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Sunday 24 September 2017 | 4 Muharram 1439 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Volume 22 | Number 7294 | 2 Riyals

Qatar’s efforts to FIFA 2022 an fight terrorism recognised opportunity for globally

The Peninsula Arab world: FM atar’s record “is recog- nised by the United QNations and its interna- New York tional partners”, said the QNA Qatari mission to the United The Foreign Minister Nations General Assembly oreign Minister H E said the organisation yesterday in its response to Sheikh Mohamed bin of the 2022 FIFA the speech of the United Arab Abdulrahman Al Thani World Cup gives Qatar Emirates (UAE) representa- said that the 2022 FIFA tive, who accused Doha of World Cup is a first and a great opportunity to “supporting terrorism” in his Fforemost opportunity for the Arab stimulate innovation, speech in the 72nd session of world and the Middle East to high- positive change UN General Assembly in New light the true and peaceful nature and sustainable York yesterday. to the rest of the world. Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani at the inauguration of “The UAE statement is a Speaking at the inauguration development. the “Adaptation of Sport for Sustainable Development” Exhibition organised by Supreme continuation of the series of of the “Adaptation of Sport for Committee for Delivery & Legacy, on the sidelines of the 72nd Session of the United Nations allegations and fabrications Sustainable Development” Exhi- accommodation, as well as major General Assembly in New York. started by the blockading bition organised by Qatar’s infrastructure developments countries in an attempt to Supreme Committee for Delivery including roads, railways and air- well as creating a lasting legacy cultural and linguistic differences,” of sports to transform regions undermine Qatar’s sover- & Legacy (SC), on the sidelines of ports, said the Minister. for Qatar, the Middle East, Asia and the Foreign Minister said, adding social and economic development eignty, tarnish its image and the 72nd Session of the United He added that Qatar is taking the world. that there are well-organised during a speech at the UN. damage its relations with Nations General Assembly in New advantage of this opportunity to The Foreign Minister noted activities that will teach partici- Speaking on the sidelines of friendly countries,” said the York, the Foreign Minister said the promote innovation and technol- that it is a great honour to be pants values such as tolerance, the 2017 UN General Assembly in Third Secretary of the Qatari organisation of the 2022 FIFA ogy and provide a platform for happy in any country that has cho- empathy, integration, respect, dia- New York, Al Thawadi said Qatar’s mission, Ahmed Saif Al World Cup gives Qatar a great young people for innovation and sen to be the host country for the logue, reconciliation, courage, hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Kuwari. opportunity to stimulate innova- entrepreneurship, noting that all events of the 2022 FIFA World self-discipline, strategies and lead- Cup will accelerate and inspire The international com- tion, positive change and this is under the umbrella of sus- Cup as it is the first time to host ership. “ social development, cultural munity is aware about these sustainable development. tainability, with respect for such a tournament in our region. Meanwhile, Hassan Al Tha- expression, technological progress attempts he added. Qatar is currently building culture, and aims to accelerate “The World Cup is an occasion to wadi, Secretary General of the and economic empowerment In a symbolic protest eight stadiums, 64 training progress towards achieving bring people together, overcom- Supreme Committee for Delivery across the country and region. move against the siege, the grounds, five fan areas and national development goals as ing geographical, religious, & Legacy (SC), highlighted power → Continued on page 4 Qatari delegation withdrew from the session when the UAE Minister began to deliver his speech. Ahmad Saif Al Kuwari, stressed that the unjust siege Qatar’s trade with siege countries minuscule imposed on Qatar for more than three months is a blatant Sachin Kumar Government Communications insignificant effect on Qatar’s violation to the principles of The Peninsula Office yesterday. total trade. The trade figures Japan, South Korea, cooperation established by “Qatar’s combined value of show that Qatar has strong eco- $60bn the UN and its charter, human he siege imposed by some trade with the blockading coun- nomic ties all over the world. India and China are rights instruments, friendly countries on Qatar will tries is $4bn a year compared The country is in comforta- Qatar’s annual trade among the largest relations between countries. Thave no impact on its over- with $60bn with Japan, South ble position to defend its with Japan, South export markets of The siege pre-planned by all global trade. The trade Korea and India. The country has currency and its economy, hacking of the website of the between Qatar and blockade not missed or delayed a single thanks to its huge assets and for- Korea & India Qatar. Qatar News Agency also vio- countries is minuscule compared shipment since the start of the eign investments. lates the Gulf Cooperation to the country’s global trade. blockade,” said the Government “Qatar’s assets and foreign Qatar’s annual trade with Council laws, bilateral and Qatar’s trade with blockade Communications Office on its investments comprise more than international agreements. countries is just 6.7 percent com- Twitter account. 250 percent of country’s Gross $4bn blockading countries. He stressed that the siege pared to the trade of Qatar with It means that the share of Domestic Product (GDP). We can of Qatar has been condemned its three major trade partners siege countries’ annual trade in defend our currency and the Qatar’s total exports of by many countries and UN such as Japan, South Korea and Qatar’s annual global trade will economy,” tweeted the Govern- $18.4bn goods in June 2017. organisation which has India, according to the figures be even smaller, showing the ment Communications Office. demanded to lift of the siege. shared on Twitter account of blockade will have an → Continued on page 2 → Continued on page 8

Siege opens new trade Qatar Special Forces Parachute opportunities Team wins Military World Cup Sanaullah Ataullah The Peninsula Sion Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the QNA Commander-in-Chief of the Armed mid increasing fre- Forces and to the Qatari people,”. quency of shipments he Qatar Special Forces Parachute He confirmed that this achievement Aby sea between Qatar Team have won the first place in was scored thanks to the relentless fol- and exporting countries, food Tthe Military World Cup, which low-up and unlimited support of prices in the local markets are took place in Sion, Switzerland, with Minister of State for Defence Affairs expected to go back to pre- participation of 16 teams from 8 H E Dr Khalid bin Mohammed Al Atti- blockade positions by countries. yah. He said : “Me and the team look October and November, said The Directorate of Moral Guidance forward to winning other tournaments Mohamed Althaf, Director of at the Ministry of Defence said that the in the future”. Lulu Group International. military jump team participated with 3 Al Marri noted that the Joint Special In an exclusive interview groups in the tournament where the Forces have a professional military team with The Peninsula Althaf five-person Tigers team won the first that can make achievements and win said: “We have been working place with three gold medals, and team the championships in any competition to bring back the prices at won the tournament Cup in all or tournament. The team also includes pre-siege level. This is our categories. Qatari youth with unlimited capabili- commitment to the custom- The Commander of the Joint Spe- ties and a futuristic outlook and are ers and we are very close to cial Forces Brigadier General Hamad engaged in insisting on winning and The Qatar Special Forces Parachute Team after winning the first place in the our target.” Abdullah Al Fetais Al Marri said: “I ded- raising the flag of Qatar at all interna- → Full story on page 5 Military World Cup, which took place in Sion, Switzerland. icate this achievement to Emir H H tional forums, despite the blockade. 02 HOME SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2017

Three-month summer activities come to an end

The Ministry of Culture and Sports concluded its three-month summer activities held at several commercial complexes in Doha. The closing ceremony was held yesterday at Ezdan Mall in the presence of a number of officials from the Ministry of Culture and Sports and public. The ceremony was attended by a number of those who contributed to the success of the activities. There were folklore shows by various groups, children’s cartoons, and performance by an Indian band. New Al Maamoura Park to open in two weeks

Sidi Mohamed source added. Due to the impor- The Peninsula Families only tance of the parks, the The park is for government gives priority to it he Public Parks families and is and has achieved a number of Department at the equipped with all the projects in this regard. Ministry of Municipal- required facilities There are more than 87 pub- ity and Environment is including sports lic parks across Qatar, which gearing up to open Al were opened by the Public Parks facilities. TMaamoura Park, a senior official Department at the Ministry of at the Ministry said. Municipality and Environment. “Al Maamoura Park is In the past six years, In the last six years, the expected to be opened after two the Department has department has developed 40 weeks. It is ready and we are just developed 40 parks. parks. waiting for the works of sanita- Most of the parks are Most of the parks are in Doha tion near the park to be in Doha. whose number is around 30 and completed,” he told The they are equipped with all the Peninsula. required facilities. The second The park is for families and The Public Parks Department area is Al Rayyan which has 19 is equipped with all the required is also working to make new public parks followed by Umm facilities including sports facili- designs for the new parks. The Salam which has about 5 public ties, entertainment and play design will be different, not like parks. areas for children. the existing ones. The new An official at the Ministry “The department, by giving designs will be special. said that at every public park, we priority, will open new parks at “Opening such parks is part need a minimum five engineers; places which lack parks or in of the ministry’s plan and strat- electrical, civil, among other The new park at Al Qutaifiya. areas which are densely popu- egy to increase the number of staff. lated. Among the areas planned public parks and renovate the Recently, some parks were Park in Umm Salal Mohammed, Kaaban Park. lots and sun-shades and are also to get more parks are Al Wakra existing ones so that people can opened like Hazm Al Mara- Ali bin Jassim park, Nasser bin The parks have playground monitored by CCTV cameras and and Al Wukair.” find pleasant areas to relax.” the khiya, Mohamed bin Jassim Abdellah Al Attiyah park and Al for children, cafeterias, parking security room.

Programme for executive managers Qatar’s trade with siege countries minuscule Continued from page 1 the beginning of the block- Japan, South Korea, India ade,” said the office. and China are among the larg- “Qatar has accelerated its est export markets of Qatar. plan for economic self suffi- In June 2017, South Korea was ciency. Qatar has discovered at the top of the countries of new sources for staple items destination of Qatar’s exports like food and medicine. Qatari with close to QR3.5bn, with a people have rallied in support share of 19.3 percent, followed of their nation and their lead- by Japan with almost QR3.1bn ers,” said the office. and a share of 16.9 percent Qatar is the world’s biggest and India with about QR2.1bn, exporter of LNG, GTL (Gas-to- with a share of 11.3 percent. Liquids) and Helium. The total exports of goods Developed in partnership with (including exports of goods of Qatar Petroleum, Pearl Gas- domestic origin and re-exports) to-Liquids is the world’s from Qatar amounted to around largest GTL plant. Doha Institute for Graduate Studies received the second batch of students of the Executive Master’s Programme in Public QR18.4n in June 2017. According to the commu- Administration. The programme is designed to enhance the leadership skills of the executive managers of all ministries, “Qatar is proud of its eco- nications office, the blockade nomic ties with partners is a catalyst for Qatar to build bodies and institutions of Qatar. The batch includes 27 Qatari students who were selected from more than 100 applicants. around the world, which have a diversified and self sufficient only been strengthened since economy. Broadband accelerates major transformation in development: Report The Peninsula The report has been released of people within access of a 4G communication technology. The communities – in particular for everyone. This is highlighted just ahead of the Commission’s connection. The disparities in gen- State of Broadband 2017 report underserved women and youth – within the report with several roadband technologies are fall meeting in New York City on der access are also becoming outlines how broadband is already to enjoy the internet and use it as examples of Ooredoo’s efforts to today driving substantial 17 September, and amid the UN wider in developing countries. contributing to this and makes val- a means to improve their lives and harness broadband for sustaina- Btransformation in many General Assembly taking place “Broadband is crucial to con- uable recommendations for how achieve their full potential. As we ble development including: development-related sectors, 12-25 September 2017, also in necting people to the resources it can increase this contribution deploy the power of digital tech- Ooredoo Myanmar’s mAgri app including health, education, finan- New York. needed to improve their liveli- into the future.” nology to give people access to the Site Phyo, an app that provides cial inclusion and food security, According to the report, while hoods, and to the world achieving Sheikh Saud bin Nasser Al services and support they need, farmers with localised weather making them a key accelerator 48 percent of the global popula- the Sustainable Development Thani, Group CEO, Ooredoo, com- we urge governments, operators information and best practices for towards achievement of the tion is now online, some 3.9 billion Goals,” said ITU Secretary-Gen- mented that: “The report shines a and regulators to continue work- growing and maintaining specific United Nations’ Sustainable Devel- people still do not have Internet eral Houlin Zhao, who serves as crucial light on the ongoing global ing closely together to address the crops; Ooredoo Maldives Smart opment Goals (SDGs), says The access, with the digital gap grow- co-Vice Chair of the Commission challenge to help people across the deepening digital inequality in glo- Campus, and Indosat Ooredoo’s State of Broadband 2017: Broad- ing between developed and with Unesco Director-General world access the life-changing bal connectivity.” Indonesia Belajar, a digital educa- band Catalyzing Sustainable developing countries. In addition, Irina Bokova. “The goals for edu- benefits of internet access. At Ooredoo’s commitment to tion programme that aims to use Development report released by only 76 percent of the world’s pop- cation, gender equality and Ooredoo, we continue to invest in reduce digital inequality stems technology to help make educa- the UN Broadband Commission ulation lives within access of a 3G infrastructure include bold targets mobile technology, people and from its core mission to make the tion more available and accessible for Sustainable Development. signal, and only 43 percent for information and resources that enable our internet accessible and enjoyable for children across Indonesia. SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2017 HOME 03 Qatar ready to help Iraq restore its global role: FM

New York human rights”. “It is important QNA ISIS crimes to recognize that the defeat of The presence ISIS in terrorism and the gains achieved oreign Minister H E have been extremely costly at Iraq and the horrific Sheikh Mohamed bin various levels,” he said, adding crimes it committed Abdulrahman Al Thani “Qatar appreciates the sacrifices has affirmed Qatar’s in the country posed made by its counter terrorism readiness to support a threat to the partners and reiterates its com- Fbrotherly Iraq in order to restore stability of Iraq: FM mitment to work with them to the unity of its people, rebuild its combat terrorism in all its forms, damaged areas and restore its The PM and the depriving it of safe haven and Arab, regional and international brotherly Iraqi drying its sources and resources. role. people congratulated He said this encourages us Addressing the high-level on “the decisive for further cooperation and joint event on supporting accounta- achievements”. action, saying that “We are meet- bility and justice for post-conflict ing today to discuss what needs in Iraq, the Foreign Minister to be done after the elimination expressed Qatar’s aspiration to and areas in order to preserve of the ISIS (Daesh) in Iraq and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani addressing a high-level work with the international com- their lives. soon in Syria and wherever ter- meeting on supporting accountability and justice for post-conflict in Iraq, in New York. munity to support Iraq and to The Minister said that the rorists are.” promote international peace and unity and solidarity of the inter- security. national community was the Transition to justice Daesh crimes in Iraq and the humanity as a whole, “ as these He expressed his deep con- The Foreign Minister said decisive factor in defeating ter- The Minister considered that region. sites and monuments are part dolences to the families of the that the presence ISIS group rorists at all levels. He referred the transition to justice, redress The Minister stressed that of the human heritage”, calling victims and expressed his deep (Daesh) in Iraq and the horrific to “the harsh and costly experi- for victims and accountability of adherence to the rule of law, for the prosecution of appreciation to the International crimes it had committed in this ence of the spread of the terrorists “will be a message of respect for human rights and perpetrators. Coalition Against the ISIS group sisterly country posed a threat terrorism phenomenon and its hope for the family of the State protection of the people is cru- The Foreign Minister con- (Daesh) for its great role in sup- to the stability of Iraq and the grave dangers to the unity and that we are on the right track to cial to root out terrorism and gratulated the Prime Minister of porting Iraq and confronting security of the region and the stability of States and the atroc- eradicate terrorism and punish consolidate the gains made. Iraq Dr Haider Al-Abadi, and the terrorism in the region and the world, adding that (Daesh) ities committed by terrorist terrorists for their crimes and to He said that the barbaric brotherly Iraqi people on “the world. “ crimes pushed large waves of organizations constitute a fla- deal with the roots of terrorism destruction and looting of decisive achievements made in The Minister expressed displaced persons and refugees grant violation of the based on the international law”, archaeological sites and cultural defeating terrorism and liberat- thanks to the UN Secretary-Gen- from the countries of the region international law, the interna- stressing the importance of jus- property constituted a war ing Iraqi lands from the forces of eral Antonio Guterres for the UN to escape and leave their homes tional humanitarian law and tice for victims and survivors of crime and a crime against evil and darkness.” efforts in Iraq. Awqaf Ministry announces registration for Quran contest from October 1

QNA Quran and the whole Quran for press release today. the memorizers of the residents words “Al Nab’a” part During last Ramadan, the males and females. Sheikh Jassim Bin of the imams, muezzins, The committee allocated a Organizing Committee he Ministry of Awqaf and The registration will start on Mohammed Contest includes teachers, readers of the Holy third section for the residents in completed Al-Bara’im part Islamic Affairs has set the Sunday, October 1 until Thursday several categories of the Holy Quran and the famous readers the memorization of the Holy from Qataris and residents as Tfirst of October to start October 12, from 8 am to 12:30 Quran, and the sections of “5, and those who have already won Quran. well as the recent converts’ registration for the Sheikh Jassim pm, and from 4pm to 8pm, at 10, 15, 20 and 25 parts” of the the contest, and test this category This contest for more than part in cooperation with the bin Mohammed bin Thani for the Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Holy Quran for the Qatari in the memorization of the whole two decades, witnessed a Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zaid Holy Quran contest at its 24th Hall,Freij Keleib, the contest’s citizens. Holy Quran reading and remarkable development in its Al-Mahmoud Islamic Cultural session - the sections of the organizing committee said in a It also includes a section for memorizing the meanings of the various sections. Center. 04 HOME SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2017 Falcon expo continues to draw crowds; to end today

QNA region. Delighted to be a part of Envoys visit expo this exhibition now, Claire said n its fourth day yes- S’hail 2017 was the first edition of the exhibition terday, the Katara visited by members has been a revelation. International Hunt- of diplomatic About their own part, she ing and Falcons missions to Qatar, explains, “We produce exclusive Exhibition S’hail including Turkish works of art based on the art of O2017 continued to attract enthu- falconry. We design custom-built ambassador. siasts from the hunting and art pieces made using absolute falconry field. The expo is sched- modern technology for the dis- uled to end today. There’s so much for a cerning client and which we are S’hail 2017 was visited by visitor to see and showcasing at the exhibition. members of diplomatic missions engage in at the “These are made using the to Qatar and Minister of Devel- Katara Hunting & finest gems, gold, silver, emer- opment Planning and Statistics, Falcons Exhibition. alds, diamonds and pearls with H E Dr Saleh bin Mohamed Al- craftsmanship from London- Nabet and the Ambassador of the based designers. The products Republic of Turkey to Qatar, H E and discerning clients. carry the Hatton Garden, Lon- A participant with his falcon at the exhibition. Fikret Özer, who expressed his Just as the tag says, it’s an don trademark which has been country’s readiness to participate exclusive art capturing the pas- in existence since 1500s and so which are embedded in either 14 Adding nostalgia to the Power Wagon’ was aptly in the second edition of S’hail as sion of falconry and Arabic it has that heritage. Each trade- carats white gold or 18 carat hall- Katara International Hunting & described by an elderly visitor. it entailed a wide range of audi- heritage. If someone finds the mark is also unique so we mark yellow gold, sterling silver Falcons Exhibition are the vin- “This car never failed us in the ences along with outstanding language difficult to understand, guarantee our client that what and ceramic.” tage cars and trucks kept outside olden days. When we didn’t have participations of high-class local a look at one of these master- they have on display is funda- “We take appointments with the main venue and visitors were much of concrete roads and yet and international repute. pieces can simply make your jaw mentally their right. our clients, we lay the design fascinated by them. we could never get stuck in the There’s so much for a visitor drop. Made with precious met- “These are jewellery pieces brief and take it from there. Most A set of vintage trucks and sand while hunting,” he said to see and engage in at the Katara als and latest technological inspired by the falconry. They are of our pieces would cost a min- 4x4 cars used for hunting years closely examining the vehicle. International Hunting & Falcons designs, these glorious falcon completely unique, custom built imum of QR500,000. ago are on display. The well-pre- Other models which have Exhibition. Among the variety icons are simply a treasure. and ultimate in exclusivity to “The falconry art is all about served cars are of various makes, survived and are in use till date, of falcon art and related prod- Catering to the tastes of the ensure the value increases over the Middle East and Qatar has its which Qataris mainly used for like the most popular car in ucts displayed, there was a Qataris for several years now, time. They are investment pieces. own special place given the hunting trips. Some of these date Qatar, ‘The Toyota Land Cruiser special and unique work from Claire & Rogers Griffiths has been We only use certified diamond knowledge and passion of the back to the 1950’s. Vehicles like is also on show with models dat- Saker Arts for the ‘very special’ excelling for Saker Arts in the and gems of GIA certification people here,” she says. the old off-road truck ‘Dodge ing back to 1980’s.

Cool weather World Cup an opportunity for Arab world: FM

Continued from page 1 together from every corner of No matter our creed, belief, new light. It is an unfortunate Al Thawadi was speaking the world. They can serve to nationality or economic status, reality that much of the world during the Harnessing the Power accelerate and inspire in a man- sport touches on our passion and views our region through a lens of Sport to Achieve Sustainable ner and at a pace that few other brings out the best of us as indi- clouded by conflict and negative Development exhibition, which initiatives can match,” said Al viduals and human beings.” headlines. Our vision is to trans- was organised to showcase that Thawadi. form that view.” the 2022 FIFA World Cup is an Al Thawadi outlined the SCs Ambitious goals He continued: “We won’t opportunity for the Middle East legacy projects, including Gen- Al Thawadi concluded by deny that our goals are ambi- and Arab world to illustrate its eration Amazing, Challenge 22 saying Qatar’s vision had not tious. While we are aiming for potential. and the Josoor Institute. changed since the country won the stars, our feet are firmly on “Don’t underestimate the He also highlighted the tour- the right to host the tournament the ground. shared love of sport, it is vitally naments desired impact on in 2010. “This is about dreaming big, important that the power of young people across the region, “When we bid to host the to extract as much benefit as sport is utilised to realise the and the opportunities such a his- FIFA World Cup, we recognised possible for people in Qatar, the ambitions across the full extent toric opportunity creates. the immense potential of bring- region and around the world. It of the 2030 Agenda and achiev- “Sport is uniquely equipped ing an event to the Middle East is a precious opportunity that we ing its aim, to profoundly to play a significant role in and the Arab world for the first must not waste. improve the lives of all and attaining these goals,” he time,” said Al Thawadi. “An opportunity to share a transform our world for the continued. “We firmly believed that the common mission and make a Residents enjoying the fine weather at the Doha Corniche better. “It breaks down barriers, cre- time was right for our region to difference through creating a yesterday. Pic: Salim Matramkot / The Peninsula “Events of this stature are ates friendships and enhances be given the opportunity to better future. We intend to make able to bring billions of people cultural understanding. showcase itself to the world in a the most of it.

Mall of Qatar launches month-long Classic Car Show

The Peninsula exquisite month-long Classic Car sim Hamad Al Attiyah. Show. Visitors are invited to enjoy this spec- MALL of Qatar, the nation’s ultimate The Show was inaugurated by tacular car exhibition until October 21st, retail destination, has launched its Mall of Qatar’s Vice-Chairman, Jas- said a press release. In partnership with Mawater, Qatar Motor Show, Letbelah and AlRayyan Hotel Doha, the classic cars on display are worth around QR4m. “We invite visitors of all ages to come down to Mall of Qatar and see our impres- sive line-up of classic cars, that we know everyone is going to love taking pictures with. We thank our partners Mawater, Qatar Motor Show, Letbelah and AlRayyan Hotel Doha, for making this event possible, and we look forward to hosting this month-long event. At Mall of Qatar, we aim to offer memorable events for our visitors throughout the year, and our classic car show is going to bring great excitement to motorheads in Qatar!” said Stuart Elder, Mall of Qatar Chief Execu- tive Officer.

12 Classic cars The wonderful line up of 12 classic cars at the show includes a Jaguar XK120 Roadster 1954 and a Oldsmobile Convert- ible 1959. The beautiful cars will be displayed at multiple locations through- out Mall of Qatar from the luxury court to AlRayyan Hotel Doha and visitors can take photos next to their favourite model. To elevate your experience at Mall of Qatar, Al Rayyan Hotel Doha the first Curio Collection by Hilton in the Middle East, boasts 201 rooms and suites, three outdoor swimming pools, kids play area, wellness center, an array of dining options and flexible meetings and event spaces. This five-star property offers authen- tic Arabic hospitality, spacious accommodation and direct access to the mall’s luxury court. SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2017 HOME 05 Siege opens new trade opportunities for Qatar

Sanaullah Ataullah of the world. “The local markets The Peninsula are flooded with so many prod- ucts from all over the world, I mid increasing fre- think over a period of time some quency of shipments products will make their space by sea between Qatar in the market while others will and exporting coun- be wiped out of the race.” tries, food prices in He said that dependence on theA local markets are expected certain countries was a phenom- go back to pre-blockade positions enon of past now. “Turkey has by October and November, said always been a biggest food Mohamed Althaf (pictured), exporting country. In Lulu, our Director of Lulu Group imports from Turkey have gone International. up by 250percent. Practically, In an exclusive interview Turkey is replacing Saudi Arabia with The Peninsula Althaf said: in term of exporting goods to “We have been working to bring Lulu logistic facility in US dedicated for exporting foods to Qatar. Turkey is number one back the prices at pre-siege level. Qatar. source of import for Lulu, fol- This is our commitment to the lowed by Oman.” customers and we are very close country we are looking at now hours so within a day “we get “Kuwait ranked number to our target.” for dairy and meat products. We goods from Georgia.” three for Lulu. This is sudden The Director said that the have started bring dairy and meat “Perishable goods, dairy increase for Lulu from these new sources of import were very products from Azerbaijan.” He products like milk, yogurt are countries.” Regarding Iranian competitive and traders were not said that prior to blockade, coming now from there.” products, he said, Lulu is buying willing to go back to the old mar- occurred sudden disruption of operation in UK where after this importers from Qatar were not He said that importers in from local suppliers and Hasad kets even if the blockade is lifted. supply chain. But now I think the blockade we increased our keen to go to Azerbaijan and its Qatar were depending on Bandar food and not importing directly “We have already increased things are more or less are very capacity and now working in neighbouring countries because Abbas for other countries but from Iran. the frequency of our shipments stable,” Althaf noted. three shifts.” of transport challenges. “But now there are three to four ports in “Every 15 days we receive and its effects will soon start hit- He said that most of the He said that Lulu had started they all have agreement with Iran Iran that were closer to Qatar. “It shipments from Turkey; charted ting the markets. It is going to be retailers like Lulu had success- importing goods from Pakistan. and road and rail connectivity takes six days to import goods cargo flights carrying 75 tonnes very regular affair now onwards,” fully indentified alternative “There is a largest chicken com- with Iran. Therefore, all these from Pakistan by sea. Regarding of goods from Istanbul and ship- said Althaf. sources. “Now the importers are pany in Pakistan “Big Bird”. First countries like Azerbaijan and India we have very efficient oper- ments from Izmir port.” He said He said: “The products are working to develop uninter- time Lulu is bringing the prod- Armenia have access to Bandar ation from Mundara Port, Gujrat that Lulu is importing eggs and flowing in and we will be in a rupted access to them and issues ucts of Big Bird to region. Abbas Port from where they load taking about seven days. Izmit chicken from Turkey and buying position to offer better prices very related to the ports are also being Currently, we just started chilled in refrigerated trucks – contain- Port in Turkey is being used to Turkish milk from local suppli- soon. I think by October and resolved swiftly.” chicken and soon going to import ers on wheel. And it does not take export goods from Turkey to ers and there is plenty of Turkish November we will meet our tar- “For example in case of Lulu, frozen chicken as well,” he said, more than 24 hours from Bandar Qatar.” “And many people in the milk available in local markets. gets to bring down the prices at we had very small operation in adding that a number of Pakistani Abbas Port to reach Qatar.” He world are looking towards Qatar “Tunisia is going to become the level where it were last year.” Spain and Turkey before the food products were set to hit said that from Georgia to Bandar as a market now because they another source. Tunisia will start “What we are thinking that blockade. But now we increased shelves in Qatar. Abbas was matter of eight hours know there is a vacuum in exporting many items that Egypt even if the crisis is solved and our capacity everywhere.” “Azerbaijan is another and from there to Qatar about 14 absence of Saudi and the UAE was exporting to Qatar. The problem of blockade gets He said the Lulu had added products.” Bangladesh for exam- shortage of Egyptian products resolved, we need not going back new logistic capacity and hired ple, he said, wanted to export will be replaced by those coming to same old sources. We will not more employees to meet needs “The products are flowing in and we will be food items now. “Kazakhstan from Tunisia. A lot of products start using Jabl Ali. We will of enhanced operations. “In Tur- in a position to offer better prices very soon. I traders have already approached are coming from Morocco.” depend on direct import because key we have a dedicated team of think by October and November we will meet us and we are working with He said that to bring effi- we think this is more sustainable 20 people working only for our targets to bring down the prices at the level them. Bangladesh delegation is ciency in the transportation, and practical.” Qatar.” coming this week.” containers on wheels are being “Now we are in a position to In Spain, he said, with the where it were last year. What we are thinking “We have already started used to transport goods from Iran import in bulk and even we can help of Spanish embassy in Qatar that even if the crisis is solved and problem of import of meat, fruits and vege- to Qatar. “Retailers like us are bring a complete ship with part- we have identified supply sources blockade gets resolved, we need not going back tables from Georgia with the help exploring options of producing nership of other local players.” for long-life milk, fruits, vegeta- of Georgian embassy in Qatar we something in Qatar and food- “During the beginning few bles, olive oil. “We have also to same old sources,” Mohamed Althaf, Director have identified the suppliers.” processing in Qatar. We are days of the blockade, everybody established logistic setups there. of Lulu Group International. He said that Turkey and Iran thinking for repackaging, clean- was in state of panic as there In Europe, we always had together were big fruits baskets ing which used to be in Dubai.” 06 HOME SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2017 HMC to survey prevalence of dementia in Qatar Fazeena Saleem The Peninsula “We still don’t know the exact prevalence of n an new initiative to find the dementia in Qatar. We have set up procedures prevalence of dementia in in place to work on to the exact figure, we are Ithe country as well to help due to start our community survey which will early diagnosis of the disease, Hamad Medical Corporation identify the prevalence. We are also looking (HMC) will soon start a commu- at working with the other departments across nity survey. HMC. That’s why we have initiated the hospital In this regard an unified guideline called ‘HMC dementia guideline’ so dementia guideline will be introduced across HMC hospi- there will be an uniformity of the diagnosis and The Chairman of the Tourism Committee and Board Member of Qatar Chamber H E Sheikh tals, said Dr Mani Chandran communication so that we capture real data,” Hamad bin Ahmed Al Thani chairs the meeting held to discuss the latest developments in (pictured), a Consultant Geriat- said Dr Mani Chandran. ric Psychiatrist at HMC. the tourism sector. “We still don’t know the exact prevalence of dementia in Month and the theme for 2017 Qatar. We have set up proce- is “Remember Me”, highlight- dures in place to work on to the ing the importance of early QC discusses prospects for exact figure, we are due to start detection and diagnosis of our community survey which dementia. will identify the prevalence. We Although accurate data on are also looking at working with prevalence of dementia in developing tourism sector the other departments across Qatar, according to the Alzhe- HMC. That’s why we have initi- imer’s Disease International ated the hospital guideline (ADI), two percent of the Qatar QNA Committee and Board Member called ‘HMC dementia guideline’ population in 2010 was 60+, in The meeting also of Qatar Chamber H E Sheikh so there will be an uniformity of 2050 this will be 20 percent. agreed on the he Tourism Committee of Hamad bin Ahmed Al Thani, the the diagnosis and communica- Qatar is ranked 41 in the world restructuring of the Qatar Chamber reviewed Committee agreed to hold an tion so that we capture real for the most deaths related to Tthe latest developments in extensive meeting for the tour- data,” said Dr Chandran speak- dementia per 100,000 cases. Tourism Committee the tourism sector in the State, ism sector with the competent ing on the sidelines of an Also an estimate of 1000 and the election of and discussed means of devel- authorities in the country. interactive public event held to dementia cases are prevalent Salman Abdullah oping the sector and finding The meeting also agreed on address the challenges faced by in Qatar and it will be increased solutions to the current chal- the restructuring of the Tourism people in Qatar who suffer from 49, 000 by 2050, according to Abdul Ghani as lenges, in cooperation with the Committee and the election of various types of dementia, nota- a presentation by Dr Deputy Chairman of competent authorities in Qatar. Salman Abdullah Abdul Ghani bly Alzheimer’s disease, and Chandran. the Committee. During a meeting chaired by as Deputy Chairman of the their caregivers. Presentations were also Chairman of the Tourism Committee. The event was organized by World Alzheimer’s Month and made by Dr Hanadi Al Hamad, World Innovation Summit for international campaign organ- Chair of Geriatrics and Long- Health (WISH) at Education ized to challenge the stigma that term Care Department at HMC; City, in association with Hamad surrounds dementia and to raise experts from Ehsan, Center for Medical Corporation (HMC) and awareness about Alzheimer’s Empowerment and Elderly 10 winners get keys of Lulu Mercedes-Benz Car Promotion the Ministry of Public Health. disease. This year marks the Care; researchers from Qatar It was held as September is sixth Global World Alzheimer’s University. Additionally, a mov- ing personal testimony from a participant whose spouse suf- fers from Alzheimer’s disease was given. Many of those who spoke referred to the need for further focus on research and outreach programs. The event ended on an encouraging note, with Dr Walid Qoronfleh, Direc- tor of Policy and Research at WISH, highlighting the positive collaborative work being undertaken by various stake- holders in Qatar and the efforts being made to engage with the community. WISH is an initiative of Dr Mani Chandran, a Consultant Geriatric Psychiatrist at Qatar Foundation. WISH’s lat- HMC, speaking during a public event. est report, titled ‘Enhancing the Response to the Burden and Impact of Dementia: Through Policy and Social The ten winners of the ‘Lulu Mercedes-Benz Car Promotion’, organised by Lulu Hypermarket Innovation in the Eastern Group, receiving keys of their prized Mercedes-Benz cars, E200 Model 2017, from Shaijan Mediterranean Region’, can M O, Regional Director and Shanavas P M, Regional Manager of Lulu Hypermarket Group, be accessed via its website: in the presence of other Lulu officials and staff, yesterday, at the Regional Office of Lulu www.wish-qatar.org/wish- Hypermarket Group off D-Ring Road. 2016/forum-reports

Sidra holds survey to know expectations of families

The Peninsula the needs of the community are met.” The survey includes idra Medical and questions related to what is Research Center (Sidra) important for patients and Shas launched a survey to families when they receive seek insights on the expecta- healthcare from physicians, tions from families in Qatar nurses, reception staff and the about the medical and organisation itself. It is also research centre. The approach seeking to get a better under- is a key step towards the standing of how the organisation’s efforts to community would like to be deliver patient and family kept updated about Sidra as focused care – by ensuring well as health topics that that the community is at the would be of interest. centre of hospital decision “The survey is just the first making. step in our proactive efforts Community Engagement to engage more directly with and Events Manager, Dr Eman our community beyond Nasralla said, “Our ability to healthcare. We want to ensure enhance patient care at Sidra, that they receive the best hinges on having an open dia- service and the outcomes they logue with the community. deserve. We are seeking more We encourage parents, ways for them to be involved expectant mothers and fam- including focus groups, vol- ilies in Qatar to answer the unteer efforts, networking short survey. Their feedback events and health information and expectations about Sidra sessions.” The survey is avail- and our services is important able here: https://www. to us, so that we can make surveymonkey.com/r/ improvements and imple- Q3CAMP. For details, please ment changes to ensure that visit: www.sidra.org. SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2017 HOME 07 CCQ lines up ambitious programs The Peninsula The Cabinet approved, at its last meeting, a ommunity College of draft of the H H Emiri decision to reorganise Qatar (CCQ) will put some of the decisions the college to place it at the forefront of higher in principle in its new education institutions in Qatar. It has also branch in Al Khor opened new disciplines to serve the labour Cwhich will start receiving stu- dents starting from October 22, market offering bachelor degrees. This move has where 1,800 students attending affirmed the great interest of Qatar in education the college are from the north- and the sponsorship. ern areas the State, said President of CCQ Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi. The Cabinet approved, at its pointing out that there is increas- administration of personnel in last meeting, a draft of the H H ing interest to join the college. different sectors of the State Al Emiri decision to reorganise the Dr Al Nuaimi noted that the Nuaimi outlined. College to place it at the forefront College is now in a different sit- The College constantly offers Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi, President of the (CCQ), speaking to a QNA reporter. of higher education institutions uation than it was in 2010, in each year a programme or two in Qatar. It has also opened new terms of buildings that have now programs in new disciplines disciplines to serve the labour increased to five buildings serv- serving the community at the Health Information Systems, one for future options and how to degree is done according to the market offering bachelor degree. ing students separately or in level of diploma or bachelor, Dr of the scholarship programmes deal with them, especially with conditions of which the student It has affirmed the great interest terms of programmes and disci- Al Nuaimi added. for the Ministry of Administra- the challenges imposed by the obtain a minimum rate of 2.5 of Qatar in education and the plines and the number of He noted that the College has tive Development, Labor and current circumstances, making degrees from 4 degrees “open sponsorship. students who increased from many cultural, scientific, voca- Social Affairs. And then the “ imperative for everyone in var- good” provided that the disci- Speaking to Qatar News 900 students at the opening, to tional, technical and applied Teacher Assistance” program ious educational institutions and pline is available and meets the Agency (QNA) Dr. Al Nuaimi said about 4,500 male and female programs and activities aiming which is held in partnership with others to adhere to diligence, needs of the labor market. he wants Al Khor experience to students now. to prepare specialized technical the Ministry of Education and creativity, thinking and self-reli- There are about 350 Qatari succeed in excellence, calling at The government has allo- cadres trained in academic and Higher Education, and the min- ance, for scientific initiatives in students affected by siege the same time the students from cated plot of land at Al Mazruaa practical fields that meet the imum requirements for all disciplines required by the imposed on the State of Qatar, northern area to join this branch area to establish the College main needs of the community and the admission is to obtain a high State, away from laziness and Dr. Al Nuaimi said. He also added as it is near their residential management building. labour market. school certificate , that besides dependency. that a coordination between the areas. Al Nuaimi pointed out that The college has 17 programs Dr Al Nuaimi further said that the diploma program of logistics The College follows the pol- college, Qatar University, the apart from the Al Khor a plot of of Diploma in Arts and Sciences, the College has a programme and supply management, point- icy of open admission for every Ministry of Education and Higher land was allocated for the estab- in addition to offering bachelor with an Australian Border Man- ing out that the College is keen Qatari who holds high school, Education, Hamad Bin Khalifa lishment of another branch in Al degree programs in engineering, agement University that is that its programs do not conflict government, commercial or University, Hamad Medical Cor- Wakrah, which is in the design general administration and complementary to a program with what already exists at Qatar industrial secondary school Cer- poration and the Committee for stage, while the College is con- information systems, as well as launched with the General Cus- University to prevent repetition tificate at any rate and for any Receiving Complaints and Griev- sidering the establishment of a joint programs for these two lev- toms Authority for high-level and duplication. year. Transfer from the study of ances is needed to find suitable third branch at Al Shihaniya, els, as in the case of public outputs in the Customs sector. Dr Al Nuaimi underlined the the diploma to the bachelor’s solutions for them. The College has previously importance of continuous train- signed a memorandum of under- ing for students at the bachelor’s The college has 17 programs of Diploma in Arts standing (MoU) with the General or diploma level as well as for There are about 350 Qatari students affected and Sciences, in addition to offering bachelor Customs Authority and the Cus- the teaching staff to serve the by siege imposed on the State of Qatar, Dr. Al degree programs in engineering, general toms and Tax Studies Center at labor market in areas of lan- Nuaimi said. He also added that a coordination Charles Sturt University in Aus- guages, public administration, between the college, Qatar University, the administration and information systems, as well tralia, to provide customs-related technical specialties, health as joint programs for these two levels, as in educational services and tech- information etc. The President Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the case of public administration of personnel nical and research assistance. of (CCQ) stressed that the Col- Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Hamad Medical in different sectors of Qatar, Dr. Al Nuaimi In addition, Dr Al Nuaimi lege is inspired by the spirit of Corporation and the Committee for Receiving noted that the College also has a the speech delivered by Emir H Complaints and Grievances is needed to find outlined. programme of arts in coopera- H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al tion with the Ministry of Culture Thani to the citizens and resi- suitable solutions for them. and Sports and another for dents on July 21, as a roadmap 08 HOME / MIDDLE EAST SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2017 US-backed force seizes Syria gas plant

Beirut AFP The facility known as the Conoco plant had US-backed militia has seized Syria’s the largest capacity biggest pre-war gas of any in Syria before treatment facility the conflict erupted from the Islamic in 2011: 13 million StateA group in the eastern prov- ince of Deir Al Zor, a spokesman cubic metres of Qatar Chamber officials meeting with the representatives of private companies importing raw materials, yesterday. and monitor said yesterday. natural gas per day. “The Syrian Democratic Forces and the Deir Al Zor Mil- The plant and adjacent gas itary Council were able to take field were first captured by Private sector proved ability to face siege: QC control of the Conoco plant in rebels in late 2012, a year into northern Deir Al Zor province the uprising that began with after two days of clashes,” SDF anti-government protests in QNA areas,” he said, citing the Repub- partnership between the public by Qatar Chamber in this regard. spokesman Talal Sello said in a March 2011. lic of Singapore, which has and private sectors. It was natu- Al Kuwari praised the Qatar statement. In 2014, the Islamic State ice-Chairman of Qatar become the largest economic suc- ral that the private sector would Chamber’s efforts that have been The advance in the group captured the facility and Chamber of Commerce, cess story of the modern era, and move in all directions to face this exerted in confronting the siege resource-rich province was gas field as it rampaged across VMuhammed bin Ahmed bin its economic growth has become unjust siege, he added. since the beginning of crisis, and confirmed by the Syrian parts of Syria and Iraq, seizing Towar Al Kuwari, said that the a role model for the countries of Qatar has used several avail- its prompt responses in order to Observatory for Human Rights, large stretches of territory that Qatari private sector has proved the world. able options and alternatives to maintain the flow of goods and a Britain-based monitor, which it eventually declared its its ability to face the siege imposed Al Kuwari stressed that the meet the needs of the local mar- products. Qatar Chamber has added that the militia had also “caliphate”. by three Gulf states on the State siege, no matter how long it con- ket for all goods, he said, pointing communicated with the business- captured the adjacent gas field. The US-backed SDF and its of Qatar since June 5. tinues, will not affect the Qatari that the launch of new lines men since the first day of the siege The SDF did not confirm Deir Al Zor Military Council are Al Kuwari said that the Qatari economy, especially that Qatari between Hamad Port and a to find new alternatives for the that the gas field had been cap- battling IS on the eastern bank market remained steadfast even businessmen and companies are number of regional and interna- importation of commodities, tured, saying only that its forces of the Euphrates river that slices after more than a hundred days enjoying outstanding relations tional ports, has contributed to the especially food, as a matter of were “combing the plant and diagonally across Deir Al Zor of the unjust siege. He added that with suppliers from around the promotion of the movement of urgency, he said, adding that it surrounding points.” province. the Qatari market was not world. He added that the flow of imports from countries around the also coordinated with various The facility known as the Syria’s army, backed by affected, as expected by the siege goods needed by the Qatari mar- world. The strength of the Qatari concerned government agencies Conoco plant had the largest Russian firepower, is carrying countries which was betting on ket will continue without any economy and the vigilance of and formed specialised commit- capacity of any in Syria before out a separate operation largely the geographical and demo- obstacles. He said that the efforts businessmen were crucial factors tees to tackle all obstacles in order the conflict erupted in 2011: 13 on the western bank of the graphic size of the state, out of the being made by the State of Qatar in avoiding any gap in the domes- to ensure the continuous flow of million cubic metres of natural river, including in the provin- belief that it will not bare the land, to localise more industries and tic market, he said. He explained goods from abroad without inter- gas per day, according to The cial capital Deir Al Zor city. air and sea siege they imposed in encourage investment in small that no interruption in the supply ruption. He added that the Syria Report, an economic Deir Al Zor province, on violation of all international and medium industries, whether of any of the commodity was reg- Chamber has identified in this digest. Syria’s eastern border with Iraq, norms and laws. through local investors or by istered, pointing that the shortage regard the food and logistics It was constructed by a is rich with oil and gas fields He pointed out that the neigh- attracting foreign investment, will in the goods that used to come stocks in the private sector, urged partnership of ConocoPhilips that served as a key revenue bouring countries that bet on the play a major role in boosting local from the siege countries was cov- all businessmen to avoid putting and Total, and came up to full stream for IS at the peak of its siege of Qatar, have forgotten that production of various commodi- ered by alternatives from other additional burdens on the con- capacity in 2002. power. Syria’s Kurds have cap- countries are not measured by ties and in reducing imports. markets without any impact on sumer due to the increase of some In 2005, it was handed over tured key oil fields in the geographical area or population. He stressed that the State of the consumer. freight charges, and called for to the state-run Syrian Gas country in recent years, includ- “Many geographically small coun- Qatar has succeeded in building He expressed appreciation to directing private sector invest- Company when Conoco with- ing in Rmeilan in Hasakeh, tries have achieved a lot more a strong and solid knowledge- the great response by business- ments to establish new projects drew from the country. where they are refining crude. than other countries with large based economy building a true men with the pivotal role played needed by the domestic market.

UN recognises Qatar’s efforts Global symposium on Jerusalem highlights issues on fighting Istanbul symposium on rights violations the Istanbul-based NGO Burak importance of international sym- part in the symposium. Anatolia in Jerusalem. Foundation, Umraniye Munici- posiums, and said Muslims should Yenihayat also said that an terrorism Unal said the symposium in pality, and Istanbul Medeniyet work hard to protect Jerusalem. exhibition called “Jerusalem: ny effort to address the Istanbul would serve to help Pal- University —would bring together Istanbul Medeniyet Univer- From the Ottoman Archive” Continued from page 1 issue of Jerusalem is very estinians, most of whom are local and international politicians, sity Rector Ihsan Karaman said would be open to visitors. Aimportant, said a top living in exile, and “most impor- academics, and clergymen. that Turkey has the duty to prop- Speaking at the same event, The siege measures Turkish religious official yester- tantly they have to pass through Also speaking at the Istanbul erly explain Jerusalem to the Hasan Can, the Mayor of Istan- against Qatar undermine the day. “Today what is happening identity checkpoints to go to their event, former Grand Mufti of younger generations. Karaman bul’s Umraniye district, said that UN efforts to strengthening in every part of the Islamic world own houses or fields”. Jerusalem Sheikh Ekrima Sabri said that he believed meetings on Jerusalem’s past, present, and cooperation between coun- where the tears and blood flow The International Jerusalem thanked Turkish President Recep Jerusalem would help revive an future will be discussed at the tries and jointly face the without halt, in Rakhine [Myan- Symposium aims to evaluate vio- Tayyip Erdogan for “being on our awareness in the country and symposium, and a book will be common challenges efforts mar], in Yemen, in Syria, in Iraq, lations of rights in the region as side and supporting Jerusalem”. produce “good politics”. published at its conclusion. strongly supported by Qatar, this is related to memory,” Yavuz well as help raise international El Bachir Jarallah, who heads Adem Yenihayat, head of the On the tension in the region despite such numerous Unal, the deputy head of Tur- awareness of these violations, the Istanbul-based rights group Istanbul-based Burak Founda- over the restrictions at Al Aqsa, attempts to distort its image. key’s Religious Affairs according to the organisers. Parliamentarians for Al Quds tion, said that participants from Can said Turkish people gave the The Third Secretary of the Directorate, told the opening of The organisers said the event (Jerusalem), founded to support Qatar, Indonesia, and other coun- strongest response to this by stag- Qatari mission, Ahmed Saif a two-day international — organised by the Palestinian cause, stressed the tries in the region were taking ing a protest in Istanbul. Al Kuwari, said that the international community is aware about the objectives of the campaign against Families of Sharqat celebrate Qatar and the siege coun- Iran tests another tries failed to provide proof of its claims against Qatar and the demands are only medium-range missile an attempt to punish Qatar for its policy of defending human rights and freedom Tehran permission from any country of expression and its role in AFP for producing various kinds of resolving disputes by peace- missile,” Defence Minister Amir ful means. ran said yesterday that it had Hatami said in a statement. Qatar is working with its successfully tested a new The test comes at the end partners on different Imedium-range missile in of a heated week of diplomacy aspects, including security defiance of warnings from at the UN General Assembly in and legal matters, and also Washington that such activities New York, where US President through its participation in were grounds for abandoning Donald Trump again accused the International Alliance of their landmark nuclear deal. Iran of destabilising the Middle fighting terrorism and other State television carried East, calling it a “rogue state international and regional footage of the launch of the whose chief exports are vio- efforts. Khoramshahr missile, which lence, bloodshed and chaos”. It is also working as per was first displayed at a high- Previous Iranian missile legal procedures to enhance profile military parade in launches have triggered US regional and international Tehran on Friday. sanctions and accusations that cooperation related to fight- It also carried in-flight they violate the spirit of the ing terrorism and to ban any video from the nose cone of the 2015 nuclear deal between kind of financing. missile, which has a range of Tehran and major powers. Iran Qatar is keen to imple- 2,000km and can carry multi- sees missiles as a legitimate and ment all commitments ple warheads. “As long as some vital part of its defence — par- Families from the town of Sharqat celebrate yesterday as Iraqi forces advance to issued by Security Council speak in the language of threats, ticularly as regional rivals Saudi which are related to fight- recapture the insurgent stronghold of Hawija after retaking the nearby northern town the strengthening of the coun- Arabia and Israel import huge ing terrorism and combating from the Islamic State (IS) group on the second day of a new offensive. try’s defence capabilities will amounts of military hardware its financing. continue and Iran will not seek from the West. SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2017 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 09 Turkey plans security steps over Kurdish vote

Istanbul/Baghdad conditions will determine that.” Reuters The Turkish parliament Ankara, which has Nato’s second-largest army, warned on urkey said yesterday it yesterday approved Friday the Iraqi vote would would take security and a one-year extension threaten security and force it to other steps in response of a mandate to use slap sanctions on a neighbour to a planned independ- troops abroad in and trading partner, although it ence referendum in did not specify what measures it Tnorthern Iraq’s Kurdish region that Syria and Iraq, two might take. it called a “terrible mistake”, as a days before Iraq’s Turkey, home to the largest Kurdish delegation was in Bagh- Kurdish region is due Kurdish population in the region dad for talks on the crisis. to hold a controversial and fighting a Kurdish insurgency Meanwhile, The Turkish par- on its soil, has warned that any liament yesterday approved a independence break-up of neighbouring Iraq or one-year extension of a mandate referendum. Syria could lead to a global con- to use troops abroad in Syria and flict. The Kurdish region exports Iraq, two days before Iraq’s Kurd- oil through Turkey. ish region is due to hold a to defuse tensions, but a senior In a speech to parliament, controversial independence Kurdish official said the vote was Turkish Defence Minister Nuret- referendum. going ahead anyway. tin Canikli voiced concern about The United States and other “The delegation will discuss the referendum’s impact on the Western powers have also urged the referendum but the referen- region’s ethnic and sectarian rela- authorities in the semi-autono- dum is still happening,” Hoshiyar tionships, saying it could trigger Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim (centre) greets people during an emergency session of mous Iraqi region to cancel the Zebari, a top adviser to Kurdish an “uncontrollable fire”. vote planned for tomorrow. They leader Massoud Barzani, said. “Pulling out just a brick from parliament on a government request to extend military operations in neighbouring Iraq and say the move by the oil-produc- Asked if a cross-border oper- a structure based on very sensi- Syria at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) in Ankara yesterday. ing Kurdish area distracts from the ation was among the options, the tive and fragile balances will sow fight against Islamic State. Turkish premier told reporters: the seeds for new hatred, enmity Kurdish region and is home to Turkish President Recep Tayyip must immediately refrain from In Iraq, a Kurdistan regional “Naturally, it is a question of tim- and clashes,” he said. Kurds, Turkmen, Arabs and Assyr- Erdogan also kept up the diplo- this terrible mistake which will government delegation arrived in ing as to when security, A particular area of concern is ian Christians. Turkey has long matic pressure yesterday. “If the trigger new crises in the region,” Baghdad yesterday for talks with economic and security options the multi-ethnic city of Kirkuk, seen itself as protector of the Turk- referendum is not cancelled there spokesman Ibrahim Kalin wrote the Iraqi government in an effort are implemented. Developing which is outside the recognised men minority. The spokesman for will be serious consequences. Erbil on Twitter.

Istanbul police Turkish Chief of General Staff meets Iraqi counterpart Nigerian scribe held over detain 36 IS militants report on camp protest

ISTANBUL: Turkey’s official Lagos water resources had complained news agency says Istanbul AFP he was wrongly quoted as con- police have detained 36 peo- firming that materials were being ple as alleged members of the Nigerian journalist was stolen. Islamic State group. detained for reporting that “The commissioner insisted The Anatolia reported Arelief materials were alleg- he did not say what was attrib- that anti-terror police con- edly being diverted from a camp uted to him and asked that the ducted simultaneous raids at for flood victims, his employers story be retracted,” he said. 15 different addresses in and police said yesterday. He said it was true materials Istanbul to apprehend five More than 100,000 people were being moved to another suspects who allegedly had were forced to flee their homes camp, but the reporter said they travelled to Iraq and Syria for in early September following were being diverted without ver- IS. The news agency says 31 floods in central Benue state, ifying his story. of the people detained are prompting authorities to set up Yamu said the journalist had foreigners. There was no makeshift camps to distribute been released. “He was released information on their relief materials to the victims. on bail this morning and has nationalities. Emmanuel Atswen, a been asked to report back to the Several deadly attacks in Turkish Chief of General Staff, Gen. Hulusi Akar (left), welcomes Iraqi Army Chief of Staff, reporter with the state-run News police on Wednesday,” he said. Turkey that killed more than Gen. Othman Al Ghanimi (centre), at an official ceremony in Ankara, yesterday. Agency of Nigeria (NAN), was NAN yesterday said it stood 300 people since 2015 have arrested on Friday over his Sep- by the story because it did not been blamed on IS. tember 12 story on a protest at a violate “the tenets of the journal- Along with combatting camp in central Nigeria which ism profession”. the extremist group’s cells accused officials of diverting Nigerian officials are often inside its borders, Turkey Soldier & civilian dead in armed attack in Turkey relief materials. accused of diverting relief mate- launched a military operation “The reporter was arrested rials for their personal use, in northern Syria in August Ankara organisation in southeastern Turkey. over an alleged defamation of sparking regular protests at 2016 to clear the border zone QNA The security forces and the Turkish army have character and falsehood by a camps for internally displaced of IS members after a suicide constantly targeted the terrorist organisation’s commissioner involved in the persons, especially in the north- bomb ripped through a street soldier and a civilian were killed and two sites and pursued its elements in the south and relief efforts,” state police east where Boko Haram Islamists wedding in Turkey’s soldiers were injured today following an southeast of the country, in response to terrorist spokesman Moses Yamu said. have waged an eight-year Gaziantep province. A attack by gunmen from the banned PKK attacks carried out by them inside Turkey. He said the commissioner for rebellion. 10 VIEWS SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2017

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

EDITORIAL Rise of AfD s Germany prepares to give Chancellor Angela Merkel a fourth term in office in the September 24 election, there is a sense of celebration and optimism. Germany is a democracy and a leader getting A elected again and again despite heavy odds is an undisputable testament to her superior talent and Climate impasse on terrorism governance skills. And there is no surprise, in Germany or abroad, about Merkel’s likely reelection. It’s considered something natural. She has been resource scarcities,” Lukas Ruttinger recruit as high as 60 to 70 percent of its considered the leader of the free world, the most Selin Calik Muhasilovic writes in a German government-funded fighters locally. powerful leader in Europe whose voice is equally Anatolia report, Insurgency, Terrorism and According to Prof. Oktay Tanri- powerful at the European Union, and a leader Organised Crime in a Warming World. sever, who has specialized in regional everybody is now turning to with hope in their hearts Resources as a strategy of violence security as well as energy and environ- when US President Donald Trump, who should As the negative impacts of climate mental diplomacy issues of Turkey and actually be leading the world, is turning away leaving change increase and contribute to fragil- its neighbors at the Middle East Univer- a painful vacuum. orld leaders have gathered in ity, this benefits terrorist groups, sity (METU), the reduction of energy But even amidst this sense of optimism, there is a New York for the United ultimately leading to further destabilisa- sources for terror organisations, such as sad news coming from Germany about the rise of the Nations General Assembly and tion and fragility, and increasing Daesh, creates some advantages. far-right party Alternative for Germany, called AfD. one of the main agenda items vulnerability to the negative impacts of When energy sources decrease, the AfD is a party of racists, climate change deniers and has been to take urgent action climate change. high prices naturally cater to dissatis- hate-mongers who believe that Germany should stop Wto combat climate change. These dynamics can be further faction among energy consumers and atoning for its Nazi past. With the party getting eight With a recent study by the Pew Research exacerbated by using increasingly the larger public and this provides percent to 12 percent support in polls, it is predicted Center establishing the threat of climate scarce natural resources as a weapon. grounds for terrorist organizations to to be the first ultranationalist party to enter change to be as nearly great as the terrorism Livelihood insecurity and water scar- provoke the masses against states. Germany’s parliament since the 1950s and of Daesh, both the understanding and aware- city are important factors in creating a “Terrorist organizations can gain surprisingly, its rise comes at a time when far-right ness of the links between climate change and fertile ground for terrorist groups’ functionality in the struggle to control parties have suffered setbacks in neighbouring security have increased tremendously. That recruitment in the conflict zones. energy sources among the states by creates grounds for questioning the relation- According to recent reports from playing a subcontractor role,” he added. Poland, Austria and ship between climate change and terrorism. the Nigerian military, Boko Haram has Climate change vs. human culpability France. Since its The United Nations, the EU, the G7 coun- resorted to using natural resources as a The effects of global climate change formation in 2013, the tries as well as an increasing number of states weapon and part of their strategy of are already dramatic enough and will party has managed to classify climate change as a threat to global violence. be more dramatic in the future. There The biggest enter 13 of 16 state shock in German and/or national security. They have poisoned water sources, will also be a number of security impli- parliaments. Many academics and national security such as wells and streams, in areas cations. However, according to some election is likely The rise of the far- experts also agree that climate change con- where they were dislodged by state academics, climate change played a to be the rise of right will have huge tributes to an uncertain world where troops, making water use dangerous for role in the past conflicts but was not the the racist AfD, consequences for terrorism can thrive. both humans and livestock. most important factor leading up to the Germany’s future and However, the links between climate While it remains unclear whether conflict. They think that climate change making it the first will lead to unravelling change, conflict and fragility are not simple this strategy is being systematically alone would never result in a conflict: far-right party in the progress it has and linear. The increasing impacts of climate used as a weapon against civilians, it the political and economic contexts of a parliament since achieved in social change do not automatically lead to more fra- underlines the strategic importance of country are more important. 1960s. harmony and racial gility and conflict. Rather, climate change acts natural resources in the conflict. Therefore, some overdramatized integration. Merkel, after as a threat multiplier. In Syria, scarcity of water played a predictions pose problems, because getting elected, will have It interacts and converges with other key role contributing to the outbreak of they’re based either on quantitative to work assiduously to existing risks and pressures in a given context civil war and continues to impact the research only, counting the numbers of prevent a spread of the and can increase the likelihood of fragility or strategic choices of parties to the con- security incidences, thereby missing the far-right sentiment. But it’s easier said than done. violent conflict. flict. Violence, devastation and the specific, historically grown dynamics of Since anti-immigration sentiment and Islamophobia States experiencing fragility or conflict are descent into state fragility provided a conflicts in particular regions. are the two key factors fueling the rise of the right, particularly affected but also seemingly stable perfect breeding ground for the Dr Clemens Hoffman from Stirling mainstream parties will be forced to veer to the right states can be overburdened by the combined extremists, who both benefit from live- University currently works on a project to prevent the AfD from poaching in their territory. pressures of climate change, population lihood insecurity and water shortages, exploring the “Geo-Political Ecology of This is already happening. The government and growth, urbanisation, environmental degra- to mobilize combatants and systemati- the Middle East.” mainstream political parties have appealed to the dation and rising socio-economic cally use water as a weapon of war. He said: “Some academics are anti-immigrant sentiment, allowing AfD’s ideology to inequalities. In 2014, a number of reports stated assuming a relation between weather shape the election and public debate. That’s a huge Since such terrorist organisations as that the Syrian regime used deliberate events and global climate change and victory for the racists. Daesh and Boko Haram have been simultane- water and electricity supply cuts to warming, which is sometimes difficult The AfD has got a disruptive and divisive ously occupying the agenda of the world weaken their opponents in the divided to verify scientifically. ideology. Its manifesto promises a ban on all along with climate change issues, we can city of Aleppo. In other cases, it diverted “The Earth’s climate is warming and mosques and minarets, prohibition of Muslim calls to observe a considerable increase in the under- the water supply only to those neigh- there are more weather extremes, but prayer and criminal action against people wearing standing and awareness of the link between borhoods under its control, inflicting the relationship between weather the veil. It has also called for a change in attitude to climate change and security in recent years. severe harm on civilians and farmers extremes such as droughts, conflicts Germany’s historic crimes in the second world war. In the latest report by the UN’s Intergov- dependent on irrigation. and global climate change needs to be ernmental Panel on Climate Change (ICCP), it Although different actors instru- researched and verified on a case-by- Unfortunately, Merkel is paying a heavy price for is stated that climate change is an increasingly mentalise water, Daesh is responsible case basis. “Sometimes this may prove her pro-immigration policies. Germany welcomed greater threat to human security. for by far the largest number of inci- difficult to do. Third, and probably most hundreds of thousands immigrants, mostly from The German Foreign Office has also been dents. Apart from problematic, are the political implica- Syria, more than any other . discussing how the effects of climate change ideological reasons, tions.” He stated that if global climate have contributed to the rise of terrorist groups deprivation resulting change is to blame for conflict and ter- such as Daesh, Boko Haram, and Al Shabaab. from policy failure and rorism, then there is no ‘human culprit’ According to its report, climate change drought made it much for any crimes or conflicts. QUOTE OF THE DAY nourishes terrorist acts and strengthens the easier for Daesh to In the case of Syria, it would mean efforts of terrorist groups such as Daesh and we discount the culpability of the Assad Boko Haram. regime for the civil war and, instead, It is inevitable that some people are Climate change is a big blame global climate change. It would be sensible, involved in terrorist organisations in an So, climate change is a big worry reasonable and unstable environment where their govern- worry and the world and the world should do more about it, democratic to stop ments cannot protect their citizens who have should do more about it, but that does not mean that all prob- to leave behind their lands and their lives due but that does not mean lems in the world are related to climate and say, there won‘t to the changing climate. that all problems in the change, nor does it mean that we need be a referendum, In other words, poverty, inequality, and those alarming arguments to take marginalisation resulting from climate world are related to action against global climate change. which they know won›t change constitute a more fertile ground in climate change, nor does it Climate change does not create ter- happen. terms of human resources for the develop- mean that we need those rorists or criminals. But in a changing ment and strengthening of terror groups. alarming arguments to climate, the context these groups oper- Mariano Rajoy “Terrorist groups are increasingly using ate in changes significantly. So, what Spainish Prime Minister natural resources — such as water — as a take action against global we are seeing is that climate change weapon of war, controlling access to it, and climate change. creates a context within which these further compounding, and exacerbating groups can proliferate, grow and rise. SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2017 OPINION 11 The very least the UK owes the Rohingya is protection

findings of ethnic cleansing and Salma Yaqoob “slow genocide” and the hate Al Jazeera speech being used by the military, Buddhist extremists and national- ists against Rohingya Muslims. We must stop using the language of “ethnic tensions”, as this is mis- ondemnation of the brutal campaign of leading and disingenuous; ethnic cleansing being carried out instead, we must join the coalition against the Rohingya Muslims in Myan- of genocide charities, Nobel Peace mar is growing around the world, with Prize winners, and faith leaders in the Dalai Lama, the Pope, Nobel Laure- condemning what is happening in Cates and world leaders from many countries the strongest possible terms. calling for an end to hostilities. • We must demand unequivo- There is no easy way to end the suffering there, cal condemnation from Aung but it is imperative that the world speaks out as Sang Suu Kyi: A UN report has one against such atrocities, yet the UK govern- already gathered damning evi- ment’s voice has barely been heard at all. Of all the dence. Its recommendations need countries that should be playing a role in protect- to be implemented, and the UK ing the vulnerable Muslim minority people in should use its place on the Secu- Myanmar, the UK should be leading efforts, as rity Council to more effect. blame for the conflict in those lands is very easily • We must demand that citi- traceable back to British Colonial times. zenship rights be immediately Even without knowing the dark secrets of Brit- given to Rohingya Muslims, the ish involvement, people are horrified about what is denial of which over many dec- happening in Myanmar, with hundreds of thou- ades has made this latest A Rohingya refugee stands among makeshift shelters in the refugee camp of Balukhali, near the sands of people forced from their homes by violent persecution easier. vigilantes, either led by or with help from the army locality of Ukhia. • UK aid to Burma must be and stories of rapes and murder commonplace, stopped (especially military train- alongside the dramatic footage of burning villages. the internal displacement of Buddhists stems back which in this climate of violence is completely ing) until the situation is The hatred which has been stirred up by national- to 1826 when Britain annexed the part of Myanmar inexcusable. acknowledged and a way of ists is all too obvious in the TV reports and the where most Rohingya Muslims live today. Bengali Aung San Suu Kyi has personal as well as polit- measuring the results of any such Islamophobia that has been created by (among Muslims arrived in large numbers to become ical ties with the UK, having a British husband and training is established. others) Ashin Wirathu, a monk who calls himself labourers and administrators for the British, but it two sons born and raised in the UK. She not only • We should propose the re- the “Buddhist Bin Laden”, is truly frightening. is not the colonists who are blamed for this in graduated from Oxford University with a degree in implementation of sanctions If the UK and other western countries do not today’s nationalist narrative, but the descendants Politics, Philosophy and Economics, but returned which were lifted when “democ- tackle this and condemn the attacks on a Muslim of these migrant workers. to live in the UK after working briefly at the UN. racy” was supposed to have minority people, this inaction will again be seized Myanmar gained independence from Britain in She married British scholar Michael Aris in 1972, been introduced. The current upon as evidence of the West’s hatred of Islam by 1948, but the position of the Rohingya Muslims has and lived in the UK until 1988, giving birth to and human rights violations are not extremists with another agenda. They will do become ever more perilous. The United Nations raising their two sons Alexander and Kim Aris just on a par with, but even nothing to help the Rohingya but will use their has described the Rohingya Muslims as the most there. Her sons continued to be raised in the UK worse than those that had been name for propaganda and recruiting more fighters persecuted minority in the world. Attempts at cre- by their father when she returned to Burma to first taking place under the military for their cause, just as they have with previous ating an independent state for themselves have look after her ailing mother and then to lead the regime. examples of Muslims being persecuted. failed, and they have been denied citizenship in political opposition, and hence are British citizens. The Rohingya have been living in those lands their own country since 1982 and with it the right When the Taliban blew up ancient monuments The writer is an activist, commenta- for over two hundred years, but resentment over to education, healthcare or even property to Buddha in Afghanistan, there was an immediate tor and broadcaster. ownership. angry reaction to the desecration of such impor- Far from speaking out against the violence, tant artefacts of cultural significance — rightly so. Aung San Suu Kyi has hidden behind the same lan- The problem is that rape, murder, and the destruc- If the UK and other guage of having to fight terrorists as was used by tion of people’s homes in Myanmar has not western countries do not Bosnian Serbs in the 1990s, Western leaders in the inspired the same level of reaction. tackle this and condemn “War on terror” in Iraq and Libya. Although she is The UK needs to step up and provide leader- the attacks on a Muslim not alone in her hypocrisy, as a Nobel Laureate, ship in alleviating the suffering in Myanmar: D-RING ROAD expectations of her are much higher. • The Myanmar government is stopping UN aid POST BOX: 3488 minority people, this Yet her response so far has been mealy- from getting in: we must demand that blocks are inaction will again be mouthed, and the British government have not removed immediately so that humanitarian aid DOHA - QATAR seized upon as evidence held her to account when they most certainly have can reach people. Charities are raising money [email protected] of the West’s hatred of the opportunity to do so. Last year the UK sold already, so we must ensure it gets to where people weapons worth half a million pounds to the gov- need it most. There is also a huge humanitarian Islam by extremists with ernment in Myanmar, which could very well be crisis in Bangladesh where the UK must play a EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE another agenda. used against the Rohingya now. £250k was taken leading role in aid efforts. TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 from the UK’s aid budget to train the army there, • Our government must acknowledge the UN FAX: +974 4455 7758

MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4462 7505

Why hurricanes are a lot like health care DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4455 7769 experienced five major floods since 2010) make this should be allowed to choose that option — to play the odds unwise choice? The current head of the federal and use their money elsewhere. LOCAL NEWS SECTION Elisabeth Rosenthal flood insurance program, Roy Wright, thinks he “You know what, Americans have choices - and they’ve TEL: 4455 7743 Bloomberg knows the answer: a decision by Congress in 2012 to got to make a choice,” Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, told raise premiums for the troubled National Flood CNN. “And so maybe, rather than getting that new iPhone BUSINESS NEWS SECTION Insurance program that covers what private insur- that they just love and they want to spend hundreds of dol- TEL: 4462 7535 ers won’t. Flood insurance now doesn’t fit into lars on, maybe they should invest in their own health care.” s Congress continues to strug- stretched family budgets. Well, for most middle-income families, that’s not the SPORT NEWS SECTION gle with health insurance Though federal flood insurance is required to kind of choice people are making. In explaining why she TEL: 4455 7745 reform, members should be get a federally backed mortgage in high-risk zones, decided to forgo flood insurance in Houston, Kris Ford- ruminating on the scenes of maps of those zones have been redrawn in some Amofa told a New York Times reporter that she had always ONLINE SECTION “recovery” beaming in from areas to ease the financial burden of homeowners. tried to stick to a budget, down to choosing the pancake TEL: 4462 7501 TexasA and Florida, where the majority of Also, it turns out that some people who buy insur- syrup that gives her the best value. [email protected] households — many now severely dam- ance to get a loan later let it lapse, since there is Likewise, when Americans choose not to have health aged or destroyed — had not purchased limited enforcement. In Florida’s hazard zones, only insurance, it’s because they’re (unwisely) playing the odds PUBLIC RELATIONS flood insurance. 41 percent of households have flood insurance. and triaging the finite dollars in the family budget. If you’re TEL: As after Hurricanes Katrina in 2005 The fact that the majority of Floridians and Hou- a family struggling to pay for daily necessities like rent, food 4455 7613 and Sandy in 2012, many of those now stonians didn’t buy flood insurance underlines why, and college, you may decide to do without. [email protected] waiting to see if federal aid and charity as a matter of practicality, not politics, every person This week, the US census bureau reported that median will help rebuild homes, of course, wish needs to have health insurance. And whether gov- household income in 2016 rose to $59,039, a 3.2 per cent ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT they had. ernment-provided or purchased in the market, it increase since 2015. But for many families, health insurance TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 Flood insurance in storm-prone areas has to be comprehensive and affordable. That’s not premiums and medical expenses have risen more. FAX: 4455 7870 and health insurance have a lot in com- the case now. Insurance plans for a family of four in some parts of [email protected] mon, especially when it comes to the Many Republicans want to do away with the Florida went from $550 to $1,600 a month in the last mental calculus that goes into the pur- Obamacare requirement that everyone purchase several years and some are poised to go 10 to 20 percent CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT chase. You are paying money to insure some kind of health insurance, the politically higher in 2018, Margot Kast, an insurance agent, told me. TEL: 4455 7857 against a personal calamity you hope unpopular “individual mandate.” They want to She calculated similar price rises in some other states. [email protected] won’t happen, even though you know that allow people to buy bare-bones plans that, for Those prices have been overwhelming for many who it’s a real possibility. example, don’t cover items like cancer or medi- earn too much to qualify for government subsidies. SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION Texas and Florida will experience hur- cines. They say Americans who want cheap, “Most people want insurance; they just can’t afford it,” TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 ricanes and floods. Just as surely, you are minimal coverage or no health insurance at all she said. FAX: 44557819 likely at some point to face an expensive In hurricanes, as in health, when the unwelcome cata- medical condition. Weather disasters will clysm happens the costs are even more unaffordable. [email protected] probably grow more common thanks to Meanwhile, the pain and suffering are so enormous that climate change. And more people will face Flood insurance — whether government cannot turn its back. bank-account-draining illnesses thanks to federally provided or Now we will all pay to rebuild those homes in Texas and All thoughts and views longer lifespans, better treatments and privately offered — needs Florida — a cost that is likely to run into the tens or hun- expressed in these columns high medical prices. to be required if you live dreds of billions. Yet there’s been a 9 percent drop in As a society, emotionally we have to pitch in to rebuild are those of the writers, not flood insurance coverage in the Houston in a flood plain. Likewise wrecked homes. Likewise, when a pregnant woman turns of the newspaper. area over the last five years and a drop of — Congress, pay attention, up at a hospital in labor, or a 60-year-old man develops 15 percent in Florida, Associated Press here — comprehensive crushing chest pain, we can’t turn away. All correspondence investigations recently found. In some of health insurance needs to be Flood insurance — whether federally provided or pri- regarding Views and the most severely affected counties, the vately offered — needs to be required if you live in a flood Opinion pages should be drop was over 20 percent. mandated or provided for plain. Likewise — Congress, pay attention, here — compre- Why would Floridians (who regularly every American. hensive health insurance needs to be mandated or provided mailed to the face hurricanes) or Texans (who’ve for every American. [email protected] 12 ASIA SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2017 Sushma: Islamabad rejecting dialogue

United Nations state-sponsored terrorism, and IANS Speech at UN of violating human rights,” she Sushma Swaraj said. “Those listening had only enouncing Pakistan accused Pakistan’s one observation: ‘Look who’s as the “world’s leadership of talking!’” greatest exporter of That remark was met with spurning the hand of havoc, death and scattered laughter. friendship, choosing inhumanity”, Indian “A country that has been the DExternal Affairs Minister Sushma instead to fight and world’s greatest exporter of Swaraj accused Islamabad of sponsor terrorism. havoc, death and inhumanity being “only engaged in fighting became a champion of hypoc- us” and rejecting peace and Prime Minister risy by preaching about dialogue. Narendra Modi humanity from this podium,” she Speaking at the high-level tweeted his praise: said raising her voice with session of the General Assem- “Incredible speech indignation. bly yesterday, she accused by EAM @ “Abbasi wasted rather too Pakistan’s leadership of spurn- SushmaSwaraj at the much of his speech in making ing the hand of friendship, @UN! She has made accusations against us,” she said. choosing instead to fight and India extremely More than a third of his address sponsor terrorism. proud at the world was about India. It was a speech marked by stage.” “If Pakistan had spent on its fiery remarks, responding the development what it has spent India’s Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj addressing the 72nd session of the United unusually virulent attacks by on developing terror, both Paki- Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York, yesterday. Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid She contrasted India’s devel- stan and the world would be Khaqan Abbasi on Thursday. opment, including under safer and better-off today,” she Prime Minister Narendra previous governments, with said. She compared the progress terrorism,” she said. governments that included the in development, mentioning Jan Modi tweeted his praise: “Incred- Pakistan’s descent into a “fac- made by India and Pakistan, The other contrast between almost 60-year rule by the Con- Dhan, Mudra, Ujjwala, Skill India, ible speech by EAM @ tory of terrorism” as a lesson for whose births in August 1947, New Delhi and Islamabad was gress, she declared: “Every Digital India, Clean India, Start- SushmaSwaraj at the @UN! She Islamabad’s leadership for whom were separated only by hours. democracy, with Pakistan under government has done its bit for Up India, Stand-Up India, which has made India extremely proud “the wisest thing” would be “Why is it that today India is the yoke of military rule or India’s development. We have aim to empower the poor. at the world stage.” introspection. a recognised IT superpower in dominance. marched ahead, consistently, The Jan Dhan banking pro- India had offered the hand She resorted to ridicule to the world, and Pakistan is rec- “There have been many gov- without pause, in education, gramme for the poor had opened of friendship and agreed to bilat- deflate Abbasi’s accusations ognised only as the pre-eminent ernments under many parties health and across the range of bank accounts to 300 million eral dialogue, but “Pakistan is made against India on Thursday export factory for terror. during 70 years of Indian free- human welfare.” Indians, a number about the size responsible for the aborting that calling him a “champion of “India has risen despite being dom, for we have been a In the first segment of her of the US population, she said. peace process,” Sushma Swaraj hypocrisy.” the principal destination of Paki- sustained democracy,” she said. speech, Sushma Swaraj gave a “The impossible has been made said. “He accused India of stan’s nefarious export of In a compliment to previous report card on India’s progress possible in India.” We all lied Arvind Subramanian to continue as CEA Senior journalist & mother

New Delhi 2016-17, was for the first time about Jaya’s IANS split into two volumes - pre- murdered in Mohali Budget and post-Budget. The health: TN Chief Economic Advisor Survey, authored by the Chief Chandigarh tal manner by the attackers. (CEA) Arvind Srubrama- Economic Advisor, advocated a IANS Acting on a directive from Cnian, whose term was due Universal Basic Income (UBI) Chief Minister Amarinder Minister to end in October, has been scheme as an alternative pov- enior journalist K J Singh Singh, the Punjab Police has set given an extension of one year, erty reduction mechanism in and his aged mother were up a Special Investigative Chennai the government said place of various ongoing social Sfound brutally murdered Team (SIT) under Inspector IANS yesterday. welfare programmes. in their residence in Mohali General (Crime) to probe the “Subramanian will continue He pitched for a scheme to town of Punjab, adjoining murder. amil Nadu Minister for for one more year after comple- transfer a reasonable basic Chandigarh, yesterday, police The bodies were discovered Forests C Sreenivasan tion of his three year tenure on income to Indians below the said. yesterday afternoon when their Thas sought people’s October 16,” Finance Ministry as the Chief Economic Advisor poverty line based on a survey Both victims were attacked maid came to the house but no apology for “lying” about the said in a tweet. Earlier there on October 16, 2014, for a term on misallocation of resources by their assailants in their cor- one answered the bell. Police health condition of late Chief were reports that the CEA had of three years. He is on leave which showed that districts ner house in Phase 3 B2 of sources said that the murder Minister J Jayalalithaa when submitted his resignation to the from US-based Peterson Insti- where needs are the greatest are Mohali, 10km from here. Police could have taken place around she was admitted in Apollo government, which was denied tute for International Economics, precisely those where state said that Singh’s mother, Gur- 1am yesterday. Hospital. by the ministry officials. where he’s a senior fellow. capacity is the weakest. charan Kaur, 92, was The motive behind the dou- Speaking at a public The officials had earlier Being the key advisor to The survey’s findings sug- strangulated. ble murder is still not known. meeting in Madurai, around clarified that he would continue Finance Ministry Arun Jaitley, gest that a more efficient way to Singh, 66, was stabbed in The house was found ransacked 500km from here, on Friday as the government was consid- he has been instrumental in sug- help the poor would be to pro- the stomach and his throat was and some items were missing. night Sreenivasan said: “We ering the extension. gesting some key reforms. vide them resources directly, also slit with a sharp-edged Singh’s car was also taken would have told lies that she Subramanian was appointed The Economic Survey through a UBI. weapon. He was killed in a bru- away by the assailants. (Jayalalithaa) had idlis and people met her. The truth is that nobody saw her.” Sreenivasan said he is seeking apology from the We are peace loving refugees: Rohingyas to SC US Defence people now for “those lies”. According to him, every- New Delhi and treaties. and non-citizens alike. community in India is involved Secretary to one in the government and in IANS Contesting the Central gov- In his rejoinder to the Cen- in militancy related activities.” the ruling AIADMK party “lied ernment’s stand that they being tral government’s affidavit, he Denying the Central govern- about the people” who had Rohingya petitioner told foreign nationals enjoyed no pro- said: “Rohingya are not involved ment’s assertion that some of the visit India met Jayalalithaa in Apollo the Supreme Court that tection under the Indian in any act of militancy. They are Rohingyas were involved with Hospital, where she was A they were not illegal Constitution, Rohingya refugee a fleeing persecuted ethnic ISI/ISIS, petitioner Salimullah New Delhi admitted on September 22 immigrants but refugees who Mohammad Salimullah, who has minority whose only claim is to described this as a “mere IANS last year. fled Myanmar and came to India moved the top court, seeking its peaceful asylum. Any individual assumption” and in this context, Sreenivasan said even the for shelter in wake of their per- protection from being deported case of involvement in militancy referred to concern expressed ndia-US defence cooper- national leaders used to sit in secution on the grounds of their said that protection under Article may be dealt with by the gov- by UNHCR that “States may be ation is set to get a boost Apollo Hospitals Chief Pratap religion and community iden- 14 - guaranteeing equality before ernmental in accordance with inclined to expel groups or indi- Iwhen US Secretary of Reddy’s room and the tity and were entitled to all law and Article 21 - guaranteeing the law of the land... viduals based on religious, on Defence Jim Mattis visits India AIADMK Ministers would also protection under the interna- protection of life and liberty was “...there cannot be a general mere assumption that they may next week during which he be seated in that room. tional conventions on refugees available to both Indian citizens assumption that entire Rohingya be involved in terrorism”. will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and hold talks with Defence Minister Nir- mala Sitharaman. The visit, from Septem- ber 26-28, is the first Governance for us is not about votes : Modi Cabinet-level visit to India under the Trump Varanasi him as it could rid the poor of to ensure that graft is weeded of diseases come knocking at the people to take cleanliness administration. IANS various diseases and a lot of out from the country.” your doorsteps because of lack not only as a mission but also It will help underscore the economic burden. The Prime Minister urged of hygiene,” Modi said. turn into a habit for everyone. enduring US commitment to rime Minister Narendra “Governance for us is not the people to also ensure that He quoted a Unicef report Referring to his govern- strategic partner India, said a Modi said yesterday the about votes or winning elec- the mission for cleanliness gets that each household in India ment’s housing scheme, Modi US Embassy press release. PBJP did not believe in vote tions. The priority is the their support. which does not have a toilet said he wanted every one in the Mattis will participate in bank politics as the country was development of the nation. For He said it was his good for- spend around Rs 50,000 a year country to have a roof over their a wreath-laying ceremony at above party politics. us, the country is bigger than tune to lay the foundation stone on treatment for different head when in 2022 India com- the India Gate, meet Sithara- On the second day of his party,” he said, in his address to of a public toilet in Shahanshah- ailments. pletes 75 years of man, and also Prime Minister visit to his Varanasi parliamen- farmers in Shahanshahpur on pur village “because sanitation “It is the responsibility of independence. Modi. tary constituency, Modi told a the outskirts of Varanasi. He is also a kind of worship for me. every citizen and every family He said he realized that it “The Secretary will gathering that he had launched said most of the problems faced “It will rid the poor of my to keep their surroundings clean was an onerous task but he emphasize that the United a major war against corruption by the common people in India country of various diseases and so we are able to build clean vil- would be the man doing it. “I States views India as a valued and the corrupt to ease the life were rooted in corruption. the economic burden due to lages, clean cities and a clean know it is difficult. But if Modi and influential partner, with of the common man. He also “I have launched a war those diseases that result from nation,” Modi said. cannot do the difficult job who broad mutual interests said cleanliness was worship for against it and will take it further dirty surroundings. Hundreds The prime minister urged else will.” extending well beyond South Asia. SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2017 ASIA 13 North Korea tremors likely natural: Experts

intelligence analyst said the smaller magnitude” than the events could have been a “mine- September 3 test in North Korea. Tensions have type” collapse of tunnels “Two #Seismic Events! continued to rise damaged by North Korea’s pre- 0829UTC & much smaller @ around the Korean vious nuclear test, but was more 0443UTC unlikely Man-made! Peninsula since likely a small earthquake. Similar to “collapse” event 8.5 An official of South Korea’s mins after DPRK6! Analysis Pyongyang carried Meteorological Agency said ongoing,” CTBTO Executive Sec- out its sixth nuclear acoustic waves should be retary Lassina Zerbo said in a test, prompting a new detected in the event of a man- Twitter post, referring to the Sep- made earthquake. tember 3 test. round of UN sanctions. “In this case we saw none. So Russia’s emergency ministry as of now, we are categorising says background radiation in this as a natural earthquake.” nearby Vladivostok was within Seoul The earthquake, which South the natural range. Reuters Korea’s Meteorological Agency The US Geological Survey put at magnitude 3.0, was said it could not conclusively small earthquake detected 49km from Kilju in confirm whether the quake, near North Korea’s North Hamgyong Province, which it measured at magnitude nuclear test site yes- where North Korea’s known 3.5, was man-made or natural. terday was probably Punggye-ri nuclear site is “The depth is poorly con- not man-made, the located, the official said. strained and has been held to 5 nuclearA proliferation watchdog All of North Korea’s six km by the seismologist,” USGS and a South Korean official said, nuclear tests registered as earth- said. Jeffrey Lewis, head of the easing fears Pyongyang had quakes of magnitude 4.3 or East Asia Nonproliferation Pro- exploded another nuclear bomb above. The last test registered as gram at the Middlebury Institute just weeks after its last one. a 6.3 magnitude quake. of Strategic Studies at Monterey, China’s Earthquake Admin- A secondary tremor detected California, said: “Seismologists istration said the quake was not after that test could have been are very good at discriminating A man watches a television news screen showing a map of the epicentre of an earthquake in a nuclear explosion and had the caused by the collapse of a tun- between earthquakes and explo- characteristics of a natural North Korea, at a railway station in Seoul, yesterday. nel at the mountainous site, sions. I see no reason to doubt tremor. The administration had experts said at the time. Satellite that it was an earthquake.” said earlier the magnitude 3.4 State Department did not imme- “It seems likely that these North Korea could consider a photos of the area after the Sep- There was no immediate quake detected at 0829 GMT was diately respond to requests for small tremors are related to the hydrogen bomb test of an tember 3 quake showed reaction from China’s Foreign a “suspected explosion”. comment shifts in the ground due to the unprecedented scale over the numerous landslides apparently Ministry, but the news was The CTBTO, or Comprehen- A US intelligence official and recent large test,” said David Pacific, was due to address the caused by the massive blast, widely reported by Chinese state sive Test-Ban Treaty US-based non-governmental Wright of the Union of Con- United Nations General Assem- which North Korea said was an media outlets and on social Organization, which monitors experts said their initial assess- cerned Scientists in the United bly in New York. advanced hydrogen bomb. media. nuclear tests, and officials of the ment was that the quake was States. Ri did not respond when The head of the international Tensions have continued to South Korean meteorological either natural or connected to The seismic activity came asked by reporters whether nuclear test monitoring agency rise around the Korean Penin- agency said they believed it was North Korea’s latest and largest just hours before North Korea’s North Korea had conducted a CTBTO said yesterday that ana- sula since Pyongyang carried out a natural quake. nuclear test on September 3, and Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho, new nuclear test. lysts were “looking at unusual its sixth nuclear test, prompting The Pentagon and the US not caused by a new nuclear test. who warned on Thursday that A US government seismic activity of a much a new round of UN sanctions. Pyongyang heaves with show of support for Kim

Pyongyang The US president dubbed Mechanical University student AFP Kim “Rocket Man” in a speech Ri Il Ung, 24. at the United Nations last week “Trump is a warmonger and ens of thousands of in which he threatened to a backstreet gangster,” he Pyongyang residents were “totally destroy” the North if it added. “It’s quite ridiculous that Tgathered in the capital’s attacked the US or its allies. such a person could become a Kim Il-Sung Square yesterday In a statement on Friday politician.” to laud leader Kim Jong-Un’s Kim responded by saying that Ordinary North Koreans denunciation of US President “a frightened dog barks louder” normally only ever express offi- Donald Trump. and Trump would “pay dearly” cially-approved sentiments Such set-piece rallies, for his comments -- triggering when speaking to international organised by the authorities, are the US head of state to describe media. a regular feature of political life him as a “madman”. The North Korean regime is in Pyongyang, and are intended On one side of the square a intensely militaristic and bases as a physical demonstration of giant poster depicted innumer- its claim to legitimacy on popular support for the able red missiles plunging defending the country from leadership. towards a collapsing US Capi- external aggression, and ana- Students in white shirts and tol, with the slogan “Korea’s lysts say that Trump’s comments red ties held up the red flag of Answer”. are grist to its mill. the ruling Workers’ Party, with The bellicose rhetoric Kim is also using the drama a yellow ink brush representing between Kim and Trump has to reinforce his leadership, they Participants of a mass rally shout slogans as they gather on Kim Il-Sung Square in Pyongyang intellectuals, a hammer for the become increasingly personal, add. Pyongyang insists it needs yesterday. workers, and a sickle for the and raised fears of miscalcula- nuclear arms to protect itself peasantry. tion in the standoff over the from a US invasion, and carried appeared to bring much of the US Kim Il-Sung, behind a banner told AFP: “We fear nothing, we Ranks of workers and resi- North’s nuclear weapons and out its sixth atomic test earlier mainland into range, and regu- proclaiming: “Let us safeguard are not afraid because we have dents listened, their fists ballistic missiles. this month, earning itself an larly issues bloodcurdling threats. with our lives the central com- the greatest ever general, the clenched, as speakers repeated “I would like to put down eighth set of United Nations Thousands of people marched mittee of the party headed by the respected Supreme Leader Com- Kim’s denigration of Trump as my pen and take up arms again Security Council sanctions. through the square, past portraits great comrade Kim Jong-Un.” rade Kim Jong-Un. “mentally deranged” and a to perform my duty to defend It has also tested two inter- of Kim’s predecessors, his father Environmental protection “We will surely gain “dotard”. the fatherland,” said Pyongyang continental ballistic missiles that and grandfather Kim Jong-Il and ministry official Han Kwang Nam victory.”

Tech giant Duterte insists inheritance made him wealthy

Davao a former Davao provincial gov- 500,000 pesos in the bank, but and his siblings have inherited AP ernor, died in 1968. Duterte did not provide other specific properties from his father even mentioned without elaborating details of his other properties. though they lived a modest life. he Philippine president that his family then was also His last public assets declaration Trillanes has repeatedly says he became a local involved in logging. put his worth at more than 27 called on Duterte to sign waiv- Tmillionaire at a young age He said he suggested that the million pesos as of December ers so investigators could check due to inheritance and reiterated inherited landholdings be sold last year. his allegations that the president he has no unexplained wealth due to squabbling among the Opposition Senator Antonio had concealed wealth in Philip- as alleged by his leading critic, Duterte siblings. Trillanes IV has accused Duterte pine banks, some in joint who questioned his claim that “When we divided, we had of concealing more than 2 bil- accounts with his daughter, he was born into an impover- our first millions already,” lion pesos in undeclared bank which he said were not publicly ished family. Duterte said. “Long ago, I was accounts when he served as a declared in the past in violation President Rodrigo Duterte just a student, fourth year. I top Davao city official, contra- of the law. gave some details of his personal already had about 3 million dicting, the senator said, the Duterte has denied the alle- assets at a dinner with journal- pesos.” president’s claim that he came gations. “You show any bank ists Friday in his southern home Duterte mentioned a local from an impoverished family. account, foreign, and I will step city of Davao, repeating a pledge bank, now closed, where he said Philippine law requires officials down tomorrow,” the president to immediately resign if anybody he had cash deposits years ago, to declare their assets and lia- said. can prove that he has question- adding that his critics could still bilities each year, and those who He repeated an earlier accu- able wealth concealed in bank check the records of that bank. fail to do so could face dismissal sation that it was Trillanes who The new full-size standing statue RX-0 Unicorn Gundam accounts. “If you want to really trace my from office. has undeclared foreign bank from the Mobile Suit Gundam UC anime is unveiled at a Duterte said his parents money, start from there,” he In past interviews and accounts, mostly joint accounts press preview in Tokyo, yesterday. The 19.7-metre tall owned land in Davao where a said. All his remaining landhold- speeches, Duterte has said he with Chinese associates, citing statue will open to the public today at the DiverCity profitable ice plant stood, and ings are now in the name of his was born into a poor family but information that the president Tokyo mall. that he and his siblings divided children, Duterte said. He added later walked back on those said was given by an unspeci- the family assets after his father, that he currently has only about remarks, saying he fied foreign government. 14 ASIA SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2017

Two Myanmar Rohingya photojournalists freed on bail

Dhaka influx almost AP angladesh police say two Myanmar photojournalists Barrested while covering a over: Dhaka massive influx of Rohingya ref- ugees from their country have been released on bail, but that Cox’s Bazar they can’t leave the country AFP Human Rights because the charges against Watch yesterday them have yet to be dropped. he flood of Rohingya ref- also echoed Their attorney Jyotirmoy ugees into Bangladesh has Barua says that Minzayar Oo and Tcome to a virtual halt, allegations from Hkun Lat were freed late Friday Dhaka officials said yesterday, Bangladeshi following a court order. almost a month after violence officials that Police said yesterday that erupted in Myanmar’s Rakhine Myanmar security the two were arrested on Sep- State and sent nearly 430,000 tember 13 for taking people fleeing across the forces were laying photographs and collecting Rohingya refugees scuffle as aid is distributed in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, yesterday. border. landmines along secret state information in the Officials gave no reason for the border. Teknaf area bordering Myanmar the dramatically reduced num- “Those who are left in commander-in-chief Min Aung Bangladeshi officials that Myan- and providing false identity to bers. But Rohingya Muslim Rakhine live far off the border,” Hlaing issued a statement saying mar security forces were laying government officials. leaders said it could be because “Our guards have not seen he said. Rohingya militants planted a landmines along the border. Police said they also violated villages located near the bor- any Rohingya coming in the Farid Alam, another Rohingya “home-made mine” that A number of Rohingya, immigration rules by coming in der in Myanmar’s Rakhine state past few days. The wave is leader, said “I have not heard of exploded in between a mosque including children, have been as tourists and working as were now empty. over,” Bangladesh Border any Rohingya crossing the bor- and madrasa in Buthidaung killed by mines at the border. journalists. Bangladesh Border Guard Guard commander S M Ariful der in the past five days. All I township on Friday. Bangladesh authorities are The Committee to Protect commanders said hardly any Islam told AFP. could see is people concentrat- The army chief accused mil- meanwhile stepping up efforts to Journalists demanded their refugees are now seen crossing The United Nations also ing near the main camps.” itants of trying to drive out bring order to the chaotic aid dis- immediate release and dropping on boats coming from Myan- said “the influx has dropped”. Myanmar’s de facto leader around 700 remaining villagers. tribution for refugees. of all charges against them. mar or trying to get over the It said it will now release Aung San Suu Kyi said this week Analysts highlighted however Soldiers have been deployed land border. updates on the numbers of ref- that troops had ceased “clearance that the militants’ influence around a 70 square kilometre In the past two weeks there ugees entering Bangladesh once operations” targeting Rohingya depends on the networks they area where Rohingya have built have been up to 20,000 peo- a week, rather than daily. militants in Myanmar’s border have built across Rohingya camps on hills or in open spaces ple a day entering Rohingya community lead- area. communities. near existing UN run camps. Bangladesh. ers said most of the Rakhine The United Nations previ- Amnesty said new videos and “We are in the process of tak- The UN says 429,000 villages near the Bangladesh ously said the military crackdown satellite imagery indicated fires ing over the whole relief Rohingya have sought refuge border are now deserted. could amount to “ethnic cleans- were still raging through distribution,” an army spokesman in Bangladesh since attacks by “Almost all the people I ing”. But despite the calm on the Rohingya villages, scores of told AFP. Ronhingya militants in Rakhine know have arrived in Bangla- border, there were new signs of which have already been burned He said the troops would dig on August 25 sparked a major desh,” Yusuf Majihi, a Rohingya unrest in Myanmar. to the ground. hundreds of latrines for refugees Myanmar military leader at a camp at Balukhali, While the army chief blamed According to government fig- after doctors warned that the crackdown. near Cox’s Bazar, said. Rohinyga militants for an explo- ures, nearly 40 percent of camps were on the brink of a Many gave up money and “Village after village has sion outside a mosque in Rakhine, Rohingya villages in northern health disaster. A Rohingya Muslim refugee jewellery to get places on boats become empty due to the Amnesty International accused Rakhine have been abandoned Even before the latest exodus, crossing the Naf river, which attacks by Myanmar soldiers the military of starting fires in the over the past month. the camps were home to some carries a child at a Bangladesh marks part of the Bangladesh- and torching of the houses by region to prevent refugees from Human Rights Watch yester- 300,000 Rohingya who had fled school housing refugees from Myanmar border. Moghs (Buddhists),” he added. returning. Myanmar day also echoed allegations from previous violence in Rakhine. Myanmar, yesterday. Manila rejects Thai junta says police helped Yingluck escape report on Bangkok given the round-the-clock sur- Thailand,” he said, adding that popular among the rural poor extrajudicial AFP veillance Yingluck frequently Yingluck was unlikely to have and have dominated elections complained of. crossed into Cambodia through for more than a decade. eliminations hailand’s deputy junta Analysts say the former pre- a formal checkpoint. But they are loathed by Thai- leader has accused three mier, who faced up to a decade Earlier in the week, the king- land’s elite and its military allies, Zambonga City Tpolice officers of helping in jail, most likely cut a secret dom’s deputy police chief said who have battered the Shina- Anatolia sneak ex-prime minister deal with the junta to exit the the three officers were involved watra dynasty with a series of Yingluck Shinawatra (pictured) country. in Yingluck’s escape, but would protests, coups and court he Philippine govern- out of the country last month, a But the military has denied not face charges because there rulings. ment has rejected vanishing act that stunned the the charge and is now pointing was no arrest warrant out for her The junta, which seized Tseveral recommenda- kingdom. the finger at the police. at the time. Critics have asked power in 2014 and has repeat- tions of United Nations Yingluck, whose government Authorities interrogated for hard evidence, such as clear edly delayed a return to member-states to investigate was toppled by the military in three police officers this week photos or CCTV, to back up the democracy, is desperate to avoid alleged extrajudicial killings 2014, has not been seen since after seizing a car that was alleg- allegations. any instability that could chal- resulting from President Rod- August 25, when she failed to edly used to drive Yingluck to the Yingluck’s whereabouts lenge its regime. Analysts said rigo Duterte’s intensive war turn up for a court verdict in her border with Cambodia, from number two, said of the police remain unknown, but there are the generals feared that jailing on drugs. criminal negligence trial. where she is believed to have officers on Friday. widespread reports she has Yingluck could unleash protests Manila argues that the Thailand’s junta says it was flown to a third country. Prawit refused to elaborate joined her brother Thaksin, who among her fervent supporters. country has already unaware she was planning to “They said they received the on who masterminded the plot. was also toppled in a 2006 coup, The Supreme Court will now addressed the issue in the escape — something many Thais order (to help her escape),” “I will not tell the media but in Dubai. deliver its ruling in absentia on interactive dialogue and have found difficult to believe Prawit Wongsuwon, the junta’s the person who ordered it is in The siblings are massively September 27. denied the existence of extra- judicial killings. “The Philippines had sufficiently explained that deaths which occurred in the course of the Balancing act Thousands in Bali flee implementation of the anti- illegal drugs campaign are not EJKs,” the country said in a from Mount Agung statement. “These are deaths arising from legitimate law enforce- Bali and leaving four cows because ment operations or deaths AP it’s empty. Everyone has evac- that require further investi- uated,” he said yesterday. gation following the housands of villagers on The National Disaster Mit- established rules of engage- the Indonesian resort igation Agency said no one ment by the country’s law Tisland of Bali huddled should be within 9km of the enforcers,” it added. yesterday in temporary shel- crater and within 12km to the Manila only accepted 103 ters, sports centres and with north, northeast, southeast and out of the 257 recommenda- relatives, fearing Mount Agung south-southwest where lava tions made during the 36th will erupt for the first time in flows, lahars or rapidly moving session of the Universal Peri- more than half a century. white-hot ash clouds from an odic Review (UPR) of the Authorities raised the vol- eruption could reach . Philippine human rights sit- cano’s alert status to the highest Waskita Sutadewa, spokes- uation in May, taking note of level Friday following a “tre- man for the disaster mitigation the remaining 154 proposals. mendous increase” in seismic agency in Karangasem district The statement added that 99 activity. Its last eruption in 1963 around Mount Agung, said that out of the 154 proposals can killed 1,100 people. nearly 11,300 villagers have be supported however the Villager Made Suda said he been officially evacuated. government cannot guaran- left overnight with 25 family He said the real number of tee implementation. The last members and as much food, displaced might be two or three 55 of the recommendations clothes, cooking equipment and times that, since many have were disagreed upon as their bedding they could carry to stay voluntarily fled their homes. premises and contexts “were in the Klungkung sports Officials have said there is Students balance water bottles on their heads during military style training at university sweeping, vague and even centre. no current danger to people in in Nanning in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China, yesterday. contradictory of the country’s “I feel grief and fear, feel other parts of Bali, a popular democratic processes”. sad about leaving the village tourist island. SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2017 ASIA 15 New Zealand election ends in stalemate Auckland Bloomberg Seeking a rare fourth term in office for ew Zealand’s elec- tion ended in a National, PM Bill stalemate late yes- English, 55, has terday, with Prime pledged tax cuts Minister Bill English and a continuation Nand the main opposition leader Jacinda Ardern vying for the of steady economic support of a small, anti-immi- management if he is gration party to reach a returned to power. majority. English said he would talk support in talks that could take with New Zealand First Party a couple of weeks. leader Winston Peters in com- Even though National ing days and that his National remains the biggest party in par- Party, which won 46 percent of liament, there is no obligation for the vote, was in the strongest Peters to choose it over Labour. position to deliver stable govern- Making the task harder for Eng- ment. Ardern refused to concede, lish, the tiny Maori Party, whose saying she too will speak with two lawmakers helped National Peters and her ally the Green reach a majority in the last par- Party to try to secure a majority. liament, has failed to secure any Labour won 35.8 percent of the seats. vote. “We do have the main “On tonight’s provisional cards, we’re not going to squan- results, National has won more der that,” Peters told Mary English (fourth left), wife of New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English, and their children, watch on as Bill English speaks seats than Labour and the supporters. “We’ll make a deci- during an election night event in Auckland, New Zealand, yesterday. Greens combined,” English told sion in the interest of all New supporters in Auckland late yes- Zealand” and “that will take appeal has seen him compared foreign affairs portfolio. terday. “We have the some time.” to Donald Trump, advocates Only two months ago responsibility of working to give With 99 percent of votes tal- slashing immigration to just National had looked assured of New Zealand strong and stable lied, National won 58 of the 120 10,000 a year from about 73,000 victory as Labour languished in government.” seats in parliament, while Labour currently. the polls. The elevation of Ard- Seeking a rare fourth term in got 45. New Zealand First’s 7.5 He also proposes adopting ern to the leadership changed all office for National, English, 55, percent of the vote gives it 9 a Singapore-style monetary that — she electrified the cam- has pledged tax cuts and a con- seats, and the Green Party, with policy so that the central bank paign and created a wave of tinuation of steady economic 5.8 percent, has 7. The numbers can directly control, and excitement that saw her party management if he is returned to could change after other votes, devalue, the New Zealand jump to level pegging with power. He has also promised to including overseas ballots, are dollar. National. address some of New Zealand’s counted. However, he has proven to However, Labour started to most pressing social issues such Labour would need both the be more moderate in his previ- fade in the final days under as child poverty and a housing Greens and New Zealand First to ous stints in government than his relentless attack from National shortage. Ardern, 37, has vowed oust the government, and its two rhetoric while in opposition over its economic credentials to close the gap between rich and potential partners have a frosty suggests. and a lack of clarity on tax poor and would spend more than relationship. “This party is a realistic, policy. National on welfare, health and “I know that our parties don’t common-sense party, we don’t Emerging from her Auckland education. agree on everything, but now is like extremism,” Peters said home last night, Ardern told Peters, who has backed the time to put those differences yesterday. reporters she was disappointed National and Labour govern- aside and to work together to “We believe in laws and pol- with the results but refused to ments in the past, refused to say create the government of change icies that support the mass New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English among balloons on throw in the towel. which way he’ll go. The 72-year- that New Zealanders want,” majority of New Zealanders and stage during an election night event in Auckland, yesterday. “There’s still a lot in play at old maverick will try to extract Greens leader James Shaw told not just a small elite.” the moment,” she said. “I don’t policy concessions and ministe- supporters. In return for backing a Peters was appointed deputy When he supported Labour in expect there will be any conver- rial positions in return for his Peters, whose populist National government in 1996, prime minister and treasurer. 2005, he was rewarded with the sations for a little while yet.”

100,000 Vikings, Down Under Pakistani youth Pakistan province plans to get technical to improve health care training Islamabad Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will Patel, Fazal Nabi Khan, Secre- Islamabad Internews require an estimated Rs3.4bn to tary, Population Welfare Internews transform the entire landscape Department, Government of he first-ever province-spe- of public health by ensuring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Asmat- he National Vocational cific Public Health product availability at last mile. ullah Kakar, Secretary Health, and Technical Training TForecasting and Supply The provincial governments Government of Balochistan, TCommission (NAVTTC) Chain Strategy was handed over have not only revised their Director Generals Health Serv- will impart technical and yesterday to departments of Essential Medicine List in line ices, Government of Khyber vocational training to health and population welfare with the World Health Organi- Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balo- 100,000 youths both men of the Government of Khyber zation (WHO) latest 2017 global chistan, Doris Youngs, Senior and women in 116 trades next Pakhtunkhwa. standards but also prioritised a Vice President, Chemonics month under the fourth phase Additionally, updated Essen- very essential indigenous list of International, and Dr Muham- of the Prime Minister’s Youth tial Medicine Lists (EML) were medicines pertaining to pre- mad Tariq, Country Director, Skill Development Pro- also handed over to govern- ventative medicine. GHSC-PSM. gramme (PMYSDP). ments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, USAID Director Health and Speaking on the occasion, Dr “We will continue striv- Sindh and Balochistan. Vice President, GHSC-PSM Muhammad Tariq termed the ing to enhance the quality of The Supply Chain Strategy, Project handed over these to project’s technical assistance to training and bring it at par which has been finalised with provincial policy makers of the provincial governments as ‘his- with international standards the assistance of USAID and the three provinces. toric’ towards strengthening so that our youth is well Global Health Supply Chain Pro- This would serve as a tool public health supply chains and equipped and easily secure gramme-Procurement and for provincial policy makers, emphasised the need of jobs both at home and Supply Management (GHSC- managers and service provid- increased public financing. abroad,” NAVTTC Executive PSM) project, lays down a ers to ensure adequate He thanked USAID Pakistan Director Zulfiqar Ahmad five-year roadmap whereby procurement planning at the and the provincial governments Cheema said while address- gaps in current public health district level. Marking the occa- for proactively pursuing adop- ing a video conference supply chain systems and sion, a ceremony was held in tion of technology and supply attended by senior officials of Re-enactors enagage in a mock Viking battle at the St Ives financing will be incrementally Islamabad with the participa- chain best practices for the commission from Kara- Medieval Faire in Sydney yesterday. addressed. tion of USAID Director Health improved health outcomes in chi, Lahore, Peshawar and Supply chain reforms in Office for Pakistan Dr Sangita the provinces. Quetta. The NAVTTC is the apex body at the national level to regulate, facilitate and pro- vide policy direction in ‘Lady Beast’ fights for girl gamers in Japan vocational and technical training. During the session, status Chiba to encourage more girls into the spends her time hosting events world. Only a handful of female to get in there alone,” she of the training under PMYSDP AFP male-dominated world of pro- and searching for female talent players are in evidence in the recalled. was thoroughly evaluated fessional gaming. who could one day turn pro. “My loud atmosphere in exhibition As they are so small in and further reforms were dis- n her online world, she is A former car saleswoman, parents wanted me to be a civil halls greet the 250,000 mostly number, female gamers stand cussed to make the existing “Lady Beast”, deftly operat- Momochi got her break in com- servant,” she laughs at an inter- male visitors expected to attend out and attract attention, not setup more transparent, Iing her green monster Blanka petitive gaming in 2011 after she view with AFP on the sidelines the fair. always positive, she said. effective and meaningful in in dizzying hand-to-hand street- defeated a previously invincible of the Tokyo Game Show, one of The violent world of online “You often hear names like the fourth phase. Zulfiqar fighting combat on the global character in a Street Fighter the world’s largest. “A girl raised gaming also tends to appeal ‘bitch’. It’s fine if you can take it Cheema said the industrial professional gaming circuit. match, earning her a sponsor- by steady parents has turned out more to men, Momochi said. but normally you’d be hurt,” she linkages should be strength- In real life, she is Yuko ship offer from an American like this!” “When I started going to said. Momochi started gaming at ened so that our youth could Momochi, a 31-year-old slender team. Visitors to the Tokyo Game game arcades, I was playing a young age, playing Donkey easily get jobs upon comple- Japanese woman with short hair She was Japan’s first female Show are left in little doubt they fighting games, which meant it’s Kong and other video games tion of their training. dyed light brown, who is hoping professional gamer and now also are entering a male-dominated all men around you. It was tough with her brother. 16 EUROPE SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2017 Spain and Catalonia clash over policing

Madrid abolished. Several pro-inde- Reuters New website pendence groups have called for The Catalonian widespread protests today in cen- he mounting political tral Barcelona. “Let’s respond to government opened crisis in Spain over the state with an unstoppable a new website Catalonia’s campaign wave of democracy,” a Whatsapp for independence yesterday with message which was used to intensified yesterday details of how and organise the demonstration read. Twith a new row over the control where to vote on The Catalonian government of the local police force as the October 1, opened a new website yester- regional government pressed challenging several day with details of how and ahead with plans to hold an ille- court rulings that where to vote on October 1, gal vote next weekend. had blocked previous challenging several court rul- The State prosecutor in sites and declared ings that had blocked previous Catalonia told all local and the referendum sites and declared the referen- national police forces yesterday unconstitutional. dum unconstitutional. A group of people throw ballots for the October 1 referendum from a building with a banner that they had been temporarily “You can’t stem the tide,” in favour of the referendum in Sant Jaume Square, in Barcelona, yesterday. placed under a single chain of Spanish Prime Catalonia’s president Carles command reporting directly to Minister Mariano Puigdemont said on Twitter in the interior ministry in Madrid. giving the link to the new web- Rajoy insisted again But Catalonia’s interior site. But Spanish Prime Minister that the vote should Divisions over independence vote surface chief, Joaquim Forn, said his Mariano Rajoy insisted again that department and the local police, not go ahead. “It will the vote should not go ahead. “It Barcelona 63-year-old florist said. “It’s president Carles Puigdemont has or Mossos d’Esquadra, did not not happen because will not happen because this AFP relentless, always the same, but said he will start taking steps accept this decision. “We this would mean would mean liquidating the law,” those aren’t people’s problems. towards separating from Spain if denounce the intervention of the liquidating the law,” he said at the PP event in Palma ust four metro stops separate If only they put the same effort the “yes” wins the day on Octo- state to control the police forces he said. de Mallorca. Gracia from Nou Barris, two into bettering the health system, ber 1, regardless of the turnout. of Catalonia ... We will not Acting on court orders, the Jdistricts in Barcelona that are education or employment.” In Nou Barris, the separatist vote accept this control,” Forn said over the police competencies of Spanish state police has already nevertheless sharply divided over If it weren’t for the poster, in the 2015 elections reached just in a televised speech. the regional government,” Millo raided the regional government whether they want to stay in passers-by could be forgiven for 29.1 percent while parties against It was not immediately clear told reporters after an event offices, arrested temporarily sev- Spain or leave, as a banned inde- forgetting that Catalonia is in the independence won 53 percent. whether the regional adminis- held by his People’s Party (PP) eral senior Catalan officials pendence referendum looms in midst of a push for independence Over in Gracia, however, tration and the Mossos could in Palma de Mallorca, in East- accused of organising the refer- Catalonia. driven by its separatist leaders — things are radically different. A actually oppose the decision, as ern Spain. endum and seized ballot papers, The issue has the entire so few are the signs in this former summer village for Barce- Spanish laws allow for the pos- Millo also called on Catalan ballot boxes, voting lists and elec- northeastern region split roughly working-class district of Barce- lona’s elite, it is now one of the sibility of state police taking the leaders, including Forn, to stop toral material and literature. down the middle, with the most lona. Nou Barris is where many most fashionable districts. Along lead over the police of an auton- encouraging street protests and The finance ministry in recent poll commissioned by the immigrants from other parts of its pedestrian streets, separatist omous community during a joint demonstrations. Catalan news- Madrid has also taken control regional government in July find- Spain settled last century, and flags adorn houses as do “Yes” operation. paper La Vanguardia said the of regional finances to make ing that 49.4 percent of Catalans Spanish — not Catalan — domi- signs. Here, separatists won 60.5 The central government prosecutor’s order would remain sure public money is not being were against independence while nates conversations here. Spanish percent of the vote in 2015, the representative in Catalonia, in place until at least Oct. 1, when spent to pay for the logistics the 41.1 percent were in favour. flags fly from its high-rises, not highest score in Barcelona. Enric Millo, had earlier said the the vote is due to take place. vote or to campaign. Sheltered from the rain in his the yellow, red and blue separa- “I don’t understand that they Mossos remained in charge of The Mossos are one of the Between 3,000 and 4,000 flower stall in Nou Barris, Igna- tist banners often seen in other don’t want to go vote,” said security in Catalonia though symbols of Catalonia’s auton- police officers coming from cio Perez watches with parts of this wealthy, 7.5-million Soledat Farre, a 59-year-old who they would be “coordinated” omy and for many Catalans the other Spanish regions have annoyance as a bus passes bear- strong region. works in sporting events, as she directly by the interior ministry prosecutor’s decision may be already arrived in Catalonia or ing the slogan “Hello Republic”, Separatists secured an abso- prepared electoral information and not by the local authorities, reminiscent of the 1936-39 are on their way. They will join part of the “yes” campaign for the lute majority in the Catalan in an office of the Catalan together with two national Spanish Civil War and subse- 5,000 state police already based referendum on October 1 that parliament after regional elec- National Assembly (ANC), a pow- police forces also on the ground quent dictatorship of Francisco in the region and 17,000 local Madrid is trying to stop at all tions in 2015, though they got just erful pro-independence civil in Catalonia. “We are not taking Franco, when the Mossos were Mossos. costs. “That bothers me,” the 47.6 percent of the vote. Regional association.

Former Monaco justice minister Italy’s 5-Star names detained youthful new leader Nice AFP Rimini He won by a huge margin Reuters over seven rivals in an online he former justice min- vote of 5-Star’s members held ister of Monaco was taly’s anti-establishment on Thursday and Friday, Tdetained by police look- 5-Star Movement which is reflecting the movement’s ing into his relations with a Iriding high in opinion polls credo of internet-based direct Russian billionaire embroiled has named 31-year-old Luigi Di democracy. His election was in a long-running fraud dis- Maio to lead it into parliamen- considered a formality because pute with a Swiss art dealer. tary elections early next year, the other candidates were all An old Boeing 737 plane, the former “Landshut” aircraft of German airline Lufthansa, is being Philippe Narmino was which could see the maverick little-known figures, mostly brought in for questioning loaded on a flatbed truck for further transport after it landed onboard of an Antonov AN 124 party win national power. local councillors. after prosecutors opened an cargo plane at the airport in Friedrichshafen, southern Germany, yesterday. Di Maio, deputy speaker of Di Maio won 83 percent of inquiry into suspected influ- the chamber of deputies, is the the vote. The only people seen ence peddling, a source close party’s most prominent and as having any chance against to the case said. Narmino quit Last flight home for icon of popular politician and had been him decided not to run, open- his post earlier this month groomed for the leadership in ing the party up to accusations after French daily Le Monde recent years by 5-Star’s of failing to run a proper detailed his ties with Dmitry ‘German Autumn’ of terror founder, the 69-year-old come- contest. Rybolovlev, owner of the AS dian Beppe Grillo. Di Maio will now try to put Monaco football club. Boyish looking and usually that criticism behind him as he The paper noted that Freiburg city of Friedrichshafen, where which included seven refuelling immaculately turned out in suit gears up for a crucial period Narmino and his wife were AFP it was greeted by thousands at stops in Europe, the Middle East and tie, Di Maio presents a ahead of elections due by May treated with gifts and expen- a “Landshut — Welcome Home” and Africa, the cell’s leader, who moderate image in striking next year. sive dinners, and were guests orty years ago next month, ceremony. Foreign Minister Sig- called himself Captain Martyr contrast to Grillo, who is 5-Star has a narrow lead in at Rybolovlev’s Swiss chalet German anti-terror com- mar Gabriel, whose ministry Mahmud, shot dead the pilot, famous for his raucous tirades most opinion polls, which give in early 2015, just as the fraud Fmandos stormed a bought the gutted plane for the Juergen Schumann. The jet against Italy’s ruling elite. it around 28 percent of the vote, dispute erupted between Lufthansa jet in Somalia, shot bargain price of $24,000, has landed in Mogadishu on Octo- “You have given me an just ahead of the ruling Demo- Rybolovlev and Swiss dealer its Palestinian hijackers and called it “a living symbol of a ber 17, where Mahmud issued enormous responsibility ... I cratic Party. However, that Yves Bouvier. freed 90 hostages, a climax in a free society that refuses to give an ultimatum, threatening to set assure you I’ll carry it out with would not be enough to give it Bouvier was arrested in bloody era of far-left militancy. in to fear and terror”. off plastic explosives and dous- discipline and honour,” Di Maio a majority in parliament unless Monaco in February 2015, and The 1977 Mogadishu raid In the years since that dra- ing passengers in alcohol to told supporters yesterday at the it allies itself with another party, French news site Mediapart in became a symbol of the “Ger- matic night when gunshots accelerate the fire. party’s annual gathering in the something it has so far always August published extracts of man Autumn” when the state blasted through its cabin, the air- After nightfall, 30 German Adriatic coastal town of Rimini. refused to do. telephone calls between Rybo- was at war with the “urban craft kept flying — first for commandos landed, the plane’s “I promise I will form a govern- The right-wing Northern lovlev’s lawyer and Monaco guerrillas” of the Red Army Fac- Lufthansa, then for French, Indo- lights turned off. Operation ment team to be proud of for League and Silvio Berlusconi’s police officials, suggesting that tion (RAF), also known as the nesian and finally a Brazilian “Feuerzauber” (“magic fire”) the first time in our history.” conservative Forza Italia (Go he may have tipped off the Baader-Meinhof gang, and their airline, which in 2008 retired it was the first mission of the new Grillo, who has so far acted Italy!) each have around 14 to police to Bouvier’s arrival in the international allies. on the jungle’s edge. Now the GSG 9 unit. While German offi- as 5-Star’s de facto chief, is now 15 percent. principality. Yesterday, the storied old plane, weathered by tropical sun cials played for time, the special expected to gradually withdraw 5-Star, founded by Grillo as “The accusations against Boeing 737 “Landshut”, having and rain, will find a new home in unit approached the plane’s rear from the limelight. “I will a protest movement nine years me and the repeated attacks quietly rusted away in Brazil for Germany’s Dornier aerospace blind spot from behind sand always be like a dad for all of ago, bases its appeal mainly on sustained by the judiciary no almost a decade, finally came museum near Lake Constance. dunes, then climbed blackened you but I am old,” he told the a campaign against corruption longer allow me to properly home, destined to serve as a On October 13, four militants ladders to its doors and escape gathering on Friday. and vested interests in Italy. assure leadership,” Narmino memorial to that turbulent era. of the RAF-allied Popular Front hatches. Di Maio has taken tough Its policies include the said. Rybolovlev had once Broken up into its fuselage for the Liberation of Palestine The commandos stormed in stances on law-and-order and introduction of universal been one of Bouvier’s biggest and wings, it was flown aboard hijacked Mallorca-Frankfurt and riddled all four hijackers immigration and is widely seen income support for the poor, clients, buying a total of 37 two giant Russian transport flight LH 181, demanding the with bullets. The 82 passengers, on the right of the party which green energy and increasing the masterpieces worth $2.4bn planes from Fortaleza via Cape release of 11 RAF members. four remaining crew and the says traditional left-right labels budget deficit to fund invest- over a decade. Verde to the southern German During a five-day odyssey commandos all survived. have no meaning. ments in infrastructure. SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2017 EUROPE 17 Merkel reaches out to undecided German voters Berlin Elections today Mainstream parties have Reuters ruled out governing with the AfD. Merkel is widely It has come under increased erman Chancellor expected to cruise to scrutiny in recent weeks after its Angela Merkel, re-election with the top candidate Alexander Gauland poised to win a Schulz’s Social said the German integration min- fourth term in today’s Democrats trailing by ister should be dumped in her election, and her double digits but the parents’ homeland of Turkey, Gcentre-left challenger Martin and that Germans should be far-right Alternative Schulz urged supporters yester- for Germany (AfD) proud of what their military did day to keep fighting for votes in World War One and Two. could emerge as the with a third of the electorate still Jewish and Muslim groups third largest party, undecided. say the AfD’s rhetoric has opened Merkel is widely expected to complicating the the door to more hate speech and cruise to re-election with the outlook for her next anti-Semitism. Josef Schuster, Schulz’s Social Democrats trail- coalition. president of the Central Council ing by double digits but the of Jews in Germany, said he far-right Alternative for Ger- Schulz vowed to feared the AfD’s entry into par- many (AfD) could emerge as the push for further liament would change the public third largest party, complicating reforms, including tone in Germany. “I worry that the outlook for her next better elderly care the AfD will aggressively deepen coalition. facilities, affordable divisions in our country,” he said. A new INSA poll published housing, an end to The AfD, which has already by Bild newspaper showed slid- discriminatory won seats in 13 of 16 state legis- ing support for Merkel’s practices that harm latures in Germany, has promised conservatives, who dropped two children of migrants, to re-energise debate in the fed- percentage points to 34 percent, and free child care. eral parliament after four years and the SPD, down one point to German Chancellor Angela Merkel poses with members of her election campaign team at her of what it calls “boring” rule by 21 percent - both now joined in conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party’s #fedidwgugl Haus walk-in manifesto Merkel’s grand coalition. an unwieldy “grand coalition”. people today. Many are still in Berlin yesterday. AfD executive board mem- The anti-immigrant AfD, undecided,” Merkel said before ber Georg Pazderski said the meanwhile, rose two percentage heading north to her home defended her 2015 decision to SPD overcame resistance from Internet provider t-online.de the party was seeing a huge increase points to 13 percent, cementing constituency. admit about one million asylum conservatives in their coalition government would combat in support. “People are no longer its bid to be the first far-right In Greifswald, she led a seekers on humanitarian to push through a minimum “Islamist terrorism” by strength- ashamed to come to the AfD and party to enter parliament since crowd in practicing CPR as loud- grounds, but pledged to prevent wage, same-sex marriage and ening European borders and to identify with the AfD.” the end of World War Two. speakers blared the Bee Gees a repeat of that crisis. other social priorities. Schulz bolstering security at home. He Electoral arithmetic might Merkel urged supporters to song “Stayin’ Alive”. “I should be In the western city of Aachen, asserted that Merkel was “a criticised the AfD as “a wolf in yet nudge Merkel to renew her drum up votes by focusing on in better shape, with the inter- Schulz pledged to fight for every world champion in not deciding,” sheep’s clothing” and said Ger- coalition with the SPD, or she conservatives’ efforts on behalf national media here, but I’ll give vote until polls close at 6pm someone who simply parroted many’s BfV domestic intelligence might opt for a three-way alli- of families, a pledge to avoid tax it a try,” a smiling Merkel told the today. He said high voter turn- others’ ideas. agency was studying “whether ance with the pro-business Free increases and emphasis on crowd. out was vital to offset growing He vowed to push for further right-wing extremists are seizing Democrats (FDP) and environ- increasing security in Germany. First elected in 2005, Merkel support for the AfD, whom he reforms, including better elderly power and exerting influence on mental Greens. The Christian Democratic leader remains popular in Germany but described as “a party of haters”. care facilities, affordable hous- the party”. The AfD was founded FDP Chief Christian Lindner also lauded the role of the Euro- has regularly faced jeers and “Young people, think about ing, an end to discriminatory in 2013 with the original goal of told a rally in Duesseldorf his pean Union in providing stability whistles from left- and right- Brexit. Think about Trump,” he practices that harm children of opposing large bailouts of finan- party hoped to be the third big- in “a troubled world”. “We want wing demonstrators during said. “Go vote. Take this right to migrants, and free child care. cially strapped euro zone gest force in parliament, but to boost your motivation so that rallies during this campaign. vote seriously, and use it.” Merkel’s interior minister, countries but from 2015 shifted would only govern if its demands we can still reach many, many In Munich on Friday, Merkel Schulz said the Thomas de Maiziere, told its focus to immigration. and conditions were met. French left stages street showdown Lithuania gets minority govt as junior partner leaves Paris AFP Vilnius “All preconditions are in ens of thousands of dem- Reuters place for our government to onstrators rallied to a call continue until the next general Tyesterday by firebrand ithuania’s government lost election in 2020,” Saulius leftist politician Jean-Luc Melen- its majority in parliament Skvernelis, prime minister since chon to join a protest in Paris Lyesterday after its junior November 2016, said. “The against President Emmanuel coalition partner quit, saying Social Democrats took a short- Macron’s sweeping reforms of they has been sidelined over sighted and suicidal decision,” the labour code. policies ranging from alcohol he added. Lithuania’s Foreign Melenchon was leading the age limits to subsidies on cen- Minister Linas Linkevicius, a march through the streets of the tral heating. Social Democrat, said he will French capital on a bright sunny A parliament vote on next leave his party to continue in afternoon, with the crowd shout- year’s budget, expected by early the government. ing “resistance, resitance” and December, will be the first test At least one of the two other no to “a social coup d’etat”. for the minority government Social Democrat appointees It marks the third in a series following the departure of the will leave the 15-member gov- of nationwide protests comes a Social Democrats after less than ernment, said Social Democrat day after Macron signed his a year in power. The govern- chairman Gintautas Paluckas, landmark reforms into law using ment will need to convince elected in April this year on a a fast-tracked procedure that opposition parties to support it reform mandate. avoided a lengthy parliamentary on a case-by-case basis. The “Relationships within the debate. Lithuanian Farmers and Greens coalition were bad, our opin- The changes to the labour Union, the sole party remain- ions differed on almost all code, which runs to around Protestors march during a “France Insoumise” (France Unbowed) party’s demonstration ing in power, have a block of 57 major issues and, since Farm- 3,400 pages in some editions, against the government’s labour reforms in Paris yesterday. members in Lithuania’s 141-seat ers and Greens looked for give small businesses more flex- parliament. votes elsewhere, we had scant ibility to negotiate pay and trist is a closet right-winger. who placed fourth in this year’s of French voters are satisfied The country, once ruled possibilities to shape its poli- conditions with their staff, “France has never had so presidential election, cast it as with his performance. from Moscow but now a mem- tics,” he said. instead of being bound by many billionaires and million- an attack “on the last country in His characterisation of ber of both the European Union The Social Democrats, which national agreements. aires. Why is it always the Europe that is holding out on its opponents of the labour and Nato, is rebuilding its mil- have held power for long They also make it easier to workers who have to tighten post-war social gains”. “The bat- changes as “slackers” has itary in the face of an assertive stretches since Lithuanian inde- lay off employees and cap com- their belts?”, demanded Lous tle of France has begun,” he said become a rallying cry, with Russia but has found develop- pendence, have been looking for pensation awards for unfair Bousquet, 33, unemployed and on Thursday. protesters coining slogans such ment hampered by emigration a way to reconnect with the vot- dismissal while also giving sporting a Mao cap. The measures chip into as “Slackers of the world, and raising wages, eating away ers after finishing a distant third higher payouts to workers made France’s youngest ever pres- worker protections that have unite!” Macron insists he has a at competitiveness. in the 2016 general election. redundant. ident has vowed not to be long been sacrosanct in France, mandate for change after his Macron argues the changes swayed. “I believe in democracy frustrating reform-minded gov- presidential win in May and his — the cornerstone of his pro- but democracy is not the street,” ernments whether on the left or party’s thumping parliamen- gramme aimed at boosting the 39-year-old told CNN tele- the right. Three months of nego- tary victory in June entrepreneurship — will help vision last week. Yesterday’s tiations with union leaders “Emmanuel Macron sees the Russia opens criminal case over bring down stubbornly high march will test continuing resist- produced a split between those election as a blank cheque to do unemployment of 9.6 percent. ance to the measures. willing to compromise — includ- what he wants...He has an arson attack linked to film Melenchon’s hard-left France On Thursday, some 132,000 ing the largest private-sector authoritarian approach to Unbowed party has accused people demonstrated across union, the CFDT — and those power,” David Guiraud, France MOSCOW: Russian police said yesterday that they had opened a Macron of unravelling decades France, around half as many as determined to fight the reforms, Unbowed’s 24-year-old spokes- criminal case following a series of violent arson protests over a film of hard-won social gains. protested a week earlier. led by the country’s largest man on youth issues, said. about the country’s last tsar. The film, “Matilda”, is by award-win- Zabou Hervieu, 48, came by Addressing reporters at the union, the militant CGT. Public opinion is divided, ning director Alexei Uchitel and tells the story of a love affair between coach from Brittany to the dem- Elysee Palace after signing five The resistance has, however, according to a recent BVA poll, Russia’s last tsar, Nicholas II, and half-Polish ballerina Matilda Ksh- onstration. “I am here for my executive orders before televi- been weaker than that faced by with most respondents saying esinskaya, who described the relationship in her memoirs. daughter. She’s 10. Will there still sion cameras Macron boasted Macron’s Socialist predecessor they think the reform will boost “Matilda” is to be released internationally in late October despite be real jobs with good salaries that he had implemented his Francois Hollande last year over France’s competitiveness but protests from religious conservatives who are offended by what when she’s grown?”, he said, campaign pledge to shake up his changes to the labour code, fail to improve conditions for they believe is its disrespectful depiction of a man the Russian leaning on a walking stick due labour relations “in record time”. which sparked months of some- workers. Philippe Braud, pro- Orthodox Church regards as a martyr. to back and knee problems. The move to give bosses and times violent protests. fessor emeritus at Paris’s Some cinemas have said they will not be showing the film The left has also come out workers more freedom to nego- The new reform comes as Sciences Po university, said he because of threats they received. “A criminal case has been opened swinging against Macron’s plans tiate was “unprecedented” in former investment banker believed popularity was not a in connection with the fact (the cinemas) were forced not to show to cut housing subsidies and French post-war history, he said. Macron’s approval ratings concern for Macron. “He knows the film under the threat of violence against the spectators and reduce the scope of a wealth tax, Melenchon, a veteran plunge, with recent polls show- he won’t be defeated in the causing of harm and damage to the cinemas’ owners”, the police claiming it as proof that the cen- 66-year-old political showman ing that only around 40 percent street,” Braud said. said in statement, not naming the film or those detained or charged. 18 AMERICAS SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2017 McCain opposes Obamacare repeal bill

Washington afford to lose many votes on the not been the case,” he said. of the states that opted to expand These states are home to Reuters bill. They are also on a tight McCain, who cast his “no” Medicaid under Obamacare were Republican senators who are Republicans have timetable. vote in July just days after being Democratic-leaning. under pressure on healthcare. S Senator John only a narrow McConnell has been trying diagnosed with an aggressive A Washington Post-ABC Both of Alaska’s Republican sen- McCain said late on Senate majority to schedule a vote on the bill by brain cancer, said he could not News opinion poll said Ameri- ators, Lisa Murkowski and Dan Friday that he September 30, the last day on support the bill without know- cans prefer Obamacare to the Sullivan, are still on the fence opposes the latest and cannot afford which the bill could pass with ing how much it would cost, how Graham-Cassidy alternative by over Graham-Cassidy. Republican bill to to lose many votes only a simple majority of 51 votes it would affect insurance premi- 56 percent to 33 percent. Gra- The CMS had no immediate Udismantle Obamacare, dealing in the Senate. A vote taken any ums and “how many people will ham said in a statement he was comment on the Axios report. the measure what could be a on the bill. They later than that would have to be helped or hurt by it,” infor- not giving up. “We press on,” he Besides McCain, Kentucky’s fatal blow given the party’s slim are also on a tight garner at least 60 votes for pas- mation that will not be available said. Shares of health insurers Rand Paul is the only other Senate majority. sage. Weeks after the humiliating until the non-partisan Congres- turned up after McCain Republican senator who has With several other Republi- timetable. defeat in July, when the sional Budget Office provides a announced his oppositions. Cen- publicly said he opposes the cans still undecided on the Obamacare repeal fight seemed full assessment at the end of tene ended 1.6 percent higher bill. Maine’s Susan Collins said measure, Senate Majority Leader to be over, the current bill was September. while Humana closed up 0.2 per- she was leaning against the bill, Mitch McConnell said earlier this 2016. Democrats have fiercely introduced by Republican Sen- The Graham-Cassidy bill cent, reversing earlier losses. the Portland Press-Herald week he intended to bring it to defended it. ators Bill Cassidy and Lindsey would take federal money spent State-by-state impacts from newspaper reported on Friday. the Senate floor for a vote next The announcement by Graham, a close friend of on the Medicaid program for the Graham-Cassidy would vary, the Kansas’ Jerry Moran is also week, though he did not prom- McCain, a Republican who has McCain’s, and seemed to gain poor and disabled, as well as Axios news website reported on undecided. ise to do so. often been at odds with Trump momentum. subsidies to help Americans buy Friday, citing a study by the No Democrats support the A vote would set the stage for and who cast a crucial “no” vote But McCain laid out his oppo- private insurance, and divvy it Centers for Medicare and Med- bill. To pass Graham-Cassidy, the another dramatic Capitol Hill in July that helped defeat an ear- sition in a statement: “I cannot up to the states in block grants. icaid Services (CMS), the unit of Republicans need at least 50 decision on the 2010 law that lier Republican repeal bill, had in good conscience vote for the Advocates say that would give the Department of Health and votes in the 100-seat Senate, brought health insurance to mil- the potential to up-end McCon- Graham-Cassidy proposal.” He states more discretion to man- Human Services that oversees which they control 52-48, with lions of Americans and became nell’s plans. McConnell’s office said he took no pleasure in age their own healthcare Medicaid and the Obamacare Vice President Mike Pence cast- former Democratic President did not immediately respond to announcing his opposition and schemes. programme. ing a potential tie-breaking vote. Barack Obama’s signature requests for comment. noted that the bill’s authors “are Although the CBO has not yet The CMS study found that by The insurance industry, domestic achievement. At a rally in Alabama, Trump my dear friends”. fully assessed the bill’s effects, 2026, Alaska would lose 38 per- hospitals, medical advocacy For seven years, Republicans said McCain’s decision was McCain complained about independent analyses indicate it cent of its federal funding for groups such as the American have hammered Obamacare as “totally unexpected, terrible”. the rushed process Republicans would fundamentally redistrib- insurance subsidies and Medic- Medical Association, American an unwarranted government Despite the setback, Trump said: used to push the bill forward. He ute federal healthcare money, aid; Arizona would lose 9 Heart Association and Ameri- intrusion into American health- “We still have a chance. We’re said he would consider support- generally with Republican-lean- percent; Maine would gain 44 can Cancer Society, the AARP care. President Donald Trump going to do it eventually.” ing a bill like it if it had emerged ing states benefiting and percent; Ohio would lose 18 per- advocacy group for the elderly made repealing Obamacare one Republicans have only a nar- from extensive hearings, debate Democratic-leaning states los- cent; and West Virginia would and consumer activists oppose of his top campaign promises in row Senate majority and cannot and amendment. “But that has ing, largely because a majority lose 23 percent, Axios reported. the bill.

Cuba urges US not to politicise Spelunker rescued after allegations 60 hours locked in cave Texas University officials did of diplomats Reuters not immediately return mes- sages seeking comment. United nations/Havana 19-year-old Indiana According to the Indiana Reuters University student was Daily Student university Agrateful to be alive after newspaper, leaders of the uba urged the United he was left behind by a college school’s Caving Club would States on Friday to spelunking club and spent not comment on how Cavar Ccooperate with its nearly three days locked in a became separated from the investigation into incidents cave without food or drinking group. that the US says have harmed water. When Cavar reached the its diplomats in Havana and “I managed to get some cave’s gated entrance he not to politicise the matter, water from the cave walls, by found it padlocked. He yelled days after Washington said it basically licking the moisture for hours, trying to attract the was considering closing its off the wall,” Lukas Cavar attention of people on a Cuban embassy. said in a telephone interview nearby road. His cellphone In an address to the United on Friday. Cavar was on a could not get a signal. After a Nations General Assembly, beginner’s field trip to a cave while, Cavar said people Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno south of the university’s main began to notice he was miss- Rodriguez said the top level of campus in Bloomington, Indi- ing, including the person with the government in Havana had ana. He said he was separated whom he shared a ride to the ordered an investigation into from his group on Sunday cave and they organized a the mysterious matter, which and found nearly three days search. A car submerged in flood waters is seen close to the dam of the Guajataca lake after the threatens the fragile detente later, curled in a ball and By Tuesday night, Cavar’s area was hit by Hurricane Maria in Guajataca, Puerto Rico, yesterday. between the old Cold War foes. sleeping by the cave’s locked parents had called the uni- However, a Cuban gov- entrance. versity and reported their son ernment source told Reuters “My biggest worry was missing. A few hours later, a Dam fails in Puerto Rico; that the United States had not making it out alive,” leader of the Caving Club res- provided no evidence of the Cavar said. “I was afraid I cued him, the university harm, including hearing loss, would never see my friends newspaper said. dizziness and nausea, that it or family again.” He had a Cavar did not seek med- 70,000 told to evacuate says US diplomats and their headlamp and there was ical treatment and returned relatives based in Havana some sunlight in the cave. to his dormitory room. “The have suffered. Cavar passed time by search- first thing I wanted to do was San Juan conduit, washing away huge So far, at least 33 people Cuban doctors had also ing for water, talking to eat and drink and put on AFP chunks of soil from the grassy have been confirmed dead as a not been allowed to examine himself and sleeping. some warm clothes,” he said. green slopes of the dam. result of Hurricane Maria, anyone, the source said. “The ome 70,000 people have Early yesterday, the NWS including 15 in Dominica, three investigation to clarify this been ordered to evacuate extended the warning to the west- in Haiti and two in Guadeloupe. issue continues, and in order Stheir homes after a rain- ern Quebradillas and eastern After speaking with Puerto to be able to arrive to a con- swollen dam in Puerto Rico Isabela areas, home to another Rico’s governor on Thursday clusion, it will be crucial to US sees value in New START failed in the latest disaster 8,000 people. Puerto Rico was night, US President Donald count on the cooperation of caused by Hurricane Maria, already battling dangerous floods Trump promised to speed up the US authorities,” Rodriguez arms control treaty with Russia which was expected to head into after Hurricane Maria hit early on relief efforts. told the UN. “It would be open waters. Wednesday, devastating the Car- Of the 13 victims, eight died unfortunate if a matter of this Washington President Donald Trump, in his With the storm death toll ibbean island. in the northern town of Toa nature is politicized,” said Reuters first call with Russian President standing at 33 across the Carib- Rossello has called Maria the Baja, one of the worst-hit areas Rodriguez. Cuba has denied Vladimir Putin, criticized the bean, Puerto Rico’s National most devastating storm in a cen- which was ravaged by winds any involvement in the affair. he United States sees value New START treaty, saying it Weather Service issued a flash tury after it destroyed the US of more than 125 miles per US Senator Marco Rubio in the New START arms favored Moscow. But one of the flood warning for people living territory’s electricity and tele- hour (200km per hour) and of Florida was among five Tcontrol treaty with Russia, Trump administration officials along the Guajataca River in the communications infrastructure. then hit by flooding when the Republican senators that a despite Washington’s concerns said the US was not looking to northwest of the island, saying So far, a preliminary assessment island’s largest river, La Plata, week ago called for US Pres- about Moscow’s track record on discard New START. Senior US an earthen dam there was in said 13 people had died as a burst its banks. ident Donald Trump to arms control and other issues, officials, including US Defence Sec- danger of collapsing. result of the storm, he told CNN. Many residents did not retaliate against Cuba by senior US officials said. retary Jim Mattis, have questioned “All Areas surrounding the “Right now our efforts are to evacuate on time, while others expelling its diplomats and The remarks by the Trump Russia’s reliability on arms con- Guajataca River should evacu- make sure we have everybody say they never heard the warn- possibly shuttering the US administration officials suggest trol, citing longstanding US ate NOW. Their lives are in safe, that we can rescue people. ing sirens. Others could be seen embassy in Havana. the treaty will remain in force allegations that Russia has violated DANGER!,” the NWS tweeted on Our efforts have already pro- returning home after several Rubio helped forge and the door remains open to the Cold War-era Intermediate- Friday, saying flooding had duced almost 700 rescues so days away to begin the arduous Trump’s new Cuba policy, pursuing an extension of the range Nuclear Forces Treaty. already begun downstream. we’re clearly focused on that.” process of clearing their homes rolling back parts of the accord, which is set to expire in Russia denies treaty viola- Governor Ricardo Rossello also In its latest update at 0900 of the heavy mud left by the detente achieved under Dem- 2021. The New Strategic Arms tions and accuses the United issued an order for 70,000 peo- GMT, the US National Hurricane floodwaters in order to start the ocratic former President Reduction Treaty gives both States of them. The accusations ple living in the area to flee. Center said Maria was tilting process of rebuilding. Barack Obama and taking a countries until February 2018 come amid a nosedive in US- Public safety chief Hector toward the western Atlantic and Marisol Rosario, a 55-year- harder line on the Commu- to reduce their deployed stra- Russian relations. US intelligence Pesquera said a drain which nor- away from the Bahamas, where old housewife who fled with her nist-run island. tegic nuclear warheads to no agencies accuse Russia of med- mally releases water from the storm warnings were discontin- husband, said the violent winds Cuba’s state-run media more than 1,550, the lowest dling in the US presidential dam in a controlled fashion had ued. It was a welcome reprieve forced her to flee without taking this week said the only party level in decades. It also limits election, which Moscow denies, stopped working, the El Vocero for the archipelago that had their dog. “I thought I would find interested in a deterioration deployed land- and submarine- and recent tit-for-tat exchanges daily reported. Footage from already been badly battered by him dead, but he managed to in relations were a small based missiles and between Washington and Mos- WeatherNation TV showed water Hurricane Irma earlier this climb on top of the furniture and group of Republicans led by nuclear-capable bombers. cow include moves to slash each gushing down a ramp-style month. survive,” she said tearfully. Rubio. Reuters has reported that others’ diplomatic presence. SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2017 AMERICAS 19

People gather on a street after a tremor was felt in Mexico City yesterday. RIGHT: Mexican and International rescue teams remove a platform as they search for survivors in a collapsed building after an earthquake at Roma neighbourhood in Mexico City. Latest Mexico quake spreads alarm

Mexico City Quake toll rises “We hear that there are pos- the alarm sounded yesterday. some 20,000 badly damaged Mexican volunteers, profes- Reuters sibly more people alive, but the Near a collapsed office build- homes in the adjacent states of sionals and soldiers backed by The United States clock is ticking and they are ing in the trendy Roma district, the Morelos and Puebla. RMS, a risk teams from countries as far away magnitude 6.2 earth- Geological Survey said injured and dehydrated,” said earthquake alarm sounded twice modeling company, estimated as Japan have so far saved 60 quake that shook the new quake was Jose Juan Sanchez, 28, a crane and people gathered in the street economic losses of $4bn to $8bn. people from the rubble but southern Mexico yes- relatively shallow with operator who had been helping for about five minutes, but calm After several days of search- nobody has been found alive in terday spread fear in an epicenter near to clear rubble. “It’s frustrating prevailed and normal activity ing, rescuers have been finding the past 24 hours. the capital and frus- Juchitan, a tropical not being able to do anything.” resumed in about five minutes. more corpses than survivors, and Tuesday’s quake hit on the tratedA rescuers, some of whom region of Oaxaca state At other sites, soldiers and When Tuesday’s 7.1 magni- frustration was mounting at what anniversary of the deadly 1985 were forced to suspend the hard hit by another volunteers continued efforts to tude quake hit, Mexico was some said was bad organization tremor that by some estimates search for survivors of an ear- major earthquake on reach quake victims even after already reeling from the Septem- at rescue sites and uneven deliv- killed 10,000 people. A govern- lier, bigger tremor. September 7. seismic alarms rang out in the ber 7 earthquake that killed at ery of food aid. ment response panned as lacking The United States Geological city, sending thousands of star- least 98 people and was the “Whoever you ask will tell at the time severely damaged the Survey said the new quake was At least 305 people tled residents running out onto strongest in the country in 85 you the same thing, it is bloody credibility of the ruling Institu- relatively shallow with an epi- died in the quake on the streets, many in pajamas, years. At least 52 buildings were outrageous that the government tional Revolutionary Party. center near Juchitan, a tropical Tuesday. Rescue shortly before 8am (1300 GMT). brought to the ground by Tues- is not helping,” said rescue vol- Mexico is better prepared to region of Oaxaca state hard hit workers in brightly In Oaxaca, another smaller day’s earthquake and an army unteer Angel Castellanos, 35, deal with the aftermath of earth- by another major earthquake on coloured hard hats earthquake was felt at 8:24am of trained rescuers and scores of adding that local authorities in quakes nowadays, helped by September 7. stood around awaiting (1324 GMT). President Enrique volunteers have been frantically Tlalpan had only sent police as disaster planning, civic groups, In Mexico City, where the further instructions. Pena Nieto said a bridge near removing rubble in a day-and- security to the site. The govern- a stringent building code and tremors were mild, no new dam- Juchitan collapsed along with night search for survivors. ment has organized a massive communication technology. age was reported. But rescue Tuesday’s quake would collapse. other infrastructure weakened Apartment buildings, offices, search and rescue operation Despite the shrinking odds that efforts at a collapsed residential At least 305 people died in the by the earlier tremors. a school and a textile factory involving thousands of soldiers more survivors would be pulled building in the Tlalpan neigh- quake on Tuesday. Rescue work- In a Mexico City shelter were among the structures flat- and police, but in outlying areas out from huge piles of debris, bourhood of Mexico City were ers in brightly coloured hard hats housing those who have lost their tened, leaving thousands of the city and surrounding vil- workers at many sites said they suspended because of a risk that stood around awaiting further homes in the quakes, people homeless. lages, victims complain that help would not give up if there was buildings already damaged by instructions. stood in a circle and prayed after Officials said there could be has been slow to arrive. the faintest chance of success.

Ohio, California among states targeted Gunman in NEWS BYTES California by Russian hackers in 2016 race salon massacre FARC pays tribute to feared former guerrilla leader Washington “Russian government cyber states of attempts to enter elec- jailed for life Reuters actors” targeted state voter reg- tion systems “just as any BOGOTA: The remains of a feared ex-guerrilla chief killed istration systems. homeowner would expect the Los Angeles in a bombing raid seven years ago were laid to rest in Colom- isconsin, Ohio, Cali- Homeland Security officials alarm company to inform them AFP bia late on Friday, with tributes led by the new Common fornia and 10 other have said that in most of the 21 of all break-in attempts, even if Alternative Revolutionary Force (FARC) political party. Jorge Wstates said on Friday states only preliminary activity the burglar doesn’t actually get gunman who massacred “Mono Jojoy” Briceno — real name Victor Julio Suarez Rojas that they were among 21 states was observed from hackers and inside the house.” eight people at a packed — died in an attack ordered by Colombian President Juan that Russian government hack- a small number of networks were Colorado Secretary of State Ahair salon in a small Cal- Manuel Santos in 2010 against the rebel army then also known ers targeted in an effort to sway compromised. Some states had Wayne Williams said DHS told ifornia beach town six years as the FARC. Briceno, branded the “symbol of terror” by San- the 2016 presidential election in complained in June they had no it that its systems were scanned ago was sentenced late on Fri- tos, had 62 arrest warrants for murder, kidnapping and favour of Donald Trump though idea if Russians had attempted to in the weeks before the 2016 day to life without parole. terrorism in Colombia. He was also wanted in the United no votes were changed. infiltrate their systems. election. “A scan is similar to Scott Dekraai opened fire States for drug trafficking and kidnapping. The ceremony — The Department of Home- California Secretary of State burglars jiggling the doors of a at the Salon Meritage in Seal attended by around 200 people — took place in south Bogota, land Security confirmed it had Alex Padilla said on Friday that house and moving on when they Beach, south of Los Angeles, where his remains were taken to a family grave. The FARC notified the states of the activ- hackers had scanned state elec- realize the doors are locked,” the in October 2011, killing ex- party, launched by former guerrillas in early September fol- ity but declined to identify them. tion systems but not breached the state said. wife Michelle and her friend, lowing a peace agreement reached with the government last Russia has denied election med- system. “It is completely unac- Washington state’s top elec- who had testified against him year, invited guests to “pay a tribute to the defender of the dling, and President Trump has ceptable that it has taken DHS tion official, Kim Wyman, said at a custody hearing, as well humble”. “In your name, I also ask for forgiveness from denied any collusion with over a year to inform our office the state learned in 2016 of as six others. Colombia for the war. Never again will we allow ourselves Russia. of Russian scanning of our sys- attempted intrusions from Rus- Superior Court Judge to take the road of violence,” Jorge Ernesto Suarez, Briceno’s Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, tems, despite our repeated sian internet addresses and Thomas Goethals handed the son, said during the event. “We are not celebrating. We are Connecticut, Florida, Minnesota, requests for information,” he said. immediately alerted the Federal 47-year-old eight consecu- commemorating the life of someone, initiating a road towards Texas and Washington state also Homeland Security spokes- Bureau of Investigation. tive life sentences — one for to reconciliation from several perspectives,” Suarez said. But confirmed they were targeted man Scott McConnell said in a The list of targets includes each victim — describing him the event was criticized by politicians, with Defense Minis- by Russian hackers but said they statement the government battleground states like Wiscon- as the “face of evil” in the ter Juan Carlos Pinzon calling it a “justification of crime”. were not successful. Arizona and believes “officials should be kept sin, Ohio and Iowa, but other community. While it was taking place, the UN’s mission in Colombia was Illinois confirmed last year that informed about cybersecurity key states like Michigan said Fri- Dekraai was facing exe- working to destroy the last arms handed over by 7,000 ex- they were targets. risks to election infrastructure” day they were told they were not cution but Goethals removed FARC guerrillas as part of the peace agreement. The Associated Press con- but also wants to protect “the targeted. It also included states capital punishment as an firmed Iowa, Maryland, North integrity of investigations and that were not seriously con- option following allegations Venezuela slams Canada sanctions Dakota, Pennsylvania, Dela- the confidentiality of system tested like California and Texas. over the misuse of informants ware, Oregon, Oklahoma and owners.” Wisconsin was one of a in the county jail system. CARACAS: Venezuela’s government criticized Canada’s Fri- Virginia were also targets, bring- US intelligence agencies handful of battleground Mid- During an emotional sen- day announcement of targeted sanctions against 40 of its ing the total states identified to have concluded the Kremlin western states that helped tencing hearing, relatives of senior officials, accusing Ottawa of “submission” to US Pres- 21. Those states did not imme- orchestrated an operation that Trump win the presidency over Dekraai’s victims repeatedly ident Donald Trump in a bid to overthrow the South American diately return messages seeking included hacking and online Democratic rival Hillary Clin- lashed out and insulted the country’s leftist administration. Canada’s move, which fol- comment late Friday. propaganda intended to help ton. Trump carried the state by bespectacled defendant. lowed a similar decision by the United States, came after “There remains no evidence Trump win, Reuters reported in 22,748 votes, or about 0.8 of a Given a chance to speak, months of protests against President Nicolas Maduro’s gov- that the Russians altered one August. percentage point. Many of the Dekraai said he wished he ernment. At least 125 people were killed in the demonstrations. vote or changed one registra- Senator Mark Warner, a Vir- other states were not seriously could “turn back the hands of Critics say Maduro has plunged the nation into its worst eco- tion,” said Judd Choate, ginia Democrat who co-chairs in contention in the 2016 race. time” and claimed that he had nomic crisis ever and brought it to the brink of dictatorship. president of the US National the Senate Cybersecurity Cau- Several congressional com- been “waiting a long time to Maduro says he was facing a US-backed “armed insurrec- Association of State Election cus, said Friday in a statement mittees are investigating and apologise”. He also apolo- tion” seeking to foment a coup. Canada’s measures include Directors. it is “unacceptable that it took special counsel Robert Mueller gized to his son “as a father freezing the assets of the officials and banning Canadians Wisconsin Elections Com- almost a year after the election is leading a separate probe into and as a role model... I was from having any dealings with them. Caracas late on Friday mission Administrator Michael to notify states that their elec- the Russia matter, including wrong for what I did. I’m night decried the sanctions as a sign of external meddling Haas said Homeland Security tions systems were targeted.” whether Moscow colluded with totally to blame for my total and an attempt to churn up turmoil in Venezuela. told the states that He said officials must inform the Trump campaign. loss of self-control.” 20 HOME SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2017

PRAYER TIMINGS

FAJR 04.06 am VCUarts marks 2 decades of excellence SHOROOK 05.23 am Fazeena Saleem really acknowledge the suc- ZUHR 11.26 am MAGHRIB 05.29pm The Peninsula cess of a university is through ASR 02.52 pm ISHA 06.59 pm the alumni. Many people irginia Common- know that students come, they wealth University get a degree, what do they do WEATHER TODAY School of the Arts after that is mostly unknown. in Qatar (VCUarts Alumni are the true testimony o o Qatar), the first to the larger community; so campusV in Education City, is part of our success relies on 30 C 38 C marking its 20th anniversary, the alumni. They carry the Minimum Maximum by showcasing diversity and legacy, from one generation success of their alumni to another. That’s why we through an outstanding focused on the alumni.” exhibition. Since, 1998, VCUarts The exhibition 20/20/20 Qatar has produced 650 is being held at the VCUarts alumni. The 20/20/20 exhibi- Qatar Gallery until October 21, tion is a sample of the fruitful with artworks of 20 alumni achievements of 20 VCUarts demonstrating their talents as alumni in a spectrum of multi- Dr. Akel I Kahera (left), Dean of VCUarts Qatar, at the 20/20/20 exhibition being held in a testimony of success. disciplinary creations. 20/20/20, is curated by Among the exhibits, celebration of two decades of Art and Design Excellence at VCUarts Qatar. VCUarts Qatar alumni Mar- ‘Hmmm…’ is a creation of Pic: Kammutty VP / The Peninsula yam Yousuf Al Homaid and Hana Al Saadi. A sculpture of Ahmad Oustwani. a ballerina wearing an abaya effect of the environment on experiment aeries using VCUarts Qatar. Giving a “The exhibition highlights arises questions about the the variable where it Islamic pattern design. Each glimpse of the future events, the success we have achieved objectification of women for expresses that whatever your pattern constellation is Dr. Kahera said, “ We will in the last 20 years,” Dr. Akel the viewer. This is an exten- background is, the environ- colored using one color pal- have programmes that will I. Kahera, VCUarts Qatar Dean sion of her previous work ment around you is what will ette and replicated in different invite the public, programs told media speaking on side- done to have a deeper under- define you as a person, and variations, which highlights that will chronicle our suc- lines of the exhibition. standing of the society. will have a major influence on the effect of color and balance cess, programs that will Emphasising on the rea- ‘Genetics-DNA’ the art your identity. in each composition. educate, will celebrate and sons for choosing an work by Maryam Faraj Daham Sahar Mari’s ‘experiment 20/20/20 is the first of a acknowledge, and capture the exhibition by the alumni he Al Suwaidi, is a brief descrip- 1208 (yellow, orange, magenta slew of events to be held to history of the school here in said, “One of the ways to tion where it shows clearly the and blue) are part of a color mark the 20th anniversary of Qatar.”

Hazy to misty at places at first becomes hot daytime with chance of local clouds and hu- Toyota enhances THUMS mid by night. Research funding is essential software for safer vehicles HIGH TIDE 07:30 – 19:00 LOW TIDE 01:00 – 13:30 to improve lives: Expert The Peninsula (138cm tall), six-year old Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department (118cm tall) and three-year n a move aimed at old (94cm tall) additions to The Peninsula developing safer THUMS Version 4 repre- vehicles, Toyota will sent the average physique he importance of get- utilise new additions of children at each respec- ting research funding to its Total Human tive age. As with the large right – and ensuring IModel for Safety (THUMS) male (189cm tall), average- it enables discover- virtual crash dummy soft- build adult male (179cm ies and innovations ware to eliminate traffic tall), and small female Tthat can make a genuine impact fatalities and injuries while (153cm tall) models that are – was outlined by an interna- making an even more already being sold, the new tional expert through a Qatar diverse range of testing models will come in two Foundation Research and possible. versions?a passenger ver- Development (QF R&D) Toyota has added three sion and a pedestrian ‘Research Dialogue’ new models to represent version?for a total of six discussion. children aged ten, six, and new additions to the Professor Jonathan Grant, three to Version 4 of the THUMS line-up. This Assistant Principal for Strate- Professor Jonathan Grant speaking at QF R&D’s ‘Research software. THUMS allows expanded line-up takes gic Initiatives and Public Policy Dialogue’ series. injuries sustained by into consideration the at King’s College London, human bodies during vehi- influence of age and phy- emphasised how funding for organization, Qatar National fund, and to ask themselves cle crashes to be simulated sique, and allows for a research is essential to produc- Research Fund (QNRF), which whether this funding is not only on the computer. more thorough injury anal- ing outcomes that bring supports original, competi- effective, but also efficient.” THUMS forecasts the ysis. “Toyota since its economic and social benefit, tively-selected research that With his chief areas of research extent of injuries sustained founding has been com- and improve lives, as well as for addresses Qatar’s priorities. interest being biomedical and throughout the human mitted to producing retaining public faith in Professor Grant, who is also health R&D policy, research body, and thus, is utilised vehicles that are safe and research and development, Professor of Public Policy at the impact assessment, and the use in the technological devel- provide peace of mind,” during a recent talk at Qatar Policy Institute at King’s Col- of research and evidence in opment of passenger said Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Science & Technology Park lege London, said, “There is a decision-making and formu- protection devices such as Chief Representative, Mid- (QSTP), part of QF R&D. social contract between the lating policy, Professor Grant’s airbags, and to contribute dle East and North Africa The seminar, titled ‘How researcher who receives a grant career has seen him hold to improved vehicle safety Representative Office, Toy- Research Makes a Difference: and the citizens of the country numerous high-level performance. THUMS is ota Motor Corporation. The Effectiveness and Effi- that is funding their research. positions.“QF R&D is focused also increasingly being “The addition of the new ciency of Research Funding’, “Conducting research is a on enabling and supporting used in the field of motor- child models provides a outlined that funding for the huge responsibility and privi- research and innovation that sports. For example, it has valuable tool in the devel- ‘wrong type of research’ poses lege – it allows a researcher to generates economic and soci- been used by NASCAR (the opment of safer vehicles. an ‘emerging threat’ to the sci- explore a topic they are pas- etal impact for Qatar, and this US-based National Associ- Toyota has consistently ence and innovation efforts of sionate about, but they must is reflected in our portfolio of ation for Stock Car Auto conducted safety-related countries around the world, also ensure that their work funding programs, including Racing) to analyse high- activities based on three drawing on global case studies serves the country that is sup- QNRF’s mission-driven speed impacts, leading to pillars: development of safe and policy developments con- porting them. Without this, National Priorities Research better seat structure design motor vehicles, educa- cerning the analysis and research will not have legiti- Program and QSTP’s Product thereby reducing the like- tional activities concerning measurement of research macy, and so nations have a Development Fund for startups lihood of rib fractures traffic safety, and partici- impact. moral imperative to assess and and SMEs,” said Dr Hamad Al sustained by drivers as a pation in QF R&D is home to an inter- demonstrate the impact and Ibrahim, Executive Vice Presi- result of racing accidents. traffic-environment nationally-renowned funding benefit of the research they dent, QF R&D. The ten-year old development.”

Kyrgyz diaspora participates in S’hail 2017

A view of the traditional nomadic tent of Kyrgyzstan at the ongoing first edition of Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition, S’hail 2017, at Katara Cultural Village, yesterday. The Kyrgyz diaspora in Qatar participates in the exhibition and the tent will be there till tomorrow.