BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 Infantino, Thawadi confi dent Qatar among leading of a great countries in business continuity, resilience World Cup published in QATAR since 1978

WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXIX No. 11009 November 21, 2018 Rabia I 13, 1440 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

In brief MbS may have

QATAR | Reaction Qatar condemns Kabul known of celebration hall blast Qatar expressed its strong condemnation of the explosion that took place in a celebration hall Khashoggi in Kabul and left several people killed and injured. In a statement issued yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs reiterated the Qatar’s firm stance in rejecting violence murder: Trump and terrorism regardless of the motives and causes. The statement expressed Qatar’s condolences to the families of victims as well z US president vows unstinting as the government and people of Afghanistan, wishing the injured a support to Saudi Arabia speedy recovery. zKhashoggi killing a terrible crime, UNITED NATIONS | Diplomacy His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte during the off icial says White House but prefers Saudi UN chief hails reception ceremony accorded to him at Villa Doria Pamphili in Rome yesterday. Page 3 al-Nasser’s leadership UN Secretary-General Antonio position over CIA fi ndings Guterres underlined that the UN Alliance of Civilizations has been Agencies tal of offers since Trump took office is ably led by HE Nassir Abdulaziz Washington less than $15bn, and the value of ac- al-Nasser over the past six years, tual signed contracts is significantly during a period of unprecedented lower than that, a Guardian report challenges to peace and security. S President has said. The UN secretary-general expressed Qatar, Italy sign expressed his unstinting sup- He said: “If we foolishly cancel these his gratitude for al-Nasser’s vision Uport for Saudi Arabia and ques- contracts, and China would be and leadership in enhancing tioned whether the crown prince Mo- the enormous benefi ciaries - and very dialogue with stakeholders and hamed bin Salman (MbS) knew about happy to acquire all of this newfound strengthening the work and the murder of the Washington Post col- business. It would be a wonderful objectives of the Alliance. He umnist . gift to them directly from the United appointed Miguel Angel Moratinos pacts on a wide In an extraordinary statement issued States!” Cuyaube of Spain as the High yesterday - which begins with Trump said in his statement: “The Representative for the Alliance of the words “ The world is a very dan- crime against Jamal Khashoggi was a Civilizations to succeed al-Nasser, gerous place! ” - Trump quotes Saudi terrible one, and one that our country from January 1, 2019. offi cials as describing Khashoggi an does not condone.” “enemy of the state”. The president said that “representa- REGION | Confl ict The 649-word statement appears tives of Saudi Arabia say that Jamal range of areas to be a presidential act of defiance Khashoggi was an ‘enemy of the state’ UN prepares ground for against the CIA, which has report- and a member of the Muslim Brother- Yemen peace talks edly concluded that the Saudi prince hood.” UN envoy Martin Griff iths was zAmir, Italian PM witness signing of agreements ordered the killing, and the Senate, Trump added: “My decision is in preparing yesterday to head to war- which is considering bipartisan leg- no way based on that.” But he did not torn Yemen to lay the groundwork QNA islation that would suspend weapons explain why he mentioned the smear for peace talks in Sweden, after Rome His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani tweet- sales to Saudi Arabia among other against Khashoggi at all. fresh fighting shook the flashpoint ed yesterday: “My visit to Italy and my talks with the President and Prime punitive measures. Defending Trump’s stance, Sec- city of Hodeida. Griff iths – whose Minister there would give a strong push to the partnership between our two Trump wrote: “Our intelligence retary of State Mike Pompeo told eff orts at kickstarting peace talks atar and Italy signed two co- countries at the vital fi elds related to investment, sports, security and diplo- agencies continue to assess all infor- a news conference that the United collapsed in September – is again operation agreements and a macy. Qatari-Italian concord transcends bilateral issues to matters related to mation, but it could very well be that States was obligated to adopt poli- trying to get the Iran-aligned Qnumber of memorandums of the stability of the region and the security of the world.” the crown prince had knowledge of this cies that furthered US national se- Houthi rebels and the Saudi-backed understanding yesterday in the pres- tragic event - maybe he did and maybe curity interests. government to the negotiating table ence of His Highness the Amir Sheikh he didn’t!” Nicholas Burns, the under-secre- by the end of the year. Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Ital- MoU for co-operation in youth and The two sides also signed an MoU “That being said, we may never tary of state for political aff airs in the He is expected to meet with Houthi ian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte at sports, for enhancing communication on food security and co-operation in know all of the facts surrounding the George W Bush administration, off icials in Sanaa today. Villa Doria Pamphili in Rome. and active participation of youth, and agriculture and agro-food industries, murder of Mr Jamal Khashoggi. In any said: “This Trump statement on the Page 12 The agreement on scientifi c and ed- supporting volunteering and training to strengthen the protection of plant case, our relationship is with the King- Khashoggi murder is beyond em- ucational co-operation between Qatar opportunities; and another for co-op- and animal genetic resources and dom of Saudi Arabia.” barrassing. It is shameful. He cites REGION | Rights University and Sapienza University of eration in healthcare services, biomedi- phytosanitary issues, as well as re- As he has in the past with Vladimir uncritically the MbS smear that Rome aims at exchanging information, cal research, pharmaceutical products search and strategic projects on food Putin, Trump put offi cial denials of Khashoggi was a traitor. He argues Saudi activists face experiences and lecturers, and joint and modern medical equipment. security. To Page 4 wrongdoing from Riyadh on a par with the US can’t afford to alienate Riy- torture: campaigners implementation of scientifi c projects, US intelligence assessments. adh due to oil and Iran. He is silent Saudi activists, including women, especially through interaction in joint He said: “King Salman and Crown on our most important interest - detained in a government meetings and courses. Italian ambassador lauds Qatar-Italy ties Prince Mohammad bin Salman vigor- justice.” crackdown this year have faced A scientifi c co-operation agreement The state visit of His Highness the visit of His Highness to Italy…further ously deny any knowledge of the plan- Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minis- sexual harassment and torture between Qatar Foundation and Sapien- Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad confirms the excellent relations ning or execution of the murder of Mr ter Mohammad Javad Zarif said it was during interrogation, rights groups za University of Rome aims at consoli- al-Thani to Rome underscores the between Italy and Qatar and our Khashoggi.” “shameful” that Trump had pledged said yesterday. The activists, held dating and promoting co-operation in robust relationship Qatar shares long-standing and sincere friend- Trump’s statement makes a series support for Saudi Arabia despite the since May in Dhahban prison on the educational and scientifi c fi elds. with Italy, according to Italian ship,” he said in a statement to Gulf of false or unsubstantiated claims, murder of dissident journalist Jamal the western Red Sea coast, have The Amir and the Italian prime min- ambassador Pasquale Salzano. “The Times. Page 4 suggesting that Riyadh is buying Khashoggi in its consulate in Istan- faced repeated electrocution and ister also witnessed the signing of an $110bn in US weapons. The actual to- bul. Page 20 flogging, leaving some of them unable to stand or walk, said, citing three separate testimonies. The reports come as Saudi Arabia faces intense global criticism over the killing of Jamal Khashoggi. 8th Katara Dhow Festival opens BANGLADESH | Media Photographer freed By Joey Aguilar “It has become a bridge between peoples and number of visitors at the festival while Staff Reporter cultures, strengthening Katara’s mission to reach several stalls, including Casa Italia (organ- aft er months in prison out to the world,” Dr al-Sulaiti stressed. ised by the Italian Chamber of Commerce Award-winning Bangladeshi Apart from Qatar, other countries who are and Italian embassy in Doha), offer handi- photographer and activist Shahidul ultural performances, a wide range of ma- taking part and supporting this year’s fi ve-day crafts, souvenirs, sea instruments and Alam was released from prison rine competitions and workshops marked festival include Kuwait, Oman, Turkey, India, equipment, as well as several items such as yesterday after more than 100 Cthe start of the 8th Katara Traditional Greece, Italy, and Zanzibar, and will conclude shipbuilding tools, ropes, sail and dredging days behind bars, in a closely Dhow Festival yesterday at the Katara beach. on Saturday. machine, among others. watched freedom of speech case. HE Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada, along Dr al-Sulaiti noted that Katara prepared a The stalls also showcase live demonstra- The 63-year-old Alam was arrested with diplomats, other dignitaries and sen- well-thought-out programme for the much- tions of pearl extracting from oyster and other on August 5 for making “false” and ior Katara officials led by general manager, anticipated event, featuring a diverse range of sea-related techniques. Games and workshops “provocative” statements on Al Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, graced the activities refl ecting culture, heritage and tra- for children are being held to familiarise them Jazeera television and Facebook opening of the event and toured the different ditions. with sea traditions. during student . He was stalls set up by participating countries. The festival’s organising committee head, Katara visitors also witnessed the start of freed from Dhaka’s main jail after “The Dhow Festival is the most distin- Ahmed al-Hitmi, described this edition as traditional marine competitions – Al Haddaq, being granted bail last week. Alam guished among the traditional and cultural distinct in terms of the number and variety of Al Tafrees and Al Shoush – yesterday, which told AFP he hoped his release would festivals being organised by Katara every year,” events, contests and other off erings. will continue until tomorrow. “signal freedom for many others” Dr al-Sulaiti said in a press statement. “It aims to engage the younger generation Al Haddaq traditional fi shing competition also detained during the massive Over the years, he noted that the festival has with the customs and traditions of their fa- has a total of 63 participants while Shoosh (From left) HE Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada and Katara student demonstrations. He was become internationally popular and respected thers and forefathers,” he said. features 24 teams, each comprising two mem- general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti tour the held under controversial Internet due to the increasing number of countries More than 70 traditional dhows and ves- bers. Tafrees is an individual competition with various stalls, including the Casa Italia, at 8th Katara Traditional laws. Page 15 which are participating. sels of different sizes are attracting large 12 participants in total. To Page 28 Dhow Festival opening yesterday. PICTURE: Jayan Orma

Gulf Times Wednesday, November 21, 2018 3 QATAR Amir meets Italian leaders, parliamentarians

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani being received by Italian Prime Minister His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani with President of the Chamber of Deputies Roberto Fico and other dignitaries Giuseppe Conte in Rome yesterday. during his visit to the Italian Chamber of Deputies in Rome yesterday.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani being received by Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Monday during His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani being the dinner banquet, which was hosted by the president in honour His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani holding talks with Italian Prime Minister received by the Mayor Virginia Raggi during his visit to the of the Amir. Giuseppe Conte in Rome yesterday. headquarters of the Municipality of Rome yesterday. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, November 21, 2018 QATAR Qatar, Italy sign deals on a wide range of areas

From Page 1 The signing ceremonies were at- tended by members of the offi cial del- egation accompanying the Amir and senior Italian offi cials. The Amir also attended a work- ing lunch hosted by the Italian prime minister. They discussed the strong bilateral relations and ways to promote them in all fi elds, in light of the distinct friendly ties and growing co-operation between the two countries, especially in energy, economy, education, health, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte witness the culture and investment. signing of an agreement between the governments of Qatar and Italy in Rome yesterday. The two sides discussed a number of regional and international issues, especially the Gulf crisis and Italy’s stance that calls for resolving the is- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Italian Prime sue through dialogue and diplomatic Minister Giuseppe Conte witness the signing of an agreement in Rome yesterday. means. In addition, they reviewed the international eff orts, in particular the He welcomed the participation of the siege which was imposed on it Italian and Qatari eff orts, to help main- Italian companies in the major fu- without justifi cation. The only solu- tain security and stability in Libya. The ture projects related to the Qatar Na- tion to the crisis is dialogue with the Italian premier praised Qatar’s role in tional Vision 2030 and the Qatar 2022 siege countries in the light of the estab- this regard. Upon his arrival at Villa World Cup and said he discussed with lished principles of relations between Doria Pamphili, the Amir was accorded the Italian president co-operation in states, foremost of which is respect for an offi cial reception ceremony. health, culture and education. the sovereignty of each state and non- His Highness the Amir visited the The Amir also attended a dinner interference in its internal aff airs. headquarters of the Municipality of banquet hosted by President Mattarel- His Highness the Amir also praised Rome yesterday. He was greeted upon la on Monday. A number of ministers, Italy’s positive stance towards the Pal- arrival by the Mayor Virginia Raggi and senior offi cials, politicians, econo- estinian cause supporting a peaceful a number of offi cials. mists, businessmen, intellectuals and solution based on the establishment of On Monday, the Amir, during a meet- academics attended the function. a Palestinian state alongside the State ing with Italian President Sergio Mat- In a welcoming speech, the Italian of Israel, which will ease tensions on tarella at the presidential palace (The president hoped that the Gulf crisis the regional and international levels. Quirinale) in Rome, stressed that the would be resolved through a diplomatic The Amir also paid a visit to the Ital- Qatari-Italian relations have grown solution based on mutual understand- ian Chamber of Deputies in Rome yes- signifi cantly stronger over the past few ing that will contribute to the stability terday. He was welcomed upon arrival years in diff erent spheres, including in- and security of the region. by the President of the Chamber of vestments. The international positions His Highness the Amir expressed his Deputies, Roberto Fico, and a number of the two countries are also similar on aspiration to enhance co-operation be- of senior offi cials. many issues. tween the two countries in international During the visit, His Highness the The Amir said that there is a great forums and work to support peaceful Amir reviewed the relations between development in bilateral relations be- settlement of crises and disputes be- the two countries and ways to enhance tween the two countries, especially tween countries, appreciating the invi- them, especially in the area of ex- the economic relations, pointing to the tation of the Italian president to resolve changing expertise in the parliamen- presence of Italian companies in the the Gulf crisis through dialogue. tary work. Topics related to the sports, Qatari market for many years contrib- The Amir explained that this has al- health, environment and investment uting to building the infrastructure. ways been the position of Qatar about were also discussed. Italian envoy lauds robust Qatar-Italy bilateral ties

By Peter Alagos Salzano added: “In this and courses. Business Reporter context, we are really proud “Italy and Qatar also to announce an agreement agree that health and agri- between the University La culture/agro-food are key Sapienza and Qatar Univer- elements for the develop- he state visit of His sity, as well as an agreement ment of our countries, and Highness the Amir between La Sapienza and are committed to increase TSheikh Tamim bin Hamad Bin Khalifa Univer- their standards of pro- Hamad al-Thani to Rome sity, both of them with the tection and effi ciency by underscores the robust re- aim to promote exchange strengthening technical, lationship Qatar shares with of faculty and staff mem- scientifi c, and productive Italy, according to Italian bers, to jointly implement cooperation by implement- ambassador Pasquale Sal- research projects, share ing joint studies, projects, zano. scientifi c information and and programmes, as well as Salzano said the Amir publications, and encourage exchanging information and Italian ambassador held meetings with Italian organisation of seminars best practices.” Pasquale Salzano. President Sergio Mattarella, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, the speaker of the Senate, Maria Elisabetta Alberti Casellati, and the speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Roberto Fico. “The visit of His High- ness to Italy…further con- fi rms the excellent relations between Italy and Qatar and our long-standing and sin- cere friendship,” Salzano said in a statement to Gulf Times. The ambassador said: “The visit has been the oc- casion to further enhance our strategic partnership and to sign a number of memoranda of understand- ing in the fi elds of culture, youth and sport, health, agriculture and agro food industry, and research and innovation. “These agreements prove that the traditional sectors of bilateral co-operation – such as defence, infrastruc- ture, and trade – have great- ly expanded, diversifi ed, and deepened, paving the way to new forms of collaboration that can positively infl uence the life of our peoples.” The ambassador also pointed out that education, culture, and common ini- tiatives in the fi eld of sport “can make the diff erence for the young generations.” Focusing on all these as- pects, according to Salzano, represents the adoption of a strategic perspective on the future of the relations be- tween Italy and Qatar. He noted that the exchange of expertise and best prac- tices in all these fi elds will strengthen the shared values of openness and mutual re- spect, while ensuring strong- er bonds of friendship. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 21, 2018 5 QATAR

Participants in QU’s “Qatar Scientists in Biological Diversity” programme pose for a picture.

QU project to attract Qatari students to healthcare professions concludes

QNA cadres with high scientific students in all health spe- Biological Diversity” is an Doha qualification. cialities. educational programme The programme saw the For her part, the Found- offered at the Biomedical participation 182 students ing Dean of the College of Research Centre at Qatar atar University (QU) this year and a total of 474 Health Sciences and Direc- University in collabora- concluded the sev- students since its establish- tor of Biomedical Research tion with various business Qenth round of “Qa- ment in 2013. Centre, Dr Asma al-Thani, partners including: Al- tar Scientists in Biological In her speech at the cer- said every year the pro- Gannas Qatari Society at Diversity,” a programme emony honouring the par- gramme sees a noticeable Katara – the Cultural Vil- which aims to attract both ticipants of the students increase of about 30% in lage, Ministry of Interior’s male and female Qataris to and their schools, the Vice the number of students Forensic Lab Department, the fi eld of health, science President for Research and and a 95% increase in the Sidra Medical and Re- and scientifi c research. Graduate Studies Dr Mari- participation rate across all search Centre, Ministry The project supports am al-Maadeed, noted the schools in Qatar. of Education and Higher Qatar National Vision achievements made since In addition, Dr Asma Education, Ministry of 2030, especially those re- the project was launched, discussed the programmes Health and Qatar Biobank lated to the development saying that the project plans to expand, includ- for Medical Research as of the health sector, and raised the percentage of ing on a global scale, where the official sponsor, as well the graduation of qualified Qatari women to 47.7% in it plans to support people as many other national cadres in this field, in or- the College of Health Sci- with special needs, refugees partners all with the goal der to ensure the security ences and men to 59.7% in and also plans to contrib- of creating a consciences, of this sector and enhance health education colleges, ute to science in third world responsible generation in its quality services by pro- which means an annual countries in Africa. the fields of health, sci- viding qualified Qatari increase of 10% in Qatari “Qatar Scientists in ence and research. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, November 21, 2018 QATAR

‘Australia, Qatar working together’

Australia and Qatar are increasing its agricultural working closely with production in the coming each other to attain food years and proper application Qatar can improve food security security for the latter, of a combination of methods, Australian ambassador Axel practised in diff erent terrains Wabenhorst told Gulf Times elsewhere in the world, as is yesterday. being done in Australia, may He was speaking on the go a long way in generating sidelines of a roundtable more yield on the Qatar with use of tech: Aussie expert meeting on “Food security fields.” and the Australian Australia, he said, has rich By Ramesh Mathew serve as a useful lesson to all those is necessary that each region use agricultural experience” held expertise and experience in Staff Reporter working for this country attain- technologies that would suit its at the Australian embassy. cultivating its arid zones and ing adequate food security in the requirements. “Australia has many places using such experiences and coming years. The Australian expert said food where weather conditions practices will help Qatar in atar can overcome its “We have many places where producers across the world are are similar to those in Qatar enhancing its agricultural numerous challenges in climatic conditions are simi- also encountering so many issues which could improve its food productivity in coming years. Qachieving adequate food lar to Qatar. However, there has like those states that are import- security by adopting some of While hailing Qatar’s security if proper and appropriate been reasonably good agricul- ing foodstuff s. “Allowing access the technologies, especially Hassad Food for their active technologies and applications are tural yield per hectare in even to food is the prerogative of the those applied in the central involvement in boosting put in place to suit local require- those places which are gener- importing countries and if they Australian region comprising actives in the food sector in ments, said Dalene Wray, a leader ally referred to as arid zones,” she decide to stop imports from a par- arid zones,” he explained. Australia, Wabenhorst said in the Australian agricultural said while making an appeal to ticular country, citing a reason or The ambassador said the company has shown its industry. the local offi cials to experiment the other, the producer needs to Australia could achieve commitment to Qatar’s food She was leading deliberations with technologies, techniques work round-the-clock to fi nd a success in agricultural security issues by owning at a round table on “Food secu- and applications used in places new importer to buy their excess production as the vegetation nine farms in three states in rity for Qatar” at the Australian having similar climatic and soil production.” of its food producing areas his country. embassy yesterday. Besides senior conditions as in Qatar. Wray, who has worked in the or- suited the local weather Hassad Australia, a company agricultural offi cials from Qatar’s Dalene Wray, left, being introduced at the roundtable by Australian The annual rainfall in such re- ganic food industry for more than conditions whereas Qatar promoted by Hassad Food, Ministry of Municipality and En- ambassador Axel Wabenhorst. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam gions of Australia is in the region a decade, is the managing director has been experiencing has activities in a total land vironment, representatives from of 150mm to 200mm, she said. of a top-level Australian supplier mounting challenges on area exceeding 152,000 Hassad Foods, Qatar University by Australian ambassador Axel Wray said her country’s achieve- Wray said the food require- of organic beef. She is also serving account of prolonged hectares. The company’s and Centre for Sustainable De- Wabenhorst. ments in food production not- ments of the rest of the world are as an advisory group member for adverse weather conditions annual production is around velopment were among others While pledging Australia’s sup- withstanding its similar weather wholly diff erent from that of the the Farm Co-operatives and Col- every year. 130,000 tonnes of grain, and who attended the session, hosted port to Qatar’s food security plans, conditions as in Qatar should Middle Eastern countries and it laboration Pilot Programme. “Qatar is committed to 160,000 heads of sheep.

Torba Farmers Market returns to Education City

ast weekend marked This year, the market is the return of Qatar also hosting a planting fes- LFoundation’s (QF) tival during November and popular Torba Farmers December to encourage the Market that brings the best community to learn how to in organically-grown pro- grow plants, tips on how duce, locally-prepared food to create and use compost, and beverages, and sustain- and a beginner’s workshop able products to the public. on how to garden at home. The joint initiative, held Meanwhile, a sitting in collaboration with Qatar area – featuring newly re- Foundation, the Ministry of surfaced benches and tables Municipality and Environ- designed by students at Vir- ment, and Torba Farmers ginia Commonwealth Uni- Market, is located at the versity School of the Arts in Ceremonial Court in Edu- Qatar, a QF partner univer- cation City. sity – and a small play area With options that include for children, allow families to food and beverages prepared make the most of the event. the market this year. There Torba Farmers Market is located at the Ceremonial Court in to order on the premises, Returning visitors were are so many new vendors of- Education City. locally-grown fresh fruits, also impressed with the fering a range of products vegetable, and herbs to pur- new wares on off er, includ- that don’t just include food.” chase, and local dishes to ing household products and The market will be open try, the market has succeed- stationery. Shahad Younis, a from 7.30am-11.30am and ed in enhancing awareness student at Carnegie Mellon from 12.30pm-5pm on Fri- of the way in which farm University in Qatar – another days, and 8am-6pm on Sat- produce is grown, sold, and QF partner university, said, urdays. It will run until April, consumed in Qatar. “I like that they’ve expanded with a break in December. CRA president holds talks with top AICTO offi cial ohamed Ali al- Mannai, president Mof the Communi- cations Regulatory Author- ity (CRA), met yesterday at the CRA offi ce with Mo- hamed Ben Amor, secretary general of the Arab Infor- mation and Communica- tion Technologies Organi- sation (AICTO). Mohamed Ali al-Mannai Mohamed Ben Amor They discussed aspects of future co-operation be- with the latest develop- the League of Arab States. tween CRA and AICTO in ments in the fi eld, which in It aims at developing ICTs the fi eld of information and turn will contribute to the throughout the Arab region communications technol- development of Qatar’s ICT and providing the neces- ogy (ICT). sector, the authority has sary mechanisms to support The meeting comes in said in a statement. co-operation and comple- line with CRA’s aim to com- AICTO is an Arab gov- mentarity between AICTO municate with related Arab ernmental organisation members, promote and en- and international organisa- headquartered in Tunis, rich common policies and tions in order to exchange the capital of Tunisia, and strategies to develop vital experiences and keep up working under the aegis of technological domains.

Four-day diversion on Salwa Road from tomorrow he Public Works Au- thority (Ashghal) Twill eff ect a tem- porary diversion for four days from tomorrow on Salwa Road eastbound car- riageway between Rawdat Rashed Interchange (Exit 29) and Mesaieed Inter- change (Exit 24) for a dis- tance of 2.2km to allow the installation of gantries at Mesaieed Interchange. The proposed diversion will remain in place until Sunday. Traffi c heading east- bound on Salwa Road to- to two lanes in order to ac- saieed Interchange towards wards Doha will be diverted commodate traffi c move- Mesaieed. to the westbound carriage- ment in both directions. The temporary realign- way after Rawdat Rashed During the traffi c change, ment of Salwa Road will Interchange and will re- the right turn exit at Me- prevent traffi c access from turn to normal fl ow before saieed Interchange will Salwa Service Road to Salwa reaching Mesaieed Inter- be temporarily closed and Road. Road users will be di- change. road users heading from Bu rected to Rawdat Rashed During the diversion, Samra towards Mesaieed Interchange through which the number of lanes will will follow the signs and use they can get onto Salwa be reduced from four lanes the three loops to exit Me- Road. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 21, 2018 7 QATAR

Symposium on NTC launches campaign haematological to promote Qatar in Italy malignancies held atar’s National Tour- he Qatar Cancer Society ism Council (NTC) has (QCS) held a symposium Qpartnered with Alpitour Ton the ‘Haematological Group to launch a new market- Malignancies For Primary Care’ ing and promotion campaign to in co-operation with National promote the country in the Ital- Centre for Cancer Care & Re- ian market. search at Ooredoo Cancer Alpitour Group is Italy’s larg- Awareness Centre recently. est tour operator and provides Around 100 primary health- Italians with exclusive packages care providers and nurses from for stays at either the St Regis the public and private sectors, Doha or Sealine beach. including the Primary Health In a press statement yester- Care Corporation, Al-Ahli Hos- day, NTC said this move comes pital and Tadawi Medical Centre, as part of the initiatives to boost took part in the event. Qatar’s position as an attractive The participants were hon- destination in Italy, where it is oured and appreciation certifi - already making a good infl u- cates and trophies were given to Healthcare providers and nurses ence. the speakers and sponsors. took part in the symposium. Since 2011, visitor arriv- The overall learning objec- als from Italy have increased tives was to improve the par- pathways for suspected haema- by 70% and to build on that ticipants’ knowledge about signs tological malignancies cases. growth, NTC started operating and symptoms of haematological The activity demonstrated a representative offi ce in Milan malignancies to determine when current haematological malig- in 2016. a patient should be referred to as nancies epidemiology in Qatar to In 2017, Qatar welcomed more a suspected cancer case and the provide better patient counsel- than 37,000 visitors from Italy, accurate referral and follow up ling. a 2% increase on the previous year. NTC and Alpitour Group launched a new marketing and promotion campaign to promote Qatar in the Italian market. “NTC welcomes the Alpitour 400 livestock consignments checked in October Group’s decision to invest in Qa- and St Regis Doha included in its “It’s a country that links past To further boost Italian cruise sons’ training with the help of tar and we are delighted to sup- Sea Diamond collection. and future where centuries-old visitor arrivals, NTC (formerly webinars and road shows to en- The Agricultural Quarantine Off ices of the Agricultural Aff airs Depart- port Italy’s largest tour operator Both resorts combine sea, traditions are intertwined with known as Qatar Tourism Au- sure that sales agents discover ment at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment checked 441 in this fi rst-of-a-kind campaign desert, culture and adventure – a bursting process of develop- thority) recently signed an Qatar’s uniqueness among the livestock consignments at various outlets in Qatar during October. for the Italian market,” NTC off ering an all-inclusive holiday ment and innovation that’s al- agreement with the Italian Cos- international tourism destina- The ministry said that 47,000 heads of sheep, goats, camels and other chief marketing and promotion package for Italian tourists and ready begun: Italians will love ta Cruises to place Qatar on the tions. animals were checked and blood samples taken to ensure their safety. offi cer Rashed al-Qurese said. event managers. Also exclusive discovering it with the elegance company’s winter itinerary as The campaign will have a mix They were not released until they were confirmed to be free of all “We are confi dent that we proposals will be off ered to the and exclusivity that distinguish well as to co-operate in design- of electronic and digital media epidemic and endemic diseases that could be transmitted to humans will attract more and more visi- top spender bracket of the mar- Francorosso and Viaggidea,” ing special promotion packages as well as Out-of-Home brand- and animals, it said. The ministry also checked about 1,419,000 hatch- tors from Italy with our authen- ket through Alpitour’s premium Cortese added. for their passengers. ing in Milan, Lazio, Lombardy, ing eggs, more than 109,500 day-old chicks, more than 88,000kg of tic cultural off erings combined brand Viaggidea. Qatar Airways and Discover With 43 planned voyages, this Veneto and Tuscany, together medicines and about 4,900 tonnes of animal feeds during the same with luxury and adventure, in- “The constant focus on im- Qatar as the destination man- season is set to be the biggest with a specifi c landing page on month, in addition to checking more than 9,000 diff erent consign- cluding our new Al Enna Project proving our portfolio, widening agement company also support- yet for Qatar, bringing 140,000 Francorosso’s website. ments of animals and animal production inputs in all ports in the for desert and camping experi- both our and our customers’ ho- ed the campaign off ering direct visitors to Qatar’s shores. Francorosso also ran a country. Agricultural quarantine is the first line of defence in protecting ence as well as our new cruise rizons, has always been part of fl ights from Milan, Pisa, Rome The NTC-Francorosso joint month-long promotion by of- plants against agricultural pests. It is a precautionary measure which tourism off erings,” he noted. our way of dealing with things, and Venice. campaign entails activities that fering free excursions to tour- aims at protecting the plant wealth in the country from the danger The campaign promotes Qa- and Qatar is without a doubt an In addition to arriving in Qatar will boost awareness on the des- ists who booked a holiday of pests coming from aboard. Such measure stipulates that all plants, tar as the Alpitour Group’s new important bet for our group,” by air, Italians were among the tination, both on the trade and (flight + a minimum stay of agricultural products or any other materials subject to the regulations of main destination with the Sea- Alpitour Group’s chief market- top three nationalities to visit the on the consumer side. seven nights) in the SeaClub phytosanitary shall be liable to agricultural quarantine procedures and line Beach Resort added to the ing and digital offi cer Andrea country on board a cruise ship in In addition, there will be Sealing Beach or in the Sea that all other agricultural production inputs shall be compliant with the Francorosso SeaClub portfolio Cortese said. the 2017/18 season. great focus on the sales per- Diamond St Regis Doha. applicable conditions and specifications.

Gulf Times Wednesday, November 21, 2018 9 QATAR British Festival Aman launches ‘My Book to feature sonic art, Lego bridge is My Friend’ initiative By Joey Aguilar events and projects in public Staff Reporter art, fi lm and music, the UK he Protection and Social automatic vending machines alumni National Awards, and Rehabilitation Centre among children and how they sports with opportunities to T(Aman) has launched the loved buying things themselves he fi rst ever football- explore the historical links be- ‘My Book is My Friend’ initiative from such devices. Accordingly, themed sonic art in- tween Qatar and the UK. in conjunction with the celebra- the initiative was launched with Tstallation in the country “Culture is a key part of our tion of World Children’s Day, necessary modifi cations to sell named ‘105+dB’ and build- relationship. It is about people which falls on November 20. books. ing the world’s longest span and that is what this festival is The inauguration ceremony He said the project will start bridge with Lego bricks will really about, it is about bring- was attended by HE the Minis- with the distribution of 40 be among the highlights of the ing the UK and Qatar closer ter of Culture and Sports Salah such machines at locations that 5th British Festival in Qatar. together, promoting and un- bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali children visit in large num- Organised by the British derstanding our shared his- and Qatar Foundation for Social bers, such as malls, cinemas, Council in partnership with tory,” Sharma said. Work (QFSW) CEO Amal bint gardens and clinics as well as the British embassy in Doha Experts will explore the dis- Abdullatif al-Mannai. the airport. The device will be and Katara – the Cultural Vil- covery of oil in Qatar and its The initiative involves a vend- introduced at the upcoming lage, the festival is scheduled impact on people’s life, econ- ing device that will provide Doha International Book Fair to take place from November omy and culture at the Bin children’s books at subsidised and Darb Al Saai, with up to 27 to December 12. Jelmood House at Msheireb (non-profi t) prices, and is be- 20 machines deployed in each “105+ decibels is a sonic Museums. ing implemented in partnership location. Then, from January artwork made unique for Qa- Katara general manager Dr with the Ministry of Culture and next year, the machines will be tar, about identity, place and Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti Sports, Shafallah Centre and deployed at designated points participation. A large-scale underlined the strong co-op- Dreama, the offi cial Qatar News to reach out to more children. sound installation transplant- eration between Qatar and the Agency (QNA) reports. The children targeted by the ing the awesome wall of noise UK in various fi elds such as The initiative aims to educate initiative are aged three to 15 and energy captured at The education, and arts and cul- and encourage children to read, years, and the requirements of HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali and Amal bint Abdullatif al-Mannai with others at the launch of the Grand Hamad Stadium to a ture. acquire books and learn about kids with disability have also initiative. PICTURE: Anas al-Samaraee new location at Souq Waqif,” He cited the success of the their rights and duties. been taken into account. For in- organisers said at a press con- Qatar – UK Year of Culture in The easy-to-use device has stance, some books are written to be used for buying books from known by Qataris since the gen- ing that the new generation be- ference yesterday. 2013, which also saw events been designed based on chil- in Braille, and children using the the machine. eration of founders led by Sheikh lieves in the value of technology Created by the UK-based and activities at Katara, Souq dren’s requirements and off ers method will be able to use the He said an assessment study Jassim bin Mohamed bin Thani, and will fi nd in this initiative a interactive arts studio Invisi- Waqif, diff erent museums and instructions in a manner that is machine themselves. The books will be conducted on the fi rst who highlighted the importance tool that responds to the reality ble Flock, the one-of-its-kind in other venues in the country. appropriate for kids, according will be sold at QR5 per copy, stage of the initiative to measure of books and printed books at his in which they live. public artwork was designed The festival aims to forge to QNA. which al-Saadi said is lower than the degree of success and modify own expense”. On her part, al-Mannai said using the mass appeal of foot- new relations and support ex- The book-vending machine the cost price as the aim is to en- it accordingly. He added that HE the Minister noted that the launch of this initiative is a ball and the canvas of the city isting partnerships in the arts will be located in the most im- courage children to read. procedures are under way to get the initiative comes to continue model for partnership between to encourage conversations while promoting an aware- portant areas of children’s gath- The books on off er will be in a patent for this new initiative this noble approach in the dis- three sectors – the government as Qatar continues the jour- ness and appreciation of each erings in the country such as Arabic and English and cover from the authorities concerned. semination of knowledge, tak- represented by the Ministry of ney towards the World Cup in country’s culture, achieve- malls, cinemas, gardens, chil- various themes such as stories, Meanwhile, HE the Minister of ing advantage of technological Culture and Sports, the civil so- 2022. Several education work- ments and heritage, Dr al-Su- dren’s clinics and the airport. educational subjects and general Culture and Sports said during a progress. ciety represented by QFSW and shops about 105+dB in schools laiti stressed. Aman executive director and cultural knowledge. Further, speech at the inauguration cere- He also pointed to the adop- the private sector represented by will also be held. British Council director Mansour al-Saadi said the idea in the future, children could be mony “that the interest in books tion of technology to promote the companies supplying books The local community, es- Sam Ayton said they want to came from the popularity of given cards loaded with credit and its dissemination is a value reading among the young, add- and the machines selling them. pecially schoolchildren and connect audiences in Qatar university students, can take with some of the best contem- part in building the Lego Span porary British artists while Bridge in an activity dubbed helping families discover the as ‘Qatar’s Little Builders: fun side of culture and learn “Bridging Communities” at something new through this Ministry Advisory Council signs pact the Qatar National Library festival. (QNL) from November 28. The closing concert will The festival will also feature be a unique chamber music cultural events, panel discus- concert promoting classical issues schools on hosting IPU assembly sions and public activities, British Composers such as celebrating the long-standing Vaughan Williams, Rebecca he Advisory Council and the relationship between Qatar Clarke, and Edward Elgar Inter-Parliamentary Union and the UK. amongst others. report cards T(IPU) signed yesterday an British ambassador Ajay UK Violinist Savitri Grier agreement on Qatar’s organisation Sharma told reporters that the will be performing with the of the 140th IPU Ordinary General event will witness artistes and Qatar Philharmonic Orches- he Evaluation In- science and mathematics. Assembly and the 204th Session musicians from the two coun- tra musicians at the Mondrian stitute of the Min- The performance report of the IPU Governing Council from tries performing in Doha. Hotel, supported by Qatar Tistry of Education cards showed parents’ April 6 to 10, 2019. The festival will also include Chamber Music Society. and Higher Education has response rates to fi ll the The agreement was signed by HE issued the performance questionnaire in public the Speaker of the Advisory Coun- report for the academic and private schools and cil, Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid HE Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud with a delegation of the year 2017/2018. kindergartens for citizens al-Mahmoud, and IPU’s Secretary- Inter-Parliamentary Union. The report covered 338 and residents, and the General Martin Chungong. schools and 160 public importance of these cards The agreement signing follows IPU, Anda Filip, and Conference During the meeting, the delega- and private kindergartens as a tool for schools and the IPU’s decision at its session in Services Offi cer at IPU, Sally-Anne tion praised Advisory Council’s ar- that participated in fi ve kindergartens in identify- Geneva last October to hold its next Sader. rangements to host the conference, comprehensive educa- ing aspects that need to meetings in Doha. The meeting discussed the Ad- stressing its confi dence that these tional survey question- be improved and devel- Earlier, HE al-Mahmoud met a visory Council’s preparations to arrangements would be completed naires for the director, the oped in their perform- delegation of the secretariat of the host the 140th session of the Gen- in the best possible manner. school, the kindergarten, ance, thus developing Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), eral Assembly of the IPU and the The meeting was attended by a From left: British Council director Sam Ayton, Katara general manager the teacher and the stu- the necessary treatment including director, member of par- 204th session of the IPU Governing number of members and staff of the Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, and British ambassador Ajay Sharma dents published on the plans. It is considered one liaments and external relations at Council, in Doha. Advisory Council. at the press conference yesterday. PICTURE: Jayaram Ministry’s website http:// of the tools that enable www.edu.gov.qa/Ar/ parents to know the level ServicesCenter/Pages/ of performance of their QatariSchoolsListing.aspx children’s schools or any The results of these other schools that wish to questionnaires are the register them in. main sources of perform- The report cards also More than 1,000 ance report card, in ad- help decision-makers to dition to the academic monitor the perform- achievement of students ance of schools over the in national tests for third, years by looking at com- sixth and ninth grades in parisons of national or screened for diabetes public and private Ara- international assessment bic schools, as well as in- results, identifying the n recognition of World Diabetes Day, ternational tests, such as views of diff erent parties Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has (PIRLS) to measure the in the education proc- Iso far screened more than 1,000 people progress of reading in the ess, and being one of the for diabetes, it was announced yesterday. world, and (PISA), known sources through which HMC has organised a full month of events as the international stu- future educational de- designed to increase awareness about both dent assessment pro- cisions can be taken as the warning signs of the disease and ways to gramme and “TIMSS” in strategies and objectives. prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications. “Diabetes aff ects almost all parts of the body. Awareness campaigns such as the Some members of the diabetes screening events we are holding in recognition of World team. Diabetes Day are important because they pro- vide us with an opportunity to start an impor- the importance of good lifestyle choices, tant conversation with individuals who may such as not smoking, eating healthily, and be diabetic or pre-diabetic,” said Dr Mah- exercising, as a strategy to help reduce their moud Zirie, senior consultant and head of risk of diabetes,” she said. HMC’s Endocrinology and Diabetes Division. Othman said that the Ministry of Public Community screenings have become an Health (MoPH), HMC, the Primary Health Care important part of HMC’s diabetes com- Corporation and the Qatar Diabetes Association munity outreach programme and have been have all worked together to hold screening and successfully used in schools, workplaces, awareness activities as part of Doha Healthcare places of worship, and other public loca- Week events at Doha Festival City. tions such as malls, to help members of the She said HMC also held events last week public learn about the health risks of diabe- at the Ambulatory Care Center, Al Wakra tes. Dr Zirie added that providing the public and Al Khor Hospitals, and in Al Bidda Park. with easy access to both screenings and dia- During November awareness events were betes specialists is a key objective of HMC’s held at a number of businesses, includ- annual World Diabetes Day events because ing Shell Qatar, and in local schools. This he says many people with type 2 diabetes are week there will be screenings and awareness unaware of their diagnosis. events at Ezdan Mall in Al Wakrah (Novem- Manal Musallam Othman, director, Dia- ber 22) and Al Wakrah Souq (November 23). betes Education at HMC and co-chair of the Last month, MoPH launched an aware- National Diabetes Awareness Committee, ness campaign on diabetes prevention. The said as part of Doha Healthcare Week and four-phase campaign will last for almost HMC’s World Diabetes Day events, upwards two years with the aim of raising awareness of one thousand individuals have been among both Qataris and residents about screened for diabetes. diabetes prevention and accessing required “Diabetes is a complex disease, and healthcare services. The campaign is part sometimes there can be no symptoms. of the implementation of the National Dia- Screening events are an opportunity for the betes Strategy 2016-2022 under the slogan diabetes team to educate the public about ‘Preventing Diabetes Together’. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, November 21, 2018 QATAR

Day of German Unity celebrated

HE the Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Aff airs, Yousef bin Mohamed al-Othman Fakhro, HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education, Mohamed Abdul Wahed Ali al-Hammadi, and HE the Minister of Municipality and Environment, Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie, join Germany’s ambassador to Qatar Hans-Udo Muzel in cutting a cake yesterday in Doha to celebrate the Day of German Unity 2018 as Ministry of Foreign Aff airs protocol chief Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro, leading Qatari entrepreneur Hussain Alfardan and other dignitaries look on. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed

Texas A&M Qatar hails Oxy Qatar support on Paragons wall

exas A&M University at Qa- pelling the goals of Qatar National “We at Oxy believe in continu- tar (Tamuq) has honoured Vision 2030, the statement notes. ing to strengthen our ties with TOccidental Petroleum of The partnership constitutes academia and to support centres of Qatar Ltd (Oxy Qatar) with a place years of successful STEM enrich- learning excellence such as Tamuq. on the Paragons recognition wall, ment programmes off ered by Texas Oxy thanks Tamuq and the dean for which distinguishes top support- A&M at Qatar. his wise leadership and this rec- ers and partners in the industry The initiative encourages both ognition, and wish everyone every and community in Qatar. teachers and students through a possible success going forward.” “Oxy Qatar has continuously large portfolio of academic pro- Dr Cesar O Malave, dean of Tex- supported Texas A&M at Qatar’s grammes and workshops designed as A&M at Qatar, added: “We are engineering student programmes, to help students fi nd a route for humbled by Oxy Qatar’s generos- particularly in petroleum engineer- academic success. ity and their unwavering belief in ing,” Tamuq said in a statement. Andrew H Kershaw, president our students and our programmes. Oxy Qatar’s support has includ- and general manager of Oxy Qatar, Through this partnership, we were ed aiding petroleum engineering attended the unveiling of the Para- able to expand our students’ edu- student development with con- gons special wall tile at the Texas cational horizons and help them tribution of funds allowing their A&M at Qatar’s dean’s offi ce and prepare for their careers after attendance to the Society of Petro- Tamuq and Oxy Qatar off icials in front of the Paragons recognition wall. said: “Oxy is proud of its endur- graduation, and with Oxy Qatar’s leum Engineers (SPE) annual con- ing partnership with Texas A&M support of our STEM programmes, ference and similar colloquiums was named as the Outstanding grade 7-12 to opt educational path- both here in Qatar as well as in the we’re driving Qatar’s best and within the region, sponsorship of Chapter of the Year. ways for careers in fi elds related to United States. brightest young students toward Texas A&M at Qatar’s Senior De- Earlier this year, Oxy Qatar science, technology, engineering “We have supported the univer- careers in engineering and science, sign Project Day and the growth of sought to help the branch cam- and mathematics (STEM). sity for many years and employed which Qatar will need to meet the the SPE student chapter. pus’s educational outreach eff orts This initiative augments the some of the best, world-class grad- goals of Qatar National Vision For the fourth year in a row, it directed to motivate students from skills of students in Qatar and pro- uates that the university produces. 2030.” HBKU partners edX for online programmes

amad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), across the globe to take advantage of inno- global educational experience and breaks a Qatar Foundation institution that vative ways of accessing knowledge, both down academic silos. Hspecialises in higher education, and of which will provide an unprecedented op- Through its various strategic partner- edX, the nonprofi t online learning platform portunity for working professionals to ad- ships, the University aims to make quality founded by Harvard and MIT, have signed vance their careers.” academic research programmes and courses an agreement that will position the former “With innovation being a key objective accessible to students in Qatar and the rest as the fi rst in the Middle East to provide of HBKU, we believe that this partnership of the world. interdisciplinary courses through the online with edX will enable us to bridge knowledge The fi rst programme ‘Solar Energy in Hot platform. dissemination and allow the global com- Desert Climates’ off ered by HBKU on the Dr Ahmad M Hasnah, president of HBKU, munity to benefi t from unique off erings, edX platform focuses on advancing sustain- and Dr Anant Agarwal, founder and CEO which complement existing programs on the able energy and combating global warming. of edX and MIT professor, announced the edX learning platform and remain mindful Dr Ahmad M Hasnah, HBKU president, and “This programme refl ects HBKU’s commit- partnership at an offi cial signing ceremony of pressing global challenges. As an ever- Dr Anant Agarwal, founder and CEO of ment to addressing local grand challenges that in Boston. evolving sector, education has in recent edX and MIT professor, at the agreement have a global impact. The launch of this pro- The agreement was signed on the side- years taken on new forms that go beyond the ceremony. gramme is timely and responds to the urgency lines of the edX Global Forum, held Novem- limitations of the conventional classroom called by the recent UN Intergovernmental ber 15-16. setting.” is addressed in HBKU’s professional certifi - Panel on Climate Change report which high- The annual gathering brings together Prof Agarwal said: “Both edX and HBKU cate programme. It was a delight to host Dr lighted the need to limit global warming to 1.5°C edX’s partner network of senior leaders and share a mission to increase access to high- Hasnah at our Global Forum this year and we compared to 2°C,“ said Dr Hasnah. digital learning innovators from the world’s quality education for all learners, every- look forward to furthering our partnership Prospective students can now enrol for HB- leading universities and organisations to where, in fi elds that tackle the challenges in the future.” KU’s Professional Certifi cate programme on share knowledge, exchange ideas and col- society faces at a global level. These include HBKU’s agreement with edX underscores edX, which will commence on January 7, 2019. lectively design the future of education. the need to identify new and innovative its commitment to pursuing local and inter- To register for the programme, applicants Dr Hasnah said: “We invite students from ways to provide sustainable energy, which national collaborations to promote a truly can visit https://www.edx.org/school/hbkux

Nissan models recalled Students program robots at QNL science contest over safety concerns

he Ministry of Commerce and In- dustry, in collaboration with Saleh Al THamad Al Mana Company, has an- nounced the recall of Nissan Maxima mod- els of 2016-2017 and Infi niti QX60 model of 2017 over a potential defect in the anti-lock braking system (ABS). The Ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing eff orts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs. The Ministry said that it will co- ordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will com- municate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out. The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Students program robots at Qatar National Library (QNL) science competition. More than 300 students from schools across Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which Qatar participated in the Robotics Competition. The two-day event which concluded yesterday was one of the largest science processes complaints, inquires and suggestions competitions of its kind in Qatar. Demonstrating their programming skills, the students were judged on the speed and through the following channels: Call Centre: accuracy with which their robots could follow a straight line. The robots also engaged in sumo wrestling matches. Organised 16001, e-mail: [email protected], Twitter: @ in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the annual competition engages students in an active MOCIQATAR, Instagram: MOCIQATAR, Min- learning environment and helps them develop innovative thinking and problem-solving skills. istry of Commerce and Industry mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_QATAR. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 21, 2018 11 QATAR

Winners in the Adults inspirational speech category with dignitaries and members of the organising committee. ICC-One’s Communication contest ‘a resounding success’ he ICC-One Communi- cation Championships T2018, an annual speech contest, was a “resounding suc- cess” with the grand fi nale held in Doha recently. ICC-One has been conducting this event for the past 15 years as a token of its “social commit- ment towards promoting public speaking in Qatar”, it said in a press statement. In the Adults inspirational speech segment, Joseph Amande was crowned the champion for his speech titled ‘Stand tall’. He inspired the audience to accept themselves and not let others pull them down. Second-place winner An- upama Kasibhatla reminded the audience through her speech – ‘Behind the scenes’ – that in life, the people who support from the backstage need to be recognised as much as the performers on the Winners in the Juniors inspirational speech category from the ICC Eves Winners in the Juniors humorous speech category from Philippine Winners in the Adults humorous speech category. mainstage of life. Gavels Club, Birla Public School Gavel Club and American School of School Doha, Zeal Gavel Club and American School of Doha, along In her speech ‘Redirections’, Doha, along with some representatives of the winning institutions. with some representatives of the winning institutions. Adults category is open to all from Doha Bank, Batool Alasker third-place winner Nisha Shiv- residents above 18 years of age of Abu Issa Holding, Virendra ram motivated the audience to place winner Sheik A K Malik speech ‘My Asian mom’, wherein mistake’, wherein she gave hi- second-place winner Saanvi while in the Juniors category, all Agarwal of IYC World Soft Infra- accept rejections in life as redi- joked about his wife’s cooking he spoke about his mother’s dis- larious accounts of her mistakes. Sudesh represented Birla Pub- schools and gavel clubs are invit- structure, Shivesh Choudhary of rections to better opportunities. skills. The Juniors speech con- ciplining techniques. Second- In the Juniors inspirational lic School Gavel Club and the ed to send one participant each Ultimate Trading & Contracting, The Adults humorous speech tests showcased confi dent teen- place winner Sara George rep- speech contest, the champion’s theme of her speech was ‘Life in both categories. Eliminations CA Suresh of AlMirqab Facilities champion was Chandrashekhar agers with vibrant oratory skills, resented Zeal Gavel Club and trophy went to Helmin Jinoz may be hard, but we are better are conducted one month prior Management and Sonny Varghese Dudhe, who gave hilarious anec- the statement noted. spoke on the topic, ‘Dare to be representing the ICC Eves Gavel off than many others’. The third to the fi nale and six fi nalists vie and Rajeswar Sundaresan of the dotes on stress during contests. In the humorous speech con- diff erent’, while third-place win- Club. In his speech titled, ‘Kick place went to Leah Susan Math- for the champion’s trophy. Toastmasters. Second-place winner Rajini test, Alfredo R Sanchez III, rep- ner Lisa Eliz Mathew, represent- it down’, he exhorted the audi- ew, who represented American At a glittering prize distribution There was a complimentary Naren spoke humorously on her resenting Philippine School ing American School of Doha, ence to nurture a childlike curi- School of Doha and spoke on ceremony, trophies and prizes lucky draw for all attendees fol- dark complexion, while third- Doha, was the champion for his spoke on the topic ‘Genius by osity within themselves, while facing fears. Participation in the were given away by CK Krishnan lowed by dinner. Service advisers showcase Ooredoo partners with Al Meera to enable Qatar’s retail innovation skills at AAB’s competition oredoo has announced a digital partnership with OAl Meera to drive digital he Customer Service cal knowledge. In the early velop the capability of our staff Vinet Montilla Yelo – fi rst run- innovation and transform cus- Division of Abdullah 90s, Toyota Motor Corporation as we cater to our customers,” ner-up, and Sudeep Puthukku- tomer experiences. TAbdulghani & Bros Co (TMC) established the Toyota AAB said in a press statement. langara Thazha Kuni – second As part of the memorandum (AAB) recently concluded the International Customer Service Held under the theme, ‘As- runner-up. of understanding, Ooredoo be- National Service Adviser Skills Champions’ Society to provide pire, Achieve and Believe You Yazan Mustafa, COO – Com- comes the preferred partner for Contest. recognition and motivation for are a Champion’, the event en- mercial & Industrial Division, Al Meera’s digital transforma- The contest showcased the Toyota customer service per- courages employees to do their Arunkumar, director – Customer tion. Ooredoo will provide its talents of service advisers in sonnel worldwide. It was then best all the time. Service Division and other AAB telecommunications and ICT handling customers’ requests that AAB started the national The winners of the 2018 Serv- senior managers led the event solutions, across ISP services, Yousuf Abdulla al-Kubaisi with Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad bin Nasser at each touch point and by skills contest. ice Adviser Skills Contest are along with Masayuki Fukumori, data centre and disaster recov- al-Thani, chief business off icer, Ooredoo, and executives from both showing their skills in terms “Skills contests are held reg- Shorouk Mostafa Mohamed Ab- Field Operations manager at the ery, smart Wi-Fi and the Inter- Ooredoo and Al Meera. of customer care and techni- ularly to hone and further de- dulmagd – champion, Chester TMC Bahrain Regional Offi ce. net of Things with connected fleet management, the compa- tiveness and customer expe- kets and convenience stores in ny has said in a statement. riences. We are exchanging Qatar and Oman. Yousuf Abdulla al-Kubai- best practices to provide the Salah al-Hammadi, deputy si, chief operating officer at digital foundation that can CEO of Al Meera, said: “In line Ooredoo, said: “Ooredoo’s further enhance Qatar as one with our vision to become Qa- partnership with Al Meera on of the world’s most innovative tar’s favourite neighbourhood the company’s digital trans- retail countries.” Al Meera op- retailer, our digital transfor- formation will support new erates more than 50 branches mation with Ooredoo will en- levels of retail innovation to in different formats, includ- able real-time operation and enhance business competi- ing hypermarkets, supermar- customer insights.”

‘Impressive take-up’ for fi rst live digital eSIM Ooredoo has announced its recent launch of the phone without needing to physically swap SIM first live digital eSIM, which has seen an “impressive cards, as well as giving them the option to connect take-up” by its customers. many other devices such as watches and other In a press statement yesterday, the leading telco wearables, transforming their digital experience said thousands of customers were already using both at home Ooredoo services on an eSIM, allowing them and in the off ice. access to “ground-breaking communications servic- “Ooredoo is de- es”. Ooredoo was the first operator to launch a fully lighted the new digital eSIM in the region, providing the custom- eSIM technology is being welcomed by customers, ers with an opportunity to activate eSIM services and is proud to be able to off er this market-leading instantly on the move via the Ooredoo App, without technology to enrich their digital lives,” the state- having to visit an Ooredoo shop. ment noted. The technologically advanced eSIM allows custom- For more information on eSIM and the introductory ers to switch between two numbers on a single off er, visit Ooredoo.qa The winners of the contest with the AAB management team led by Yazan Mustafa and representatives from TMC. Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, November 21, 2018 QATAR/REGION/ARAB WORLD

Speaker of Iraqi council praises Qatar’s role in combating terror

QNA ing and air operations and at the be part of any bloc in the region will aff ect the others in the re- link Europe to the Arabian Gulf up to all countries in the region persons and the provision of Doha level of armament. with a party against another. gion, either directly or indi- through Turkey and Iraq, he said, and the world, indicating that services in some provinces. In an interview with Al-Sharq Al-Halboosi expressed his rectly, expressing respect for the explaining that Iraq has opened these countries should contrib- As for relations with Turkey, he newspaper published yesterday, support for the initiative of the sovereignty of States and non- its corridors to Qatar to deal with ute to Iraq’s reconstruction. said that there is already contact peaker of Iraqi Council of Mohamed al-Halboosi pointed Kuwaiti Amir Sheikh Sabah al- interference in their internal af- matters relating to transport and He said that his country does with Turkey to address some of Representatives, Moham- out that the history of the Ar- Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah to fairs, adding: “We do not allow shipping. Therefore, there are not have any problems with any the problems that are delaying the Sed al-Halboosi, praised abs and the Gulf countries and mediate and resolve the Gulf cri- others to interfere in our aff airs.” joint committees between the country, and if there are previous level of co-operation between the Qatar’s role in combating terror- their relation is greater than the sis, calling for dialogue between He pointed out that there are two governments to fi nalise this problems between Iraq and some two countries. ism in Iraq as part of the interna- problems they are experiencing, brothers to overcome the crisis, signs of new trade between the and other issues, he added. countries in the region, dialogue Referring to the Iraqi youth em- tional coalition against IS. stressing that the Gulf crisis will and rejecting any siege on any two countries related to the use With regard to Iraq, al-Hal- can solve them. powerment initiative, he said that The coalition has supported be resolved sooner or later. country. of Iraq as a link between Qa- boosi said Iraq has fought a war Moreover, he praised Kuwait’s young people should have a role Iraq in its war against terrorism, He also affi rmed that Iraq has He said that any problem be- tar and Turkey. This route will against the IS terror group, and support for Iraq in many areas, in all institutions not only in Iraq, especially in intelligence, train- taken a clear position. It will not tween neighbouring countries be an important because it will now it needs to move and open especially in the fi le of displaced but in all countries of the region.

Aft er Airbnb, Booking.com asked to remove West Bank listings UN prepares ground for Yemen Rights activists yesterday urged Booking.com to follow the example of Airbnb and withdraw listings for rentals in Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, even as Israel called the move “disgusting” peace talks as battles fl are and threatened legal action. Airbnb said on Monday it will remove such AFP listings, just ahead of the release of a Sanaa Human Rights Watch report criticis- ing the inclusion of settlements. Israel strongly denounced Airbnb’s N envoy Martin Griffi ths decision and threatened legal was preparing yester- action against the company, while Uday to head to war-torn Palestinian off icials welcomed it. The Yemen to lay the groundwork US-based rights group HRW issued for peace talks in Sweden, after its report yesterday and called on fresh fi ghting shook the fl ash- Booking.com to follow Airbnb’s “posi- point city of Hodeidah. tive step”. “By ending its brokering of Griffi ths — whose eff orts at rentals in illegal settlements on land kickstarting peace talks col- off -limits to Palestinians, Airbnb has lapsed in September — is again taken a stand against discrimination trying to get the Houthi rebels and land confiscation and theft,” and the Saudi-backed govern- said Omar Shakir, HRW’s director for ment to the negotiating table by Israel and the Palestinian territories. the end of the year. “It is an important and welcome step He is expected to meet with and we encourage other companies Houthi offi cials in the capital like Booking.com to follow their Sanaa today. lead and stop listing in settlements.” Both sides have in the past HRW issued the report on the online week expressed their support reservations firms, entitled “Bed and for the envoy and his mission An injured Yemeni man receives medical aid at an emergency room in Breakfast on Stolen Land,” along with to hold talks in Stockholm, but the Saada province early yesterday, following a reported air strike. Israeli NGO Kerem Navot. It says fi erce clashes erupted in the Red Airbnb, based in the United States, Sea city of Hodeidah late Mon- The Houthis seized Sanaa in od, HRW’s director for France. listed at least 139 properties in West day after a lull. late 2014, when they also took Although Western govern- Bank settlements between March Military offi cials said the bat- control of Hodeidah and its ments have condemned civilian and July. “Israelis and foreigners may tles were the worst since loy- port. A year later, Saudi Arabia deaths in Yemen, they remain rent properties in settlements, but alists halted an off ensive last and its allies intervened in the political and military backers of Palestinian ID holders are eff ectively week, and were concentrated war to bolster Yemeni President Saudi Arabia, which is a regional barred,” HRW said. in the eastern part of the city Iranians carry placards as they demonstrate in front of the UN off ice in Tehran yesterday, in support Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. ally and spends billions of dol- That is “the only example in the where rebels fi red artillery. of the Yemen people. Both parties in the confl ict lars on arms from the United world the organisations found in Pro-government forces stand accused of acts that could States, Britain and France. which Airbnb hosts have no choice struck back, supported by war- deidah, whose port serves as an brink of starvation. Arabia. Riyadh also lent its sup- amount to war crimes. The World Health Organisa- but to discriminate against guests planes from the Saudi-led coa- entry point to nearly all imports It also calls for a large injec- port to new talks. Human Rights Watch yester- tion says nearly 10,000 people based on national or ethnic origin,” lition which launched a dozen and humanitarian aid to the tion of foreign currency to sup- Saudi King Salman told the day called on France to address — mostly civilians — have been it said. According to HRW, Booking. raids, the sources said. country. port Yemen’s collapsing cur- Shura Council, his country’s top laws-of-war violations with killed in Yemen since the Saudi com, based in the Netherlands, had According to Houthi-run The draft, circulated by rency and for salaries of civil advisory body, that the kingdom the UAE — a key member of intervention in March 2015, but 26 properties in West Bank settle- media, clashes lasted up to four Britain to the 14 other council servants, teachers, and health backed a “political solution” the Saudi-led coalition — dur- rights groups believe the toll ments as of July, 17 which were on hours and resulted in fatalities. members and seen by AFP, sets workers to be paid within a and a “comprehensive national ing Crown Prince Mohamed bin may be fi ve times higher. land Israel acknowledges is privately The city was relatively calm a two-week deadline for the month. Mohamed Ali al-Huthi, dialogue” in Yemen. Zayed al-Nahyan’s visit to Paris. The World Food Programme owned by Palestinians. Booking.com yesterday morning, according warring sides to remove all bar- head of the Houthi rebels’ Multiple past attempts to “If President (Emmanuel) says up to 14mn Yemenis are at did not indicate it would be chang- to an AFP correspondent who riers to humanitarian aid. Higher Revolutionary Com- hold negotiations between Macron is truly concerned risk of starvation. ing its policy, telling AFP it permits spoke to residents by telephone The proposed resolution mittee and an infl uential politi- the government alliance and about the humanitarian crisis in On Monday, Saudi Arabia and “all accommodation providers from Khokha about 100 kilome- would signifi cantly ratchet up cal fi gure, tweeted on Monday Houthis have failed. Yemen, he should tell the crown the United Arab Emirates an- worldwide to list on our platform as tres away. On Monday, Britain pressure on the Saudi-led coa- that he wanted his group to an- Griffi ths said on Monday he prince that France will stop nounced they would each give long as they are in compliance with presented to the UN Security lition and the Houthis to seek a nounce “readiness to suspend hoped the rivals would meet in selling weapons to the UAE if $250mn in aid to the war-rav- applicable laws.” Council a draft resolution urg- negotiated settlement in Yem- and halt all military operations” Sweden “within the next few there’s a real risk of their unlaw- aged country to support more ing an immediate truce in Ho- en, where millions are on the and stop fi ring missiles on Saudi weeks”. No date has yet been set. ful use,” said Benedicte Jeanner- than 10mn people. Palestinian in Jerusalem police Iraq launches strikes against station attack dies of injuries militant targets in Syria in a statement. Islamic State, with the approval of the Syrian AFP Cairo which once occupied a third of government of President Bashar Jerusalem Iraq’s territory, has been largely al-Assad and the US-led coali- defeated in the country but has tion fi ghting Islamic State. raq launched air strikes on continued to carry out ambush- Iraq, which declared fi nal vic- Palestinian teenager shot Islamic State targets inside es, assassinations and bomb- tory over Islamic State in De- last week after attacking Ineighbouring Syria yester- ings there and still poses a threat cember, has good relations with AIsraeli offi cers at a police day, destroying two buildings along its border with Syria. Iran and Russia, Assad’s main station in annexed east Jerusalem housing 40 fi ghters and weap- “The successful operation led backers in the Syrian civil war, died of his wounds yesterday, a ons, its military said. to the destruction of a weapons while also enjoying strong sup- hospital said. F-16 fi ghter jets destroyed a warehouse...that contained ten port from the US-led coalition. “The fi ghter from the incident in building where members of the terrorists, rockets, and explo- Islamic State has resorted to the Armon Hanatziv police station ultra-hardline militant group sives belonging to Daesh (IS) guerrilla tactics since it aban- has died,” the Shaare Zedek hos- were storing weapons, killing gangs,” the statement said. doned its goal of holding terri- pital in Jerusalem said in a state- 10 of them. A second strike de- The Iraqi air force has carried tory and creating a self-declared ment. Offi cial Palestinian news stroyed a building housing 30 out several strikes against Islam- caliphate straddling Iraq and agency WAFA named the fi ghter Islamic State fi ghters, it said ic State in Syria since last year, Syria. as Abdul Rahman Abu Jamal, 17, from Jabel Mukaber, a Palestin- ian neighbourhood adjacent to the settler district of Armon Hanatziv. Supporters of exiled Palestinian politician and Fatah movement’s former security chief, Mohamed Abu Jamal was seriously Dahlan, hold images of late Palestinian leader during a commemoration ceremony wounded as he was overpowered held on the occasion of the 14th anniversary of Arafat’s death, yesterday in Gaza City. Aide to IS leader Baghdadi by offi cers during the rare attack inside a security force base late on fellow offi cer. A wave of stab- Also yesterday, a suspected spokesman calling it “a terror November 14 after scaling a fence bing attacks against Israelis by Palestinian stabbed an Is- attack”. The victim, an ultra- around it. Seven police offi cers lone-wolf Palestinian fi ghters raeli Jew in the face outside a Orthodox man, was lightly put on terror blacklist were lightly wounded in the attack, erupted in 2015 but they have shop near the West Bank city wounded, with the perpetrator one of them by a gunshot from a since become sporadic. of Bethlehem, with a police remaining at large. AFP which on Monday put Abdel Nasir on its own sanc- Washington tions list. The twin listings mean that Abdel Nasir is subject to an international asset freeze, travel ban and arms embargo. he United States yesterday put a confi dant of US citizens and entities are prohibited from do- Sanctions on Iran for shipping oil to Syria Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, ing business with him. Ton its terror blacklist. Nasir “has held several leadership positions “ISIS is down but not out,” Nathan Sales, the in the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria,” including AFP bankrolled Hezbollah and Hamas. The US mas and Hezbollah,” it said. The new sanc- State Department’s point man on counterterror- heading the group’s “Delegated Committee,” which Washington Treasury said in a statement that Tehran, tions also target a Syrian national, Mohamed ism, said in announcing that Hajji Abdel Nasir had reports to Baghdadi and “exercises administrative “working with Russian companies, pro- Alchwicki and his Russia-based fi rm, Global been named a “Specially Designated Global Terror- control of the terrorist organization’s aff airs,” the vides millions of barrels of oil to the Syrian Vision Group. He is accused of playing a cen- ist.” “As ISIS continues to lose ground on the bat- State Department said. he US slapped fresh sanctions on government” of President Bashar al-Assad. tral role both in the transfer of oil to Syria and tlefi eld, we must starve it of the resources it uses to It said the committee Abdel Nasir chaired was Iran yesterday, accusing it of creat- “The Assad regime, in turn, facilitates the the funnelling of money to the groups. The commit terrorism around the world,” Sales said in “responsible for planning and issuing orders re- Ting a complex web of Russian cut- movement of hundreds of millions of US US said his company had illegally received a statement. lated to ISIS’s military operations, tax collections, out companies and Syrian intermediar- dollars to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard transfers of funds from the Iranian Central The State Department said the decision was religious police, and commercial and security op- ies to ship oil to Damascus, which in turn Corps-Qods Force for onward transfer to Ha- Bank via a set of complex transactions. made in conjunction with the UN Security Council, erations.” Gulf Times Wednesday, November 21, 2018 13 AFRICA

Honour guard Boko attacks leave 53 dead in pre-vote show of force By Aminu Abubakar, AFP routed and the terrorists captured and abduct civilians used as fi ghters Kano the base after heavy fi ghting,” he or forced to marry militants. told AFP, adding that the base com- The extremists have accused mander and three offi cers were farmers and loggers of passing in- oko Haram extremists have among the dead. formation to the military. South African troops parade outside Parliament as German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrives for a state killed 53 soldiers and farm- A search was under way for sur- Armed with guns and machetes, visit in Cape Town yesterday. Bers in three days of attacks vivors or further victims in the sur- militants killed nine farmers and ab- in northeastern Nigeria, security rounding bush, he said. ducted 12 others in the Mammanti sources said yesterday, in a new A pro-government militiaman village in Borno state, locals told show of force ahead of February said the jihadists arrived on around AFP yesterday. elections in the West African coun- 20 trucks and army air support did They came on bicycles, said Us- try. not arrive until after they had “in- man Kaka, a farmer who escaped. Despite the government’s insist- vaded the base and looted the weap- “They just opened fi re on us and ence that Boko Haram is near defeat, ons”. continued to fi re as we fl ed,” Kaka Kenya debates giving women the group has recently carried out a The same day, militants also said. string of major attacks on military launched a pre-dawn attack on a Village chief Mohamed Mam- and civilian targets. base in the town of Gajiram, some manti said the assailants had hacked President Muhammadu Buhari, 80km north of the Borno state capi- “three people who resisted being one-third of parliament seats seeking re-election in February, tal, Maiduguri. abducted”. faces widespread criticism over his Fighting lasted several hours, lo- Also on Monday, seven women security record as soldiers based in cal residents told AFP. were snatched while working in By Nita Bhalla, Reuters women of this country,” said the ruling passed and despite the supreme court the northeast regularly complain of And a soldier was killed in an at- fi elds near the city of Bama, accord- Nairobi Jubilee party representative as he pre- directing parliament to enact a law, pre- fatigue and insuffi cient supplies of tack Saturday on a base in Mainok, ing to militiamen fi ghting alongside sented the bill in the national assembly. vious attempts have failed largely due to food and arms. also in Borno state, the cradle of the army soldiers. “We must give them the seat of leader- quorum hitches. The Islamic State West Africa Boko Haram movement, security In an attack on Mammanti last enyan MPs yesterday debated a ship. Women must be present at the de- The bill has the backing of both Presi- Province (ISWAP), a Boko Haram sources said. week, militants stole hundreds of bill that would allocate a third of cision-making table — in the executive, dent Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition splinter group, killed at least 44 ISWAP asserted responsibility for heads of cattle. Kall seats in parliament to women, in the legislature, in the judiciary and in leader Raila Odinga and its supporters soldiers in attacks on three military the attacks in Metele and Mainok, The surge in attacks on military with campaigners optimistic it would the private sector.” say they are confi dent it will pass. bases at the weekend, according to claiming to have killed at least 42 targets suggests that hardliners pass despite previous failures. Kenya’s economy has grown on aver- But it is not without opposition. security sources. soldiers in addition to carting away within ISWAP have taken the upper Women hold 23% of seats in Kenya’s age by 5% annually over the last decade, Critics said creating additional parlia- Of those, at least 43 were killed on four tanks and other vehicles, ac- hand after internal divisions, ob- lower and upper houses of parliament but the benefi ts have not been equally mentary seats would cost Kenyan taxpay- Sunday in Metele, a remote village cording to the SITE Intelligence servers say. combined, says the Inter-Parliamentary shared — and women and girls remain ers millions of dollars in extra salaries. near the border with Niger, accord- monitoring group. More than 27,000 people have Union — on a par with the global aver- disadvantaged socially, economically Others have questioned how nomina- ing to a military offi cer who request- In addition, Monday saw the lat- died since the start of the Boko Har- age, but lower than neighbours Rwanda, and politically. tions of candidates would be conducted, ed anonymity. est in a string of attacks on villages, am insurgency in 2009, and 1.8mn Ethiopia and Burundi. Women make up only a third of the suggesting that politician’s wives, girl- “Our troops were completely usually carried out to pillage food remain homeless. Kenya’s 2010 constitution states that 2.5mn people employed in the formal friends and mistresses would be given no more than two-thirds of any elected sector, says the Kenya National Bureau of seats by proxy. or appointed political bodies can be of Statistics. Wilberforce Oundo from the opposi- the same gender, but does not set out a And while women provide 80% of tion Orange Democratic Movement said mechanism for attaining that goal. Kenya’s farm labour, they own only 1% of it would be “extremely diffi cult to trust The new legislation proposed by MP agricultural land. the process of nomination”. Tutu awards Children’s Peace prize Aden Bare Duale provides for special Gender experts say that a stronger “The executive, women activists seats to be created if parliamentary elec- women’s voice at the top would have a and rights campaigners and must in- tions fail to achieve the required num- trickle-down eff ect, they say, leading to vest heavily in the capacity building of to US school shooting survivors bers, with female candidates nominated the development of policies and laws that women, instead of looking for short term to fi ll them. would help women at the grassroots level gains and short term escapes,” he told By Kate Bartlett, DPA ments in history,” said Tutu, a national American high school students,” she “We want to fi x the historical injus- fi ght abuse, discrimination and inequality. parliament. Johannesburg treasure in South Africa for his role in said. “We were suddenly so aware we tices done to women in the past. And for Since 2012, women’s rights groups in The debate is expected to continue to- the anti-apartheid movement. were the ones who could break the us to do that, we need to empower the Kenya have fought to have legislation day in parliament. “I am in awe of these children, cycle of gun violence in America.” outh Africa’s Desmond Tutu whose powerful message is ampli- “Our recent midterm elections... yesterday awarded the annual fi ed by their youthful energy and an showed revolutionary youth voter Zambian police question opposition leader over attacks on Chinese SInternational Children’s Peace unshakable belief that children can, turnout.” added Gonzalez. Prize to a US organisation advocat- no must, improve their own futures,” The International Children’s ambian police yesterday ques- company to Chinese interests, prompt- warned to not incite ethnicity attacks.” ing gun control that was set up by said Tutu, who is also Archbishop Peace Prize is awarded annually to tioned opposition leader Hakainde ing street protests in Zambia’s second Hichilema was accompanied to student survivors of February’s mass Emeritus of Cape Town, where the a child or children-led organisation ZHichilema for allegedly fuelling city Kitwe. the police station in the Copperbelt school shooting in Parkland, Florida. ceremony took place. that fi ghts for children’s rights. attacks on Chinese nationals, in a sign of Some Chinese businesses were looted capital Ndola by party deputy Geof- March for Our Lives is a safe- “They are true changemakers who It has previously been won by Pa- growing political tension in the country. in the protests, as well as scores of pro- frey Mwamba, a team of lawyers and school and anti-gun violence initia- have demonstrated most powerfully kistan’s Malala Yousafzai, among Hichilema, of the United Party for testers arrested. Anti-Chinese senti- Chishimba Kambwili, a Lungu critic tive set up by survivors of the Park- that children can move the world,” others. Tutu, a Nobel laureate, is a National Development, was last year de- ment in Zambia has grown over lucrative from the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) party. land massacre — including Emma added the archbishop, 87, who came patron of the prize, which was set up tained for four months for alleged trea- contracts being awarded to China and “It’s about standing for the people of Gonzalez, who has become well- on stage with the help of a cane. by Dutch NGO KidsRights. son in a case that many critics said was government borrowing from Beijing. Zambia. If you are afraid, you should not known in America for her activism March for Our Lives has lobbied for Other fi nalists for this year’s politically motivated. “He has been cautioned for sedition,” seek public offi ce,” Hichilema told re- and moving rhetoric. stricter gun laws and since it was set award included Moni Begum, a Hichilema has repeatedly challenged Katanga told AFP. “In an interview aired porters after his release. Seventeen people were killed in up, more than 25 US states have passed 17-year-old Bangladeshi who cam- the result of the 2016 election, which he by Sun-FM, he alleged that government “And as per our constitutional right, the Parkland shooting. legislation consistent with its cause. paigns against child marriage, and lost to President Edgar Lungu. has sold Zaffi co to the Chinese when in we decided to remain silent during the “The peaceful campaign to demand Gonzalez spoke about how the Leilua Lino, an 18-year-old from Charity Katanga, the police chief of fact it has not. interrogation process.” safe schools and communities and the group had been formed in the wake of Samoa who was raped by her father Copperbelt province, said Hichilema “His statement caused discontent Police barricaded the entrance to the eradication of gun violence is remi- the shooting. “Before the shooting at and now helps children recover from was questioned after alleging that the among residents and caused riots tar- police station and stopped scores of par- niscent of other great peace move- our high school, we were just normal trauma. government had sold a state-run timber geted at the Chinese. He has been ty supporters from entering the building. New Kenya coastguard to stop foreigners stealing ‘our fi sh’

By Kevin Mwanza, Reuters Until the launch of the coast- Beach Management Unit, a Nairobi guard, Kenya’s navy has been Kenyan fishermen’s associa- responsible for maritime secu- tion. rity but experts said it was over- “They come near the shores he launch of a coast- stretched. and cut our fi shing nets and once guard in Kenya — one of a Pirate attacks launched from they are done, our fi sh stocks are Thandful in Africa — could Kenya’s northern neighbour, So- depleted.” cut illegal fi shing and boost the malia, were a major security is- About 2mn Kenyans depend economy, experts said yesterday, sue until 2012 when ships tight- on fi shing but dwindling stocks although the service only has one ened security and stayed further in nearshore waters and a slump boat so far. away from the coast. in tourism due to insecurity Kenya loses about 10bn shil- Only half a dozen African have worsened poverty along its lings ($97mn) a year to foreign countries have their own coast- palm-fringed coast, according to boats fi shing without permis- guard, Andrew Mwangura, a the World Bank. sion, President Uhuru Kenyatta Kenyan maritime expert, told the Kenyatta said the government said at the launch on Monday, Thomson Reuters Foundation. would improve ports and re- vowing to crack down on drug, “We’ve been sea blind,” he quire fi shing vessels to land 30% people and arms smuggling said. of their catch in Kenya, creating along Kenya’s lengthy coast. “We’ve been relying on the more than 10,000 jobs in fi ve “The role of the coastguard is navy too much. The navy are years. quite pivotal,” said David Obura, limited in what they can do. They “Never again will a foreign coordinator for a coastal research cannot arrest someone and take vessel steal our fi sh,” he said. organisation, Cordio East Africa. them to court.” But the navy only has two “Just like on land, until you es- The world’s poorest continent vessels, said Obura of Cordio tablish security of tenure its very loses $42bn a year to illegal fi sh- East Africa, while Kenyatta has challenging to manage it.” ing and logging, the United Na- unveiled one ship for the new Africa’s fi sh stocks are being tions Economic Commission for coastguard. depleted by industrial trawlers Africa estimates. “It is not enough and, from which comb the oceans to feed “Fishing by foreign ves- what I saw, it’s a relatively big European and Asian markets, sels has been a big problem to vessel and will be quite slow,” he The MV Doria, a 54m long off shore patrol vessel, of the Kenya Coast Guard Service being displayed during the launching ceremony on Monday experts say, threatening coastal us fishermen,” said Mohamed said. “A big challenge will be the of Kenya’s first coast guard unit aimed at stopping theft of marine resources in Mombasa. incomes and diets. Somo, chairman of the Lamu cost of running the vessels.” Gulf Times 14 Wednesday, November 21, 2018 AMERICA ‘Hanging’ remark spurs Democrats in Mississippi

Reuters Trump will hold two get-out- Jackson, Mississippi Muslim lawmaker-elect backs end the-vote rallies in the state next week, and the National Republican to head-cover ban in Congress Senatorial Committee said it was white Republican sena- spending at least $800,000 on ads. The body of slain Chicago police off icer Samuel Jimenez being escorted to the Medical Examiner Off ice in tor’s casual reference to A Muslim congresswoman-elect update this anachronistic policy That will be augmented by Chicago on Monday night. Aa “public hanging” has has co-authored changes to a and to bring the House of Repre- $1mn from the Senate Leadership invigorated a special election longstanding rule banning the sentatives into conformity with Fund, an outside group aligned runoff in Mississippi, fuelling wearing of head coverings on the Constitution and its existing with Senate Republican leader Democratic hopes of an upset in the US House floor, an eff ort sup- protection of religious freedom,” Mitch McConnell. a conservative state with an ugly ported Monday by the nation’s said CAIR national executive National Democratic commit- history of racist violence. largest Muslim rights group. director Nihad Awad. tees are sending staff to help get The US Senate race between Ilhan Omar, a Somali refugee A record number of women, out the vote, and the Democrat- 4 killed in Chicago appointed Republican incum- who was one of the first two Mus- and scores of minorities including ic-aligned Senate Majority PAC bent Cindy Hyde-Smith and lim women elected to Congress Hispanics, African Americans, Na- has started a $500,000 ad buy. Democrat Mike Espy, a black earlier this month, has joined tive Americans and members of Senators of former congressman and US ag- Democratic leaders in drafting an the gay, lesbian and bisexual com- California and Cory Booker of riculture secretary, will test the update to a 181-year-old rule to munities, will fill the ranks of the New Jersey, who are both Af- hospital shooting power of the black vote and the allow for religious exemptions for 116th Congress when it convenes rican-American and potential viability of Democrats in a region headwear like the Muslim hijab, beginning January 3. 2020 presidential contenders, Reuters After killing O’Neal, Lopez “I knew her, trained with her, where Republicans have domi- Jewish yarmulkes or Sikh turban. Democrat Jim McGovern, campaigned with Espy. Chicago fi red at arriving police offi cers saved lives with her and to- nated for decades. The change is part of a rules expected to chair the House Rules “This is a race of national im- with a handgun then entered the night, tried to save her life,” John The November 27 runoff caps package introduced by top Demo- Committee starting in Janu- portance,” Harris said at the hospital and exchanged gunfi re Purakal a doctor at the Univer- a congressional election cycle crats including House Minority ary, said the update reflects the Jackson breakfast, noting the hicago police were yester- for several minutes with offi cers sity of Chicago Medicine medical drawn out by recounts and too- Leader Nancy Pelosi that is ex- broader diversity in Congress. outcome would “make a point day seeking a motive for a who followed him, Johnson said. school and health system, wrote close-to-call races. pected to be approved in January, “This change will finally codify about who we are as a country, Cshooting rampage outside Lopez also died but it was not on Twitter. The Mississippi result will when Democrats take majority that no restriction may be placed symbolised by the state of Mis- and inside a hospital late Monday immediately clear if he shot him- “Tonight, I broke down in not aff ect the balance of power control of the chamber. on a member’s ability to do the sissippi.” that left four people dead, in- self or was struck by a police of- front of my coworkers when we in Congress, where Republicans “No one puts a scarf on my job they were elected to do sim- Hyde-Smith has hammered cluding the gunman, a physician fi cer’s bullet. lost her, and tonight I held hands will hold a Senate majority even head but me. It’s my choice — one ply because of their faith,” he said. Espy as too liberal for Missis- who was his former girlfriend Offi cer Samuel Jimenez, who with her mother in prayer. To- if Hyde-Smith loses, and Demo- protected by the first amend- The head-covering rule has sippi. She touts her endorsement and a police offi cer, offi cials said. joined the Chicago police force night, we lost a beautiful, resil- crats will control the House of ment,” Omar posted on Twitter. vexed some lawmakers, notably from Trump, who won Missis- The gunman, Juan Lopez, 32, last year, died during the gun- ient, passionate doc.” Representatives. “And this is not the last ban I’m Congresswoman Frederica sippi by 18 percentage points in was the former boyfriend of Dr fi ght, offi cials said. Doctors and patients fl ed the Espy, 64, is a heavy underdog going to work to lift,” added the Wilson, who is known for her 2016, and campaigns in a bus Tamara O’Neal, 38, who he shot Jimenez, 28, was married with hospital during the attack. in the deep South state, which Minnesota representative-to-be. colourful hats and has pushed to with a blown-up photo of her and killed outside Mercy Hospital children and was the second city Pharmacy assistant Dayna has not elected a Democrat to the The proposal earned the back- get the ban lifted. and Trump stretched across the on Monday, Offi cer Jose Jara of the offi cer killed on duty this year. Less, 24, was shot and killed as Senate since 1982. ing of the Council on American- Under the proposed changes, side. Chicago Police Department said. O’Neal had worked as a resi- she left an elevator, Johnson said. But his campaign got a jolt of Islamic Relations. Wilson would still be barred from “This race is a conservative Chicago Police Superintend- dent and emergency room physi- Another offi cer was spared in- adrenaline when a video surfaced “We support the eff ort to wearing hats on the House floor. versus a liberal, and Mississip- ent Eddie Johnson on Monday cian at Mercy Hospital for about jury when a bullet lodged itself in a week ago showing Hyde-Smith, pi is a conservative state,” said described that fi rst killing as an two years and was heavily in- his gun holster. 59, praising a supporter by say- Melissa Scallan, a spokeswoman act of domestic violence. volved in her church, the Chicago In Denver, another shooting ing: “If he invited me to a public vember 2 event “an exaggerated pelled Democrat Doug Jones to for Hyde-Smith. “There’s no doubt in my mind Tribune reported. left one person dead and four hanging, I’d be on the front row.” expression of regard” for a friend. a Senate victory in neighbouring She declined to comment on that all of those offi cers who re- The newspaper cited hospital wounded on Monday. The comment set off a furor She refused to apologise and Alabama last year by energizing the hanging remarks. sponded were heroes and they employees as saying O’Neal was At least one suspect remained in Mississippi, a state scarred by has not addressed the remarks black voters, particularly wom- Hyde-Smith became em- saved a lot of lives because we Lopez’s former girlfriend. at large after the shooting on a a history of racism and violence further. en, and appealing to white swing broiled in another controversy just don’t know how much dam- One witness said Lopez was downtown street corner. Police against blacks, including lynch- Espy, who would be the fi rst voters. last week, when a video surfaced age he (the gunman) was pre- harassing O’Neal before the said the injuries were believed to ing. black senator from Mississippi Espy has used the Jones race in which she seemed to endorse pared to do,” Johnson said. attack. be non-life-threatening. According to the NAACP civil since shortly after the Civil War, as a template, focusing on issues the voter suppression of liberal rights group, Mississippi had told reporters that Hyde-Smith’s like rural healthcare, equal pay students as “a great idea.” 581 lynchings between 1882 and “disappointing, hurtful” remarks and education. In a statement, Hyde-Smith’s 1968, more than any other state. perpetuated stereotypes Missis- A political moderate, he por- campaign said she was joking. Advocacy groups conduct- sippi was striving to overcome. trays himself as a bridge-builder The wild card in the runoff will ing a voter turnout drive aimed “There was already a high in a state where Republican Pres- be the supporters of Republican Trump may give troops authority primarily at African-Americans, level of engagement, but her ident Donald Trump is popular. Chris McDaniel, a hardline con- who make up 38% of the state’s comments took everything up At a weekend breakfast in servative who captured 16.5% of residents, said their eff orts had to a whole new level,” said Cas- Jackson, Espy told black women the vote on November 6, and how to protect US immigration agents gained new urgency. sandra Welchlin, co-director of leaders that Jones was elected many of them stay home or back “If people recognize the im- the Mississippi Black Women’s because women turned out to Espy instead of Hyde-Smith. portance of this moment, there Roundtable, one of at least two support him. McDaniel had criticized Hyde- Reuters Court blocks Trump on asylum applications is an opportunity for Secretary dozen advocacy groups involved “What that did for Doug Jones Smith, a former Democrat who Washinghton Espy to win this race,” said Chok- in voter turnout eff orts. in Alabama, you have to do for me switched parties in 2010, as in- A US court has blocked rules with about 2,000 “inadmissible we Antar Lumumba, the black Welchlin’s group is partnering in Mississippi,” he said. suffi ciently conservative, but en- recently signed into force by US aliens” entering the country at the Democratic mayor of Jackson, with childcare centres, churches The runoff to serve the last dorsed her. resident Donald Trump President Donald Trump intended border to Mexico each day, ac- the state’s largest city. and sororities to target infre- two years of Cochran’s term was Hal Marx, a McDaniel sup- is likely to give US troops to block asylum applications cording to the order document. “If we can show progress in a quent black women voters. needed because no candidate porter and mayor of the small Pauthority to protect im- by people who try to enter the Requiring migrants to register state with such historic suff er- Other groups are focusing on gained more than 50% of the vote town of Petal, said he was not en- migration agents stationed along United States illegally. at border points violates the ing, then what does it say about registered black voters who did in a November 6 special election. thusiastic about Hyde-Smith but the US border with Mexico if The San Francisco-based Immigration and Nationality Act the future?” not participate in the November Hyde-Smith and Espy are would vote for her. they come under threat from mi- Northern California District Court (INA), according to Judge Jon Hyde-Smith, a former state 6 election, using phone banks, nearly deadlocked at about 41%. “She isn’t the best choice pos- grants seeking to cross into the granted a corresponding pre- Tigar’s explanatory statement. legislator who was appointed to texting parties and ride-shares to Both the Republican and Dem- sible, but of the two that are left United States, a US offi cial said liminary injunction on Monday, INA allows anyone in the US replace retiring Senator Thad get them to cast a ballot. ocratic national parties have sent we need a Republican in the seat,” on Monday. preventing refugees from being to apply for asylum, regardless Cochran, put out a statement Mississippi Democrats hope to help to Mississippi ahead of the said Marx, who is running for Ahead of US congressional forced to apply for asylum at of whether that person legally calling the comment at a No- recreate the coalition that pro- runoff . governor next year. elections earlier this month, certain ports of entry. entered the country at a border Trump denounced the ap- The proclamation signed earlier crossing or not. proach of a caravan of migrants this month by Trump was intended Monday’s preliminary injunc- as an “invasion” that threat- to address the problem of large tion is valid immediately and will ened American national secu- numbers of migrants travelling remain eff ective until at least Christmas rity, and he sent thousands of through Mexico en route to the US, December 19. US troops to the border to help parade secure it. Currently, the troops do not temporarily closed “to position law enforcement capacity and Dancers from the Pacific have authority to protect US additional port hardening ma- that there are no plans for them American Volunteer Customs and Border Patrol per- terials,” a US CBP spokesperson to interact with migrants. Association World Traditional sonnel. said. Instead, their mission is to Korean Marching Band US offi cials briefl y closed the A Department of Homeland lend support to the CBP, and they pose for a picture during a busiest border crossing from Security official, who requested have been stringing up concer- promotion for the upcoming Mexico on Monday to add con- anonymity, told reporters on tina wire and erecting temporary 87th annual Hollywood crete barricades and razor wire a conference call that US of- housing. Christmas parade in Los amid concerns some of the thou- ficials had heard reports some The commander of the mis- Angeles. sands of Central American mi- migrants were intending to run sion told Reuters last week that grants at the border could try to through border crossings into the number of troops may have rush the crossing. California. peaked, and he would soon look Northbound lanes at the San Officials have stressed that at whether to begin sending forc- Ysidro crossing from Tijuana the 5,900 active-duty US troops es home or shifting some to new to San Diego, California, were on the border are not there in a border positions. Incoming rain could hinder search for California wildfi re victims

Reuters Remains of 79 victims have Sheriff Kory Honea has said eter, according to the agency. the California-based consulting The fi re also creates a hard, but as many as 52,000 people were Paradise, California been recovered since the Camp some people have been added to the Smoke from the fi re has lead to company Identifi nders Interna- waxy surface that tends to repel under evacuation orders at the Fire erupted on November 8 list more than once at times under school closures in the region. tional, said rain would turn the rather than absorb water. height of the fi restorm last week. and largely obliterated the Si- diff erent spellings of their names. Citing poor air quality, schools site into a “muddy, mushy mess” The result can be heavy run- Nearly 850km south of Para- eavy rains expected to hit erra foothills town of Paradise, As of early yesterday, the fi re had and colleges in the Sacramento slick with wet ash. off of rainwater mixed with mud, dise near Malibu, west of Los An- Northern California late a community of nearly 27,000 torched more than 151,000 acres of area will remain closed until No- Pathologists from the Univer- boulders, trees and other debris geles, at least 5cm of rain are ex- Hyesterday were expected people about 280km north of San parched scrub and trees and incin- vember 26. sity of Nevada in Reno worked that fl ows downhill with tre- pected to fall on a second fi re, the to help fi refi ghters but will raise Francisco. erated about 12,000 homes, the Flights in and out of San Fran- through the weekend as fi refi ght- mendous force, said Jason Kean, Woolsey, which has killed three the risk of mudslides and hinder The missing persons list kept California Department of Forestry cisco also have continued to ex- ers peeled back debris, collecting a research hydrologist for the US people. That blaze was 96% con- the search for more victims of the by the Butte County Sheriff ’s Of- and Fire Protection said. perience some delays or cancel- bits of burned bones and photo- Geological Survey. tained as of Monday evening. deadliest wildfi re in the state’s fi ce still has 993 names on it. Eff orts to suppress the fl ames lations because of the smoke. graphing everything that might “Those debris fl ows have the The cause of both fi res is under history as nearly 1,000 people That number has fl uctuated were likely to benefi t from a But heavy showers risk setting help identify victims. consistency of wet concrete and investigation but electric utilities remain missing. dramatically in the past week as storm expected to dump as much off mudslides in newly burned Intense fi re over the slopes of move faster than you can run,” reported localised equipment prob- The chance of fl oods or mud- additional people were reported as 10cm of rain north of San areas while also making it more canyons, hills and mountains he said. “It’s like a fl ood on ster- lems around the time they broke out. slides also could increase the missing or as some initially listed Francisco between late yesterday diffi cult for forensic teams sifting makes them more prone to land- oids...and a big one can take out PG&E Corp has said it could face misery of the evacuees, some of as unaccounted for either turn up and Friday. through cinders and debris for slides, by burning away veg- two-story buildings.” liability that exceeds its insurance whom are living in tents or sleep- alive or are identifi ed among the Containment lines have been additional human remains. etation and organic material that The number of residents need- coverage if its equipment were found ing in their cars. dead. built around 70% of its perim- Colleen Fitzpatrick, founder of normally holds soil in place. ing temporary shelter was unclear, to have caused the Camp Fire. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 21, 2018 15 ASIA allows appeal of jailed reporters to proceed

Reuters Reuters was unable to contact Suu Kyi said in September that due process violations, and the ters investigation into the killing Shahidul Alam, centre, speaks following his release from Dhaka the court outside offi ce hours. the jailing of the reporters had prosecution’s failure to prove of 10 Rohingya Muslim men and Central Jail, Keraniganj, near Dhaka, yesterday. “It is confi rmed that the case nothing to do with freedom of any of the key elements of the boys by security forces and local has been accepted,” said law- expression. crime.” Buddhists in western Myanmar’s yanmar’s High Court yer L Khun Ring Pan, a member In comments made the week Adler also said the court during an army has allowed an appeal of the defence team. “We hope after their conviction, she said shifted the burden of proof crackdown that began in August Mto proceed in the case that the High Court will fi nally they had been sentenced for from the prosecution to the last year. Bangladesh lensman of two Reuters reporters jailed provide justice for Wa Lone and handling offi cial secrets and Reuters reporters, and called on The operation sent more for seven years on charges of and declare them “were not jailed because they Myanmar to “uphold its stated than 700,000 people fl eeing to breaking the country’s Offi cial innocent.” were journalists”. dedication to rule of law, free- Bangladesh. freed after months Secrets Act, defence lawyers said Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Government spokesman Zaw dom of the press, and democ- During eight months of hear- yesterday. Soe Oo, 28, were found guilty Htay was not reachable for com- racy by ordering the release of ings, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe The appeal against the con- in September after a trial at ment yesterday. our colleagues”. Oo testifi ed that two policemen in detention viction, fi led earlier this month, a Yangon district court in a When lodging the appeal in In the next step of the appeal they had not met before handed cited evidence of a police set-up landmark case that has raised early November, Reuters editor- process, an appellate judge will them papers rolled up in a news- AFP a maximum 14 years in jail if and lack of proof of a crime. questions about Myanmar’s in-chief Stephen J Adler said: take written and oral arguments paper during a meeting at a Yan- Dhaka convicted. The lawyers did not specify progress towards democracy “The trial court’s ruling was from prosecution and defence gon restaurant on December 12. His lawyers have argued when the Yangon-based court and sparked an outcry from wrong. lawyers before handing down a Almost immediately after- Alam’s continued detention made its decision and there was diplomats and human rights “In condemning them as decision. wards, they said, they were bun- ward-winning Bang- was “a clear violation” of his no formal announcement from advocates. spies, it ignored compelling evi- Before their arrest, the report- dled into a car by plainclothes ladeshi photographer fundamental rights under the court. Myanmar leader Aung San dence of a police set-up, serious ers had been working on a Reu- offi cers. Aand activist Shahidul Bangladesh’s constitution. Alam was released from prison The photographer’s arrest yesterday after more than 100 triggered international protests Main opposition days behind bars, in a closely - with rights groups, Nobel lau- watched freedom of speech reates and academics calling for BNP says Internet Indian president visits Vietnam case. his release - and came after a se- cut to off ice The 63-year-old Alam was ries of mass rallies this summer arrested on August 5 for mak- after two teenagers were killed Bangladesh’s main opposition ing “false” and “provocative” by a speeding bus. party said yesterday that statements on Al Jazeera tel- The massive rallies evolved into authorities have cut Internet evision and Facebook during broader demonstrations against access at its headquarters after student protests. Hasina, who will seek a third con- its exiled acting chief conducted He was freed from Dhaka’s secutive term next month, and her interviews with potential election main jail yesterday after being Awami League party. candidates via Skype. granted bail last week, his wife Alam told Al Jazeera at the The Bangladesh Nationalist Party Rahnuma Ahmad said. time that the protests were (BNP) said that Internet access at “He is now heading home,” the result of pent-up anger at its Dhaka headquarters was cut she said. corruption and an “unelected late on Monday. He was being held under government... clinging on by “We don’t know who did it, but controversial internet laws brute force”. it was done to stop our acting which critics say have been He was arrested the same chairman from holding interviews wielded by Prime Minister day, with many other - on Skype,” party spokesman Sheikh Hasina to stifl e dissent ers held on similar charges as Sayrul Kabir Khan said. and harass journalists. authorities cracked down on Local media reported meanwhile Alam spoke briefl y to re- demonstrators. that Skype, the Internet telephone porters after he came out of Human Rights Watch ac- service, has also been cut prison to describe conditions cused Bangladesh of targeting nationwide but the national inside jail, Alam’s close asso- activists and journalists in the telecoms authority denied this, ciate Rezaur Rahman said. wake of the protests instead of suggesting there were technical The photographer had pre- prosecuting those who attacked problems instead. viously said he was badly students with fi sts and rods. BNP’s acting chief, Tarique beaten while in custody. Michelle Bachelet used her Rahman, who is living in exile in Although Alam was granted fi rst statement as UN High Com- Britain, had been helping interview bail for his release on Thurs- missioner for Human Rights to potential candidates ahead of day last week, he had to wait raise the issue of attacks on jour- general elections on December 30. another fi ve days to be set free nalists in Bangladesh. There is no immediate comment as the prosecution moved to In recent weeks, Hasina from police or off icials. appeal against the bail order. has been accused of stifl ing Bangladesh’s ruling Awami He had earlier applied un- dissent further by ratifying a League has complained to successfully for bail four controversial new digital-se- the election commission that times. curity law. Rahman’s participation in the Alam, whose work has ap- And a prominent critic of interviews was illegal as he has peared widely in global me- the government was arrested criminal convictions. Vietnamese President Nguyen Phu Trong, right, and his Indian counterpart Ram Nath Kovind shake hands at the Presidential palace dia and who founded the for defamation last month, Rahman was sentenced in absentia in Hanoi, Vietnam, yesterday. renowned Pathshala South days after he helped form an to life in prison last month over his Asian Media Institute, faces opposition coalition. role in the 2004 grenade attack on a political rally of current PM Sheikh Hasina. (AFP) Thai jails three for Country risks debt default, rhino horn haul Lanka reinstates top A public prosecutor and two Thais were sentenced for four years yesterday warns Lanka’s largest party after they were caught attempting to smuggle more than a dozen rhino detective after outcry horns worth $1.4mn through Bangkok’s AFP President Maithripala Sirise- International ratings agen- main airport last year. Colombo na then dissolved parliament cy Moody said its decision to The smugglers were caught with AFP sis as Sirisena struck up a new jegunaratne is evading arrest and called snap elections for downgrade Sri Lanka’s credit bulging bags of the contraband Colombo alliance with Rajapakse. while holding on to his offi cial January 5 – a decision later sus- rating from B1 to B2 refl ected ex- at Suvarnabhumi airport, An internal memo by police chief position. He denies the charges. ri Lanka’s largest party pended by the Supreme Court. ternal and internal issues, which accompanied by the senior justice Pujith Jayasundara – seen by AFP – Silva’a removal sparked a warned yesterday that the The parliament, restored by were “exacerbated most recently off icial who tried to sneak them ri Lankan police reversed said that Silva was being transferred chorus of protest. Sisland could default on court order, voted twice to top- by a political crisis which seems through customs undetected. yesterday a decision back to the Criminal Investiga- He is also lead investigator in its debt as Moody’s slashed its ple Rajapakse last week but he likely to have a lasting impact on The trio were convicted yesterday for Ssacking a top detective tion Division (CID) to meet “urgent several other high-profi le cases credit rating and a bitter power has also refused to step down, policy even if ostensibly resolved “illegally importing prohibited goods” investigating a string of high- service requirements”. involving the family of former struggle dragged into a fourth leaving Sri Lanka without a quickly.” and given four years in prison each, profi le gruesome cases in- Jayasundara had removed president Rajapakse. week. government since November 15. A credit downgrade means Sri according to a statement from Samut volving the rich and powerful, Silva on Sunday. Silva was also investigating The South Asian nation has Mangala Samaraweera, a Lanka would have to pay more Prakan provincial court where the following intense protests. This came after Silva had the 2009 assassination of high- been gripped by an unprec- member of Wickremesinghe’s by way of interest on its foreign trial took place. The island nation has been secured a court order to ar- profi le editor Lasantha Wickre- edented political crisis since the party who served as fi nance borrowings, because of a greater The two smugglers, Thitirat politically paralysed since rest Admiral Ravindra Wije- matunga. Military intelligence president sacked his prime min- minister until the chaos broke risk of default. Arai and Kansini Anutranusatra, October 26 when President gunaratne, the country’s most has been implicated in that kill- ister on October 26 and appoint- out, said he was worried the cri- The political unrest also saw the fled after they were stopped by Maithripala Sirisena contro- senior military offi cer. ing, which drew widespread in- ed former strongman Mahinda sis could lead the country into an International Monetary Fund (IMF) customs off icials who x-rayed the versially sacked prime minis- Wijegunaratne is accused of ternational condemnation. Rajapakse in his place. “economic abyss”. suspend a tranche of a $1.5bn bail- bag. They were later apprehended. ter Ranil Wickremesinghe and protecting a navy intelligence Following Silva’s removal, Ranil Wickremesinghe, the “If we don’t have a budget ap- out loan agreed to in 2016. The court said the deputy public replaced him with former rival offi cer who is the main accused Wickrematunga’s Melbourne- ousted premier and leader of proved in the next few weeks, Samaraweera said there was prosecutor, Woraphas Boonsri, Mahinda Rajapakse. in the abduction and killing based daughter Ahimsa in the United National Party – the the government will not be able a serious risk of the coun- tried to persuade customs off icers Removing detective Nis- of 11 children between 2008 a scathing open letter ac- largest single party in parlia- to spend any money from Janu- try defaulting on a $1bn sov- not to check the bag and off ered a hantha Silva was seen as the and 2009. cused President Sirisena of ment – refused to step down, ary 1, 2019,” he told reporters in ereign bond that matures on bribe to let the bags pass. (AFP) latest twist in the ongoing cri- Despite the court order, Wi- sabotaging the investigation. declaring his sacking illegal. Colombo. January 10. At this Nepali restaurant, biggest attraction is robot waiter AFP grammed her to understand both The team of 25 young engi- navigates the crowded res- Nepal,” said Neelam Kumar Bi- Kathmandu English and Nepali. neers – Raut is the oldest at 27 taurant carrying trays laden mali, a diner enjoying an evening The bilingual humanoid robot – worked for months to build the with food. meal with his family. – named Ginger after a common robot, welding and moulding the Customers order via a touch With its eyes on the global lease enjoy your meal, ingredient in Nepali cuisine – prototype by hand in their tiny screen menu fi tted into the ta- market, Paila Technology is says Nepal’s fi rst robot can even crack jokes like Apple’s three-roomed offi ce. bles, and Ginger is called to the in the process of patenting Pwaiter, Ginger, as she Siri or Amazon’s Alexa. What Nepal lacks in tech in- kitchen when dishes are ready. its design to sell at home and delivers a plate of steaming Three ‘Gingers’ work at Naulo frastructure the engineers made “It was a completely new ex- abroad. dumplings to a table of hungry restaurant in the dusty capital up for in ingenuity – Ginger’s perience,” said 73-year-old Sha- The World Economic Forum customers. Kathmandu, where pot-holed sleek-looking plastic body was likram Sharma, who was born recently predicted that by 2025 The poor Himalayan nation roads and crumbling buildings painted in a neighbourhood car before televisions were available more than half of all jobs will be is better known for its soaring still bear the scars of a powerful workshop. in Nepal. performed by robots – almost mountain peaks than techno- earthquake that hit more than Naulo opened its doors four Ginger has become quite a twice as many as today. logical prowess, but a group of three years ago. months ago and their robot selfi e-star and is often distract- That is a trend Ginger’s self-taught young innovators are “This is our testing ground. waiters have been a big draw, ed from her work by children creators are banking on. seeking to change that. We are fi ne-tuning it with re- attracting curious customers of keen to get a photo with the sleek At present, a few human wait- Local start-up Paaila Tech- sponses from our customers,” all ages. robot. ers help Ginger but an upgrade A Nepali-made robot waiter delivers food to customers at Naulo nology built Ginger, a 1.5m (5ft) Binay Raut, CEO of the com- Ginger, who is able to sense “They look so good. I could is in the works that should make restaurant in Kathmandu. tall robot, from scratch and pro- pany, said. movement and obstacles, deftly not believe they were made in Naulo entirely robot-run. Gulf Times 16 Wednesday, November 21, 2018 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

Singapore lawmaker blasts Facebook over refusal to take down ‘false’ post

Reuters state’s banks and Malaysia’s to. “It (Facebook) will allow itself Regarding its refusal to take down they are investigating a local blog, ment Authority this month said state, has previously sparred with Singapore scandal-linked 1MDB state fund, to be a platform for the spread of the post, Facebook earlier said in The Online Citizen, in relation to Facebook had declined its request the government over fake news. which the government said was lies, falsity, to poison and divide an e-mailed statement it did not an allegedly defamatory article. to take down a post linking to the In March, Law Minister K Shan- false and malicious. society through such lies, encour- have a policy “that prohibits al- “The Online Citizen article ... 1MDB article by an Australian- mugam questioned during a par- Singapore lawmaker hit “Facebook has ... given assur- age xenophobia, and profi t from leged falsehoods, apart from in made serious allegations that the based independent blogger. liamentary debate whether social out at Facebook yesterday, ances that it would work closely that,” added Tong, who is Singa- situations where this content government’s highest offi cers are “Facebook has declined to take media networks were capable of Asaying it had reneged on a with the Singapore authorities to pore’s senior minister of state for has the potential to contribute corrupt and that the constitution down a post that is clearly false, regulating themselves, while sen- promise to help rein in fake news swiftly address online falsehoods. law. to imminent violence or physical has been tampered with,” the po- defamatory and attacks Singa- ior Facebook executives pushed and calling for tougher regula- And yet, when there is an actual This month’s incident “rein- harm”. lice said, adding that laptops and pore, using falsehoods,” the law back at the idea of further laws to tions, which the social media fi rm falsehood that attacks Singapore, forces” the need for legislation, Contacted for comment fol- handphones were seized in con- ministry said in a statement on battle fake news. Singapore ranks has cautioned against. Facebook refuses to remove the said Tong, who is also on a panel lowing Tong’s remarks, a Fa- nection with the case. its website at the time. Facebook, 151 among 180 countries rated by The criticism follows Face- content,” Edwin Tong told parlia- of lawmakers that has recom- cebook spokeswoman referred The Online Citizen’s editor which has its Asia-Pacifi c head- the World Press Freedom Index book’s refusal this month of a ment. mended the government consider Reuters to the fi rm’s previous Terry Xu could not be immediate- quarters in Singapore and recently of Reporters Without Borders, a government request to remove It was not immediately clear legislation to tackle the spread of statement. Also yesterday, Sin- ly reached for comment. Singa- unveiled plans to invest $1bn in its non-government group that pro- an online article about the city- what assurances he was referring online falsehoods or ‘fake news’. gapore police said in a statement pore’s Infocomm Media Develop- fi rst Asian data centre in the city- motes freedom of information. Three held over ‘chilling’ terror plot in Melbourne

AFP Melbourne

hree men who allegedly plotted “chilling” ter- Police are seen outside one of the houses involved in counter-terrorism raids across the north-western Tror attacks in Melbourne suburbs in Melbourne. were charged early yesterday, less than two weeks after a stab- arrests had “neutralised any attack, we’ll allege the conse- Ashton said this may have led to bing rampage inspired by the Is- threat to the... community from quences would have been chill- their actions at home. “Unfor- lamic State terror group left two this group”. In the November 9 ing, with ... a potential signifi - tunately, the ISIS propaganda dead in Australia’s second city, attack, a Somali-born Austral- cant loss of human life,” said Ian machine and that of Al Qaeda police said. ian, Hassan Khalif Shire Ali, Mccartney, a federal counter- promotes this type of activity so The trio, all Australian na- stabbed and killed one man and terror police spokesman, in an- when people are prevented from tionals of Turkish descent, were wounded two others in a central nouncing the arrests. Australian travelling or it’s diffi cult to get detained by counter-terror po- shopping area before being shot police have charged 90 people in to the confl ict zone, often the lice in overnight raids as they dead by police. relation to 40 counter-terrorism view will be to change tack and escalated preparations to attack Coincidentally, the victim investigations since 2014, when commit an act in the country in crowded areas of Melbourne, of that attack, Sisto Malaspina, the country’s terror alert level which they live,” he said. according to police. 74, was honoured by a state fu- was raised to “probable”. Police said the probe which The three, two brothers aged neral in Melbourne yesterday. Melbourne has been the tar- led to yesterday’s arrests had 31 and 26 and 21-year-old, were Hundreds of Melbournians and get for a number of attacks and been complicated by the sus- later charged with planning a dignitaries attended a service at plots. In addition to the Novem- pects’ use of encrypted mes- terrorist action, which carries Melbourne’s St Patrick’s Cathe- ber 9 knife rampage, a 28-year- saging applications, prompting a maximum penalty of life in dral to bid farewell to Malaspina, old man was convicted on six the government to renew calls prison, offi cials said. Victoria the beloved owner of a local Ital- counts of murder last week for for urgent action on controver- Police Chief Commissioner Gra- ian cafe and a well-known fi gure mowing down dozens of peo- sial legislation that would allow ham Ashton said the men were on the city’s vibrant restaurant ple in the same street in January authorities to break the encryp- “certainly inspired by ISIS”, the Policemen stand guard outside one of the houses involved in counter-terrorism raids across the scene. 2017, and Shire Ali’s brother is tion. Islamic State group, but had no north-western suburbs in Melbourne, Australia, yesterday. The three arrested men were in jail awaiting trial for a plot to Home Aff airs Minister Peter known links to a specifi c organi- identifi ed by local media as Er- cause mass casualties last New Dutton said nine out of 10 of the sation. he said. The men had sought to gathering in the city. “There as possible,” Ashton told re- tunc and Samed Eriklioglu, Year’s in the city’s Federation high priority intelligence inves- They had been under inves- purchase semi-automatic .22 was a view towards a crowded porters. aged 30 and 26 respectively, and Square. tigations currently underway tigation since March but had calibre rifles and police were place, a place where maximum The group had not yet picked a Hanifi Halis, 21. Court offi cials Shire Ali, like the three men were being undermined by sus- become “more energised” since concerned they could target people would be attending, specifi c target or time for the at- could not immediately confi rm arrested yesterday, had his pass- pects’ use of encrypted messag- the IS-inspired stabbing attack upcoming Christmas season to be able to kill, we allege, as tack, and Ashton added that po- their identities. “If we had not port cancelled to keep him from ing. “That’s an unacceptable risk in Melbourne on November 9, events that will see huge crowds maximum an amount of people lice were confi dent yesterday’s acted early in preventing this joining ISIS in the Mideast, and in this environment,” he said.

Australia ‘likely’ to cut migration intake: PM Morrison

Australia is “likely” to cut its our economic success. in Australia. That would be my migration intake as its cities are But I also know Australians in expectation.” He will ask state China blames ‘excuses’ for “clogged,” Prime Minister Scott our biggest cities are concerned premiers to create their own Morrison has said. Morrison gave about population. They are population plans and discuss a speech late Monday in which he saying enough, enough, enough,” them at a meeting on December said his government will look to Morrison added. 12. Morrison, who faces an reduce the annual cap of 190,000 The number of migrants settling election by May, said “community lack of agreement at Apec permanent immigrants by around in Australia in the 12 months to sentiment” must be considered 30,000. Sydney and Melbourne, June 30 was 160,000, well below when deciding on migration the biggest cities, were victims the maximum allowed. “We’re levels. Latest figures show that Reuters Economic Co-operation (Apec) mies, including China, and it is just paying lip service,” foreign “of our own success ... roads are running 30,000 below where it 20% of Australia’s migrants Beijing summit in Port Moresby was obviously not in line with the ministry spokesman Geng Sh- clogged, the buses, trains and has been ... It wouldn’t surprise come from India, 15 per cent one of open disagreement, consensus principle adhered to uang told reporters, in reply to a schools are full,” he said. me if any process that we went from China and 9 per cent from topped by disputes between the by Apec.” Consensus is where question. “We hope these wor- “In Sydney, migrants accounted through would arrive in that sort Britain. In 2017, a total 262,489 major Asia-Pacifi c sum- US and China over trade, se- the value lies in Apec, Wang ries don’t come to pass.” for around 70% of population of territory. I believe that this is permanent and temporary visas mit’s failure to agree on curity and which would be the added. “It is in the joint inter- The trade spat between Chi- growth last year. Population likely to end up in revising down were granted, pushing Australia’s Aa communique resulted better investment partner for ests of all parties and cannot be na and the United States, the growth has played a key role in the permanent migration cap population past 25mn. from certain countries “excus- the region. For the fi rst time, the ignored and abandoned.” world’s two largest economies, ing” protectionism, a top Chi- gathered leaders failed to agree On Monday, China’s foreign has dragged down fi nancial nese diplomat said, in a veiled to a joint communique, against ministry said the United States, markets, with world stocks fall- criticism of Washington that the backdrop of the bitter trade whose delegation at the sum- ing on Monday partly due to the further sours the tone of China- war. mit was led by Vice President persistent tension. Repatriation ceremony US ties ahead of a G20 meet. The inability to reach a com- Mike Pence, attended Apec in a In one bright spot, however, After months of bicker- munique was “by no means “blaze of anger”, and that China Walt Disney Co received uncon- ing over a damaging trade war, accidental,” the Chinese gov- had not gone to “get into a box- ditional approval from China the disputed South China Sea ernment’s top diplomat, State ing ring”. Pence said the United for its deal to buy Twenty-First and US support for Chinese- Councillor Wang Yi, said in States would not back down Century Fox’s entertainment claimed Taiwan, the two na- comments on the foreign min- from the trade dispute, and assets, clearing one of the last tions’ presidents took a step istry’s website late on Monday. might even double tariff s, unless major hurdles it faced. Trump back from the edge with an ice- “It is mainly that individual Beijing bowed to US demands. has imposed tariff s on $250bn breaking telephone call early economies insisted on impos- China took a dig at Pence’s worth of Chinese imports to this month. ing their own texts on other pledge of $60bn in development force concessions on a list of While both US President parties, excusing protection- fi nancing for what the Trump demands that would change the Donald Trump and Chinese ism and unilateralism, and not administration calls the Indo- two countries’ terms of trade. President Xi Jinping expressed accepting reasonable revisions Pacifi c region, a promise widely China has responded with optimism about resolving their from the Chinese and other seen as Washington’s answer to import tariff s on US goods. trade war ahead of a planned parties,” the ministry cited Xi’s massive Belt and Road in- Washington wants Beijing to meeting at the G20 meeting Wang as saying, without nam- frastructure plan. improve market access and in- in Argentina at the end of next ing any country, in an oblique “We take note that some tellectual property protections week, relations have since fal- reference to the United States. voices worry whether the Unit- for US companies, cut industrial tered again. “This practice caused dissat- ed States can make good on its subsidies and reduce a $375-bn The weekend’s Asia-Pacifi c isfaction among many econo- promises and whether they’re trade gap.

Whale washed up in Indonesia had plastic waste in stomach

A sperm whale found dead in marine life including rays and outside the country. mismanaged plastic waste from a national park in Indonesia whales. Five Asian nations – China, populations living near coastal had nearly 6kg of plastic waste, The cause of death was not Indonesia, the Philippines, areas in 192 countries, has including 115 cups, in its stomach, known, but park off icials found Vietnam and Thailand – account pledged $1bn a year to reduce park off icials said yesterday. The plastic bottles, bags, sandals, for up to 60% of plastic waste marine plastic debris by 70% by 9.5-m (31.17ft) whale was found in and a sack with more than 1,000 leaking into oceans, said a 2015 2025. waters near Kapota Island, part pieces of string in the whale’s report by the environmental Wakatobi park planned to bury United Nations Command honour guards salute a casket containing the remains of an unidentified of the Wakatobi National Park, stomach. In June, the death of campaigner Ocean Conservancy the whale carcass at high tide UN forces soldier during a repatriation ceremony at a US Army base in Seoul yesterday. south east of Sulawesi, the park a pilot whale in Thailand with and the McKinsey Center for yesterday, and the remains The remains were recovered from a hill in South Korea’s Yanggu county in October of 2018. The said in a statement. The park 80 pieces of plastic rubbish in Business and Environment. would be used for study remains believed to be a US soldier killed during the 1950-53 Korean War will be returned to the is famous among divers for its its stomach garnered headlines Indonesia, ranked second behind purposes by the local marine soldier’s native land after forensic analysis in Hawaii. large area of reefs and diverse locally, but drew more attention China in the 2015 study of academy. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 21, 2018 17 BRITAIN UK should rethink role if Russian gets top job, say MPs

Guardian News and Media eran of the Russian interior min- president, South Korea’s Kim Prokopchuk, currently one of that if Prokopchuk won it would to try to persuade other countries, traordinary situation, to fi nd London istry, is one of two candidates Jong Yang, but declined to give Interpol’s vice-presidents, was be “an absolute insult to the vic- but stressed that the secretary- ourselves with the possibility of to replace Meng Hongwei, who details on what might happen if “directly responsible” for the tims of the Salisbury attack”. general of Interpol, Germany’s not just a fox in charge of the hen resigned last month after he was he lost. abuse of the organisation’s so- Baldwin confi rmed that the Jurgen Stock, was responsible for coop, but actually the assassin in he government is under detained in China over corrup- Baldwin was urged by MPs called red notice system to target UK was backing the alternative day-to-day operations, and that charge of the murder investiga- pressure from across the tion claims. The election takes from her own party, as well as Kremlin critics such as the US- candidate. the UK had a “very good working tion,” he said. Tpolitical spectrum to re- place today at Interpol’s general from Labour and the Liberal born British fi nancier William “We do not speculate on the relationship with him”. “Would (Baldwin) join with think the UK’s involvement in assembly in Dubai. Democrats, to consider the UK’s Browder. outcome of the election, but the The Tory MP Tom Tugendhat, me in saying that should this Interpol if the global policing Answering an urgent Com- future in Interpol if Prokopchuk “Can the minister confi rm UK supports the candidacy of who chairs the Commons for- outcome happen, we will have co-operation organisation elects mons question on the vote, the were to win. that the British government acting president Kim Jong Yang,” eign aff airs committee, said he to look very, very seriously about a Russian offi cial as president Foreign Offi ce minister Harriet Vince Cable, the LibDem is doing all it can to campaign she said. was alarmed by the prospect of our co-operation with an or- this week. Baldwin said the UK was back- leader who secured the ur- against the candidacy of Proko- She provided no details about Prokopchuk winning. ganisation so discredited and so Alexander Prokopchuk, a vet- ing the candidacy of the acting gent question on the issue, said pchuk?” Cable asked, adding what the government was doing “This is really quite an ex- corrupted?” PM heads to Brussels to fi nalise Brexit deal

Guardian News and Media to prepare Sunday’s European London council article 50 format (EU 27 leaders) and to ensure that we are in a position again, I repeat, heresa May is to travel to to endorse the draft withdrawal Brussels today evening agreement and approve the po- Tto fi nalise the Brexit deal litical declaration of the frame- in a meeting with the European work of the future relationship,” commission president, Jean- he said. “This is not a dinner, it is Claude Juncker. afternoon tea.” With talk of a backbench The EU’s chief Brexit ne- coup against the prime min- gotiator, Michel Barnier, told ister fizzling out, No 10 said MEPs in private that the polit- the prime minister would head ical declaration would be cir- Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg takes questions during a joint press conference of the European Research Group and Global Britain in central London yesterday. for discussions with Juncker culated shortly to a restricted “as part of the ongoing nego- group and offered some hope tiations over the future frame- to May that some of the de- work”. mands from member states for Downing Street and the com- the political declaration had mission have a deal in principle been resisted. on the withdrawal agreement Asked about the call for the concerning citizens’ rights, the UK to “dynamically align” on £39bn divorce bill and the Irish environmental, social and la- Tory MPs must topple border problem. Negotiations bour regulations, Barnier said continue over a separate docu- the EU had to be realistic and ment about the future relation- could not seek from the UK the ship. same standards outside the bloc May’s trip comes as the re- as inside it, sources said. cent pressure on her position He said he was also mindful slightly eases, with speculation to ensure any ambitious lan- May now: Rees-Mogg about an imminent leadership guage in the document did not challenge fading as Brexiter allow the Chequers proposals to Guardian News and Media said: “I would wait and see about to Sir Graham Brady, the chair would be triggered this week, Asked if it was a humiliation, rebels failed to amass the 48 let- come back in through the back London that.” of the backbenchers’ 1922 Com- and suggested more colleagues Rees-Mogg said: “I think this ters of no confi dence from Con- window, with them having been “Basically, if there is a vote mittee in order to trigger a full would follow if the prime min- is exaggerated language, it has servative MPs needed to trigger widely rejected as an attempt at of confi dence it is not just for a confi dence vote – 15% of the ister loses the vote on her Brexit been something not everyone a challenge. “a la carte membership of the acob Rees-Mogg has said year. Getting the 48 letters has parliamentary party. deal in parliament. wanted to do. That’s political She does, however, face a single market”. Conservative MPs must seize shown to be quite diffi cult, so the “Patience is a virtue, vir- “I made no forecast last week life. Not everyone will always parallel problem after the Dem- Earlier, the Spanish Foreign Jtheir chance to topple There- idea that in a year you just repeat tue is a grace,” Rees-Mogg about when the letters will come agree with me.” ocratic Unionist party, which Minister, Josep Borrell, and the sa May or face the prospect of the process and then she would said. “We will see what letters in, we’ll just have to wait and Rees-Mogg was speaking at keeps her in office, breached Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro her leading the party into the go at that point I don’t think that come in due time. Do 47 want see what people do,” he said. “I an event convened by the ERG its confidence and supply deal Sanchez, warned their country next election, though he denied is realistic. to come with me or not? I may haven’t been running a count. and Brexiter group Global Brit- with the Tories by failing to could withhold its support for Eurosceptics had been humiliat- “I think it is now or the prime find that they don’t or they What people do is a matter for ain, alongside former Brexit sec- back the government on a se- the entire package unless there ed by their failure so far to trigger minister will lead the Conserva- don’t do it today but when we them.” Asked if his argument retary David Davis, where the ries of budget votes on Monday was an explicit statement that a leadership vote. tives into the next election. You get the meaningful vote. That’s against the deal had been weak- panel had presented what they night. a future trade deal with the UK Rees-Mogg, the backbench fi nd MPs privately who will say a decision for them.” ened by the failure of MPs to claimed were “defeatist” fears The full text of a political would only cover Gibraltar if it Brexiter who chairs the Euro- to you they think that is a really Overnight, critics of the prime submit letters, he said: “It is about leaving the customs un- declaration on future EU-UK received Madrid’s consent. pean Research Group of Euro- good idea in any number and I minister did little to hide their not about the strength or weak- ion. relations was meant to be pub- “In the past 72 hours none sceptic MPs, said there were would be quite surprised.” frustration that a confi dence ness of the argument, it’s about Lord Lilley, the former Con- lished yesterday, but the tim- of the documents have clarifi ed very few of his colleagues who The number of letters publicly vote had not yet been triggered. whether tactically thinking now servative Cabinet minister and ing is now up in the air. The something which is fundamental wanted the prime minister to submitted to Brady declaring no Steve Baker, the former Brexit is the time to have a vote of con- one of the authors of the pam- commission’s chief spokesman for us,” Sanchez said yesterday continue to lead the party into confi dence in May reached 26 on minister and ERG member, sug- fi dence. phlet, said: “The proposed EU declined to say whether the morning. 2022. Monday, well short of the tally gested MPs who had promised to “I’m not making forecasts agreement is the result of de- document would appear before “Gibraltar is not part of the Asked whether it might prove needed, though Eurosceptic MPs submit letters had secretly not about when letters will go in. I’ve featist negotiating stemming or after May’s meeting with UK … As it stands, the (Spanish) diffi cult to secure the 158 votes insisted more had been submit- done so. said what I’ve said, some other from a complete lack of under- Juncker. government will vote against the needed to oust the prime min- ted privately. Rees-Mogg insisted he had people have followed, some peo- standing about how interna- “The aim of the meeting is Brexit agreement.” ister in a confi dence vote, he A total of 48 MPs must write not predicted that the contest ple are doing so privately.” tional trade actually works”.

Mental health conference Museum of London eyes Three hurt by steam water-cannon trucks at nuclear plant Reuters to hospital where they are re- London ceiving treatment for their Guardian News and Media £300,000 to the taxpayer, the an informal enquiry when the injuries...There was no risk to London museum is looking into pur- sale was fi rst discussed. Howev- the public during the incident chasing selected parts of the ve- er, with great regret, there were release of steam at a which is now under control,” hicles for its collection. legal reasons why the water can- nuclear power plant in- EDF Energy said. arts from Boris Johnson’s A spokesperson said: “Many non could not be sold. The water Ajured three workers but A spokeswoman for EDF useless water-cannon of our most interesting objects cannon says something interest- there was no risk to the public said a “full investigation” Ptrucks could be salvaged come from scrapheaps. Indeed, ing about how we police, or have and the incident was now un- would now be carried out to from the scrapheap and placed almost all archaeological fi nds chosen not to police, London.” der control, operator EDF En- determine the cause. “It goes in an exhibition, under plans be- are human waste of some sort. The museum’s spokesperson ergy said. without saying that every- ing considered by the Museum Whether it’s possible to salvage added: “Were it to be available There had been “a release of one’s thoughts are with our of London. a part of the water cannon from to us, a water cannon purchased clean steam from a non-nu- three colleagues who have The museum’s director, Sha- the scrapyard, I don’t know. But by a former London mayor could clear part of the plant”, an EDF been injured,” she said. “We ron Ament, revealed to the even a section of it could help to have been a signifi cant object spokesperson said of the inci- will be doing everything we Guardian that she had tried to tell a complex story about polic- within our collection and allow dent at the Heysham 1 power can to support them and their buy one of the three vehicles ing in the capital.” us to tell a complex story about station in Lancashire, north- families while they recover. outright after they were fi rst put Reclamations Ollerton, a modern policing in the city. Our ern England. Safety is our overriding prior- up for sale two years ago. scrap-metal yard in Notting- future home at West Smithfi eld “Emergency services at- ity and we will investigate how At the time, she was told they hamshire, confi rmed work had has much much more space to tended Heysham 1 power sta- this happened.” could not be sold to a museum already begun on breaking up display objects than our cur- tion following an incident at EDF added the incident for legal reasons. The previous the vehicles, which it purchased rent building at London Wall.” the site on Monday evening,” was not related to the nuclear owners, the German police, had for £3,675 each. One of the yard’s He went on: “Our curators keep EDF Energy said in a state- process The EDF website stipulated that they could only staff , who would only give his their ears to the ground to make ment. showed the two reactors at be sold on to a European policing name as John, said the water sure that at the very least we’re The British Offi ce for Nu- the plant were both in serv- or civil protection organisation. guns had already been removed considering signifi cant objects clear Regulation (ONR) said ice. After Johnson bought the ve- from the vehicles before they that tell important stories about yesterday it had launched an EDF Energy is part of French hicles they were banned for use were sold. contemporary London.” The investigation. utility company EDF and it in the UK by Theresa May when Ament had been hoping to museum is developing a reputa- EDF Energy is part of French operates 15 of Britain’s nucle- she was home secretary. And no acquire one of the vehicles as a tion for exhibiting artefacts as- Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, arrives to attend the utility EDF and operates 15 nu- ar reactors providing around other European authority want- way of drawing visitors to the sociated with stories in the news. inaugural ‘This Can Happen’ conference in London yesterday. clear reactors in Britain, which 20% of the country’s electric- ed to buy them. museum’s planned new site in Earlier this year it acquired part The conference brings together hundreds of delegates from provide around 20% of the ity.injuries... There was no But now that three trucks part of the former meat market of 250m fatberg extracted from the UK and further afield to share best practice in multiple country’s electricity. risk to the public during the have been sold to a reclamation at Smithfi eld, central London. London’s sewers for a temporary diff erent mental health fields. “The three colleagues who incident which is now under yard at a net loss of more than She said: “The museum made exhibition. were injured have been taken control” Gulf Times 18 Wednesday, November 21, 2018 BRITAIN

Most Black Friday ‘deals’ cheaper at other times, says Which?

Guardian News and Media afterwards. It found 87% of the good as they might appear. To cent years, Black Friday has vertised at £799 by Amazon on Amazon told Which?: “We this covers the Black Friday London items were cheaper at other bag a bargain, do your research become a near fortnight-long Black Friday, was £50 cheaper on offer many thousands of in- trading period.” times of year and nearly half were and don’t get carried away by the £10bn shopping extravaganza, at least 62 occasions after Black credible deals around Black A John Lewis spokesperson cheaper in the six months after hype when shopping in the up- largely online. Friday and dropped a further Friday representing millions of said that prices were matched hoppers are being warned Black Friday. coming sales.” Online transactions are ex- £150 for at least four days at the pounds of savings for our cus- throughout the year as part of to do their research ahead Alex Neill, the managing di- Black Friday, a day of pre- pected to rise by 4% for this end of December and beginning tomers across a vast selection of its “never knowingly under- Sof Black Friday after it rector of home products and Christmas discounting bor- year’s Black Friday, although that of January. products.” sold” commitment under which emerged that nearly nine in 10 services at Which?, said: “The rowed from the US, is officially is a lower pace of growth than re- A Sony Cyber-shot HX60B Currys PC World said it com- it matches competitors’ prices “deals” available last year had results of our investigation will on November 23, but several corded last year amid signs that Superzoom compact camera was municated clearly to shop- throughout the year. been even cheaper at other times. disappoint many who are ex- major retailers including Am- shoppers are becoming wary that advertised as £189 (save £10) on pers by stating exactly when An Argos spokesperson said: Consumer group Which? pecting nothing but bargains this azon, Argos and Currys PC “bargains” off ered may not be as Black Friday by Currys PC World, a product was available for a “During Black Friday our cus- tracked the prices of 94 popular Black Friday. World have already begun their attractive as they look. was found to be £10 cheaper at higher price: “While our prices tomers benefi t from a huge range products, including TVs, cam- “While retailers are bombard- sales campaigns. Although Which? analysed deals at lead- least 27 times in June and July – like all retailers – can fluctu- of deals on a wide range of prod- eras and fi tness trackers, on off er ing us with promises of great dis- some chains, including Marks & ing retailers Currys PC World, 2017 and £10 or more cheaper at ate throughout the year, we’re ucts, all at the same time. This over Black Friday 2017 from six counts and time-limited sales, Spencer and Asda, have stepped Amazon, John Lewis and Argos. least 43 times in the six months proud to offer our price prom- does not exclude these products months before until six months it’s clear that not all deals are as down their involvement in re- It found a 60-inch 4K LG TV, ad- following Black Friday. ise across our entire range – and from other promotions.”

Public ‘must Royal attendance Boost NHS not intervene Not aware when police funds for tackle violent northern off enders’ who was England:

Guardian News and Media academics London driving Guardian News and Media senior offi cer has warned London the public against helping Apolice deal with violent car: MP suspects, following anger about he north of England de- the failure of passersby to inter- serves a greater slice of vene during an attack on two of- Guardian News and Media don’t know. Both my brother TNHS funding to help it fi cers that was fi lmed and widely London and my mother have access close the health gap between the shared online. to my vehicle. I have aunts, region and the south and boost The Metropolitan police as- friends and family that I allow productivity, according to aca- sistant commissioner Sir Steve Labour MP accused of to use the car when I am in par- demics from six universities. House said people should only deliberately misleading liament,” she said. The so-called “northern help offi cers in such situations Athe police over a speed- Jeremy asked if she had asked powerhouse” area, which cov- “if they can safely do so”. ing ticket has admitted fail- either her brother or her mother ers 16mn people, should receive His words could be seen as a ing to ask either her brother if they were driving the car on a disproportionate share of the rebuke to the chairman of the or mother if they were driving that day or if they could say who £20.5bn extra a year the NHS Metropolitan Police Federation, when her Nissan Micra was was. “I haven’t,” she replied. has been promised by 2023, they Ken Marsh, who said violent caught speeding. “Aren’t you curious to know argue. suspects could go free if offi cers Fiona Onasanya, the MP for who was driving your car? You Increasing health spending were not backed up by members Peterborough, told the Old are an MP, a graduate and a so- per head in the region by as little of the public. Bailey on Monday it took a year licitor,” he said. as 1% could reduce the high rates He spoke out after video foot- for her to investigate whether Jeremy then asked: “You of illness and early death seen in age that showed two offi cers in a she could have been driving on don’t eliminate yourself?” She many parts of the north of Eng- violent struggle as they tried to July 24, 2017. replied: “No.” land, the experts say in a report make an arrest was shared thou- Under questioning yester- Jeremy said that if she published yesterday. sands of times on social media. day she said she had given her was driving she was not only Putting more NHS resources One was dragged around in the brother, Festus Onasanya, and speeding but also using her into health in northern England road while the other took a fl ying her mother access to the car mobile phone. Onasanya con- would inject as much as £13.2bn kick to the chest and was left lying keys but has never asked them fi rmed that this would be the into the economy because it feet from a passing bus. The foot- who was driving it on that case, if she was driving. would cut sick leave and boost age also showed several cars pass- night. She denies colluding Onasanya said she left a NIP output, says the report from the ing the incident without stopping. with her brother to pervert the letter at her mother’s address Northern Health Science Alli- Marsh, who represents thou- course of justice. for whoever was driving at the ance of universities, NHS trusts sands of police offi cers in the Festus Onasanya, 33, admit- time to reply to. and local councils in the area. capital, asked: “Are we now in ted three counts of perverting This was because she be- The authors, led by Clare a society where, if we think we the course of justice, a week lieved that she was working in Bambra, the professor of public can’t detain somebody, we just before he was due to face trial. parliament at the time of the health at Newcastle University, let them go? Fiona Onasanya has denied off ence. Now she understands also included academics from “It’s just not worth it. We perverting the course of jus- that parliament was in recess the universities of Lancaster, don’t come to work to get as- tice. on that date. Sheffi eld, York, Manchester and saulted and, if we’re not going to A notice of intended pros- The solicitor, who had been Liverpool. be backed up in what we’re do- ecution (NIP) form sent to the elected about a month before “We have a once in a gen- ing, then what is the point?” MP, a solicitor, was returned the incident, told the jury on eration opportunity to improve But in a statement yesterday, naming Aleks Antipow as be- Monday about her hectic rise health in the north, and we can- House cautioned against the ing behind the wheel on offi cial through politics. She arrived not ignore the profound links public getting involved. “While forms. in parliament with no staff and between health, the economy offi cers should never expect to Antipow previously lived in no offi ce and was given a laptop and productivity,” said Dame be attacked as part of their job, a Chesterton, Cambridge, at a and an iPad and told to start Jackie Daniel, the chief execu- core part of offi cer safety train- house rented by Onasanya and work, she said. tive of the Newcastle upon Tyne ing is ensuring they know how to her brother, the court heard. “It was massive. It was more NHS Foundation Trust. “This respond to volatile situations,” The prosecution claims he was a leap than a step. I didn’t have report makes a strong economic he said. at home with his parents in any expectations because I had argument for investing more “This training is substantial Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, leave after the Royal Variety Performance Russia at the time of the inci- no idea what it would be like. It money into the NHS in the north and delivered in accordance with in London. The Royal Variety Performance is a televised variety show held annually in the dent. was a little like being asked if you of England, where it can be more national guidelines, and we reg- to raise money for the Royal Variety Charity (of which Queen Elizabeth II is David Jeremy QC, prosecut- can swim and you say yes, I can eff ectively used to improve the ularly review it to make sure it is life-patron). ing, asked who was driving the get by, and then you get thrown life chances and the life expect- fi t for purpose.” car that day. Onasanya said: “I into the ocean,” she said. ancy of our population.”

Facebook, Twitter asked Friends jailed over to remove far-right video huge cyberattack Daily Mail len data. Some 1,707 tables with London 439,365,020 rows of data, more Guardian News and Media should be “gravely concerned” some of the best technological than 1.6mn of which were sensi- London about the group. minds. We do not understand why tive, were taken by hackers. Last week a British army veteran you have not prevented the up- wo young computer geeks Prosecuting, Peter Ratliff said: who served in Afghanistan and load and spread of the same illegal have been jailed for mas- “Hanley was, up until his arrest Ps have written to Fa- was described as an “outstanding” material after it has been so pub- Tterminding a catastrophic on October 31, 2015, a deter- cebook and Twitter soldier was among a group con- licly raised with your colleagues at data hack that cost TalkTalk mined and dedicated hacker. He Mdemanding they take victed of being members. Google/YouTube.” £77mn. was entirely aware of the risks he down an “abhorrent” video National Action was con- Cooper has demanded that Connor Allsopp and Matthew was taking and the illegality of supporting and promoting the nected to a plot to kill the Labour Twitter and Facebook explain by Hanley caused misery for thou- what he was doing.” banned far-right organisation MP Rosie Cooper. The plot was December 3: sands when they brought the mo- Hanley, 23, supplied material National Action. uncovered when a disillusioned • How and why a known video bile phone network to its knees. which allowed others to steal the Yvette Cooper, writing on be- member tipped off the campaign from a banned terrorist organisa- They were at the centre of a information and use it for fraud. half of the home aff airs select group Hope Not Hate. tion was allowed to be uploaded plot to steal sensitive customer He passed a computer fi le con- committee, told the social media In letters dated November 19, to, and remain publicly acces- data including banking details. taining personal data to Allsopp, giants it was “completely un- Cooper wrote: “National Action sible on, their platforms for so Although it was one of the biggest 21, before it was given to another acceptable” that the video was praised the man who murdered many months, and whether it is data breaches in history, Hanley hacker known as ‘Reign’. The still available on both platforms a member of parliament in June possible that it is still available. was jailed for just 12 months and only evidence against Hanley despite being taken down by 2016, and supported a recent plot • What steps were taken to Allsopp for eight at the Old Bailey. came from Skype conversations YouTube. to attack another. We are there- tackle National Action content Former TalkTalk chief ex- because he wiped his computer National Action, whose mem- fore extremely concerned that following the committee’s rais- ecutive Dido Harding received a fi les clean before he was arrested. bers praised the murder of Labour such abhorrent views are still ing of this issue with Google/ blackmail demand for more than In one conversation with MP Jo Cox in 2016, was proscribed being given a platform on Face- YouTube earlier this year. £285,000, sparking a Scotland a user called ‘Simplyediting’, as a terrorist organisation by the book/Twitter – especially when • Whether, and how, they Yard investigation. he boasted: “I’m dumping the government in December 2016. it is the same video that YouTube share information on known ille- The security breach began TalkTalk ISP database haha”. They have been found to be “in- have already accepted is illegal gal content with their colleagues in October 2015 when hackers When offi cers came to his house credibly active and still very much and have taken down. at other technological and social discovered weaknesses in how to arrest him he was in bed, and involved in extremist politics in “Your platform is one of the media companies. TalkTalk stored sensitive cus- told them: “I know who did it.” this country” by the anti-fascism most prominent in the world; you • What training their content tomer information. His barrister Darron White- organisation Hope Not Hate. have access to some of the most reviewers and moderators receive The alarm was sounded when head said he ‘joined the party’ of Mark Rowley, a former head of advanced technologies which you on identifying content relating Harding was sent a demand for up to 10 hackers and “the major- counter-terrorism for the Met- use extensively to prevent breach- to banned UK terrorist organisa- a ransom paid in Bitcoins in ex- ity of his actions were to gain re- ropolitan police, said the public es of copyright; and you employ tions and on far-right material. Yvette Cooper: ‘video completely unacceptable’. change for a huge cache of sto- spect among his peers.” Gulf Times Wednesday, November 21, 2018 19 EUROPE One killed, 49 injured as train Chemical arms body derails in Spain

AFP side of one carriage. Barcelona The train, which was travel- ling between Manresa and Bar- wins more funding celona, derailed due to a land- ne person was killed slide following several days of Russian bid to block chemical oppose the new attribution pow- weapons attacks in Syria. yesterday and 49 oth- heavy rain, rail operator Adif arms body’s new powers fails ers, insisted on a vote. Opponents said allocating Oers were injured, fi ve said in a statement. The OPCW also voted 82-30 new powers to identify perpetra- seriously, when a train de- The train’s driver saw the Reuters/AFP/DPA against Russia’s joint plan with tors will create more division at railed near Barcelona due to landslide and slammed the The Hague China to set up an “open-ended” the OPCW, where Russia, much a landslide caused by heavy emergency breaks but was un- group to scrutinise how the new like at the United Nations, has rains, emergency services and able to prevent the crash, Cata- powers would work. blocked eff orts to take action Spain’s rail operator said. lan newspaper El Periodico re- embers of the glo- Iran, Syria, Pakistan, South against its close ally Syria. Two carriages of a convoy ported. bal chemical weapons Africa, Palestine and Cuba were “This organisation will be left of six came off the tracks at The area was fi tted with net- Mwatchdog have over- among those that backed Russia. in shambles,” said Magzhan Il- 6.15am (0515 GMT) near the ting to hold back rocks “but it whelmingly rejected a Russian- The votes came at a time of yassov, Kazakhstan’s ambassa- town of Vacarisses, 35km (20 did not resist the landslide”, led push to undercut new powers heightened tension between dor to the OPCW, who supports miles) northeast of Barcelona, Transport Minister Jose Luis that allow the agency to point Russia, whose forces support Russia’s position. emergency services said on Abalos told news radio Cadena the fi nger of blame for the use of Syrian President Bashar al-As- He said the new team should Twitter. Ser. banned toxic munitions in Syria. sad, and the West over system- not be funded and that the Of the 133 people on board, He said his ministry would The full membership of the atic use of chemical weapons in OPCW “will continue to disinte- 44 were lightly injured, fi ve investigate the cause of the ac- Organisation for the Prohibition the Syrian war. grate and fall apart”. were seriously injured and one cident. of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Russian Foreign Minister Ser- Under the June decision, a new person died, it said. Landslides had already voted 99 to 27 in favour of pass- gei Lavrov said that giving the team of 10 specialists will start The train “braked hard”, one caused trains to derail in the ing an increased budget for 2019, OPCW additional powers over- work on Syria early next year. of the passengers, Mari Car- same area in 2009 and 2011, which will partly fund the West- stepped the boundaries of its The team’s mandate will later men, told Barcelona-based according to local press re- ern-backed new powers, and re- founding treaty, the 1997 Chemi- Lavrov: The new powers of a prosecutor are a gross violation of the be widened to identify those re- newspaper La Vanguardia. ports. jected proposals by Russia and cal Weapons Convention. Chemical Weapons Convention. sponsible for attacks worldwide. “The lights went out and No one was injured in the Iran aimed at blocking it. The new powers “of a pros- The OPCW’s new chief, Fern- there was a lot of confusion. derailment in 2009 but in 2011 “A clear majority against an ecutor are a gross violation of chemical strikes in Syria which tions-OPCW investigation until ando Arias, won support yester- We saw rocks on the track. I the 11 people suff ered mild in- attempt to wreck the historic the Chemical Weapons Conven- the West blames on Assad. its extension was vetoed by Rus- day for a budget increase of 3.6%, was frightened but emergency juries. June decision,” British ambas- tion, decisions of the UN Secu- Scores of attacks with sarin gas sia last year. to just below €70mn ($80mn), services arrived very quickly,” In 2013, 79 people died when sador to the OPCW Peter Wilson rity Council and contrary to the and chlorine have been carried China, which voted against the €2-2.5mn of which will partly she said. a train travelling from Madrid said on Twitter. “An overwhelm- position of the majority of states out in the Syrian confl ict by gov- budget, called for an end to the fund the new team. Images broadcast on Span- to the northwestern city of ing result, which clearly says parties to the convention”, he was ernment forces and rebel groups, “present atmosphere of polarity Winner of the Nobel Peace ish television showed rescue Santiago de Compostela came #NoToChemicalWeapons.” quoted by Sputnik News as say- according to a joint United Na- and politicisation”. Prize in 2013, the OPCW was set workers evacuating passen- off the tracks. Applause broke out at the ing. tions-OPCW investigation. Russia had lobbied strongly up by the 1997 Chemical Weap- gers. It was Spain’s worst train meeting in The Hague after Dutch authorities say they Yesterday OPCW members among OPCW members to win ons Convention under which al- Rocks were piled up on the wreck in decades. member states voted in favour of disrupted an attempted hack into voted down a Chinese-Russian a reversal of a decision in June to most every country in the world the 2019 budget. the Hague-based OPCW in April, proposal to block the new team adopt a British-led proposal to pledged to give up toxic arms. It was the fi rst time the OPCW when the watchdog was look- mandated with assigning blame set up a team to identify the or- The OPCW says it has overseen had ever voted on the budget, af- ing into both the attack on ex- for attacks in Syria, a power that ganisations or individuals who the destruction of 96.5% of the ter Russia and Iran, which both spy Sergei Skripal in Britain and had been with a joint United Na- are responsible for chemical world’s chemical arms stocks.

Kremlin critics seek to prevent Russian becoming Interpol head

Reuters born Kremlin critic , “If a Russian is president of London/Moscow at which both warned against this organisation, the Russian Prokopchuk’s election, saying will be acting on the instructions it would make it easier for the of ,” said Browder, wo of the Kremlin’s most Kremlin to manipulate Interpol. who used to support the presi- prominent critics joined Moscow has rejected such dent before becoming one of his Tforces yesterday to try to claims. most implacable international stop a Russian becoming the next “Appointing such a person critics. president of international police to the head of the international “To put his representative in organisation Interpol, saying policing organisation would not charge of the most important in- In this file photo taken on July 4 last year, Prokopchuk is seen with they feared Moscow would abuse only damage the reputation of ternational crime fi ghting organ- then-president Meng Hongwei at the opening of the Interpol World the post to hunt down its detrac- all Interpol member states, but isation is like putting the mafi a in Congress in Singapore. tors. would carry a grave threat to charge,” said Browder. Interpol’s general assembly those who may be considered Russian prosecutors said on ments to quit Interpol if Proko- plaining about what it called the is due to elect a new president potential victims of political per- Monday that they suspected pchuk is elected, while Britain unacceptable politicisation of today after incumbent Meng secution,” said Khodorkovsky. Browder of ordering a string of has said it is backing his South Interpol. “Alexander Prokopchuk Hongwei of China went missing Putin freed Khodorkovsky in murders, including of Magnitsky, Korean rival Kim Jong Yang, cur- has many years of experience in September. 2013 after he had spent a decade in a twist the fi nancier dismissed rently the organisation’s senior working in the law enforcement Beijing later said it had de- in jail for fraud, a charge Kho- as ludicrous. vice-president. sphere and is currently Interpol’s tained him in connection with a dorkovsky said was fabricated to On Monday, four US senators The Kremlin said yester- vice-president ... which con- bribery probe. punish him for funding political jointly urged President Donald day that opposition to Prokop- fi rms the trust and high esteem The battle to succeed him opposition to Putin. Trump to oppose Prokopchuk’s chuk’s candidacy by US senators in which his work in this interna- turned political after Alexan- The president has said that candidacy and accused Russia of amounted to election meddling. tional organisation is held.” der Prokopchuk, a former major he regards the businessman as a abusing Interpol to settle scores “This is probably a certain kind If elected, he would carry out general in Russia’s ministry of common thief. and harass dissidents by issuing of interference in the electoral his duties solely in Interpol’s own the interior, emerged as one of Browder, the head of invest- warrants, known as red notices, process of an international or- interests, the ministry said. the favourites to get the job, a ment fund Hermitage Capital for their arrest. ganisation,” Kremlin spokesman Interpol’s 194 member states prospect that alarmed critics of Management, has led a campaign Browder was briefl y detained Dmitry Peskov told reporters. each have a vote in today’s elec- President Vladimir Putin. to expose corruption and pun- by Spanish police in May on a Russia’s ministry of the inte- tion in Dubai, it said on its web- Yesterday Russian dissident ish Russian offi cials he blames Russian Interpol red notice that rior defended Prokopchuk. site. Emergency personnel are seen at the site where a commuter and former oil tycoon Mikhail for the death of lawyer Sergei was then deemed invalid. “We see a campaign aimed at The winner will serve the last train derailed in the town of Vacarisses, about 35km northeast of Khodorkovsky gave a news con- Magnitsky in 2009 in a Moscow Politicians in Lithuania and discrediting the Russian candi- two years of Meng Hongwei’s Barcelona. ference in London alongside US- prison. Ukraine have urged their govern- date,” it said in a statement, com- original four-year mandate.

EU migrant mission fi x needed Spanish PM opens door to early election

‘within weeks’, says Mogherini AFP But his Socialist party controls until the end of my mandate will failed secession attempt in the Madrid just 84 seats in the 350-seat par- be undermined,” the premier told wealthy northeastern region. liament, the smallest proportion a Madrid business conference. They therefore refuse to co- AFP for a government since the coun- The rise in the minimum wage operate with Sanchez on the Brussels panish Prime Minister try returned to democracy fol- would be “an important identity budget. Pedro Sanchez warned lowing dictator Francisco Fran- marker for a Socialist govern- Sanchez’s government has also Syesterday that he will call co’s death in 1975. ment like his” so failure to ap- struggled to move ahead with its he EU’s migrant mission an early general election unless For his draft budget to win ap- prove the budget would be a ma- plans to move Franco’s remains in the Mediterranean will parliament approves his minority proval, Sanchez needs the sup- jor setback for the government, from a vast mausoleum near Ma- Tcollapse if governments government’s draft 2019 budget, port of the parties that helped Paloma Roman, a politics pro- drid to a more discreet location. do not urgently agree on a tem- which is being blocked by Cata- bring him to power in June, in- fessor at Madrid’s Complutense Transport Minister Jose Luis porary fi x, the bloc’s diplomatic lan separatist parties. cluding Catalan separatists. University, told AFP. Abalos, a heavyweight in the chief warned yesterday. Sanchez, who took over in June They have so far steadfastly Catalan separatist parties, Socialist party who is close to European governments have from the conservative Mariano refused to back the spending plan which have lawmakers in the na- the prime minister, on Monday been unable to agree how to Rajoy after a surprise no-con- which includes a big rise in the tional parliament, are angry that raised the possibility of calling prolong Operation Sophia, set fi dence vote, has up until now minimum wage. prosecutors have called for pro- snap polls to coincide with Eu- up at the height of the migrant vowed to stay in offi ce until 2020 “If we are not able to approve independence leaders to be jailed ropean, regional and municipal crisis to tackle people smug- when the next election is due. the budget, my mission to serve for up to 25 years over last year’s elections on May 26. gling, when it runs out in De- cember. Mogherini: the ministers either find an interim solution within Italy’s populist government weeks or we will need to dismantle the operation. wants to change the mission so that disembarkation ports, ple of weeks or we will need to not have to carry the burden of where asylum requests are dismantle the operation and the dealing with migrants rescued Ex-gangster shot dead after launch of his book processed, are shared among operation will come to an end,” at sea on its own and it is time several member states. she said. “This would mean no other EU states take in more. A fresh bid to solve the prob- presence at sea from the EU, Eff orts to adjust Operation Reuters Nedim Yasar, 31, made a name gunman who fl ed the scene. make a diff erence for others. My lem at a meeting of EU defence no training of the Libyan coast Sophia have beached on the Copenhagen for himself as a radio host after Danish Justice Soren Pape thoughts and compassion go to ministers ended yesterday guard, no dismantling of the broader question of how to re- quitting Los Guerreros, a Copen- Poulsen paid tribute to Yasar, his friends and family,” Poulsen without agreement and EU dip- networks of smugglers, no ar- form the EU’s so-called Dublin hagen gang involved in the drugs who was born in Turkey and tweeted. lomatic chief Federica Mogh- rest from the asylum rules. former Danish gang leader trade. came to Denmark at the age of According to news agency Rit- erini warned that time was run- side of the smugglers, no au- But Mogherini said it should died of gunshot wounds His book, Roots, about pulling four, according to newspaper zau, Yasar decided to leave his ning out. thorisation of vessels, no arms be possible to fi nd an interim Ayesterday as his memoir himself out of crime, was pub- Politiken. gang and join an exit programme “I clearly said to the ministers embargo implementation and solution to the disembarkation on leaving the criminal under- lished yesterday. “How sad and infi nitely mean- after he learned he was going to that either they fi nd an interim so on and so forth.” problem that would not create world went on sale. At least two shots were fi red ingless. I met Nedim once. I met become a father. solution on the issue of disem- Rome’s right-wing, nation- a precedent for renegotiation of He was shot a day earlier after at Yasar when he was leaving a man who with all his heart He often spoke of his life expe- barkation within the next cou- alist government says it should the Dublin rules. an event to launch the book. the book launch on Monday by a wanted to create and new life and riences on his radio show. Gulf Times 20 Wednesday, November 21, 2018 EUROPE

Bosnia Erdogan rejects European swears in presidents

AFP court call to free Demirtas Sarajevo

AFP/Reuters/DPA the applicant’s pre-trial deten- binding on Turkey, a member osnia swore-in its three Strasbourg tion,” and ordered Turkey to pay state of the Council of Europe, presidents yesterday, Demirtas €10,000 ($11,500) in within three months once it is fi - Bwith all eyes on Serb na- damages and €15,000 towards nal – unless the court’s expand- tionalist Milorad Dodik, who urkish President Recep his legal costs. ed Grand Chamber agrees to will be the fi rst to take the helm Tayyip Erdogan summar- Following the ruling, Demir- hear an appeal from either side. of a government riven by ethnic Tily rejected the ruling of tas’ lawyer, Mahsuni Karaman, Turkey has in the past usually divides. Europe’s top rights court which said he had applied for the poli- complied with its fi ndings. The three men will rotate seats called on Ankara to release tician’s immediate release at a Erdogan said Turkey would every eight months under the pro-Kurdish leader Selahattin criminal court in Ankara. take steps against the ruling, ar- complex peace deal that ended Demirtas, who has been held for A Turkish judge on the seven- guing that the ECHR “was never Bosnia’s 1990s war and split two years on terror charges. justice ECHR panel, Isil Karakas, able to come and curb terror in power between its three main “The decisions delivered by expressed a partly dissenting Turkey. Terror continued and it groups: Bosnian Muslims (Bos- the European Court of Human view from the majority opinion, continues likewise right now”. niaks), Serbs and Croats. Rights (ECHR) do not bind us,” saying that it was not clear that Erdogan’s claim that Turkey In October voters chose na- he was quoted as saying by the Demirtas’s detention was politi- will not be bound by its latest tionalists to represent the fi rst state-run Anadolu news agen- cally motivated. decision is likely to add to ten- two communities, in a sign cy after a meeting of his ruling Demirtas and former fellow sions between Ankara and the of how tribalism continues to party. HDP co-leader Figen Yuksekdag Council of Europe, the pan-Eu- shape politics more than two “There are many things we were among 12 MPs jailed in No- ropean rights body that oversees decades after the war. can do in response. We’ll make vember 2016 as part of a mass the ECHR. our counter move and fi nish the Erdogan: There are many things we can do in response. We’ll make our counter move and finish the job. crackdown after a failed coup in “Under Article 46 of the “It is currently very job,” Erdogan told reporters in July 2016. convention all member states diffi cult to fi nd a common parliament, without elaborat- Kurdish Obama, is charged with cion” of committing a crime. dum on expanding Erdogan’s Tens of thousands of people, are bound by the rulings of the denominator between ing. a string of off ences, including However, it said that the rea- powers and June 2018 presi- including politicians, academ- court,” a spokesman for the Dodik, Komsic and Justice Minister Abdulhamit terrorist propaganda, for which sons given for keeping him be- dential polls in which Demirtas ics and journalists, were arrested 47-nation council said yester- Dzaferovic for constructive Gul said the fi nal decision on he faces up to 142 years’ impris- hind bars were not “suffi cient”. ran as a candidate – was aimed under a two-year state of emer- day. work” Demirtas’s cases would be made onment. Demirtas was unable to fulfi ll at “stifl ing pluralism and limit- gency. In February, the council’s by the Turkish judiciary. He denies all the charges and his duties as an MP, the court ing freedom of political debate, In June, Demirtas ran for pres- chief Thorbjorn Jagland warned The three men took their Demirtas, one of two former claims the case against him is noted, calling it “an unjusti- which was at the very core of the ident from prison, coming third Turkey against “casting the net oaths inside Sarajevo’s presiden- co-leaders of the leftist Peoples’ politically motivated. fi ed interference with the free concept of a democratic soci- with 8.4% of the vote behind Er- too widely” in the mass crack- cy building before several dozen Democratic Party (HDP), was In a ruling keenly awaited by expression of the opinion of the ety”, the judges added. dogan and Muharrem Ince, can- down that followed the failed ambassadors and politicians. arrested in November 2016 over his supporters, the ECHR in the people and with his right to be “The court therefore held, didate of the main opposition 2016 coup, saying the situa- Dodik, a pro-Russian politi- his alleged links to Kurdish mili- French city of Strasbourg said it elected and to sit in parliament”. unanimously, that the respond- group, the Republican People’s tion had resulted in a backlog of cian who is sanctioned by the tants. accepted that Demirtas had been The extension of his detention ent state was to take all neces- Party (CHP). rights complaints at the ECHR. US, will co-lead with Bosnian The 45-year-old, dubbed the arrested on “reasonable suspi- – during an April 2017 referen- sary measures to put an end to The ECHR ruling becomes Muslim president Sefi k Dzafer- ovic, who hails from the nation- alist conservative SDA party, Turkey may seek UN inquiry over Khashoggi killing and Croat president Zeljko Komsic. Komsic, a Social Democrat, Turkey is not entirely satisfied told reporters, adding that if “highest levels” of the Saudi Attacker ‘critical’ after stabbing is an outlier among the two na- with the level of co-operation liaising with Riyadh came to a government. Saudi Arabia has tionalists and has called for a it is receiving from Saudi standstill, Ankara could seek a denied that the prince ordered “Bosnia of citizens” that would Arabia over the killing of formal UN inquiry. Khashoggi’s killing. outside Brussels police station transcend communal divisions. journalist Jamal Khashoggi Khashoggi, a US-based US President Donald Trump But he is already facing at- and may seek a formal United Washington Post columnist yesterday vowed to remain a tacks from the main right-wing Nations inquiry over the who was a critic of the Saudi “steadfast partner” of Saudi AFP investigating magistrate will if this was a terrorist act,” it Croat party that accuses him of issue if its liaising with Riyadh government run by Crown Arabia, despite saying that Brussels open an inquiry into possible added. betraying his people and now comes to an impasse, Turkish Prince Mohamed bin Salman, the Saudi crown prince may “attempted murder in a terror- Earlier, Belgian Interior threatens to obstruct activity in foreign minister Mevlut was killed in October at the have known about the plan ist context”, but that a motive Minister Jan Jambon said the parliament. Cavusoglu said yesterday. Saudi consulate in Istanbul. to murder the dissident Brussels police offi cer had not been established. suspect in the “cowardly at- “It is currently very diffi cult Speaking to reporters in After off ering numerous journalist last month. was wounded and a ter- Federal prosecutors, who tack” was not listed in Bel- to fi nd a common denomina- Washington after meeting contradictory explanations for Turkey has also handed to Arorism inquiry has been would oversee a terrorist case, gium’s counter-terrorism da- tor between Dodik, Komsic and with US Secretary of State Khashoggi’s disappearance, the United States a list of launched after pre-dawn knife have not yet joined the investi- tabase. Dzaferovic for constructive Mike Pompeo, Cavusoglu said Riyadh said last week he 84 individuals that it wants attack yesterday, Belgian offi - gation. The assailant stabbed the of- work,” Bosnian political journal- Turkey has shared the latest had been killed and his extradited, Cavusoglu said, cials said. “The suspect had several fi cer outside the central police ist Ranko Mavrak said. “These information on the Khashoggi body dismembered when over their links with Islamic The suspect in the attack kitchen knives in (his posses- station in Brussels’ historic city three will have to decide wheth- killing with the United States “negotiations” to convince cleric Fethullah Gulen, blamed was shot by two of the offi cer’s sion) and stabbed the offi cer centre at 5.30am (0430 GMT), er they want to act as a body that and repeated Ankara’s stance him to return to Saudi Arabia by Ankara for orchestrating a colleagues and has also been several times,” the prosecutor’s police spokeswoman Ilse van de seeks points of agreement or that the truth had to come out failed. 2016 coup attempt. hospitalised in a “critical con- offi ce said, adding that the of- Keere told AFP. creates problems.” on who gave the orders to kill The public prosecutor said it Gulen denies involvement. dition”. fi cer had been treated for a neck Despite the incident, Macron While the Dayton Peace Ac- the journalist. would seek the death penalty He added that Ankara had The stabbing came during a wound and was expected to later visited a cultural centre cords that designed Bosnia’s “The co-operation with Saudi for five suspects in the case. passed on the list following state visit to Belgium by French survive. around 1km away in Molenbeek, power-sharing arrangement Arabia (over Khashoggi) is Turkish President Tayyip a telephone conversation President Emmanuel Macron “Several witnesses report home of some of the religious ended a devastating war, critics not at a level where we would Erdogan has said the between Erdogan and Trump. that has revived memories of hearing the suspect say ‘Allahu extremists who carried out the say the system has entrenched want it to be,” Cavusoglu killing was ordered at the –Reuters the Paris and Brussels attacks. Akbar’,” the statement said. 2015 Paris attacks that left 130 communal divisions and ham- Brussels prosecutors said an “The inquiry will determine people dead. pered eff ective governance. Khashoggi case catalyst for Saudi royal upheaval

After Khashoggi murder, He was one of only three peo- a defi nitive report on the killing The CIA believes the crown According to one well-placed some Saudi royals turn ple on the Allegiance Council, from the intelligence community. prince ordered the killing, ac- Saudi source, many princes from against king’s favourite son made up of the ruling family’s The offi cial also said the White cording to US sources familiar senior circles in the family be- senior members, who opposed House saw it as noteworthy that with the assessment. lieve a change in the line of suc- Reuters MbS becoming crown prince in King Salman seemed to stand Saudi Arabia’s public pros- cession “would not provoke any London 2017, two Saudi sources said at by his son in a speech in Riyadh ecutor has said the crown prince resistance from the security or the time. on Monday and made no direct knew nothing of the killing. intelligence bodies he controls” Neither Prince Ahmed nor his reference to Khashoggi’s killing, The international uproar has because of their loyalty to the mid international uproar representatives could be reached except to praise the Saudi public piled pressure on a royal court wider family. over the killing of journal- for comment. prosecutor. already divided over 33-year-old “They (the security appara- Aist Jamal Khashoggi, some Offi cials in Riyadh did not im- President Donald Trump on Prince Mohamed’s rapid rise to tus) will follow any consensus members of Saudi Arabia’s ruling mediately respond to requests Saturday called the CIA as- power. reached by the family.” family are agitating to prevent from Reuters for comment on sessment that MbS ordered Since his ascension, the prince Officials in Riyadh did not Crown Prince Mohamed bin Sal- succession issues. Khashoggi’s killing “very prema- has gained popular support with respond to a request for com- man from becoming king, three The House of Saud is made up ture” but “possible”, and said he high-profi le social and economic ment. sources close to the royal court of hundreds of princes. would receive a complete report reforms including ending a ban The United States, a key ally in said. Unlike typical European mon- on the case this week. on women driving and open- economic and security terms, is Dozens of princes and cous- archies, there is no automatic A White House offi cial referred ing cinemas in the conservative likely to be a determining factor ins from powerful branches of succession from father to eldest Reuters to those comments and kingdom. in how matters unfold in Saudi the al-Saud family want to see a son. had “nothing else to add at this His reforms have been ac- Arabia, the Saudi sources and change in the line of succession Instead the kingdom’s tribal time”. companied by a crackdown on diplomats say. but would not act while King traditions dictate that the king The Saudi sources said that dissent, a purge of top royals Trump and his son-in-law and Salman – the crown prince’s and senior family members from US offi cials had cooled on MbS and businessmen on corrup- adviser Jared Kushner have cul- 82-year-old father – is still alive, each branch select the heir they not only because of his suspected tion charges, and a costly war in tivated deep personal relation- the sources said. consider fi ttest to lead. role in the murder of Khashoggi. Yemen. ships with the crown prince. Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz (right) and Prince Mohamed bin Nayef. They recognise that the king Senior US offi cials have indi- They are also rankled because He has also marginalised sen- One Saudi insider said MbS is unlikely to turn against his fa- cated to Saudi advisers in recent the crown prince recently urged ior members of the royal fam- feels he still has their support to be a conspiracy against the has destroyed the institutional vourite son, known in the West weeks that they would support the Saudi defence ministry to ily and consolidated control over and is willing to “roll some heads kingdom. pillars of nearly a century of al- as MbS. Prince Ahmed, who was deputy explore alternative weapons sup- Saudi’s security and intelligence to appease the US.” But they added that he looked Saud rule: the family, the cler- Rather, they are discussing interior minister for nearly 40 plies from Russia, the sources agencies. But Trump and top adminis- burdened and worried. ics, the tribes, and the merchant the possibility with other fam- years, as a potential successor, said. He fi rst ousted then-powerful tration offi cials have said Saudi When the king dies or is families. ily members that after the king’s according to Saudi sources with In a letter dated May 15, seen crown prince and interior min- offi cials should be held to ac- no longer be able to rule, the They say this is seen inside the death, Prince Ahmed bin Ab- direct knowledge of the consul- by Reuters, the crown prince re- ister Mohamed bin Nayef (MbN), count for any involvement in 34-member Allegiance Council, family as destabilising. dulaziz, 76, a younger full broth- tations. quested that the defence minis- 59, in June 2017. Khashoggi’s death and have im- a body representing each line of Despite the controversy over er of King Salman and uncle of These Saudi sources said try “focus on purchasing weapon Then he removed Prince Miteb posed sanctions on 17 Saudis for the ruling family to lend legiti- Khashoggi’s killing, MbS is con- the crown prince, could take the they were confi dent that Prince systems and equipment in the bin Abdullah, 65, son of the late their alleged role – including one macy to succession decisions, tinuing to pursue his agenda. throne, according to the sources. Ahmed would not change or re- most pressing fi elds” and get King Abdullah, as head of the of MbS’s closest aides. would not automatically declare Some insiders believe he built Prince Ahmed, King Salman’s verse any of the social or eco- training on them, including the National Guard and detained US lawmakers are meanwhile MbS the new king. his father a new but remote Red only surviving full brother, would nomic reforms enacted by MbS, Russian S-400 surface-to-air him as part of an anti-corruption pushing legislation to punish Even as crown prince, MbS Sea palace in Sharma, at the have the support of family mem- would honour existing mili- missile system. campaign. Riyadh for the killing, and both would still need the council to Neom City development site – bers, the security apparatus and tary procurement contracts and Neither the Russian defence Some 30 other princes were Republican and Democratic ratify his ascension, one of the thrown up in a record one year at some Western powers, one of the would restore the unity of the ministry nor offi cials in Riyadh also arrested, mistreated, hu- senators have urged Trump to get three Saudi sources said. a cost of $2bn – as a gilded cage Saudi sources said. family. immediately responded to Reu- miliated and stripped of their tough on the crown prince. While the council accepted for his retirement. Prince Ahmed returned to One senior US offi cial said the ters requests for comment. wealth, even as MbS splashed King Salman, 82, is aware of King Salman’s wish to make MbS The site is isolated, the closest Riyadh in October after 2-1/2 White House is in no hurry to The brutal killing of Khashog- out on palaces, a $500mn yacht, the consequences of a major crown prince, it would not nec- city of Tabouk more than 100km months abroad. distance itself from the crown gi, a prominent critic of the and set a new record in the in- clash with the United States and essarily accept MbS becoming (60 miles) away. During the trip, he appeared prince despite pressure from crown prince, in the Saudi con- ternational art market with the the possibility that Congress king when his father dies, es- Residence there would keep to criticise the Saudi leadership lawmakers and the Central In- sulate in Istanbul last month has purchase of a painting by Italian could try to freeze Saudi assets. pecially given that he sought to the king out of the loop on most while responding to protest- telligence Agency (CIA)’s as- drawn global condemnation, in- Renaissance engineer and paint- Those who have met the king marginalise council members. aff airs of state, one of the sources ers outside a London residence sessment that MbS ordered cluding from many politicians er Leonardo Da Vinci. recently say he appeared to be in Offi cials in Riyadh did not re- close to the royal family said. chanting for the downfall of the Khashoggi’s murder, though that and offi cials in the United States, The entire House of Saud has denial about the role of MbS in spond to a request for comment. Offi cials in Riyadh did not re- al-Saud dynasty. could change once Trump gets a key Saudi ally. emerged weakened as a result. what happened, believing there The Saudi sources say MbS spond to a request for comment. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 21, 2018 21 INDIA Modi’s anti-corruption plank in tatters, says Congress

IANS CBI offi cer M K Sinha made ‘Chowkidar Chor Hai’ is under- such as the CBI, Enforcement that all his misdeeds have start- Grievances and Pensions, in not inclined to hear the mat- New Delhi the allegations in the the Su- way in Delhi,” Congress presi- Directorate (ED), Research and ed to come out in the open,” he charge of the PMO, being in- ter today” after a news portal preme Court, the Congress de- dent Rahul Gandhi tweeted in an Analysis Wing (R&AW) and said, asserting Sinha’s affi davit volved to ‘settle’ a matter for carried extracts of Verma’s re- manded answers from Modi and apparent reference to the prime the Prime Minister’s Office has “conclusively exposed the Haribhai Choudhary,” asked sponse. he Congress yester- questioned Doval’s constitu- minister. (PMO). underbelly” of the BJP govern- Singhvi. Gogoi also said one of the two day said Prime Minister tional or legal authority to inter- Later addressing a media con- “The plank of anti-corruption ment. Meanwhile, taking exception judges on the bench Justice San- TNarendra Modi’s plank of fere with probe agency’s func- ference, Congress leader Ab- on which the Modi government “Doval in his capacity as NSA to a leak of CBI Director Alok jay Kishan Kaul and Justice K M anti-corruption was in tatters. tioning. hishek Manu Singhvi said the came to power lies in tatters. has not only interfered in mat- Verma’s response to the Chief Joseph – “will be away from to- The opposition party’s reac- Sinha alleged Doval stymied “turmoil created by a despotic What is however deafening is ters such as the Rafale nego- Vigilance Commissioner’s re- night”. tion came after a senior Central investigation of bribery charges Modi government in the CBI has the silence of the Modi govern- tiations, but has almost derailed port submitted in a sealed cover Venting its anguish over the Bureau of Investigation offi cer against CBI Special Director now unleashed a corruption tsu- ment,” said Singhvi. the integrity of the investigation a day ago, the Supreme Court manner in which applications accused top government offi - Rakesh Asthana, and also said nami which has hit the top-most Singhvi also wondered why by the CBI. What constitutional yesterday adjourned hearing of mentioned before the court on cials, including National Secu- that “a few crore of rupees were powers of the country”. none of those named or men- or legal authority does he have?” the case till November 29. Monday reached the media, CJI rity Adviser Ajit Doval, of infl u- paid to Minister of State for Coal He said that Sinha’s affidavit tioned in the affi davit has spoken he asked. A visibly unhappy Chief Jus- Gogoi said: “This court is not a encing the agency’s functioning and Mines Haribhai Parthibhai before the court has confirmed a word in their defence. “What does the prime minis- tice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi, platform. This is a place where and a federal minister being Chaudhari”. that a “corrupt cabal” was in “In his rallies today, Modi ter have to say about a minister in a brief order, said “for rea- adjudication of rights takes bribed. “A crime thriller called charge of premier institutions looked visibly rattled and upset of State for Personnel, Public sons not to be recorded, we are place. We intend to set it right.” PM: Congress means nepotism and corruption

IANS man, for the needy. We have Rewa, Madhya Pradesh tried to come good on these counts,” he said. Meanwhile, Congress presi- ongress means “nepo- dent Rahul Gandhi said the tism” and “corruption”, BJP-Rashtriya Swayamsevak CPrime Minister Narendra Sangh combine, which has a Modi said yesterday. “divisive ideology”, was pen- Speaking at a rally in Rewa etrating its people into govern- in election-bound Madhya ment institutions in order to Pradesh, Modi said the Congress destroy the country’s demo- kept the people of the central cratic structure. state in “darkness” during its 55- Addressing an election rally year rule. in Champhai in Mizoram, Gan- “From wherever Congress is dhi said the saff ron outfi ts were voted out of power, it doesn’t planning to enter the northeast- come back. Please don’t let it ern state through local organisa- come back in Madhya Pradesh. tions such as the Mizoram Na- Congress means nepotism, tional Front. casteism, communalism, and He said the BJP and RSS know People celebrate outside the Patiala House Court after Additional Sessions Judge Ajay Pandey awarded the death penalty to Yashpal Singh and sentenced Naresh Sherawat to corruption. Congress means they will not win the the 2019 life imprisonment in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, in New Delhi yesterday. people may die if they wish,” general election. Modi said. “They know they are unlikely He accused the Congress of to win the next elections. Not obstructing the work of succes- just in Mizoram but across In- sive Bharatiya Janata Party gov- dia. They are placing their peo- ernments in the state for the last ple in places like governors, at- 15 years. tacking the CBI (Central Bureau “People gave us 15 years, but of Investigation), RBI (Reserve during 10 years of these, Delhi Bank of India), ECI (Election Convict in anti-Sikh riots had a government governed Commission of India) so as to through a remote control, run attack the democratic institu- by madam, whose ears used to tions. The idea is that even if prick at the mention of BJP...‘we they lose, they will have their won’t let him (Chouhan) accom- people.” plish anything’,” Modi said, re- He attacked the prime minis- ferring to Sonia Gandhi. ter over the ongoing controver- case sentenced to death “For 10 years, Madhya Pradesh sies related to the Rafale deal and government had to fi ght eve- said Modi bought the fi ghter jets Agencies death, and Naresh Sherawat for ous weapons with the intention vestigation had blamed senior cases, said that yesterday’s ver- ryday for their rights and they at a higher cost than what was New Delhi killing two Sikhs and injuring to kill. They then threw them Congress leader Sajjan Kumar dict was the beginning of deliv- (Congress) put road blocks in fi nalised during the Congress three of their relatives during down from the fi rst fl oor caus- for inciting the mobs, but he ery of justice. our every work for 10 years. In rule. the riots in the Mahipalpur area ing their death. was acquitted by a court in 2013. “This is a great verdict. We true sense, the Madhya Pradesh Gandhi said that the Con- New Delhi court yes- of Delhi. Few have been brought to This is the fi rst verdict in a are thankful to the judge for this government only got a chance to gress believed in the ideology of terday handed down a The 1984 carnage erupted justice over the massacre, with group of cases reopened for in- bold decision and this is the be- work in the last four years (co- harmony among diff erent peo- Arare death sentence over just hours after then prime government-appointed com- vestigation by a special investi- ginning of delivery of justice. inciding with the BJP rule at the ple, diff erent languages and in anti-Sikh riots in 1984 that left minister Gandhi was killed by missions in the past failing to gation team set up in 2015. Many cases are now pending national level),” he said. inclusiveness and would not let nearly 3,000 dead following the her Sikh bodyguards. prosecute more than a handful The Delhi police had closed which are at fi nal stages. We are The prime minister urged the the BJP and the RSS succeed in assassination of prime minister It lasted three days with of minor cases. the case in 1994 saying there expecting that we will achieve people not to seal the fate of any imposing only one-type of ide- Indira Gandhi. Sikhs raped and murdered, their Gandhi was shot dead after was insuffi cient evidence. success in those cases also,” political party but to write the ology across the country. Relatives of victims rejoiced homes and businesses torched. ordering troops to storm the Earlier in 1995, a trial court Phoolka said. fortune of their children when “They want the people from in Delhi after the judge an- The violence across the Golden Temple, Sikhism’s holi- had convicted a man named Punjab Chief Minister Ama- they cast their votes. diff erent cultures and languages nounced the sentence, the fi rst country but mostly in New est shrine in Punjab. Kishori for murder and ordered rinder Singh also welcomed the “This election is not about to be divided and pitted against since 1996. Delhi saw people dragged from The operation was to fl ush that he be hanged. sentence. who wins or who loses. This each other,” he said. It follows the setting up of a their homes and burned alive. out Sikh separatists holed up However, the Supreme Court “Welcome the conviction by election is for you to decide what Gandhi also claimed the per special probe in 2015. While fi nding the two guilty, inside. in 1999 reduced the sentence to a Delhi court in the 1984 riots kind of Madhya Pradesh you capita income in Mizoram dou- Another convict was sen- Additional Sessions Judge Ajay Sikh leaders say the death toll life imprisonment. case. Justice has fi nally been want to give to your children. bled during the 10-year Con- tenced to life imprisonment, Pandey had said the prosecu- from the pogrom that followed Kishori was convicted for meted out to the perpetrators This election is not to decide the gress rule. Public Prosecutor Surinder Mo- tion was able to prove “beyond far exceeded the offi cial fi gure violence in Trilokpuri in east of the heinous crimes. Hope the fate of any political party, but Mizoram, which has been un- hit Singh said. reasonable doubt” that both the of 3,000, and accuse leaders of Delhi on November 1 1984. others involved in the attacks your own,” Modi said. der Congress leadership since The special court had on accused had taken out the vic- Gandhi’s Congress Party of fan- Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are also soon brought to book “The government should be 2008, is set to go to the polls on Thursday convicted Yashpal tims who were hiding in a room ning the violence. leader H S Phoolka, who has for their horrendous and inhu- for the poor, for the common November 28. Singh, who was sentenced to and injured them with danger- The Central Bureau of In- been fi ghting anti-Sikh riots man acts,” he tweeted. Chhattisgarh fi nal phase Ammunition depot sees 60% voter turnout blast kills six Agencies metres away and their bodies Mumbai burnt and badly mangled, with IANS Samudri Patel from Baikunthpur Samri in Balrampur district for body pieces strewn over a large Raipur in Korea district and 102-year- “distributing money” to voters. area. old Raj Kunwar from Boriyakala “Is malfunctioning of EVMs a n explosion at an ammu- A defence offi cial said the in Raipur district. mere coincidence or a conspira- nition dump in Mahar- demolition was being carried out ssembly polls for the The highest turnout was re- cy to vitiate the polling process,” Aashtra killed six people by staff of the Ordnance Factory, second and concluding corded in Bindranawagarh at asked state Congress chief Bhu- yesterday, police said, under- Khamaria, Jabalpur with the Aphase for 72 seats spread 68% and Baikunthpur at 63.21%. pesh Baghel in the state capital scoring concerns over the coun- help of an authorised contractor. across 19 districts in Chhat- The EVM malfunction- Raipur. try’s handling of military equip- “Contractual services are used tisgarh ended yesterday with a ing was reported from several The EC rejected the allegations ment. for digging pit and placing sand turnout of 60%. booths across Dhamtari, Jash- of widespread malfunctioning of Staff were disposing of Rus- bag over the explosive,” he said. Amid allegations of tamper- pur, Raipur, Ambikapur, Khal- the voting machines and asserted sian anti-aircraft shells out of The dead include an employee ing of Electronic Voting Ma- lari, Raigarh Patan, Sihawa and that faulty EVMs were promptly production since 2014 when a of the Khamaria-based ord- chines (EVM) and malfunction- Korba, with the Congress accus- replaced without any disruption box was dropped and exploded nance factory. One of the 10 in- ing in several areas, the Election ing the state’s ruling Bharatiya to the voting process. at the army’s ammunition depot jured people is critical. Commission (EC) said over 60% Janata Party of “electoral mal- “Only 47 ballot units, 37 con- in Wardha, offi cials said. Offi cials from ordnance facto- turnout was recorded till 5pm. practices” and “attempting to trol units and 131 VVPATs need- “While the workers were un- ries at Chandrapur in Maharash- The fi nal fi gure is expected disrupt” the poll process. ed replacement during the polls. loading a crate of ammunition tra and Khamaria have rushed to to go up with many voters still A Congress delegation led by P The replacements were handled it bumped on the ground, trig- the site of the explosion for more standing in queues outside L Punia met the EC in New Delhi swiftly by the local polling per- gering an explosion which killed investigation, the defence offi - booths after the scheduled clo- over the alleged “attempts to sonnel,” EC spokesperson Shey- four of them on the spot. Two cial said. sure of polling and the poll panel misuse and tamper with EVMs phali Sharan said. others died on their way to the Spread over several acres, the is still in the process of compil- in Chhattisgarh”. The state, carved out of Mad- hospital,” senior offi cer Nikhil site was barricaded last year as ing data. Punia said the BJP was “wary hya Pradesh in 2000, for the fi rst Pingle said. people from nearby villages used From fi rst-time voters to cen- of losing the polls, and was try- time witnessed a three-way con- Ten others were injured in the to visit it to collect scrap iron and tenarians, people from all walks ing to infl uence the polling proc- test with the ruling BJP fi ghting Pulgaon Central Ammunition brass remnants of the destroyed of life queued up to cast their ess through malpractices”. it with the opposition Congress Depot (CAD) blast. explosives. The site, according to votes. The Congress also demanded and the Ajit Jogi-Mayawati-led Voters wait in a queue to cast their ballots during the second and Eyewitnesses said the intensi- an offi cial of CAD, is a common Among the oldest to exercise the suspension and arrest of BJP alliance emerging as a formida- concluding phase of Chhattisgarh Assembly elections in Raipur ty of the blast was so severe that blasting site for various defence their right were 106-year-old candidate Siddhnath Paikra in ble third front. yesterday. the victims were thrown several establishments. Gulf Times 22 Wednesday, November 21, 2018 INDIA

CONTROVERSY POLLUTION INFRASTRUCTURE TRAGEDY POULTRY FARMING HC reserves order on Coast Guard ships recover $310mn World Bank loan 227 farmers committed AP, Telangana get notices plea on university poll most of spilled oil from sea to improve power system suicide in 5 years: Odisha over killing of chickens

The Delhi High Court yesterday reserved its order Six Indian Coast Guard ships are involved in The central and the Jharkhand governments Odisha Agriculture Minister Pradeep The Hyderabad High Court yesterday issued on a plea accusing Ankiv Baisoya of submitting containing oil spilled by tanker Coral Stars at yesterday signed a pact with the World Maharathy yesterday said a total of 227 notices to the governments of Andhra Pradesh fake educational certificates to get admission in the Kamarajar Port in Ennore near Chennai, sources Bank under which the multilateral agency farmers have committed suicide in the last five and Telangana and major poultry industry players university and seeking re-election for the post of said. Although most of the spilled oil has been will advance a loan of $310mn to boost the years due to various reasons but not because over illegal killing of unwanted chickens. The order president of the Delhi University Students’ Union recovered, the traces are being recovered/ state’s power system, mainly transmission of loan burden. Between 2013 and 14 and 2017 came following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) (DUSU). Justice Yogesh Khanna reserved the order dispersed, the Coast Guard said in a statement. infrastructure. “The Jharkhand Power System and 18, allegations of 227 farmer suicides filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals on National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) candidate The Coast Guard said its specialised pollution Improvement Project will help build new were received but not a single was over debt (PETA) India, seeking the court’s direction to stop Sunny Chillar’s plea seeking to conduct fresh DUSU control vessel Samudra Paheredar along with power transmission infrastructure as well as burden, Maharathy said. The government the poultry industry from using various methods election under an independent election off icer or an five other ships were pressed into action to put in place systems to improve the technical cited several reasons for the suicides including of killing male and other unwanted chickens. appropriate authority “of impeccable character and recover the spilled furnace fuel oil. The Coast efficiency and commercial performance of mental disturbance, illness, depression, “Chickens used for meat are bred to have fleshier integrity”. Baisoya defeated Chhillar on September Guard said the spilled oil becomes highly viscous the state power sector utilities,” the Finance consumption of alcohol and family quarrel. upper bodies, and those used for eggs are bred to 12. On November 14, the DU expelled Baisoya for owing to weathering and requires special Ministry said in a statement. The project, While the government received reports produce an unnatural number of eggs,” PETA said submitting fake documents from Thiruvalluvar equipment and techniques. P Raveendran, part of the central government’s ‘Power for regarding the death of 11 farmers due to in a statement. Hence, PETA said, the egg industry University at Vellore in Tamil Nadu to secure chairman and managing director of Kamarajar All’ programme launched in 2014, will help alleged suicide in 2013-14, the number was five considers most male chicks useless because they admission in the university. The Akhil Bharatiya Port said the “Coral Stars was discharging fuel bring in modern technology solutions such in 2014-15 and 175 in 2015-16, said the minister. cannot produce eggs and are not the type used for Vidyarthi Parishad, the student group to which he on Sunday morning. Suddenly one of its flexible as automated sub-stations, network analysis He said the Agriculture Department received meat. The animal rights organisation filed the petition belonged, too, suspended Baisoya on November 15 pipes broke resulting in a small amount of oil and planning tools to provide reliable power reports of 16 alleged suicide of farmers in following an eyewitness expose of several hatcheries and asked him to step down from the DUSU post. spill on the berth and around the ship.” supply, it said. 2016-17 and 20 in 2017-18. and farms in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Twitter CEO is accused of inciting caste hatred

Agencies that Twitter is a platform where Mumbai marginalised voices can be seen and heard. “But we also have a public com- An artist from Ram Sutar Art Creations climbs onto a window while working on a mural of buff aloes on a wall at Railway Colony, created as witter CEO Jack Dorsey mitment to being apolitical. We part of the ongoing ‘Paint My City’ project for the upcoming Kumbh Mela festival, in Allahabad yesterday. has been accused of in- realise that this photo may not ac- Tciting hate against In- curately represent that commit- dia’s highest caste after being ment,” the spokesman said. photographed holding a poster “When our executives travel, declaring “smash Brahminical they meet with a range of public patriarchy” during a visit to the fi gures from around the world Railways to use AI for crowd country. that represent the diversity of Dorsey was snapped holding Dorsey: under fire the conversation on our plat- the off ending poster alongside form. This recent trip to India six women who participated in a stand all sides of important pub- was no exception and Jack and discussion last week on the role lic conversations that happen on Vijaya met with leaders across control during Kumbh Mela of Twitter in India, where caste our service around the world,” the political spectrum, and from is a fl ashpoint issue and griev- the company said. a range of religious and cultural IANS tion plan for this Kumbh Mela More than 5,000 Govern- Choudhury said: “It is no doubt ances can turn violent. Another user, tweeting under backgrounds.” Allahabad taking all possible factors into ment Railway Police (GRP) challenging to manage the rush The reference to Brahmins, the name Prassant DeshPehle It was the latest misstep for a consideration,” North Central and Railway Protection Force at stations but we are confi dent the traditional priestly class who (country fi rst), wrote: “Shame on major Silicon Valley company in Railway general manager Rajeev (RPF) personnel will be de- of making it a successful and sit atop the rigid caste hierarchy, you @jack. Hate against any com- India, a frontier market where ndian Railways will use Choudhury told IANS. ployed to manage the crowd smooth event.” outraged some Hindus when the munity or group should be con- many technology fi rms have technology, including Ar- With the 2013 stampede movement at 10 stations in Close co-ordination with photograph was posted online demned. Spewing hate on one to been focusing their resources as Itifi cial Intelligence (AI), in fresh in mind, the national and around Allahabad, Prayag, the state administration is an- Sunday evening. please the other isn’t right.” their customer bases in Europe, a big way to tackle the massive transporter is not leaving any- Prayag Ghat, Jhunsi, Naini and other step that the railways is “Do you realise that this pic- “I’m very sorry for this,” Vi- the US and Australia become rush of passengers to the holy thing to chance and is focusing Cheoki. pursuing to make the event a ture has potential of causing jaya Gadde, Twitter’s legal and saturated. city of Allahabad during the mainly on crowd management The Kumbh Mela at Praya- success. communal riots at a time when policy head told one user. Some praised the Twitter chief upcoming Kumbh Mela – for at the main junction and its ad- graj, the confl uence of the Gan- Work is underway to make several states are going to assem- “It’s not refl ective of our views. for touching on the plight of mar- which it will deploy at least 800 joining stations. ges, Yamuna and the mysti- operational a new platform, a bly elections in India,” tweeted We took a private photo with a gift ginalised, low-caste Dalit com- special trains. “We will be using the tech- cal Saraswati rivers, will begin foot-over bridge and skywalks, police offi cer Sandeep Mittal. just given to us - we should have munities and women in India. IBM Intelligent Video Ana- nology in a signifi cant way to from January 15 and conclude among other infrastructure “Even now an apology is not been more thoughtful. “Dalit lynching and oppres- lytics will be pressed into serv- facilitate crowd movement in on March 4. projects, at the stations to en- off ered. Actually its (sic) a fi t “Twitter strives to be an im- sion, incidents of which we ice, a fi rst for the railways, for a smooth way,” Choudhury According to the Uttar sure hassle-free movement of case for registration of a crimi- partial platform for all,” she read about every other day, do crowd control at stations and its said, adding: “While IBM will Pradesh government, 12mn passengers. nal case for attempt to destablise added. “We failed to do that here not cause as much Twitter out- adjoining areas during the Ardh provide video analytics serv- pilgrims are expected on Janu- He said the aim is to decon- (sic) the nation,” he added. & we must do better to serve our rage as Jack Dorsey holding up Kumbh Mela. ice using Artifi cial Intelligence ary 15 (Makar Sankranti), 5.5mn gest all possible crowded places Twitter defended Dorsey in customers in India.” a placard saying ‘End Brahmin Kumbh Rail Seva, a new mo- for crowd control, there will on Januray 21 (Paush Purnima), so that people coming from comments posted on its offi cial That apology angered oth- Patriarchy’,” wrote user Ranjona bile app, will soon be launched be a large number of powerful 30mn on February 4 (Mauni diff erent directions can move India page on Monday, saying a ers, who argued Twitter should Banerji. to disseminate information to CCTV cameras to monitor the Amavasya), 20mn on February towards the bathing ghats and low-caste activist had “shared forthrightly oppose Brahmin- South Asian historian Audrey train users and others travel- situation and LED screens for 10 (Basant Panchami), 16mn on return safely. her personal experiences and ism, the system of beliefs and Truschke said: “My Twitter feed ling to one of the world’s largest displaying information.” February 19 (Maghi Purnima), Each station will have its gifted a poster to Jack”. practices that perpetuates the is full of elite men hyperventi- religious events, which is ex- Besides, social media will be and 6mn on March 4 (Ma- own traffic management “It is not a statement from place of Brahmins at the top of lating about Twitter CEO @jack pected to attract over a 100mn extensively used for keeping the hashivratri). plan. The timings of 800 Twitter or our CEO, but a tangi- India’s social order. holding a sign that calls out sex- people. pilgrims updated on a real-time Acknowledging the size and special trains will be pub- ble refl ection of our company’s A Twitter spokesman said the based & caste-based discrimi- “We have fi nalised the ac- basis. grandeur of the congregation, lished soon. eff orts to see, hear, and under- company was proud of the fact nation in India.”

TN governor says Hairy feat he went by advice Kerala CM slams Hindu groups, while freeing convicts Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Congress over Sabarimala row Purohit said yesterday that he went by the advice of the Advocate General while freeing IANS These people have criminal “We are not here to disrupt three activists of the All India Anna Thiruvananthapuram cases registered against them peace. Vijayan should not gen- Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Kerala police stations and it eralise all pilgrims to Sabar- convicted for burning a bus which was they who have arrived as imala as ‘trouble makers’,” killed three young women. erala Chief Minister Pi- Sabarimala pilgrims, the chief Congress leader Ramesh Chen- In a statement, Purohit’s off ice narayi Vijayan yester- minister added. nithala said. said the files related to the Kday slammed rightwing “The police showed maxi- “The police are free to take three convicts – Muniappan, Hindu groups and the Congress mum restraint and only when action, but the genuine devo- Nedunchezhian and Ravindran Party in Kerala for turning the known trouble-makers tees should not be troubled,” he – seeking remission of their life Sabarimala into a battle fi eld. took law into their hands did added. term was initially returned to the “Sabarimala is being used the police act and take such a The Congress leader government for reconsideration. for political gains by the Sangh, step,” he added. slammed Vijayan’s government The three were released on and the Congress has also fallen The pilgrims were supposed for turning out to be “an abject Monday after Purohit approved for it,” Vijayan told reporters as to vacate the temple premises failure and turning what has al- the AIADMK government’s he read out a written statement, at 10pm, but over 200 refused ways been a divine pilgrimage recommendation for their during a hour-long interaction. to leave till the police cracked into a nightmare”. premature release. “These people are trying to down in a post midnight action. Compared to previous years, The convicts burnt a bus in use faith for political gains. While Vijayan’s press con- there has been a fall in the which students of the Tamil Ideology should be dealt ideo- ference was underway in the number of pilgrims arriving Nadu Agricultural University logically,” he said. state capital Thiruvanan- at the famed temple since it in Coimbatore were travelling “Just look at the people who thapuram, the entire top brass opened on November 16 for the during a protest against the have been arrested from Sabar- of the Congress-led United two-month pilgrimage season. conviction of then party leader J imala,” he said, adding that it Democratic Front landed in In the past, the average daily Jayalalithaa in a corruption case included known rightwing ac- Nilackal – the fi rst entry point number of pilgrims that visited in 2000. tivists. to the temple town – for an as- the shrine during the season Three girl students were burnt “We will not allow these sessment of the situation. was around 100,000, but this to death in the bus while forces to take over Sabarimala,” Before the UDF leaders were time it has fallen dramatically. other students escaped. The Vijayan said, naming individu- put on a bus to Pamba, former The main reason is the tight- government on October 25 sent ally each one of the 69 protest- chief minister Oommen Chan- ening of the rules by the police, the files to Purohit reiterating the ers detained on Monday and dy along with others squat- after protests by Hindu groups recommendation for their release sent to jail after they violated ted on the ground demanding since September 28 when the A man taking part in a moustache competition holds up the ends of his facial hair, at an event on following which the advice of the prohibitory orders imposed in lifting of the prohibitions in Supreme Court allowed women the sidelines of the Pushkar Camel Fair in Pushkar, in Rajasthan yesterday. Advocate General was sought by and around the temple town. Sabarimala. of all ages to enter the temple. the governor, the statement said. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 21, 2018 23 LATIN AMERICA New barricades at US-Mexico border as migrant caravan arrives

AFP to briefl y close the San Ysidro US Customs and Border Pro- The thousands-strong group will try to cross over as they did fences,” said Arturo Gonzalez, a pedestrian conduit toward Cali- Tijuana, Mexico Port of Entry altogether — it is tection “suspended operations set out more than a month ago from Guatemala into Mexico — 35-year-old American who was fornia, Ana Maria Gutierrez, one of the busiest land border to safely place impediments from Honduras, fl eeing poverty by force — or opt instead for the losing his patience as he sat in who is Mexican, was in a hurry to crossings in the world — as the at the port of entry that would and gang violence and sometimes long and tedious process of re- his black pickup truck waiting to get to her job as a nurse in a psy- uge metal or concrete new barriers were set up, trig- restrict access to a large group forcing its way across borders as questing asylum in the US. get into California. chiatric facility in San Diego. barricades and walls of gering total gridlock for vehicles attempting to run through the the migrants head toward the US. After putting the new barriers He works as a janitor in a “They do not realise the im- Hconcertina wire went and pedestrians going from Ti- border crossing,” the agency said Some 3,500 migrants have ar- in place at the border crossing, school in the US but lives in pact of closing the border,” she up on both sides of a bustling juana across into San Diego. in a statement, referring to the rived so far in Tijuana and an- the authorities reopened it par- Mexico because the rent is said. “It is not just the economy US-Mexico border crossing as “It was as if time stopped. migrant caravan. other 3,000 were expected to tially to northbound traffi c. cheaper here. that is in danger of dying out. a caravan of US-bound Central Nothing is moving. Neither cars, President Donald Trump has start fl owing in later yesterday. On the Mexican side, too, “Because of those Hondurans, We are talking about the lives of American migrants pours into nor people, nor my business,” characterised the caravan’s jour- Most of those making the trek metal barricades and concertina we are paying the price. They people and families,” Gutierrez Tijuana, the last stop before said Armando Lopez, who sells ney as an invasion, making it a are Hondurans. wire were put up. Federal police should be thrown out,” Gonzalez said before showing her papers California. newspapers, cigarettes and can- central plank of his anti-immi- The big question is whether, and soldiers patrolled the area. said. to the US border authorities and US authorities went so far as dy on the Mexican side. grant platform. once they are all together, they “I am OK with these de- Walking swiftly through the entering California. New Brazil Chile police killing sparks protest govt to set up privatisations secretariat

Reuters company is not in question. I Brasilia do not have a mandate to think about it,” he told the Folha de S. Paulo newspaper, adding that he razil will establish a priva- expected Brazil’s Supreme Court tisations secretariat under to approve a path enabling the Bfar-right president-elect company to continue selling as- Jair Bolsonaro, future Economy sets such as majority stakes in Minister Paulo Guedes told re- two blocks of refi neries and in a porters yesterday. gas pipeline company. Guedes did not specify In an earlier interview, with whether the secretariat would the O Estado de S. Paulo newspa- report to any cabinet minister or per, he said Petrobras Distribui- be autonomous. dora, Petrobras’ fuel distribution Students and Mapuche activists protest demanding the resignation of Chile’s Interior Minister Andres Chadwick following the death of a young Mapuche man in a He added that Bolsonaro has unit, was not a natural fi t for the police operation, in Santiago. Last week, the president of Chile pledged an investigation into the police killing that sparked protests and firebomb attacks and revived not yet made a decision on who company and does not gener- allegations of state persecution of indigenous people. According to a Mapuche community lawyer, Camilo Catrillanca was driving a tractor to work accompanied by a will head state-controlled bank ate returns, sending its shares young boy when he was shot dead during a police operation in the Araucania region (south), epicentre of the Mapuche conflict. Banco do Brasil SA. up almost 6% as investors bet Meanwhile, Roberto Castello the government may sell its 70% Branco, the next chief executive stake in BR Distribuidora, as the of Petroleo Brasileiro SA, said company is known. he will not privatise the state- Castello Branco also said he run company, but wants to push would consider all current as- ahead with selling non-core as- set sales, including that of liquid sets and to focus on oil explora- petroleum gas distribution com- tion and production. pany Liquigas. Branco was named amid a de- “Petrobras’ competence is in US ‘mulls putting Caracas bate over how far to pursue asset oil exploration and production,” sales at the indebted company, he told the newspaper. Latin America’s largest by mar- Guedes has advocated a full ket capitalisation. privatisation of the company Branco’s appointment is the while military generals around latest in a string of market- Bolsonaro oppose such an idea. friendly selections by president- Underlining that tension, Bol- on terrorism sponsors list’ elect Jair Bolsonaro, many of sonaro told reporters on Monday them infl uenced by his adviser that certain units of Petrobras Reuters Marco Rubio, who has long peo in September urging him to is the victim of an “economic A senior US offi cial said ear- and future economy minister could be privatised, even though Washington pressed the administration to name Venezuela a state spon- war” led by the US. lier this month that the Trump Guedes. the company is deemed strategic take a tougher stand against sor of terrorism and accusing The Washington Post, which administration was “looking at The appointments have raised for the nation. the government of Venezuelan it of links to the Revolutionary fi rst reported that the Trump all potential avenues” to pres- hopes among investors that the Branco, a one-time post-doc- he US is considering President Nicolas Maduro, the Armed Forces of Colombia, or administration was consider- sure Maduro’s government. former army captain, who takes toral fellow at the University of adding Venezuela to its source said. Farc, but they off ered no proof. ing the designation, said the “We believe his presidency to offi ce on January 1, will deliver Chicago, will join other school Tlist of state sponsors of A time frame for a decision on The Trump administra- US state department had been be illegitimate,” the offi cial said, signifi cant reforms needed to alumni in the ranks of the incom- terrorism but no fi nal decision whether to add Venezuela to the tion has levied several rounds asking for feedback on the pro- reiterating Washington’s rejec- improve Brazil’s creaking pub- ing administration, including has been made, a person famil- terrorism list had not yet been of sanctions against Maduro’s posed move from various agen- tion of the outcome of Venezue- lic fi nances, including a pension Guedes and former fi nance min- iar with the deliberations said. determined, the source said. Socialist-led government since cies in recent days. la’s elections earlier this year. overhaul. ister Joaquim Levy, who has been Adding Venezuela to the list A US offi cial, speaking on 2017, accusing it of undermin- A state department spokes- Maduro won a new six-year Branco, who in the past has tapped to lead Brazil’s powerful could limit US economic assist- condition of anonymity, said ing democracy. person said it “consistently and term in May but his main rivals spoken in favour of privatising state development bank, BNDES. ance and impose fi nancial re- it would be a challenge for the On November 1, President on an ongoing basis reviews disavowed the election and al- Petrobras, said he had not been Chicago’s economics depart- strictions on a country already Trump administration to pro- Donald Trump signed an execu- available information and intel- leged massive irregularities. tasked with selling off the com- ment has long been known for suff ering from hyperinfl ation, vide concrete proof linking the tive order aimed at disrupting ligence, from many sources, on “The regime really under- pany but signalled his intention orthodox economics, particu- mass migration and shortages Maduro government to terror- Venezuela’s gold exports. possible state-level involvement stands that the world is getting to cut costs, do away with some larly in Latin America, and much of food and medicine. ism if it decides to put Venezue- Venezuela’s information min- in terrorism, evaluating all cred- smaller for them. And that’s the of the company’s downstream of Brazil’s business elite is en- Discussions on the issue la on the list. istry did not immediately re- ible, verifi ed, and corroborated kind of pressure that is needed operations and focus on its core thused by the prospect of Chi- have moved forward in re- Rubio and two other Repub- spond to a request for comment. information in its entirety.” to really change minds in the re- business. cago-linked appointees in top cent days with strong lobby- lican senators sent a letter to Maduro, who denies limiting The White House declined to gime. The sanctions are having “The privatisation of the posts in public administration. ing from Republican senator Secretary of State Mike Pom- political freedoms, has said he comment. an eff ect,” the offi cial said. ‘El Chapo’ killed man for ‘Queen of the Andes’ blooms 11 dead in anti-Moise not shaking hands: witness demos: opposition AFP Police said they recorded six Port-au-Prince other gunshot-related deaths, Reuters He is on trial in Brooklyn Among examples of Guzman’s but they were not linked to the New York federal court, charged with 17 deeds, Zambada had told jurors nationwide demonstrations. criminal counts, and faces life in that Guzman was among the hree people were killed The spasm of violence came prison if convicted. investors in a 20-tonne cocaine by gunfi re in Haiti dur- as several thousand mainly oaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman Guzman had ordered Rodolfo shipment intercepted by the US Ting weekend mass pro- young protesters fi lled the was a ruthless killer who or- Carrillo, a member of the rival Coast Guard as it was leaving tests in several cities calling for streets of Port-au-Prince, Jdered the murder of a man Juarez Cartel and brother of its Panama in 2006. the resignation of President Cap-Haitien and other cities to who had refused to shake his leader, killed after he declined to Confronted by Purpura, Zam- Jovenel Moise, police said, but denounce corruption in the im- hand at a meeting, a prosecution shake Guzman’s hand at a meet- bada conceded that he may not the opposition put the death poverished Caribbean nation. witness told jurors at Guzman’s ing, Zambada said. have mentioned Guzman as an toll at 11. The protests were part of a US trial. The 2004 killing, according to investor in earlier statements he One man was killed on sporadic movement that be- Jesus Zambada, the brother of Zambada, fuelled a war between made to US authorities. Sunday in Petionville in the gan during the summer over a Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada who the cartels. Zambada had also testifi ed greater Port-au-Prince area, scandal at the heart of a Ven- was Guzman’s alleged partner in Zambada said another tar- that he helped arrange for a national police spokesman ezuelan aid programme known running the Sinaloa Cartel, gave get was a corrupt police offi cial, helicopter to save Guzman from Gary Desrosiers told report- as Petrocaribe. his most dramatic testimony identifi ed only as Rafi ta, who recapture following his 2001 es- ers, adding that an inquiry had Through Petrocaribe, Ven- after three days on the witness worked for rival drug lord Arturo cape from a Mexican prison. been opened to determine the ezuela for years supplied Haiti stand as he described Guzman’s Beltran Leyva. Under cross-examination, he source of the shots. and other Caribbean and Cen- involvement in a series of mur- Zambada said assassins work- admitted that he might not have Some witnesses have sug- tral American countries with ders. ing for El Mayo and Guzman mentioned the helicopter when gested that a private security oil at cut-rate prices and on In a cross-examination, one killed Rafi ta after luring him out he fi rst described the escape to guard fi red the fatal shot, while easy credit terms. of Guzman’s defence lawyers of his house by pretending they authorities, though he insisted one journalist pointed the fi n- But investigations by the launched an attack on Zam- had hit his young son with a car. the story was true. ger at police, Desrosiers added. Haitian senate in 2016 and bada’s credibility, highlighting “The boy didn’t even realise Zambada was arrested in 2008 The other two fatalities oc- 2017 concluded that nearly inconsistencies between his tes- that anything happened,” Zam- and extradited to the US in 2012. curred in Petit-Goave, 75kms $2bn from the programme timony and his original state- bada said. “ Guzman was one of the west of the capital, and in were misused. ments to US prosecutors. Zambada admitted under world’s most wanted fugitives Passengers are seen next to a Queen of the Andes (Puya Cap-Haitien, the country’s A dozen of Haiti’s former Guzman, 61, was extradited to cross-examination by lawyer until he was captured in Janu- raimondii) plant as it begins to bloom, outside of El Alto second-largest city located on Cabinet ministers — all mem- the US in January 2017 and is ac- William Purpura that aspects of ary 2016 in his native Sinaloa, international airport, on the outskirts of La Paz, Bolivia. The the northern coast. bers of the current ruling party cused of directing massive ship- his account may have changed. after twice escaping prison. His plant only blooms when the plant reaches an age of about In the latter case, a security — have been implicated but ments of cocaine, heroin, meth- However, he maintained that trial is proceeding under heavy 80 to 150 years. guard for a gas station was re- no legal proceedings have fol- amphetamine and marijuana. his court testimony was true. security. sponsible. lowed, sparking public anger. Gulf Times 24 Wednesday, November 21, 2018 PAKISTAN

Pakistan facing US envoy summoned hybrid confl ict: over Trump criticism army chief Reuters/AFP/DPA rade against Pakistan,” Khan, adding: “Can Mr Trump name hiding in the Pakistani city of waging war against US-backed about OBL, Foreign Secre- Internews Islamabad a former World Cup cricketer, another ally that gave such sac- Abbottabad, where he was killed troops in Afghanistan, and Is- tary reminded the US (Chargé Rawalpindi wrote in a series of tweets de- rifi ces?” in a raid by US Navy Seals in 2011 lamabad has also always rejected d’Aff aires) that it was Pakistan’s fending his country’s record in Instead of making Pakistan “a in an incident that sent relations claims that offi cials aided bin intelligence co-operation that akistan summoned the US Washington’s war on terror. scapegoat for their failures”, the between the wayward allies to a Laden. provided the initial evidence to hief of Army Staff Gen- chargé d’aff aires in Islam- Pakistan, which joined the US US should do a serious assess- new low. The friction threatens to trace the whereabouts of OBL,” eral Qamar Javed Bajwa Pabad yesterday to protest war on terror in 2001, says that ment of “why the Taliban today Critics have said US aid over worsen already fragile relations the Pakistan foreign ministry Chas said that the Pakista- President Donald Trump’s criti- it has paid the price for the alli- are stronger than before”, he the years to Pakistan has not between Islamabad and Wash- said, referring to bin Laden. ni nation is confronting a hybrid cism of Pakistan’s role in fi ght- ance. concluded. yielded desired strategy goals for ington, on-off allies which have And yesterday, Pakistan’s confl ict that need a comprehen- ing terrorism and the killing of “Pakistan suff ered 75,000 Trump also told Fox News host Washington, something Trump repeatedly clashed over the war army chief General Qamar sive national response. Osama bin Laden. casualties in this war & over Chris Wallace that Al Qaeda seems to have taken on board as in Afghanistan and Pakistan’s Javed Bajwa, without mention- “We are now confronting a Trump’s comments over the $123bn was lost to economy. US chief bin Laden had lived “beau- he moves to cut assistance, al- alleged support for Islamist mil- ing Trump, said that “Pakistan hybrid confl ict, where focus is last few days have angered Pa- ‘aid’ was a miniscule $20bn,” tifully in Pakistan and what I ready reducing payments worth itants. has done much more for peace shifting to subversion on reli- kistan, including Prime Minister Khan had tweeted. “Our tribal guess in what they considered a some $800mn. Foreign Secretary Tehmina in Afghanistan” than any other gious, sectarian, ethnic, and so- Imran Khan, who on Monday areas were devastated & mil- nice mansion, I don’t know, I’ve “They were just one of many Janjua called in US envoy Paul country. cial issues, which needs a com- hit back by saying on Twitter lions of ppl uprooted from their seen nicer”. countries that take from the Jones “to register a strong pro- “We have paid the highest prehensive national response,” that few allies had sacrifi ced or homes. The war drastically im- “Living in Pakistan right next United States without giving test on the unwarranted and un- military, economic, political, he said in an interaction with the helped the US as much as Paki- pacted lives of ordinary Pakista- to the military academy, every- anything in return. That’s END- substantiated allegations made and social cost, and the world participants of a National Secu- stan in its war on terror, suff er- nis.” body in Pakistan knew he was ING!” Trump wrote on Twitter against Pakistan”, Pakistan’s should acknowledge that,” Bajwa rity Workshop who visited the ing 75,000 casualties. He also noted that Pakistan there,” he said, according to a on Monday. foreign ministry said in a state- added, according to comments military’s General Headquarters “Record needs to be put continues to provide the US with transcript of the interview. Pakistan denies support- ment. released by military spokesman (GHQ). straight on Mr Trump’s ti- supply lines into Afghanistan, Bin Laden was found to be ing Afghan Taliban insurgents “Rejecting the insinuations Major General Asif Ghafoor. After a briefi ng on the secu- rity situation of Pakistan and the challenges and response, the participants had an interactive session with Bajwa. The army chief said that Pa- Lawyer In Pakistani village, home is where the cave is kistan had faced various threats, especially during the last two decades, but Pakistani nation says Bibi By Khurram Shahzad, AFP centuries since the area was and its armed forces had brave- Hasan Abdal, Pakistan settled by a Mughal tribe, a ly and successfully stood up to surge in housing prices has these challenges and is on a pos- is safe, renewed the appetite for the itive trajectory to defeat them omb-proof, earthquake- cavernous homes, which cost eff ectively. resistant and cheap: much less than their urban “We now have a greater re- hoping Bthousands of Pakistanis counterparts. sponsibility to ensure that our are choosing to hunker down “We bought this because it’s people, especially youth, stay in caves northwest of Islama- cheaper ... we dug it ourselves,” aware and steadfast against to leave bad, snapping up the hobbit- says resident Ameer Ullah propaganda onslaught being like homes amid a nationwide Khan. launched through a soft off en- housing shortage. The modern-day cave dwell- sive. It is our time to rise and Reuters/DPA Located around 60km (40 ers also recommend the struc- progress, and we must grasp Frankfurt miles) from Pakistan’s capital, tures as ideally suited to Paki- the opportunity achieved after nearly 3,000 people live in caves stan’s weather – staying cool as countless sacrifi ce,” he said. in the village of Hasan Abdal, summertime temperature soar The National Security Work- he lawyer for Asia Bibi according to councilor Haji Ab- past 40° Celsius and provid- shop is an annual event at the has appealed to Germany dul Rasheed – whose own home ing a warm cocoon during the National Defence University Tto give her whole family is among the dwellings carved area’s chilly winters. (NDU), with participants from citizenship to start a new life in into the rugged, earthen hillside “We mostly spend our sum- all segments of society, includ- Europe. embankments. mers here ... using the caves ing armed forces personnel, par- Saiful Mulook told a news Rasheed’s spartan cave – or as our residence and to store liamentarians, and bureaucrats. conference in Frankfurt that Bibi buray as it is locally known – our belongings, including our is now free. consists of a few minimally- wheat and corn harvest,” says “She is a free woman. She can furnished rooms complement- Mohamed Sohail, who lives 5,000 arriving go wherever she wants,” he said, ed by a breezy veranda. elsewhere the rest of the year. adding that while there are no The caves are usually dug by Life is not all easy however: for Guru Nanak’s restrictions on travel imposed on hand, with residents using clay lacking suffi cient natural light, A child is seen in a cave room in Nikko village. birth anniversary his client, she lacked a passport to plaster the walls – a prac- the caves rely on electricity ca- and a visa. tice which serves as a bulwark bled in from outside to power aff ordable than other rural op- raced fruit orchards. ing, with the country’s rapidly Some 3,000 pilgrims from Bibi, 53, was convicted of against landslides, they say. TV sets and mobile phones, tions. One local “godman” has even growing population hovering India, and 2,000 from other blasphemy in 2010 over allega- “There is nothing like it. If while indoor plumbing is a rare “Even in the countryside, gone so far as to build a residen- around 207mn. countries are expected to tions that she made derogatory you build a mud house, it col- luxury. you need at least half a million tial complex to host hundreds Prime Minister Imran Khan arrive in Gurdwara Punja Sahib remarks about Islam after neigh- lapses during the rains. This However, with cave pric- rupees to get a small piece of of devotees who fl ock to the has vowed to address the cri- to celebrate the 549th birth bours objected to her drinking does not collapse,” says Rash- es averaging around about land to build a house,” real es- area for religious festivities. sis by building as many as 5mn anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak water from their glass because eed. “It’s earthquake-proof and Rs40,000 ($300) compared to tate agent Sakhi Riaz told AFP. The humble abodes are new homes even as an ongoing Dev on November 24. she was not Muslim. bomb-proof.” brick homes that start around The lower costs have allowed seen as an increasingly attrac- fi nancial crisis has raised ques- All arrangements have been A Supreme Court tribunal led Although locals have been Rs250,000, locals and property some residents to splurge on tive option as Pakistan battles tions about how he will pay for made for them by the Pakistan by Chief Justice of Pakistan Sa- living in caves for at least fi ve experts say they are much more extras, from rose gardens to ter- a dearth of aff ordable hous- it. Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak qib Nisar ordered her immediate Committee, the Evacuee Trust release on October 31 this year. Property Board (ETPB), and local The ruling triggered protest administration. rallies in several cities for three “Sikh pilgrims will arrive at the days. Punjab Sahib on November 24 Mulook said he had not spo- Senator on BBC list of 100 infl uential women in connection with the birth ken to his client since her release. anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak He added that Bibi, a Chris- Dev, also known as Parkash tian, did not have a preference Internews Kumari said she is very happy date on a reserved seat for wom- and academic activities despite Gurpurb,” said ETPB deputy and that she spoke no English Karachi about making it to the list along en (from Sindh) by the Pakistan their hardship. secretary (shrines) Imran Gondal. or other European language, but with such powerhouse women, Peoples Party (PPP) in March. Last year, singer Momina Talking to media persons, he nevertheless intended to travel who included former heads of Born on Feb 1, 1979, the sena- Mustehsan made it to the list. said that 3,000 Indian pilgrims to Europe, rather than India or ocial activist Krishna Ku- state. tor had a tough childhood. Now in its sixth year, the BBC and 2,000 pilgrims from other Bangladesh. mari, who made waves “I am from the Kohli com- She along with her family was 100 Women names 100 infl u- countries, including the UAE, “The whole world is asking Searlier this year by becom- munity, from a poor family, held for three years as bonded ential and inspirational women Canada and the UK, will be why she’s not coming,” Mulook ing the fi rst Hindu Thari woman and I believe it is my good luck labour in a private prison alleg- around the world annually. arriving at the gurdwara, which told reporters. “The answer is, to make it to the Senate, has that I have made it to such an edly owned by a landlord in the According to its website, the has been renovated, decorated fi rst that to leave a country you once again done so by joining 99 important list to represent Pa- Kunri area of Umerkot district. BBC 100 Women aims to explore and illuminated. need a visa or you require a pass- other women on the BBC’s 100 kistan,” she said. “My parents They were set free after a po- a variety of themes, including Arrangements for free meals port of another country.” list of inspirational and infl uen- don’t know yet as the network lice raid on the farm. using anger to spark action, and have also been made. “If the German chancellor tial women for 2018. isn’t working in their area, but I She started her primary edu- uncovering women from the He said that with the directs her ambassador to give a The list includes the names of will try to send them a message cation initially from Talhi vil- shadows of history. collaboration of the district passport to her, her husband and vice-chair of the Clinton Foun- about it.” lage of Umerkot district and Ranging in age from 15 to 94, administration, the Rangers, the her two daughters conferring Krishna Kumari: I believe it is dation, Chelsea Clinton, actress The 40-year-old hails from then the Tando Kolachi area of and from more than 60 coun- Special Branch and other law German nationality, nobody can my good luck that I have made Jamila Jamil, FGM (female geni- the remote village of Dhana Mirpurkhas district. tries, the BBC 100 Women list enforcement agencies, the ETPB stop her for one second because it to such an important list to tal mutilation) activist Nimco Gam in Nagarparkar. Her parents facilitated her includes leaders, trailblazers has put in place strict security she is no longer Pakistani,” he represent Pakistan. Ali, and author Isabel Allende. She was selected as a candi- and her brother Veerji’s studies and everyday heroes. measures for the pilgrims. added. It was unclear why citizen- ship, rather than a visa, was necessary for her to leave Paki- stan, though Mulook said pres- sure from religious extremists is Chief justice hears concern over treatment of veteran journalist Naqi making it harder for Islamabad to arrange her departure. Bibi was safe with her family, Internews that Naqi is a man of princi- Shehbaz said that Naqi had no “We expect the honourable Naqi, however, rejected the he said. “She is well.” Lahore ples and enjoys great respect desire for any position. chief justice to publicly show impression and requested that She and her family are stay- amongst the country’s journalist Meanwhile, the Joint Action respect to Naqi as this will send the chief justice listen to his ing at a safe house in Pakistan, community. Committee for People’s Rights out a positive message to the point of view. despite off ers of asylum from delegation of senior jour- Shehbaz said that while jour- (JAC) took exception to the public at large,” the statement “I am 20 years older to you. countries, including Canada. nalists have conveyed nalists also had great respect for treatment meted out to Naqi in added. Let me explain my position,” said Mulook said that the status of Aconcern of the journal- the courts and the chief justice, the Supreme Court. Nisar had taken suo motu no- the journalist. a friend of Bibi’s husband, who ist community to Chief Justice the community is disheartened In a statement, the JAC said tice of resignation by Punjab Nisar, however, directed the has a wife and fi ve daughters, of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar by nisar’s remarks about Naqi. that Naqi is widely respected Healthcare Commission chair- security to accompany Naqi out whom he would like to join them, over his remarks about veteran He said that Naqi was like a and known for his untiring man, retired justice Amer Raza of the court. is a sticking point. journalist Hussain Naqi during teacher to almost three genera- struggle for democracy, rule of Khan, following the alleged hu- “Why should I leave? I have Another wife of Bibi’s hus- hearing of a case pertaining to tions of journalists, and that his law, and justice. miliation he faced during the been elected to the board. I band and her three daughters the Punjab Healthcare Commis- life was full of struggle against His contribution infl uenced a fi rst meeting of the board. should be given a chance of are not seeking to leave Pakistan sion’s board of commissioners oppression and dictatorial re- large number of journalists and Following an order by the hearing,” Naqi responded. with Bibi, he added. the other day. Chief Justice Nisar: has gimes in the country. human rights defenders in Paki- chief justice, Punjab Health At this, the chief justice said The German government had While the chief justice was acknowledged Naqi’s services At this, Nisar said that the stan and abroad. Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid and that the board stood dissolved, no immediate comment on the hearing multiple cases of public and contributions. court had no ego, and acknowl- The committee noted with all members of the board, in- and warned Naqi that he risked request for a passport, although interest at the Lahore registry edged Naqi’s services and con- concern that while Naqi grace- cluding Naqi, had appeared be- being issued a contempt of court the German Foreign Offi ce said of the Supreme Court, the jour- Former Lahore Press Club tributions. fully showed respect towards the fore the court. notice if he did not apologise for yesterday that several European nalists approached the rostrum presidents Shehbaz Mian and “Do you want the court to in- Supreme Court and off ered an “How dare you disrespect his conduct. countries are prepared to accept of Courtroom 1 and sought per- Arshad Ansari, with Shafi que clude Naqi in the board of com- unconditional apology, he was Justice Khan and force him to Naqi tendered an apology, and Bibi, and that “Germany is, of mission from the top judge to Awan, Ziaullah Niazi, Gohar missioners again?” the chief jus- denied a fair response and due resign?” Nisar had angrily asked security offi cials accompanied course, one of them”. express their concern. Butt and Shahzad Butt, stated tice asked. respect by the court. Naqi. him out of the court. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 21, 2018 25 PHILIPPINES Taguig court convicts fi rst terrorist in Marawi siege

Manila Times the recruits. The witness said Manila he personally heard and saw the recruitment procedures done by Supian. he fi rst conviction re- DoJ evidence showed that lated to the siege of Ma- Supian posed as a com- Trawi by militants in 2017 mander of the Moro National was handed down yesterday Liberation Front (MNLF) and by a local court, which found claimed to have trained re- a man guilty of recruiting peo- cruits at Camp Jabal Nur in ple to support the war against Lanao del Sur. the government and was sen- The Armed Forces of the tenced to 40 years in prison Philippines (AFP) confirmed with no parole. that neither Supian nor the Judge Felix Reyes of Branch training camp he “claimed” 70 of the Taguig Regional was Camp Jabal Nur was not Trial Court found Nur Supian affiliated with the MNLF. guilty of terrorism acts, while Islamic State-inspired his co-accused Mavin Ahmad, militants took over Marawi Salip Ismael Abdulla and Issa City on May 23, 2017 in a bid Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping with President Rodrigo Duterte troop the line before their one on one meeting at the Malacanang presidential palace in Manila, yesterday. Ukkang were acquitted due to to establish a caliphate to be lack of evidence. headed by Abu Sayyaf leader Reyes handed down the Isnilon Hapilon. ruling in Camp Bagong Diwa President Rodrigo Duterte in Taguig City, where Supian responded by declaring mar- was being held. tial law in the whole of Mind- Araji Samindih and Umad anao. Harun were also found guilty But the five-month war Xi visits Philippines to cosy of the crime of rebellion, a left thousands of civilians, non-bailable case, and were soldiers and militants dead, sentenced from eight years forced residents to flee their and two days to 14 years to homes and destroyed infra- eight months in prison. structure and historic land- The primary witness of the marks worth billions of pe- up to historical US ally Department of Justice (DOJ) sos. on the case was a member The siege ended in October AFP sez-faire approach on Beijing’s of the Philippine Army who 2017 when Duterte declared Manila moves to build infrastructure went undercover as one of the Marawi free of terrorists. and install military equipment in the sea. hinese President Xi Jin- That stance fl ared onto Phil- ping called his visit yes- ippine Twitter and Facebook, Cterday to long-time US where feeds were fl ooded yes- ally the Philippines a “mile- terday with Winnie the Pooh ‘Carcinogenic’ batch stone”, as he aims to boost blos- memes in a winking expression soming ties on the promise of of anti-China sentiment stirred billions of dollars in backing for by Xi’s visit. of hypertension mega-projects. The self-described “bear of Philippine President Rodrigo very little brain” has been used Duterte has proven a willing re- in the past on social media to drug set for recall cipient of Beijing’s attentions, poke fun at the portly Chinese declaring shortly after his elec- leader, a joke that has drawn tion in 2016 his nation’s “sepa- crackdowns from Beijing’s cen- Manila Times sible cancer risk, according ration” from former colonial sors. Manila to the International Agency master the US. Filipino analyst Richard Hey- for Research on Cancer. Since then Beijing, which is darian said China’s pledges in- “If there are medicines competing with Washington for duced Manila to “soft-pedal” on he Philippine Food and from the same batch (being supremacy in the Pacifi c, has the South China Sea issue, but Drugs Administra- distributed here), they will be promised $24bn in investment Beijing failed to hold up its end Ttion (FDA) will order a recalled,” said Domingo. and infrastructure loans that of the bargain. pullout of one batch of medi- The US FDA announced the developing nation of 105mn Activists hold a protest in front of the Chinese consular off ice, as Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in “We know there was a geo- cation for hypertension after last Thursday that pharma- deeply needs. the Philippines, in Manila. political calculation,” he said. some US-based pharmaceu- ceutical company, Sandoz But over two years later, only “What is the incentive to rush tical companies discovered Inc, was “voluntarily recall- a trickle of funding has arrived, idential palace for the two-day characterised the post-World an international tribunal that if Duterte has been giving them the presence of a “possible ing” the contaminated batch. prompting critics to question visit. The Chinese leader off ered War II order, especially in Asia. declared as without basis Bei- whatever they want?” human” carcinogen in the Affected by the recall were whether Duterte has been duped similarly sweeping remarks, However, even before Xi’s ar- jing’s expansive claim over the Gregory Wyatt, director for drug, a health official said 100 milligram/25 milligram into pivoting toward China and saying: “My visit will be a mile- rival, hundreds of protestors de- waterway, in favour of courting business intelligence at PSA yesterday. tablets with the lot number giving too much ground on the stone in the history of exchange scended on the Chinese embassy Chinese investment. Philippines Consultancy, said Health Undersecretary Ro- JB8912, the USFDA said in a South China Sea dispute. between our two countries.” to voice opposition to closer ties “The reality is that the Phil- big projects face many barriers lando Domingo said in a text statement dated November 8. Xi landed in Manila to a red- Few details were released on with Beijing. ippines under Duterte may have in the Philippines, like right-of- message that the FDA was The contaminated medica- carpet welcome for the fi rst state the deals inked yesterday, in- “Philippines is not for sale,” squandered the most solid legal way issues, regulatory approvals checking if any of the Losa- tion, which is in 1,000 count visit from a Chinese president cluding an agreement to co- the marchers chanted, as some ground it has against China in and political dissent. rtan products in the Philip- plastic bottles, was not dis- in 13 years, which Manila hopes operate on oil and gas develop- brandished signs saying “China the South China Sea confl ict,” Chinese investments in the pines belonged to the same tributed before October 8 and will fi nally net those investment ment. out of Philippine waters” in ref- Senator Leila de Lima, a jailed Philippines surged more than lot of “Losartan Potassium has an expiration date of June deals. China has disbursed tens of erence to a long-running dispute critic of the president, said in a fi ve-fold in the fi rst six months Hydrochlorothiazide” from 2020, the USFDA said. “For the Philippines, this is billions of dollars in loans since over the South China Sea. statement. of the year after a 67% expansion which traces of an “impuri- Domingo said that other more than a reciprocal visit. It 2013 as it expands its political Critics are most concerned A survey of 1,500 adults out last year, Foreign Minister Wang ty” called N-nitrosodiethyl- batches of Losartan were safe is an historic occasion,” Duterte infl uence globally, countering over Duterte’s decision to set yesterday said 84% of Filipinos Yi said during a Manila visit last amine (NDEA) were found. to take until proven other- said in welcoming Xi to the pres- the American hegemony that aside a major 2016 ruling from disagreed with taking a lais- month. The substance poses a pos- wise. Palace says joint oil exploration Faeldon gets approval for new plan with China will be legal role as corrections bureau chief By Catherine S Valente mature and could be prejudicial Manila Times to our country’s interests given that parties have yet to ink any Manila Times department said in a statement. agreement on the matter,” Pan- Manila Last week, the former deputy alacanang yesterday elo said. administrator of the Offi ce of assured the public The Palace offi cial said the Civil Defence (OCD) said he did Mthat the Philippines’ government will not jeopardise ormer Magdalo rebel Ni- not report for duty at the BuCor proposed joint oil and gas ex- the country when entering into canor Faeldon can now as- because of the lack of appoint- ploration with China in the any agreement with foreigners. Fsume his new post as chief ment papers. South China Sea (West Philip- “We respect the Senate as an of the Bureau of Corrections The Bureau of Corrections pine Sea) will stand legal scru- independent co-equal branch (BuCor). Act of 2013 states that the BuCor tiny. of government and welcome President Rodrigo Duterte has director general should be ap- Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo: legal assurance whatever congressional or fi nally signed the appointment pointed by the president. Panelo made the statement legislative action its members of Faeldon, who will replace Ro- Faeldon said returning imme- after opposition lawmakers with China in disputed waters. may want to undertake,” Pan- nald De La Rosa who resigned diately to his post as OCD deputy asked the Senate Committee The senators claimed that elo said. “In the same man- last month to run for senator in administrator in March, after his on Energy to investigate the China had produced a draft ner, we likewise expect respect next year’s midterm polls, Jus- release from detention in Pasay potential deals on oil and gas deal titled “Framework Agree- from them by allowing us to do tice Secretary Menardo Guevarra City Jail for bickering with Sen. exploration in the West Philip- ment on Joint Maritime Oil and our job as we perform activities announced yesterday. Richard Gordon during a hearing pine Sea. Gas Exploration between Chi- which are rightfully within the “Nicanor Faeldon’s appoint- in the Senate, should be proof “We assure that any agree- na and the Philippines.” scope of executive faculty.” ment papers as director general enough that he had never been ment that we will enter into Panelo said the Senate “is The Philippines is racing to of the BuCor have been signed a delinquent. Prior to becom- with a foreign government or free to conduct an inquiry in tap oil resources in the dis- by the president and ready for ing deputy administrator of the entity would stand the judicial aid of legislation on a potential puted sea as the Malampaya release by the executive secre- Nicanor Faeldon: new role OCD, Faeldon was the chief of scrutiny of both countries and deal on oil and gas exploration natural gas fi eld off Palawan tary,” he said in a text message to the Bureau of Customs (BoC) its constitutionality, if chal- with China.” can only supply gas up to 2029.| reporters. Correctional Institute for Wom- ago that he wanted Nicanor where he faced corruption alle- lenged, would be upheld,” Pan- He, however, added that any The previous Aquino admin- Guevarra said the appoint- en in Mandaluyong City and pe- Faeldon to replace Ronald De La gations. elo said. release of documents would be istration, which hailed China ment of Faeldon was timed for nal colonies in the provinces. Rosa as BuCor head. So, the DoJ He was implicated in the On Monday, Senators Fran- premature as a contract is yet to a United Nations-backed the 113th anniversary of the Bu- The Justice department said wrote to the CSC and requested smuggling of P6.4bn worth of cis Pangilinan and Antonio to be signed between the two tribunal over the dispute, has Cor. The correctional bureau is it had written the Civil Service the latter to evaluate and en- shabu into the Port of Manila Trillanes 4th fi led Senate countries. refused to conduct joint ex- an attached agency of the De- Commission (CSC) for the eval- dorse Faeldon to the Offi ce of the and was also accused by Sen. Resolution 943, which aims “Any demand for a release of ploration and exploitation with partment of Justice (DoJ), man- uation of the ex-soldier’s ap- President (OP)) as part of the le- Panfi lo Lacson of taking bribes. to conduct an inquiry into the documents pertaining thereto Beijing, saying the latter only dated to manage the New Bilibid pointment. gal requirements for processing Faeldon has repeatedly denied proposed joint exploration at this time, however, is pre- wants to play by its rules. Prison in Muntinlupa City, the “The president stated a month the appointment,” the Justice the allegations. Gulf Times 26 Wednesday, November 21, 2018 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Of dirty money and weak enforcement of banking regulations

Denmark has for long enjoyed the coveted status as one of the least corrupt nations on the earth. But the biggest corruption scandal in modern Danish history that has engulfed its biggest bank keeps worsening. Danske Bank has already admitted that about $234bn fl owed through a tiny unit in Estonia between 2007 and 2015 mostly in “suspicious” transactions. The whistle-blower has now accused Danske management of off ering to pay him to keep quiet. In his first public appearance since the scandal erupted, Howard Wilkinson told lawmakers in Copenhagen that he was off ered a What would it take to make severance package to stay silent about the suspicious funds that gushed through the Baltic unit where he worked as head of trading until 2014. The testimony also raises serious concerns about the extent to which money laundering is rampant in Europe. May’s Brexit deal work Other banks are being drawn into the probe. Deutsche Bank, Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase & Co are reportedly being scanned by US criminal investigators By Henry Newman Michel Barnier and his team is a deal. backstop by revealing that agreement from the UK to Northern Ireland or the London This draft agreement is far from ideal about our future was so inchoate. EU. All UK political parties have ruled for information over the case. for the UK. But it’s also true that British Crucially, a revised text should set out out a customs border down the Irish At least 10 banks were involved in the Danske laundering negotiators won important concessions a choice of future relationships: either Sea. So this article should be amended scandal, including three “Danske entities,” Wilkinson said he draft Brexit agreement precisely because Brussels is keen to a looser economic model closer to that explicitly to prevent the EU unilaterally on Monday. will be rubber-stamped by reach agreement. The EU climbed of Canada’s free trade agreement with imposing such a customs border within The European commission has described the money- a special European council down on various points, from the size technological solutions on the Irish the UK. laundering case at Denmark’s largest bank as “the biggest Tmeeting this weekend. But of Britain’s fi nancial contribution, border, or a more integrated agreement Third, the UK has been unable scandal” in Europe. the current deal has little chance of to governance of the withdrawal based on “deep” regulatory co- to secure a workable unilateral exit making it through the Commons. agreement, and from a UK-wide operation, as well as perhaps ultimately mechanism from the backstop, despite Deutsche Bank has been ordered to improve its controls to Without parliamentary approval there customs union, to the backstop itself. an even closer relationship designed Raab’s best eff orts. This failure has prevent money laundering and the fi nancing of terrorism by is no path to a negotiated UK-EU Although problematic and undesirable to meet Labour’s concerns. One line exacerbated concerns that the UK could Germany’s markets regulator. agreement. Yet, so far, neither the UK for the UK, the backstop is nonetheless in the current draft helped trigger the be “trapped” in the backstop. One way The BaFin instructed Deutsche Bank to “take appropriate nor EU has a proper plan B, other than an example of a bespoke relationship resignation of former Brexit secretary to break the impasse could be to state internal safeguards and a messy no deal. Time is running out to with neither free movement of Dominic Raab. The commitment that that the backstop does not create a comply with general due make changes to the deal to help it pass people nor signifi cant membership the “customs arrangements” will “build permanent relationship, yet applies At least 10 banks diligence obligations” parliament. contributions – exactly what the EU on the [backstop’s] single customs “as long as” the EU was working “to under German law. A series of EU fi gures have been pretended was not on off er. territory” was added at the last minute. negotiate and conclude” a permanent are involved wheeled out to claim this deal is the When the prime minister meets EU It should be removed, or explicitly agreement with the UK. This would be Deutsche Bank had fi nal off er. They say they won’t change leaders she should level with them refer to just the path towards a more a fudge but would give both sides some in the $234bn acknowledged in August anything. But if that’s actually the case, and admit that the domestic reaction integrated relationship. surety. that its anti-money there’s a serious danger things will go to the deal has been worse than she Next the prime minister needs to EU leaders will be loath to reopen the Danske Bank laundering processes wrong. Because I’ve heard from three expected. At cabinet last week, her agree three key changes to the divorce deal. But if they refuse they need to think remained ineffi cient more former Conservative chief whips, all of chief whip told ministers the DUP text – the withdrawal agreement. carefully about the consequences. The scandal than a year after it was whom argue that this deal will not now would abstain and predicted the deal First, a “lock” for the Northern Ireland drama of a potential leadership challenge, pass parliament. Even Labour Brexit- would pass the Commons. That no executive and assembly, the institutions as well as Labour’s desire to play political fi ned almost $700mn for helping wealthy Russians move backers threaten to vote against it. longer seems plausible at this point, of the 1998 Good Friday/Belfast games, underscore the weakness of May’s money out of the country. Of course, it’s not going to be possible with dozens of Conservatives lined up agreement. Back in December, both domestic political position. By the time Banks in Denmark, the Netherlands, Latvia and Malta have to tear up everything and start again. to vote it down. So Theresa May should the UK and EU agreed a joint report the deal is rejected by parliament at its all been linked to criminal infl ows from countries including It’s taken over a year and a half of tell the assembled dignitaries that the that said that there would be “no new fi rst vote, her space for manoeuvre may Russia and North Korea. snail-like negotiations to get here. And deal is a dead duck, unless there can regulatory barriers” between Northern be even less. There’s no point securing The US Treasury Department found out that ABLV, a it’s hard to see the EU off ering Theresa be limited but substantive changes Ireland and Great Britain unless the a deal that works perfectly in Brussels Latvian lender, was involved in “institutionalised money May an agreement without a backstop to the withdrawal agreement and a “executive and assembly agree … theory, but doesn’t survive contact with at this stage, even if she demands they signifi cant development of the political distinct arrangements are appropriate”. Westminster politics – after all, that laundering,” prompting EU authorities to withdraw drop it. Equally, calls to accept the declaration. That lock should be reintroduced, to would be to repeat the mistakes of David its banking licence. A report by the European Banking EU’s supposed off er of a Canada-style The political declaration, which help address DUP concerns about the Cameron’s renegotiation. Authority (EBA) concluded that the Maltese regulator had trade deal miss the point that such was published alongside the draft backstop. “failed to conduct an eff ective supervision” of Pilatus Bank. an agreement is only on off er via a withdrawal treaty, was almost painfully Second, hidden within an annex is an zHenry Newman is the director of Open EU banks can set up branches across the union on backstop. thin. Rather than giving confi dence, article that some interpret as allowing Europe. He has worked in the Cabinet preferential terms thanks to its so-called passporting However, the overarching goal of it exacerbated concerns about the the EU to levy tariff s on goods moving Offi ce and Ministry of Justice. system. It strengthens the case for more centralised supervision. The European Commission has unveiled new plans to crack down on money laundering. But instead of setting up a new unifi ed agency and equipping it to do the job, Europe plans to keep relying on national authorities, some of which are seen not up to the task. Brussels wants to give new powers to the EBA, so that the agency can tell national supervisors to investigate cases and consider possible sanctions. This is a step in the right direction. There’s no such thing as a zero-risk country for money laundering, according to the Basel Institute on Governance, a nonprofi t. Cross-border illicit money fl ows are helped by weak enforcement, politics, accountability and reporting standards. In a wider sense, the Danske Bank scam is not just about governments and regulators expressing outrage and taking knee-jerk actions. The ultimate test is about whether anti- money laundering stays high as a national priority when the dust has settled on Danske.

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Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May gestures as she takes a question after speaking at the annual Confederation of British Industry (CBI) conference in central London, on © 2018 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Monday. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Monday defended her draft Brexit deal to business leaders ahead of “intense negotiations” with Brussels in the coming week. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 21, 2018 27 COMMENT Can Democrats save capitalism?

By Noah Smith are means-tested: As a person’s healthcare have always been more Bloomberg News earned income rises, the welfare state popular in the US. pulls back. This can make it hard to That may be why rhetoric on the support both approaches at the same left is shifting. Although universal ith the Democrats having time – remember when Senator Bernie healthcare is still a central goal, there retaken the House of Sanders excoriated Amazon for paying seems to be less talk about the beauty Representatives, and its workers so little that they qualifi ed of Nordic social democracies and more Wwith socialists gaining for government benefi ts? As Ryan about the need for US corporations more clout within the Democratic Cooper has pointed out, the whole to do their part. Sanders has recently Party, the US is awakening to the purpose of the social-democratic focused on pressing specifi c companies reality of a reinvigorated left. Long welfare state is to make citizens less like Amazon and Walmart to raise decades of increasing inequality reliant on corporations. wages, while Elizabeth Warren has have taken some of the shine off of A second source of tension is introduced a plan for German-style capitalism, and the disappointment taxation. If corporations are going to co-determination. The Fight for 15 wrought by the Great Recession seems be responsible for the well-being of campaign to raise minimum wages to have been a catalyst for a socialist much of the populace, they are going has inspired many, while support resurgence. to have to make enough revenue to be for unions is growing. Meanwhile, But a big question looms in the able to sustain both high employment enthusiasm for the ultimate background: What kind of new system levels and high wages. But this often government-based solution – a does the left want? requires that corporate taxes stay low, universal basic income – appears to There are two basic alternatives, to help a country’s businesses compete have tapered off . which can be broadly labelled as social internationally – which then makes it This may be for the best. The democracy and corporatism. In the harder to fund the welfare state. corporatist approach may not be the fi rst, the government is responsible for So while the left doesn’t have to fairest, but it will probably be more providing a social safety net – things pick one approach, it will have to conducive to national wealth. In like basic healthcare and social security decide which to emphasise. One order for companies to provide for – through taxation and spending. In potentially unattractive feature of their workers, they need to generate the second system, the private sector the corporate welfare state is that it suffi cient revenue. A corporatist is expected to provide most people privileges people who work or have system thus aligns the interests with suffi cient income and benefi ts. family that does. The elderly, disabled of workers, management and The role of the government is to ensure or those living far from centres of government. Though this can lead to that it does so, either through specifi c commerce and industry can end up cronyism, it also gives leaders on the laws (a minimum wage, for example) disadvantaged through no fault of left a fundamental reason to help US or more general policies (support for their own. A government system, in companies develop new products and stronger unions, say) that encourage contrast, provides for people based on compete in global markets. That means businesses to keep both employment citizenship, not work – who they are, avoiding onerous taxes or regulation. and wages high. not what they do. It could also mean more government These two systems aren’t mutually Ultimately, it may come down to support for corporate innovation and exclusive. In fact the US government politics. A generous welfare state exports. off ers Medicare, Medicaid and other has always been politically very hard Ultimately, a more equitable health insurance services, while also to implement in the US. Though corporate system may be the thing that providing tax credits to help companies its fi scal system has become more saves capitalism – both from its own pay for their workers’ healthcare. redistributive over the years, the US Elizabeth Warren, Senator from Massachusetts. excesses and its most ardent enemies. Minimum-wage policies coexist with still doesn’t spend nearly as much of - Tribune News Service the Earned Income Tax Credit, which its gross domestic product through voters more wary of paying taxes that other rich countries. (Though of course style welfare state in the US seems provides extra income out of tax the government as most countries in might go to support citizens from other the causation may run the other way; unlikely anytime soon. That leaves zNoah Smith is a Bloomberg Opinion revenue. Europe do: ethnic groups. American culture may Americans might work more because corporatism as the obvious alternative. columnist. He was an assistant But it would be a mistake to pretend The reason is not clear. The US’s size also emphasise work ethic more, as they have to, given the country’s This approach is more consonant professor of finance at Stony there’s no tension between these two and geographic diversity may play a illustrated by the fact that Americans smaller welfare state.) with American history – policies like Brook University, and he blogs at systems. Many government benefi ts role, and its ethnic diversity may make work relatively long hours compared to Whatever the reason, a France- minimum wage and employer-based Noahpinion. The many benefi ts immigrants bring to the US Three-day forecast for work visas to staff their farms. In TODAY By Josh T Smith and Jesse Baker Maximum Temperature : 250c Tribune News Service 2011, the NCGA needed 6,500 workers, yet only around 260 natives applied – Minimum Temperature : 220c just 4% of the NCGA’s total needs. Dr THURSDAY ecent debates over America’s Clemens’ study concludes that “foreign Maximum Temperature : 270c immigration policy are agriculture workers fi ll jobs that native Minimum Temperature : 200c exposing a deep rift in workers will not, and that by fi lling these FRDAY conservative politics. In the jobs, foreign workers benefi t North Maximum Temperature : 260c R Minimum Temperature : 230c Utah Senate debate earlier this year, Carolina’s economy and create jobs for Americans.” Mitt Romney referred to US policies Fisherman's forecast that separated immigrant parents from Critics of increased immigration their children at the border as a “dark A sign on the US-Mexico border reads in Spanish “Todos somos migrantes”, (we can tout the costs of immigration, chapter” in American history. Others are all immigrants) in Playas de Tijuana, northwestern Mexico, on November 18. but they also can’t ignore its benefi ts. WARNING have urged President Donald Trump Immigrants are highly motivated Inshore : Nil to uphold his campaign promises output. In turn, more immigrants not just that immigrants allow existing contributors to the American Offshore : Strong wind and high by taking stronger steps to restrict mean more shoppers at local businesses to expand, they also give economy, not deadweight living on sea/ Thunder rain at first immigration. businesses, more jobs, and more natives more jobs to choose from. public resources. WEATHER Those who support restricting prosperity for all Americans. Instead of taking employment options Immigration will be a defi ning Inshore : Moderate temperature immigration claim that the US economy Still, anti-immigration advocates away from natives, immigrants are element of President Trump’s legacy. daytime with sctd clouds, relatively cold is already at full employment, which insist that immigrants take jobs away creating them. Reducing immigration restrictions by by night means an infl ux of immigrants will from native-born Americans. But Besides the jobs immigrants removing quotas that keep highly- Offshore : Partly cloudy to cloudy only further strain public funds that are research from immigration expert Dr create, it’s unlikely that the US educated immigrants out of the United with sctd rain may be already stretched too thin. Giovanni Peri suggests that restricting economy is at full capacity. Here States and protecting the children of thundery at first While calls for restricting the fl ow of immigrants actually slows too, studies show that rather than undocumented immigrants are two WIND immigration are often made job creation, leaving natives with fewer straining labour markets by moving points where President Trump can Inshore : Northwesterly 08-18/22 KT on economic grounds, there is opportunities. On average, business to areas with few available jobs, ensure that his record on immigration Offshrore : Northwesterly 12-22/30 little evidence that restricting owners employing immigrants have immigrants tend to enter areas that is a positive one. KT immigration will improve America’s lower labour costs, which enables them have existing labour market gaps. Visibility : 4-8 KM economic situation. If anything, to invest those savings in expanding In fact, because of immigration zJosh T Smith is a research manager at Offshore : 4-7/10 FT the Center for Growth and Opportunity restrictionism would hurt the their operations. As businesses grow, restrictions, some jobs go unfilled Around the region economy. they hire more employees, leading to a for long periods of time. at Utah State University and a Weather Using phrases like “full net growth in jobs available. Immigration expert Dr Michael contributor with Young Voices. Follow Weather tomorrow Max/min employment” implies that the There’s also powerful and growing Clemens conducted one study that him on Twitter: @smithtjosh. Jesse today Max/min P Cloudy 21/15 economy is a fi xed pie. In reality, evidence that immigrants start more looked at the North Carolina Growers Baker is a CGO graduate research Baghdad P Cloudy 22/14 M Sunny 23/17 economies grow along with the businesses than natives. They’re twice Association (NCGA). The NCGA is a fellow at the Centre for Growth and Kuwait CitySunny 23/13 Sunny 25/21 population. More labour means more as likely to do so, it turns out. So it’s group of farmers who collectively apply Opportunity. Manama Sunny 24/20 Muscat M Sunny 28/23 M Sunny 27/22 Tehran Sunny 17/07 P Cloudy 15/07 Live issues Sleep and exercise compete for people’s time

By Carolyn Crist more than a third of adults in the US and 8am or between 9pm and 11pm. Family income and education Reuters Health say they sleep less than that. Exercise for up to an hour either in levels infl uenced sleep time as well. “We all have 24 hours in a day, so the morning or the evening was not Generally, those who earn more and for the people who only sleep fi ve or associated with signifi cantly shorter have higher education tend to get less n weekday mornings, two six hours, are they doing a healthy sleep. sleep, but they’re also more likely to Around the world healthy activities - exercise behaviour or sitting in front of the TV “The problem is, we can’t tell exercise. Although this study was Weather Weather and sleep - compete eating chips?” Basner said in a phone people to work less, but we can look based in the US, Basner speculates the today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Owith each other for time, interview. “We’ve been trying to at habits before bed, which is usually same would apply in other developed Athens Sunny 21/12 M Sunny 20/11 researchers say. identify activities that could be traded TV watching, or in the morning, countries. Beirut M Cloudy 23/18 T Storms 21/17 As exercise increases, sleep for more sleep.” which is commuting and grooming,” “There is the impression that we Bangkok M Sunny 34/26 P Cloudy 33/25 decreases among those who wake up Basner and colleagues analysed Basner said. “This study suggests are pressed for time now more than Berlin Cloudy 02/-2 M Sunny 02/-2 early to work out before heading to American Time Use Survey data it’s possible to both exercise and get ever. This is probably due, in part, to Cairo M Sunny 28/17 P Cloudy 27/16 their jobs, the study authors report in for nearly 48,000 working men and enough sleep.” exposure to more time-wasting things Cape Town Cloudy 18/13 Cloudy 20/13 the journal Sleep Health. At the same women interviewed on a weekday Basner and colleagues were like social media, nevertheless, clearly Colombo S T Storms 30/24 S T Storms 31/24 time, getting some exercise versus between 2003 and 2016. As part of the surprised to fi nd that in contrast to for many people there is a perceived Dhaka M Sunny 29/18 Sunny 29/18 none during the day also helped people survey, participants logged how they previous advice about not exercising choice between healthy behaviours,” Hong Kong S Showers 24/16 Cloudy 20/17 to sleep better. spent their time in the previous 24 before bed, those who got physical said Shawn Youngstedt, a researcher at Istanbul S Showers 18/12 Rain 13/09 “Sleep research has focused on hours. activity later at night seemed to still Arizona State University in Tempe who Jakarta T Storm 33/25 T Storm 33/24 the ways that sleep deprivation Researchers found that people get plenty of sleep. Instead of harming wasn’t involved in the study. Karachi M Sunny 33/20 P Cloudy 32/20 affects overall health, but at some spent most of their time working and sleep, exercising during the day, even A limitation of using American Time London M Sunny 07/00 P Cloudy 08/03 point we began wondering what commuting. About 17% said they had if close to bedtime, might help people Use Survey data to study exercise and Manila S Showers 29/26 P Cloudy 32/25 people were doing with the time exercised in the last 24 hours. Overall, to sleep more deeply or fall asleep sleep, he said, is that “sleep” includes Moscow Cloudy 01/-4 Cloudy -1/-5 they weren’t sleeping,” said senior long work hours were associated with sooner, he said. lying in bed and resting, which could New Delhi Fog 28/13 P Cloudy 28/13 study author Dr Mathias Basner both short sleep and low exercise rates. “This probably depends on skew the results. New York M Sunny 07/-5 Sunny -2/-7 of the University of Pennsylvania At the same time, those who exercised personality, too, and whether At the same time, he said by e-mail, Paris P Cloudy 06/00 M Sunny 08/02 Perelman School of Medicine in slept an average of 15 minutes less than someone has an early or late circadian “This advances an excellent idea to try Sao Paulo Cloudy 22/17 S T Storms 26/17 Philadelphia. those who didn’t. In fact, sleep time preference,” he added. “An owl who to promote exercise at times in which Seoul S Showers 07/-3 Sunny 07/06 The American Academy of Sleep dropped as exercise time increased. is likely to go to bed at 1am might it does not curtail sleep. Off ering Singapore T Storm 30/25 T Storm 30/25 Medicine and the Sleep Research The strongest association between exercise well at night, and the lark exercise opportunities at work would Sydney M Cloudy 28/18 Cloudy 23/14 Society both recommend seven or exercise and sleep was seen among who wakes up at 5am anyway might probably facilitate healthy and more Tokyo Clear 17/08 Cloudy 13/11 more hours of sleep per night, yet people who exercised between 6am exercise before work.” productive workers.” Gulf Times 28 Wednesday, November 21, 2018 QATAR

HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani along with other dignitaries at the event. (Supplied picture) Dr Catriona MacCallum speaking at the event. QNRF hosts annual forum, to fund new research initiatives

By Joseph Varghese and Mathematics) Lab hub in col- are planning to launch most of search Offi ce Award at the forum Staff Reporter laboration with Texas A&M Uni- these within the fi rst quarter of for its outstanding performance versity at Qatar (Tamuq), which next year,” said Dr al-Taie. in managing research projects Dr Cesar O Malave, dean of Tamuq, receiving the award from Dr al-Taie. PICTURES: Jayan Orma aims to help students on STEM- “QNRF — a member of QF — during the pre-award and post- atar National Research related topics,” said executive di- has helped develop a thriving award stages. address Qatar’s national priority submissions from researchers ture on open access publication, Fund (QNRF) will launch rector Dr Abdul Sattar al-Taie. research culture as it has formed Recipients of NPRP included areas under the four pillars of the spanning the nation’s academic open data access, and data man- Qnew programmes as well “We will also be launching a the framework for a congenial researchers from the Doha In- Qatar National Research Strategy: and research institutions, which agement, as well as the challenges as funding for a number of pro- High School Research Experience research atmosphere in the coun- stitute for Graduate Studies, QF Energy & Environment; Biomedi- is testament to the increasing and opportunities presented by a grammes related to the grand Programme with the Ministry of try. QNRF has contributed sig- members Hamad Bin Khalifa cal and Health; Information and homegrown research culture that global network of Open Science. challenges of the country within Education and Higher Education nifi cantly to the global standing of University and Sidra Medicine, Communication Technology; and QNRF aims to nurture and sup- This year’s Energy and En- the fi rst quarter of next year. to provide hands-on experience the academic institutions of Qa- QF partner universities Weill Social Sciences, Arts & Humani- port. We look forward to assist- vironment priority themes un- This was announced yesterday to high school students,” he dis- tar,” highlighted Dr al-Taie. Cornell Medicine – Qatar; Ta- ties. Its 11th cycle received 284 ing the recipients of grants under der the NPRP included research at QNRF’s 10th Annual Forum, closed. During the event, QNRF an- muq; Hamad Medical Corpora- proposal submissions, 77 of which the 11th cycle of the NPRP as they projects focused on solar pho- attended by HE Sheikha Hind bint “We are poised to launch fund- nounced the winners of the 11th tion, the Ministry of Municipal- were awarded grants for research work to make valuable contribu- tovoltaic systems, energy effi - Hamad al-Thani, Vice Chairper- ing for the thematic and grand cycle of its National Priorities ity and Environment, and Qatar projects. tions to the country’s research ciency, water, and oil and gas. In son and CEO of Qatar Foundation challenges programmes. It in- Research Programme (NPRP) and University. The NPRP is QNRF’s “Our priority is to identify re- objectives,” explained Dr al-Taie. the Biomedical and Health sector, (QF). cludes several programmes such the recipient of the Best Research main funding programme, and search projects that will positively Keynote speaker Dr Catriona emphasis was placed on diabetes, “QNRF will set up a STEM (Sci- as precision medicine, cyber se- Offi ce Award for 2018. the primary means by which it impact Qatar through innovation. MacCallum, director of Open Sci- cancer, genetic diseases, and epi- ence, Technology, Engineering, curity among several others. We Tamuq received the Best Re- supports research projects that Year on year, we receive a host of ence, Hindawi, gave a plenary lec- demiology.

The Eighth Katara Traditional Dhow Festival, which opened yesterday, is showcasing traditional sailing vessels and a diverse range of off erings and activities reflecting culture, heritage and traditions at the Katara beach. Marine products and equipment, and several products from other countries are also on display at various stalls set up by participating countries, which include Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Turkey, India, Greece, Italy, and Zanzibar. The opening was attended by senior Katara off icials, ambassadors and dignitaries. The festival concludes on Saturday. PICTURES: Jayan Orma

Katara Dhow Festival opens

From Page 1 an exhibition of marine products prize winner will get QR30,000 The festival will also hold more and paraphernalia. while the second and third plac- maritime competitions such as Schoolchildren will have the ers will take home QR20,000 and kayaking, breika, hoisting the opportunity to visit the festival QR10,000, respectively. mainsail, sailing and swimming in the morning while Katara visi- A cultural cafe with interactive until Thursday to entertain spec- tors will be treated to traditional discussions on sea traditions will tators. marine shows such as Saliya, host experts, adding more colour Traditional sailing vessels at Kharkhour and Ghazal tomorrow to the event. A one-of-its-kind Katara beach, including the Qa- and Friday evenings. 20-minute fi reworks display, tari dhow, Fatih Al Khair, are An art competition focusing on themed on marine traditions, also expected to attract a large sea traditions will be held on the will light up Katara sky during number of visitors, in addition to sidelines of the festival. The fi rst the weekend from 8pm.