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Qatar expected to be $225bn Commercial Bank extends economy by 2020 Qatar Masters sponsorship published in QATAR since 1978

TUESDAY Vol. XXXX No. 11343 October 22, 2019 Safar 23, 1441 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir to attend emperor’s RDI to help Qatar enthronement achieve targets, in Tokyo today QNA create new legacy Tokyo O QSTP celebrates 10th anniversary is Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani er Highness Sheikha Moza gional hub of technology innovation Harrived in Tokyo yesterday to bint Nasser, Chairperson of and development since its establish- participate in the enthronement cer- HQatar Foundation, yesterday ment by QF 10 years ago. emony of Emperor Naruhito of Japan. attended the ‘Catalysing The Future’ ‘Catalysing The Future’ highlighted The enthronement will take place at celebration of the 10th anniversary how the culture created by Qatar Foun- the Imperial Palace in Tokyo today. of Qatar Science & Technology Park dation in education, research, devel- Upon arrival at Tokyo International (QSTP). opment, and innovation has provided Airport (Haneda), the Amir was re- ‘Catalysing The Future’ was at- the platform to take RDI in Qatar to a ceived by Special Assistant to the For- tended by HE Sheikh Abdullah bin new level – supporting the nation’s eign Minister of Japan Seiichi Otsuka, Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, Prime economic and social development, and Secretary-General of Japan-Qatar Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, HE Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Minister and Minister of Interior, and underpinning its self-suffi ciency and Parliamentary Friendship Association al-Attiyah and other dignitaries at the ‘Catalysing The Future’ celebration of the 10th anniversary of QSTP yesterday. HE Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Atti- sustainability. Tadahiko Ito, ambassador of Qatar to PICTURE: AR Al-Baker yah, Deputy Prime Minister and Min- It also spotlighted the role that Japan Hassan bin Mohamed Rafi al- ister of State for Defence Affairs, and QSTP, part of Qatar Foundation Re- Emadi and members of the Qatari em- Chairperson of the Qatar Research, search, Development and Innovation, bassy. Development and Innovation Coun- will play in accelerating Qatar’s busi- His Highness the Amir’s attend- cil, alongside ministers and dignitar- ness RDI sector and making it a global ance at the ceremony would further ies, and representatives from Qatar’s destination for technology companies affi rm the strong friendship and dis- Options open as Brexit route still uncharted research, development, and innova- and talent. tinguished relations between Qatar tion (RDI) ecosystem. The programme culminated with a and Japan and the keenness of the two rime Minister Boris Johnson is again in disarray as Britain’s politi- position lawmakers that Johnson was It marked Qatar Foundation’s (QF) speech by HE Dr al-Attiyah, who chairs countries to develop and strengthen faces a potentially perilous cians argue over whether to leave with trying to bully and rush lawmakers achievements in the fi eld of RDI and the Qatar Research, Development and these relations, QNA said. Pratifi cation of his Brexit divorce a deal, exit without a deal or hold an- into passing the bill. emphasised how a nationwide com- Innovation Council, a national body This is the second visit of the Amir to deal in the British parliament after the other referendum. Earlier, House of Commons speaker mitment to advancing innovation will charged with creating a nationwide Japan this year. He had paid an offi cial speaker refused to allow a vote on it. The government is trying to force John Bercow said a vote should not be create a “legacy” for Qatar, looking strategy for research, development, visit to Japan in January as part of an With just 10 days left until the Unit- through the legislation needed for allowed on Monday (yesterday) as the ahead to the next phase of the nation’s and innovation, QRDI 2030, and the Asian tour that also included South Ko- ed Kingdom is due to leave the Euro- Britain to leave the bloc in the shortest same issue had been discussed on Sat- RDI journey. QSTP, which hosted the operating model for its successful ex- rea and the Republic of China.Page 22 pean Union on October 31, the divorce time possible, drawing cries from op- urday. Page 14 event, has become a national and re- ecution. To Page 24 Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, October 22, 2019 QATAR

Transport Minister holds talks in Georgia Deputy Amir Health Minister offi cially chairs QU inducted into US National board meeting QNA Academy of Medicine Doha is Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah QNA Hbin Hamad al-Thani, the Washington Chairman of the Board of Trus- tees of Qatar University (QU), chaired the fi rst meeting of the uring a ceremony in QU Board of Trustees for the ac- Washington, DC, HE the ademic year (2019-2020), which DMinister of Public Health was held at the Amiri Diwan yes- HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti met the Georgian Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari terday. Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Natela Turnava, in Tbilisi, Georgia. The was offi cially inducted into the The board reviewed what has two ministers discussed aspects of co-operation between Qatar and Georgia in the fields of National Academy of Medicine. been implemented of its deci- transportation, ports and communications and means of further enhancing them. They also Last year HE Dr al-Kuwari sions and recommendations tak- discussed potential investment opportunities in these fields, in addition to a number of topics of was among 10 new international en during the fourth meeting of common interest. The meeting also addressed broadening the service of the Black Sea Express members elected to the National the academic year (2018-2019). Service (BSX), which is Milaha’s first container shipping service in Europe. BSX is a direct container Academy of Medicine. It also discussed the topics on its feeder route linking Greece, Turkey, Georgia and Russia – a service that has been resonating widely With a current membership of agenda and took appropriate de- at the regional level since its launch, in addition to its role in boosting the commercial operations for over 2,000, the National Acad- cisions, including the approval markets it serves. emy of Medicine elects no more of the proposal of the executive than 70 national and 10 interna- master’s in leadership. tional members each year. The board also approved the Election to the Academy is proposal of the master’s in de- considered one of the highest fence studies. honours in the fi elds of health HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari has and medicine and recognises in- been off icially inducted into the US National Academy of Medicine for Interior ministry launches public dividuals who have demonstrated her outstanding contributions to the field of health. Charitable activities outstanding professional achieve- ment and commitment to service. continues to lead Qatar’s health ous speakers about the intersec- regulatory body holds survey about traffi c dept services The National Academy of system into becoming one of the tion between open source data training programme Medicine confi rmed HE Dr al- most impressive in the region and science and privacy, artifi cial Kuwari’s election to the pres- beyond with Qatar recently being intelligence and its role in shap- The Regulatory Authority for QNA citizens and residents. great attention to surveys as an tigious body for her outstand- ranked 5th best health system on ing healthcare delivery, and the Charitable Activities is organising Doha The survey focuses on the important measurement mech- ing contributions to the fi eld of the Legatum Institute ranking in ethics of human genome editing. a specialised programme procedures carried out by the anism, because of its eff ective health. 2019,” said Dr Dzau. The National Academy of entitled “Governance and its General Directorate of Traffi c, role in supporting the decision- Speaking during the induc- Qatar is ranked in the top 25 Medicine is an independent or- Implementation Mechanisms” he Ministry of Interior has regarding the reception of citi- making process and identifying tion ceremony, President of the in the world for healthcare ac- ganisation of eminent profes- in co-operation with Qatar started a fi eld survey to zens and residents, the speed of the effi ciency of services pro- National Academy of Medicine cess and quality, according to the sionals from diverse fi elds in- Association of Certified Public Treview the opinion of the completion of their transactions vided to the public and then to Dr Victor Dzau called HE Dr al- World Health Authority, and is in cluding health, medicine, and Accountants (QCPA). public on the services provided and the response to their inquir- enhance the effi ciency and qual- Kuwari one of the most impres- the top quartile in the Universal the natural, social and behav- A group of charities are by the General Directorate of ies by staff and offi cers, and fa- ity of these services, in line with sive healthcare executives in the Health Coverage Index accord- ioural sciences. participating in the programme. Traffi c at headquarters and ex- cilities provided by the Depart- the directions and strategy of the world. ing to the WHO and the World It serves alongside the Na- The four-day programme aims ternal departments. ment, including the provision Ministry of Interior. “At a very young age she as- Bank. tional Academy of Sciences and at introducing governance, The survey, carried out by of appropriate and comfortable He added that the survey sumed overall leadership of Qatar’s health system was the National Academy of Engi- highlighting its importance, the Planning and Quality De- waiting places, car parking, and teams are also surveying the Hamad Medical Corporation, ranked 5th best in the world and neering as an adviser for the na- explaining its role in partment over a week, is a con- services for people with disabili- opinions of the public to know which eff ectively serves as the fi rst in the Middle East by the tion and the international com- achieving the interests of all tinuation of the series of field ties. their knowledge of the services national health system in Qatar, 2018 Legatum Prosperity Index, munity. parties, clarifying its goals surveys conducted by the Min- The offi cer of the Informa- provided by the Department and she led it on an impressive advancing from 13th in 2017 and Through its domestic and and their mechanisms of istry, to seek public opinion on tion and Statistics section at the within the electronic services of transformation journey. 27th in 2008. global initiatives, the National implementation, and preparing its services in order to evaluate Planning and Quality Depart- the Ministry of Interior, in order Her appointment in 2016 as The induction ceremony was Academy of Medicine works to governance reports with and develop them in a way that ment Lt Hassan al-Abdul Jab- to motivate them to finish their Qatar’s Minister of Public Health part of the Academy’s annual address critical issues in health, participants applying some responds to the aspirations of bar said that the ministry pays transactions electronically. further expanded her scope as she meeting, which also hosted vari- medicine, and related policy. practical models. – QNA Gulf Times Tuesday, October 22, 2019 3 QATAR Labour Minister meets French Senate delegation Centre for specialised maritime training gets MoTC accreditation

QNA Doha

he Ministry of Transport and Communications T(MoTC) has accredited the Qatar International Safety Cen- tre (QISC) to be the fi rst facility of its kind to provide specialised maritime training in Qatar. The move comes within the framework of MoTC’s compli- Qatar International Safety Centre (QISC) is the first facility of its kind ance with the International to provide specialised maritime training in the country. Maritime Organisation (IMO)’s HE the Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Aff airs Yousef bin Mohamed al-Othman Fakhro met the President of International Convention on tain certifi cates that are rec- turn, will reveal it to other coun- the French Senate’s Friendship Group Jean-Marie Bockel and his accompanying delegation. During the meeting, they discussed aspects Standards of Training, Certifi ca- ognised by MoTC and interna- tries and member organisations of co-operation between the two sides and ways to develop them. tion and Watchkeeping for Sea- tionally as they are issued in a and entities, he added. farers (STCW) Convention 1978. country, Qatar, which is an IMO He also said that this is a good The accreditation followed a member state and a Convention opportunity to encourage those full audit process conducted by party. who are interested in working MoTC, represented by its Mari- QISC has been accredited in in maritime transport aff airs to time Transport Planning and accordance with STCW Con- visit the ministry and get updat- Licensing Dept, verifying QISC’s vention requirements and pre- ed on relevant prerequisites and Sidra Medicine launches Medical Toxicology fellowship programme compliance with all formali- requisites. requirements that they should ties and requirements laid down “Accrediting QISC for train- know. in the Convention, in addition ing seafarers in maritime courses Maritime Transport Quality QNA cy Medicine, includes the Qatar Medicine Professor Khalid al- to reviewing and approving the that are classifi ed as mandatory Assurance Director Mohamed Doha Poison Center — a free helpline Ansari, said: “We are thrilled training materials to ensure that by the Convention is unprec- al-Mutawa said that accredit- for the public. that more candidates con- training and qualifi cations meet edented in Qatar. ing QISC came after verifying The Department is also in sider Qatar as a viable option the level and quality required by QISC is now the fi rst accred- all quality criteria, which is a idra Medicine has launched charge of offering CME ac- for fellowships in specialist the Convention. ited centre in Qatar to meet IMO top-priority requirement of the a fellowship programme credited annual workshops on fields. We have a long stand- The ultimate objective is to requirements,” said MoTC’s As- STCW Convention. Sin Medical Toxicology and topics related to clinical man- ing level of co-operation with emphasise Qatar’s compliance sistant Undersecretary of Mari- Port State Control Offi cer at has welcomed the programme’s agement of poisons; toxic ter- healthcare partners in Ku- with all IMO conventions and time Transport Aff airs Dr Saleh MoTC Capt Khalid Elagib said fi rst international fellow from rorism and advanced hazmat wait.” standards, foremost of which are bin Fetais al-Marri. that the mandatory courses are Kuwait. life support. “Previously, a vast majority of marine safety, marine environ- Formerly, he explained, sea- very important for meeting the Medical Toxicology is a The Medical Toxicology Fel- regional fellows who wished to ment protection, and protecting farers used to enrol at accredited requirements of the seafaring medical subspecialty focusing lowship curriculum at Sidra specialise in paediatric medicine lives and property at sea. training centres in other coun- profession and are an integral on the diagnosis, management Medicine covers the core facets and its specialties like toxicology QISC will provide mari- tries to take these courses. part of mandatory certifi cations and prevention of poison- of toxicology with the goal of for example, would have had to time sectors workers in Qatar This step, he added, “comes for captains, naval offi cers, naval ing, toxicity and other adverse training fellows to build their ex- typically to go to North America and from other countries with as part of MoTC’s endeavours to engineers and all those who work health effects due to medica- pertise for their future practice Dr Khalid al-Ansari, Chief of or Europe. specialised maritime training develop Qatar’s maritime trans- on ships, in order to be licensed tions, chemicals, occupational in medicine. Emergency Medicine Since off ering the programme courses on the techniques of port services in terms of train- professionals. Accrediting QISC, and environmental toxins, and In addition to learning and at Sidra Medicine, this will be personal survival, fi re preven- ing and qualifying the sector’s he noted, came after major ef- biological hazards. research, the fellows also re- son Centre. very appealing to candidates to tion, fi refi ghting, elementary professionals and workers in line forts in collaboration with a uni- Sidra Medicine’s Medical Tox- ceive hands-on clinical experi- Chair of Emergency Medi- get the same quality of train- fi rst aid, personal safety and so- with IMO requirements.” versal rating agency to realising icology services, which are un- ence and provide phone-based cine and founder of the Qa- ing here in Qatar,” Dr al-Ansari cial responsibilities. This accreditation will be an- such an unprecedented achieve- der the Department of Emergen- consultations for the Qatar Poi- tar Poison Centre at Sidra added. Benefi ciary trainees will ob- nounced by the IMO, which, in ment in Qatar.

Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, October 22, 2019 QATAR Build Your House 2020 to showcase Msheireb Properties innovative products he inaugural edition of Build Your House 2020 to open Zulal Wellness Tslated from March 2 to 4 at the Qatar National Conven- tion Centre (QNCC) aims to en- able Qataris to create their house and introducing them to the lat- est technologies and materials used in building, architecture, Resort by mid-2020 and interior designs. “As Qatar endeavours to Abdul Aziz Saad al-Kaabi, VP, sheireb Properties will ness destination, the Middle secure the welfare of its citi- NeXTFairs. announce today at the East’s fi rst full-immersion well- zens, and supports their ambi- Mfi rst day of Cityscape ness resort, and the world’s fi rst tions of building their houses, Kahramaa will participate as Qatar 2019 that its latest devel- centre for Traditional Arabic In- we are glad to organise this Strategic Partner, with a pavil- opment, Zulal Wellness Resort, tegrative Medicine (TAIM). event, which gathers key play- ion designed as a sustainable will be opened in the second The resort is located in ers within the construction house that educates visitors on quarter of 2020, in collaboration Khasooma, a northern coastal industry under one roof. best practices and applications with market-leading wellness village one-hour drive from “It will help visitors to gain to rationalise the consumption brand, Chiva-Som International Doha, featuring 120 elegant new contacts, discover best of electricity and water, and Health Resort. guestrooms and suites for fami- practice, high quality mate- also protect the environment Chiva-Som is known around lies, and 60 adults-only suites rials, and fi nd solutions that to accomplish sustainability the world for their fl agship re- and villas, welcoming guests of build solid foundations for based on the pillars of Qatar sort in Hua Hin, Thailand. The all ages and needs. their family,” said NeXTFairs National Vision 2030. collaboration with Msheireb A specially developed menu of VP Abdul Aziz Saad al-Kaabi. Raed Halawa, general man- Properties is the fi rst manage- Arabic and Mediterranean well- “We are honoured by the pa- ager at Tadmur Trading, ment and operating contract ness cuisine, as well as beauti- tronage of HE the Prime Minis- founding partner of the exhi- they have undertaken, expand- ful architecture and well-being ter and Interior Minister Sheikh bition, said: “Participating in ing their off erings to the Middle services inspired by local herit- Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Build Your House is the best East region exclusively in Qatar. age, will make it a true showcase al-Thani. It refl ects the interest way to reach out to the Qatari Designed after Msheireb of traditional and modern Qatari of the Qatari government to- audience to showcase our new Properties’ philosophy for sus- culture. wards events that support and products. tainable developments that are “We are very excited to col- boost Qatar’s economy.” Build Your House 2020 ex- rooted in the past but geared for laborate with Chiva-Som to op- The government has allo- hibition will hold seminars the future, Zulal Wellness Resort erate Zulal Wellness Resort. Our cated the largest budget for the and workshops that educate takes its name from the Arabic mission as a national real estate processing of lands for citizens Qataris on the procedures and Classic word “Zulal”, referring developer is to build communi- worth QR10bn to serve 2,487 stages of building their hous- to “purifi ed water”. It is inspired ties and developments that en- housing vouchers for Qataris es, including getting the nec- by the people’s historic journey rich and enhance the way peo- Aerial view of Zulal Wellness Resort. in 2020, al-Kaabi pointed out. essary permits, documents, across land and the ever-present ple live, work and thrive, while He said Build Your House information about the build- search for water, the seed of life remaining true to our Qatari of the launch: ‘We are delighted DNA at every touchpoint,” Ro- Msheireb Properties, Qatar’s 2020 showcases innovative, ing area of the house, the gov- – a concept that encapsulates and Arabic cultural heritage,” to announce the opening of this janastien said. “The ability to national real estate developer cost eff ective products, and ernment’s role of distributing the history, culture and heritage Msheireb Properties acting CEO project, on which we have been serve families in particular off ers and a subsidiary of Qatar Foun- plenty of options to design, lands to citizens, and safety of Qatar. Ali al-Kuwari said. collaborating with Msheireb guests great fl exibility, and we dation, is keen on being present build, and renovate houses. and security measures. The resort, dubbed as the new “This partnership with Chi- Properties.” hope it will inspire wellness for a at events that enrich and support “It is set to attract more Build Your Home 2020 is wellness destination in Qatar, is va-Som enables us to provide “This is the fi rst time we have new generation.” the sustainable growth of the than 200 exhibitors who will a collaborative platform that an landscaping icon with ponds the best in ancient Arabic medi- embarked on a management Staying true to Msheireb local real estate market. showcase the latest designs provides informative advice and water features running cine, not just in Qatar, but in the and operating contract since the Properties’ and Chiva-Som’s At Cityscape Qatar 2019, and innovations. The exhibi- and links guests to the con- around serene shaded walled entire region. Zulal Wellness Re- opening of our resort in Hua Hin, core principle, the resort will Msheireb Properties is show- tion is divided into three sec- tractors and consultants that gardens in tribute to the an- sort will no doubt contribute to Thailand in 1995. We are excited operate sustainably and adhere casing a number of its projects, tors to provide a holistic cus- enable them to build hous- cient sea-bound travellers fi nd- the growth of wellness tourism and proud to have created some- to environmentally friendly including retail, commercial and tomer experience. They will es that suit their needs and ing welcoming shelter in local in the country,” he noted. thing completely new with Zulal practices. It will also make use residential opportunities. Visi- be able to discover design and tastes. For more information, villages. Chairman and CEO of Chi- Wellness Resort, which is the fi rst of locally developed specialty tors are welcome to visit their consultancy, contracting, and visit www.buildyourhouseqa- Spread across 280,000sq m, va-Som International Health in the world to showcase TAIM, products alongside international booth D25 to learn more from the suppliers,” al-Kaabi said. tar.com or call 50066691. the resort is Qatar’s largest well- Resort, Krip Rojanastien, said whilst retaining the Chiva-Som treatments. Msheireb Team on the ground.

The resort is dubbed as the new wellness destination in Qatar. Ezdan Holding Group to display mega projects at Cityscape Qatar zdan Holding Group and its subsid- iaries are participating in Cityscape EQatar 2019, which opens today at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre and will run until October 24. Ezdan Holding is seeking a strong presence at “the largest real estate an- nual event in Doha,” promising visitors the opportunity to experience remark- able foothold of six-decade experience in real estate development. Visitors to Ezdan Holding Group’s pavilion will discover the diversity of residential, hotel, and commercial projects, as well as the projects on school construction and other vari- ous projects that have been completed during Ezdan’s long and pioneering Ezdan Mall Co also participates in Cityscape Qatar with top-tier projects. profi le in real estate development. The audience will also observe the facilities for the public and potential projects. The company, which belongs promotional and competitive off ers tenants to facilitate the processes of to Ezdan Holding Group, manages and aimed at stimulating the local market, contracting and leasing, in addition to operates Ezdan Mall Al Gharafa, Ezdan in addition to the latest services off ered maintenance. These bulk services for Al Wakrah Mall, and Ezdan Al Wukair within the real estate investment sector. residence at Ezdan properties enhance Mall, where their outperformance For Ezdan Real Estate, Ezdan Hold- the effi ciency of services aimed at the and locations are a real addition to the ing’s property management company, convenience of the fi nal benefi ciaries malls and retail sector in Qatar. which runs a huge portfolio of residen- of its various and diverse properties. Cityscape Qatar plays an important tial, real estate and commercial units, Ezdan Hotels, a subsidiary of Ezdan role in enhancing direct communica- Cityscape Qatar 2019 will be a platform Holding Group, which manages its ho- tion and providing opportunities to to communicate directly with visitors tels, off ers a unique experience in the investors and other developers, con- and interested people to introduce its hospitality sector at Cityscape Qatar. The struction, and supply companies to competitive promotions, which cover fi ve-star Ezdan Palace Hotel is the icon bridge the gap and consolidate eff orts all real estate and residential complex- of the hotel sector in terms of architec- to drive the local real estate market, es in Doha, Al Wakrah, and Al Wukair. ture, elegance, and sumptuous services, and enable partners to provide solu- Ezdan residential complexes provide as well as its location on the North Road. tions and develop fl exible techniques a cost-eff ective and comfortable hous- Ezdan Mall Company also partici- tailored to the needs of diversifi ed ing environment, services, and various pates in Cityscape Qatar with top-tier segments targeted for the exhibition. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 22, 2019 7 QATAR

Registration for Aspire French fi rms to showcase Torch Staircase latest innovation at Qitcom Run By Peter Alagos tramways and e-buses, passen- as a result of investments by do- completed Business Reporter ger solutions, customised serv- mestic players but also with the ices (maintenance, modernisa- high interest foreign investors tion), infrastructure, signalling show towards one’s ecosystem,” spire Zone Foundation rench companies partici- and digital mobility solutions, Gellet said. (AZF) has announced the pating in the upcoming such as ‘Mastria’ – a multimo- Citing a GfK 2019 study, Gel- Acompletion of the reg- FQitcom 2019 are keen on dal city mobility supervision let said the fast-growing tech- istration process for the popu- expanding their international and optimisation system, which nological economy represented lar Aspire Torch Staircase Run footprint by off ering potential integrates seamlessly all exist- a turnover of over €1.1bn in (ATSR 2019). clients with the latest in France’s ing city information systems and 2018. The growth of ‘smart’ con- The unique endurance chal- innovation during the exhibi- loT, Gellet said. nected objects increased by 17% lenge pits runners against tion, ambassador Franck Gellet He said RATP Dev – SNCF – compared to 2017. each other in a race up more said yesterday. Keolis companies working as RKH The GfK study also showed than 1,300 steps to the 51st “It is a great honour to partic- Qitarat, the Qatar Rail service pro- that in 2018, the market for the fl oor of the famous 300m ipate in Qitcom 2019 as a com- vider for operation and mainte- connected home sector (house- Aspire Torch. mitted partner. It is an exciting French ambassador Franck Gellet gestures while discussing the participation of ‘La French Tech’ at nance of the Doha Metro and Lusail hold appliances, home auto- The race includes three main year for ‘La French Tech’, and Qitcom 2019. PICTURE: Jayan Orma Tram, will showcase their expertise mation, and network products) categories: kids (8 to 11 years old) we look forward to introduc- in smart mobility solutions. represented 55% of the sector’s and adults (18 to 39 years old), ing our companies with revo- in Doha and Business France, the region through their presence at system for smart and safe mo- Similarly, French small and turnover and showed the strong- and masters (above 40 years old) lutionary new ideas to visiting national agency supporting the Qitcom 2019, which will be held bility with effi cient transport, medium-sized enterprises est growth at “+35% (€624mn), and companies relay course. potential investors, while our international development of the under the theme ‘Safe Smart and ‘NAIA’ – a big data analytics (SMEs) are also participating in followed by ‘wearables’ (31%), AZF will reserve a dedicated highly-regarded companies look French economy. Cities’. platform aiming at reconstruct- Qitcom 2019, the ambassador and drones and gadgets (12%).” Fun Zone for families that will to meet new partners as part of Gellet said French tech com- For this edition of Qitcom, ing the commuters’ journeys, the said. They are H4D, a fully-con- The spectacular rise in fund- off er a range of food and bever- their business expansion,” Gel- panies are at the cutting-edge in Thales is supporting the event as ambassador said. nected and interactive medical ing startups through venture age outlets, and special spot for let told reporters during a press fi elds, such as e-government, cy- silver sponsor, said Gellet, add- Another company, Atos, will cabin system; Flowbird, a world and growth capital places France the giant screen to watch the conference in Doha. bersecurity, Fintech, blockchain, ing that the European leader in present its cloud solutions and leading company for urban mo- among the world’s leading coun- race. Under the banner La French smart cities, IoT, e-health, e- cybersecurity will present inno- services that customers can lev- bility; Onepoint, one of the ma- tries in terms of startups. In a Aside from diff erent food and Tech, companies from France commerce, and retailtech. vative and smart solutions, such erage upon to ensure their organ- jor players in business and digital recent EY Venture Capital sur- beverage options, the fun ac- will witness “strong participa- Gellet noted that as from a as ‘Soarizon’, a digital platform isation’s make right choices to transformation; Fime, a Fintech vey, France was ranked second in tivities include sporting func- tion” during the event, which is nation that fosters technology that will empower drone opera- support their business ambition. specialist; and Gaussin, which Europe for fundraising, both in tions for adults and kids like slated from October 29 to No- growth and success, French ex- tion worldwide. Integrated transport systems off ers a range of electric driver- terms of the number of deals and Taekwondo, and Thai boxing. vember 1 at the Qatar National hibitors are keen to create con- Thales will also demonstrate fi rm, Alstom, will showcase a less transporters. the sums raised, which exceeded In addition, there will be other Convention Centre (QNCC), ac- tacts and identify experienced unmanned traffi c management complete range of solutions from “France is witnessing strong a record of “€3.2bn in 2018 (up 28 entertainment options for kids cording to the French embassy partners in Qatar and the Mena solutions, intelligent multimodal high-speed trains to metros, growth in its technological space %),” Gellet said. as gymnastics and Zumba plus the infl atable tower and push ponies. As part of social responsibil- ity, AZF is partnering with Qatar Cancer Society to have an aware- Interior Ministry issues caution against cyber fraud ness booth at the event and early detection van (ladies only). he Ministry of Interior Criminal Investigation. e-mailing to [email protected],” verify the web address and avoid users to take an action such as ATM fraud cases since 2011. The The event is sponsored by (MoI) has issued a cau- A tweet by the ministry asked the tweet said. opening links from suspicious clicking on a link or opening department has exclusive cam- Saleh Al Hamad al-Mana (Nis- Ttion against cyber fraud residents to alert the authorities “Cybercriminals try to fool e-mails.” an attachment that contains paigns in association with the san, Infi niti, Renault) and Ideal and advised Qatar residents by a direct visit or through Met- you by impersonating the web- Residents have been urged to malicious fi les. Public Relations Department Solutions. to approach the Economic rash 2 if such suspected fraudu- site of trusted establishments be cautious of being victimised The E&CCCD, according of the MoI in order to make the Interested community mem- and Cyber Crimes Combating lent activities are noted. “Don’t such as banking institutions by phishing attacks that use e- to offi cial fi gures, has secured general public, fi nancial institu- bers can visit www.lifeinaspire. Department (E&CCCD) un- hesitate to contact on 2347444 by changing a certain letter or mails or messaging services to 100% success in arresting all tions and banks aware of the acts qa and fi nd out more information der the General Directorate of or hotline 66815757, as well as by adding subdomains. Always trick or fool by tempting account the suspects in credit card and committed by fraudsters. about the run. Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, October 22, 2019 QATAR Qatar-Bangladesh ties reviewed QCS, LuLu join hands on raising cancer awareness

atar Cancer Society (QCS) and LuLu Hy- Qpermarket Qatar have signed an agreement to raise health awareness against can- cer among the community and share guidelines on how to pre- vent it. Under this agreement, LuLu Hypermarket will raise fund from the profi t generated by selling selected products of local vendors as well as LuLu’s exclu- sive imported products, and the same will be donated to QCS. HE the Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council Mohamed bin Abdullah al-Sulaiti yesterday met the LuLu has taken the initiative Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Bangladesh Fazle Rabbi Miah in Doha. They reviewed relations with the support of local ven- between Qatar and Bangladesh and ways of enhancing them, especially in the parliamentary field, in dors. LuLu and QCS off icials at the agreement signing ceremony. addition to discussing issues of common interest. The agreement was signed by Mona Ashknani, director of As part of the ongoing ‘Blos- initiative of LuLu Hypermarket tion with all institutions in Qa- Support Services Department of som Campaign’ by QCS to raise and indicated that the partner- tar, pointing to the importance QCS and Shaijan M O, regional awareness of breast cancer, ship between two sides was to of community partnerships in director of LuLu Hypermarket, LuLu’s staff in all branches are strengthen eff orts to combat can- fi ghting cancer as QCS can’t Qatar. wearing pink ribbon to promote cer and raise awareness about it. operate in isolation. The agreement will also in- awareness on breast cancer and She added that, in order to “We are quite happy to sign clude holding lectures and to encourage women for peri- fi ght cancer, there is a need to the co-operation agreement training courses for LuLu’s em- odic diagnosis of the disease. organise awareness programmes and join hands with QCS in their ployees and introducing them In addition, LuLu supports all over Qatar in co-operation continued eff ort towards com- to the types of tests required for QCS’ programmes that are or- with leading organisations, and bating cancer. QCS deserves each type of cancer and teaches ganised from time to time, it should be done continually. deep appreciation for their great them about the importance of a throughout the year. She emphasised the impor- eff ort towards this noble cause,” healthy lifestyle to avoid cancer. Ashknani congratulated the tance of permanent co-opera- added Shaijan.

Ooredoo fl ies skyhigh with in-fl ight roaming

oredoo announced yesterday an up- date to its popular roaming service, Odesigned to enhance its customers’ digital lives by allowing them to use their plan allowances while fl ying. Ooredoo has added the ONAIR mobile network to its list of roaming partners, meaning Ooredoo Passport, Ooredoo Pass- port Monthly, Shahry 250 and Qatarna cus- tomers can now use their plan roaming al- plan roaming allowances. doo roaming services will off er them a con- Qatar Post’s Faleh Mohamed al-Nuaimi and Qatar Charity’s Yousef bin Ahmed al-Kuwari at the agreement lowances for in-fl ight usage data and stay Ooredoo Qatar COO Yousuf Abdulla al- venient, value-for-money way to make sure signing ceremony. connected even at 36,000 feet. Kubaisi said: “We’re delighted to further they don’t miss anything while they’re fl y- Customers need simply connect to the extend the benefi ts of our Ooredoo Pass- ing.” ONAIR Mobile Network when it’s safe to do port, Shahry 250, and Qatarna plans with In-Flight roaming is available for all pre- so, and use their data services as they would the ONAIR mobile network. We know stay- paid and post-paid customers via Ooredoo on the ground. ing connected is of vital importance to our Passport and using roaming data allowance Qatar Post to support Qatar Charity projects Usage will be deducted from their regular customers, even at 36,000 feet, and Oore- in Shahry 250 or Qatarna packs.

atar Charity (QC) has support its campaigns through Al-Nuaimi stated that within signed a Memorandum Qatar Post’s advertising medium. the framework of Qatar Post’s Qof Understanding (MoU) Al-Kuwari hoped the agree- corporate social responsibility with Qatar Postal Services Com- ment would be an important op- strategy, this agreement comes pany (Qatar Post) to support the portunity to promote donations as an important humanitarian Ministry penalises 10 food former’s humanitarian projects and support charity products. step to strengthen the relation- and local activities in the areas of He also affi rmed QC’s keen- ship with Qatari society and con- collection and joint advertising ness to collaborate with all tribute to bringing about a posi- outlets for violations campaigns, within the frame- within and outside the country tive change. work of corporate social respon- in areas of humanitarian action, “We will harness our potential sibility. development work, awareness, through a network of our offi ces QNA and a supermarket in Madinat Khalifa The pact was inked by QC CEO and volunteering to support its and a wide range of our services Doha South and Bin Mahmoud areas storing Yousef bin Ahmed al-Kuwari and projects. and products to serve the Qatari foodstuff s inside the workers’ accom- Qatar Post chairman and manag- Al-Kuwari highly appreciated community, and utilise our ca- modation in unsanitary conditions and ing director Faleh Mohamed al- Qatar Post for its earlier co-op- pabilities for the benefi t of our he Ministry of Municipality and out of sight of the inspectors. Nuaimi. eration with Qatar Charity and community,” al-Nuaimi added, Environment (MME) announced The violation reports were issued According to the deal, Qatar its willingness to develop current calling for the contribution to Tthat it has penalised 10 food es- in accordance with Law No 8 of 1990 Post will provide a range of serv- and future collaboration. this eff ort by making a dona- tablishments in diff erent areas in Doha on the regulation of human food ices, through its branches, to QC. He hoped that eff orts would tion at any Qatar Post branch to city for storing or preparing foodstuff control. These services will promote continue to co-operate with all support QC’s activities and ini- in unsanitary conditions. Six restaurants, a bakery and a caf- the collection of donations and ministries and governmental and tiatives, including ‘Darahim’ and The MME said in a statement yester- eteria in diff erent areas in Doha were marketing of QC’s products, and the private bodies in Qatar. ‘Khair Card’. day that the violations were registered also found preparing foodstuff s in un- after an inspection campaign carried sanitary conditions. out by the Doha Municipality’s Health The violation reports were issued to Control Section on Sunday. them in accordance with the law on the QOA and Aljazeera Media Institute sign MoU The inspectors found a cafeteria regulation of human food control. An off icial inspects foodstuff at a shop in Al Rayyan Municipality. QNA processing of media institutions. signing the MoU with the QOA, Doha Al-Nuaimi said that QOA has which ranks among the 20 most Rayyan Municipality destroys off ered many courses in the fi eld active and infl uential Olym- food unfi t for human consumption of sports media in co-operation pic academies around the world ljazeera Media Institute with the International Sports through its programmes for the and Qatar Olympic Acad- Press Association, which has Qatari and neighbouring com- Al Rayyan Municipality conducted Aemy (QOA) yesterday been very popular over the past munities. 1,292 regular inspection tours at food signed a memorandum of un- years, therefore, QOA decided to Daymi added that the MoU establishments within its jurisdiction in the derstanding (MoU) to achieve be more specialised in this area seeks to keep pace with the month of September. maximum benefi t in the fi elds of through this agreement with Al- sports scene and the state of Qa- The inspections resulted in the issuance media training and organise joint jazeera Media Institute. tar, especially with the organis- of 13 violation reports in addition to the training programmes between Al-Nuaimi pointed out that ing of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, destruction of some foodstuff as it was found the two sides. through this co-operation, both and the State of Qatar’s hosting unfit for human consumption, the Ministry of QOA executive director Saif institutions will work together of many international sporting Municipality and Environment (MME) said in a Mohamed al-Nuaimi and Al- to organise the most specialised events recently, most recently statement. jazeera Media Institute director courses in the fi eld of sports me- the 2019 Doha World Athletics These included 28 full carcasses of Mounir Daymi signed the MoU. dia in partnership to develop the Championships and the ANOC slaughtered livestock. The MoU includes media and competencies of human cadres World Beach Games Qatar 2019. Besides, inspectors from the municipality sports consultations, joint work- inside and outside the State of He looked forward to a more supervised the slaughtering of 4,300 livestock shops, and seminars and confer- Qatar professionally and benefi t fruitful co-operation with the heads at the abattoir and sent 58 food samples ences in sports media, as well from the expertise of Al Jazeera Academy shortly through the to the central laboratory for analysis, the MME as the exchange of equipment Media Network. establishment of courses in the added. and technical expertise in the Daymi expressed delight at fi eld of sports media. An MME off icial conducts an inspection during the campaign. CMC members praise Ashghal eff orts on infrastructure everal members of the Central Mu- Mohamed al-Hajiri, CMC mem- This also required a proportion- a consumer complex, petrol station, land plots for Qataris in the area. Six Al dition to other services projects. nicipal Council (CMC) have lauded ber for constituency 23, said that Al ate increase in the related services in playground for young people, camel Furjan markets were accomplished and a Abdullah al-Muraikhi, CMC mem- Sthe Public Works Authority (Ash- Sheehaniyah and the areas around it various fi elds such health, commercial market and slaughterhouse and other seventh is set to be built soon. ber for constituency 25, said that Al ghal) for implementing 43 infrastructure has seen great development in the past outlets, education facilities and oth- related projects. Saeed Mubarak al-Rashidi, CMC Khor area has witnessed amazing de- and other related projects alongside en- few years regarding public services and ers. Mohamed Saleh al-Khayareen, member for constituency 28, said that velopments that are highly benefi cial tities concerned at a number of areas on infrastructure, which included the de- Nayif al-Ahbabi, CMC member for CMC member for constituency 16, there have been tangible developments for the inhabitants such as the devel- the outskirts of Qatar. velopment of Al Sheehaniyah park and constituency 21, said that Al Kara- said that at Bani Hajar and the re- at Ain Sanan, Al Ghashamyah, and Al opment of Al Khor Corniche and the Speaking to local Arabic daily Ar- expanding the health centre. nah saw accomplishment of projects lated areas, Ashghal is currently im- Ghuwair and other neighbouring areas ongoing work at Al Khor Harbour. rayah, they pointed out that the bil- There is a considerable increase in such as kindergarten, health centre plementing a number of major in- and still more to come to improve the In addition, two commercial mar- lions of riyals worth projects have the population at Al Sheehaniyah, as and providing adequate lighting to the frastructure projects that are set to living conditions of the local population. kets have been built at Al Khor city in- improved the lives of the inhabitants the Ministry of Municipality and En- main streets. exceed QR13bn in addition to the other Meshaal al-Nuaimi, CMC member cluding more than 34 shops. of these areas and supplied them with vironment (MME) has allocated 6,200 He pointed out that the constitu- services projects undertaken by Kah- for constituency 18, said that a com- He stressed that Al Khor is set to see comprehensive infrastructure and new land plots for Qataris, with all the ency is set to have more develop- ramaa and Ooredoo. prehensive infrastructure project was various projects that would turn it into municipal services. related services and infrastructure. ment projects scheduled, including Besides, the MME has allocated 5,000 implemented at Al Abeeb Area in ad- a modern city soon. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 22, 2019 9 QATAR Qatar to be a $225bn economy by 2020 zQatar’s FDI potential al-Misnad, deputy chief executive, highlighted in US QFZA, said the country’s free zones are committed to foster economic growth atar is expected to be a $225bn by focusing on sectors where Qatar has economy by 2020, thus off ering a “strong value proposition”. Qimmense investment potential “We aim to attract companies with to foreign investors, as Doha eyes sub- willingness to play an active role in our stantial infl ow of foreign direct invest- vision towards a dynamic and diversi- ment (FDI). fi ed economy, and have the ability to The future of Qatar’s economy as penetrate large, fast growing under- well as the FDI potential was highlight- served global markets,” he said. NU-Q faculty (L to R) S Venus Jin, Eddy Borges-Rey, and Spencer Striker ed by senior offi cials from the Qatar Fi- Sarah al-Dorani, chief marketing of- discuss new digital media course off erings. nancial Center (QFC), Qatar Free Zones fi cer, QFCA showcased Qatar as the Authority (QFZA) and the Investment ideal location (for global companies) to Promotion Agency of Qatar (IPAQ) at a expand in the region. recent event in New York. The event saw a range of experts dis- “Qatar has invested signifi cantly in cuss the outlook for foreign investors in Digital media experts off er its economy, generating gross domestic Qatar; some of Qatar’s rapidly growing product growth that is expected to hit an sectors including FDI in fi nancial tech- impressive $225bn by 2020. This growth nology, as well as the upward investing innovative courses at NU-Q unlocked many investment opportuni- trends seen in the past several years. ties in the country, and has already at- The event was hosted by Jason Kelly, tracted the attention of foreign investors IPAQ chief executive Sheikh Ali al-Waleed al-Thani addressing one of the meetings New York Bureau Chief of Bloomberg he digital revolution is the information society,” Dennis added. interested in establishing themselves in in New York. and included a lineup of highly promi- source of new knowledge gen- The session was led by Internet the Middle East,” said IPAQ chief execu- nent speakers including ambassador Terated by research and fi eld expert, Banu Akdinzili, associate tive Sheikh Ali al-Waleed al-Thani. nities across numerous sectors. ard and Poor’s, all of which underlines Anne Patterson, President of the US- experience, the Northwestern Uni- professor of communication at NU- Saud bin Abdullah al-Attiyah, “This refl ects the forward-thinking the nation’s attractiveness as an invest- Qatar Business Council; Rachel Duan, versity in Qatar (NU-Q) community Q, who appraised the importance of deputy undersecretary for Economic and progressive fi scal policies and leg- ment hub,” he added. president and chief executive of GE’s was told at a panel discussion ti- digital literacy and noted its value in Affairs, Ministry of Finance, said islative reforms introduced by Qatar Highlighting that Qatar’s regulatory, Global Growth Organisation; and James tled “Doing Digital: The Knowledge understanding the current and fu- Qatar remains one of the world’s that have already seen a positive im- digital, entrepreneurial, and legislative Zhan, Director of Investment and En- Component,” which featured new ture landscape of media and com- fastest growing economies, with an pact, as noted by international ratings frameworks off er a sustainable climate terprise at the United Nations Confer- faculty in digital media studies. munication. abundance of investment opportu- agencies including Moody’s and Stand- for global investors to prosper, Abdulla ence on Trade and Development. NU-Q Dean and CEO Everette E NU-Q’s new faculty members who Dennis said: “Digital is more than participated in the discussion were devices; it is theory and knowledge Eddy Borges-Rey, S Venus Jin, and that creates a conceptual roadmap Spencer Striker, engaged the audi- and enhances understanding. The ence with comments about the defi - benefi ciaries are our students who nition and importance of the digital WCM-Q, ACGME run assessment workshop for medical educators transmit what they learn far and media economy and ecosystem. wide.” Drawing on their work on data For several years, the school has journalism, video games, and tech- eill Cornell Medicine-Qatar sociate dean for Medical Education and moved to strengthen its off erings by nological entrepreneurship, they (WCM-Q) and the Chicago- Continuing Professional Development. attracting world-class faculty in- discussed current and future re- Wbased Accreditation Coun- She said, “Learners rely very heavily cluding recent hires in digital media search projects and demonstrations. cil for Graduate Medical Education on feedback and assessment to attain studies, digital design, and digital The three drew on their back- (ACGME) teamed up to run a two-and- the competencies they need to eventu- journalism. ground at a number of prestigious a-half-day training course on com- ally provide high-quality care to their “These new colleagues represent institutions including the USC An- petency-based medical education for patients, so these are very important an important development in the nenberg School for Communication, healthcare leaders and educators. skills for anyone involved in providing history of our school with deep ex- the University of Wisconsin, and The workshop, developed by WCM- competency-based medical education.” perience in Europe, Asia, and the other institutions where they have Q’s Division of Continuing Profession- The course was facilitated by a re- US – all centred around digital ad- taught such as Scotland’s University al Development in association with gional ACGME training hub established vances. With their help our school is of Stirling, Korea’s Sejong University Innovations in Global Health Profes- in Qatar as part of a Memorandum of poised to navigate change and cope Business School, and Spain’s Uni- sions Education (IGHPE), helped the Understanding between WCM-Q and with the complexity of a dynamic versity of Malaga. 42 physicians and educators in attend- the ACGME, which is the body respon- ance develop enhanced assessment sible for accrediting the majority of skills, with sessions on key concepts graduate medical training programmes and theories in professional develop- for physicians in the United States. ment and learning, advanced assess- ACGME and WCM-Q, in alignment QU workshop educates community ment and feedback tools, identifying Participants at a faculty development workshop held at WCM-Q. with the mission of IGHPE, intend to and remediating struggling learners, advance health professions education on vaccine coverage and protection apply techniques to improve direct ob- discussion of innovative concepts in atrics Residency Programme at VUMC. programmes in Qatar and the wider re- servation. health professions education. The course was particularly aimed at gion in order to improve healthcare pro- The course was co-ordinated jointly The visiting expert speakers were Dr residency and fellowship programme vision and population health. he Continuing Professional cines in preventing infectious dis- by WCM-Q’s Division of Continuing Eric Holmboe, chief, Research, Mile- directors, associate programme direc- Members of WCM-Q’s Division of Development (CPD-HP) at eases and protecting the community, Professional Development, ACGME stones Development and Evaluation tors, and faculty members with respon- Continuing Professional Development TQatar University (QU) organ- particularly as the population grows and Vanderbilt University Medical Offi cer at the ACGME, Dr Sandra A sibility for the assessment of residents visited the ACGME’s headquarters ised a workshop in collaboration with and in preparation for the infl ux of Centre (VUMC) of Nashville, Tennes- Moutsios, assistant professor of Inter- and/or fellows. Chicago earlier this year to undergo the Qatar Council for Healthcare visitors due to 2022 FIFA World Cup see, and was facilitated by IGHPE, a nal Medicine and Paediatrics, and di- WCM-Q speakers at the event in- training to enable them to establish the Practitioners (QCHP) on the use of in Qatar. global forum for the presentation and rector of the Internal Medicine-Paedi- cluded Dr Thurayya Arayssi, senior as- ACGME training hub in Qatar. vaccines to protect the community. This awareness is essential for The workshop was aimed to explain fi ghting misconceptions about vac- the principles of vaccines and immu- cines that are being widely spread nisations, which save lives and reduce across many platforms, without sci- the burden of infectious diseases. entifi c evidence. This awareness will Hence, vaccines are the most cost- also provide insights into educating Educational Supervision Administration conducts fi rst meeting for mentors eff ective intervention in public health. vaccine hesitancy. The workshop attracted around 80 The CPD-HP programme of QU s part of it’s ongoing eff orts to healthcare practitioners, scientists, and Health refl ects the commitment improve and develop the work researchers from various healthcare of the four QU colleges (College of Aenvironment, the Educational institutions across Qatar, including Medicine, College of Pharmacy, Supervision Administration under the pharmacists, physicians, and nurses. College of Health Sciences and Col- Ministry of Education and Higher Edu- This workshop on vaccine coverage lege of Dental Medicine) to the con- cation yesterday organised a meeting and community protection will update tinuing professional development of for its mentors. physicians, nurses, allied health pro- health professionals in the country. The meeting was also aimed at fessionals on best practices for vaccine The goal of the programme is to chalking out various measures for the use and maintaining high coverage. support the lifelong learning of all development of the educational sector The discussion will strengthen practising care providers to ensure and improving the educational outputs, perspectives towards the role of vac- optimal patient care. the offi cial website of the ministry said. The meeting was presided over by the Mentors attend the meeting organised by the Educational Supervision Administration. director of the department Moza bint Toyota forklift model recalled Ali al-Mudhahka and attended by the The results of the general evaluation ing to the website, has set priorities for competence of teachers and primary heads of various sections. showed that educational institutions the current year. teachers in particular and implement he Ministry of Commerce of its ongoing eff orts to protect con- Teams for the evaluation were formed achieved management objectives by They are; support schools to im- curricula developed to ensure the and Industry, in co-operation sumers and ensure that vehicle dealers within each department and they held 90% 2018-2019 while the satisfaction prove student learning and raising promotion of values, national herit- Twith Abdullah Abdulghani & follow up on defects and repairs. self-assessments and reviews during rate of schools for the academic year academic achievement, improve the age and core competencies. Bros Co, has announced the recall of The Ministry has said that it will the meeting. 2018-2019 stood at 87%. The rate in professional competence of the edu- These priorities were determined Toyota Forklift — model: 8FD50N, co-ordinate with the dealer to follow The evaluation witnessed collecting 2017-2018 was 80%. The meeting also cational counsellor and tempt him based on several inputs including ana- model year: 2015-2016 due to possi- up on the maintenance and repair data from multiple sources through the discussed the most important develop- to perform his role, enable the co- lysing the results of the annual evalua- ble defect in the rear lifting cylinder. works and will communicate with examination of documents, individual ments for the current year. ordinator to act as a school-based tion of the Educational supervision ad- The Ministry confi rmed the recall customers to ensure that the neces- and group interviews and questionnaires. Meanwhile, the department, accord- counsellor, improve the professional ministration plan for the previous year. campaign comes within the framework sary repairs are carried out.

HBKU takes part in 3rd International Conference on Muslim Ummah n line with its eff orts to inform to the infl uence of regional and his research project, entitled deep changes in cultural outlook intellectual debates on Islam great powers alongside the state ‘The Military, Politics, and De- and social behaviour, including Iat home and abroad, members of civil-military relations in oth- mocracy: Drawing Red Lines’. a new-founded civic awareness of the College of Islamic Studies er parts of the world. Dr Safi argued that the states and moral commitment to im- (CIS) recently participated in the The ‘Quest for Democra- that emerged from the struggle proving the public space and the third International Conference on cy’ was organised by Istanbul for independence in many Mus- scope of citizen participation. the Muslim Ummah. Sabahttin Zaim University and lim countries were not national “We’re determined to build Held in Istanbul on October its affi liate the Centre for Islam states but postcolonial states, partnerships with likeminded 14-15, ‘The Quest for Democ- and Global Aff airs. whose governance shared many academic institutes around the racy: Examining Civil-Military Alongside HBKU, the con- of the elements of colonial rule. world, and Turkey is no excep- Relations in Muslim Societies’ ference attracted the Al Jazeera Postcolonial states are ruled by tion. Often controversial and brought together leading aca- Centre for Studies, University of civil-military elites who have ac- consistently misunderstood is- demics to analyse the role of the Denver, and Egyptian Institute quired many of the attitudes and sues, such as civil-military rela- military in diff erent Muslim so- for Studies as academic partners styles of former colonial mas- tions, are an important feature cieties. and co-sponsors. ters, particularly their disdain for of the global political and secu- This was illuminated through CIS’ Dr Louay Safi co-deliv- the larger population and their rity landscape. The organisers of a series of case studies which ex- ered the event’s opening remarks paternalistic and unaccommo- this conference are to be com- amined the armed forces’ impact and participated in ‘Civil-Mili- dating approach to dealing with mended for their determination on a state’s economy and politi- tary Relations: The Way Forward’. popular demands. to unpack the issues surrounding cal system. The session provided the ideal Changing the political dynam- this often-emotive topic,” Dr Safi Participants pose for a commemorative photo at the conference in Turkey. Consideration was also given opportunity for Dr Safi to present ics in these societies requires added. Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, October 22, 2019 ARAB WORLD/AFRICA

TRAGEDY DISTRESS POLITICS WILDLIFE DISSENT At least 31 dead after Floods in Uganda claim Mozambicans told to Dozens of elephants die Johannesburg mayor bus crash in Congo lives of four children reject ‘electoral fraud’ in Zimbabwe drought quits over racial inequality

At least 31 people were killed after a passenger Four children have drowned in floods in west- Mozambique’s main opposition party Renamo At least 55 elephants have died in a month in The mayor of South Africa’s biggest city Johannes- bus veered off the road and burst into flames in ern Uganda that have also forced many people yesterday urged the population to reject the “massive Zimbabwe due to a lack of food and water, its burg resigned yesterday, saying he was stepping the Democratic Republic of Congo, QNA reported. from their homes in the eastern part of the electoral fraud” it claims had been perpetrated during wildlife agency said yesterday, as the country down from the main opposition Democratic Alliance The bus, travelling from Lufu in Mbanza-Ngungu country, the Red Cross announced yesterday. last week’s polls. The former rebel group has called for faces one of the worst droughts in its history. (DA) over the party’s approach to racial inequality. territory, was heading to Kinshasa when its brakes The children, between ages two and 15, were fresh elections, accusing the government of breaching More than 5mn rural Zimbabweans — nearly When Herman Mashaba was elected in 2016, he failed Sunday, causing the vehicle to explode from villages in the western district of Kasese, a peace deal by using violence, intimidation on voting a third of the population — are at risk of food became the city’s first mayor not from the ruling on impact, the country’s humanitarian aff airs which has been hardest hit by the floods. day. Partial results show President Filipe Nyusi and his shortages before the next harvest in 2020, the African National Congress (ANC) since apartheid minister Steve Mbikayi told the CNN yesterday. “Hundreds of people have been left homeless,” Frelimo party — which has ruled the southern African United Nations has warned.The shortages have ended in 1994. The 60-year-old millionaire, who “At least 31 people are dead so far, and 18 people Red Cross spokeswoman Irene Nakasiita said, country for 44 years — headed for a much larger win been caused by the combined effects of an made his fortune in black hair products, was one are wounded. The driver lost control and the bus adding that in the eastern district of Butaleja, than had been expected. After a party meeting yes- economic downturn and a drought blamed on of the most senior politicians in the pro-business overturned and caught fire,” Mbikayi said. Accord- 650 households have been affected, and in terday, Renamo leader Ossufo Momade demanded the El Nino weather cycle. The impact is being DA, long considered a party for middle-class White ing to the minister, some of the passengers were Bulambuli, 150 homes were washed away or are the “restoration of the electoral truth denied to the felt at Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s larg- people. But yesterday he quit the DA, which means also carrying fuel, worsening the fire. under water. Mozambican people. est game reserve. he can no longer serve as mayor.

Turkey Lebanon approves emergency outlines ‘safe zone’ economic reform package plan Schools, banks, shops still shut on fifth day of protests AFP Ankara Reuters Beirut urkey outlined yesterday its plans for a 120-kilome- ebanon approved an Ttre “safe zone” in Syria on emergency reform pack- the eve of a key withdrawal dead- Lage yesterday in response line, as President Recep Tayyip to protests over dire economic Erdogan accused the West of conditions, but the moves did “standing by terrorists”. not go far enough to persuade A Turkish military source said demonstrators to leave the Kurdish fi ghters should initially streets or investors to halt a withdraw from the area between plunge in its bonds. Tal Abyad, captured by Turkish Hundreds of thousands of forces at the start of the off en- people have fl ooded the streets sive, and Ras al-Ain, under a US- since Thursday, furious at a po- brokered agreement that expires litical class they accuse of push- tonight. ing the economy to the point of Turkey has warned that if this collapse. does not happen it will resume Roads were blocked for a fi fth its off ensive against the Syrian day across the country. Kurdish YPG militia, which it Schools, banks and business- began after the US announced it es were closed, and Banks are was pulling out troops from the expected to remain shut today. area. Prime Minister Saad al-Har- Although President Recep iri, in a televised speech, said Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly the new measures might not said Turkey wants a “safe zone” meet the protesters’ demands that is 444 kilometres long, the but were a start towards achiev- fi rst stage of the plans will only ing some of them. cover a quarter of the distance. The government must work An agreement between the to recover trust, he said. Syrian regime and the Kurdish “You are the compass and... Demonstrators carry national flags and banners during an anti-government protest along a highway in Jal el-Dib, Lebanon yesterday. forces to allow Damascus’ troops your movement frankly is what into certain parts of northern led us to this decision today,” unsustainable. I don’t think it is Maya Mhana, a teacher lis- and geographic reach in a coun- al confl icts, compounded by non fi nance capital investment, Syria appears to have thwarted added Hariri, who said big steps a fi nal nail in the coffi n — but it tening to the speech in Beirut try where political movements strains in the fi nancial system conditional on reforms. Ankara’s plans for a larger “safe had been taken towards fi ghting is looking ominous,” said Kevin with other protesters, was not are normally divided on sectar- that have risen as inward capital Hariri said the new deci- zone”. corruption and waste. Daly, Senior Investment Man- convinced.”We are remaining ian lines and struggle to draw fl ows have slowed. sions would satisfy donors and “We are following the 120 But despite the reforms, ager, Emerging Market Debt in the streets, we don’t believe nationwide appeal. Unemployment among the the government would approve kilometres fi rst,” the source said Lebanon’s dollar-denominated at Aberdeen Standard Invest- a single word he said,” she said. Lebanon has one of the under 35s runs at 37%. Lebanese within three weeks the fi rst yesterday. bounds suff ered hefty losses ments. “There has been fi scal Protesters sang into the night world’s highest levels of gov- have started to feel pressures phase of the capital investment The source added that the yesterday following sharp drops adjustment, but it has not been in Beirut and continued to dem- ernment debt as a share of eco- in the fi nancial system more programme. “safe zone” would then be on Friday. enough.” onstrate in other parts of the nomic output. acutely of late, with dollars be- The government approved a extended to 444 kilometres Some sank to record lows. In- The reforms included the country. The government includes coming harder to obtain dollars 2020 budget with no new taxes stretching up to the Iraqi border. vestors said the turmoil showed symbolic halving of the salaries “We don’t believe that they most major parties, run by poli- at the offi cial exchange rate. and a defi cit of around 0.6% of The source yesterday said the Lebanon was running out of of ministers and lawmakers, as can change in two days,” said ticians widely perceived to have The pound, pegged at its cur- national output, Hariri said, deal would run out at 10:00pm time to fi x its economic prob- well as moves towards imple- Fadi Abou Dargham, a 55-year- mobilised state resources and rent rate for two decades, has describing this as a historic (1900 GMT) today, vowing that lems. menting long-delayed meas- old jeweller. infl uence for their own gain. been under pressure. achievement. Ankara would crack down on “It is just a mess — and it ures vital to putting the public The protests have been ex- The economy has been hit by International donors last year The defi cit for 2019 is around “any terrorists left” in the area looks like it is more and more fi nances on a sustainable path. traordinary because of their size political paralysis and region- pledged $11bn to help Leba- 7% of GDP. after the deadline expires.

Govt agrees to entry of aid, renewed ceasefi re Sudan’s government agreed yesterday to allow humanitarian relief to war-torn parts of the country and renewed a ceasefire pact with Tens of thousands rally against former ruling party in Sudan major rebel groups at peace talks in South Sudan. Off icials from all sides said the new administration in Khartoum and two umbrella groups of rebels had signed a declaration to keep the Reuters to call for the dissolution of his free!” protesters chanted. Late on calling it “the fi rst brick in the with a military council. doors open to dialogue. “The political declaration will pave the way Khartoum National Congress Party and to Sunday, after the SPA called for structure of a fair investigation “I am taking part in this rally for political negotiations and is a step towards a just, comprehensive put Bashir-era offi cials on trial the rally, Prime Minister Abdalla and the revelation of the perpe- to demand accountability for and final peace in Sudan,” said General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, a for alleged corruption. Hamdok named a commission trators of the crime”. the murderers of the revolution’s key figure in Sudan’s transitional government. Talks have been under- ens of thousands of Su- A key demand of the rally, to investigate the raid in which The commission will be headed martyrs,” said Mazen Mostafa, a way in Juba since last week between the new government in Khar- danese demonstrated in called by the Sudanese Profes- security forces killed dozens. by human rights lawyer Nabil 20-year-old university student. toum and rebels who fought now-ousted president Omar al-Bashir’s TKhartoum and other cities sionals Association (SPA) that The number of victims has been Adib.It will include senior security In August, civilian and pro- forces in Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan states. The new transi- yesterday to call for the former spearheaded anti-Bashir dem- disputed. Doctors linked to the offi cers as well as other lawyers. test groups, including the SPA, tional authorities, tasked with leading the way to civilian rule after the ruling party to be dissolved and onstrations that led to his over- opposition said nearly 130 were Protesters demanded a swift re- and the military, signed a three- ouster of Bashir, have vowed to bring peace to these conflict zones. for ex-offi cials to be put on trial. throw, was to hold accountable killed in the raid and ensuing sponse in its investigation of the year power-sharing deal leading The peace talks have been held in the capital of South Sudan after its Thousands gathered in Free- those responsible for a deadly violence.Offi cials have acknowl- raid on the sit-in, which was a cul- to the formation of a sovereign President Salva Kiir off ered to mediate, although Sudan’s neighbour dom Square, where ousted presi- raid on a sit-in near the Defence edged 87 deaths. mination of 16 weeks of protests council and the appointment of and former foe is struggling to end its own war. dent Omar al-Bashir held a large Ministry on June 3. The SPA welcomed the ap- that led to army offi cers turning a technocratic, transitional gov- rally in his fi nal months in power, “Martyrs fi rst! The killer is still pointment of the commission, against Bashir and replacing him ernment under Hamdok. Stable Botswana set to vote in rare cliff hanger

AFP The bitter feud has threat- But Masisi quickly started re- was also confi dent, telling AFP: Khama agreed that their dis- Gaborone ened to fracture the BDP, which versing several of Khama’s key “I think we will win this election pute would not shake the coun- has governed the diamond-rich policies, including lifting his ban and we should”.Voter Alice said: try’s calm, saying: “This is de- country since it gained inde- on elephant trophy hunting, in- “It’s time for a new government, mocracy at play.” otswana votes tomorrow pendence from Britain in 1966. furiating his predecessor. enough of the BDP”. But past elections have never in the most closely fought The split came after the ruling “Things we had put in place, “Things are not right in our been this close. If the opposi- Bgeneral election in the party saw its share of the vote he just wants to erase,” Khama government...the corruption is tion wins, the country’s demo- history of the southern African fall below 50% for the fi rst time said. just too much,” she said, asking cratic credentials and reputation country, long known as one of in the last elections in 2014. “It’s a kind of tsunami which is to be identifi ed only by her fi rst for good governance will face a the continent’s most stable de- It has faced an increasing aff ecting our democracy, which name to protect her job. new test — a peaceful transfer of mocracies. challenge from a coalition of op- is undermining our democracy The unprecedented politi- power. Analysts said a BDP loss Former president Ian Khama position parties, the Umbrella as (US President Donald) Trump cal drama has raised fears that would be unlikely to send people has shaken up the country’s tra- for Democratic Change (UDC), is doing in his own country.” Khama’s defection could unset- into the streets. ditionally calm politics by dra- which has added another group President of Botswana Mokgweetsi Masisi’s BDP is facing a stern test Peter Fabricius, an analyst at tle Botswana after more than fi ve However, they did warn that matically renouncing his hand- to its ranks since the last elec- in the upcoming elections. the Pretoria-based think tank decades of peace and stability. an unexpected landslide for the picked successor Mokgweetsi tion. Institute of Security Studies, But Masisi ruled out any such ruling party could spark opposi- Masisi. “It’s the most contested elec- dent, but Khama has urged vot- The rift between the president said “Khama is the wild card”. scenario, saying “we are never tion protests claiming the elec- Khama left the ruling Botswa- tion we have seen, and genuinely ers in many regions to cast their and his predecessor started last “This is quite a close election going to fi ght”. tion was rigged. na Democratic Party (BDP) in the outcome is in doubt to some ballots for the UDC in a bid to year, when Khama resigned near and it could go either way,” he “Botswana is never going to Duma said at the weekend May, accusing President Masisi extent,” said Botswana economic oust Masisi and the BDP. the end of his constitutional added. Masisi said that Khama’s be in crisis if one person wins or that the vote would not be free — who had been his deputy until analyst Keith Jeff eries. Khama’s father co-founded limit of two fi ve-year terms. policies had hurt the ruling par- the other doesn’t win, there will and fair because of unbalanced last year — of autocracy. “It’s possible that the BDP the BDP and served as the coun- Khama handed the reins to ty. be another opportunity,” Masisi media coverage by the public “I saw a general threat to our could be unseated.” try’s fi rst president. Masisi in April 2018, 18 months The BDP is “defi nitely going said. broadcaster. democracy...what we have now The UDC has received a boost He retains plenty of infl uence, ahead of the next election, to perform far better” without “I have already accepted the Nearly half of Botswana’s is a leadership which has become from an unlikely source: Khama. particularly in the central region as part of the BDP’s carefully Khama, Masisi said, predicting results whatever might come,” 2.2mn people are expected to drunk on power,” Khama said The opposition group was his — a BDP stronghold — where he crafted process for transferring an “overwhelming victory, land- he said, adding that stability is in cast their ballots in the parlia- yesterday. fi ercest critic when he was presi- is a traditional chief. power. slide”. UDC leader Duma Boko the DNA of Botswana’s people. mentary and local elections. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 22, 2019 11 AMERICAS

WEATHER WOES GROUNDED TRAGEDY PROPOSAL EDUCATION Tornado hits Dallas, leaving Chemical spill leaves plane Three soldiers killed in DNA may be collected from Chicago teachers’ strike thousands without power crew unconscious training accident undocumented immigrants enters second week

A tornado plowed through parts of northern An American Airlines flight from Britain to the Three US soldiers were killed and three others The US government yesterday issued a Classes for more than 300,000 students in Chicago Dallas late on Sunday, knocking out power to US was diverted yesterday to Ireland after crew injured in the state of Georgia on Sunday in an proposal to collect DNA samples from were cancelled yesterday for a third straight school more than 175,000 homes, off icials said. The members fell unconscious due to a cleaning liquid accident involving the armoured combat vehicle undocumented asylum-seekers and other day, although striking teachers reported progress storm left a miles-long swath of destruction spillage. Flight AA729 to Philadelphia departed from they were in, the military said in a statement. The migrants detained by immigration off icials. The over the weekend over issues such as class size through Dallas, hitting near the Love Field airport London Heathrow at 1114 GMT, then turned around army provided no details on the nature of the samples are to be sent to the FBI for analysis and staff ing in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), in the city’s north, the National Weather Service’s after passing the south-west of Ireland to land in accident, which is under investigation, except to and added to an existing database used by law the third-largest US system. Some 25,000 teachers (NWS) Weather Prediction Center in College Park Dublin, route tracker Flightradar24 shows. Several say it occurred during an exercise at Fort Stewart, enforcement agencies to identify criminals, went on strike on Thursday after their union was Maryland said yesterday. All tornado warnings passengers had “burning eyes” and “skin problems,” Georgia. “Six soldiers were involved, with three the US Department of Justice said in a news unable to reach an agreement with CPS over pay, have been lifted and there are no flash flood while two crew members were left unconscious pronounced deceased on site, and three more release. When the US government announced overcrowding in schools and a lack of support warnings, it added. Emergency responders from the chemical fumes, a crew member told air evacuated to Winn Army Community Hospital its plan to expand DNA collection in early staff , such as nurses and social workers. Yesterday and the Dallas Morning News newspaper said traff ic control in a call obtained by Airport Webcams. where they are being treated and evaluated October, civil liberties advocates had criticised morning, Chicago Teachers Union president Jesse no injuries or deaths had immediately been American Airlines said “medical personnel have for their injuries,” an army statement said. The the move. The Justice Department could roll Sharkey said that the board of education gave reported, but police and firefighters were going met the aircraft to evaluate any crew members or soldiers, who were in a Bradley Fighting Vehicle, out a pilot programme after a 20-day public proposals about reduced class sizes and increased door-to-door to check on residents. passengers who may need additional assistance.” were from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team. comment period ends. staff ing, but had not met certain union demands. $260mn opioid Trump is certain he settlement averts landmark trial

Reuters pharmacy system “has played Cleveland a greater role in the opioid epi- will be impeached demic than previously realised.” Walgreens said yesterday that By Lisa Lambert and our large drug companies it only sold opioids to fi ll a valid Patricia Zengerle, Reuters have reached a last-minute prescription written by a li- Washington F$260mn legal settlement censed physician. It said it was over their role in the US opioid diligent to prevent the diversion addiction epidemic, striking a of controlled substances. resident Donald Trump said yester- deal with two Ohio counties to A sixth defendant, the smaller day it is a foregone conclusion that avert the fi rst federal trial over distributor Henry Schein Inc, Pthe Democratic-led US House of the crisis. said yesterday it had been dis- Representatives will vote to impeach him Drug distributors Ameri- missed as a defendant from the over his request that Ukraine investigate sourceBergen Corp, Cardinal trial after agreeing to a deal for a political rival as he exhorted his fellow Health Inc and McKesson Corp around $1.25mn. Republicans to rally to his defence. will contribute $215mn toward The lawsuits accuse drug Trump made his comments at the be- the settlement, according to makers of overstating the ben- ginning of a Cabinet meeting at the White Hunter Shkolnik, an attorney for efi ts of opioids while downplay- House as Democrats sought to build pub- the counties. ing the risks. lic support for their fast-moving im- Israel-based drugmaker Teva Distributors allegedly failed peachment inquiry even as the adminis- Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd to fl ag and halt a rising tide of tration pressed its eff orts to stonewall the is paying $20mn in cash and will suspicious orders, shipping vast probe. contribute $25mn worth of Sub- amounts of the pills across the Approval of articles of impeachment in oxone, an opioid addiction treat- country. the House would prompt a Senate trial on ment, according to Shkolnik. Drugmakers have denied whether to remove Trump from offi ce. The deal settles claims brought wrongdoing, arguing their prod- The Senate is led by Republicans, who by Ohio’s Cuyahoga and Summit ucts carried US Food and Drug have shown little inclination toward re- counties, which had accused the Administration-approved labels moving Trump though he has come under companies of fuelling a nation- that warned of the addictive risks sharp criticism from Republican Senator wide opioid crisis. of opioids. Mitt Romney. Some 400,000 US overdose They say they did not cause Asked if it was a forgone conclusion deaths between 1997 and 2017 the toll the epidemic has had on that House Democrats will vote to im- were linked to opioids, according states and localities. peach him, Trump said yes, otherwise he to government data. Distributors have said that would win re-election next year. President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House yesterday. The trial was to be a so-called they made up only “one compo- Trump said Republicans need to get bellwether or test trial that was nent of the pharmaceutical sup- tougher and fi ght the impeachment in- House Democrats released a fact sheet tion and the extent to which he abused assistance for help with a political cam- meant to help shape a broader ply chain” and their role was to quiry, saying Democrats were sticking and video to try to make their case for his power by using the levers of govern- paign,” Taylor, the US charge d’aff aires in settlement of some 2,600 law- make sure medicines prescribed together. impeachment, drawing on information ment to advance the scheme,” according Ukraine, said in a text to Sondland. suits pending over the toll opio- by licensed doctors were avail- “They don’t have Mitt Romney,” already made public about the Ukraine to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s offi ce. “The president has been crystal clear ids have taken on local commu- able for patients. Trump told reporters. scandal. Democrats said their fact sheet and no quid pro quo’s of any kind,” Sond- nities and the nation. Yesterday’s settlements add Acting White House budget director The impeachment inquiry focuses on video showed that Trump “believes he is land responded by text after speaking to Late on Friday, talks collapsed to deals worth $66.4mn that the Russell Vought said both he and Michael Trump pressuring a vulnerable foreign above the law” and that “House Republi- Trump. that were aimed at reaching a two counties earlier struck with Duff ey, associate director for national se- ally to interfere to his benefi t in the 2020 cans’ complicity and silence only serves Quid pro quo is a Latin phrase meaning $48bn global settlement of all drug companies Mallinckrodt Plc, curity programmes at the Offi ce of Man- US presidential election by providing po- to keep him there.” a favor for a favour. opioid litigation against the same Endo International Plc, Johnson agement and Budget, would not provide litical dirt on Biden, a leading contender The White House declined comment. Sondland said in written testimony last defendants. & Johnson and Allergan Plc. depositions to the committees leading for the Democratic nomination to face Trump has lashed out at House Demo- week that Trump in May told senior US Shares in the companies had Cuyahoga County has said it the inquiry in the Democratic-led House Trump. crats, saying he did nothing wrong and offi cials to deal directly with his personal risen last week in anticipation of will use the funds to expand resi- of Representatives. At issue is a June phone call in which that the Zelenskiy call was “perfect.” lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, about US policy on a broader deal. dential treatment beds, increase Duff ey had been scheduled to tes- Trump asked Ukrainian President Volo- Diplomat Taylor could be one of the Ukraine, raising concern that American The judge overseeing the Ohio emergency care follow-up and tify behind closed doors tomorrow as dymyr Zelenskiy to investigate Biden and most important witnesses yet. foreign policy was being outsourced to case, Dan Polster, yesterday to create alternatives to jailing Democrats scrutinise Trump’s decision his son Hunter Biden, who had been a di- Taylor’s text messages with US Am- a private citizen and conducted for the urged the parties to continue to low-level drug off enders, among to withhold $391mn in security aid to rector of a Ukrainian energy company, as bassador to the European Union Gor- president’s personal political benefi t. work toward a broader deal. other initiatives. Ukraine before he asked its president to well as a discredited theory that Ukraine, don Sondland have surfaced as a central Also scheduled to testify in a closed “I did not encourage a settle- Friday’s settlement talks broke investigate former vice president Joe Bi- and not Russia, interfered in the 2016 US thread in the probe. session tomorrow is Philip Reeker, the ment of this case only,” Polster down in part because of tension den. election. Before making his requests to Zelen- acting assistant secretary of state for Eu- said in court. between state attorneys general, Other current and former administra- US intelligence agencies and a special skiy, Trump had withheld the congres- rope. Polster said he would work out whose cases are not before Pol- tion offi cials have defi ed White House counsel have concluded that Russia used sionally approved US security aid to Laura Cooper, the Deputy Assistant a new trial date for the remain- ster, and the local government demands that they not co-operate with a campaign of hacking and propaganda to Ukraine to help Kiev deal with Russia- Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine, ing defendant, pharmacy chain cases consolidated in Cleveland. the inquiry, which threatens Republican boost Trump’s candidacy. backed separatists in the eastern part of Eurasia, and Alexander Vindman, a operator Walgreens Boots Alli- Attorneys general were support- Trump’s presidency. The fact sheet and video “encapsulate the country. Europe adviser on the National Secu- ance Inc Lawyers representing ive of a deal in recent settlement Another round of crucial testimony is all the evidence uncovered to date about Zelenskiy agreed to Trump’s requests. rity Council, are scheduled to testify on the local governments said in a talks that Shkolnik rejected yester- set for this week, including by Bill Taylor, the president’s months-long pressure Trump later provided the aid. Thursday, an offi cial involved in the in- statement yesterday that the liti- day as “a bargain basement settle- the top US diplomat in Ukraine. campaign to undermine the 2020 elec- “I think it’s crazy to withhold security quiry said. gation had revealed the country’s ment” for “pennies on the dollar.” Canada votes as Trudeau seeks to retain power

By Steve Scherer, Reuters wife and three children, voted vote, we think FX players will the campaign of him wearing Ottawa in Montreal yesterday after a refocus attention on the Bank of blackface in the early 1990s and marathon sprint campaigning Canada policy outlook, the Fed in 2001. across the country in the past and international backdrop pret- Trudeau had already been anadians began voting four days. ty quickly,” he said. wrestling with the fallout from yesterday to determine His Liberals and the main op- Despite Scheer’s dimpled accusations he pressured his jus- Cwhether Prime Minister position Conservatives led by smile, Trudeau’s main rival has tice minister to help shield engi- Justin Trudeau, who swept into Andrew Scheer are in a neck- proven to be a determined op- neering fi rm SNC-Lavalin Group offi ce four years ago as a charis- and-neck race, according to ponent. Inc from corruption charges. matic fi gure promising “sunny opinion polls. “He can’t even remember how In August, a top watchdog said ways,” will remain in power after “The truth is it’s a coin toss many times he put blackface on, Trudeau breached ethics rules. two major scandals. right now,” said Ipsos pollster because the fact of the matter Given the fact that neither of Polls opened in the Atlantic Darrell Bricker. is he’s always wearing a mask,” the front-runners could come province of Newfoundland, with A year ago, no one would have Scheer said during a debate. away with a parliamentary ma- voting set to end in the Pacifi c predicted that Trudeau risked “Mr Trudeau, you are a phony jority, it is the smaller left-lean- Coast province of British Colum- being the fi rst prime minister and you are a fraud and you do ing New Democratic Party (NDP) bia at 7pm. since the 1930s to secure a par- not deserve to govern this coun- or the separatist Bloc Quebecois Trudeau, 47, the Liberal Party liamentary majority and then fail try.” that could end up holding the leader, was endorsed by former to win a second term. In his bid to unseat Trudeau, balance of power. Democratic US President Barack The latest opinion polls sug- Scheer is also promising to bal- “I am a lifelong Liberal voter Obama in the fi nal stretch of the gest he may narrowly avert that ance the federal budget and and I am stumped on this one, campaign and is viewed as one result and could return to offi ce eliminate a “carbon tax” on fossil mostly because I am really con- of the last remaining progressive with a minority in the 338-seat fuels. cerned about a Conservative win leaders among the world’s major House of Commons. Scheer, 40, is running his fi rst and just trying to fi gure out how democracies. That would still leave Tru- campaign as party leader after to vote strategically,” said Kristin But he was shaken during the deau in a weakened position and winning a bitter Conservative Street, 33, a strategy manager at campaign by a blackface scandal needing the support of left-lean- leadership fi ght in 2017. a computer games company, in and has been dogged by criticism ing opposition parties to push The six-week offi cial cam- Port Moody, British Columbia. of his handling of a corruption through key pieces of legislation. paign period has been a rough EKOS Research pollster Frank case involving a major Canadian The Canadian dollar was trad- and meandering ride with dirty Graves said Liberals needed construction company. ing at a new three-month high on tactics on both sides. turnout to be similar to four years Trudeau, the son of former Monday, where “domestic atten- The liberal image of Trudeau, ago or otherwise the Conserva- Canadian Prime Minister Pierre tion is squarely on the 43rd fed- who has championed diversity as tives may have an edge. Trudeau, has also had to over- eral election today,” said Shaun prime minister and whose father “We may well be waiting un- come a sense of fatigue with his Osborne, chief market strategist opened up the country to mass til the fi nal vote tallies in British government. at Scotiabank in Toronto. immigration, took a severe blow Columbia to see who will win,” Trudeau, accompanied by his “After some noise around the when pictures emerged early in Graves said. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau casts his vote at a polling station in Montreal yesterday. Gulf Times 12 Tuesday, October 22, 2019 ASIA

Bangladesh Indonesia president calls on MP ‘hired lookalikes’ for varsity opposition rival to join govt exams Reuters to see how many technocrats sector. Media reports have other visitor at the palace. The billionaire businessman Widodo, 58, has pledged to Jakarta – who are more likely to fall in suggested he would serve as “I have received a big honour said he would step down from cut red tape and keep build- with Widodo’s plans for boost- defence minister. to be able to join the cabinet of his company if appointed, not- ing infrastructure to under- AFP ing growth and investment – His cabinet inclusion comes the president,” Makarim told ing the president had asked pin growth in Southeast Asia’s Dhaka ndonesian President Joko were included. after he had initially refused to reporters. candidates to sign “an integ- largest economy, but also made Widodo asked opposition Widodo had been expected concede defeat in April’s vote, He has been linked to a pos- rity pact” to avoid confl ict of improving education a top pri- Ileader Prabowo Subianto to announce his full cabinet going to the constitutional sible post in a new digital econ- interests. ority to encourage investment Bangladeshi lawmaker yesterday to join his new cabi- line-up yesterday, but this had court citing systematic fraud omy ministry or in education. Widodo has been besieged by and create jobs for a youthful has been expelled from net for a second term, while the been delayed until tomorrow, and abuse of power. Gojek said the company’s presi- “extremely intense” jockeying population of 260mn people. Auniversity after allegedly co-founder of tech start-up offi cials said. But after the court ruled dent Andre Soelistyo and its co- for posts as he sought to build a Airlangga Hartarto, the cur- hiring as many as eight looka- Gojek and a former chairman “I want appointed ministers against him the former special founder Kevin Aluwi would take cabinet of technocrat ministers, rent industry minister and likes to take exams in her place, of Inter Milan soccer club were to be fi gures who are innova- forces commander met Widodo over the leadership of the $10bn a presidential adviser has said, chairman of political party offi cials said yesterday. also tapped for posts. tive, productive, as well as be on a number of occasions, in- unicorn. declining to be named. Golkar, was among a string of Tamanna Nusrat, from the Bringing on board hard and fast workers. Figures cluding during a well-publi- Widodo’s election campaign While analysts welcomed potential candidates meeting ruling Awami League party, is Prabowo, who was Widodo’s who are not stuck in monoto- cised ride on Jakarta’s new sub- manager Erick Thohir, 49, the some of the private sector picks, the president at the palace. accused of paying the lookalikes challenger in April’s bit- nous routines,” Widodo said in way system. chairman of media business Arya Fernandes at the Jakarta- He said he had discussed how to pretend to be her in at least 13 terly fought election, means a Twitter message. Indonesian political parties Mahaka Media was also in- based Center for Strategic and to narrow Indonesia’s trade def- tests. the president can further A series of candidates visit- tend to be divided more by the terviewed for a post, sending International Studies cautioned icit, without elaborating on any The scandal emerged after strengthen his grip on par- ing the presidential palace yes- rival personalities at the helm shares in his company up 19%. that too many political ap- role. He has been linked in me- private broadcaster Nagorik TV liament as he seeks to push terday said Widodo had asked rather than ideology, mean- Thohir, a former chairman pointments could undermine dia to the job of co-ordinating entered a test hall and confront- through his reform agenda. them to join the cabinet, but ing they can more easily switch of Italian soccer club Inter Mi- the cabinet’s eff ectiveness. minister for economic aff airs. ed one of the women posing as The retired general’s Gerin- they declined to confi rm the allegiances to get into power. lan who also has stakes in bas- On Sunday, Widodo said Widodo has previously said Nusrat, in a video that went viral. dra Party has the third most positions off ered. Nadiem Makarim, 35, the ketball teams, successfully led around 16 ministers in the new respected Finance Minister Sri Nusrat, who was elected to seats in the lower house. Prabowo, 68, said after meet- chief executive of Indone- the team organising the Asian cabinet would come from par- Mulyani Indrawati would retain parliament last year, was study- The make-up of the cabi- ing the president he had been sian ride-hailing and pay- Games hosted by Indonesia last ties out of an anticipated 34 a position in the cabinet, but ing for a Bachelor of Arts de- net was being closely watched asked to help in the defence ments fi rm Gojek, was an- year. posts. gave no further details. gree with the Bangladesh Open University (BOU). “We expelled her because she has committed a crime. A crime is a crime,” BOU head M A Man- nan said. “We have cancelled her enrolment. She will never be able Thailand king strips royal to get admitted here again.” “The proxy students were protected by the MP’s muscle- men when they sat for the tests. Everybody knew it but nobody consort of all titles: Palace uttered a word because she is from a very infl uential family,” a AFP arch, known as Rama X of the former army nurse, was the fi rst the rank of a major-general. college offi cial said. Bangkok Chakri dynasty. woman to receive the consort During the elaborate three- Nusrat could not be reached But yesterday Sineenat’s title in nearly a century – fi tting day coronation ceremony of the for comment. swift and public downfall was a pattern of assertive moves by king in May, Sineenat was seen Test fraud, cheating and leak- hailand’s King Maha Va- relayed on national television. the king. marching in full military uni- ing of question papers ahead jiralongkorn has stripped She was dismissed from the Her actions show “she does form in a procession that trav- of exams are common in Bang- This 34-year-old consort rank of Chao Khun Phra – or not give any honour to the elled from the palace to several ladesh, prompting authorities of all titles for “disloyalty” and noble consort – for “disloyalty king and does not understand Buddhist temples. frequently to cancel results. apparent “ambition” to match to the king” according to the royal tradition ... her actions Her prominence stunned the the Queen’s position, a royal command, as well as “acting are to benefi t herself”, the Thai public, who often glean command issued late yesterday against the appointment of the statement said, adding she clues of the royal family’s secre- said, less than three months af- Queen (Suthida)... for her own was attempting to elevate her tive ongoings through imagery ter she was bestowed with the ambitions”. position to the same as Queen and symbolism relayed by the honour. Suthida – the former deputy Suthida. palace. China off ers Former royal bodyguard head of the royal bodyguard – Her behaviour is “deemed Her dramatic fall from grace Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi – was made Queen in May, be- disrespectful to His Majesty’s is likely to be as carefully dis- known by her nickname “Koi” – coming King Vajiralongkorn’s grace... and caused divisions sected over coming days. $21mn to was gifted the title on the king’s fourth wife. among courtiers and misunder- “The abrupt move by the king 67th birthday on July 28, the fi rst The Thai monarchy is pro- standing among the people”, the tells us that he wishes to be seen time in nearly a century a Thai tected by a harsh defamation statement added. as a very in-charge monarch who Nepal to monarch has taken a consort. law, making open discussion She was stripped of all mili- will not put up with possible di- In this file photo, Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn poses with A few days later the palace on the institution for the pub- tary ranks, decorations and visions in the royal institution,” royal noble consort Sineenat Bilaskalayani, also known as Sineenat released images of the short- lic and media based inside the royal titles, it said. said analyst Paul Chambers of Wongvajirapakdi. help future haired Sineenat in combat fa- country all but impossible. Born in the northern prov- Naresuan University. tigues shooting weapons, fl ying Rama X has dramatically bol- ince of Nan on January 26, Buttressed by the conserva- Rama X came to power in 2016 spent much of his time abroad, a jet and preparing to parachute stered his authority since his 1985, Sineenat, graduated from tive arch royalist military, which after the death of his father Bhu- particularly in Germany. disaster from a plane, as well as holding 2016 ascension to the throne, the Royal Thai Army Nursing has carried out a dozen coups mibol Adulyadej – who is widely His three-day coronation the king’s hand. pulling the immense wealth of College at the age of 23. since the 1932 establishment revered by Thais and seen as a gave many Thais their fi rst full It was an intimate and rare the crown under his direct con- She has also trained as a pilot of a constitutional monarchy, fi gure of moral authority. glimpse of the new monarch, as relief glimpse into the private life trol and restructuring key army in Thailand and abroad, served frank discussion of palace af- The new king, a cycling and he was carried on a palanquin of Thailand’s powerful, ultra- units to his command. in the king’s royal bodyguard fairs is rare among the Thai aviation enthusiast, is a more re- in full regalia around Bangkok’s wealthy and inscrutable mon- Koi, a qualifi ed pilot and unit, and in May was awarded public. mote fi gure to the public, having historic quarter. Reuters Kathmandu

epal said yesterday that Lanka presidential candidate China will give its army Protest against Bangladesh Nabout $21mn in unspec- ifi ed “disaster relief materials” over the next three years, as Beijing strengthens its ties with police after shootings Kathmandu. Xi Jinping visited the Hima- AFP in Bangladesh, where Mus- and used to “spread lies”. layan nation, which has tradi- Dhaka lims make up some 90% of the Thousands of protesters who tionally leaned on neighbouring country’s 168mn people. took part in the Bhola protest India for help, on October 12 in The deaths sparked a new were being investigated, local the fi rst such trip by a Chinese housands protested round of protests late Sunday police chief Enamul Haque said, president in more than two against police across and yesterday as thousands of adding a police offi cer was also decades. TBangladesh yesterday, protesters across several cities “fi ghting for his life” after he Nepal and China signed a day after at least four people shouted slogans and called for the was shot by demonstrators. several agreements during Xi’s died when offi cers fi red on a offi cers involved to be put on trial. No arrests have yet been visit, including two connec- crowd in one of the country’s “This is not acceptable. Po- made, he added. tivity projects that the Nepali deadliest religious riots to date. lice have illegally and uncon- This is not the fi rst time government hopes will even- Some 20,000 protesters stitutionally opened fi re on alleged Facebook posts have tually reduce its dependence called for the execution of a the protesters,” 22-year-old sparked large-scale religious on India. young man on Bhola island on madrasa student Mahmudul violence in the impoverished China has made rapid inroads Sunday for writing defamatory Hasan said at a rally in Dhaka. South Asian country. into Nepal with aid and invest- Facebook messages, with police “It is an extrajudicial kill- In 2016, angry protesters ment, amid growing concerns saying they opened fi re after ing. We seek justice.” attacked temples in an east- in India which considers the rocks were thrown at offi cers. The man whose Facebook ern town over a derogatory landlocked nation its area of Four people died and nearly account hosted the original Facebook post that allegedly infl uence. 50 were injured, with at least messages and is from Bhola, mocked a holy site. After a devastating earth- seven in a critical condition in was charged with inciting re- And in 2012, mobs torched quake in 2015, which killed hospital. ligious tension. monasteries, houses and 9,000 people, China was among Sri Lanka’s Housing Minister and presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa, centre, gestures as he is Mob attacks over online But Prime Minister Sheikh shops in the coastal Cox’s Ba- the fi rst countries to send rescue received by Muslim clerics for talks, in Colombo yesterday, ahead of the November 16 presidential posts perceived to be blasphe- Hasina called for calm on zar district after a photo that and relief teams to Nepal. elections. mous have emerged as a major Sunday and said the man’s was considered defamatory One of the projects is part of headache for security forces Facebook account was hacked was put online. Xi’s high-profi le Belt and Road Initiative that seeks to connect Asia with Europe and Africa by roads, railways and sea. The agreement on disaster relief was signed by Nepali Thais, Frenchman could face fi ring squad in Bali drug cases Defence Minister Ishwar Pokharel, who is on a visit to AFP and suspicious airport offi cials majority nation, which has some was arrested after arriving in Bali China, and his counterpart Denpasar, Indonesia found nearly a kilogram of meth- of the world’s toughest drug laws. last week. She faces up to 15 years Wei Fenghe over the week- amphetamine hidden under Separately, Frenchman Olivier if convicted. end in Beijing, a government their clothes, authorities said. Jover was arrested in Bali after The four suspects, wearing statement said. wo Thai women and a “A lab test confi rmed all the a package sent from his home orange prison jumpsuits, were “The humanitarian and dis- Frenchman could face the packages contained methamphet- country containing some 22.5gm paraded together in front of re- aster relief materials will be Tdeath penalty after they were amine weighing 958gm in total,” of cocaine arrived at the airport porters yesterday – a common handed over to Nepal as per our caught smuggling drugs into Bali, Himawan Indarjono, head of im- with his address on it, according practice in Indonesia. army’s requirement over the the Indonesian holiday island’s cus- migration at Bali’s international to authorities. The arrests come as two Thai next three years,” Ministry of toms agency said yesterday. airport, told reporters yesterday. He faces a long jail term or the men were sentenced last week to Defence offi cial Santa Bahadur The Thai nationals – identi- The pair-a janitor and an op- death penalty, authorities said. 16 years in prison each after they From left: Olivier Jover of France, Tatiana Firsova of Russia, Sunwar said. fi ed as Kasarin Khamkhao and erator of a motorcycle rental shop Russian beautician Tatiana were found guilty of smuggling Kasarin Khamkhao and Sanicha Maneetes of Thailand attend a Army spokesman Bigyan Raj Sanicha Maneetes – arrived last in Thailand - could face a fi ring Firsova, who allegedly tried to 1kg of methamphetamine that press conference at the customs off ices near Ngurah Rai Airport Pandey said the list of items had week on a fl ight from Bangkok squad if convicted in the Muslim smuggle in 6.6gm of cocaine, they had swallowed. in Denpasar on Indonesia’s resort island of Bali yesterday. not yet been fi nalised. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 22, 2019 13 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

Japanese emperor to proclaim his enthronement to the world in ancient ceremony

Reuters over in May in a brief, tradition- duties. The celebratory mood for Palace’s Matsu no ma, or Hall of Yata-no-Kagami, which is kept his father’s path before assum- ment, as well as US Transport Tokyo fi lled ceremony but today’s what has been proclaimed a spe- Pine, the most prestigious space at the Ise Grand Shrine, the ho- ing the position and observers Secretary Elaine Chao. Myan- “Sokui no Rei” is a more elabo- cial holiday has been tempered in the palace where he offi cially liest site in Japan’s Shinto reli- have noted he has so far made mar civilian leader Aung San Suu rate ritual in which he offi cially by Typhoon Hagibis, which tore succeeded his father “with a gion, Empress Masako will also only small changes. Kyi is also expected to take part. apanese Emperor Naruhito is announces his change in status through Japan 10 days ago. sense of solemnity” on May 1. take part in the ceremony, wear- Naruhito’s address will be A court banquet will be held to- poised to offi cially proclaim to the world. The typhoon killed at least 80 He will declare his enthrone- ing heavy traditional robes and followed by a congratulatory night, and Emperor Naruhito Jhis enthronement today in Naruhito is the fi rst Japanese people and prompted the post- ment from the “Takamikura” — having her own throne. speech by Prime Minister Shin- and Empress Masako will host a a centuries-old ceremony at- emperor born after World War II. ponement of a planned celebra- a 6.5m (21ft) high pavilion that Emperor Akihito pledged dur- zo Abe, who will also lead three tea party for foreign royalty to- tended by dignitaries, including He acceded to the throne when tory parade. weighs about 8 tonnes — with ing the previous ceremony in cheers for the new emperor to morrow afternoon. heads of state and other royals, his father, Akihito, became the Naruhito will wear a tradi- an ancient sword and a jewel, 1990 to observe Japan’s pacifi st end the ceremony. The celebratory parade has from more than 180 countries. fi rst Japanese monarch to abdi- tional robe and headdress to two of the so-called Three Sa- constitution and fulfi l his duty Among the expected guests been postponed until November Naruhito, 59, and Empress cate in two centuries after wor- the ceremony, like his father cred Treasures, placed beside as a symbol of the state and of are Britain’s Prince Charles, who 10 while the government devotes Masako, a 55-year-old Harvard- rying that advancing age might did nearly three decades ago. It him. the unity of the people. with then-wife Princess Diana its attention to coping with the educated former diplomat, took make it hard to perform offi cial will start at 1pm at the Imperial Together with a mirror called Naruhito promised to follow attended Akihito’s enthrone- aftermath of the typhoon. US, South Korea Ukraine president in Tokyo must present new solutions for confl ict: North

Reuters Beijing

he United States and South Korea must produce new Tsolutions for the current standoff on the Korean Peninsula, a senior North Korean military offi cial said yesterday, warn- ing that hostile policies towards Pyongyang would lead to serious consequences. The remarks add to recent comments from Pyongyang ex- pressing discontent at the lack of progress in its negotiations with Washington. This month North Korea is- sued a veiled threat about ending the freeze in long-range missile testing amid continued economic sanctions and pressure aimed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (left) shakes hands with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr at pushing it to give up its nu- Zelensky during a meeting in Tokyo yesterday. clear and ballistic missiles pro- grammes. Kim Hyong Ryong, North Ko- Kim Jong-un’s visit to Mt Paektu signals a major shift in Pyongyang’s policy, say observers. rea’s Vice Minister of the People’s Beijing says no one can stop Taiwan ‘reunification’ Armed Forces, said at the Xiang- said, referring to his country by North Korea has conducted Jong-un, and US President Don- shan Forum in Beijing that North the initials of its formal name, the missile tests in recent months, ald Trump since last year. China’s defence minister made an Fenghe told defence ministers a dwindling number of nations Korea has worked to build lasting Democratic People’s Republic of including that of a submarine- North Korean state media re- uncompromising call yesterday and off icials from across Asia at which recognise its government. piece but that the situation has Korea. launched ballistic missile, and ported last week on Kim Jong- for the “reunification” of Taiwan the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing. Wei said China wanted to relapsed into a “dangerous, vi- He also accused South Korea broke off the latest working-level un’s visit to Mt Paektu, the spirit- with the mainland, telling a high “China is the only big country promote peaceful cross-strait cious cycle” of exacerbating ten- of a “double-dealing attitude” nuclear talks with the US in early ual homeland of the Kim dynasty, level defence forum that the in the world that has not yet relations, but that it would never sions because of the actions of in continuing to carry out mili- October. Pyongyang’s top nego- and that his aides are convinced process was something “no force” achieved complete reunification,” allow “Taiwan separatists to make the US and South Korean govern- tary drills with the US and buy- tiator for the talks blamed the US the leader plans “a great opera- could stop. Self-ruled Taiwan is he said. “It is something that no- reckless moves, and we will never ments. ing advanced military equipment. for the breakdown and said Wash- tion,” which experts say may sig- viewed by China as a renegade body and that no force can stop.” sit by and watch outside forces... “Though it has been more than “Bearing in mind our fi rm will to ington “brought nothing” to the nal a major shift in Pyongyang’s province which will eventually Relations between Taipei and interfere.” one year since the DPRK-US joint safeguard peace in the region, negotiating table. stance towards the US in the com- be unified with the mainland, by Beijing have deteriorated since “Engaging in separatism can only statement was adopted, there is the United States and the South Pyongyang has so far stuck to a ing months. force if necessary, after the two the 2016 election of President be a dead end,” he said. His com- no progress in improving bilat- Korean authorities must refrain freeze in testing of nuclear weap- Some analysts say possible sides split in 1949 after a civil war. Tsai Ing-wen, whose party refuses ments come just weeks after a eral relations between the two from any actions disrupting the ons and intercontinental ballistic North Korean actions could in- China will not stop in its eff orts to accept that Taiwan is part of huge military parade in Beijing to countries, completely because stability of the situation and come missiles that has been in place clude another space launch or an towards “realising the complete “one China”. Since then China has mark the 70th anniversary of the of the US’ anachronistic, hostile up with a new way for solving the since 2017 and allowed for three intercontinental ballistic missile reunification of the motherland,” poached a number of political founding of the People’s Republic policies against the DPRK,” Kim problem,” Kim said. meetings between its leader, Kim test. Defence Minister General Wei allies from Taipei, leaving it with of China. Australian newspapers redact Hong Kong leader visits mosque front pages to protest curbs struck by blue water-cannon dye Reuters Alliance (MEAA) said. “Journal- election of Australia’s Liberal- Sydney ism is a fundamental pillar of led conservative government, AFP reporters the apology had been our democracy,” said Paul Mur- when police raided the head Hong Kong accepted and they also thanked phy, the chief executive of the offi ce of the Australian Broad- worshippers and Hong Kongers ustralia’s biggest news- industry union. casting Corporation (ABC) in who fl ocked to clean the mosque papers ran front pages “It exists to scrutinise the Sydney and the home of a News ong Kong’s pro-Beijing soon after the incident. Ayesterday made up to powerful, shine a light on Corp editor on suspicion of re- leader and the city’s po- The original Kowloon Mosque appear heavily redacted, in a wrongdoing and hold govern- ceiving national secrets. Hlice chief apologised yes- was built in the late 19th cen- protest against legislation that ments to account, but the Aus- The raids, which involved po- terday as they visited a mosque tury to cater for Muslim soldiers restricts press freedoms, a rare tralian public is being kept in the lice examination of about 9,000 that was struck with blue dye from British-ruled India. It was show of unity by the usually dark,” he said in a statement. computer fi les at the ABC and from a water cannon during the rebuilt in the early 1980s and re- partisan media industry. Yesterday’s media protest sifting through the female News latest bout of violent protests. mains a centre of Hong Kong’s Australia has no constitution- aimed to put public pressure on Corp editor’s underwear drawer, The entrance to the Kowloon 300,000-strong Muslim com- al safeguards for free speech, al- the government to exempt jour- drew international condemna- Mosque, the international hub’s munity. Lam’s offi ce and the po- though the government added nalists from laws limiting access tion. The British Broadcasting largest, was sprayed by a water lice did not respond to requests a provision to protect whistle- to sensitive information, enact Corporation called the raids cannon truck on Sunday, causing for comment on the visit. A police blowers when it strengthened a properly functioning freedom “deeply troubling”. anger among both local Muslims source told AFP the commission- counter-espionage laws in of information system, and raise At the time, the ABC said the and protesters. er did apologise and further de- 2018. Media groups say press the benchmark for defamation raid on its offi ce was in relation Police use the dye — often Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam (centre) visits the Kowloon tails would be released later in the freedoms remain restricted. lawsuits. to 2017 stories about accusa- mixed with an irritant — as a way Masjid and Islamic Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui to meet with representatives day. Hong Kong was convulsed by Mastheads from the domestic Opposition leader Anthony tions of military misconduct in to identify protesters but it has of the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong more violence on Sunday as the unit of Rupert Murdoch’s con- Albanese told reporters that Afghanistan. frequently left streets and build- Kong and other leaders of the local Muslim community, in Hong Kong, city nears fi ve months of seething servative News Corp and fi erce while journalists should not News Corp has said the raid ings daubed in a garish blue. Vid- yesterday. pro-democracy protests. newspaper rivals at Nine Enter- be prosecuted for doing their on its employee concerned an eo footage shot Sunday showed Tens of thousands joined an tainment ran front pages with jobs, defamation laws provided article about government plans the truck pulling up outside Police released a statement on ment. Police also issued their unauthorised but peaceful af- most of the words blacked out, a “good constraint on ensuring to spy on Australians’ e-mails, the building during confronta- Sunday saying the mosque was fi rst public apology for the con- ternoon rally which quickly giving the impression the copy that there is some level of ac- text messages and bank ac- tions with protesters, pausing hit by mistake. duct of offi cers since the protests descended into chaos as small had been censored, in the man- curacy”. counts. and then spraying around half a Yesterday, Chief Executive erupted in early June. groups of hardcore protesters ner of a classifi ed government The campaign for media free- Global attention turned to dozen journalists and bystanders Carrie Lam and police chief “Immediately after the inci- threw petrol bombs and rocks at document. dom is a rare moment of unity in media freedoms in Australia who were gathered on the street Stephen Lo paid a brief visit dent, our police representative a police station, mainland China Parliament has long been Australia’s tightly-held sector, early this year when a court or- outside. to the mosque, surrounded by off ered sincere apologies to the businesses and multiple subway passing laws in the guise of na- where media houses compete der prevented media from re- The group, who did not ap- a phalanx of security guards. chief imam and the Muslim com- station entrances. tional security that impeded the vigorously for advertising spend porting that the former Vatican pear to be protesters, was struck “Mrs Lam extended an apology munity leaders,” Cheuk Hau-yip, Police responded with water public’s right to know what the and off er very diff erent visions treasurer, Cardinal George Pell, twice, with much of the bright for the inadvertent spraying of Regional Commander of Kow- cannon, tear gas and rubber bul- government did in its name, the for the country. The issue came had been found guilty on child blue jet painting the mosque’s the mosque’s main entrance and loon West district, told report- lets in clashes that lasted well Media, Entertainment and Arts to a boil soon after the May re- sex abuse charges. entrance and steps. gate,” her offi ce said in a state- ers. Mosque representatives told into the night. Gulf Times 14 Tuesday, October 22, 2019 BRITAIN EU would agree to Brexit delay, says German minister

Guardian News and Media erendum would be offered. steering group recommended that scheduled sitting of the Euro- Paris’s frustration but also its Alongside an unsigned photo- that it was up to London to take London “We have already twice agreed a vote on the deal, scheduled for pean parliament is November 14 willingness to again extend the copy of the request he was obliged the next steps. to an extension. I have repeat- Thursday, should be ditched in but parliamentary sources said UK’s membership of the EU. She to send under the act, there was an “The request to extend Ar- edly said as my own opinion I am light of developments in the Com- an extraordinary session could said: “What is certain is that we explanatory letter from the UK’s ticle 50 was made by the UK’s ermany’s economic aff airs not ideologically opposed to ex- mons. The parliament has a veto still be held as late as October need a yes or a no before October ambassador to the EU, Sir Tim permanent representative to minister has wholeheart- tending again a few days or a few on any agreement. 31 if necessary. “It is not on the 31. We need clarity. There cannot Barrow, and a personal letter from the EU,” the spokeswoman said. Gedly backed the option of weeks if you then get a good solu- Guy Verhofstadt, the EU par- agenda for this week – and it is be a new delay without it being Boris Johnson explaining why “President Tusk acknowledged a Brexit extension beyond Octo- tion that excludes a hard Brexit,” liament’s Brexit co-ordinator, not going to be added,” the EU justifi ed.” Downing Street thought a further receipt of the request on Satur- ber 31, as the European parlia- Altmaier said. said there needed to be “full source said. On Saturday, the Commons delay would be corrosive. day and stated that he was now ment pulled plans to hold a vote “If the British are to opt for one ratifi cation in Britain before we It is understood the European voted to withhold its approval A spokeswoman for the Eu- consulting with the EU27, so on Boris Johnson’s deal this week. of the longer-term options, that do our fi nal vote”. Sources said parliament’s leading MEPs had until all the legislation relating ropean Commission said the this form does not change any- Peter Altmaier, a key ally of is new elections or a new referen- the Commons would need to been heavily lobbied by the UK to the withdrawal agreement bill request had been formally re- thing.” Speaking to the German the German chancellor, Angela dum, then it goes without saying complete its third reading of the government to hold their vote has been passed. The prime min- ceived, despite its unconven- radio station Deutschlandfunk, Merkel, said he believed a tech- that the European Union should withdrawal agreement bill before this week as Downing Street ister subsequently complied with tional “form”. Altmaier said the onus was on nical extension to allow extra do it, for me anyway.” the European parliament would seeks to keep hope alive of leav- the Benn act by sending three The spokeswoman added the Downing Street to provide clarity time for legislation to pass or a The likelihood of an extension hold its crucial vote to allow the ing by Halloween. letters on Saturday evening to EU’s ratifi cation processes had on the next steps as soon as pos- longer period to accommodate a beyond October 31 increased after UK to leave with an agreement. France’s EU aff airs minister, ask the EU to provide for a delay been launched in preparation for sible for Brexit to be possible on general election or second ref- the European parliament’s Brexit After this week, the next Amelie de Montchalin, expressed beyond October 31. approval by the Commons but October 31. Javid refuses to assess economic dangers of Brexit plan

Guardian News and Media UK in a Changing Europe think- London tank suggested Johnson’s plan would knock between 2.3% to 7% off GDP over the next decade, ajid Javid has rebuff ed MPs’ compared with remaining in the demands for the Treasury EU. The equivalent estimates for Sto carry out a thorough eco- Theresa May’s deal were 1.9% to nomic assessment of the govern- 5.5%. ment’s Brexit deal, claiming it is But in stark contrast to the cau- “self-evidently in our economic tious stance associated with his interest”. predecessor Philip Hammond, The chancellor has written to who was referred to by colleagues MPs on the cross-party Treasury as “Spreadsheet Phil”, Javid played select committee, which request- down the importance of economic ed a fresh analysis in order to help forecasts for judging the value of MPs judge whether to support the the Brexit deal. deal. “Trust in democracy, and Javid suggested ending the un- bringing an end to the division certainty that has surrounded the that has characterised this debate issue of Brexit would in itself be over the past three years, is some- benefi cial to the economy – and thing that cannot be measured rejected the idea that the gov- solely through spreadsheets or ernment should carry out a new impact assessments, important analysis and then make it available though they are,” he wrote. “Re- Pro-Brexit activists demonstrate outside of the Houses of Parliament in central London yesterday. to MPs. specting the referendum and clos- “My starting point is that agree- ing this chapter so we can focus on ing the withdrawal agreement is delivering growth, and the public self-evidently in our economic in- services people deserve, is the terest,” he said. “It would bring an right thing to do for our country.” end to the damaging uncertainty Anand Menon, the director of UK and delay of the past years and al- in a Changing Europe, said: “It is a low businesses to get on with tak- shame that the chancellor seems ing decisions, including around to feel that evidence is now super- Prime minister denied recruitment and investment.” fl uous to good policy making. Self The cross-Whitehall economic evidently there is more at stake here analysis published last year sug- than just economics. That being gested the economy would be said, surely we deserve to know the considerably weaker under a free diff erent potential implications of trade agreement (FTA) – the type diff erent kinds of Brexit?” of relationship targeted under Torsten Bell, the director of the new Brexit deal vote Boris Johnson’s latest deal. Resolution Foundation thinktank, But Javid said those forecasts said: “The chancellor is right to AFP fi rst Saturday session since the Johnson’s foes are now forg- force everyone to stop bickering But Brexit Minister Stephen only considered a “generic, ‘av- say lots of other things will aff ect London 1982 Falklands War to force the ing new alliances and trying to and agree an exit plan by the end Barclay told parliament yes- erage’, FTA, looking at examples what the economic outcome for Conservative leader to ask Brus- attach amendments that could of the month. terday that European Council from around the world”. Britain is. But what is true is that sels to postpone the October 31 either force him to push for Britain ended up sending president Donald Tusk “has ac- He suggested the shape of the every major study done inside or rime Minister Boris John- divorce by three months. closer trade ties with the EU — three letters to Brussels on Sat- cepted the request as valid and UK’s FTA with the EU would only outside government shows that a son was dealt a fresh blow “The motion will not be de- or abandon the deal and accept a urday night — including an un- indicated he is considering it become clear during the course of looser relationship with the EU, Pyesterday when the speak- bated because it would be re- third delay this year. signed one to seek another ex- and consulting with member the negotiations, once Brexit had as envisaged in this agreement, er of parliament denied him a petitive and disorderly to do so,” The option of extending Brex- tension. states”. happened. leads to a smaller economy than it second shot at getting his Brexit Bercow said. it is now in the hands of the 27 In one of the letters, Johnson European offi cials have the John McDonnell, the shadow would otherwise be.” deal passed just 10 days before Johnson is trying to secure a remaining EU member states. said an “extension would dam- option of extending the deadline chancellor, said: “Flying blind on Javid is due to hold a budget on the deadline. break from Brussels that severs Britain has been struggling to age the interests of the UK and for just a few weeks or possibly a massive decision on the future of November 6, if Brexit goes ahead House of Commons speaker many of the island nation’s eco- agree on how to leave the EU ever our EU partners” and that he many months to give Britain the economy is no way for a gov- next week, and the independ- John Bercow — a colourful fi gure nomic relations with Europe af- since narrowly backing Brexit in was fi rmly against a delay. more time to fi nally make up its ernment to make recommenda- ent Offi ce for Budget Responsi- who has played a starring role in ter 46 years of EU membership. a 2016 referendum that did little The manoeuvre is designed to mind. tions to parliament or make legis- bility will then present updated the Brexit drama — said Johnson But lawmakers refused on to end old arguments about the minimise the political damage of Scotland’s top civil court lation. It’s preposterous behaviour economic forecasts, though it is was not allowed to push for the Saturday to give their backing to country’s place in the world. Johnson going back on his word decided yesterday to continue by the chancellor and this govern- unclear whether they have enough same vote twice in the same par- his revised divorce plan until all Johnson has built his entire and seeking an extension ahead watching Johnson and intervene ment.” time to analyse the details of the liamentary sitting. the domestic legislation needed Brexit strategy on the premise of an early general election most should he try to avoid accepting Independent analysis by the Johnson deal. Lawmakers decided at their to ratify it has passed. of using the pressure of time to expect in the coming months. any delay off ered by the EU.

On the job Milton Keynes stabbings Ex-detective loses was targeted attack: police fi ght for payout Guardian News and Media mother and 14-year-old daughter. London She informed her Police Fed- Guardian News and Media each other, we believe that those The victims have been named eration representative that she London responsible arrived at the party locally as Dom Ansah and Ben was making the journey but not uninvited, wore face coverings Gillham-Rice. Postmortems are former Metropolitan po- her immediate boss at Sutton and they were armed with knives due to take place today. lice detective who suc- police station. This was a minor olice investigating the in what appears to be a target- Two other males, a 17-year-old Acessfully sued the force disciplinary off ence. However, deaths of two 17-year-old ed attack,” said detective chief and a 23-year-old, were injured for wrongly using its powers instead of treating it as such, Pboys at a birthday party at a superintendent Ian Hunter of during the incident. One has been to investigate her has lost her her boss approached the Na- house in Milton Keynes say they Thames Valley police. discharged, and the other is recov- eight-year court battle to hold tional Border Targeting Centre, believe it was a targeted attack. “We are following a number ering from his injuries. the police to account. which Greater Manchester police One of the boys died at the of active lines of inquiry at this Thames Valley police are also in- Andrea Brown said after a new (GMP) help to run, to get person- scene and the other was taken to time, including speaking to those vestigating an alleged GBH incident ruling against her she might be- al information about Brown. hospital where he died early on who were guests at the party and after offi cers were called to an ad- come homeless paying the police’s The centre collects private in- Sunday. Police said masked as- the two injured victims. Whilst dress in Greenleys, on the outskirts costs. “It can’t be right that the formation on people’s wherea- sailants arrived uninvited at the no arrests have yet been made, of Milton Keynes, on Sunday night police have been found to have bouts. An application to trace her party and perpetrated the stab- we are working around the clock after reports that a man had been acted unlawfully but I’m the one movements with Virgin Atlantic bings in what was believed local- to make arrests and are continu- stabbed. It was unknown whether being punished,” she said. was made citing a made-up act ly to be a gang-related incident. ing to search relevant places.” this was a retaliatory attack. Brown, 53, had 20 years’ service of parliament, Central London As detectives made further ap- He added: “I have a clear mes- The Conservative MP for the in the Met and was considered by county court was told. peals for information yesterday, sage to those responsible. We are area, Iain Stewart, tweeted: “I am her bosses to be an example of the When Brown discovered what an increased police presence re- looking for you and I urge you to shocked by this double murder force’s commitment to diversity. her bosses had done she success- mained at the scene in Emerson hand yourself into a police sta- in my constituency. I off er my For many years a portrait of her fully sued the Met and GMP. She Valley, with offi cers conducting tion as soon as possible. I also deepest condolences to the fam- policing a football match hung in succeeded on claims for breach house-to-house inquiries. wish to remind anybody that ilies aff ected and am available to the foyer of Scotland Yard. of data protection and human “We know that the party was might be assisting or asked to as- off er them assistance. I shall also Her problems began in 2011. rights and misuse of private in- a private birthday party, and sist those responsible that it is a be speaking to the police to un- MP Amber Rudd is seen outside Downing Street in Her father died while she was on formation but lost on a claim for although we believe that all of criminal off ence to do so and can derstand the circumstances be- London yesterday. sick leave and she travelled to Bar- misfeasance in public offi ce and those involved were known to lead to prosecution.” hind the crimes.” bados to visit relatives with her on a personal injury claim. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 22, 2019 15

BRITAIN Pacer train passengers deserve fare cuts, say politicians Guardian News and Media mayor, Dan Jarvis, and the Leeds because of a delay in manufactur- ity between transport investment” is symbolic of the broader issues routes from Newcastle to Leeds, be removed by the end of the year. London city council leader, Judith Blake, ing their replacements, they would in northern England, compared with this franchise which contin- Liverpool, Hull, Manchester and The company, acknowledging told the train operator that the not be scrapped by 2020 as prom- with the south has been underlined ues to deliver an unacceptable level Stoke, to draw up proposals to that “customers will be disap- continued use of the old carriages ised by the rail franchise. by the continued use of Pacers, but of service to passengers.” improve the service, saying it pointed”, said it was “fi nalising eading politicians in north- was “unacceptable” and that an The city leaders express “deep also acknowledge that withdraw- The three politicians have re- could not “continue delivering proposals for customer support ern England have demanded urgent commitment to reduced disappointment and frustration” ing them before the replacements quested a meeting to iron out a in the current delivery method”. and off ers” for passengers who La cut in fares on routes that fares “is the very least that could in the letter, which was sent to were ready would be a worse solu- compensation package and prom- He also said he was “hugely im- travel on Pacers in 2020. still use the much-derided Pacer be done”. David Brown, the managing di- tion. The “retention, for a short, ises regarding accessibility over patient (to see) the extinction of It added: “From yesterday, 29 trains. The diesel-powered Pacers, rector of Arriva Rail North, which time limited period appears to be the next week. Pacer trains”. of our 101 new trains in service for In a letter to Northern Rail, they built as a temporary stopgap in the owns Northern rail. They also ask the best of an extremely poor range Last week, the transport secre- A spokesperson for Northern customers and a further 27 new say passengers deserve fi nancial 1980s from bus frames set on train for “urgent assurances” regarding of options”, they write. tary signalled that the Northern said “a small number of Pacers trains are in fi nal testing or being compensation for having to use the wheels, do not comply with dis- the arrangements planned for cus- Blake said the withdrawal of rail network could be renation- units” would need to be used “for used for driver training. We agree “buses-on-rails” that were due to ability regulations that come into tomers with accessibility require- Pacers was “one of the centrepiece alised after years of late and can- a short period of time in 2020”. It the north deserves the best pos- be retired by the end of the year. eff ect in the new year and still have ments while the Pacers remained commitments made in the North- celled trains. said the fi rst Pacer went into re- sible rail service and are working The Manchester mayor, Andy toilets that fl ush on to the track. in use. ern franchise”, adding: “The fact Grant Shapps said he had tirement in August, and “the ma- hard to improve performance and Burnham, the Sheffi eld city region It emerged over the summer that, They say the “widening dispar- they will still be running in 2020 asked the company, which runs jority of Pacers” were expected to reliability for customers.”

Assange denied delay in William and extradition hearing myself are Guardian News and Media London

ulian Assange has been told there can be no delay in his JUS extradition case, as he ap- peared in court in London. on diff erent The WikiLeaks founder’s le- gal team requested more time to submit evidence and the post- ponement of the full extradi- tion hearing, while claiming the charges against him were politi- cally motivated, at a case man- agement hearing at Westminster paths: Harry magistrates court. After the defence and prosecu- AFP to strike out on his own. ment from Harry about general tion clashed over the timetabling London This year the brothers split tabloid coverage. of the hearings and their allocated their joint offi ces and charitable Harry is also suing two news- timeframes for evidence submis- foundation and no longer live in paper groups over alleged voice- sion, the district judge Vanessa rince Harry said he and close proximity. mail interception, or phone Baraitser refused to extend the his brother Prince William Harry and Meghan married in hacking. Asked if Meghan was expected proceedings and told Pwere on “diff erent paths” May 2018 and their son Archie facing the same media pressures Assange his full extradition case and admitted occasional tension Mountbatten-Windsor was born as Diana, Harry replied: “I have would begin on February 25. in their relationship. in May this year. a family to protect. I will not be Later, she asked Assange if he The Duke of Sussex, 35, has Meghan, who has also been bullied into playing a game that had understood events in court. been plagued by rumours of a rumoured to have feuded with killed my mum.” “Not really. I can’t think prop- growing rift between him and William’s wife Kate, said her Harry, who has been open erly,” he appeared to say. “I don’t 37-year-old William, and he British friends had warned her about his own past mental health understand how this is equitable. acknowledged that “inevitably not to marry Harry. struggles emanating from Di- This superpower had 10 years to stuff happens” given their high- Former US actress Meghan, 38, ana’s death, said: “It’s constant prepare for this case and I can’t profi le roles in the royal family. has faced an increasingly hostile management. I thought I was out access my writings. It’s very dif- In an interview with ITV tel- press, with the tabloids luxuriat- of the woods, and then suddenly fi cult where I am to do anything evision fi lmed during his recent ing in stories about her fractured it all came back.” but these people have unlimited tour of southern Africa with his family and rumoured palace rifts. The couple are going to take six resources. wife Meghan, Harry said: “We The couple launched legal ac- weeks off work. “They are saying journalists are brothers. We will always be tion this month against The Mail During the interview, Harry and whistleblowers are enemies brothers. on Sunday for alleged invasion of said that he would like to live in of the people. They have unfair “We are certainly on diff erent privacy over a letter to her father. Africa but fi nding the right place advantages dealing with docu- paths at the moment but I will It came with a stinging state- would be diffi cult. ments. They (know) the interior always be there for him as I know of my life with my psychologist. he will always be there for me. They steal my children’s DNA. We don’t see each other as much ‘I was warned tabloids would destroy my life’ This is not equitable what is as we used to because we are so happening here.” busy but I love him dearly. The Duchess of Sussex has husband, my friends were really Mark Summers, defending As- “The majority of the stuff is revealed she was warned before happy because I was so happy. sange, claimed the US had been created out of nothing but as her marriage to Prince Harry But my British friends said to spying on his client and said there brothers, you know, you have that the British tabloids would me: ‘I’m sure he’s great. But was a link between the “reinvig- good days, you have bad days.” “destroy” her life, as she spoke you shouldn’t do it because the oration of the investigation and William and Harry’s close of struggling to cope with the British tabloids will destroy your Donald Trump’s presidency”. bond was cemented in the af- reality of being part of the life,’” she told the interviewer, “This is part of an avowed termath of their mother Diana, royal family. In an interview for Tom Bradby, in the film. She said war on whistleblowers to in- princess of Wales’s shock death the ITV documentary Harry & she had “very naively” told her clude investigative journalists aged 36 in a 1997 Paris car crash Meghan: An African Journey, friends: “What are you talking and publishers,” Summers said. during a paparazzi pursuit. she said the last year had been about. That doesn’t make any “The American state has been But while William is one day “hard” and that she had had sense. I’m not in the tabloids.” actively engaged in intruding on destined for the throne, Harry “no idea” of what she would She added: “I didn’t get it. So, it’s privileged discussions between A demonstrator holds a placard during a protest outside of Westminster Magistrates Court, where a — sixth in line and now with his face. “When I first met my now been complicated.” Assange and his lawyer.” hearing in the US extradition case of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is held, in London yesterday. own wife and baby — has begun

Park walk US diplomat’s wife Population expected ‘could be sent to UK’

Daily Mail an extradition request could be London made to the US for her arrest. to pass 70mn by 2031 Radd Seiger, a spokesman for Harry’s parents, urged the Guardian News and Media growth rate is slower than in pro- communities if we are to ensure he family of crash victim CPS to make a quick decision to London jections made in 2016, with the ex- everyone is able to age well. Harry Dunn have called avoid keeping the family ‘stuck pected population anticipated to “We also need to rethink our at- Tfor prosecutors to ‘get in limbo’. He said: “Come on, be 400,000 less in mid-2028 and titudes to age and tackle the ageist on with it’ after learning vital let’s get on with it. For us that he UK population is pro- 900,000 less in mid-2043. attitudes which hold back too evidence has been passed on to would be a big step if an extra- jected to exceed 70mn by The pace of growth is expected many people from enjoying a good them. dition request was submitted to Tmid-2031, according to the to slow based on assumptions that later life.” Charlotte Charles and Tim the US. Offi ce for National Statistics. fewer children will be born, in light Andrew Nash, who works in the Dunn were told that police have “That would be one giant In the next decade, the popu- of recent falls in fertility rates, and population projections unit at the handed their fi le to the Crown step towards achieving closure. lation is expected to increase by a slower rate of increase in life ex- Offi ce for National Statistics, said: Prosecution Service. It’s not a game – this family are 3mn, from an estimated 66.4mn in pectancy. “The UK population is projected The evidence includes CCTV grieving.” mid-2018 to 69.4mn in mid-2028. The proportion of people aged to grow by 3mn people by 2028. footage of US citizen Anne Sa- Labour has called for an ur- England’s population is project- 85 years and over is projected to This assumes migration will have coolas, 42, driving on the wrong gent parliamentary inquiry into ed to grow 5% in the next decade, almost double during the next 25 a greater impact on the size of the side of the road outside RAF the government’s handling of the a faster rate than Northern Ireland years. The projected population population than the combination Croughton – a spy hub in North- case after the Foreign Offi ce ad- (3.7%), Scotland (1.8%) and Wales growth is less than that over the of births and deaths. amptonshire – almost eight mitted hiding information from (0.6%). During the next 10 years, past 25 years. Between mid-1993 “Although migration declines weeks ago before crashing head- the teenager’s family. the projections for the UK as a and mid-2018, the population at fi rst and the number of births on into the 19-year-old motor- Police were told Sacoolas had whole suggest 7.2mn people will be increased by 9mn (15.1%), but be- is stable, the number of deaths is cyclist. left Britain on September 16 after born, 6.4mn people will die, 5.4mn tween mid-2018 and mid-2043, it projected to grow as those born in She used her husband’s sta- being granted diplomatic immu- people will migrate long-term is projected to grow by 6mn (9%). the baby boom after World War II tus as a US intelligence offi cer nity. Harry’s parents claim they to the UK, and 3.3mn people will Anna Dixon, the chief executive reach older ages. The population is to claim diplomatic immunity were not informed until 10 days emigrate long-term from the UK. at the Centre for Ageing Better, increasingly ageing and this trend before leaving Britain. But her later. Net international migration is said the fi gures showed the age of will continue. However, because immunity from prosecution has Shadow foreign secretary expected to account for 73% of the population was “dramatically of the expected rise in the state expired because he is no longer in Emily Thornberry said: “It now the UK population growth over shifting”. pension age to 67, it is projected his post, according to the Foreign looks increasingly clear that the the next decade, while more births She added: “These longer lives that slightly fewer than one in fi ve Offi ce. foreign secretary and his offi cials than deaths could account for are a huge opportunity but big people will be of pensionable age People walk in a rose garden of Hazlehead Park in Aberdeen, The CPS will decide whether have something to hide in terms 27%. changes are needed to our work- in 2028, a similar proportion to Scotland, Britain. the evidence is strong enough of how they responded to this Overall, the UK’s population places, homes, health services and today.” for charges to be brought. Then dreadful tragedy.” Gulf Times 16 Tuesday, October 22, 2019 EUROPE Transform land use to hit 1.5-degree target: experts

AFP ending deforestation and envi- most ambitious target of the Par- 2030-2050,” Stephanie Roe, an sin, needed to be slashed 70% by “The task ahead is daunt- vast carbon capture and bioen- Paris ronmentally damaging farming is deal on climate change. environmental scientist at the 2030 to limit warming. ing, but we have all the tools and ergy schemes. practices. At the same time, trees, plants University of Virginia, told AFP. Countries also need to improve knowledge we need to start im- “What’s worrisome is the large The team also said that the and soil suck in vast amounts of The team examined climate forest management by planting plementing now,” said Roe, lead gap between where we are and etter management of the world’s chances of avoiding the carbon dioxide through photo- models and assessed two doz- trees on croplands to capture and author of the study printed in where we need to go to avoid world’s farms and for- worst eff ects of climate change synthesis – if given the chance. en land management practices store the equivalent of the EU’s Nature Climate Change. climate chaos,” said Charlotte Bests could contribute up would be signifi cantly boosted if Authors of a comprehensive known to reduce emissions while total annual emissions, every The work builds on a ground- Streck, director of the think tank to a third of the emissions cuts one in fi ve people in developed study on how to use land to tackle providing other social and envi- year, by the same date. breaking report from the Inter- Climate Focus, and co-author of needed to stave off devastating countries switched to plant- climate change said they had a ronmental benefi ts. Food waste and loss also need governmental Panel on Climate the study. climate change, an international based diets by 2030. plan to make the land sector car- They then mapped out how to be cut 30% by 2030, the ex- Change, released in August, out- With the rate of global forest team of scientists said yesterday. The land sector currently con- bon neutral by 2040. countries could make the most of perts said. lining how the world can limit loss increasing 40% since 2014, They said that countries such tributes around a quarter of all “We developed a roadmap that the practices to draw down emis- All told, total emissions from warming while feeding 10bn she said restoration had showed as Brazil, China and Indonesia man-made emissions, which cuts land sector emissions by sions globally. land must fall 85% and the people by 2050. “only moderate progress”. had immense potential to low- need slashing globally in order about 50% per decade, and in- They found that deforesta- amount of carbon stored by land It highlighted a number of “We need to step up action on er greenhouse gas emissions if to limit temperature rises to 1.5° creases the carbon sequestered tion, especially in Brazil, Indo- must increase 10-fold by mid- tough choices, including reduc- land now. This roadmap shows us their governments committed to Celsius (2.6° Farenheit) – the in land about ten-fold between nesia and in Africa’s Congo Ba- century. ing pasture land to accommodate how,” Streck said.

Poland’s ruling Spain PM snubs Catalan party seeks vote chief on Barcelona visit recount Reuters Reuters Barcelona Warsaw

pain’s acting Prime Min- oland’s ruling nationalists ister Pedro Sanchez made asked the Supreme Court Sa quick visit to Catalonia Pyesterday to approve a yesterday after a week of separa- recount of some votes for par- tist unrest but spurned the pro- liament’s upper house, a move independence regional chief, ac- which if approved could hand cusing him of failing in his duty them a majority in both cham- to restore order. bers and expedite their disputed The northeastern region has reform agenda. been hit by seven consecutive The Law and Justice (PiS) par- nights of sometimes violent ty, which regained its majority protests following the jailing last in the lower house but narrowly week of nine Catalan separatists lost it in the Senate in the Oc- found guilty of sedition over tober 13 election, said it wanted their role in leading a failed 2017 recounts in Katowice and Kosza- bid for independence. lin due to a high level of invalid During his visit to the regional votes. capital Barcelona, Sanchez met Sanchez and Spain’s acting Interior Minister Fernando Its loss of a simple majority in police injured in the violence. Grande-Marlaska (right) leave the national police headquarters in the Senate, and a smaller than The pro-independence re- Barcelona. expected majority in the lower gional chief, Quim Torra, had house, mean it may be harder for sought a meeting with Sanchez A spokeswoman for the pro- president Carles Puigdemont. the PiS to complete an overhaul but was rebuff ed. independence party Esquerra Spanish media said the raid of the judiciary, media and cul- The unrest is a challenge for Republicana de Catalunya was linked to another of the tural institutions. Sanchez, who faces a parliamen- (ERC), which is allied with Tor- lawyer’s clients, an alleged drug Poland’s ruling euroscep- tary election next month, but ra’s group, condemned Sanchez traffi cker, and was not linked to tic nationalists have been em- also for the pro-independence Supporters of Catalonia’s independence sit on a street holding placards during a protest outside for not talking directly to the Puigdemont himself. broiled in a long-running dis- regional authorities based in Spanish government off ices in Barcelona. Catalan government. But Puigdemont, who was pute with the European Union Barcelona. “Sanchez is refusing dialogue head of the Spanish region dur- over its reforms of the judiciary Hundreds of peaceful pro- In a letter released by that he has always condemned prisoners” while holding up a for the umpteenth time. (This ing its failed 2017 bid to break and public media, which critics testers sang the Catalan anthem Sanchez’s offi ce yesterday, the violence. sign calling for the release of the shows) disrespect to the peo- away from Spain and now lives say have eroded the independ- yesterday and waved placards prime minister accused Torra of Footage shot by onlookers jailed separatists. ple of Catalonia,” Marta Vilalta in self-imposed exile in Belgium, ence of both. urging Sanchez to “sit and talk” failing in his duties to protect yesterday showed Sanchez being The issue of Catalan inde- Torres said. linked the raid to eff orts to extra- PiS deputy spokesman Rado- with Torra. public safety, and said Torra had booed by members of staff as he pendence has dominated Spain’s The leader of Spain’s main dite him. slaw Fogiel told reporters that Gerard Rodriguez, a 27-year- “turned his back” on the secu- left a Barcelona hospital where fractured political debate in re- opposition centre-right Peo- “Now that we’re dealing with the party analysts had spot- old nurse, said Sanchez had giv- rity forces. he had been visiting police in- cent years and is likely to con- ple’s Party, Pablo Casado, on the the third European (arrest) war- ted “anomalies”, namely “much en “false excuses” for avoiding In a written reply, Torra asked jured in the clashes. tinue to do so in the run-up to other side, said Sanchez should rant, they try to make @boye_g’s higher numbers of invalid votes” the meeting. for “dialogue without condi- In a video published by La next month’s ballot. react more strongly. work diffi cult. They will not suc- in some districts that out- The government has said talks tions”. Vanguardia on its website, hos- Spanish media reported that Meanwhile, Spain’s high court ceed in doing so,” he wrote on weighed the diff erences in vote are impossible until Torra con- His response made no men- pital staff , some wearing white Torra tried to talk to Sanchez by said yesterday it had ordered Twitter. totals for the respective candi- demns the violence unequivo- tion of the violence. coats and scrubs, could be heard telephone on both Saturday and a raid on the offi ce of Gonzalo Boye did not immediately re- dates. cally. Torra had said on Saturday shouting “freedom for political Sunday, but was rebuff ed. Boye, lawyer for Catalonia’s ex- spond to a request for comment. He did not rule out the party requesting further vote re- counts. “It is hard for me to say what the intentions of PiS are, for sure the main intention is to take the Senate (upper house),” said Sen- Book says Vatican is close to fi nancial default ator Gabriela Morawska-Sta- necka from the opposition Left coalition whose seat was one of By Alvise Armellini, DPA Vatican central bank, ran into Amazon statues stolen from Rome church, thrown into the Tiber river tions of “embezzlement, fraud, those targeted. Rome the red for the fi rst time in 2018, abuse of offi ce and money laun- “Now we will see if this is why and hides bank accounts of car- Ultra-conservative Catholic militants admitted that Conservatives accused the Vatican of letting what dering”. PiS forced through the reform dinals covered by state secrecy. they stole statues they consider to be Amazon pagan they consider a likeness of a pagan goddess of Mother Prosecutors are looking into a of the Supreme Court,” tweeted he Vatican is in a near- His book also reports that do- idols from a church near the Vatican yesterday and Earth known as Pachamama onto sacred Christian $200mn Vatican investment on Robert Biedron, leader of one of default situation, accord- nations for the Pope’s personal dumped them from a bridge into the Tiber River. ground. a real-estate deal in London’s the parties in the Left bloc. Ting to a new book by an charity fund, Peter’s Pence, A video posted on Internet and given prominence on The Vatican said at the time that the statue was a upmarket Chelsea neighbour- The Supreme Court has up to Italian investigative journalist dropped to €51mn in 2018 from conservative Catholic media websites such as EWTN symbol of life. hood, Fittipaldi said. 90 days to rule on the validity of who regularly publishes material €101mn in 2006. television and LifeSite News showed the four-minute Asked about the theft yesterday, the Vatican’s head of Five Vatican offi cials, includ- elections. based on leaked documents. Furthermore it renews allega- episode, which police said they were treating as a theft. communications, Paolo Ruff ini, said it was a “a stunt”. ing a former aide to a high-rank- Opposition parties hold 48 of Gianluigi Nuzzi’s latest work, tions that the Vatican misman- The statues were on display along with other Amazon The tree-planting ceremony, where the controversy ing cardinal and a senior fi gure 100 seats in the upper house, but Giudizio Universale (Last Judge- ages its substantial real-estate artefacts at the Church of Santa Maria in Traspontina, started, took place before the start of a three-week as- within the Vatican’s fi nancial wield a majority thanks to three ment), was released in Italy yes- holdings and uses for charity several blocks from the Vatican. sembly of bishops to discuss the future of the Catholic watchdog (AIF), have been sus- independent senators who are terday. only 20% of Peter’s Pence re- The three identical statues of a kneeling pregnant Church in the Amazon region, including the possibility pended from their jobs due to broadly supportive. La Repubblica newspaper ran sources. indigenous woman were replicas of one used during a of ordaining elderly married men as priests to say the probe. Polish media have reported advance excerpts. The Vatican did not respond tree-planting ceremony in the Vatican gardens in the Mass in the vast region. Their identities were revealed that the PiS, which also holds The book says Pope Francis to a request for comment. presence of Pope Francis this month that conserva- Conservatives have attacked the synod’s working by l’Espresso newspaper earlier 48 seats in the upper house, has received an internal report in “The situation is certainly tives found outrageous. document as heretical. this month, in a leak that upset made overtures to opposition May 2018, which stated: “The worse than what it was when the Pope. senators in an attempt to estab- defi cit affl icting the Holy See has Francis’s predecessor, Ben- The head of the Vatican’s se- lish a working majority. reached worrying levels, at risk edict XVI, decided to take a step cronyism and infi ghting within Vatican was heading for bank- “So, while I’m sure the Vati- curity services, Domenico Giani, “If someone, by some coinci- of leading to default.” back,” Nuzzi told the Ansa news Vatican walls. ruptcy if it didn’t put its house can continues to overspend in took the blame and resigned last dence ... became a senator on the Expenses by the Vatican’s agency. Austen Ivereigh, a papal biog- in order,” he told DPA. “But, over relation to its income, I fi nd it week. opposition list, but thinks that it central administration were In 2013, Benedict XVI became rapher due to publish a new book the past six years, that is exactly hard to believe that things are as In 2015-6, Fittipaldi and is worth working for Poland with said to have risen by 62%, from the fi rst pope to resign in nearly on Francis next month, believes what Francis has been doing, not bad as reports on Nuzzi’s book Nuzzi published other material the ... Law and Justice team, we €16.4mn ($18.3mn) in 2015 to 600 years. that talk of looming Vatican fi - least through cuts in spending appear to suggest,” he added. on alleged Vatican scandals and will not chase him away with a €26.6mn in 2017. Benedict’s decision came after nancial meltdown is overblown. and new accountancy measures. Another Italian investigative were tried by a Vatican court for stick,” Fogiel told RMF FM radio Nuzzi claims that the Admin- the so-called VatiLeaks scandal, “Ever since well before Fran- “There’s a long way still to go reporter, Emiliano Fittipaldi, breach of papal secrets. station after the election. istration of the Patrimony of the triggered by another leak-based cis’s election in 2013 there have but the progress has been re- wrote on Sunday that Vatican They were eventually acquit- One opposition senator, To- Apostolic See (APSA), a sort of Nuzzi book that exposed alleged been dramatic warnings that the markable.” prosecutors are probing allega- ted. masz Grodzki, said he had been approached by PiS and asked if he would like to become minister of health. The Senate’s PiS speaker Sta- nislaw Karczewski told private Turkish court sentences woman’s killer to life in prison broadcaster Polsat News that he was unaware of such an off er made to Grodzki. AFP high-profi le case which sparked tral city of Kirikkale, according The group said 121 women daughter: “I don’t want to die.” During the fi rst hearing on The PiS campaigned on a Ankara outrage, state media reported. to state news agency Anadolu. were killed in 2011, while 440 The words have since be- October 9, the killer refused to promise to expand its massive The murder of Emine Bulut, The number of women killed women were killed in 2018. come a rallying cry against rising testify, using his right to remain welfare programme and deepen 38, in August caused a furore af- in Turkey is rising. Bulut, who had divorced Var- femicides in Turkey. silent. reforms of the judiciary, an over- Turkish court has handed ter a video went viral of the mo- According to the women’s an four years earlier, was stabbed When he was fi rst taken into Bulut’s mother, Fadime, had haul that has sparked unprec- a life sentence to a man ments after she was stabbed. rights group “We Will Stop in a restaurant in Kirikkale. custody, Varan told police he had urged the court then to give Var- edented legal action from the Awho was convicted of Her ex-husband Fedai Varan, Femicide”, 354 women were She later died in hospital. killed Bulut but suggested he had an the “harshest sentence”. European Union and drawn ac- murdering a woman in front of 43, was found guilty of Bulut’s killed in the fi rst nine months of In the viral video, Bulut been provoked because she “in- Varan again opted not to tes- cusations that the party is sub- her 10-year old daughter in a murder by the court in the cen- 2019. soaked in blood, screams to her sulted” him. tify yesterday. verting democracy. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 22, 2019 17 INDIA

Maharashtra sees Exit polls show huge win over 60% turnout in star-studded polls

IANS huri Dixit, John Abraham, Dia for BJP in key elections Mumbai Mirza, Kareena Kapoor, Ritesh Deshmukh, Lara Dutta, Deep- kia Padukone, Prem Chopra, Party projected to get 66-74 seats in Haryana, 198-222 in Maharashtra aharashtra yesterday Govinda, Subhash Ghai, Varun recorded an estimated Dhawan, Anil Kapoor, Padmini IANS M60.46% turnout in the Kolhapure, Vidya Balan, Jaya New Delhi assembly elections elections, Bachchan, son Abhishek Bach- with a high-octane dosage of chan and Aishwarya Rai Bach- glamour and power evident all chan, Urmila Matondkar and he Bharatiya Janata Par- day through. Hema Malini. ty yesterday looked set All along, elections remained While the tribal areas in diff er- Tto maintain its winning a headline aff air with common- ent parts of the state like Thane, streak in Maharashtra and Har- ers rubbing shoulders with per- Palghar, Chandrapur and Nan- yana, with an exit poll predicting sonalities from the Bollywood, durbar recorded a higher turn- a massive victory for the saff ron glamour world, politics and out, most other parts, especially party in the assembly elections in industry at various polling sta- the urban and semi-urban areas the two states where it is already tions. apparently lagged behind. in power. Among them were Rashtriya Gondiya and Nanded recorded The BJP appeared headed for Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mo- more than 64%, ranking among a landslide victory in Haryana han Bhagwat, Chief Minister the highest turnout in the state, and a win with a huge margin in Devendra Fadnavis, federal min- according to tentative fi gures. Maharashtra along with its al- isters Nitin Gadkari, Smriti Irani, lies, including the Shiv Sena, Ramdas Athawale, Piyush Goyal fi ve months after its tremendous and many more. performance in the Lok Sabha Other top politicians who elections. voted were Uddhav Thackeray, In Haryana, the BJP was pro- Raj Thackeray, Narayan Rane, jected to bag 66-74 seats in the Chandrakant Patil, Mangalpra- 90-member assembly, while bhat Lodha, state and central Maharashtra appeared to be giv- ministers and many more. They ing it a mandate of 198-222 seats not only exercised their fran- in the 288-member House, ac- chise with families but also ap- cording to the exit poll. pealed to people to step out and In the last assembly elections vote across the state. held in 2014, the party had got From the Congress there were 47 seats in Haryana and 185 seats Ashok Chavan, Sushilkumar in Maharashtra along with Shiv Shinde, Prithviraj Chavan, Bala- Sena. saheb Thorat, Vijay Wadetti- The party made a clean sweep People stand in a queue outside a polling station during the Maharashtra assembly elections in Mumbai yesterday. war, Sachin Sawant, Nationalist in this year’s Lok Sabha elec- Congress Party’s leaders Shar- tions in Haryana, winning all the In terms of vote share, in West Maharashtra, 30-34 in to be going towards the former and and the Congress will get the ma- ad Pawar, nephew Ajit Pawar, 10 seats at stake. In Maharash- the BJP was predicted to get Konkan, 29-33 in Mumbai, 26- 16.1% towards the latter. jority,” Hooda said. daughter Supriya Sule, Nawab tra, the BJP-Shiv Sena coalition 42.4% against 26% for Con- 30 in Marathvada and 24-28 in Meanwhile in Chandigarh, Hooda, the leader of opposi- Malik, Dhananjay Munde, Su- bagged 41 out of 48 Lok Sabha gress and 19% for Jannayak North Maharashtra. two-time former Haryana chief tion, is re-contesting from his nil Tatkare, Jitendra Awhad, and seats. Janata Party (JJP), a breakaway The UPA seemed to be get- minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda bastion Garhi Sampla-Kiloi in other heavyweights. In the assembly elections faction of Indian National Lok ting the maximum of 21-25 seats said the contest in the state was Rohtak district. Other celebrities who voted held yesterday, the Congress- Dal (INLD). in West Maharashtra, followed only between the BJP and Con- Hooda, a de-facto chief min- were Sachin Tendulkar, Aamir led United Progressive Alliance In Maharashtra, the BJP- by 11-15 in Marathvada, 8-12 in gress and the latter would emerge isterial candidate, feels his party Khan and his wife Kiran, Gulzar seemed to be lagging way be- led National Democratic Alli- North Maharashtra, 6-10 in Vi- victorious. has an edge over the ruling BJP and daughter Meghna Gulzar, Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan hind in both states as the exit ance seemed to have performed darbha, 3-7 in Konkon and 0-6 in “The Jannayak Janata Party owing to huge unemployment in Salman Khan and his father Sal- and his wife and film producer poll gave it only 3-12 seats in the best in the Vidarbha region Mumbai. and Indian National Lok Dal are the state, that according to esti- im Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan leave after casting Haryana and 49-75 in Mahar- where it was projected to get Between UPA allies Congress and not factors, the contest is be- mates has reached 28.7% against wife Gauri, Shabana Azmi and their votes at a polling station in ashtra. 47-51 seats, followed by 42-46 NCP, a vote share of 19.5% seemed tween Congress and the BJP only the national average of 8.4%. her husband Javed Akhtar, Mad- Mumbai. Kerala voters turn out in large numbers despite heavy rain

IANS Thiruvananthapuram

espite heavy rains lashing most places in Kerala, where fi ve by- Delections were held yesterday, people came out in good numbers to cast their votes, enthusing three key rival political fronts which feared poll postponement. The counting will take place on Thursday. Even in the worst aff ected constitu- Passengers walk on waterlogged rail tracks at Ernakulam Junction station, Kerala . ency, Ernakulam, which in the fi rst few hours registered only single digit per- lit up as the day wore on. the ruling Communist Party of India centage of votes polled, people came “Our demand to extend the voting (Marxist). out braving rains and water-logging. time in Ernakulam was not accepted, The CPM led by Chief Minister Pi- Those who made it to the polling sta- though it was a genuine demand as narayi Vijayan is determined to not tions before 6pm were given tokens to many people were unable to get out of only retain Aroor, but also expects a fair cast their votes. their homes because of fl ooding. How- chance at Konni and Vatiyoorkavu. The Congress demand to extend the ever, the present voting fi gure is good The Congress expects its winning voting time by two hours in Ernakulam enough,” said senior Congress legisla- streak would not be altered and has said was turned down by offi cials. tor V D Sateeshan. the party would wrest the Aroor seat. While the Congress and the Of the fi ve constituencies which Meanwhile at Manjeswaram, a wom- Bharatiya Janata Party appeared went to the polls, four are represented an was arrested and later released on much concerned about the poor by the Congress-led United Demo- bail for alleged impersonation, a charge turnout in the afternoon, their faces cratic Front while the Aroor seat is with she and her family denied.

Siachen thrown open to tourists

IANS and has ever since main- New Delhi tained strategic control of the glacier. Subsequently, the area was iachen Glacier, the prohibited for civilians. world’s highest bat- “The Siachen area is now Stlefi eld, was yesterday open for tourists and tour- declared open for tourists ism. From Siachen Base by Defence Minister Rajnath Camp to Kumar Post, the Singh, 35 years after it was entire area has been opened closed for civilians. for tourism purposes,” Singh It is seen as a major deci- said yesterday while inaugu- sion ahead of the creation of rating a bridge in Ladakh. the Union Territory of La- “Ladakh has tremendous dakh where the region is lo- potential in tourism. Better cated. connectivity in Ladakh would Siachen, the icy heights certainly bring tourists in large in the Karakoram mountain numbers,” he said. range, used to be an non- Siachen, which marks the militarised zone before 1984 Actual Ground Position Line and mountaineering expedi- (AGPL) with Pakistan, starts at tions was allowed by India. a point where the Line of Con- However, Pakistan in trol (LoC) ends and extends the early 1980s also started up to NJ9842 in Saltoro ridge, sending expeditions there, close to China. It directly over- triggering alarm in India looks the Aksai Chin region, which rushed troops in 1984 which was part of undivided under ‘Operation Meghdoot’ Jammu and Kashmir. Gulf Times 18 Tuesday, October 22, 2019 INDIA

HEALTHCARE TRAGEDY POLITICS CRIME PROTEST IIT Kharagpur hospital Infant dies in fire at BJP MLA ‘most honest Suspect arrested in Shops closed to protest to start OPD by year-end Hyderabad hospital man’, says Rahul Delhi double murder against shooting, robbery

The superspecialty hospital of IIT Kharagpur A four-month-old child died and five were injured Challenging government claims of the Police yesterday claimed to have solved a Shops in Ranchi remained closed for half a day – Dr B C Roy Institute of Medical Science in a fire that broke out at a private hospital at infallibility of electronic voting machines (EVM) double-murder in north-west Delhi’s Rohini yesterday in protest over the deteriorating & Research – is expected to start outdoor L B Nagar in Hyderabad yesterday, police said. amid polling for Maharashtra and Haryana and arrested one person. The motive behind law and order situation after a shooting at patients department (OPD) by the end of The fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Assembly elections, former Congress chief the murders is said to be money loaned by a jewellery shop left the two men injured. the year, an institute spokesperson said Care Unit (NICU) on the fourth floor of Shine Rahul Gandhi yesterday shared a video in the victim to the accused. Police said Amit, The Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of yesterday. The first phase of the indoor Children’s Hospital in the early hours of the day. which a Bharatiya Janata Party MLA claimed 30, was reported missing along with his help Commerce and Industries (FJCCI) called for facilities with 400 beds will start next year. Six infants, who were in incubators, sustained that no matter which button is pressed on Nikhil Gulati, 40 on October 14. The report the shutdown to protest against attack at the According to the authorities, once the burn injuries. One of them died, while the others the EVMs, the vote would go to the saff ron was lodged by Amit’s brother Jaideep the next jewellery shop in Ranchi a few days ago. Two hospital is operational, the MBBS programme were shifted to a nearby hospital. Fire fighters party. The video of Bakhshish Singh Virk from day at a police station. The police said during brothers running the shop were injured in will be rolled out for 50 students in phase I. broke open the windows to rescue the children Assandh in Haryana has been doing the rounds investigation, it came to light that Amit had lent the attack and the suspects escaped with the The course curriculum will be as per Medical from the NICU. Forty other children undergoing on social media for the past few days and he about Rs6 lakh to Naveen, who was yet to return looted jewellery. “No one has been arrested. Council of India (MCI) guidelines. The number treatment on other floors of the hospital were has even been served a showcause notice by around Rs2.5 lakh. Amit kept a car belonging The incident has raised a question mark over of seats in the MBBS course would be raised shifted to various hospitals in Hyderabad. Police the Election Commission. In the 39-second to Naveen as security. “Amit and Naveen had the safety of traders and businessmen in to 100 with the scaling up of the hospital to suspect short circuit to be the cause of the fire. video, Virk is seen saying in Punjabi: “Wherever spoken on the phone. Amit and Nikhil went the state. The criminals should be arrested 750 beds in phase II, IIT Kharagpur Off iciating Parents of the children alleged that negligence you vote, we will get to know which person has to meet Naveen to get the remaining money. immediately,” said Kunal Ajmani, president of Director Sriman Kumar Bhattacharyya said. by the hospital administration led to the fire. voted for whom. Don’t think we won’t know. We An altercation appeared to have taken place FJCCI. On October 14, five criminals who arrived Postgraduate degrees will be introduced They demanded stern action against the hospital deliberately don’t tell you, but if we want we between them, resulting in the murder of both on bikes entered the Ghahna Ghar jewellery eventually, he said. management. can find out who you voted for.” Amit and Gulati,” the police said. shop and shot the two brothers. India to get biggest face recognition system soon

IANS Currently, the leading face step up and do more to address New Delhi recognition software are Amazon challenges related to regulation, Rekognition, Face Recognition said Smith in his new book titled and Face Detection by Lambda Tools and Weapons. ndia is set to install the Labs, Microsoft Face API, Google Given the potential for abuse Employees of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) stage a sit-in demonstration at a bus depot in Hyderabad yesterday. world’s largest facial recogni- Cloud Vision and IBM Watson of the fast advancing facial rec- Ition system soon to track and Visual Recognition, among oth- ognition technology, govern- catch criminals. ers. ments across the world need to The National Crime Records In China, startup Megvii and start adopting laws to regulate Bureau (NCRB), under the Home AI unicorns like SenseTime, this technology in 2019, Smith Ministry, asked for bids on July CloudWalk and Yitu have made said last year. 8 to supply the National Auto- facial recognition commonplace “Unless we act, we risk wak- No money to pay salaries, mated Facial Recognition System in that country. ing up fi ve years from now to fi nd (AFRS). The bids will be closed In April last year, Delhi police that facial recognition services on November 8 and the winner identifi ed almost 3,000 missing have spread in ways that exacer- to provide the AFRS will be an- children in just four days dur- bate societal issues,” he warned nounced on the same day. ing a trial of a facial recognition in a blog post. transport fi rm tells court “This is an eff ort in the direc- system. “The use of facial recognition tion of modernising the police However, there are concerns technology by a government for IANS tition by National Mazdoor being discussed at the Labour the main being the TSRTC’s force, information gathering, that the technology can be mis- mass surveillance can encroach Hyderabad Union, seeking direction to the Department. He said though merger with the government. criminal identifi cation, verifi ca- used. on democratic freedoms,” he TSRTC and the state govern- the government gave an assur- Despite the court suggesting tion and its dissemination among According to Pavan Duggal, said. ment to pay salaries for the ance that it will strengthen the to the government, the TSRTC various police organisations and one of India’s top cyber law ex- Amazon has also defended the tate-owned Telangana month of September to all em- corporation, the employees still and the striking employees to units across the country,” the perts, the Information Technol- face recognition. It off ers “Re- State Road Transport ployees. went on strike, causing hardship initiate talks, the impasse con- NCRB said in its 172-page docu- ogy Act, 2000 does not specially kognition” – a facial recognition SCorporation (TSRTC) told According to the affi davit, the to people. tinued. ment. deal with the misuse of this tech- tool that has been used to spot the Telangana High Court that company’s annual income last The National Mazdoor Union The Joint Action Commit- The benefi ciaries will be the nology. criminals. it had no money to pay salaries year was Rs4,882 crore while said since the employees worked tee (JAC) of striking employees Home Ministry, NCRB and state “The fi rst casualty of the ab- According to NCRB, the AFRS for September to the employees, the expenditure was Rs5,811 during the entire month of Sep- want the government or TSRTC police forces. sence of regulatory framework would help in automatic identifi - whose indefi nite strike entered crore. It had outstanding loans tember, non-payment of sala- management to invite them for The benefi ts will be “a robust for facial recognition technology cation and verifi cation of persons the 17th day yesterday. of Rs4,709 crore and arrears of ries for the working period was talks to discuss all demands in- system for identifying crimi- is the people’s right to privacy,” from digital images, photos, dig- The TSRTC informed Justice Rs1,660 crore were payable to unconstitutional. It also brought cluding the merger. nals, missing children /persons, Duggal said recently. ital sketches, video frames and Abhinand Kumar Shavili that the employees. to the court’s notice that non- However, the government has unidentifi ed dead bodies and un- “In India, there is not even any video sources by comparison of the public utility requires Rs239 The court was also informed payment of salaries was driving ruled out taking back the strik- known traced children/persons framework to regulate the stor- selected facial features of the im- crore to pay the salaries to over that the salaries of the employ- employees to suicide. ing employees. Chief Minister all over the country; a repository age of facial recognition data,” he age from an already existing im- 48,000 employees while it cur- ees were hiked by 67% since the After hearing the arguments K Chandrashekhar Rao has al- of photographs of criminals in added. age database. rently has only Rs7.49 crore. formation of Telangana state. from both sides, the judge ad- ready declared that they ceased the country; enhanced ability to Some of the major technology “A facial recognition system TSRTC managing director Su- They were given 44% fi tment in journed the hearing to October to be TSRTC employees as they detect crime patterns and modus giants including Microsoft and is a great investigation enhancer nil Sharma said the strike has re- June 2015, which imposed a bur- 29. did not join duty before the ex- operandi across the states and Amazon also agree that there is a for identifi cation of criminals, sulted in a loss of Rs125 crore dur- den of Rs900 crore annually. In The next hearing will be a day piry of the deadline. communicate to the state police need for governments to regulate missing children/persons, uni- ing the Dushera festival season. July 2018, 16% interim relief was after a division bench resumes The government has termed departments for aiding in crime this technology. dentifi ed dead bodies and un- The court was told the TSRTC provided to the employees at an hearing a Public Interest Litiga- the strike illegal and slammed prevention,” the NCRB said. Microsoft and its president known traced children/persons. was running in losses and de- additional cost of Rs200 crore. tion (PIL), seeking direction to the employees for going on With the help of the software, Brad Smith have urged govern- It can provide investigating of- pendent on the government to Sharma told the court that end the strike. strike during festival causing a the state police can check the ments to enact legislation re- fi cers of the civil police with the pay salaries to the staff . the employees illegally went on The strike began on October huge loss to TSRTC, which was suspect with the hotlist of crimi- garding the technology. required tools, technology, and The court was hearing a pe- strike when their demands were 5 with a charter of 26 demands, already in the red. nals. The tech industry needs to information,” the NCRB said. Swiss VP meets Goyal to Farmers protest Apps on women safety, discuss railways upgrade air pollution win awards IANS Delhi, the Rakshak app is avail- Bengaluru able on the Google Play store. IANS erations and timetables. Sommaruga, who is also the “The winning team of Piyush New Delhi “Switzerland and India there- Environment, Transport, Energy Agrawal, Subham Banga, Aniket fore intend to co-operate more and Communications (DETEC) wo digital apps developed Sharma and Ujjwal Upadhyay closely in future,” the statement minister said, “both countries by Indian undergradu- tackled the menace of women’s witzerland Vice President said, adding that Sommaruga have long-standing railway tradi- Tate students for women’s safety in India, especially in cit- Simonetta Sommaruga also attended the launch of the tions. Switzerland’s fi rst train was safety and to check air pollution ies and towns across the country, Syesterday called on Rail- body set up for that purpose. operated in 1847 (Spanisch-Bratli in Delhi on smartphones won the where incidents of women under ways and Commerce Minister Goyal also took to Twitter and Bahn) and India’s fi rst train was Marconi Society annual awards attack have become common,” Piyush Goyal to discuss ways to wrote, “Met the Vice President of a goods train that was started in for the good of humanity, an of- the Society said in a statement. boost co-operation between the Switzerland, S Sommaruga and 1837, and the fi rst passenger train fi cial said yesterday. The Society’s Celestini pro- two nations and to modernise discussed ways to boost co-op- was operated in 1853.” She said the “The Android application gramme is a fl agship eff ort to railways. eration between the two nations, train is the “champion” as far as named ‘Rakshak’ detects speech inspire and connect individuals In a statement, the Swiss em- aimed at obtaining cutting-edge climate protection is concerned. patterns through an audio mi- building new technologies in serv- bassy said: “The Indian govern- technology and expertise for fur- Stressing on infrastructure crophone of a smartphone. ice of a digitally inclusive world. ment would like to strengthen ther modernisation of railways.” building, she said both countries When the app receives audio clip The second prize winning the country’s railways and is in- Later at the Swiss embassy, are investing in infrastructure. with speech commands seeking team is also from the same col- terested in closer co-operation Sommaruga inaugurated the “Our centre-piece is the help or saying stop in distressed lege, which developed the app with Switzerland. A body has Railtech Networking Forum or- New Rail Link through the Alps, tones, it triggers an SOS alert, to address the air quality in the been set up to deepen this co- ganised by the mission. Speaking comprising three tunnels. The user location and sends an emer- country. operation at a technical level.” on the occasion, the Swiss leader Gotthard is the world’s longest gency contact,” a statement from The four-member team com- It said that the Indian govern- recalled her journey to south In- railway tunnel which is 57km-long the US-based Marconi Society prising Harshita Diddee, Shi- ment aims to strengthen the dia and taking a ride on the Nil- that brings northern and southern said yesterday. vam Grover, Shivani Jindal and railways and is interested in giri train. Europe closer,” she said. The app generates the alert Divyanshu Sharma created a obtaining innovative technolo- She said that both countries “It refl ects all what Switzer- after analysing emotion and dis- privacy-aware smartphone ap- gies, high-quality rolling stock have a deep-rooted history of land stands for: innovation and A woman cries during a protest by farmers demanding tress speech patterns. plication called VisionAir, which and expertise, in order to elec- co-operation and friendship as precision, reliability and sus- profitable prices for their products and waver of their debts, in Developed by a team from the uses photos of the horizon taken trify railway lines, modernise Switzerland swiftly recognised tainability put into practice,” she Chennai yesterday. privately-run Bharti Vidyapeeth from a smartphone to estimate train stations and optimise op- India’s Independence in 1947. said. College of Engineering in New air quality. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 22, 2019 19

LATIN AMERICA Bolivia election confusion stokes concern

Reuters Morales disagreed. Votes still round, and of unrest that could 38% for Mesa, according to a demand to know why. The president needs over 50% poorest country. His support La Paz to be counted would help give follow in the landlocked nation, preliminary count of ballots “It’s crucial that this process or 40% with a 10-point lead has slipped amid slowing eco- him the majority he needed to even as nearby Chile and Ecua- by Bolivia’s electoral board, is carried out quickly and trans- over his closest rival to avoid a nomic growth and concerns win outright, the leftist leader dor grapple with violence on the the Supreme Electoral Tribu- parently,” the OAS said in a tweet risky December 15 second round about government corruption olivia’s presidential elec- said in a midnight presser. streets. nal (TSE).Other pollsters also yesterday, as fears of unrest grew runoff. and anti-democratic prac- tion has sowed wide- The offi cial Cambio newspa- “The region is convulsing. In showed a tight race that would and Mesa said he was heading to If he wins, Latin America’s tices. Bspread confusion. A pre- per yesterday ran a front-page Bolivia so far there have been lead to a runoff vote. the country’s second city Santa longest continuous-serving Political analyst Pareja said liminary count of almost 85% headline saying Morales’ had tensions but we could go from Late on Sunday, however, the Cruz to support groups mobilis- standing leader would extend his Morales would need almost of ballots had strongly indicated won, securing his fourth succes- tension to convulsion if Morales TSE halted the provisionary ing to demand the second round rule to 19 years. all the outstanding votes to there would need to be a second- sive term. tries to force a victory in the fi rst count with just 83.76% of the of voting. Morales, a former union reach a majority, which though round runoff , with President Evo The uncertainty sparked fears round,” said Bolivian political ballot done. Brazil’s foreign ministry also leader for coca growers, has not impossible was highly Morales in fi rst place but with among observers and diplomats analyst Franklin Pareja. That move prompted the of- expressed concern over the overseen a long stretch of po- unlikely.”(So) even if he does main rival Carlos Mesa within about potential manipulation of Morales was seen leading ficial monitor, the Organisation “unexpected interruption” of litical and economic stabil- win, no one is going to believe striking distance. the vote to avoid a risky second with 45% of the votes against of American States (OAS), to the official reporting of results. ity for Bolivia, the continent’s him,” he said. Thousands stranded at airport in Santiago

AFP leave the airport to head into San- Santiago tiago, thousands of other passen- gers lay strewn all over the airport hoping to fl y home. erched on his large blue Dozens of fl ights were cancelled suitcase, back against a wall leaving travellers in limbo, queue- Pand staring vacantly into ing for food and information. space, Henrry Martinez resigned Many had set up makeshift beds himself to the wait. The 50-year- against the walls all over the air- old thought he’d left civil unrest port, laying out towels, jackets and behind when he quit Venezuela’s sheets to sleep on. economic and political crises to Others had stretched out over a seek a new life in Chile. line of trolleys and luggage, while But no sooner did he arrive at some had procured blankets from Santiago airport than he found airport authorities to keep warm. himself blocked due to similar “We’ve come here because of chaos to that which he left behind. the curfew,” said 23-year-old Pe- Chilean soldiers guard the streets in Santiago yesterday. Protesters clashing in the streets ruvian student Yamile Sanchez. with security services who re- She was part of a group of more sponded with tear gas and water than 100 students from 10 coun- cannons. tries attending a week-long sum- Looting, vandalism, deaths and mit on forest science. even the military deployed. They didn’t want to take the risk An extended 7pm to 6am cur- of being stuck somewhere unable few on Sunday — the second con- to get to the airport so travelled secutive night of curfews — left there early, with the curfew begin- Chile death toll rises to Martinez and thousands more ning at 7pm. stranded in the airport. “We don’t know anything, “I’ve had this experience in when they cancel (the fl ights) we Venezuela so I’m fearful,” Martin- have to stand in huge queues to ez said, his eyes betraying a mix- fi nd out what’s happening.” ture of resignation and anxiety. One after another, they saw “Security is worth more than their fl ights delayed. Region- 11, emergency extended everything,” he added. Waiting wide airliner LATAM cancelled all “one more night won’t make a dif- fl ights between 7pm and 10am. AFP lence and crime without any lim- fi re tear gas and water cannon adding that 17 supermarkets cally on Friday. ference.” Many airline and airport staff Santiago its,” Pinera told reporters after an against protesters who have set were open as well as service sta- “You could see this coming. He’d already been through a lot had been unable to get to work due emergency meeting with army fi re to buses, smashed up metro tions and pharmacies. It’s not just the metro fare that just to get to Chile, travelling from to the troubles, which saw public general Javier Iturriaga, who has stations and ransacked shops, He took a diff erent line to the triggered this and ended in van- his home town of Ciudad Bolivar transport grind almost to a com- hile’s death toll has risen been placed in charge of order were initially sparked by anger president, though, and added: dalism,” sandwich seller Carlos in the east to Cucuta in Venezue- plete halt. to 11, authorities said yes- and security in the capital. over metro fare hikes and wider “I feel happy, I’m not at war with Lucero, 30, said. la’s west, on the border with Co- “We’re worried because we Cterday, after three days Karla Rubilar, the governor of social inequality. anyone.” He said the government needed lombia. don’t know if the protests will get of violent demonstrations and the Santiago region, said eight Long queues formed at shops, Soldiers, though, patrolled to take concrete measures “to im- He travelled on to Colombia’s worse or how long they’ll last,” looting that saw President Se- people had died on Sunday and service stations and bus stops outside metro stations and mili- prove salaries, health, pensions.” capital Bogota before boarding a said Sanchez. “We’re university bastian Pinera claim the country three on Saturday — all in the while the Santiago metro serv- tary vehicles were parked in On Sunday, fi ve people died when fl ight to Santiago, paying $300 students, we’re missing classes.” was “at war.” Santiago metropolitan area. ice, suspended on Friday as pro- streets near the presidential pal- a garment factory was torched by for the privilege — a hefty sum for Marcos Montes, from Ecuador, Almost 1,500 people were de- Santiago and nine more of testers burned and vandalized ace as tensions remained high. rioters in a Santiago suburb, de- Martinez. had already been waiting 12 hours tained in the worst outbreak of Chile’s 16 regions were under a stations, was partially running Despite a growth rate that spite right-wing Pinera’s Satur- He’d heard there was trouble at but was told he and his wife would social unrest in decades while state of emergency, Pinera con- again yesterday as some people should reach 2.5% of GDP this day announcement that he was his destination, but said he had no have to hang around for almost the capital Santiago was placed fi rmed late Sunday, with troops returned to work. year, several social indicators — suspending the fare increase. choice but to go on. another 24 hours before they could under curfew for two nights run- deployed onto the streets for the In Santiago, many employers such as health, education and Interior and Security Minister “In Venezuela the situation is leave. They had come 1,000kms ning. fi rst time since Augusto Pino- cancelled the working day, while pensions — show very high in- Andres Chadwick said two wom- critical,” he said. “It’s hard to live up to Santiago from the port city “We are at war against a pow- chet’s military dictatorship be- most schools and universities re- equalities. en burned to death after a store there, it’s not easy. Like me, thou- of Puerto Montt, where they saw erful, implacable enemy, who tween 1973-1990. mained closed. Anger boiled over earlier in the owned by US retail chain Wal- sands of Venezuelans are emigrat- a lot of burning and destruction, does not respect anything or The clashes, which have seen Iturriaga told reporters the week as a protest against a rise in mart was set alight in the early ing.” Unlike Martinez, waiting to leaving them eager to go home. anyone and is willing to use vio- some 9,500 police and military capital was “peaceful and calm,” metro fares escalated dramati- hours of Sunday.

Polluted beach Macri urged to US, Mexico look to keep peso stable

Reuters not get angry again and call the stem illegal arms trade Buenos Aires central bank and tell it to let the peso fall the way he did last time,” Fernandez said. Reuters Increasing the number of Mexi- Association lobby group which has rgentina’s presidential “Argentina has to look toward Mexico City can intelligence agents in the US strongly resisted restrictions after front-runner Alberto the future. Macri is history.” is another proposal that is on the recent US mass shootings. AFernandez has called on On the day after the August table. The two leaders agreed that US incumbent Mauricio Macri to 11 primary, Argentines rushed exico’s foreign minister Lopez Obrador told Trump “he and Mexican offi cials would meet keep the peso stable after the to buy dollars as a hedge against said President Andres was very concerned” that gang in the next few days to discuss next round of their election bat- possible economic volatility. MManuel Lopez Obrador members used.50 calibre, armour- options, and would announce ac- tle on Sunday and avoid a repeat Banks lost dollar deposits and his US counterpart Donald piercing rifl es during the breakout tions to “freeze” illegal imports of of the currency crash that fol- as customers traded pesos for Trump had agreed to take swift of violence in the northwestern weapons into Mexico through US lowed the August primary. greenbacks to stash in safety action to stem the fl ow of illegal city of Culiacan over the attempt- border crossings. Fernandez blew past business- deposit boxes, an oft-repeated weapons from the US into Mexico, ed arrest of Ovidio Guzman, a There was no immediate com- friendly Macri in the primary, move in times of Argentine fi - where a drug war is raging. son of jailed drug lord Joaquin “El ment from US authorities. setting the stage for an expected nancial uncertainty. Lopez Obrador told Trump in a Chapo” Guzman. The discussion came in the wake outright victory in the presiden- After loud complaints from phone call that he proposed “both Mexico estimates that upwards of the bungled arrest attempt. tial election on October 27. bankers, consumers and business countries use technology to close of 80% of the weapons used by Cartel gunmen surrounded The peso plunged more than leaders, the central bank started the border, to freeze the traffi c criminals in Mexico enter from the about 35 police and national guard 30% over the next few days, spending its dollar reserves to of arms that is killing people in US, and has long lobbied US offi - on Thursday in the capital of Si- which Macri said was evidence bolster the local currency. Mexico,” Foreign Minister Marcelo cials to take gun traffi cking more naloa state and made them free of the market’s distrust of his The weak peso hurts consum- Ebrard told reporters. seriously, arguing that the number Ovidio Guzman. populist-leaning rival. ers by stoking infl ation, which “And Trump responded that he of guns in the country make it His brief detention had set off “This is just a sample of what rose 5.9% in September alone. thought it was a good idea that this much harder to clamp down on widespread gun battles and a jail- could happen,” Macri said of a With the economy shrink- could be done using technology,” drug traffi ckers. break that stunned the country. possible Fernandez victory. “It ing and annual infl ation at more Ebrard said, adding that the idea Ebrard assured there was no “If the order would have been could be very serious.” than 53%, Macri’s unsuccess- is to install at all border crossings need to change laws in the US in given to continue with the op- But a confi dent-looking Fern- ful handling of the economy has advanced lasers, X-rays and metal order to stop the illegal fl ow of eration in Culiacan we estimate andez told reporters yesterday disappointed his supporters and detectors, capable of even detect- weapons into Mexico. that more than 200 people, that he expects a smooth tran- contributed to the popularity of ing chemical products. Gun control of any kind is a hot mostly civilians, would have sition, provided Macri does not Fernandez among moderate vot- Not only could that staunch the button issue in the US ahead of been killed,” said Ebrard, adding act the sore loser and stir turmoil ers. fl ow of illegal weapons into Mex- 2020 elections and could face re- that so-called collateral damage People work to remove an oil spill on Suape beach in Cabo de before the December 10 inaugu- Having partially recovered ico, but also the traffi cked drugs sistance from the gun lobby, espe- was unacceptable to the Mexican Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco state, Brazil, yesterday ration. since then, the peso is now 22.7% into the US, said Ebrard. cially the powerful National Rifl e government. “All I hope is that Macri does weaker than before the primary. Gulf Times 20 Tuesday, October 22, 2019 PAKISTAN

Pakistani among most influential in digital govt Former National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) chairman Tariq Malik, currently Govt planning arrests to serving as chief technical adviser of the United Nations Development Programme, has been included among the “100 Most Influential People in Digital Government” globally. This was announced by Apolitical, Europe’s biggest think tank. pre-empt protest march The think tank was founded by mission-driven entrepreneurs „ Rehman wants to be ment and JUI-F, the law en- enforcement agencies on the di- and partially in the Punjab dur- “Steps, however, in accord- “Rehman’s politics will end if and backed by investors in arrested to become a hero, forcement agencies will detain rection of the ministry of inte- ing the crackdown on the JUI ac- ance with the law, will be taken the sit-in fails,” he warned. Europe, North America, Asia, says senator Rehman with the key leadership rior,” the source said. tivists and leadership. to maintain law and order situa- Two JUI-F leaders were ar- Africa, and Australasia, and „ Police arrest two JUI-F of the party. Rehman would be A ban on the “militant” wing Phone services would be sus- tion, if anyone dares create trou- rested yesterday. supported by an EU Horizon leaders in Islamabad detained well before the planned of the JUI-F, the “Ansar-ul-Is- pended in Islamabad after mid- ble,” he warned. The two were arrested in Is- 2020 grant. dharna scheduled on October lam”, will be put in place, prob- night on October 30 and would Faraz further claimed that the lamabad and a case was lodged “We’re excited to present our Internews 31,” a source in the ministry of ably on October 26, if the min- be restored late on October 31. cracks in the ranks of the op- against them by the police. 2018 list of the world’s 100 most Islamabad interior said on condition of istry of interior approves the Leader of the House in the position parties have become According to reports, Shafi qur influential people in digital anonymity. decision, the source said. Senate Shibli Faraz however said obvious by the cancellation of Rehman and Mohamed Irshad government. It’s the first of its He added: “Rehman will be “It will be multi-dimensional yesterday that the government a scheduled meeting between were arrested from Shams Col- kind to show the international ollowing a high-level arrested during the last four crackdown on the JUI-F, (as the has no intention of detaining Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani ony along with banners for the spread of the field and includes meeting, the Imran Khan days of October, preferably on party leadership) has decided to Rehman. and a JUI-F delegation, which JUI-F in their possession. individuals from every continent,” Fgovernment has decided October 26 because the 25th is a go ahead with their march and He said that Rehman wants to was called to initiate negotia- Police allege that the duo were an announcement said. in principal to prevent the pro- Friday, and the government will dharna, (leaving) the govern- be arrested so that he can “be- tions between the government urging people to participate in The list which includes Malik posed sit-in (dharna) by the op- risk arresting him on or before ment (with) no alternative ex- come a hero”. and Rehman’s party. the “Azadi March”. commends a formidable variety position Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Friday prayers.” cept to keep peace by using all “That may be so, but the gov- Faraz also predicted that the Police offi cials say that a of international change-makers – Fazlur (JUI-F) in Islamabad, “More or less eight top JUI-F resources, powers and options,” ernment has no intention of de- upcoming “Azadi March” (free- number of people were spotted driving digital transformation in by detaining the party’s top leaders will be detained for 30 the source maintained. taining the Jamiat Ulema Islam- dom march) announced by Re- putting up banners for the JUI-F government be it public servants, leadership, including party chief to 90 days, while the activists As part of the strategy, the F chief,” he told Dawn News TV. hman is doomed to fail, adding sit-in planned for the end of the ministers, academic researchers, Fazlur Rehman. of the party will be arrested ac- mobile phone service would be “We do not want to give him so that the JUI-F leader “should month in Islamabad but fl ed as or activists and seeks to highlight “In case of breakdown in ne- cording to lists being prepared suspended in specifi c areas, es- much importance by arresting consider what would happen af- soon as the police started chas- the important work of both gotiation between the govern- by the provincial and federal law pecially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa him.” terwards”. ing them. high-profile innovators and those toiling behind the scenes of this digital revolution. Prominent journalist quits Govt to introduce

A prominent journalist known 12 systems under for his critical articles about e-off ice project the country’s powerful military has quit his job amid mounting The Imran Khan government, concerns about the pressure under the e-off ice project, has exerted by authorities on the decided to introduce 12 systems press. to digitalise the operation of There has been an outpouring various departments in a bid to of tributes to Cyril Almeida, of enhance their eff iciency. the English-language Dawn The National Information newspaper, since he made the Technology Board (NITB) has announcement on Twitter, with started work for this purpose, many expressing concerns about with various projects close to the state of media freedom in completion. Pakistan. According to a copy of “Minutes “I have resigned from Dawn and of Meeting”, the NITB is ended the Sunday column,” he introducing the self-information said, without giving any reason management system for for the decision. Victims of conflict monitoring the implementation Almeida won the International A boy looks out from his damaged family house of the cabinet’s decisions. Press Institute’s 71st World Press after cross border shelling in Jura, a village of A follow-up and tracking Freedom Hero award this year. Neelum valley in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. would be carried out for the His 2016 article on a At least 10 people were killed by artillery fire on implementation of decisions, disagreement between Pakistan’s Sunday along the de facto India-Pakistan border and all pronouncements will be civilian and military leaders over in Kashmir, off icials said, as both countries accuse electronically sent to cabinet militant groups in the country each other of trying to destabilise the disputed members and secretaries was slammed as a breach of region. of concerned ministries and national security by the army. divisions. Left: A resident is seen yesterday among the These projects are currently rubble of his damaged house in Jura. in advanced stages of their Nine killed in completion. ambulance crash

At least nine people, including women and children, were killed when an ambulance rammed into a lorry in southern Pakistan UN chief praises departing Pakistani envoy yesterday, police said. Local police off icer Khalid Iqbal said that the accident, which took Internews Tipu Usman, political counsel- On her part, Lodhi briefed the suppress the Kashmiri people’s place early yesterday morning Washington lor at the Pakistan mission. secretary-general on the grim will and sentiments. in Punjab province’s Mianwali She is stepping down on Oc- situation in Indian-adminis- As such, she underscored the district, left all passengers of the tober 31 after leading the Paki- tered Kashmir that continues to need for the UN to play a pre- ambulance dead. nited Nations Secretary- stan Mission to UN, which she pose a threat to peace and secu- ventive role in this fraught situ- The ambulance was heading General Antonio Gu- also calls the voice of Kashmir, rity. ation. toward Rawalpindi from Bhakkar. Uterres has expressed his for four and a half years. The military lockdown on the Lodhi also underlined that “The ambulance carrying a “gratitude and admiration” for Expressing sadness over the disputed state, she said, contin- Pakistan’s vision for peace in the patient and attendants, all from Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistan’s out- completion of her eventful ten- ues and the plight of the Kash- neighbourhood. the same family, have died in the going ambassador to the United ure, Guterres said: “You repre- miri people worsens day by day This, she said, is evident from accident,” Iqbal said. Nations, during her farewell call sented the country in a remark- – their human rights abused Pakistan’s eff orts to facilitate the The ambulance’s compressed on him, at which he went on able way. You were engaged in all with impunity. Afghan peace process and the natural gas, which powered it, to say that she did her country issues at the UN, not just those In this environment, Lo- role Prime Minister Imran Khan exploded after the collision. proud, according to informed involving Pakistan. dhi urged the UN chief to play is playing to defuse tensions be- A process is under way to identify sources. “That’s how you elevated his role and keep speaking out tween Saudi Arabia and Iran. Lodhi: stepping down on October 31. the dead, police said. The UN chief, accompanied the profi le of Pakistan here. It’s on the human rights situation Earlier, Lodhi said: “It has The cause of the accident is not by his Chef de Cabinet Maria challenging for a diplomat but there. been an honour to serve the challenging assignment, but it its global footprint.” known yet. Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, came into you managed it so well. Pakistan, she said, remained country and I am grateful for be- has enriched my experience and “Representing Pakistan at the According to the Pakistan Bureau the waiting room to walk Lo- “Your country should be very concerned about the situ- ing given this opportunity to do enabled me to ... take advantage world’s most important multi- of Statistics, around 9,000 road dhi to his 38th-fl oor offi ce, the proud of your work,” the sources ation, especially because it be- so for over four and a half years. of the opportunities multilateral lateral forum was both a privi- accidents are reported every sources said. quoted the UN chief as saying at lieved India would unleash even “Being Pakistan’s ambas- organisations off er to enhance lege and an enormous respon- year, killing around 4,000 people. Lodhi was accompanied by the meeting. more repressive measures to sador to the world has been a the country’s image and increase sibility.” Regulator for doctors, dentists dissolved to pave way for new body

Internews appealed to the political parties of the essential records and as- to protect the original records cil, requesting anonymity, said education. We need to liberalise The PMDC has been facing a Islamabad to reject the presidential ordi- sets of PMDC. and assets of PMDC. that a few days back representa- our medical education and for number of issues and successive nance. “The offi ces will remain shut “In order to ensure that no in- tives of private colleges held a that practices of other countries governments tried to get the con- Even though it was an off -day for one week. convenience is caused to ongoing meeting in Lahore, which was would be followed,” he said. trol of the council. resident Dr Arif Alvi has on Sunday, panic was triggered “The PMC shall be a body medical and dental admissions, participated by a personality While replying to a question, In fi rst week of January this promulgated an ordinance in the medical fraternity after corporate consisting of (1) The the ministry of NHS will be tak- from the US through Skype. he said that it was necessary to year, President Alvi promulgated Pdissolving the Pakistan the district administration and Medical and Dental Council; (2) ing necessary steps immediately “During the meeting it was take over the council building to an ordinance titled “PMDC Or- Medical and Dental Council the police took over the council The National Medical and Dental for the supervision and oversee- principally decided that soon a protect the sensitive record. dinance 2019”, suggesting that a (PMDC) and paving the way for building. Academic Board; and (3) The Na- ing of the admissions process to new ordinance would be promul- PMA secretary-general Dr 17-member council would deal the establishment of a new or- Later, a statement was issued tional Medical Authority, which ensure it is properly completed,” gated due to which responsibili- Qaisar Sajjad, when contacted, with the issues related to medical ganisation, namely the Pakistan by the ministry of NHS, stating will act as a Secretariat of the the statement concludes. ties of the PMDC, as a regulator said that promulgation of the colleges, attached hospitals and Medial Commission (PMC). that the president has signed a Commission,” it states. When contacted, PMDC reg- of medical colleges, would be ordinance was an undemocratic health professionals. The PMC will be run by a nine- new ordinance – the Pakistan The government of Pakistan istrar Brigadier (retired) Dr minimised and colleges would step by a democratic govern- Later the council was estab- member body, with the head of Medical Commission Ordinance has acted immediately to protect Hafi zuddin Siddiqui, who was be allowed to increase fees, they ment. lished and bill was introduced in the commission being the desig- 2019 – with which a new era will the extremely important records appointed in July this year for a would not be pushed to have “The government should have the Senate on March 7 and re- nated as “president”, the offi cial begin with reference to regula- relating to licensing and regis- term of three years, said that even certain number of faculty mem- tabled a bill in Parliament House ferred to the standing committee. notifi cation read. tion and control of the medi- tration of all medical and dental he was not aware that the minis- bers, colleges would be allowed to so that all stakeholders would On August 26, the standing The ministry of national health cal profession by establishing practitioners in Pakistan as well try had decided to take over the make their own criterion of ad- have given their input. If it was committee approved the bill. services (NHS), through the Is- uniform minimum standard of as the records of medical and building. mission, and every college would necessary to promulgate the or- However, the Pakistan Peoples lamabad district administration medical education and training dental educational institutions “I am very much concerned be allowed to choose university dinance, the government should Party (PPP) parliamentary leader and the police, took possession of and recognition of qualifi cations in view of the approval of the new about the secrecy and protec- of its choice, etc,” he said. have abolished the PMDC 1962 in the upper house, Sherry Reh- the PMDC building and directed in medicine and dentistry. Pakistan Medical Commission tion of the record of the council. When contacted, Special As- Ordinance, as the new ordinance man, on August 29 tabled a reso- 220 employees of the council that “Implementation of new or- Ordinance. Moreover, I am also concerned sistant to the Prime Minister on is in violation of 1962 Ordinance, lution for disapproval of PMDC the offi ce will remain shut for one dinance requires dissolution of The new medical commission about the future of 220 employ- Health Dr Zafar Mirza said that which states that council shall Bill 2019, which was passed. week, offi cials said yesterday. current PMDC. The government is expected to start operations ees of the council, as they (rely the new ordinance was the need be established through elected The same day the government The representative body of of Pakistan hence on Sunday di- within a week. on the institution), and I suggest of the hour. representatives from medical withdrew the bill, and it was an- doctors, the Pakistan Medical rected the temporary shutting “The inconvenience caused that employees should not be “The world has progressed, fraternity. We demand that po- nounced that a new bill, with Association (PMA), has termed down of the offi ces of Council. to practitioners and others is re- terminated,” he said. but we are still following dec- litical parties should reject the consultation of the opposition, the decision undemocratic and “This would ensure protection gretted. However, it is essential A former member of the coun- ades old methods for our medical ordinance,” he said. would be tabled. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 22, 2019 21 PHILIPPINES Former police chief to face graft, drug charges

AFP Manila

hilippine police recom- mended graft and drug Pcharges against its former chief yesterday over a new scan- dal that has put President Ro- drigo Duterte’s anti-narcotics crackdown under the spotlight. The police face allegations some offi cers are involved in the illegal drugs trade and that they had the protection of former chief Oscar Albayalde. It is the latest controversy to engulf the Philippine police force, which is waging a drug war launched by President Du- terte in 2016. US coast guard commandant Admiral Karl Schultz (third left) and members of the Philippine coast guard review an honour guard during a It says it has killed over 5,500 visit to the coast guard headquarters in Manila, yesterday. drug suspects but human rights groups say the real number is four times higher. Allegations of police graft and abuse are not rare in the Philippines, with Duterte twice US coast guard chief reaffi rms ordering police to stop its anti- narcotics campaign because of allegations of corruption and murder by offi cers. strong ties with Philippines The latest controversy how- Albayalde: law violation charges ever goes right to the top of the force. The police’s own investi- of narcotics and received bribes charges or dismiss them out- Agencies “My goal for the US Coast Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, in the commemoration of the gation unit called on the justice to release a drug suspect. right. This comes as the national Manila Guard is to be the partner of which is in the area to take part 75th anniversary of the land- department to charge General He was accused by a former police announced yesterday it choice in the region,” Schultz in the maritime training activ- ing of former President Sergio Albayalde and 13 others for graft police offi cial of intervening to has dismissed three Philippine earlier said. ity “Sama Sama” along with the Osmena and US Gen. Douglas and violating the nation’s anti- protect his offi cers from sanc- National Police (PNP) offi cers he Philippine Coast In their meeting, the US Philippine and Japanese navies. MacArthur in Leyte beach. drugs laws. tions. involved in another controver- Guard welcomed US coast guard chief also pledged The USCGC Stratton has He stressed that the US Coast The charges echo the recom- Another retired offi cial alleged sial drug raid this year. TCoast Guard Comman- continued support for the PCG, been deployed in the region Guard played an important role mendations made by two Senate Albayalde received money from “We admit that the recent dant Adm. Karl Schultz as he The Philippine Star reported. since June to support the US in the liberation of the Philip- committees, which also investi- the drug sale. controversy involving the PNP arrived in Manila yesterday as “Our specialised capabilities Navy in its operations in the pines during World War II. gated police involvement in the Albayalde resigned last week has shaken the institution at its part of his three-day visit to the and expansive international Indo-Pacifi c. “The ceremony offered not illegal drug trade and found Al- ahead of his November 8 retire- core,” acting police chief Archie country. relationships enable us to build The 418-foot fl agship of only an important moment of bayalde was implicated. ment after serving as police chief Gamboa said in a statement. Schultz met with PCG Com- partner-nation capacity and the US Coast Guard has been remembrance with the peo- The police complaint for more than a year. He has yet He announced changes to key mandant Adm. Elson Hermogi- model rules-based values,” conducting maritime defence ple of the Philippines, but it is stemmed from Albayalde’s role to issue a statement but has re- leadership positions and put no and Deputy Commandant Schultz said. and security operations in the also an opportunity to reflect as commander of police unit peatedly denied allegations of promotions on hold. “Each one Vice Adm. Joel Garcia to affi rm Last Saturday, Schultz went South China Sea, part of which on the enduring role of the US near Manila in 2013 where offi c- wrongdoing. will strictly be held accountable US-Philippines relations as a to Puerto Princesa City in Pal- is the West Philippine Sea. Coast Guard in the Pacific,” ers under his supervision alleg- State prosecutors will now for what his or her unit does or top maritime policy priority. awan to visit the crew of US Schultz also participated Schultz said. edly seized and sold a huge haul decide whether to fi le criminal fails to do,” he said. Marcos’ camp asserts Top court eyes dropping tribunal voted in its favour Caguioa in poll protest case By Divina NJD Cruz ures cited by Caguioa and Car- Manila Times pio in their dissenting opinions came from the revision report By Jomar Canlas and Robredo the report on the junk the election protest because recovery.’ On the contrary, it penned by Caguioa. Manila Times revision and appreciation of bal- of Marcos’ failure to show sub- was Robredo who made an over- erdinand Marcos Junior’s Majority of the justices set lots in the three pilot provinces stantial recovery of votes in the whelming substantial recovery, camp has asserted that a aside the Caguioa proposal to and required them to submit three pilot provinces. which justifi es the opinions of Frecent resolution of the dismiss the election protest he Supreme Court (SC), their comments. Romulo Macalintal, Robredo’s PET members, Justices Antonio Supreme Court, sitting as the and instead decided to release sitting as the Presidential The two parties were also or- legal counsel, said from the data Carpio and Alfredo Caguioa, Presidential Electoral Tribunal to the camps of Marcos and TElectoral Tribunal (PET), dered to submit memoranda on culled from the PET’s resolution to dismiss the election protest (PET) over his election protest, Macalintal: call to dismiss protest Robredo the report on the revi- is considering replacing Asso- the matters relating to the third on October 15, Robredo gained of Marcos,” Macalintal said in a was in its favour, despite Vice sion and appreciation of ballots ciate Justice Alfredo Benjamin cause of action, which is the an- 17,520 votes from the three pilot statement. President Maria Leonor Ro- the fi gures “prove that Robredo in the three pilot provinces and Caguioa as the ponente in the nulment of election results for provinces that were chosen by He slammed claims of Mar- bredo’s lead in the recount and won in the recount of votes and required them to submit their election protest case fi led by vice president in the provinces Marcos. cos’ counsel Vic Rodriguez that revision of votes. gained substantial recovery” comments. former senator Ferdinand Mar- of Lanao del Sur, Basilan and The former senator, mean- Robredo did not know the details Romulo Macalintal, Ro- from the three pilot provinces. “That is precisely why the cos Jr against Vice President Maguindanao, within a period while, recovered 2,427 votes. of Marcos’ election protest. bredo’s legal counsel, earlier “While the rules mandates majority of the tribunal, by a Maria Leonor Robredo, sources of 20 days from receipt of the Macalintal added that the fi g- “Contrary to his claim, the reiterated his call to dismiss that a protestant, like Marcos, very decisive 11-2 vote, em- said. notice. ures “prove that Robredo won in PET resolution did not resolve the election protest based on should make ‘substantial re- phatically junked that Caguioa Well-placed sources told Ma- Caguioa wanted to dismiss the the recount of votes and gained ‘to proceed with Marcos protest.’ PET’s Rule 65, which allows covery’ from his pilot provinc- minority opinion favouring nila Times that after an over- Marcos protest outright with- substantial recovery from the The PET is yet to study its merits the electoral tribunal to dismiss es, the above facts and fi gures (Robredo), fi nding the fi gures whelming majority of magis- out proceeding to the next stage, three pilot provinces Marcos after the parties have submitted the election protest if there had show Marcos’ dismal and mis- presented before them to be trates rejected Caguioa’s draft which is to determine if “fraud” chose for the initial determina- their respective memoranda on been no substantial recovery. erable failure to make any ‘sub- outrageous and ordered the ruling recommending the dis- was indeed committed during tion of the merits of his protest various issues. Macalintal argued that based stantial recovery.’ On the con- election protest to proceed missal of the poll protest, a new the vice presidential race. pursuant to Rule 65 of the PET The PET did not also ‘junk on the data culled from the trary, it was Robredo who made with the parties to fi le their ponente will likely be appointed. Marcos, who lost to Robredo Rules.” the Caguioa report,’ as it was the PET’s resolution on October an overwhelming substantial comment and memoranda,” “The new ponente shall come by 263,473 votes, accused her Rule 65 allows the PET to dis- basis of the PET in holding in 15, Robredo had gained 17,520 recovery, which justifi es the Rodriguez said in a statement. from the majority after Ben of “massive electoral fraud, miss the election protest if there abeyance further proceedings in votes from the three pilot prov- opinions of PET members, Jus- “It only confirmed our sus- (Caguioa) became the dissenter anomalies and irregularities” had been no substantial recov- Marcos protest until the parties inces — Camarines Sur, Iloilo tices Antonio Carpio and Al- picion that Robredo’s prema- to the case,” the source said. such as pre-shading of ballots, ery. have submitted said memoran- and Negros Oriental — which fredo Caguioa, to dismiss the ture celebration and claim of Only Senior Associate Jus- pre-loaded Secure Digital cards, “While the rules mandates da,” Macalintal said. were chosen by Marcos for election protest of Marcos,” he another fake victory in the tice Antonio Carpio supported misreading of ballots, malfunc- that a (protester), like Marcos, He added that based on the re- supposedly best exemplifying noted in a statement. tribunal was a product of ad- Caguioa’s proposal. tioning vote counting machines should make ‘substantial recov- sults of the recount in the three fraud or irregularities. Vic Rodriguez, the spokes- vance information she’s been Last week, 11 justices moved and an “abnormally high” unac- ery’ from his pilot provinces, pilot provinces, which suppos- Marcos, meanwhile, recov- man for Marcos and one of the receiving all along through a to set aside Caguioa’s ponencia. counted votes/undervotes. the above facts and fi gures show edly best exemplifi ed fraud, the ered 2,427 votes. latter’s legal counsels in the highly placed deep throat,” he The tribunal instead decided On Sunday, Robredo’s camp Marcos’ dismal and miserable remaining 27 unrevised prov- Macalintal also earlier said election protest, argued the fi g- added. to release to the camps of Marcos reiterated its call to the PET to failure to make any ‘substantial inces would yield less recovery. Growth of HIV cases fastest in nation: report

By Eva Casaljay He noted that compared to the ple, letting people living with 4,800 of them women and with of accomplishment,” Ocampo Manila Times rest of the Asia Pacifi c, the Phil- HIV to know their status and 13,400 new cases of infection. said. ippines only had a 14% decline in receiving antiretroviral therapy. It also expected that 33,593 The data presented also new infections. Ocampo said it was hard to will be living with the virus, showed that 80% of the HIV uman immunodefi - “That translates to 280,000 achieve the 90-90-90 target with an accumulated death of diagnosed deaths in the coun- ciency virus (HIV) cases new infections, considering that because of the low number of 1,200 people despite the fact, try were in the 15 to 34 age Hworldwide grew the fast- we targeted (only) 90,000 new people who get tested. according to Ocampo, that “we group. est in the Philippines based on infections by the end of 2020. He added that among the have a very effective treatment Low usage of protection such logged data from 2010 to 2018. So, we need to decrease the 37.9mn currently living with regimen” against the disease. as condoms (27%) is seen as Dr Louie Ocampo of the Joint number of infections by the end HIV, only 75% were aware of The data also showed that one of the biggest factors for United Nations Programme on of 2020,” Ocampo said. their status, while only Metro Manila had the highest an increase of HIV cases among HIV and Aids (UNAids) yester- He added that “thinking out- three out of five infected number of HIV positive people the youth. day cited reports that the coun- side the box” should be adopted persons were receiving the at 39%, followed by Region 4A Ocampo said adolescents as try recorded 1.7mn new cases to achieve this goal by 2020. antiretroviral therapy. at 15%. young as 15 years old engaged last year, adding to the 37.9mn The goal to treat HIV infection For 2019, the UNAids data “We need to focus and scale in unprotected intercourse and Doctor Louie Ocampo talks about the status of HIV and Aids in people already living with HIV is in accordance with UNAids estimated that 77,000 people up our HIV response for us to only used condoms by the age the Philippines during the conference held at the Manila Doctors by the end of 2018. 90-90-90: treating 30mn peo- would be living with HIV, with have a better impact in terms of 18. Hospital, yesterday. Gulf Times 22 Tuesday, October 22, 2019 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Amir’s attendance at Japanese Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko emperor’s enthronement aims P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), to reaffi rm strong bilateral ties 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) QNA ceremony is held smoothly. Doha On this occasion, Japan granted 44350474 an amnesty to some 600,000 people facebook.com/gulftimes convicted of minor offences, but made is Highness the Amir it clear that the amnesty would not twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad include those sentenced to prison or al-Thani will participate the death penalty due to the severity Hin the enthronement of of the committed crimes. Emperor Naruhito of Japan, which In his first speech after ascending will take place at the Imperial Palace to the throne, Naruhito said, “I GULF TIMES in Tokyo today, to reaffirm the strong swear that I will act according to friendship and distinguished rela- the Constitution and fulfil my tions between Qatar and Japan and the responsibility as the symbol of the keenness of the two countries to de- state and of the unity of the people velop and strengthen these relations. of Japan, while always turning my Brave Blossoms The Amir had paid an official visit thoughts to the people and standing to Japan in January as part of an Asian with them.” tour that also included South Korea The Japanese Prime Minister and China, aiming to strengthen Shinzo Abe offered his “heartfelt depart unbowed Qatari relations with the three Asian congratulations” on behalf of the economic giants, and to enhance Japanese people. “We are determined these relations to long-term strategic to create a bright future for a proud partnerships, which would serve the Japan filled with peace and hope from World Cup interests of Qatar and the objectives at a time when the international of Qatar National Vision 2030, as well situation is changing dramatically,” as the aspirations of its people for he said. Japan were beaten up and bundled out of the World Cup progress and prosperity. Last February, Emperor Naruhito on Sunday but whatever happens over the next two weeks The Qatari-Japanese relations held a press conference in which he will have to be pretty special for the Brave Blossoms to be are characterised by their historical addressed many questions about displaced as the symbol of the ninth edition of rugby’s depth and development year after his life and his next role as emperor, year, as well as being based on strong speaking candidly about how he felt showpiece tournament. friendship, co-operation, respect and regarding the future and that what he Their run to the quarter-fi nals of the fi rst World Cup trust between the two countries. had learned from his parents and their to be held outside the heartlands of the game has led to Over the years, these relations approach to performing their duties an explosion of interest in the game beyond the realms of have been characterised by close and as that would be an important guide the imagination of even the most optimistic World rugby fruitful co-operation, and economic for him, and expressing his conviction exchanges have become the backbone that new winds are blowing with each executive. of these relations for more than four era, and that the role of the imperial From the thousands of red-and-white clad fans in Tokyo decades. family is changing, stressing that he Stadium for Sunday’s match against the Springboks to the Diplomatic relations between the will continue to pursue the ideal role tens of millions more watching on TV up and down the two countries were established in 1972 that the imperial family in Japan must country, the Brave Blossoms have captivated a nation. with the focus on the economic field play in the future. since its inception. However, over the The Japanese Emperor who was Chants of “Nippon! Nippon! Nippon!” echoed around years these relations have grown to educated at Oxford, faces a special the streets of the southern city of Oita on Sunday night include more sectors. challenge to balance his father’s legacy as locals joined the Wales, England, France and Australia The mutual senior level official of bringing the monarchy closer to the supporters – in town for two other quarter-finals – to visits between the two countries have people while upholding the centuries- watch the match. also contributed to the development old traditions of the Throne. and expansion of bilateral relations. Naruhito ascends Japan’s throne With the city’s fan zone packed beyond capacity long Japan is an important trading His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in a very different Japan to the one before the fi nal last-eight clash started, multinational partner for Qatar, as it is one of the his father took over when he became groups of fans huddled in groups around TVs wherever they largest energy importers, while Qatar Japan has completed its Takamikura, the name of the throne, emperor in 1989, as Japan at that could fi nd them in bars, restaurants and street food stands. is currently the fourth in the world preparations to celebrate this where he will take his oath of office. time ruled the world economically, There were tears as Japan’s largest supplier of energy unprecedented historic occasion, The new Empress Masako, who will it was technologically very advanced wear a distinctive dress with many compared to other industrial from local fans to echo resources, especially natural gas. especially as it is not mourning the Japan prove they In 2017, Qatari exports to Japan former emperor, as was the case in layers, will enter a smaller platform countries, and the Japanese stock those of the Japan amounted to about QR42.12bn, while 1989 when Emperor Hirohito died, called Michodai, which is next to the market was at its peak, however Japan belong in the players after the 26-3 imports amounted to about QR5.75bn. as well as in 1926 after the death of Emperor’s platform. is now in a battle against economic loss to the twice world Giant Japanese companies Emperor Taisho, and in 1912 after the Adult members of the imperial downturn and slow growth as its tough world of champions but that are contributing to Qatar’s vital death of Emperor Meiji. family will also attend the ceremony population ages rapidly. The Japanese Imperial family is the disappointment was infrastructure projects, particularly This occasion would be the first wearing elaborate traditional clothes. rugby those related to Qatar’s hosting of the time in two centuries that a Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will then oldest hereditary monarchy in the replaced quickly by 2022 FIFA World Cup and projects emperor abdicated under the rule of congratulate the Emperor on his world. pride at a remarkable achievement. such as Hamad International Airport, law. accession to the throne, while the The family’s lineage dates back to “Dear Japan World Cup rugby squad, thank you so, so Qatar Metro, power generation and The enthronement of Emperor Ground Self-Defence Forces will the sixth century BC. much for giving us much enthusiasm,” Prime Minister water desalination facilities. Naruhito will be attended by present artillery salute from a garden Japan has a parliamentary On April 30, Japan entered a new era kings, princes, heads of state and in the Imperial Palace. constitutional monarchy, whereby the Shinzo Abe said on Twitter. that has not been seen in 200 years, prominent guests from more than On September 18, a government emperor is the head of state, a symbol The Japanese national team could arguably do with a after Japanese Emperor Akihito ended 190 countries and international committee responsible for of the state and the unity of the new nickname because, although there was no shortage of his reign by abdicating his throne to organisations, as well as about 2,500 determining the details of the people, and the highest authority and courage on display as they took on the hulking Springboks his eldest son, Prince Naruhito, who is local and foreign dignitaries, Japanese enthronement ceremony finalised the carries out several different actions, on Sunday, it was outstanding rugby that got them to their now the country’s 126th emperor. parliamentarians, conservatives and timetable and details of the events to namely the issuance of constitutional Emperor Akihito ended a three- prominent representatives from other be held on this occasion. amendments, laws and treaties, fi rst quarter-fi nal. decade term in which he sought to fields. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo and the appointment of the prime That a nation humiliated 145-17 by New Zealand at the ease the painful memories of World The new Emperor, dressed in a Abe stressed that his government minister, all of which were in the 1995 World Cup could better teams with long and proud War II and bring the imperial family formal imperial attire, will take is keen to welcome guests from all hands of Emperor before 1945, before rugby traditions such as Ireland, Scotland and Samoa was closer to the Japanese people. up a luxurious platform called the over the world and ensure that the the end of World War II. testament to a huge amount of hard work over the past fi ve years. These were not fluke wins, moreover, but deserved victories earned by a team playing an irresistible game at a blistering pace with fierce commitment and no little skill. Coach Jamie Joseph’s future is uncertain but, whether he decides to stay on or not, he is convinced that his team have left a legacy that will endure. “The rugby hasn’t changed, but now there’s been an audience,” the New Zealander said. “It’s created a voice for the team in that respect and hopefully that will give momentum for Japanese kids, and that’s ideal.” How Japan go about building on that legacy is the big question, with a spot in the Six Nations or rugby Championship looking unlikely and World rugby’s Nations Cup proposal having been scuppered. The Tokyo-based Sunwolves team will play one last season of Super rugby next year and although there have been other international competitions tabled that might include Japanese teams, all are still at the planning stage. The legacy discussion will continue long after the tournament ends on Nov. 2 but Japan captain Michael Leitch had no doubt about the trajectory of the game in the nation of 127 million people. “Japan’s only going to get stronger,” the 31-year-old loose forward said succinctly at his post-match news conference.

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© 2019 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Gulf Times Tuesday, October 22, 2019 23 COMMENT Mini-pantries bring free food, solidarity to US streets

By Carey L Biron McClard remembers from having relied old newspaper distribution boxes. Alexandria, Virginia on food stamps earlier in her life. In 2016, just out of college, Nuckols- “On the one side, there’s need and Cosby became concerned by the city’s shame and judgment,” she said. “food deserts”, areas where people lack n a recent Sunday, across “And on the other, there’s trust access to grocery stores and their fresh the Potomac River from the and compassion — more of a focus on produce and meats. US capital, two pre-teen community as opposed to individual So, she struck on the idea of Ogirls were dusting off a responsibility.” creating Little Free Pantries out of refurbished dresser near a busy road, As Santana and Rissi tidied their decommissioned newspaper boxes. stocked with fruit, canned goods, pantry in Alexandria, they recalled Nuckols-Cosby, who works at toothpaste, children’s books and more. meeting a man who was using it a social services centre where she Amanda Santana and Anna Rissi, recently. focuses on food access, set up the both 12, had placed the dresser in their “He said, ‘Today for the fi rst time in fi rst one in front of her younger Alexandria neighbourhood last year a very long time, I had a fresh tomato,’” brother’s elementary school, and her and attached written instructions: Santana told the Thomson Reuters Community Food Box Project is now “Take what you need, leave what you Foundation. “That made me smile.” up to 55 boxes, she said. can”. And to their surprise, many have Hunger in the United States spiked She encourages people to use been doing just that. during the 2008 recession and has only the sides of the boxes for civic The area’s residents regularly fi ll up barely recovered to previous levels, engagement, such as one campaign the “pantry” with non-perishable food according to government data released that painted some of the boxes to items, toiletries and toys to make them in September. raise awareness about mental health readily available — for free — to anyone The report from the US Department problems in black communities. who needs them, the girls said. of Agriculture (USDA) showed that Another pantry placed in front of an Their local project is part of the more than 11% of the population lived upscale restaurant in a fast-gentrifying global Little Free Pantry movement, in “food-insecure” households last area was decorated with a rendition which gives those in need 24-hour year. of da Vinci’s “Last Supper”, showing access in their neighbourhood to food And the rate of hunger in the people eating at a long table and others and other basic necessities they may country is likely being exacerbated by beneath the table with their mouths not normally be able to aff ord. other costs: According to 2017 research open, feeding on scraps. The initiative’s founder, Jessica by Harvard University, households Angry locals ended up destroying McClard, modelled it off of the considered “severely burdened” by the box, Nuckols-Cosby said. Little Free Library project, in housing costs spend half of what other Amanda Santana, left, and Anna Rissi stand with their Little Free Pantry project in Alexandria, Virginia, in September 2019. But that incident underscored which community members households do on food. Thomson Reuters Foundation/Carey L Biron the fact that Indianapolis’s poor and businesses in more than 90 In the four years since McClard neighbourhoods are facing a real crisis countries have built freestanding launched the Little Free Pantry land, but many churches, schools, motivated by what she said was a three meals every day, she said. of access to food, she said, noting that boxes in cities where the public can movement — with the motto businesses and community centres polarised atmosphere nationally, built There has been pushback, she the impoverished area she works in has leave and take books. “Feeding Neighbours, Nourishing also have ample parking, an element four pantries out of old cabinets. acknowledged, with some locals saying no grocery stores. McClard built the international Neighbourhoods” — it has grown of privacy and a built-in support “I was trying to find something a particular box’s presence could snarl “The reason people were so ready project’s fi rst free pantry box in to 670 recorded projects, she said, network. that was universal and everyone can up traffi c or bring poor people into a for this is because they see people in 2016, on the grounds of a church in adding the real figure could be triple National anti-hunger organisations agree on — and everyone has to eat,” neighbourhood. their neighbourhoods every day who Fayetteville, Arkansas, a state she said that. have taken notice. she said. But Dahlheim said she uses are hungry, and this is something they is perpetually one of the most food- The idea has since been picked up “We appreciate that (the project) Since then, the Lowcountry Blessing those complaints as an educational can do about it,” she said, of the food insecure in the country. across the country and abroad, with not only supplements our eff orts, but Box project has “exploded,” she said, opportunity. box project. Many emergency meal providers projects in Europe, Canada, South also helps to raise awareness about the and today numbers nearly 100 boxes “My response has been that poor Nuckols-Cosby is now working to have irregular hours, but the free Africa, the Philippines, New Zealand issue of hunger in America,” said Zuani spread throughout a third of South people are always here — you never establish her project as a non-profi t pantries are open all day, every day, and Australia, she said. Villarreal, spokeswoman for Feeding Carolina; two sister projects cover the know whose mother is sick, for so she can raise money to create a she said. Little Free Pantries work best when America, a network of 200 food banks rest of the state, Dahlheim noted. instance. centralised hub that can distribute food And people can use the pantries built on private land that is publicly which in 2018 distributed 4.3bn meals. The project sees a “huge infl ux” of You can’t judge somebody based on items throughout the pantry network. privately and anonymously, avoiding accessible, she added. One of the larger Little Free Pantry need each summer, when kids are out what you’re observing,” she said. She just needs a few more the “shame” of using federal vouchers Not only does such property often networks is in South Carolina, of school and suddenly their families or In Indianapolis, Sierra Nuckols- newspaper boxes, she said. – Thomson at a grocery store — something have fewer regulations than public where two years ago Katie Dahlheim, friends have to fi nd a way to feed them Cosby is perpetually on the hunt for Reuters Foundation

Preventing the next pandemic Three-day forecast TODAY Regulations, the principal international aff ecting communities suff ering from of public health systems and the Maximum Temperature : 370c By Gro Harlem Brundtland and Minimum Temperature : 280c Elhadj As Sy treaty for health security, to which all severe and longstanding insecurity. In full engagement of communities. Geneva countries have committed. It is thus not such a context, top-down solutions are The world should be doing this WEDNESDAY surprising that the world is woefully not enough. anyway: United Nations Sustainable Maximum Temperature : 350c unprepared for a rapidly moving Outbreaks begin and end in Development Goal 3 aims to deliver Minimum Temperature : 270c magine the following scenario. In airborne pandemic. communities, yet national and “universal health coverage, including THURSDAY a matter of days, a lethal infl u- To be sure, we have already developed international authorities rarely take the fi nancial risk protection, access to Maximum Temperature : 350c enza pandemic spreads around many of the tools we need to prevent, time or make the necessary investments quality essential health-care services, Minimum Temperature : 280c the world, halting trade and travel, treat, and contain disease, including to involve them. A better approach and access to safe, eff ective, quality, I Fisherman's forecast triggering social chaos, gutting the vaccines, diagnostics, and drugs. But would recognise each community’s and aff ordable essential medicines and global economy, and endangering tens world leaders are not doing enough to needs and ensure that local people vaccines for all” by 2030. WARNING of millions of lives. Such a large-scale scale them up. And if a pandemic erupts, are fully engaged in planning and For too long, health emergencies have Inshore : Nil disease outbreak is an alarming – but it will be too late to avoid serious damage accountability mechanisms. been met with a cycle of panic and neglect Offshore : Nil entirely realistic – prospect. To mitigate to communities. That is why investment Of course, protecting against disease – an approach that is highly ineffi cient and the risks, the world must take steps now is urgently needed to deliver life-saving outbreaks will cost money. But not as expensive – and that is putting all of us WEATHER Inshore : Misty at places at first to prepare. health technologies to the communities much as one might think: according to at growing risk. Governments worldwide becomes relatively hot Over the last several years, a litany of that are most in need. data from the World Bank, most countries must start thinking ahead and increase daytime with slight outbreaks – from yellow fever to Ebola But outbreak preparedness is as much would need to spend just $1-2 per person funding at the community, national, and dust at times and some clouds. – have occurred, including in densely a social, political, and security issue per year to reach an acceptable level of international levels to shore up health Offshore : Fine to some clouds populated areas. Now, a new report by as it is a medical one, with factors like health-emergency preparedness. That systems, improve our capacity to respond at times the Global Preparedness Monitoring diminished trust in institutions and the amounts to a return on investment of ten to health emergencies, and prevent the WIND Inshore : Southeasterly-North- Board warns that humankind is deliberate spread of misinformation to one, or even higher. spread of outbreaks, whether of known easterly 05-15 KT stumbling toward the twenty-fi rst- impeding eff ective action. This can be And the return on investment does pathogens like Ebola or unknown ones, century equivalent of the 1918 infl uenza seen in the current Ebola outbreak in the not consider the benefi ts beyond health say, that spread from animals to humans. Offshore : Northwesterly-South- pandemic, which aff ected one-third Democratic Republic of Congo. for the economy or social stability. In We have the knowledge and the tools. westerly 03-12 KT of the world’s population and killed In many ways, the World Health today’s deeply interconnected world, There is no excuse for being caught Visibility : 4-8/3 KM approximately 50 million people. Organisation and its partners have if one community cannot prevent or unprepared. – Project Syndicate A similar outbreak today would signifi cantly improved their response manage disease outbreaks, everyone is Offshore : 1-3 FT at risk. Given this, all parts of society, zGro Harlem Brundtland, a former spread much faster and more widely, capabilities since the 2014-2016 Around the region and could severely aff ect economies Ebola outbreak in West Africa, including the security sector, must be prime minister of Norway and a former Weather globally – potentially resulting in a including by employing breakthrough involved in prevention and planning, director-general of the World Health Weather tomorrow Max/min loss of 5% of the global economy. And vaccines, medicines, and innovative and wealthier countries need to invest Organisation, is a co-chair of the Global today Max/min P Cloudy 32/20 yet, despite the threat that this and technologies. But the current more in helping lower-income countries Preparedness Monitoring Board. Baghdad P Cloudy 32/19 P Cloudy 36/25 other health emergencies pose to global outbreak in the Democratic Republic to reach adequate levels of preparedness. zElhadj As Sy, Secretary General of Kuwait City P Cloudy 37/25 M Sunny 36/28 security, preparing for them is rarely a of Congo is unfolding in a far more This includes not only targeted the International Federation of Red Cross Manama Sunny 36/28 Sunny 33/25 priority for political leaders. As of today, complex environment, characterised initiatives, but also more broad- and Red Crescent Societies, is a co-chair Muscat Sunny 32/24 M Cloudy 20/14 no government has fully funded or by politicisation and lack of trust in based investments that improve the of the Global Preparedness Monitoring Tehran S Showers 20/14 implemented the International Health authorities and health workers, and it is quality, reach, and sustainability Board.

Live issues Secondhand smoke may damage children’s eyes

Around the world By Linda Carroll macular degeneration, but its impact children were 6 to 8 micrometres thin- of the demographic and socioeconom- Reuters Health on children’s eyes wasn’t known ner than those of unexposed children. ic factors that can bias the results,” Weather Weather before. And the more smokers there were in Walsh said. “One other interesting today Max/min tomorrow Max/min “We found that children’s exposure the family, the thinner the choroid question would be whether or not Athens Sunny 26/17 Sunny 25/16 econdhand smoke may to secondhand smoking is associated was, the researchers found. these anatomic changes are revers- Beirut Sunny 28/23 S T Storms 27/21 damage children’s eyes and with (thinning of the choroid) – a layer What this means is: “parents (who ible if smoking is removed from the Bangkok M Sunny 34/27 M Sunny 34/27 possibly lead to problems with at the back of the eyes containing lots smoke) should quit smoking to pro- household. Additionally, what would Berlin P Cloudy 18/08 P Cloudy 18/11 Ssight later in life, new fi ndings of blood vessels – in a dose dependent tect their children’s eyes,” Yam said. be the eff ect from alternative forms of Cairo S T Storms 29/19 P Cloudy 26/18 suggest. response,” Yam said by email. “Moreover, parents should prevent nicotine inhalation, such as vaping.” Cape Town P Cloudy 22/13 P Cloudy 19/13 In a study of Chinese children, a The 1,400 6- to 8-year-olds in the children from being exposed to sec- The new results “support evidence Colombo S T Storms 28/26 T Storm 29/25 structure in the back of the eye be- study – including 941 with no expo- ondhand smoking.” regarding the potential hazards of sec- Dhaka P Cloudy 32/25 P Cloudy 32/24 came increasingly thin with increas- sure to secondhand smoke – were re- There isn’t a lot of information ondhand smoking to children, although Hong Kong P Cloudy 25/22 P Cloudy 26/22 ing exposure to secondhand smoke, cruited from the Hong Kong Children on “how secondhand or even direct some confounding factors remained in Istanbul P Cloudy 21/16 M Sunny 22/15 researchers report in JAMA Ophthal- Eye Study at the Chinese University of smoking in the paediatric population the study,” said Dr Fernando Arevalo of Jakarta M Sunny 36/24 P Cloudy 35/25 mology. Hong Kong Eye Centre. can aff ect visual pathways that are still the Johns Hopkins University School of Karachi Sunny 35/23 M Sunny 34/23 “Secondhand smoking exposure The children’s parents provided developing until the age of 12,” said Dr. Medicine in Baltimore and the Wilmer London M Sunny 15/07 S Showers 15/11 in children is an important public demographic information, includ- Erin Walsh, co-director of paediatric Eye Institute at the Johns Hopkins Bay- Manila S T Storms 32/26 S T Storms 32/26 health threat, aff ecting up to 40% of ing age, gender, BMI, birthweight and ophthalmology at the New York Eye view Medical Center. Moscow P Cloudy 11/07 Cloudy 14/08 children,” said study co-author Jason secondhand smoke exposure. The and Ear Infi rmary at Mount Sinai in “There is no doubt that cigarette smok- New Delhi Sunny 32/18 Sunny 33/18 Yam of The Chinese University of researchers measured the children’s New York City. ing is an important risk factor for systemic New York S Showers 18/13 Sunny 18/08 Hong Kong. “Therefore, public health choroids with swept source optical “This study attempts to link some of diseases and ocular vascular disease,” Paris S Showers 14/10 M Cloudy 20/13 interventions and education should coherence tomography. these unanswered questions,” Walsh Arevalo said in an e-mail. “Children Sao Paulo Cloudy 25/17 Cloudy 23/17 be implemented to ban secondhand Comparing the scans from children said in an e-mail. “It is an exciting and should not be exposed to secondhand Seoul M Sunny 24/11 P Cloudy 23/12 smoking exposure in children.” exposed to secondhand smoke with interesting study showing there may smoking as this exposure can lead to Singapore T Storm 30/26 T Storm 31/26 It’s already known that secondhand those from children with no second- be anatomic changes that occur.” vascular diseases earlier in life, potentially Sydney Sunny 22/13 Sunny 23/16 smoking is linked with poorer eye hand smoke exposure, the researchers The study would be stronger if it age-related macular degeneration, cata- Tokyo Heavy Rain 18/15 Clear 23/16 health in adults, including age-related found that the choroids of exposed had specifi cally controlled for “some ract, glaucoma and others. Gulf Times 24 Tuesday, October 22, 2019 QATAR

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, joined the ‘Catalysing The Future’ celebration of Qatar Science & Technology Park’s 10th anniversary to mark a decade of cutting-edge applied research, innovation and entrepreneurship, fostering a vibrant Dignitaries at the event. ecosystem that is essential to Qatar’s goal toward its 2030 vision. PICTURES: A R Al-Baker RDI to help Qatar achieve targets, create new legacy

From Page 1 “Moving forward, we antici- pate working even more closely With its creation being man- with QSTP and GE as we continue dated by Qatar’s second National to revolutionise technology in the Development Strategy, QRDI aviation industry, and setting a 2030 will contribute to the trans- new benchmark for innovation formation of the nation’s social within the upcoming decade. A and economic future, and HE al- new journey to the future of re- Attiyah said that Qatar’s goal is search and development has be- to rank among the world’s most gun, and I am delighted that Qa- advanced innovation economies. tar Airways is part of it.” Speaking about the impor- David L Joyce, Vice Chair of tance of the National Strategy GE and President and CEO of for Research, Development and GE Aviation, described QSTP Innovation 2030, he said: “With – home to GE’s Advanced Tech- this strategy, we are honoured to nology & Research Center since provide our country with a new 2011 – as having made “incred- national legacy towards 2030; a ible progress in a decade”, saying: legacy that befi ts its ambition, “It is visionary, setting a goal and protects its national interests, inspiring others to join it on the and reinforces its position and journey; it is collaborative, work- global leadership. A new legacy HE Akbar al-Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and Secretary-General of Qatar David Joyce, Vice Chair at GE and President and CEO for GE Aviation, addressing the ing across boundaries to unlock for an ambitious homeland, un- National Tourism Council, speaking at the event. gathering. collective intellect; and it is in- der the banner of our Amir, that novative, with forward-thinking, is focused on research, develop- President of Research, Develop- RDI organisations in Qatar, has ture holds.” He outlined how QF- that Qatar will ever undertake.” performance and fuel effi ciency, groundbreaking, and sustainable ment, and innovation. ment and Innovation at Qatar nurtured a vibrant, globally-rec- driven research in areas such as “Catalysing The Future” saw reduce maintenance demands, technology being developed.” “We will work tirelessly to re- Foundation, said QF has built a ognised research culture – bring- AI-driven language translation HE Akbar al-Baker, Qatar Air- and use 40% less water. Her Highness Sheikha Moza alise Qatar’s vision of becoming a “world-class” RDI infrastruc- ing together local, regional, and and genomics is being taken for- ways Group Chief Executive “QSTP’s role as an incubator of toured an exhibition highlighting knowledge-based economy.” ture, established science and international researchers and ward at QSTP, which now aims and Secretary-General of Qatar research and development, and a the achievements of technology He acknowledged the magni- technology-focused academic innovators, and producing out- to attract more global technology National Tourism Council, an- nourisher of an innovation eco- ventures that have been incubat- tude of the challenge ahead, but institutions, and supported tech- comes that place Qatar on the fi rms and innovators. “We want nounce the launch of a “revolu- system, has been at the core of our ed at QSTP in the fi elds of applied highlighted that an upcoming nology entrepreneurs, innova- world map as a leader of discov- people to recognise QSTP as a tionary” new engine-cleaning advancements,” he said. “QSTP research, innovation, and entre- RDI roadmap for Qatar will create tors, and businesses “to build ery,” he said. hub of innovation and realise that system, developed in partnership has paved the way and built an preneurship. She was accompa- a new legacy for the nation that market-driven innovations and “These are the foundations Qatar is the premier destination with GE, one of QSTP’s interna- international hub that connected nied by HE the Prime Minister protects its national interests and to translate the outcomes of our of an RDI environment built for for them to make the impact they tional partner companies. Qatar us with world-renowned high- and Minister of Interior, and HE reinforces its global leadership research into solutions to chal- impact – impact that people can aim to make,” he said. Airways will be the fi rst airline in tech businesses, supporting us as the Deputy Prime Minister and position. lenges that Qatar and the world see and feel, and that will make “RDI in Qatar is a journey. And the world to use the GE360 Foam we strive toward revolutionising Minister of State for Defence Af- Dr Richard O’Kennedy, Vice face.” “QF, together with other Qatar ready for whatever the fu- it is a journey as important as any Wash, which will improve engine products in the aviation industry. fairs. Gulf region visitors to generate 3.6mn overnight stays in Germany by 2030

he German National Tour- According to the latest fore- GNTO showcased impressive line-up of German tourism ist Offi ce (GNTO) road- cast from the GNTB, Gulf region partners to Qatari travel trade industry at roadshow in Doha Tshow, in partnership with travellers visiting Germany are Participants of the trip will produce four to five artworks inspired Qatar Airways, brought together expected to grow to 3.6mn over- by their visit, which will be displayed at MIA in January 2020. more than 120 travel trade pro- night stays by 2030, compared fessionals on Sunday in Doha. with 1.8mn guest nights record- The aim was to promote Ger- ed in 2018 with focused promo- many as a year-round travel des- tions of the country’s high-end tination and share the country’s resorts, shopping complexes, MIA announces latest inbound tourism fi gures tour operating partners, medi- and forecast of the Gulf region. cal tourism providers as well as The B2B event, which targeted excellent connectivity provided key travel trade and key opinion through direct fl ights to various Ektashif initiative leaders, was hosted at Msheireb German cities. Properties, Jelmood House, and Qatar Airways vice president inaugurated by German ambas- of Doha Sales, Martha Paulos ix Qatari artists will visit ing. We look forward to seeing sador Hans-Udo Muzel. said: “Germany is one of Qatar India for a 10-day art trip how this experience will infl u- “Travellers from Qatar are Airways’ most important mar- Sas part of a new initiative ence and enrich their work.” very welcome to visit Germany kets for both business and leisure titled ‘Ektashif’, the Museum The trip will include visits to all year-round and are guaran- travellers alike. of Islamic Art (MIA) has an- sites of historic interest such as teed to fi nd high-quality servic- “As premium airline partner nounced. the Qutub Minar and the Red es, great value for money, luxury of GNTO, we are committed to After the trip, participants Fort in Delhi, Amber Palace and accommodation and facilities as strengthening our strategic and will produce four to fi ve art- Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, and the well as a genuine appreciation for commercial links with Germany works inspired by their visit Taj Mahal in Agra. their business,” Muzel said. and this roadshow has provided German ambassador Hans-Udo Muzel with GNTO off icials at the roadshow. which will be displayed in an Additionally, each day will Nicole Zaspel, sales and mar- the perfect platform to engage art exhibition at MIA in Janu- include a workshop session keting manager for the Gulf in a fruitful trade and knowledge ary 2020. whereby participants will dis- countries at GNTO (an affi li- exchange between our two na- The trip is sponsored by Sea- cover the intricate traditional ate of German National Tourist tions.” shore Qatar – a Qatari owned arts of India including marble Board (GNTB)) underscored the “Through our 35 fl ights per company and one of the largest inlay, known as ‘parchin kari’, relevance of Qatar and the Gulf week from Doha to Frankfurt, multi-disciplined business en- block printing, jewellery mak- region to ‘Destination Germany’ Munich, Berlin, Hamburg and terprises in the country. ing, carpet weaving and more. saying that travellers from the Stuttgart, we have incredible Salem al-Marri, deputy The trip is open to Qatari, region are among the country’s connectivity to Germany and of- director Learning and Out- practising artists, over the age highest spenders. fer travellers an unrivalled expe- reach, said: “This new initia- of 18. Participants must also “Being Germany’s third-larg- rience with our renowned fi ve- tive comes in celebration of our have had some experience ex- est non-European source market star customer service,” she said. current exhibition Set in Stone: hibiting their work in the past. after China and the US, the Gulf The Germany Roadshow in Gems and Jewels of Royal In- Under the leadership of HE region is an extremely important Doha was part of the growth dian Courts. We wanted to give Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Ha- market for us, where its travel- campaign with nine tourism, our aspiring Qatari artists a mad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Qa- lers currently stay an average of hospitality, medical and luxury chance to explore the cultural tar Museums is committed to 11 nights and spend, on average, retail partners meeting tourism diversity of India, all the while supporting local talents and $5,300 per person per trip, sig- trade leaders in Qatar to boost bringing their own perspective creating a strong cultural scene nifi cantly more than other inter- visits to Germany during the up- to the workshops and conver- in the country through various national travellers,” Zaspel said. coming winter festive season. The roadshow gathered more than 120 travel trade professionals in Doha. sations that they will be hav- projects and initiatives.