus- 1,000-15,000 pesos ($20-$300), pollster, reveal a public broadly when it comes to their neigh- tigated a further 2,000 drug- count has rarely slowed the kill- country’s infl uential Catholic pects shot dead during police it said. supportive of Duterte’s anti- bourhoods,” he said.”It has not related killings, and have yet to ing or led to prosecutions. Church, dispute the authorities’ operations. The wide ranges refl ect swings drug campaign, but troubled by gone down.” identify a motive in at least an- The Philippine Commission claims of success. Most victims are small-time in availability and sharp regional its methods and dubious about Public and police perceptions other 7,000 murders and homi- on Human Rights is investigat- They say police have summar- users and dealers, while the variations. its eff ectiveness. of crime levels seem to diverge. cides. Human rights monitors ing 680 drug-war killings. ily executed drug suspects with masterminds behind the lucra- Offi cials say Manila’s street SWS surveys in each of the The number of crimes com- believe many of these victims “In this country the basic impunity, terrorising poorer tive drug trade are largely un- prices are at the lowest end of the fi rst three quarters of Duterte’s mitted in the fi rst nine months were killed by undercover police problem is impunity,” Chito communities and exacerbating known and at large, say critics of range. And that has come down, rule showed a “very high sat- of Duterte’s rule has dropped by or their paid vigilantes, a charge Gascon, the commission’s chair- the very lawlessness they were Duterte’s ruthless methods. albeit by just a few dollars. isfaction” with the anti-drug 30%, according to police sta- the police deny. man, said. “No one is ever held to meant to tackle. If the strategy was working the “If prices have fallen, it’s an campaign, said Leo Laroza, a tistics cited by the president’s For residents of Navotas fi sh- account for the worst violations. “This president behaves as if laws of economics suggest the indication that enforcement ac- senior SWS researcher. communications team. port, a warren of shacks near Ever.” Gulf Times Monday, June 26, 2017 13 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL Nepal set to hold local elections on June 28 Agencies “Everything is going second round of elections in Kathmandu smoothly. Security 334 local units of provinces 1, 5 arrangement is also fi ne and 7 on June 28. The elections and political parties will elect altogether 15,038 s part of its fi nal prepara- including those who have representatives including tions to conduct the sec- warned of obstructing chiefs and members of the ru- Off icials prepare voters’ identity cards for the upcoming election in Kathmandu yesterday. Aond round of elections, the polls are busy in poll ral municipalities and munici- the election commission (EC) in campaigns” palities and their ward com- “Everything is going smooth- army have been mobilised for national boundary and vitiating tion in parliament and redrawing Nepal yesterday began distrib- mittee members. As many as ly. Security arrangement is also poll security. the election atmosphere. of provincial boundaries. uting identity cards to eligible has urged the voters to col- 63,000 leaders from political fi ne and political parties includ- With poll preparations com- India’s Uttar Pradesh state The Nepal government has ta- voters. lect cards from their respective parties and independent indi- ing those who have warned of pleted in all polling centres, the shares a 599km long open bor- bled a new constitution amend- “Stage is set for the second polling centres within the given viduals are contesting for the obstructing the polls are busy EC has enforced silence hours der with Nepal touching seven ment bill in parliament to address round of elections. Voters can deadline. However, the voters elections. in poll campaigns,” said an- since yesterday. “Thereby, the districts - Pilibhit, Lakhimpur the demands of the agitating now collect ID cards from their can cast their vote with the help Election materials such as other election commissioner parties should suspend poll Kheri, Bahraich, Sravasti, Bal- Madhesis. respective polling centres now,” of their citizenship certifi cate or ballot papers, ballot boxes, voter Ishwari Paudyal, who is cur- campaigns and election offi c- rampur, Sidhharthnagar and Madhesis, mostly of Indian-or- said election commissioner voter ID card distributed dur- ID cards, polling screens and rently in province 5 in course of ers will fi x polling centres,” said Maharajganj. igin, launched a prolonged agita- Narendra Dahal said. ing 2013’s constituent assembly other logistics have already been monitoring the poll preparations. EC spokesperson Surya Prasad Some Madhes-centric par- tion between September 2015 and According to the EC, voters elections as well if they fail to sent to the polling centres while Altogether 163,000 security Sharma. ties have opposed the elections February last year against the im- can collect ID cards from their collect the card due to some poll offi cers are preparing to set personnel from Nepal police, Nepal has also sealed its border seeking that the constitution is plementation of the new constitu- respective polling stations until reasons. up election centres, according to armed police forced, national with India, to prevent anti-social amended to accommodate their tion which, they felt, marginalised tomorrow. The election panel The EC is conducting the the EC. investigation department and elements from crossing the inter- demands for more representa- the Terai community. Police seek ministry permission to put China’s policy benefi ts Nepalis missing passports on Interpol website living in HK By Mizan Rahman this respect, sources in the DIP some Bangladeshi passport- foreign aff airs and the special lets had been stolen from the Dhaka and the police in Dhaka said. holders are being detained branch (SB) of police not for warehouse of the DIP. The ministry has not yet come and hassled at diff erent places their insertion on the Interpol There are also many instances IANS card, had no diffi culty to fi nd up with such a directive, they abroad, causing the image of website,” he said. of persons having more than Kathmandu a job in Hong Kong when she he Bangladesh police have added. the country to be tarnished. “As far as I know, assistant one MRP as these were obtained got there three years ago after sought a directive from In the letter, the police de- And that is why we need a di- director Shahadat Hossain was under diff erent names and ad- marriage with a man already Tthe security services divi- partment said, “The diff erent rective from the ministry in sent a list of 2,800 MRPs, sto- dresses, using the same photo- epalis who live in living there. sion of the home ministry as to regional offi ces of the DIP sent this regard.” len from our warehouse, to the graph through “mis-fi ngering” Hong Hong as part of “It is easier to get jobs in whether they can put the num- the numbers of 18,417 MRPs, According to the letter, a total police headquarters, requesting or by taking the imprints of Nthe Hong Kong soci- Hong Kong. Many Nepa- bers of 10,372 machine-readable cancelled by or missing from the of 28,789 MRPs have been lost or for insertion of the MRP num- wrong fi ngers. After identifi ca- ety have been benefi ting from lis are working in hospital- passports (MRPs) on the Interpol offi ces from January–June last cancelled from diff erent regional bers on the Interpol website,” he tion, these were cancelled. Beijing’s policy toward the ity and construction sectors,” website. year, to the inspector-general of offi ces of the DIP from January to added. A senior offi cial of the pass- special administrative region Gurung told Xinhua, adding These MRPs have been un- police (IGP).” November 2016. He disclosed that a few MRPs ports department said at least of China, says former Nepali that despite being a minority accounted for, missing or can- They sought their insertions Acting director-general Fa- have gone missing or were 17.5mn MRPs have been issued to consul general in Hong Kong community in the region, the celled from diff erent regional in the Interpol website and these zlur Rahman said that they are cancelled at diff erent regional date. MRPs were introduced in Mahesh Dahal. Nepalis are living a respectful offi ces of the department of im- were duly inserted. yet to give any letter to the police offi ces, mostly in Dhaka, for the country in 2010, to speed up Dahal, now a government’s life there. migration and passports (DIP) After that the DIP offi ces fur- headquarters, requesting inser- diff erent causes—they were clearance and improve security secretary, said China has suc- Gurung, who is currently in in 2016. ther sent another 10,372 MRPs, tion of the numbers of 28,789 mostly reported missing while for travellers. cessfully implemented the Nepal, has all her family mem- Mahbubur Bhuiyan, assistant cancelled or missing, with the MRPs, cancelled by or missing the passport-holders were The charges for obtaining an principle of “one country, two bers residing in Hong Kong. inspector-general of police, has same request. from diff erent offi ces of the DIP. travelling. MRP, on an emergency basis, systems” in the Hong Kong They are employed in diff erent sought the directive by sending “In the meantime, we are “We just send the numbers Sources in the DIP said a are 6,000 taka while a normal Special administrative Region sectors in Hong Kong. a letter to the home ministry in getting information that of the MRPs to the ministry of number of blank passport book- passport costs 3,000 taka. (SAR) over the past 20 years, Although many Nepalis delivering benefi ts to the are in elementary jobs there, Hong Kong people immensely. there is also a growing number It is estimated that there of Nepalis starting their own are over 20,000 Nepalis liv- businesses in Hong Kong. Fun for tourists ing in Hong Kong. Those who “Over the last 20 years, Lanka tea farmers choose to stay want to take Nepalis are seen establishing root there, especially if their companies related to labour children were born there. supply for construction, ho- struggle after fl oods They have Hong Kong identity tels and restaurants, groceries cards, but their nationality is and export-import business- still Nepali. es,” said Purna Basnet, who Agencies by the fl oods, while dam- Nepalis fi rst entered Hong stayed in Hong Kong almost a Colombo age to factories is still being Kong as part of the British decade. assessed. army’s Brigade of Gurkhas. As doing business is easier He says the cost of the When Hong Kong returned to in Hong Kong, Shiva Lam- fl oods needs to be measured in China in 1997, the brigade was ichhane, a Nepali bullion ea farmers in Sri Lanka humanitarian, and not fi nan- disbanded and Gurkhas and trader, has expanded his are struggling to make cial, terms. their children were allowed to business there. His wife with Tends meet after their stay there. Hong Kong identity card land was destroyed by heavy “I built my house and Since then, Nepalis there handles the business there. fl oods and mudslides last educated my children. have turned to other jobs “I took the opportunity for month, according to a media But with almost no available, particularly in the business expansion there,” report. income now, things are fi elds of hotel, restaurant, se- Lamichhane said. The fl oods, described by very diffi cult” curity guard and construction, Basnet observed that China authorities as the worst to hit and found immense economic has been applying “one coun- the country in more than a Losses that small farmers Tourists watch elephants walking through a field in Minneriya National Park, 190km from Colombo. The opportunities there. try, two systems” success- decade, killed more than 200 have incurred in terms of their Sri Lankan elephant is one of three recognised subspecies of the Asian elephant, native to Sri Lanka. Muna Gurung, who has got fully, which could be envious people and displaced more lives and property are sub- Hong Kong residence identity to many. than 600,000 people from stantial, Bezbaruah says. their homes. Sri Lanka’s tea industry, For many of the 400,000 which earns $1.3bn a year, has small farmers who grow more also seen a decrease in supply than 70% of the country’s after the fl oods. tea, the fl oods covered their Gunasoma Wanigasekara, Bhutan gives the go-ahead to cross-border movement tea bushes by up to 5m with the owner of a tea factory, mud and sludge, leading to the says that while things are rotting of some roots, a news improving, it will take time By Mizan Rahman multi-modal transport deal in to implementation of the agree- main MVA to work with it till dom’s environment and road channel reports. for conditions to return to Dhaka June 2015 with a view to starting ment without it by three other Bhutan’s joining. infrastructures. K Seelawathi, a farmer in normal. seamless cross-border move- member-countries following “BIN is yet to decide how to During the last one-and-a- the town of Akuressa in Ma- “There’s been a fi ve to 10% ment of passenger and cargo request from them. change the MVA. If it is to sign half-year period, the four coun- tara district, hopes this will be drop [in tea supply],” he said. angladesh, India and Ne- vehicles including private cars The three have already rati- separate MVA, it would be a tries had worked on the protocol the last fl ood she sees in her “The farmers can’t attend to pal have fi nally decided to across the four countries from fi ed the agreement and made long process,” said an offi cial of the MVA and made even a trial lifetime. their work in the fi elds, so they Bbegin cross-border move- January 1, 2016. some progress in formulating preferring not to be identifi ed. run of motor vehicles crossing “I used to harvest 400kg at a can’t give 100 percent output ment of passenger and cargo But their eff orts hit a snag protocols. He said, it is rather easy to three countries. time, earning a good amount,” to the tea land.” vehicles without Bhutan. during the stage of MVA ratifi - However, it is still not clear make an addendum with sepa- The protocol was to act as she said. Mudslides have become Offi cials in Dhaka said the cation as Bhutan refrained from how the MVA could be executed rate note keeping the temporary a guide on diff erent issues “I built my house and edu- common during the monsoon foreign ministries of the three endorsing it. Bhutan’s upper without Bhutan. provision and scope of Bhutan’s like routes, facilities, transit, cated my children. But with season in Sri Lanka as land countries have already taken the house of parliament declined Sources said Bangladesh, In- return to the forum. security and authority. almost no income now, things has been heavily deforested to decision in this regard after Bhu- to approve the agreement in dia, and Nepal (BIN) are now Bhutan’s lawmakers rejected Offi cials said as the three are very diffi cult.” grow export crops such as tea tan gave green signal to them to December last. working to fi nd a solution by the MVA with apprehension countries had made signifi cant Prabhat Bezbaruah, chair- and rubber. go ahead without it last month. The ratifi cation is essential to issuing a note. that a large number of vehicles progress towards launching of man, Sri Lanka Tea Board, Last year, monsoon rains Transport ministers of Bang- start execution of the MVA. A draft on the changed agree- to be involved under the MVA the MVA, the new eff ort got un- says almost 300 tonnes of tea caused fl ooding and landslides ladesh, Bhutan, India, and Offi cials said Bhutan has, ment is now under preparation would leave negative impacts on derway to make it useful for the and green leaf were destroyed that killed more than 100 people. Nepal (BBIN) had signed the however, given its no-objection which may be attached to the tourism haven Himalayan king- region. Gulf Times 14 Monday, June 26, 2017 COMMENT

Chairman: Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah Saudi-led demands ‘an attack on free thought’ Editor-in-Chief: Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor: zDavid Hearst, Editor-in-Chief of Mid- petition claims are “supported” by projects for the 2022 World Cup.” K T Chacko dle East Eye, slams Arab states over Qatar include Arabi21, al-Araby al- On Thursday, the UAE’s foreign their demands Jadeed, Sharq and the London-based minister Anwar Gargash accused Al zMiddle East Eye is independent of Middle East Eye. Jazeera of being a “news broadcast for any government or movement and is Qatar has 10 days to accept the the Muslim Brotherhood”. P.O.Box 2888 not funded by Qatar demands, it said. “It is a mouthpiece for extremism. Doha, Qatar zMEE covers the area without fear or David Hearst, Middle East Eye’s It has whitewashed personalities that [email protected] favour editor-in-chief, said his organisation have become symbols for terrorism.” zSaudi-led demands for media to is not funded by Qatar – or any other Hearst said these claims, and the Telephone 44350478 (news), close are designed to strangle inde- state or group – and is here to stay. petition’s demands for other media 44466404 (sport), 44466636 (home delivery) pendent views “Middle East Eye is independent of to close, were designed to strangle Fax 44350474 zGargash is frightened of a free press any government or movement and is independent views. not funded by Qatar,” he said. “Obviously this is an attack on “Maybe the fate of Al Jazeera anyone in the Middle East who dares Saudi coalition of states Hearst: ‘Middle East Eye is here to stay’ will depend on talks between to off er an independent opinion,” he has placed 13 demands on the government of Qatar and its said. Qatar to lift their blockade, for Qatar to cut all ties with Iran, neighbours. But Middle East Eye is “Mr Gargash is frightened of Aincluding the closure of pay compensation to the petitioning here to stay. something we in Britain call a free GULF TIMES Al Jazeera and what it states are states for “victims and losses” due to “MEE covers the area without fear press. The only media he knows is one publications and websites “directly or Qatari foreign policy and a 10-year or favour, and we have carried reports whose editorial line he can dictate indirectly supported by Qatar”. “mechanism” to ensure Qatar sticks critical of the Qatari authorities, and whose journalists he can buy. The list from Saudi Arabia, the to the deal. for instance how workers from the I have news for him. That world is Democratic Party UAE, Bahrain and Egypt also calls The media organisations the subcontinent are treated on building disappearing.” rudderless after string of defeats

Frozen out of power in Washington and having lost a string of congressional races this year, Democrats are struggling to craft winning strategies to convert disillusionment with President Donald Trump into victory in 2018’s mid-term elections. The party fi elded a hodgepodge of candidates in four special elections in recent months, including a banjo- strumming cowboy poet in Montana. Most recently Democrats nominated a young novice in Georgia, where the party, judging it had its best pick-up opportunity, threw millions of dollars into the race. Yet each time, Republicans beat back the advances. And Democratic lawmakers, strategists and party offi cials have been left scratching their heads about how to turn it around and launch a viable bid to reclaim Congress next year. Debate has swirled among Democrats about what strategy to deploy: going all in with a nationwide anti-Trump agenda, or tailoring individual races to local economic issues in a bid to repair fraying connections between the Democratic Party and the common voter. The Georgia race showed the eff ectiveness of Trump’s staying power despite the scandals rocking the White House. Democrats should not focus their campaigns about him, they should be about jobs. They need a much more focused economic pitch. At the same time, Republicans should not see their four congressional victories as a sign all is well in Trumpworld. In a normal political environment, the races in Georgia, Kansas, Montana and South Carolina – to fi ll seats vacated by congressmen who joined Trump’s cabinet – would be blowouts for Republicans, given the overwhelming, ruby-red This file photo taken on March 29, 2017 shows a pro-remain protester holding up an EU flag with one of the stars symbolically cut out in front of the Houses of Parliament shortly after British Prime Minister Theresa May announced to the House of Commons that article 50 had been triggered. EU migrants say that far from nature of the districts. being “generous”, May’s off er for their post-Brexit residency was niggardly and left them prey to the whims of British lawmakers. Instead, they were all within seven percentage points. As Democrats seek to regroup, they are hobbled by a glaring omission: no clear party protagonist has emerged as a potential challenger to Trump in 2020. Some Democrats have begun urging House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, How do citizens’ rights the icon atop the party’s Debate has hierarchy, to step aside swirled among and allow new blood into leadership. Democrats about Asked about the aff ect Brexit negotiations? Democrats’ doldrums what strategy to and Pelosi’s future role, Trump quipped Protections for 1.2mn resolution is not the same as agreeing condemned it as “pathetic”. rights of EU nationals in the UK and deploy on the answer. Citizens’ rights are a In a detailed position document British nationals on the continent that it would be “very Britons on continent and far more complex area than many in handed to the UK’s EU ambassador protected in perpetuity, providing sad for Republicans” if 3.5mn Europeans in UK Whitehall admit – and could prove a on June 12, the EU27 demanded they arrived before the UK leaves the the congresswoman – a favourite target of Republicans – big stumbling block. “eff ective, enforceable, non- bloc at midnight on March 29, 2019. stepped down. should be easy to settle The issue has already generated discriminatory and comprehensive” Britain has offered to negotiate a “I’d like to keep her right where she is, because our record in theory, but there are ill feeling. Claims by Prime Minister reciprocal guarantees “to safeguard cut-off date between March 29, 2017 is extraordinary against her,” he told Fox. Theresa May that she tried to reach the status and rights derived from EU (when article 50 was triggered) and The party in presidential power traditionally fares poorly obstacles an early deal on the issue but was law at the date of withdrawal”. that date. rebuff ed by member states drew a These proposed rights include Extent of rights: during US midterm elections. sharp EU reminder that the topic the right for all EU citizens living The UK has off ered only to give In 2010, two years into Barack Obama’s fi rst term as By Jon Henley London could not be addressed outside the legally in the UK (and vice versa) on qualifying EU citizens resident in the president, Democrats got hammered, losing 63 seats and formal divorce talks. March 29, 2019 – Brexit day – to be UK the same rights as UK nationals, control of the 435-member House of Representatives. After a succession of high-profi le deemed legally resident, the right potentially leaving them with fewer Democrats now need to gain 24 seats to reclaim the House, hat are citizens’ cases involving longstanding residents to permanent residency after five rights than they have today. and there are several dozen Republican-held seats in play. rights and why are or their children being denied years, and to full equal treatment For example, it is currently easier In a memo this past week, Democratic Congressional they important? permanent residency, the British with nationals as regards jobs and for EU citizens to bring even non-EU Campaign Committee chairman Ben Ray Lujan described W Citizens’ rights are government has also been accused in benefits. spouses and other immediate family to the rights and protections off ered to all Brussels of failing to treat EU nationals Among the rights Britons on the live with them in the UK than it is for at least 71 districts that are more competitive than the four EU citizens, including free movement fairly and humanely. continent have said – and the EU has UK citizens, thanks to strict minimum contested so far this year. and residence, equal treatment and a zWhat is the UK’s position? accepted – must also be secured are earnings requirements introduced in “We have a unique opportunity to fl ip control of the House wide range of other rights under EU On June 22, May travelled to those to acquire citizenship, study, 2012. of Representatives in 2018,” he wrote. law regarding work, education, social Brussels to unveil the outline of what have academic and professional It might be diffi cult for the UK One reason Lujan is banking on victory: the Republican security and health. she called a “fair and serious” off er qualifications recognised, work, government to accept a situation after healthcare bill. They are held by some 3.5mn to guarantee the rights of EU citizens run a business, settle in other Brexit in which, say, the Brazilian Senate Republicans on Thursday unveiled their plan, citizens from other member states living in Britain. She said the UK was EU member states, and receive spouse of a Portuguese citizen in the in the UK and about 1.2mn British willing to agree to a “cut-off point” healthcare, pensions and other social UK was able to join them even in a which would repeal much of Obama’s signature healthcare nationals on the continent, and are a between March 29 this year, when benefits. decade’s time – but not the Brazilian reforms. key part of the article 50 negotiations article 50 was triggered, and March The EU27 wants these rights to spouse of a British citizen. It has had a frosty reception. that are taking Britain out of Europe. 2019, as preferred by the European apply in perpetuity, not just to EU Monitoring mechanisms: Another Democrats are counting on voters revolting against any For Brussels, citizens’ rights are Commission. citizens in the UK and British citizens signifi cant bone of contention is likely lawmaker who supports legislation that could leave millions “the fi rst priority” of the article EU citizens already in the UK and on the continent now, but to those to be the EU’s insistence that EU of Americans without health insurance. 50 divorce talks. “We need real those who arrive lawfully during a who lived abroad at any time during citizens’ rights be monitored by the A lot will depend on where Trump’s approval rating is next guarantees for our people who live, subsequent “grace period”, expected the UK’s membership of the EU. European Commission and enforced work and study in the UK, and the to be up to two years, will be able to The EU also wants those rights to by the ECJ or an equivalent body year, and healthcare will obviously mould that climate. same goes for Brits,” the European build up fi ve years’ worth of residence, apply to “current and future family following ECJ rules. Council’s president, Donald Tusk, has which could start at any point up to members”, no matter their nationality, This would mean that EU citizens said. the date of Brexit and would allow EU who decide to join the right-holder living in the UK would be able to To Advertise The UK government has likewise citizens time to regularise their status. after Brexit, and to continue to apply appeal to the ECJ (or another ECJ- stressed in its Brexit white paper That would entitle them to a special to family members after the divorce or approved external body) if they [email protected] that it wants to “give people the category of “settled status”, conferring death of the right-holder. thought the Home Office or UK Display certainty they want ... at the earliest the same rights to work, pensions, NHS zWhat are the potential courts were not respecting their EU Telephone 44466621 Fax 44418811 opportunity. It is the right and fair care and other public services as British stumbling blocks? rights. thing to do”. citizens, which they will maintain for Will an immigration-focused Britain wants the rights to be Classified In the opening session of article life. The off er will be set out in detail in a Conservative government be ready enforced by the UK justice system. Telephone 44466609 Fax 44418811 50 talks on June 19, the two sides paper to be published today. to sign up to open-ended access to Accepting the ECJ’s jurisdiction would confi rmed they would prioritise the zWhat is the EU’s position? residence, and particularly benefi ts, represent a big climbdown by the UK Subscription question of citizens’ rights, on which The UK’s off er falls well short including for family members who government, which has repeatedly [email protected] Brexit secretary David Davis said there of the EU’s demands. EU leaders may arrive after Brexit and may not said that “taking back control” of was “much common ground”. have criticised it as “not suffi cient”, necessarily be economically active? British laws means it is determined zHow did things stand before “vague” and “a fi rst step” that does Experts foresee three key stumbling that Brexit must mean leaving the 2017 Gulf Times. All rights reserved talks began? not cover the situations of many EU blocks: jurisdiction of the ECJ. – Guardian Agreeing a problem needs urgent citizens in the UK. Expats have also Start date: The EU wants all the News and Media Gulf Times Monday, June 26, 2017 15 COMMENT Mainstream parties on the decline

By Nina L Khrushcheva World War I, as the British journalist- people and elect another.” Moscow turned-historian George Dangerfi eld But, while consumer-minded chronicled in his book The Strange voting goes some way towards Death of Liberal England. explaining the demise of parties early 26 years ago, President In Italy, the postwar political like France’s Socialists, it does not Boris Yeltsin issued a parties – the Christian Democrats, explain the decline of the Indian decree that eff ectively the Communists, and the Socialists National Congress and the ANC. Their Nbanned Communist Party – experienced something of a mass problems seem, instead, to be rooted organs from operating in factories, extinction, after the Tangentopoli in arrogance. universities, and all other workplaces (Bribesville) corruption scandal For the Indian National Congress, across the Russian Federation. But erupted in 1992. The next year, that arrogance is largely hereditary. Yeltsin’s bold decree was, in some Canada’s Conservative Party From Nehru to Indira and Rajiv ways, superfl uous: the Communist was practically wiped out in a Gandhi to the current incompetent Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU), parliamentary election, in which it lost face of the party, Rahul, the Gandhi once a fearsome organisational all but two of its 151 seats. family has viewed leadership and weapon, had already been decimated Many explanations for the fall of control of Congress as a birthright by its own incompetence and brutality, political parties have been advanced. that cannot be rescinded, regardless to the point that the public was simply Working-class voters’ move to the of the individual’s actual skill or indiff erent to it. middle class did as much to kill off qualifi cations. Today, once-great political parties Western Europe’s communist parties As for the ANC, its arrogance seems in the West and some developing as the failure of the Soviet regime. more akin to that of the CPSU: an countries also seem to be on a fast More broadly, in countries where overweening sense of “owning” the track to oblivion. But whereas the coalition governments comprise state, which makes corruption seem CPSU’s demise was perfectly logical parties with similar ideologies, it can like a form of electoral entitlement. – Yeltsin’s decree came just months be easy for voters to shift their loyalty. Arrogance of this sort cuts a party off before the Soviet Union’s collapse – This is particularly true nowadays, from its actual supporters, who then the decline of major political parties in as voters increasingly view parties fi nd it easier to search, and to fi nd, a countries like France and India is not as brands that can be replaced if viable alternative. so easy to explain. they fail to keep up with consumer But, in politics, death need not be In France, President Emmanuel tastes, rather than as focal points of permanent. Mexico’s Institutional Macron has just secured a massive unassailable tribal loyalty. Revolutionary Party (PRI), for majority in the French National Moreover, voters nowadays are more example, ruled the country for 71 Assembly for his own year-old and more likely to focus on one or years, before its defeat in 2000. At movement, ostensibly consigning the Under the feeble leadership of Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul, Congress now seems unable even to retain seats in its two key policies, rather than a party’s the time, it was assumed that the PRI Socialist Party – with which Macron historic bastions. entire programme. It is this thinking would never return to power. Yet, himself was affi liated while serving that has allowed single-issue parties by 2012, it did, with the election of as economy minister – to Trotsky’s recent parliamentary campaign. But minister Indira Gandhi) and her son ANC is crumbling under the ruinously like the immigration-focused UK current President Enrique Pena Nieto. dustbin of history. France’s other major whether Corbyn will actually be able Rahul, Congress now seems unable corrupt leadership of President Jacob Independence Party (Ukip) to thrive. This possibility may be why the mainstream party – the centrer-right to unite and reinvigorate his party even to retain seats in its historic Zuma. An offi cial split among embattled The increased use of referendums Gandhi family and Zuma are so Republicans, rooted in Charles de remains far from certain. bastions, such as Uttar Pradesh. and embittered rival factions may very in the world’s developed democracies nonchalant about their parties’ decay. Gaulle’s political legacy – does not seem In the developing world, India is Indeed, its main opponent, the ruling well take place when the ANC chooses a seems a direct outgrowth of the turn The question, though, is whether to be doing much better. witnessing the decline of the Indian Bharatiya Janata Party, seems to have new leader later this year. towards consumer-oriented politics. anything that comes back from the Until recently, the United National Congress, the party of the 2019 parliamentary election Of course, great political parties The problem is that referendums dead can ever again be what it was. - Kingdom’s Labour Party, under the the country’s fi rst prime minister, already locked up. have died before. In the 19th and early undermine accountability, as they Project Syndicate leadership of the far-left Jeremy Jawaharlal Nehru, who led the country In South Africa, another great party 20th centuries, the Liberal Party, enable ill-advised decisions based on Corbyn, also seemed to be on the edge to independence from the UK. Under of national liberation – the African not Labour, was the Conservatives’ simplistic questions, as was the case zNina L Khrushcheva is Professor of of extinction. But it has been granted the feeble dynastic leadership of Sonia National Congress, which helped to main rival in the UK, thriving under with the UK’s feckless Brexit vote. In International Aff airs and Associate something of a reprieve, thanks to Gandhi (the widow of assassinated bring about the downfall of apartheid – the leadership of fi gures like William such situations, the playwright Bertolt Dean for Academic Aff airs at The New Conservative Prime Minister Theresa prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, Nehru’s is facing similar rot. Just 18 years after Gladstone and David Lloyd George. Brecht once quipped ironically, the School and a senior fellow at the World May’s sheer incompetence during the grandson and the son of prime Nelson Mandela left the presidency, the Yet that ended just a few years after only alternative is to “dissolve the Policy Institute. Weather report Flaws in Trump’s trade approach Three-day forecast TODAY High: 44 C By Christopher Smart have signed on to labour laws they can’t simply go looking for a more Nafta could dim. More generally, Low : 32 C London enshrining workers’ rights to form reasonable or more eager partner who the multilateral approach created a independent unions and engage can open up China’s markets for US bandwagon eff ect, with a number Inshore: Hot daytime with slight dust. in collective bargaining, as well as farmers. The same is true for any other of countries already positioning to ith all the public intellectual property protections to country Trump hopes to do America’s join the TPP once the initial deal was attention in the US defend against counterfeiting and business with. struck. South Korea, Thailand, and TUESDAY focused on healthcare, unfair subsidies to state-owned Finally, Trump’s belief that Colombia were likely to be at the head High: 44 C Wimmigration, and enterprises. Violations of these bilateral negotiations give the US of the line. All were ready to sign up, Low: 33 C Russia, the Trump administration’s commitments would have subjected more leverage misses the mark. In knowing that there would be little or Sunny trade policies have flown largely signatories to binding arbitration. his Senate confi rmation hearing, no room to alter rules that had already under the radar. But the underlying Trump’s knee-jerk withdrawal from Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross told been agreed. Now the other TPP logic of President Donald Trump’s the deal eliminated opportunities lawmakers that a central fl aw with the partners are discussing moving ahead WEDNESDAY approach to trade is about to receive to improve global labour conditions TPP was that it required multilateral without the US, in order not to lose High: 43 C prime-time scrutiny, because the and make trade more fair for negotiation. “If you negotiate with out on the agreement’s benefi ts. Low: 31 C landmark North American Free American workers. 12 countries, the fi rst one…says, When the Trump administration’s Sunny Trade Agreement (Nafta) will The second fl aw in Trump’s ‘Yes, we’ll give you a concession, renegotiation of Nafta ultimately come up for renegotiation later approach is the assumption that bad but we want something back,’” Ross takes shape, sometime after August this summer. When it does, three negotiators make bad deals. That explained. “The next country, they 16, it will be interesting to see just how Fishermen’s forecast take a little nick. After 12 times, you many commitments regarding labour, fundamental flaws in Trump’s suggests wilful ignorance of the OFFSHORE DOHA thinking will be exposed. negotiating process. US trade policy get a lot of nicks. Other countries get patents, and subsidies are included. Wind: NW-W 05-15/18 KT For starters, there is Trump’s false today is not the work of a single party the benefi t of things they didn’t even It will be a shame that so much eff ort Waves: 2-4/5 Feet premise that bad trade deals have cost or entity. It encompasses free-trade ask for.” and political capital is about to be INSHORE DOHA Wind: W-NW 05-15/20 KT US jobs. Automation and robotics led agreements with some 20 countries, Ross’s warning sounds troubling, poured into a deal that could have Waves: 1-3/4 Feet to the decline in manufacturing jobs all hammered out over decades under but it reveals a fundamental been much larger. The greater shame, in developed economies long before intense bipartisan review. President misunderstanding of modern trade however, will be when Trump’s Around the region any major trade agreements were Barack Obama, for example, made the policy. If trade agreements in the 21st “fabulous” negotiators ultimately get Weather Weather concluded. The forces of globalisation TPP a centrepiece of his second term, century are about setting rules that around to discussing “America fi rst” today Max/min tomorrow Max/min may have aggravated these trends, but but it was fi rst proposed by President raise the standards of international deals with other countries in Asia and Abu Dhabi M Sunny 37/31 Sunny 38/31 the point so often lost in the debate – George W Bush years earlier. Similarly, commerce, it does little good to beyond, only to fi nd that China has Baghdad Sunny 46/31 Sunny 48/32 Dubai and dismissed by so many on all sides George H W Bush’s administration establish those rules one treaty at a already locked them into its own set Sunny 38/30 Sunny 38/31 Kuwait City Sunny 44/32 Sunny 45/33 – is that trade agreements are meant did most of the heavy lifting on Nafta, time. In fact, by off ering TPP partners of rules. Manama Sunny 39/32 Sunny 41/32 to tame the forces of globalisation, not before Bill Clinton signed it into law in access to a larger club, the US had That will be the true price of Muscat P Cloudy 37/32 Sunny 36/33 accelerate them. December 1993. secured additional leverage. For most Trump’s fl awed trade logic. -Project Riyadh Sunny 42/27 Sunny 43/28 With world tariff s declining for While diff erent negotiating styles countries, trade with the US was the Syndicate Tehran Sunny 35/24 Sunny 36/24 decades, today’s negotiations focus might have secured diff erent results, biggest prize, but the fact that the TPP mostly on the rules that govern it is hardly credible to suggest that granted access to 40% of the world zChristopher Smart, a senior fellow international commerce. The Trans- the US has suff ered a shortage of economy gave the US more bargaining at the Mossavar-Rahmani Center Pacifi c Partnership (TPP) trade fi rst-rate representatives in trade power, not less. for Business at Harvard University’s agreement, which Trump abandoned talks. But Trump’s claim is consistent Consider Mexico, where offi cials Kennedy School of Government, was with such fanfare after taking offi ce, with his intense focus on “deals,” as were more willing to engage in a Special Assistant to the president for spelled out a range of enforceable if trade negotiations were a one- conversation about modernising Nafta International Economics, Trade, and commitments intended to level the off transaction for the next luxury when the prize included US-backed Investment (2013-15), and Deputy playing fi eld for US workers. property or package of distressed debt. access to Asian economies through Assistant Secretary of Treasury for Countries as diverse as Peru, They’re not: If trade negotiators don’t the TPP. Now that the TPP is off the Europe and Eurasia (2009-13). Vietnam, and Mexico would like their Chinese counterparts’ tone, table, Mexican enthusiasm for a new Live issues Video games can boost attention: study Around the world Weather Weather IANS involved in attention were found to “It’s likely that video games have today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Sunny M Sunny 34/23 London be more effi cient and required less both positive (on attention, visual Athens 34/23 activation to sustain attention on and motor skills) and negative aspects Beirut Sunny 29/26 Sunny 31/26 S T Storms 33/26 demanding tasks. (risk of addiction), and it is essential Bangkok 33/26 T Storms Berlin Showers 22/10 M Sunny 25/16 oes your child love playing On the other hand, the right we embrace this complexity,” Palaus Cairo Sunny 38/23 Sunny 38/23 video games? Let him, as hippocampus was found enlarged in explained. Cape Town Sunny 20/10 P Cloudy 16/11 it can help alter the brain long-term gamers. Over the years, the media have made Colombo T Storms 29/26 T Storms 29/26 regions responsible for For the study, published in various sensationalist claims about Dhaka P Cloudy 33/27 T Storms 32/26 D Hong Kong S T Storms 31/28 S T Storms 31/28 attention and visuospatial skills - the journal Frontiers in Human video games and their eff ect on our Istanbul Sunny 28/20 Sunny 29/20 skills that enable us to recognise a Neuroscience, the team collected and health and happiness. Jakarta S T Storms 30/24 P Cloudy 32/25 square, triangle, cube or pyramid - as analysed 122 scientifi c studies, 22 of “Games have sometimes been Karachi Sunny 35/29 M Sunny 36/30 well as make them more effi cient, say which looked at structural changes in praised or demonised, often without London M Sunny 24/14 Rain 22/15 Manila T Storms T Storms 32/26 scientists in an analysis of over a 100 the brain and 100 of which looked at real data backing up those claims. 32/26 Moscow S T Storms 24/13 P Cloudy 21/12 scientifi c studies. changes in brain functionality and/or Moreover, gaming is a popular activity, New Delhi P Cloudy 37/29 S T Storms 36/28 In the study, researchers led by behaviour. so everyone seems to have strong New York M Sunny 27/17 Cloudy 26/16 Marc Palaus from Universitat Oberta Conversely, video games can also opinions on the topic,” says Palaus. Paris M Cloudy 29/18 S T Storms 27/17 de Catalunya in Spain, revealed turn to be addictive, and lead to As video games are still quite new, Sao Paulo Sunny 23/12 P Cloudy 24/12 Seoul T Storms 28/20 S Showers 28/20 that gamers showed improvements Playing video games also increased “Internet gaming disorder”, which can the research into their eff ects is still Singapore T Storms 30/26 S T Storms 31/26 in several types of attention, such the size and effi ciency of brain regions cause problems such as obesity and in its infancy. For example, we are still Sydney Sunny 17/07 M Cloudy 16/09 as sustained attention or selective related to visuospatial skills. poor eyesight as well as emotional working out what aspects of games Tokyo Cloudy 25/22 Cloudy 26/20 attention. Further, in gamers, the brain regions problems, the researchers warned. aff ect which brain regions and how. Gulf Times 16 Monday, June 26, 2017 QATAR Qatar never supported extremist groups: envoy

QNA bassador said that Qatar has re- of a government in a given coun- that it was normal that family dents and said that the country has on schedule. He said the World Berlin jected those allegations from the try. He gave an example of that members have diff erences, but also developed an emergency plan Cup will be unique and one that outset, adding that there were no during the presidency of Mo- stressed that it was important for to deal with such a crisis, adding belongs to the entire Arab world proof of that. He also said that hammed Morsi in Egypt, adding them to discuss those diff erences that Turkey and other countries that gives hope to people in the atar’s ambassador to the allegations were directed that they stopped dealing with in order to reach a friendly and around the world, including Eu- region, and particularly the Germany Sheikh Saoud at Qatar in a sudden manner, the Muslim Brotherhood once an acceptable solution. He added ropean nations, are sending food youth. Qbin Abdulrahman al- and pointed out that there were they stopped becoming part that the important thing is that products to Qatar. He also high- On demands to close Al Jazeera Thani rejected all the allegations many meetings held under the of the Egyptian government. no side intervenes in the internal lighted that Qatari companies are television network, Ambassador of support for terrorism levelled GCC umbrella over the last few Ambassador Saoud added that aff airs of the other. working more actively to overcome Saoud said that Qatar will not against Qatar and added that the months, none of which saw these such was the case with Hamas, On the impact of the siege im- these obstacles. sacrifi ce freedom of opinion and country never backed extremist allegations surface. stressing that they do not deal posed by Gulf countries, the am- Looking forward, the envoy freedom of press as they repre- groups and will not support such Explaining further, the am- with any of those groups as po- bassador said that work is pro- noted that the crisis with GCC sent important values. He added Qatar’s ambassador to Germany groups in the future. bassador said that Qatar only litical parties. gressing normally. He noted that countries did not impact prepa- that such a step is unacceptable, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman In an interview with German deals with Muslim Brotherhood The Qatari envoy described they found alternatives to all the rations for World Cup 2022 and is considered an interference al-Thani daily Der Tagesspiegel, the am- and Hamas when they are part the GCC as a joint house and said important basic needs for resi- and that work is progressing in internal aff airs. India’s fruit, vegetables exports Bashir backs Kuwait mediation to end siege udanese President Omar al-Fitr with all its joy and we tates that we work” towards rec- al-Bashir has reiterated recall what our Arab and Is- onciliation and exert all eff orts to Shis support for Kuwait’s lamic nation is going through in bring them together, noting that to Qatar rise by 15%: report mediation efforts to defuse the terms of strife between honour- Sudan will back all eff orts that diplomatic crisis in the Gulf, al- able brothers who had and still aim at ending the crisis. jazeera.com reports. In a speech have generous stances with our “Sudan is backing the eff orts ndia’s exports of fresh fruit A senior offi cial of the Agricul- now started importing from In- between India and Qatar. The marking the end of Ramadan, country.” made by the Emir of Kuwait,” Ba- and vegetables to Qatar have tural and Processed Food Products dia directly. fi rst of the two vessels operating Bashir said: “We welcome Eid He said the situation “necessi- shir added. Ijumped by 15% within a two- Export Development Authority The report also quotes a under the new service arrived at week period because of an in- (Apeda), India, confi rmed the de- Pune-based fruit exporter, who Doha’s Hamad Port recently. crease in demand, Indian media velopment and said: “India’s fruit points out that while fruit and The vessel, Hansa Magdeburg, Kuwaiti FM discusses regional issues with Tillerson, Johnson reported recently, citing offi cial and vegetables exports to Qatar vegetable exports to Qatar have had sailed from Nhava Sheva sources. have increased probably due to (a) increased in the past two weeks, port in India. The IQX service The first deputy prime minister and foreign minister Boris Johnson and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut India’s food exports to Qa- halt in their exports from Doha’s the demand is yet to reach its connects Hamad Port with the of Kuwait held on Saturday a series of telephone Cavusoglu. tar increased after Saudi Arabia, neighbouring countries.” limit. New orders are “expected Mundra and Nhava Sheva ports conversations with several international diplomats, He also had a phone discussion with Sigmar the UAE and Bahrain imposed an A report in Business Standard to start pouring in from Qatar,” in India. It aims to boost trade aljazeera.com said, citing reports by Kuwait’s state-run Gabriel, Germany’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, and economic blockade on Qatar on newspaper says a large quantity he adds. between Qatar and India, and media. Federica Mogherini, the European Union’s foreign June 5. Since then, many cargo air- of India’s fruit and vegetable ex- The launch of the new India meet the growing demands of Kuwait’s Kuna news agency said Sheikh Sabah policy chief. lines have delivered goods in large ports comes to Qatar via other Qatar Express Service (IQX) is importers and exporters from Khaled al-Hamad al-Sabah spoke with US Secre- The diplomats discussed the latest regional and quantities to Qatar, the report said. countries, noting that Doha has expected to further boost trade both countries. tary of State Rex Tillerson, UK Foreign Secretary international developments, Kuna said. Entertainment City opens for thrill-seekers at Summer Fest

he Entertainment City, them,” said Fernan S, a Filipino considered the Qatar expatriate who regularly takes TSummer Festival’s (QSF) his family to the Entertainment centrepiece and a family favour- City every year. ite, opened yesterday at Doha He added that he also plans to Exhibition and Convention Cen- try the paintball shooting range tre, attracting visitors with its and the arena with his colleagues line-up of interactive games and in the coming days. other attractions. The diff erent children’s rides The unique off erings this year and games were also a big hit “provide a challenging but fun- such as the bumper tubes, fun fi lled experience for families and clown, animal carts and kids’ children who are looking for ad- crane. A presentation on Al Fazaa. venture this summer”. The Entertainment City fea- The fi rst wave of thrill-seekers tures 87 games across 11 cat- had the opportunity to try the egories, which include arcade world’s largest infl atable obstacle games, toddler games, virtual course, as QSports claim, as well reality games, skill and active as the XTork Extreme Rebels sec- games, sports competitions, tech tion for skateboarders and BMX hub, shooting range, Timba cars riders. and Bricklyn Lego. For the fi rst time since its in- According to Qatar Tourism MoI organises cultural ception four years ago, the City Authority, the City forms part of brings a zip line, basketball com- QSF’s eff orts aimed at showcas- petition (3-on-3) and paintball ing Qatar’s unique urban and fam- arena to engage visitors in sport- ily entertainment off erings. The ing activities. festival will run for more than two “I really likef the concept months, until September 5. this year because it promotes a Meanwhile, participating programme for expats healthy and active lifestyle. It malls across Qatar have started also forces children to play and off ering discounts and special By Joseph Varghese number of important issues. and Follow Up Department and pedestrian safety, awareness and not photocopies — as well move more, which is good for promotions to shoppers. Staff Reporter A large number of workers the Public Relations Depart- messages on risks of drug abuse as presenting it to the authori- from countries such as India, ment, participated in the pro- and mental stimulant usage, and ties if asked for verifi cation. The Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan gramme and gave awareness the risks of carrying diff erent audience was also told that they housands attended the and several others flocked to talks on the occasion. materials given by known and should keep away from accident cultural and awareness the venue well in advance to “The event is held with the unknown people without veri- sites, with the MoI stressing Tprogramme, ‘Eid Al Fitr enjoy the programmes. There aim of providing a safer envi- fying their content while com- that they should neither take Awareness and Cultural Cel- were also raffle draws and the ronment for expatriate com- ing to Qatar. pictures of accident victims ebrations’, organised by the winners were presented with munities to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. The talks also provided in- nor share them on social media. Ministry of Interior (MoI) on the attractive gifts. The awareness programme pro- structions on the procedures There was also a presentation on occasion of Eid al-Fitr at Asian The MoI organised a number vides major tips for the commu- to bring medicine to Qatar, the Qatar’s customs and traditions. Town yesterday. The event will of presentations to raise nity members about a number of types of medicines not per- During the event, there were conclude today. awareness among expatriates rules and regulations to be fol- mitted in Qatar as well as the opportunities for the commu- Members of the expatri- on a number of topics. Various lowed on diff erent occasions as amount of medicine allowed to nity members to showcase their ate communities presented a departments of the MoI, such well as general instructions on be carried to the country. talents in singing, acting, danc- number of cultural shows on the as Traffic, Civil Defence, Com- some important topics,” an MoI Another presentation high- ing and drama or other cultural occasion, while MoI offi cials or- munity Policing, Al Fazaa, Per- offi cial said. lighted the importance of car- activities and the audience was ganised several awareness pro- manent Committee for Drugs The awareness presentations rying the original Residency given several prizes through raf- grammes for expatriates on a and Alcohol Affairs, Search included talks on traffi c safety, Permit (RP) card at all times — fl e draws.

One of the entertainment programmes at the event. PICTURES: Ram Chand The audience enjoying the show. The Entertainment City off ers an array of sporty and fun-filled activities.