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Kahramaa, QEWC Samba under and MHPS sign no ‘pressure’ MoU on internship ahead of Doha program Worlds

Wednesday 18 September 2019 | 19 Muharram 1441 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 24 | Number 8018 | 2 Riyals Join the elite, with beIN and Ooredoo ONE Qatar committed to patient Prime Minister meets Chairman of SIGA safety and quality care

FAZEENA SALEEM Minister of Public “In May this year, the WHO THE PENINSULA Health, H E Dr Hanan endorsed the establishment of World Patient Safety Day Qatar’s commitment in Mohamed Al Kuwari, (WPSD) to be observed annually embracing a patient safety said: “Patient safety on September 17. culture that puts quality and has been identified as “The WPSD is a campaign patient safety at the forefront one of the pillars that encouraging all stakeholders in was highlighted during the of 5th the healthcare system to raise Qatar Patient Safety Week guides the process of global awareness on patient (QPSW) which was inaugurated strategy development safety and encourage global sol- by Minister of Public Health H E and implementation.” idarity and action. Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari. “As part of Qatar’s commit- The Minister emphasised that ments to the Global Action on the Ministry of Public Health “Patient safety has been Patient Safety, this year Qatar (MoPH) plays a crucial role in identified as one of the pillars Patient Safety Week shall be ensuring that the people living in that guides the process of joining hands with the WPSD Qatar receive the safest quality strategy development and celebrations adopting their care available across the globe. implementation,” the Minister slogan ‘Speak up for Patient Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani met yesterday “The ambition comes from added. Safety’,” said Dr Hanan. the visionary leadership of Amir The 5th QPSW organised by The Minister added: “Fear of with the Chairman of the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA), Franco Frattini, and his accompanying H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad MoPH, coincides with the cele- speaking up is a persistent chal- delegation on the occasion of their visit to the country to participate in the Inter-regional Sports Al Thani, as part of attaining bration of the first World Patient lenge that needs to be addressed Integrity Summit held in Doha. They reviewed a number of topics of common interest. Qatar National Vision 2030. Our Safety Day, which was approved in our collective efforts to reduce healthcare system has progressed by the World Health Organi- patient harm. Silence between dramatically in the past few sation this year to enhance patients and providers, between Qatar Visa Center years, and the implementation of global understanding and soli- healthcare professionals MoI launches ‘Policeman the National Health Strategy darity to improve patient safety. working within the same facility, to open in Manila 2018-2022 shall make a The World Patient Safety Day between public and governing My Friend’ website remarkable difference to Qatar’s was marked with slogan ‘Speak bodies can inadvertently lead to this month health journey,” said Dr Hanan. up for Patient Safety’. inevitable harm. `P2 QNA children and the rest of the DOHA family members. THE PENINSULA He pointed out that as DOHA The Ministry of Interior (MoI) children are the next generation yesterday inaugurated the new of road users, whether they are A new Qatar Visa Center (QVC) website “Policeman My Friend”, pedestrians or drivers, paying will be opened in Manila, the which aims to promote traffic attention to them has future Philippines, in the next few days awareness among children and advantages for traffic safety, in order to simplify enhance their awareness of adding that spreading traffic employment visa procedures traffic culture in general. awareness is not only the and protect workers’ rights. The Director of Traffic responsibility of the Ministry of The Visa Support Services Awareness Department at the Interior, but a shared responsi- Department of the Ministry of Ministry of Interior Colonel bility for all segments of society. the Interior (MoI) yesterday Mohammed Radi Al Hajri, For his part, the Assistant organised an introductory explained that the launching of Director of Public Relations seminar for the Filipino com- the website with such capabil- Department of MoI Major munity on the procedures of ities and information serves Mubarak Salem Al Buainain said recruitment through QVC. traffic awareness, in particular, that the Ministry of Interior is The symposium was held and awareness in general, and always keen on keeping up with in collaboration with the Min- works to break the barrier modernisation and continuous istry of Administrative Devel- between children and police as development of its awareness opment, Labour and Social the website is full of children- tools and employing modern Affairs. friendly characters. technologies to serve the Major Abdullah Khalifa Al Al Hajri stressed that security. Mohannadi, Director of the Visa spreading traffic awareness The launch of the new Support Services Department among children is one of the website is a confirmation of at the MoI, reviewed the stages H E Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, Minister of Public Health, with Kithsiri Athulathmudali, Sri Lankan goals of the Department, these efforts to raise awareness of recruitment procedures Ambassador to Qatar (second left) during the opening session of the 5th Qatar Patient Safety Week through the delivery of among children as future through the center that will be at Ritz-Carlton Doha yesterday. PIC:ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA awareness message, among leaders, he said. `P2 launched in the Philippine capital Manila at the end of this month, the Ministry of Interior said on its official website. White Paper on sport Live testimonies about victims of Muhammed Ali Al Meer, representative of the Ministry Saudi arbitrary detention soon: NHRC of Administrative Development, integrity in January, Labour and Social Affairs, said QNA that affected a few Qatari cit- Dr Al Marri appreciated the that the QVC in the Philippine GENEVA izens who were allowed to enter response of the Working Groups capital Manila will be a new says SIGA Chairman Saudi Arabia with security clear- on Arbitrary Detention and addition to facilitate the process The Chairman of the National ances before being arbitrarily Enforced and Involuntary Dis- of recruitment of workers, and IRFAN BUKHARI Power of Collective Action in the Human Rights Committee detained. He pointed out that appearances, as they addressed the completion of procedures THE PENINSULA Middle East, Asia and Africa’. (NHRC) Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al both UN Working Groups letters to Saudi Arabia, urging and legal requirements for He said that the SIGA is an Marri revealed that representa- addressed an official letter to it to stop its violations immedi- expatriates to work. Praising Qatar’s efforts in international alliance which has tives of families of arbitrarily Saudi Arabia due to its continued ately and to disclose the where- promoting sports and sport got together sports institutions, detained Qatari nationals and arbitrary arrests and enforced abouts of detained Qataris in integrity in the region, Chairman States, public institutions and victims of enforced disap- disappearance of Qatari Saudi Arabia and release them. of the Sport Integrity Global private sector. “Our idea is to pearance in Saudi Arabia will citizens. He also briefed officials of the Alliance (SIGA), Franco Frattini, bring together all those aimed present live testimonies of the This came during a meeting Working Groups on the health said that the Alliance will present at improving integrity in the field victims’ suffering before the of NHRC Chairman with the situation of some detainees in Rome a White Paper on sport of sport, preventing illegality European Parliament, United Working Group on Enforced or arbitrarily. integrity in January next year. and fighting all kinds of criminal Nations Human Rights Council Involuntary Disappearances and NHRC Chairman issued an TODAY'S FIXTURES “The next goal of the SIGA is activities related to sport.” and relevant international the Working Group on Arbitrary urgent appeal to with the Club Brugge vs Galatasaray to present proposals which can Frattini served twice as Italian bodies soon. Detention during his current visit Working Group on Enforced or become one day binding rules Foreign Minister (2002-2004 and Dr. Al Marri pointed out that to Geneva. Involuntary Disappearances and Olympiakos FC vs Tottenham Hotspur at international level, applicable 2008-2011), and as Vice-President NHRC will submit compre- During the meeting, Dr. Al the Working Group on Arbitrary Atletico Madrid vs Juventus to all States in the international of the European Commission and hensive and documented files to Marri gave a briefing on the Detention, calling for concrete community. It is quite an ambi- Commissioner for Justice, Freedom the UN Committee on the Elim- latest developments in the Qatar and strong steps to be taken to Bayer Leverkusen vs Lokomotiv Moscow tious goal,” said Frattini in an and Security (2004-2008). ination of Racial Discrimination blockade crisis and the human- end the continuation of Saudi Bayern Munich vs Crvena Zvezda interview with The Peninsula. Frattini said that the first (CERD) and the UN Working itarian consequences of the con- violations against Qatari citizens, Dinamo Zagreb vs Atalanta Frattini was in Doha to par- regional summit in Doha was an Groups on Arbitrary Detention tinued violations by Saudi Arabia in light of the continued ticipate in the Inter-regional important step towards achieving and Enforced and Involuntary of the rights of citizens and res- detention of Qatari nationals by PSG vs Real Madrid Sport Integrity Summit on the SIGA’s goal of adopting universal Disappearances on the contin- idents of Qatar, as a result of the the Saudi authorities, without Shakhtar Donetsk vs Manchester City topic ‘Sport Integrity – The standards. `P5 uation of the Saudi violations blockade since 5 June 2017. legal justification. `P2 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2019

Qatar calls for Al Sulaiti meets envoys of China, Georgia OFFICIAL NEWS Qatar condemns blast targeting election full protection rally in Afghanistan DOHA: Qatar expressed its for Syrian people strong condemnation and denunciation of the explo- QNA accountability so far for those sion that targeted election GENEVA responsible for these violations rally of the Afghani Pres- and crimes despite the availa- ident in Kabul, killing and The State of Qatar urged the bility of sufficient evidence to injuring several people. In international community to convict them a statement issued yester- uphold its responsibilities in “We agree with what the day, the Ministry of Foreign providing full protection for the report said regarding the Affairs reiterated Qatar’s Syrian people and holding importance of reaching a firm stance on reject- accountable all those respon- peaceful solution,” he said, ing violence and terrorism sible for crimes and human noting that the Syrian regime regardless of the motives rights violations in Syria. has pursued various policies to and causes. The statement This came in a speech thwart political talks every time expressed Qatar’s condo- delivered by H E Ambassador there is a hope for finding a lences to the families of Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri, Per- political solution. “These pol- the victims and the Gov- The Minister of Transport and Communications, H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, with the Ambassador manent Representative of the icies include military escalation, ernment and people of of the People’s Republic of China, Zhou Jian (left), in Doha, yesterday. H E the Minister also met with State of Qatar to the United destruction of cities, deliberate Afghanistan, wishing the Nations Office and other inter- and systematic targeting of Nikoloz Revazishvili, Ambassador of the Republic of Georgia to Qatar. The two meetings discussed injured a speedy recov- national organisations in civilians and civilian facilities, cooperation relations between Qatar and the two friendly countries in the fields of transportation ery. QNA Geneva, during the interactive continued obstruction of and communications and means of further enhancing them. dialogue with the Independent humanitarian access, and the International Commission of non-release of innocent FM receives Inquiry on the Syrian Arab detainees, especially women Republic, under item 4 of the and children, who are subjected Qatar Rail extends registration for 42nd session of the UN Human to the most heinous torture and message from Rights Council. oppression,” he said. At the beginning of the He pointed to what is hap- retail spaces in Doha Metro stations Venezuela speech, H E thanked the Com- pening in Idlib governorate of QNA/DOHA mission of Inquiry, saying “We bombing, destruction and dis- THE PENINSULA fixed for a period of five years. tomers and metro commuters. call on the Syrian authorities to placement, deteriorating DOHA Unit licensing rates during this With over 9200 m2 of retail The Deputy Prime Minister and allow them to enter the country humanitarian situation and period will not be affected by space across 37 stations, these Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E and enable them to carry out increasing violations against Qatar Rail has announced an fluctuation in the rental market. outlets are considered the first Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdul- their mandate in the best pos- civilians in areas that have extended registration period to Additionally, these rates are also of its kind in Qatar since it pro- rahman Al Thani, received a sible way.” returned to the control of the run until end of September for inclusive of utilities, water and vides business access to railway written message from the The Ambassador said the Syrian regime. businesses entrepreneurs, and electricity. commuters and neighborhood Minister of the People’s Power members of the International Ambassador Ali Khalfan Al local companies seeking Also the retail units include customers. for Foreign Affairs of Vene- Commission of Inquiry pre- Mansouri called on the inter- commercial spaces in Doha ready flooring and shop shutter. The stations provide con- zuela, Jorge Arreaza Montserrat, sented today before the meet- national community to under- Metro network. The commercial outlets are dis- stant significant foot fall and thus pertaining to bilateral relations ing’s participants a new tes- stand the game played by the The final phase of the Doha persed outside of the paid area are premium locations for retail and ways of supporting and timony in their report, which Syrian regime and its allies, to Metro Retail features com- in the stations reaching a wider outlets. Stations will offer four developing them. The message documents many of the grave assume all its legal and moral mercial retail shops at the Gold customer segment. main types of retail including was handed to the Secretary- violations and crimes com- responsibilities in providing full Line 10 stations running from All applications go through services, food and beverage, General of the Ministry of mitted against the Syrian protection for the Syrian Ras Bu Abboud to Al Aziziyah, a comprehensive review based convenience stores and general Foreign Affairs, Dr. Ahmed bin people, but there are still many people, and take the necessary the Green Line featuring Al Riffa on experience, proposed retail. Hassan Al Hammadi, during a questions that we cannot measures and as soon as pos- station, and the Red line with five business plan, proposed store The online registration is meeting, yesterday, with the answer, including why do mil- sible to hold to account all those stations running from Katara to concept and the nature of the open until September 26, 2019 Ambassador of Venezuela to lions of Syrians continue to be responsible to crimes and Lusail and Hamad International activity whilst Qatar Rail aims to Application for the retail spaces Qatar, Giuseppe Angelo killed, tortured and displaced human rights violations in Airport station. achieve diversity and integration can be submitted in a few easy Yoffreda Yorio. for more than eight years, and Syria, and bring them to The retail units have com- between the various retail steps via Qatar Rail’s online why there is no any criminal justice. petitive licensing rates which are outlets to better service cus- retail portal at retail.qr.com.qa. Al Muraikhi receives Live testimonies about victims of Saudi arbitrary detention soon: NHRC Kosovo envoy FROM PAGE 1 their detention. The Saudi been subjected to arbitrary any doubt, that the Saudi author- refute all the false reports and QNA/DOHA authorities even arrested a small detention and enforced disap- ities continue their repressive allegations made by Saudi offi- Dr. Al Marri added that fol- number of Qatari citizens who pearance and whose fate is still practices against Qatari citizens, cials and media and their claims The Minister of State for Foreign lowing the release of Qatari cit- were allowed to enter Saudi unknown because the Saudi especially against the intermar- that Qatari citizens are welcome Affairs, H E Sultan bin Saad Al izens in recent months, NHRC Arabia with security exceptions, authorities continue their riage families of citizens of the in the Kingdom. He explained Muraikhi, received yesterday a expected that the Saudi author- before they were surprised to approach. He explained that two countries, which increases that these violations also prove copy of the credentials of ities would stop their serious arrest some of them arbitrarily NHRC holds them fully respon- the suffering of those families the fears of Qatari citizens to Ambassador of Kosovo to human rights violations, but and without revealing their sible for the safety of these Qatari stranded by the Saudi violations enter Saudi Arabia, whether to Qatar, Amir Ahmadi. H E the NHRC was surprised by the con- whereabouts so far, he further citizens who are supposed to that caused the tearing the social perform Hajj and Umrah or to Minister of State for Foreign tinued arbitrary approach, and added. have entered Saudi territory with fabric. visit their relatives and business Affairs wished the new ambas- the detention of Qatari citizens He stressed that NHRC would security clearances, including Dr. Al Marri concluded that practices, because the continu- sador success in his duties, who were victims of enforced continue to defend the victims citizens with property and the continued violations by the ation of these violations send a assuring him of all support to disappearance and arbitrary of Saudi violations, adding that “Halal” in Saudi territory. Saudi authorities, including arbi- message to Qataris and the upgrade the bilateral relations detention, without any legal NHRC is in contact with Qatari NHRC Chairman stressed trary arrests and forced world, that Saudi Arabia is not between the two countries to a explanations or justification for families whose children have that these arrests prove beyond detention of Qatari citizens, safe for Qatari citizens. closer cooperation in various fields. A number of Foreign Ministry officials attended the presentation of the copy of the Qatar committed to patient safety and quality care credentials.

FROM PAGE 1 MoI launches and indeed the world. “It is important to acknowledge eve- “On this the first World Patient Safety ‘Policeman My ryone’s role in bringing issues to light as Day, I will make the case for developing soon as they are identified and acting a culture in which errors can be discussed Friend’ website proactively to mitigate risk.” without fear, consider the key challenges FROM PAGE 1 Following the official opening of the that need to be overcome and offer sug- 5th QPSW and the accompanying con- gestions on how this might achieve this The Head of the research ference, the Minister toured the exhibition at scale,” said Professor Aziz. and studies section in the Public hall, which includes pavilions of MoPH, While, a panel discussion highlighted Relations Department at MoI, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) other on ‘Patient Safety and Quality of Care in Sheikha Al Anoud bint Faisal Al health institutions and a poster Emergencies and Extreme Adversity.’ Thani, said that the website, exhibition. Speakers of the panel, included Kithsiri which was launched is an elec- In a continuous effort to improve Athulathmudali, Sri Lankan Ambassador tronic window containing quality and safety of patient services, the to Qatar; Dr. Mohammad Al Hajri from many cultural activities that MoPH has developed many national the MoPH; Dr. Abdelkader Wahelya Afrah suit children and meet their guidelines and Virtual Reality videos sim- from the Ministry of Health, Somalia; and need for knowledge, in order ulating different situations, said Director Dr. Alaa Abouzeid from the WHO. to teach and educate them of the Public Health Department, Sheikh More than 1,000 participants attend through playing and to partic- Dr. Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani. The Ministry of Public Health building lights up in orange to mark the ‘First World the two day conference with about 50% ipate in interactive activities in “Several projects and programmes Patient Safety Day’. PIC: BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA from the private sector. the so-called (fun learning). implemented across healthcare facilities QPSW, which will continue until Sep- She pointed out that the have made the healthcare system in Qatar tember 21, is an annual event organised website aims to strengthen the safer for patients and employees. MoPH encouraging speaking up for patient and empower both staff, patients and their by the MoPH at the national-level as an role of the police and its noble continuously work to increase patient safety, national clinical guidelines and families to speak up and voice their con- initiative aimed at spreading the concept message in the minds of safety. We have developed about 40 digital health in relation to patient safety, cerns if patient safety is at stake,” said Dr. of patient safety among the public and children and develop a sense clinical and preventive guidelines hoping patient safety in areas with unique chal- Huda Al Katheeri, Acting Director, healthcare workers. of security among them, noting to increase it up to 80 for different ill- lenges such as mental health and Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety Primary Health Care Corporation, that the content of the website nesses including for obesity, diabetes and emergencies. Department at MoPH. Qatar Red Crescent Society HMC, Al Ahli includes expressive stories and back pain. Every month we review and “Encouraging patients and family The opening session featured a Hospital, Doha Clinic Hospital and Aster children’s creations and upgrade the guidelines,” said Dr. Al Thani, members to speak up when they perceive keynote speech by the Director of Usher hospital are all running their patient safety content related to policemen speaking to media on the sidelines of the a potential harm adds a crucial safety net Institute at the University of Edinburgh campaigns with varied focus on different in the country to devote the opening session of QPSW. as well as it improves their relationship and Adviser to WHO Professor Aziz patient safety aspects. concept of real citizenship in The two-day conference being held with the care team and builds trust in the Sheikh. He called on Qatar to seize the Several buildings including the MoPH, children. The inauguration of at the Ritz Charlton Doha features a system that acknowledges their role in opportunity to play an international lead- Aster Hospital, the Torch Hotel light up in the website took place in the diversity of speakers and topics. The con- the safety of their loved ones. To achieve ership role in ‘Speaking Up for Patient orange color to show solidarity with the traffic village at the General ference will discuss about local initiatives this, the organisations should encourage Safety’ on behalf of patients across Qatar WPSD celebrations. Directorate of Traffic. WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2019 HOME 03 Qatar-France ties ever-growing in all aspects Cultural relations to get further boost

RAYNALD C RIVERA Already, Qatar and THE PENINSULA France’s relations are As 2020 nears, cultural ties between strong as evident in Qatar and France are expected to get a the French events and further boost with a slew of events and activities that have been activities to be organised in both coun- tries in line with the Qatar-France 2020 hosted in Qatar, among Year of Culture. which is the Francophonie The upcoming 2020 Year of Culture Festival held every year. initiative of Qatar Museums to promote mutual understanding, recognition and appreciation between both sovereign the past years, the most recent of which nations reaffirms the deep bond that was the unique show by the musical exists between Qatar and France. quintet called Cinq de Coeur who enter- Already, Qatar and France’s rela- tained the audience with their humor tions are strong as evident in the French and vocal skills. events and activities that have been Just last year, acclaimed all-female hosted in Qatar, among which is the hip hop dance company Swaggers mes- Substantial growth in trade volume Francophonie Festival held every year. merized Doha with their uniquely The annual Francophonie Festival crafted artistic dance show at Katara SACHIN KUMAR Some 200 French companies are explaining the mechanisms for investing organised by the French Embassy in Drama Theatre. THE PENINSULA working alongside public and private in the French economy as well as high- Doha and the French Institute of Qatar In 2017, another French hip hop stakeholders such as the QFC on key lighting selected investment projects in serves as an important link between group of international renown, The trade relations between Qatar and projects in oil and gas, electricity and France. French language loving people in Qatar. Pockemon Crew heated up the Katara France have reached new heights and water, transport, urban development and Each year, delegations of busi- It is estimated that around 200,000 of Drama Theatre stage showcasing their the relations are expected to strengthen other fields. nessmen from both countries meet to Qatar’s population speak French. originality blending cinema and dance further. The robust business ties are French investments in Qatar have explore potential bilateral investment As language is a chief means to in a spectacular show. reflected in the strong growth in volume been on the rise, reflecting the dynamism opportunities. The French firms are eager convey and preserve culture, the fes- French musicians have also fea- of bilateral trade. The volume of trade and the level of commitment of French to explore growing opportunities in Qatar, tival has played a vital role in the pro- tured in the annual Katara European between the two friendly countries has companies operating in Qatar, some of which has made its economy attractive motion of cultural nexus among peoples Jazz Festival which in the past five years grown from around QR9.14bn in 2016 to which are operating here for decades. of global investors. in Qatar and this year, the 11-day fes- has celebrated jazz music through a over QR14bn in 2018. One of the major factors behind the There are around 5,500 French cit- tival witnessed activities and events series of concerts representing the Qatari investments in France include growth in bilateral relations are the izens working in Qatar who are playing which delved into various areas various European embassies in Qatar. several sectors such as energy, real estate, events organised to encourage private a positive role in strengthening bilateral including performing arts, gastronomy, In the field of art, the exhibition of hotels, financial services, transport, com- sector of both countries. One such relations between the two countries. sport and speech competitions which more than 120 works of Pablo Picasso munications and sports. important event is Qatar-France Business Qatar and France earlier this year in made its debut at this year’s festival. and Alberto Giacometti-two of the most France also remains one of the and Investment Forum which was February signed an a intent agreement With the participation of many res- important artists of the 20th century- leading destinations for Qatari foreign organised last year. The Qatar Financial for establishing strategic partnership dia- taurants in Qatar ‘Goût de France/Good was arguably one of the most important investment, as Qatar’s investments in Centre (QFC) participated in the Qatar- logue aimed at enhancing cooperation France,’ one of the key elements of the retrospectives in Doha in recent times, France were estimated to be around France Business and Investment Forum. in different fields between the two coun- festival, has successfully brought the a first in the Middle East. €30bn in 2018. There are a large number Organised by the Qatari Businessmen tries and address a broad range of finesse and flavour of French cuisine, While these art and culture events of French companies investing in the Association, Business France, the national regional issues. The strategic dialogue is which it has been globally known for, have helped in strengthening the cul- Qatari market. The number of French trade and investment agency of France, going to cover various fields such as to the palate of Doha foodies. tural bond of France with Qatar, they companies setting up business in Qatar the French Embassy in Qatar and MEDEF defence, security, health, education, A plethora of concerts and dance also promote people to people relations is rising and the existing ones are International, the French Business Con- culture, sports, economy, investment, shows featuring talented French artistes and a deeper understanding of each expanding their operations here. federation, the event focused on combating terrorism and extremism. have also been organised in Qatar in other’s cultures. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2019 Heads of Jordan’s House of Representatives A-G meets French official and Senate meet Qatari Ambassador

QNA fields, pointing out that they are countries and activate the joint two countries. AMMAN solid relations based on firm coordination to face the chal- In a related context, the Pres- foundations and mutual respect. lenges in the region, adding that ident of the Jordanian Senate, The Speaker of Jordan’s House The Ambassador said that both countries seeks to jointly Faisal Al Fayez, met with Sheikh of Representatives, Eng. Atef the State of Qatar is working support projects and programs Saud bin Nasser Al Thani. Tarawneh, met with the Ambas- closely with Jordan to strengthen that contribute to the overall During the meeting, the sador of the State of Qatar to the the relations between the two economic development of the President of the Jordanian Senate Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, affirmed the strong relations Sheikh Saud bin Nasser Al Thani. between the two countries and During the meeting, the Jordan’s keenness on main- Speaker of Jordan’s House of taining and developing these Representatives affirmed his relations in various bilateral country’s keenness on reaching fields, especially political, eco- the best levels in bilateral rela- nomic, investment and parlia- tions to serve the interests of the mentary, and enhancing coor- two countries. dination and consultation in the He stressed the importance service of common interests. of the joint parliamentary coor- He said that the current cir- dination between the two coun- cumstances that the Arab nation tries, especially in the Palestinian require strengthening the coop- issue and defending its cause in eration and unity in order to face various international parlia- the challenges, stressing that his mentary forums. country is keen on the unity of For his part, the Ambassador the Arab rank, the promotion of The Speaker of Jordan’s House of Representatives, Eng. Atef affirmed that the State of Qatar Arab reconciliation and the acti- Tarawneh, with the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the seeks to strengthen the existing vation of joint coordination to relations with Jordan in various Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Sheikh Saud bin Nasser Al Thani. serve the joint interests. Nominations for 2019 Msheireb Properties recognised for Digital Government The President of the French Constitutional Council, Laurent Fabius, Excellence Awards best nationalisation efforts in GCC met yesterday with Qatar’s Attorney-General, H E Dr. Ali bin Fetais launched Al Marri. During the meeting, they discussed a number of topics of THE PENINSULA common interest, ways of boosting and developing the relations, THE PENINSULA DOHA especially in the legal and judicial fields, developing the Qatari DOHA academic capacity in law and justice and continuing cooperation in Msheireb Properties, the national a number of bilateral initiatives and partnerships between the two The Qatar Digital Government real estate developer and countries. Both parties agreed to continue consultations on those (QDG) Steering Committee has subsidiary of Qatar Foundation, topics. The meeting was attended by the Ambassador of the State opened the door for nomina- won a prestigious award during of Qatar to the French Republic, Sheikh Ali bin Jassem Al Thani. tions for the 2019 Digital the efficiencies of the fifth Government Excellence meeting of the GCC Labor and Awards. Social Affairs Ministers, in Vodafone simplifies recharge The purpose of these Muscat, Oman last week. Awards is to highlight the best The award comes in recog- government entities that make nition of Msheireb Properties’ process for prepaid customers outstanding achievements efforts and commitment to resulting in a significant trans- nationalise jobs, scoring the THE PENINSULA valid for 7 days. In addition, data formation in the daily opera- highest percentage of national DOHA and flex recharges have extra tions and growth of the nation’s hires during 2019. bonus for a limited period. digital economy. Hamad Al Naemi, Senior Vodafone Qatar has revealed a Shavkat Berdiev, Consumer The awards aim to instil a Manager, HR and Corporate new and simpler way to Business Unit Director, culture of excellence and pos- Services, who received the recharge for its prepaid Vodafone Qatar, said: “We’re itive competition between gov- award on behalf of Msheireb customers with the introduction delighted to introduce our new ernment entities in the field of Properties, said: “It is such an of new recharge cards that allow recharge cards that give Prepaid digital transformation, by har- honor to receive this acknowl- services such as data, flex, credit customers the choice to use any Hamad Al Naemi, Senior Manager, HR and Corporate Services, nessing modern communi- edgment of our policies and hard or international calling, all from service they want, when they receiving the award on behalf of Msheireb Properties during cation and information tech- work to create job opportunities one card. want, using the convenience of nologies in order to provide the for locals, help them diversify the fifth meeting of the GCC Labor and Social Affairs Ministers, in Customers can chose from just one card. The new cards not best digital services and solu- their knowledge, and enhance Muscat, Oman, last week. a wide range of denominations only eliminate the need to buy tions to the public. their skills. We are committed to that suit every budget from QR5 different cards for the various Government entities can continue on this path in nationalisation policies. As a Properties has won several to QR100, then opt for a single services, but are also a far more submit their entries on the alignment with our business national real estate developer, awards earlier this year in rec- benefit they want to use. For cost effective solution. Vodafone Awards portal: www.qatardig- strategy.” we work towards achieving ognition of its exemplary prac- example, the new QR10 recharge Qatar has a long history of italawards.gov.qa, after Ali Al Kuwari, Acting CEO, Qatar’s sustainable development tices. Most recently, the company card gives customers the choice bringing the latest innovations checking the categories for the Msheireb Properties, said: “We goals and its 2030 vision by sup- won the Gold RoSPA award, one of QR10 credit valid for 30 days and we are committed to con- relevant Award. Nominations are very pleased with this prize, porting Qatari talent and culti- of the most prestigious ones in or; 300MB of data for three days tinue investing in solutions that can be submitted until October which demonstrates the effec- vating opportunities for local the field of safety and security or; 70 flex valid for three days enhance our customers’ 8, 2019. tiveness of our HR and calibers to develop.” Msheireb for the Zulal Health Resort. or; 18 International minutes experience.” Culture Ministry hosts seminar on awards’ role in promoting creativity

QNA Children’s Literature by the Min- creativity, as well as creating a and dialogue, spreading Arab DOHA istry of Culture. climate for creative and inno- and Islamic culture, developing In addition to several awards vative scientific competition. Dr. international understanding, and As part of the Qatari Forum for by some institutions such as the Al Smadi also talked about the enhancing the role of translation Authors’ initiatives in activating Katara Prize for Arabic Novel role of the jury and its moral and in spreading peace and spreading the cultural factor in society, the and Katara Prize for Prophet’s technical responsibility. knowledge, and the role of trans- Forum organised a seminar Poets, Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al Dr. Hanan Al Fayyad, Pro- lators in bringing the world entitled The Awards’ Role in Thani Award in Islamic Sciences fessor at Qatar University and closer. Promoting Creativity at the and Thought, Sheikh Hamad spokesperson of the Sheikh Dr, Al Fayyad said that the Ministry of Culture and Sports’ Award for Translation and Inter- Hamad Award for Translation prize, which will hold its fifth headquarter in the presence of national Understanding, as well and International Understanding, season this year, encourages a number of intellectuals and as the Doha Award for Dramatic delivered a detailed presentation translation from and into Arabic interested parties. Writing by the Ministry of Culture on the award since it was estab- in more than one language, and A Professor at the University and Sports this year. The State lished in 2015, saying it is an adopts an international language Dr. Hanan Al Fayyad (centre), Professor at Qatar University, speaking of Qatar, and a member of the also sponsors many awards at international award that seeks every year besides English, during the seminar entitled ‘The Awards’ Role in Promoting media team of Sheikh Hamad the Arab level. to honor translators and appre- pointing out that the Turkish lan- Award for Translation and Inter- Creativity’ at the headquarters of the Ministry of Culture and Sports. She also noted the impor- ciate their role in strengthening guage was chosen for the first national Understanding, Dr. Dr. Imtenan Al Smadi (right), Professor at the University of Qatar, tance of the awards in honouring the bonds of friendship and year, Spanish language was Imtenan Al Smadi, stressed and Mohammed Al Sayegh, Cultural Researcher at the Ministry of scientists, thinkers, researchers cooperation between the nations chosen for the second year, importance attached by Qatar to Culture and Sports, were also present. and creative talents financially and peoples of the world, French language was chosen for preserving and disseminating and morally and promote their encouraging creativity, consol- the third year, German language sciences, arts, cultural and of Article 24 of the Qatari Con- them are the announcement of efforts at the international and idating lofty values, spreading was chosen for the fourth year national heritage, and encour- stitution, noting that this article awards, including the State regional levels to contribute to diversity, pluralism and and Russian language was aging scientific research in has been implemented through Appreciation Awards in Arts and enriching the research effort, openness. It aspires to consol- chosen for the fifth year, the accordance with the provisions a number of mechanisms, among Science, and the State Award for intellectual diligence and artistic idate the culture of knowledge current year. Woqod opens Ras Bu Abboud petrol station

THE PENINSULA/DOHA Woqod, said: “We are pleased to over an area of 15,200 square open new fixed petrol station. metres and has three lanes with As part of its ongoing expansion Woqod aspires to expand its nine dispensers. The new stations plans to be able to serve every area petrol station network to meet offer round-the-clock services to in Qatar, Qatar Fuel (Woqod) the rising demand for petroleum residents, and include Sidra con- opened the Ras Bu Abboud Petrol products and achieve the goal of venience store, manual car wash, Station yesterday, raising its providing customers with access oil change and tire repair, and network of petrol stations to 88. to best-in-class products and sale of LPG cylinders, in addition Saad Rashid Al Muhannadi, services at their convenience and to sale of gasoline and diesel The newly-opened petrol station at Ras Bu Abboud. Managing Director & CEO, comfort.” The station is spread products for light vehicles. WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2019 HOME 05 GAC participates in GCC Qatar and Serbia review ties Customs Union meeting

QNA/DOHA The two-day meeting Gulf investments. held in Riyadh also The meeting also discussed The General Authority of Customs discussed the minutes the minutes of the 36th meeting (GAC) participated in the 22nd of the 36th meeting of the committee in charge of meeting of the GCC Customs of the committee in reviewing the implementation Union, which was held in Riyadh charge of reviewing the of the Unified Customs Law of for two days, with a delegation the GCC countries, the minutes headed by Chairman of the implementation of the of the 50th meeting of the Har- General Authority of Customs H Unified Customs Law for monised System Committee and E Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Jamal. the GCC countries. the minutes of the first meeting The meeting discussed several of the technical team tasked with issues, most notably the follow- customs duties, and the results of reviewing the lists of miscella- up to the implementation of the the meeting (20) of the Com- neous and restricted goods. decision of the Supreme Council mission on the automatic transfer On the other hand, a joint in its seventeenth consultation of customs duties, in addition to meeting was held between the meeting on the completion of the the developments of the study of GCC Standing Committee for requirements of the Customs the treatment of products factories Combating Harmful Practices in Union, the report of the Secretariat established in economic gath- International Trade and the on direct automatic transfer of erings in the GCC countries with Customs Union Committee. The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, met yesterday with the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Qatar, Jasminko Pozderac. They reviewed bilateral cooperation, in addition to topics of common interest.

Sheikh Faisal Museum tours Europe to spread dialogue of cultures THE PENINSULA his life journey and his passion in Every Country”. DOHA for collecting artefacts through The Majlis–Dialogue of his visits with his father to the Dialogue will offer European Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al museums of Europe when he audiences the experience of a Thani Museum opened on was young. real majlis. Visitors will be Monday the international As well as, he shared his idea encouraged to sit, listen to the touring exhibition The Majlis of carrying the museum and stories and exchange ideas with -Dialogue of Cultures at Vienna going to the people in their each other. The Chairman of the General Authority of Customs, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Jamal, with other (Austria) Museum. respective countries to leave a The exhibition will continue officials during the two-day GCC Customs Union meeting in Riyadh. Sheikh Faisal spoke about beautiful imprint entitled “Peace until January 7 next year. Ooredoo launches tourist SIM for visitors THE PENINSULA/DOHA Ooredoo announced yesterday it has launched a prepaid SIM card package specially designed for visitors to Qatar. The new Ooredoo Tourist SIM enables visitors to stay in touch with family and friends back home, as well as stay connected to the Ooredoo Supernet within Qatar, with a package that includes local and international calls, SMS and local data. The Ooredoo Tourist SIM The Ooredoo Tourist SIM is vital for many of us in this digital costs just QR35 (US$9.67) and now available for purchase at age, especially when travelling, includes 150 Flexi Points, which Hamad International Airport, at so we’re delighted to be able to can be used for local and inter- the Baggage Collection area, offer visitors to Qatar a great- national voice calls and SMS or Qatar Duty Free 24/7 shop— value, easily accessible, quick and local data of up to 1 GB, valid for Arrivals area and the Ooredoo easy way to do this. The new 7 days. Or, visitors can choose Kiosk— Arrivals area. Ooredoo Tourist SIM offers value the Mobile Broadband option at Manar Khalifa Al Muraikhi, for money as well as flexibility, QR300 ($82.87) and get 40 GB Director PR and Corporate Com- so visitors can tailor their package local data valid for 30 days and munications at Ooredoo – said of to suit their needs and enjoy the Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani speaking at a press conference in Vienna, yesterday. a My-Fi device absolutely free. the launch: “Staying connected is internet on our Supernet.” White Paper on sport integrity in January: SIGA Chairman

FROM PAGE 1 Franco Frattini praised Qatar for its efforts to become a “The first Summit was the American sports hub in the region. “We need countries which can SIGA Summit, which was held in March become sports hubs in the region, which is currently this year. Doha’s Summit is the first inter- regional summit in the Middle East.” critical for security and stability. Therefore the focus of the He added that the SIGA would countries should be on sports instead of wars. It is better prepare a formal proposal in order to for everybody.” Regarding the preparation of FIFA World have universal standards to be accepted Cup Qatar 2022, he said: “They are simply amazing. I was and applicable in States for sport gov- ernance. “Our aim is to finalize within the Foreign Minister of Italy when Qatar won the vote for few months a White Paper on sport hosting the 2022 World Cup. All preparations are very integrity.” He said that suggestions for well-advanced. It will be a very successful sport event.” the White Paper would be collected from all the stakeholders such as States, sports federations, private and public institu- report illegalities. Sports bodies can He also praised Qatar for its efforts tions, to shape them into a final prevent the spread of corruption within to become a sports hub in the region. proposal. the organizations. States make laws.” “We need countries which can become Frattini said that the SIGA White He said that the SIGA would give sports hubs in the region, which is cur- Paper would most likely be formally soon a presentation at the European rently critical for security and stability. presented in Rome next year sometimes Parliament. “I am also meeting soon the Therefore the focus of the countries in January. He said that a ‘Common Ver- Franco Frattini, Chairman of SIGA and former Foreign Minister of Italy, speaking Commissioner for Sport in the European should be on sports instead of wars. It ification System’ was already in place to The Peninsula. PIC: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA Commission with the aim to develop is better for everybody.” and very well operational. “Some common rules in the European Union.” He said that Qatar had undertaken entities decided to subscribe or accepted laundering through sports activities and institutions.” Frattini said that he had high expec- many important initiatives for the well- these standards to be applicable.” criminal organisations are putting sport He said that the SIGA had signed tations with the summit in Qatar because being of its people. “Likewise, the Italian Frattini — who also served as Pres- at risk”. memorandums of cooperation with it was being held for the first time in the Government and the Embassy of Italy ident of the De Gasperi Foundation from Another horrible crime is the exploi- many UN agencies and recently signed Middle East. “It is a confirmation of the in Doha are extremely committed to 2011 to 2013—said that another tation of young athletes by unscrupulous an agreement with US Sports Council. commitment to organize clean sport promote wellbeing by raising awareness extremely important idea of the SIGA clubs. “Many young athletes from Asia, “The Summit in Doha is paving the way events in this part of the world.” – especially among young generations was to propose to States that money Africa and Latin America are bought by for expanding SIGA in the Middle East.” He said that Qatar had the capacity – on the importance of sport and sport confiscated from criminal organizations unscrupulous clubs which bring them Talking about other SIGA projects to organize clean sport events with no values to conduct a healthy lifestyle. This be reverted to good initiatives benefiting to Europe and later they treat them as in the pipeline, Frattini said that the SIGA concerns and suspects. “Athletics Cham- shared approach could lead Italy and young generations, such as the con- trash,” he said, adding that a strong fight was set to launch the initiative ‘Sport pionship is set to start and then Qatar Qatar to work together to devote terri- struction of stadiums, courts, camps. against this phenomenon is needed. Integrity and Diplomacy’ to attract will host FIFA World Cup in 2022.” tories to sport and well-being by cre- “Every dollar confiscated should be On SIGA’s achievement since it was ambassadors for the adoption of Regarding the preparation of FIFA ating districts renowned for wellness re-used to implement these initiatives founded in 2015, he expressed his com- common binding rules worldwide. He World Cup Qatar 2022, he said: “They expertise and high quality of life. This in the same country where it was con- plete satisfaction. “A number of new said that this initiative would be are simply amazing. I was the Foreign project could make of Doha the first fiscated,” he noted. entities are asking to become full launched by the beginning of next year. Minister of Italy when Qatar won the example of ‘Wellness City’, contributing He said that sport has become a member of the SIGA. We have at present To a question, he said that the role vote for hosting the 2022 World Cup. to channelize and guide people through ‘sector at risk’ because of huge flows of 115 members including States, sports of all entities is important for sport All preparations are very well-advanced. a wellness path. Sport is a life habit not money. “Match fixing, briberies, money federations, private and public integrity. “NGOs work on ground and It will be a very successful sport event.” only a competition.” 06 HOME WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2019 WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2019 HOME 07

PHCC appoints Shaikha bint Youssef bin Hassan Turkish Airlines offers special Al Jufairi as ‘Screen for Life’ Ambassador fares to Europe, US and Canada THE PENINSULA 45 -69. Her influence therefore DOHA will go a long way to making THE PENINSULA/DOHA The offer is valid for people aware of our mission passengers booking In a move to further enhance and we are extremely grateful Turkish Airlines is helping more a flight between its breast and bowel cancer to her for agreeing to be a part customers to capitalise on its screening awareness of Qatar’s national screening unrivalled global network with 5th September and outreach, the Primary Health program.”A prominent Qatari special discounted fares to desti- 10th October 2019, Care Corporation has joined politician who holds a nations across Europe, the and is valid for a hands with pioneering Bachelor of Law degree from United States and Canada. travel period till Central Municipal Council the Arab University of Beirut, Passengers flying out of May 15, 2020. Member and Head of Legal Shaikha bint Youssef bin Doha with the award-winning Committee, Shaikha bint Hassan Al Jufairi has already carrier can avail discounts on Youssef bin Hassan Al Jufairi used her influence to flights to selected cities across Stockholm, Venice, Vienna and fastest growing airlines in the (pictured), who takes up the transform the traditional view the airline’s North American and Zurich. Discounts also apply to world, has been providing role as a brand ambassador of Qatari women. European network. the airlines base city, Istanbul, excellent services to its pas- for PHCC’s ‘Screen for Life’ Commenting on the Passengers can benefit from as well as North African desti- sengers through its Business Program. appointment, Shaikha Al generous discounts on flights to nations Casablanca and Tunis. Class offering, its flagship new Shaikha Al Jufairi joins a Jufairi said: “I readily accept Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, The offer is valid for passengers lounges in the Istanbul Airport selective group of high- the responsibility of this Los Angeles, Miami, Montreal, booking a flight between 5th of Sep- and its strong reputation for profile personalities, who for position to help drive con- New York, San Francisco, tember and 10th of October 2019, amazing Turkish hospitality and years have supported the version to this vital and life- Toronto and Washington. As well and is valid for a travel period of convenience on all levels. ‘Screen for Life’ cause, which aims to make every saving cause. Breast and bowel cancer are the most as Amsterdam, Athens, Bar- September 6, 2019 to May 15, 2020. There are currently three citizen of Qatar aware of the importance of commonly diagnosed cancers in Qatar and a celona, Berlin, Brussels, Economy ticket from Qatar for the Turkish Airlines lounges available timely screening for breast and bowel cancer. leading cause of death among men and women in Bucharest, Budapest, Copen- incredible lowest fares: Doha to at the Istanbul Airport– the Dr Shaikha Abu Shaikha, PHCC’s Manager of the State. If my influence can help expand the hagen, Dublin, Dusseldorf, Europe from QR2,100; Doha to the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge, Screening Programs, said: “As the first woman to highly proactive ‘Screen for Life’ campaigns by Frankfurt, Geneva, Hamburg, United States or Canada from Miles & Smiles Lounge and gain voters’ trust for three consecutive sessions of convincing members of the public to apply for Lisbon, London, Madrid, Malaga, QR3,700 and Doha to Istanbul Domestic Lounge, with two more the Central Municipal Council, Shaikha bint Youssef screening at any of PHCC’s outstanding screening Manchester, Milan, Munich, Oslo, Airport from QR2,325. scheduled to be open before the bin Hassan Al Jufairi is much admired, particularly suites in Al Wakra, Leabaib and Rawdat Al Khail Paris, Prague, Rome, Sarajevo, Turkish Airlines, one of the end of the year. within our target audience of those aged between Health Centers, I feel gratified and honoured.” Al-Ahli Hospital sponsors Qatar Patient Safety Week

THE PENINSULA Safety Week. “The hospital is enhancing the patient experience continuous quality improvement DOHA eager to adopt, implement and is at the core of our being at resulting in optimal outcomes promote international standards Al-Ahli Hospital. Achieving these and overall improvements in Al-Ahli Hospital has partnered for patient safety and provide the objectives can only be done by patient safety” said David Miller, and supported this year’s Qatar highest quality of health care for investing in high performing Director of Safety, Quality and Patient Safety Week (QPSW) as patients. Voluntarily partici- health professionals, dedicated Accreditation Systems. a sponsor. The 5th QPSW, held pating in International and competent support workers “This year we welcome the under the patronage of H E Dr Healthcare Accreditation and and a quality systems approach first-ever Patient Safety Day on Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, enhancing education and pro- to everything we do.” September 17 as part of a World Minister of Public Health, is a fessional development for all of “Al-Ahli Hospital has a long Health Organization global national initiative created by the our team motivates and enables history of promoting patient campaign to create awareness Healthcare Quality and Patient us to strive for excellence in eve- safety as a fundamental principle of patient safety,” Dr. Abdul Safety Department (HQPS) of the rything we do.” of the care we provide and is an Azim Abdul Wahab Hussain, Ministry of Public Health in Jamal Hammad, Deputy important component of quality Chief of Medical Staff, said, collaboration with public and Chief Executive Officer of Al-Ahli management. Maintaining full “Increasing awareness of private healthcare providers Hospital, said that the impor- international healthcare accred- patient safety is critical and an from across Qatar. tance of promoting patient safety itation since early 2014 under the essential component to helps Khalid Al-Emadi, Chief Exec- cannot be underestimated. auspices of the Australian us to continually enhance the utive Officer of Al-Ahli Hospital, “Healthcare is a complex and Council on Healthcare Standards quality and safety of the said that it gives pleasure to be highly technical industry, excel- International is one way of dem- services we provide for the The participants at the event. part of this year’s Qatar Patient lence in clinical outcomes and onstrating our commitment to Qatar Community and beyond.” BPS celebrates Hindi Divas THE PENINSULA lamp by Principal, A P Sharma. Bachchan. Students recited Hindi DOHA Vice Principal (Co-scho- poems as a tribute to the lan- lastic) Rajesh Pillai addressed the guage spoken by most of the Hindi Divas is celebrated on august gathering with his people in India. Vice Principal September 14 every year in India inspiring words and emphasized (CBQED), Bhavana V S also as on this day the Constitutional the importance of Hindi lan- stressed about the significance of Assembly of India adopted Hindi guage in daily life in India. The celebrating the Hindi Day and her as country’s official language. main attraction of the day was kind words inspired the students Birla Public School cele- the street play (Nukkad Natak) with patriotic spirit and reminded brated Hindi Divas on Sep- “Hindi Bimaar hai” and the students of their true identity. tember 15 in the main campus Hasya Kavi Sammelan In the Primary 1 campus, the as well as in the Primary 1 (Humorous Poet Meet). theme of the day was ‘Jal hai to campus. In the Main Campus The students were shown a kal hai’ as the students of class 1 auditorium, the programme short documentary on the great & 2 always focus on the pre- started with the lighting of the Hindi poet, Harivansh Rai ciousness of water.

The officials of the the Ministry of Municipality and Environment and Carrefour in Qatar during the launch of the campaign to mark ‘World Clean-up Day’, yesterday. MME and Carrefour launch campaign to curb single-use plastic bags

THE PENINSULA of Awareness DOHA at the Public Relations To mark ‘World Clean-up Day’, Department of Carrefour in Qatar and the the Ministry of Ministry of Municipality and Municipality Environment yesterday and Envi- launched a new campaign to ronment, curb the use of single-use stressed the plastic bags. importance of The event included distri- enhancing bution of awareness brochures environmental and reusable bags to the public. education The students at the main section of Birla Public School during the celebration of Hindi Divas. As per the campaign, on the among all seg- element of our strategy and third Tuesday of each month ments of society and engaging comes in line with Qatar’s starting from yesteray, Car- them in more eco causes. She National Vision for 2030. Fol- ICC to stage musical programme today refour will observe ‘No Plastic also said that the Ministry’s par- lowing the success of our pre- Tuesdays’ by eliminating ticipation in today’s event vious initiative on International THE PENINSULA/DOHA civilization, ancestry and Indian schools and Indian cul- single-use plastic bags from reflects its support to the efforts Plastic Bag Free day, we chose archaeological aspects of art tural institutions in Qatar, to cash counters and offering cus- and environmental initiatives of to introduce No Plastic Tuesdays Indian Cultural Centre along forms in India. This programme have cultural shows on every tomers eco-bags free of charge the civil society organizations to maintain momentum. We with Keraleeyam Qatar will be is an effort from Keraleeyam to week at the Ashoka Hall in the instead. Moreover, single-use adding that environmental well- encourage all our customers to conducting Musical Star event deliver all-time hit songs of ICC Premises. plastic bags will be replaced being is a combined responsi- visit our stores on the third today evening at 7:30pm at the Indian movies and also feature Such programmes will also with paper alternatives in the bility of all ministries, organiza- Tuesday of each month to collect Ashoka Hall at the ICC premises. mimicry and dance performance provide a suitable platform and fruits and vegetables section. tions, companies and their complimentary eco-bags, Keraleeyam Qatar is an during the evening. opportunities for associate Carrefour will also reward its individuals. but most importantly, we ask associate organisation of Indian The programme is a contin- organisations of different states loyal MyCLUB members for Laurent Hausknecht, that they remember to bring it Cultural Centre and a non-gov- uation of the initiative by Indian of India to showcase their each purchase with 10 MyClub Country Manager of Carrefour along during every trip so that ernmental organisation that is Cultural Centre along with all culture. Admission will be free points on each transaction. in Qatar commented on the ini- we’re one step closer to ensuring working to revitalize the ICC associate Organisations, for all. Nawf Omar Bakhamis, Head tiative: “Sustainability is a core a single-use plastic free Qatar.” 08 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2019 Congress presses Trump on ESTABLISHED IN 1996 human rights in the Gulf CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected] JOSH ROGIN THE WASHINGTON POST ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected] hen the crown prince of Bahrain visited the Oval Office on Monday, Pres- DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Wident Donald Trump MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI praised the Gulf leader for his coun- [email protected] try’s purchase of American military equipment, but said nothing about Bahrain’s downward slide on freedom and human rights. That’s par for the course for Trump; Congress, however, is insisting on making American values at the forefront of US-Bahrain A file picture of Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders, Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, EDITORIAL relations. and Republican Senator Mike Lee meeting before holding a news conference on ending With Iran (allegedly) launching US support for the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, at the Capitol in Washington. attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure, and the president threatening to retaliate peaceful dissent,” wrote Sens. Ron to Bahrain’s larger neighbor, Saudi Nurturing a fair sports culture militarily, now may seem like an Wyden, D-Ore., Marco Rubio, R-Fla., Arabia. After regime agents murdered awkward time to talk about the sad and Chris Murphy, D-Conn. “We fear Post contributing columnist Jamal atar’s exemplary governance is known across the state of human rights in Gulf monar- that continuing down this path will Khashoggi, long-simmering congres- world for its integrity and transparency and the chies that also serve as US partners. ultimately prove unsustainable and sional anger over the Saudi military’s Qcountry is relentlessly promoting its values and But, in truth, partners who abuse their could lead to significant blowback to handling of the Yemen war spilled culture of a corruption-free administration at different own people are less stable and less US interests and Americans in over. regional and international forums. secure. That’s why it was a pillar of US Bahrain.” The Senate passed legislation for The latest example of this continuous effort is the hosting foreign policy to urge Gulf allies to Specifically, they are asking Trump the first time to end US aid for the of inter-regional Sports Integrity Summit in Doha. The slowly liberalize - until Trump took to ask the crown prince to release Saudi mission in Yemen, although the two-day Summit, organised by the International Centre for office. prisoners of conscience and re-engage president successfully vetoed it. But Sport Security (ICSS) and Qatar Airways in cooperation with Trump’s proud disregard for with the political opposition in a two senators who traveled to Saudi the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA), considered and America’s historic role as a defender of credible way. Sitting next to the crown Arabia last week told me the Saudi discussed several pressing issues affecting the sport field those suffering abroad - even in allied prince on Monday, Trump gave no government at least got the message. such as, corruption, bribery, manipulation of results, money countries - has emboldened those indication that any of that was on his “We raised these issues and laundering and several related issues. regimes to go further than they would mind. pressed [Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Henzab, the Chairman and CEO of ICSS otherwise dare. Since Trump took “We are doing a lot of business, Mohammed bin Salman] on Khashoggi and Vice-Chairman of SIGA said that hosting such a summit office, the government of Bahrain, a they are buying a lot of things. I’ve and human rights,” Sen. Angus King, for the first time in the Middle East, Asia and Africa region small country that hosts the Navy’s heard $9 billion,” Trump said. “We I-Maine, told me. “There’s work to be was a good decision for sports security and Qatar, adding Fifth Fleet, have a tremendous relationship mili- done. They understand the reputa- that the state of Qatar is a pioneer in promoting integrity, has ordered a tarily, but we also have a tremendous tional hit they have taken.” transparency and fighting corruption in sports in the region human rights relationship economically.” Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., told me and around the world. leader to The crown prince touted Bahrain’s he believed Saudi officials were Calling sports the identity of people, the SIGA Chairman, spend five purchase of Patriot missile systems reducing civilian casualties in Yemen Franco Frattini, said that “We raised these years in and said his goal was “to strengthen and allowing humanitarian aid to integrity is one of the core values issues and pressed prison over the relationship, which is based on reach the people there. He cautioned of sports right from the first [Saudi Crown tweets, sen- shared values, where they overlap.” that Congress and the US government Olympics held in Greece in 1891, Prince Mohammed tenced the For the senators, the strength of need to keep the pressure on to ensure and it must be preserved in main oppo- the relationship is shown by our will- Saudi Arabia and the UAE fulfill all The country’s order to preserve the identity of bin Salman] on sition leader ingness to stand up for our values their promises. stringent rules future generations. Pointing to Khashoggi and to life in when they don’t overlap with an “Much of that improvement is a and standards one of the major scourges that human rights,” prison, increasingly brutal regime that we do function of the sense by the Saudi gov- coupled with is vexing the modern-day sports Sen. Angus King, stripped hun- business with. The crown prince’s visit ernment that they had to improve,” he scenario, Frattini said that dreds of dis- is an example of when such issues said. “There was a recognition that I sincere leadership organised crime must be com- I-Maine, told me. senters of should be raised. had never seen before from Saudi and officials bated in all its forms that seek “There’s work to their citi- “Just as I urged President [Barack] leadership.” ensure that rapid profit in various sport be done. They zenship, shut Obama to raise these issues, I couldn’t Of course, congressional pressure transparency and sectors. down the let this opportunity pass to remind can go only so far, and even incre- Frattini hailed Qatar’s glo- understand the country’s last Donald Trump of that obligation, given mental improvements by Saudi Arabia integrity in sports rious efforts and great strides in reputational hit independent how repressive Bahrain’s leaders have are not enough. The Saudi regime’s are held high and achieving integrity in sports and they have taken.” newspaper, grown in the past few years,” Wyden easing of some restrictions on women it is an assurance the country’s preparations to and tortured told me. has come with the jailing of female host the 2019 World Athletics and executed dissidents after mass “It is in the United States’ national activists and many other dissenters. that the rest of Championship in a few days. trials. security interests to have a stable The regime still refuses to hold the world can The CEO of SIGA, Emmanuel Three senators wrote to Trump Bahrain that respects the fundamental Khashoggi’s murderers accountable or rely on its fairest Medeiros, also praised Qatar’s asking him to raise these issues with rights of its citizens and respects produce his body. sport culture. sporting integrity, governance Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad al- freedom of speech,” Rubio told me. But the Saudi example should and the country’s revolution in Khalifa Monday, out of concern not “The [United States] has an obli- inform the Bahrainis and any other infrastructure in preparation for only for Bahrain but also in the interest gation to stand up to repression regimes taking advantage of Trump’s the FIFA World Cup 2022. of regional and US security. wherever it happens in the world, laissez-faire attitude on human rights Qatar has fast become a world sporting hub hosting a “We value the United States’ especially when it involves our allies,” that at least Congress is still watching. myriad of tournaments or championships throughout the longtime partnership with Bahrain, Murphy told me. Lawmakers know that the more year. The country’s world-class sports facilities, modern which is why we remain deeply con- To see what happens when partner repressive a regime gets, the worse an stadiums, state-of-the-art training centres and the infra- cerned about the monarchy’s sys- regimes no longer feel US pressure to ally it is. If only the president knew structure, counted among the best in the world, are attracting tematic elimination of avenues for adhere to human rights, one can look that, as well. the cream of the sports world in a variety disciplines, whether it is football, tennis, golf, volleyball, horse race, camel race or athletics, to the country. Realising its great burden of responsibility, the State of US youngsters gear up for climate protests Qatar has adopted every mechanism, legal or structural, to make the sports sector free of corruption, bribery and AFP classrooms every Friday to call on adults bigger,” Gutierrez, covered in blue paint manipulation. The country’s stringent rules and standards to commit to saving the environment. from making waves, said of the global coupled with sincere leadership and officials ensure that or years, teenager Nora Gell from “I know the sacrifices I make for this climate movement. transparency and integrity in sports are held high and it is New York had learned about the are 100 percent worth it,” adds Gell. “As it gets bigger... the march on an assurance that the rest of the world can rely on its fairest environment and recycling at She was one of several hundred Earth Day 2020 is going to be huge,” he sports culture. Fschool, but her commitment to youngsters who attended a workshop in added, referring to the 50th anniversary protecting the planet ended there. Brooklyn on Sunday to make placards of Earth Day, which organizers hope will “When we went home, it didnt and banners for Friday’s protest. be the biggest ever. matter; it was a small issue that we could The waves symbolise rising sea Gutierrez has been able to convince afford to ignore at that time,” the levels in the world’s oceans. Thousands ten kids to attend so far, but hopes he can QUOTE OF THE DAY 14-year-old said. Now, she is a full- are expected to take to the streets in get 20 by the end of the week. fledged activist, one of a growing number Manhattan. The rally is due to start in New York authorities have given of youngsters embracing a climate Foley Square, in the south of the island, their blessings to the one million children We need a strategy movement that is demanding that world at noon. It is one of thousands of dem- in over 1,700 schools in the US financial of de-escalation for leaders act now to save the planet. onstrations happening around the globe capital to miss school for the event. the area (Gulf region), The teenager plans to skip school on ahead of a UN summit on zero emissions Gutierrez will vote for the first time and any move that Friday to take part in an environment on September 23. in next year’s presidential election and demonstration for the first time, It is not known how many people has been watching the Democratic goes against this alongside young Swedish activist Greta will attend but celebrities and non-gov- debates closely to learn who is most de-escalation would Thunberg. ernmental organizations have called for committed to protecting the be a bad move for “I feel like I have an obligation to do large numbers of people to take to the environment. something,” Gell says, fashioning card- streets. “Trump took us out of the Paris the situation in the board cutouts of waves to hold aloft Seventeen-year-old New Yorker agreement... everything is kind of headed region. during this week’s coordinated Elijah Gutierrez will be there. in the opposite direction we need to go,” worldwide climate protests. She is in He has been handing out flyers at he said. Gell doesn’t expect leaders to act Jean-Yves Le Drian part inspired by 16-year-old Thunberg’s school and talking non-stop to fellow immediately after Friday’s strike but French Foreign Minister “Fridays for future” strikes which have pupils to encourage them to join the expects they will be forced to in the long seen students across Europe abandon march. “It’s just going to get bigger and run. WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2019 OPINION 09

“The people want”: Democratic pandemonium in Tunisia’s presidential election

unisia’s youth finally win. yureed: the people want. country’s youth—were already slated possible President Karoui will Beji Caid Essebsi died, taking The verdict is in: the country, to make the next presidency and make good on his promise for “a with him remnants of the old with a 45% turn-out rate, has gone government a difficult one. Karoui’s just country” and a “better future,” regime. The elders left anti-establishment. The political unprecedented, unclear legal status, as his Facebook declaration pro- T and its political implications, only behind—Rached Ghannouchi, Abdel- class, from the country’s leftists to its claimed today, nobody knows. fattah Morou, and Moncef Marzouki “moderate family” (a la Chahed and adds to the conundrums facing the Whether a possible President included—miscalculated. Tunisians Ezbidi) to its Islamists, has been dis- nascent democracy. Saied can really be “loyal to the LARBI SADIKI waited eight years to say “no” to the credited. Not immune to the populist It may not be surprising that can- blood of the martyrs” and lead the old order. They have shunted not wave reaching Brazil, the Philippines, didates from the splintered Nidaa country’s youth “from despair to only the old guard, post-revolution the UK and the US, Tunisia has and its spinoff parties (Chahed, hope,” is also an open question. order and cadres included. Now is chosen two candidates who are com- Ezbidi, Marzouk, etc.) failed to garner Tunisians are right now caught the time for real change. plete newcomers to politics, without enough votes to make it to round two in the maelstrom of democrati- Sunday’s election “earthquake” clear political programs. Karoui and of the race to Carthage. zation (a good problem!). However, has catapulted two independent can- Saied stand apart from the country’s But for the country’s best will the electoral process involve didates, law professor Kais Saied political elites, their failed “con- organized political party known for court battles should jailed Karoui (19.5%) and jailed media mogul Nabil sensus politics,” their absent devel- its fixed base (usually estimated at maintain his lead over Morou? Will Karoui (15.5%) to the second round of opment plans. about 35%), Abdelfattah Morou’s Ennahda exploit this situation to the country’s presidential elections, Candidates who banked on failure to advance in the elections save face? Or will it cut its losses? If according to polling by Sigma Conseil foreign money, support, and spon- should come as a piercing wake-up the results remain unchanged, how and Elmhrod consulting. Official sorship failed. Gulf wealth, and the call. The outcome forces questions will the post-independence estab- results by the Independent High well-oiled media machinery televi- about voting discipline within lishment cope with its political Election Commission are set to be sions all failed to push contenders Ennahda. The myth of a united and downfall? released on Tuesday morning. among the new post-2011 political coherent movement-party has been Saied and Karoui’s dark horse Pre-campaign polling had sig- elite, to the second round of an shattered. nominations and contest of the naled Karoui as a frontrunner in the unpredictable contest. Money did not The party’s leadership should presidency, their lead in the biggest 26-candidate race. Apparently, his tip the balance. People, and their take this electoral beating as an twist in the country’s politics since incarceration on charges of money frustrated revolutionary demands for opportunity for deep soul-searching the 2011 revolution, and their climax laundering and tax evasion has not employment, livable wages, social and reflection. Nahda’s founding duo of victory (yet to be confirmed) for dented his popularity or his protection, basic infrastructure, in particular should seize the round two of the elections, have all Politicians and electability. against marginalization and socio- moment and hold themselves spawned shock (within the old The real surprise, though, has political exclusion, matter. accountable to the party’s members, guard) but also merriment (among parties who ignored been Kais Saied’s ascendancy. With Politicians and parties who to its base, to all of Tunisia. It is one the country’s youth) and one of the revolutionary fervor his unassuming demeanor and his ignored revolutionary fervor and thing to lead a movement in exile, most dramatic political develop- and frustration did pristine classical Arabic, Saied seems frustration did so at their own peril. under siege from Ben Ali. Planning ments in the history of Arab so at their own peril. to have connected with the demo- And now they are paying the price. the democratization process and elections. graphic that makes and breaks much False promises, expedient political designing political strategies is One thing is for sure: Tunisians And now they are in Tunisian politics (as in the rest of alliances, a thirst for power at the another ballgame altogether. The remind us today that revolutions are paying the price. False the region): the country’s youth. expense of the needs of the voting discourse of “wlaidatee” (collo- no joke. Democracy is not just elec- promises, expedient Reportedly refusing all campaign public will come back to haunt you— quially, my children) is not politics. tions. The people want is serious political alliances, a donations (including public funding sooner rather than later in a demo- What has Ennahda offered to business. Politicians, new and old, allotted equally to each candidate), cratic system. Parties, the entire Tunisians since their crowning take heed. thirst for power at Saied, with his volunteer-staffed political spectrum included, tried to achievement, five years ago, of the expense of the campaign appears to have struck a become “kings” and “king-makers”. helping hammer out the constitution Larbi Sadiki, Professor, needs of the voting chord with the restive shabab al- In this they failed. of the second republic? When International Affairs public will come back thawrah who for eight years have Dire economic conditions com- Ennahda joined hands with Essebssi Department, Qatar University, seen parties and elections but not the pounding Tunisia’s extensive devel- and came up with its “consensus” Non-Resident Scholar to haunt you—sooner shughl (jobs) and karamah (dignity) opment needs--soaring public debt, innovation, did the party downsize Brookings Doha Centre rather than later in a in the nascent democracy. Indeed, unemployment at over 15% itself? Neither majority party, nor democratic system. Kais’s campaign slogan is the well- nationally and twice that in some opposition, nor, since 2016, political known Arab Spring chant al-sha’b region, even higher among the Islam. Eight years after the revo- lution, who is Ennahda? The question now for the party is this: is its entire project a failure, sunk by the Tunisian electorate? Or D-RING ROAD tactical blunderings by Ennahda’s POST BOX: 3488 leaders and their advisers? The time DOHA - QATAR has come for the Shaykhan Ghan- [email protected] nouchi and Morou to make a graceful exit from politics. Handing over the party’s leadership to the younger EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE generation is long overdue. New TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 blood, new opinions, new political FAX: +974 4455 7758 programs in. Old leadership out? “Game over”? MANAGING EDITOR Uncertain times lie ahead for TEL: 4462 7505 Tunisia. One candidate in jail, the other with zero political experience DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR and alliances! Whether the remnants TEL: 4455 7769 of Nidaa, the country’s leftists, and its veteran democrats will regroup LOCAL NEWS SECTION before the next round, and before the TEL: 4455 7743 A screen displays results released by the Independent High Electoral Commission, Kais Saied led with 18.4% of the parliamentary elections in BUSINESS NEWS SECTION vote while Nabil Karoui had 15.58%. November, time will tell. Whether a TEL: 4462 7535

SPORT NEWS SECTION erhaps the biggest problem Britain’s relationship with the EU and exit” and about Cameron overplaying TEL: 4455 7745 with Brexit is that a con- give people the chance to have their his hand after misinterpreting her stantly changing lineup of say on it, my view remains that this warnings. Kornelius wrote: ONLINE SECTION British negotiators just won’t was the right approach to take. I Merkel also had another fear: TEL: 4462 7501 P Cameron might misread her signals listen to what their European Union believe that, particularly with the [email protected] counterparts keep telling them over Eurozone crisis, the organisation was and take advantage of the hard line LEONID BERSHIDSKY and over. Instead, they hope the EU changing before our very eyes, and that she was adopting with the crisis- PUBLIC RELATIONS BLOOMBERG will suddenly cave in to their our already precarious place in it was hit countries, as well as her sympathy TEL: 4455 7613 demands at the 11th hour - because becoming harder to sustain. Renegoti- for his demand for a repatriation of [email protected] ating our position was my attempt to powers. address that, and putting the outcome If the British prime minister ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT insisted too much on these demands, to a public vote was not just fair and TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 not just overdue, but necessary and, I then ultimately she might be the only Cameron should have FAX: 4455 7870 believe, ultimately inevitable. one who would be able to keep Britain [email protected] This clearly means he failed to in the EU. Cameron might exploit the listen to German Chancellor Angela fact that the Germans wanted to keep paid attention to Merkel’s CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT Merkel, a sympathetic and far more Britain in the EU at any cost, because TEL: 4455 7857 experienced colleague, when she cau- it suited their interests. But Merkel [email protected] Brexit warnings tioned him against his “strategy” long doesn’t like veiled threats. If it before the Brexit referendum. The reached that stage then she would SUBSCRIPTION & portion of Stephan Kornelius’s decide whether the price was too DISTRIBUTION authorized biography of Merkel, pub- high, and if in doubt she would TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 isn’t that what the EU always does? lished in 2013, the year Cameron decline. FAX: 44557819 In his just-published memoir, called for the referendum, makes Cameron knew all this as he was [email protected] David Cameron, who as U.K. stunning reading today. negotiating his February 2016 EU prime minister called the Brexit refer- Merkel, according to Kornelius, reform deal that preceded the refer- This clearly means endum and resigned after Britons was fond of Cameron and generally endum. He just believed Merkel he failed to listen to voted to leave, reveals that he more an Anglophile; she didn’t resent Cam- would give him more concessions or less started this tradition. eron’s desire for the U.K. to win back on the EU’s freedom of movement All thoughts and views German Chancellor Excerpts from the book published some of the sovereignty it had given rules and other exceptions from EU expressed in these columns Angela Merkel, by The Times describe Cameron’s up to the EU. On the other hand, she treaties in order to keep the U.K. in are those of the writers, a sympathetic interactions with EU leaders after the disliked the idea of renegotiating EU the bloc. When the compromise she not of the newspaper. and far more vote. “I spoke to European leaders treaties, and was even more opposed helped him get fell short of Brexiters’ and to Obama,” Cameron wrote. “To to the idea of a referendum not linked expectations, he still went ahead with experienced each I said the same thing: ‘I had a to any such renegotiation. the referendum. Even when the vote All correspondence colleague, when strategy to keep Britain in the EU. I “Her warning to Cameron was didn’t go the way he’d hoped, he con- regarding Views and she cautioned executed the strategy. It didn’t work. this: only if treaties had to be renego- tinued believing in a deal that would Opinion pages should be him against his I’m sorry.’” tiated could there be a vote for them,” keep the UK in the common market sent to editor-in-chief But he really wasn’t sorry. Else- Kornelius wrote. “And a vote was without freedom of movement. “strategy” long where in the memoir, “For the likely to turn out badly - of that In his memoir, Cameron revealed office or mailed to the before the Brexit Record,” he wrote: Merkel was certain.” that at his last European Council [email protected] referendum. On the central question of Even then, Merkel worried about meeting on June 28, 2016, Merkel told whether it was right to renegotiate the possibility of the U.K.’s “accidental him the hopes had been futile. 10 GULF / MIDDLE EAST WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2019 Iran’s supreme leader: No talks with the US at any level

AP/DUBAI Trump says he doesn’t want Iran’s supreme leader said yesterday “there will be no talks to meet Rouhani in New York with the US at any level”- remarks apparently meant to NEW YORK/BLOOMBERG end all speculation about a possible US-Iran meeting President Donald Trump said he doesn’t want to meet with Iranian between the two countries’ pres- President Hassan Rouhani at a summit next week in New York. idents at the UN later this month. “I’m not looking to meet him. I don’t think they’re ready yet. Iranian state TV quoted Aya- But they’ll be ready,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. tollah Ali Khamenei, who’s been “At the right time, they’ll be ready. I never rule anything out, but personally sanctioned by the I prefer not meeting him.” Trump administration, as saying Trump and Rouhani are both expected to attend the United this is the position of the entire Nations General Assembly next week. The U.S. president had leadership of the country and entertained the idea of meeting his Iranian counterpart to try to that “all officials in the Islamic open new talks on the 2015 nuclear deal Trump abandoned. Israeli Arabs vote during Israel’s parliamentary election at a polling station in Haifa, yesterday. Republic unanimously believe” this. “There will be no talks with US believes attack on Saudi Arabia the US at any level,” he said. Exit polls show Netanyahu His comments come as Iran originated in southwestern Iran faces allegations it is behind a devastating weekend attack on REUTERS/WASHINGTON and Gantz in tight race a Saudi oil field and the world’s largest crude oil processing plant The United States believes Saturday’s attack on Saudi Arabia’s that knocked out 5.7 million oil facilities originated in southwestern Iran, a US official said. AFP/JERUSALEM barrels of crude oil production Three officials, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, PM predicts 15 seats for Arabs per day, or about 5% of the said the attack involved both cruise missiles and drones, indi- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin world’s daily production. It also cating the attack involved a higher degree of complexity and Netanyahu and his main chal- ANATOLIA/JERUSALEM took out 2 billion cubic feet of sophistication than initially thought. lenger Benny Gantz were neck daily gas production. Oil prices and neck in the country’s general Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned his have soared worldwide amid the election after polls closed supporters that the Arab Joint List would win 15 seats in yester- damage in Saudi Arabia. media following a weekly foreign minister to all others yesterday, exit surveys showed. day’s parliamentary elections. Aramco, the Saudi oil Cabinet meeting that was have announced that we do not Three separate exit polls According to the Israeli media, a Likud spokesperson pub- company targeted, said no overseen by King Salman, who negotiate (with the US) either carried by Israeli television sta- lished details from a meeting hosted by Netanyahu at his resi- workers were injured in the was quoted saying Saudi Arabia bilaterally or multilaterally,” he tions showed Netanyahu’s right- dence warning the Arab list could warn more seats than expected attack. The attack early Saturday is capable of defending against said. There had been reports wing Likud and Gantz’s centrist in the polls. “Prime Minister Netanyahu expects the Joint Arab on the kingdom’s facilities in the such “cowardly attacks.” about a possible meeting Blue and White alliance with List to win 15 Knesset seats,” the spokesperson said. east was claimed as multiple Current tensions stem from between Trump and his Iranian between 31 and 34 parliament Hadash-Taa’al alliance and United Arab List-Balad, which drone strikes by Iranian-allied President Donald Trump’s counterpart, Hassan Rouhani, seats each out of 120. formed the Arab Joint List, had won 10 seats in total in previous Houthi rebels in Yemen. decision to pull the US out of during the upcoming UN General Ex-defence minister Avigdor polls. The Arab Joint List group announced on Tuesday that voting Saudi Arabia, however, says the 2015 nuclear deal between Assembly next week in New Lieberman’s nationalist Yisrael rates had increased slightly in Arab localities relative to elections the attack did not come from Iran and world powers. He also York. Beitenu party, who could play a this April. Yemen and said initial investi- re-imposed and escalated Trump declared on Monday kingmaker role, had between gations show Iranian weapons sanctions on Iran that sent the it “looks” like Iran was behind eight and 10 seats, according to were used. The kingdom, though, country’s economy into freefall, the explosive attack on the Saudi the polls. The polls showed April. Netanyahu’s Likud along GMT) was at 63.7 percent, higher has not yet said where the attack including targeting its oil oil facilities. But he stressed that Likud with 33, 32 or 31 seats with its right-wing and religious than the April elections by that was launched from or what kind exports. military retaliation was not yet compared to Blue and White’s allies won a majority of seats time, official figures showed. of weapons were involved. Khamenei said the US wants on the table in response to the 34, 32 and 33 seats. then, but the prime minister Netanyahu, the longest serving Saudi Arabia yesterday to prove its “maximum pressure strike against a key US Mideast If the exit polls are rea- failed to form a coalition and leader in Israeli history was called on the international com- policy” against Iran is successful. ally. sonably accurate — and they opted for an unprecedented seeking a fourth consecutive munity “to shoulder its respon- “In return, we have to prove that Trump, alternating between have in the past been signficantly second election. term in office and fifth overall. sibility in condemning the per- the policy is not worth a penny aggressive and nonviolent reac- off base — either Netanyahu or Lieberman recommended But he faced a stiff challenge petrators” and “clearly con- for the Iranian nation,” tions, said the US could respond Gantz will face tough negotia- Netanyahu for prime minister from retired military chief Benny fronting” those behind the Khamenei said. “with an attack many, many tions to form a government. after the April vote, but it is not Gantz, whose centrist Blue and attack. The government’s state- “That’s why all Iranian offi- times larger” but also “I’m not Yesterday’s elections came clear he will do so again. White party is running even with ments were carried in state-run cials, from the president and the looking at options right now.” only five months after polls in Turnout as of 8:00 pm (1700 Netanyahu’s Likud.

Iraq parliament Dutch court hears Gaza war crime case against Gantz strips outspoken AFP/THE HAGUE crimes. This preliminary hearing Ismail Ziada said six of his rela- brothers, a sister-in-law, a young Israeli court, Ziada’s lawyer to determine whether or not it tives were killed. The second nephew and a friend were killed Liesbeth Zegveld told the judges. liberal MP of A Dutch court heard preliminary should try the case started as defendant is former Israeli air in the strike on Bureij refugee “In other words, it’s impos- immunity arguments yesterday in a case Israelis go to the polls to elect a force chief Amir Eshel, 60. camp in Gaza on July 20, 2014. sible for him to take his claim about a deadly 2014 Israeli air new government -- with Gantz “I am seeking justice,” Ziada Israel said it launched Pro- anywhere else,” she said. AFP/BAGHDAD strike, in which Israeli prime a leading candidate for the prime told judges at The Hague’s District tective Edge at the time to stop During an emotional ministerial candidate Benny Gantz minister’s post. Court. He would not get a fair rocket fire against its citizens and statement, Ziada showed pic- Iraq’s parliament stripped an is one of two named defendants. Gantz, 60 was the chief of hearing before an Israeli court, he destroy tunnels used for smug- tures of his dead relatives, telling outspoken liberal lawmaker of A Dutch-Palestinian seeking general staff of the Israeli argued, because it “discriminated gling weapons and militants. the judges “much depends on the his immunity from prosecution justice for his relatives killed in defence force at the time of the against Palestinians seeking “As a Palestinian, my client outcome of this judicial process”, yesterday following accusa- the air strike urged the court to Gaza bombing as part of Oper- accountability for war crimes”. has no access to a partial and which he called a “David versus tions he praised Saddam go ahead with a trial for war ation Protective Edge, in which Ziada’s mother, three independent judge” before an Goliath” legal battle. Hussein’s Baath party, despite his long history of opposing the executed dictator. A constant critic of Iraq’s Arrest warrant for endemic corruption, Fayeq Al Sheikh Ali won a parliamentary seat last year after promising Lebanese-American to counter Islamists’ efforts to ban alcohol in the country. who worked for Israel In a television appearance last month, he railed against AP/BEIRUT from the U.S. earlier this month. Iraqi politicians in general, He had worked as a senior saying: “Let them hear me: A Lebanese judge issued an warden at the Khiam Prison in Ahmad Hassan Al Bakr’s shoe arrest warrant yesterday for a southern Lebanon that was run is cleaner than all of them put Lebanese-American who by an Israeli-backed militia, together.” A leading member confessed he’d worked for Israel known as the South Lebanon of the Baath party, Bakr served during its occupation of Lebanon Army, until Israel ended an as Iraq’s fourth president from for nearly two decades, 18-year occupation of the area in 1968 to 1979, overseeing a Lebanese judicial officials said. 2000. “The Department of State period of economic revival The officials said acting mil- does not comment on cases before Saddam took over. itary investigative judge Najat involving American citizens due In contrast to current “lowly” Abu Shakra postponed the ques- to privacy considerations,” a politicians, Bakr and Saddam tioning of Amer Fakhoury at the State Department official said. had distributed land freely, Military Court in Beirut pending Outside the court, scores of Sheikh Ali said. The MP had Call for extension of UNRWA term permission from Lebanon’s Bar people gathered, including himself gone into exile in the Association for an American former Khiam prison detainees, 1990s because of his opposition Palestinian girls gather at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees lawyer to attend. some of whom demanded the to Saddam and returned after the (UNRWA) building during a demonstration demanding the extension of term of office of UNRWA, The officials said Fakhoury death penalty for Fakhoury. dictator was ousted in the US-led in Gaza City, yesterday. told the judge he wants the “First of all we want the mil- 2003 invasion. But a host of MPs American lawyer to be present itary court to deliver the death said the comments amounted to and since she had no permission sentence by hanging for Amer “glorifying the Baath” — a pun- Attack on weapons depot in eastern Syria, 10 dead from the Bar Association, the Fakhoury and all those like him, ishable offence in post-Saddam judge decided to postpone the whether they are inside Lebanon Iraq -- and voted to lift his par- AP/BAGHDAD killing at least 10, a Syria war strike hit weapons depots questioning. No date has been or outside, who are trying to liamentary immunity. One MP, monitor and an Iraqi security belonging to Iraqi factions oper- set for the next session, said the erase their history and to return speaking on condition of ano- Unknown aircraft attacked a official said. ating under the banner of the officials who spoke on condition to Lebanon,” said Firyal nymity, said the move was also weapons depot belonging to The airstrikes took place in Popular Mobilization Forces, the of anonymity in line with Hammoud, former inmate of triggered by a personal spat with Iranian-backed paramilitary Boukamal, in the eastern name given for the mainly Shia regulations. Khiam prison. “We do not accept Hanan Al Fatlawi, a former Shia forces in an eastern town near province of Deir Al Zour. An militias in Iraq that Iran Fakhoury was detained after less than a public death MP known for her divisive sec- the Iraqi border early yesterday, Iraqi security official said the supports. returning to his native Lebanon sentence.” tarian rhetoric. WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2019 AFRICA 11 Saied, Karoui to contest Tunisia presidential runoff vote AFP Saied led the first Unemployment runs at TUNIS round of polling on around 15 percent, particularly affecting young graduates, while Tunisia’s electoral commission Sunday with 18.4 inflation eats away at already confirmed yesterday that a pres- percent of the vote low incomes. idential runoff vote will pit law against Karoui’s 15.6 “With these presidential professor Kais Saied against percent. polls, we’re back to the situation detained media mogul Nabil in 2011,” said Mohamed Marzouk, Karoui. the head of civil society organi- The result from Sunday’s for the final runoff. ISIE has said sation Murakiboun, which has vote, thrusting two political out- it is investigating alleged elec- been observing the elections. siders to the fore, was a shock to toral violations, including by “The voters’ message is: ‘Eve- a political establishment in place media mogul Karoui’s Nessma rybody out, and then we’ll see’,” since the 2011 fall of dictator Zine TV. he said. El Abidine Ben Ali. “There have of course been The two leading candidates Saied led the first round of violations and the judiciary will “have been preparing the ground polling on Sunday with 18.4 respond. But cancelling a vote is for years. They have shown that percent of the vote against even more serious,” ISIE chief elections don’t happen on Karoui’s 15.6 percent, taking both Nabil Baffoun said. Facebook — at least not only,” through to an October run-off, “The violations were not Marzouk said. said the electoral commission, decisive and the votes of the Le Quotidien newspaper ISIE. electors must be respected.” earlier said Tunisian voters had It said turnout reached 49 Observers from the European “preferred to venture into the percent in Sunday’s election, Union said the first round has unknown rather than extend a markedly down from the 64 been “transparent”. hand again to those who percent at the country’s first free But it called for the candi- betrayed their hopes”. Nabil Bafon (right), the chairman of the Independent High Elections Commission of Tunisia, announcing presidential polls in 2014. dates to have the “same oppor- Saied, a fiercely independent results for the first round of polls at the Conference Palace in Tunis, yesterday. Abdelfattah Mourou, a first- tunities” to campaign, in an academic aged 61, advocates a ever presidential candidate from apparent allusion to Karoui. radical decentralisation of the Islamist-inspired Ennahdha Depending on potential power, with local democracy and political parties, or with a party status as an outsider, despite run despite his imprisonment, party, came third. appeals, the second round could the ability to remove elected offi- or a coalition of parties, there is being a longtime supporter of as long as any conviction does Shortly before the official be organised for October 6, the cials from office during their a project,” he told the press. president Beji Caid Essebsi, not also specifically deprive him results were announced, same day as legislative elections, mandates. “Anybody who wants to join whose death on July 25 brought of his civil rights, according to Ennahdha congratulated the two or on October 13, ISIE said. He is also perceived as very can do so.” Karoui, a 56-year- forward the polls. ISIE. winners, implicitly dispelling The two candidates, though conservative on social issues. old media magnate, is under Appeals to have Karoui freed Ennahda leader Rached rumours that Karoui would be very different, have both drawn Three weeks ahead of the investigation for alleged money before the election were rejected, Ghannouchi yesterday urged his disqualified over alleged viola- on “anti-system” sentiment parliamentary polls, he said yes- laundering and has been in pre- but his lawyers were planning to supporters to turn out en masse tions during his campaign. among the electorate, spurred terday he would not be aligning trial detention since August 23. refile for his release after the for the parliamentary polls on Any such disqualification by exasperation with the status himself with any political party. Karoui’s arrest in the runup results were confirmed. October 6, in which he is running would have seen Mourou qualify quo. “There is no alliance between to the election cemented his Karoui remains eligible to for the first time. Algerians protest against planned South Sudan may plunge DR Congo’s former minister presidential vote in December back into conflict: UN to be probed BLOOMBERG The chief of UN AFP JUBA Human Rights over Ebola funds ALGIERS Commission for South South Sudan, where warring Sudan said armed AFP Protesters massed in the parties agreed to end five years KINSHASA Algerian capital yesterday to of conflict, could return to opposition groups demand the cancellation of a bloodshed despite recent and the government Former DR Congo health controversial presidential commitments by its leaders to are forcibly recruiting minister Oly Ilunga was trans- election planned for December form a power-sharing children in some ferred to the public prosecutor’s 12. government, the United Nations office yesterday, three days Interim leader Abdelkader has warned. areas. after being arrested over accu- Bensalah announced the poll on Both armed opposition sations he embezzled $4.3m in Monday in a bid to resolve the groups and the government are Ebola funds, his lawyers said. political deadlock gripping the forcibly recruiting children in and end the crisis that left Ilunga, who resigned as country since the April resig- Juba and Western Bahr el 400,000 people dead, displaced health minister in July after nation of longtime president Ghazal, and in Greater Bahr el 4 million others and exacerbated being removed as head of the Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Ghazal, respectively, according a reduction in crude country’s Ebola response team, But activists have demanded to Yasmin Sooka, chairwoman production. was arrested in Kinshasa on political reforms and the of the UN Human Rights Com- Hardliners unwilling to Saturday. Demonstrators shout slogans during a protest against the announcement removal of Bouteflika loyalists mission for South Sudan. compromise on key issues — He is due to be questioned to hold presidential polls in December, in Algiers, yesterday. including powerful army chief “Ironically, the prospect of the number of states, their by an investigating magistrate, Ahmed Gaid Salah before any a peace deal has accelerated the boundaries, and security lawyer Guy Kabeya said. vote takes place. “We will cancel the regime figures to step down. forced recruitment of children, arrangements — might sabotage Ilunga’s lawyers have Led by students, protesters December 12 vote just like we “Students represent the with various groups now seeking progress toward implemen- rejected the embezzlement yesterday shouted slogans cancelled the July 4 election,” he majority of voters and we will to boost their numbers before tation of the agreement, Sooka claim, saying accounts prove against “the gang” and said. After Bouteflika resigned not participate” in the election, they move into the cantonment said. that public funds were used demanded: “Hey Gaid Salah, in the face of mass protests in said Samia, a law student at sites,” Sooka said in a statement “Clearly time is rapidly “exclusively” in the fight against forget the elections!” The April, presidential elections were Tuesday’s demonstration. on Monday. running out for this to happen the Ebola virus, which has general, who has become a key called for July 4. Police detained at least 10 Warring parties are and if the resources, including claimed more than 2,000 lives powerbroker since Bouteflika’s However the vote was post- protesters in central Algiers and scheduled to form a unity gov- the government’s commitment since August 2018. departure, has led the push for poned due to a lack of viable confiscated mobile phones of ernment by November 12 and of $100m for the implemen- They have also rejected a polls by the end of the year in candidates, leaving a political people who filmed the arrests, prepare for democratic elections tation of the agreement, are not police statement that the keeping with the constitution. vacuum in the North African according. Samia said: “How do in the following 36 months. made available, these issues former minister was planning But Hamid, a 57-year-old country. they expect us to participate in Previously planned for May will remain unresolved, with to leave the country to escape public servant who took part in Protesters have held mass a democratic election when they 12, the joint administration was the potential to plunge the justice. the protest, insisted that would rallies every Tuesday and Friday keep arresting protesters and delayed for six months when country into full-scale war once Ilunga, 59, was also ques- not happen. since 11 February, calling for key activists?” they failed to agree on key issues again,” she said. tioned in August over the man- agement of Ebola funds. He stepped down from his Zimbabwe: role after criticising plans by the Tourist boat capsizes in Senegal, four dead UN’s World Health Organi- Doctors seek help zation (WHO) to introduce a AFP dozen divers at the scene. new, unlicensed vaccine to fight to find leader DAKAR Distressed families were the epidemic. waiting on the shore to get news BLOOMBERG/JOHANNESBURG At least four people died and of their loved ones. three were missing after a boat “The gendarmerie called us Belgium, Congo A medical-doctors’ union in carrying dozens of tourists at 5:00 am (GMT and local time). Zimbabwe has appealed for capsized under heavy storms in My brother was on the boat. The restore ties assistance to find its leader, Senegal, authorities and emer- worst thing is not knowing,” said who has been missing for more gency services said yesterday. Aminata Diop, who was among AP than two days. The boat was carrying 24 the relatives on the beach. BRUSSELS Doctors and other health Senegalese nationals, six French There are “four dead bodies professionals held protests in people, two Germans, two and between three and four Officials from Belgium and the capital, Harare, on Tuesday Swedes and one person from people are missing. Thirty-five Congo have signed agree- calling for help in locating Peter Guinea-Bissau, when it turned people were on the boat. Search ments aimed at normalising Magombeyi who “remains over in driving rain and a heavy and rescue operations are con- relations between the former missing for more than 48 swell, fire department chief Papa tinuing this morning,” Interior European colonial power and hours,” it said. Angel Michel Diatta said. Minister Aly Ngouille Ndiaye the African nation during an As head of the Zimbabwe The identities and national- said. official visit of Congolese Hospital Doctor’s Association, ities of the victims are not yet The causes of the accident President Felix Tshisekedi to which has 1,500 members, known. were unclear. The interior min- Belgium. Senegalese emergency workers prepare their boats to leave for a Magombeyi is one of the key The boat was heading for the ister told Senegalese media over- Belgium’s foreign affairs rescue and search mission on a beach of Dakar, near the Madeleine organizers of a strike over poor Madeleine islands, site of an off- night that several tourists were ministry said officials met yes- remuneration that began earlier shore national park popular with worried about the heavy rains islands, yesterday, after a tourist boat capsized. terday to agree to restore their this month. He went missing on tourists who travel from Dakar, and wanted to return to the pier ambassadors in both countries Saturday. Doctors in Zimbabwe coastal capital of the West but others wanted to stay on the food were sent to them and they this year and heavy storms have as they tried to put an end to earn a monthly salary of African country. boat. were to be ferried back to the resulted in several casualties this a two-year diplomatic crisis Z$1,400 ($111) and have Emergency services con- The survivors spent the night mainland in the morning, he month. Two fishermen were that was triggered by the per- demanded that the amount be tinued to look for those missing on the island, Ndiaye told local added. killed on their canoe in the same ceived interference of Belgium increased to Z$18,000. yesterday. AFP journalists saw a radio on Tuesday. Blankets and The rainy season arrived late area nearly two weeks ago. in Congo’s internal affairs. 12 ASIA WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2019 India expects to have physical jurisdiction over PoK one day: Minister

IANS “This provision Constitution and it had to end NEW DELHI someday. This is what India has (Article 370) had been telling the world. India yesterday made its position actually become “It was a temporary pro- on Kashmir very clear, stating dysfunctional, that it vision and the meaning of tem- that revocation of Article 370 was being arbitraged porary is that it has to come to was a purely internal affair an end. This provision had which it would not discuss with by a narrow set of actually become dysfunctional, Pakistan, and that it expects to people for their own that it was being arbitraged by a one day to have “physical juris- gains, and that was narrow set of people for their diction” over Pakistan-occupied own gains, and that was leading Kashmir. leading to lack of to lack of development. The lack External Affairs Minister S development. The lack of development was feeding a Jaishankar, addressing his first of development was sense of separatism, and that press conference on completion feeding a sense of separatism was being utilised by of 100 days of the Modi 2.0 gov- Pakistan to carry out its cross ernment, minced no words in separatism, and that border terrorism.” He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacting with his mother Heeraben on the day of his birthday at stating that the only issue India separatism was being most of the world understood her residence at Rysan village, near Gandhinagar, some 30km from Ahmedabad. would discuss with Pakistan utilised by Pakistan this logic. would be of cross-border to carry out its cross To a question on talking with terrorism. Pakistan, with the Pakistani He virtually ruled out talks border terrorism.” establishment stating that it has Modi turns 69, says J&K with Pakistan on Kashmir, saying offered dialogue to India but to the August 5 revocation of Article no avail, he said: “Part of the 370 that gave special status to that is the root cause of this. problem is that Pakistan is only Jammu and Kashmir was India’s There has to be a recognition,” doing talking. It has not been decision inspired by Patel internal issue, and did not he said. doing anything other than this. concern Islamabad in any way. To a question on Pakistan- “They think that nice words IANS a look at the majestic ‘Statue of He said, its his privilege to start “First of all 370 is not a occupied Kashmir, in the are an answer to the real KEVADIA/GUJARAT Unity’, India’s tribute to the great the day with this visit. bilateral issue, 370 is an internal backdrop of Union Defence Min- problem, but the real problem is Sardar Patel,” he tweeted. Talking about conservations, issue. With regard to Pakistan, ister Rajnath Singh and Home the dismantling of this industry Jammu and Kashmir seems to In a direct reference to he said: “In our culture it is the issue is not 370, the issue Minister Amit Shah, among (cross border terror) that they be on top of Prime Minister’s Kashmir and the abrogation, the believed that development can with Pakistan is terrorism,” he others stating that the only talks have created. mind, even on his birthday. In a Prime Minister said: “India is be done while protecting the said. with Islamabad would now be “The question is not whether direct reference, resurrecting trying to complete the works that environment, and it is evident “There is no change.. (on on PoK, Jaishankar said: “Yes, what can you talk about.. it’s not Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s were left incomplete after Inde- here. Nature is dear to us, it is Pakistan policy) We must make our position on PoK is, has been, an India issue. Show me a vision, Modi basked in the glory pendence. People of J&K, Ladakh our jewel.” the world realise (about Pakistan and will always be very clear. country in the world that can of the recent abrogation of faced discrimination for 70 years The Prime Minister also fomenting terrorism). Show me PoK is part of India, and we accept that it’s neighbour can Article 370 ending special and the country had to bear its visited the Ekta Nursery, situated one country that openly con- expect one day that we will have conduct terrorism and then it powers to Kashmir. consequences in form of sepa- in close proximity to the iconic ducts terrorism against its physical jurisdiction over it.” will go and talk to them. Standing in vicinity of the ratism and violence.” Statue of Unity. The nursery man- neighbour as part of what it con- On revocation of special “Our position is completely Sardar Sarovar Dam, Modi said, Modi spent his 69th birthday ufactures various traditional eco- siders its foreign policy... What status for Kashmir, he empha- normal, rational. They are the “Country is witnessing fulfilment morning at Kevadia Eco Park, friendly products and offers a live should come on the table first of sised that Article 370 was a tem- set of people whose behaviour of Sardar Patel’s dream of ‘Ek where Modi was overwhelmed demonstration of their manufac- all is the terrorism issue. Because porary provision of the Indian is an aberration,” he said. Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’. “Have by the beauty of river Narmada. turing process to the visitors.

Mamata to raise bank merger, Salve blames Supreme Court for economic slowdown IANS In an interview to a legal Foreigners invested billions of December 2017, the CBI trial court they will make a retrospective law PSU issues with NEW DELHI website, Salve said, “I squarely dollars, and with one stroke of the acquitted former Union Ministers and change it”, said Salve. blame the Supreme Court.” pen, the Supreme Court knocked and key accused A. Raja and Kan- Salve said the apex court was Prime Minister Senior advocate Harish Salve has Though, he acknowledged that he all of them out”, he said. imozhi, along with 15 others. inconsistent in dealing with com- blamed the Supreme Court for could understand holding people The Comptroller and Auditor Emphasising on the nature of mercial cases and that was a matter IANS pushing the country into the responsible for the wrongful dis- General (CAG) in its 2010 report foreign investment, he said it of huge concern for investors. KOLKATA economic slowdown, citing its tribution of the licences in 2G concluded that the 2G spectrum turned risky after the retrospective Referring to the apex court’s judgements in the 2G spectrum spectrum allocation. allocation method had led to Rs 1.76 changes in the Vodafone case. The judgement in the coalmine Describing her trip to Delhi to case. Salve said the economic “Blanket cancellation of lakh crore loss to the exchequer. A great strength of India was the allotment case, he said, “You can- meet Prime Minister Narendra slowdown begun with the 2G licences...when a foreigner charge-sheet was filed by the CBI people’s belief in its judiciary that celled coalmines (allocation) by one Modi as “routine” and a “consti- case order when the apex court invested, it was your rule that said in April 2011. In February 2012, the it would deliver justice, he said and stroke of the pen, without exam- tutional obligation”, West in one stroke cancelled 122 he must have an Indian partner. top court cancelled 122 licences. added the Vodafone case dealt a ining the merits of every case. Much Bengal Chief Minister Mamata spectrum licences issued to The foreigner didn’t know how Salve had appeared for blow to that. “People now had to genuine foreign investment in the Banerjee yesterday said she telecom operators. the Indian partner got a licence. telecom companies in the case. In factor in — you win in the tribunal, coal industry went flat...” would raise the issue of bank merger, BSNL salary issues and disinvestment of PSUs like Air India. ‘Ramayan’ epic solution to Banerjee is slated to meet Modi at 4.30pm today. “At times we have to go to all global problems: Shah Delhi on government work as it is the national capital. I have IANS Institute of Thailand, a dance to go there from time to time in NEW DELHI guild from Sri Lanka, Cam- connection with the affairs of bodian Artist Troupe, Notre the state. It is a routine thing,” At a time when the top court of Dame Kali Maa Mandir Asso- Banerjee said while leaving the the country is seized of the title ciation from Mauritius are state secretariat Nabanna on suit dispute over Ayodhya, the some of the many interna- way to the Netaji Subhash Modi government has given a tional delegations taking part Chandra Bose International push to ‘Ram’, ‘Ramayan’ and in this Ramayan Airport. ‘Ramrajya’. extravaganza. Banerjee reminded the Speaking at the fifth edition No wonder Shah called it the reporters that she hasn’t visited of the Ramayana Festival, BJP “Cultural ambassador of India” Delhi for a long time. “I am President and Union Home Min- in foreign countries. The fact going there because some ister Amit Shah called that even Islamic nations like money, which my state is due Ramayana, the Hindu epic, as Indonesia and Bangladesh have to get, is pending,” she said. the solution of all global sent their teams to present their Banerjee said the issues of problems. version of Ramayana gives cre- PSUs like BSNL, Air India and “Ramayan is the solution to dence to Shah’s claim. Railways will figure during the your personal, social, national But beyond the cultural talks. “They are facing lot of Wedding bells for Kashmiri youth and global problems,” said showmanship and high profile problems. They have nowhere Shah. attendees, what this event has to go. So they come to us. I will A groom is being garlanded by relatives and friends before leaving for his bride’s home in Kashmir’s The reference to Ram was helped in doing is to give a subtle speak for them.” Baramulla district, north of Srinagar. recurring and the veiled ref- push to Ram, Ramayana and erence to ‘Ramrajya’ was also Ramrajya as the Supreme Court clear enough to understand. is deciding on who owns the dis- When Shah was talking puted land of Ayodhya that 14 more bodies retrieved from Godavari, toll hits 26 about “sushasan” (good gov- Hindus claim is the birthplace ernance), something that the of Lord Ram. IANS continued around the accident found at Devipatnam near the The rescue workers con- Modi government boasts of pro- Earlier, ICCR President RAJAHMUNDRY site and downstream for the accident site. Two bodies which tinued their efforts to locate the viding India with, he was Vinay Sahasrabuddhe claimed third consecutive day. had washed away were boat, which is believed to be making a veiled reference to the that the international delega- The death toll in Sunday’s boat The tourist boat, with more retrieved from Dowaleswaram stuck at a depth of 315 feet. Due utopian “Ramrajya”. tions will also visit Ayodhya and tragedy in Andhra Pradesh’s East than 70 people, overturned near barrage. to the strong water current and The three-day event that he offer prayers at the disputed Godavari district rose to 26 with Kuchuluru village on Sunday Personnel of the Indian winds at the accident site, they inaugurated will see foreign del- sight. rescue workers yesterday pulling afternoon while on its way to the Navy, National Disaster are finding it difficult to carry out egations performing and pre- “Needless to say, it will be a out 14 bodies from the Godavari picturesque Papikonda hills. Response Force (NDRF), State search operation. senting their interpretations of huge endorsement of the claims river, officials said. Officials said 27 people were Disaster Response Force (SDRF) Officials said believe that Ramayan. made by the Hindus as well as About 20 people are still rescued by local villagers. and fire services are partici- there may be some bodies in the The college of dramatic the stated position of the BJP that missing as the search operation As many as 12 bodies were pating in the search operation. boat as it turned upside down. arts under Bunditpattanailpa the land belongs to “Ram Lalla”. WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2019 ASIA 13

Afghan security forces keep watch at the site of a blast in Kabul, yesterday. RIGHT: An Afghan family walking out from the site of the blast in Kabul. 48 dead in Taliban attacks ahead of Afghan polls

AFP The first attack saw a motorcyclist detonate a speaking to his supporters at the regard for civilian life & funda- spurred the insurgents to declare KABUL time of the blast, was unhurt but mental human right to partic- last week that the only other suicide bomb at a checkpoint leading to a rally later condemned the attack, ipate in democratic process”. option was more fighting. Taliban suicide bombers killed where President Ashraf Ghani was addressing saying the incident proved the The elections will see Ghani “We had two ways to end at least 48 people and wounded supporters in central Parwan province, just Taliban had no real interest in face off against his own Chief occupation in Afghanistan, one dozens more in two blasts north of the capital, killing 26 and wounding reconciliation. Executive, Abdullah Abdullah, was jihad and fighting, the other yesterday — one at a campaign “As the Taliban continue and more than a dozen other was talks and negotiations,” rally for the president and the 42. Just over an hour later another blast also their crimes, they once again candidates, including former Mujahid said last week. other in Kabul — with the insur- claimed by the Taliban rocked central Kabul prove that they are not interested warlords, ex-spies, and onetime “If Trump wants to stop talks, gents warning of more violence near the US embassy. in peace and stability in Afghan- members of the country’s former we will take the first way and ahead of elections. istan,” said Ghani in a statement. communist regime. they will soon regret it.” The first attack saw a motor- Sixty kilometres away in For weeks, the election had Observers had warned the cyclist detonate a suicide bomb after US President Donald Trump they suffer any losses that is their Kabul, a shopkeeper, been sidelined by the US-Taliban Taliban, who hope to weaken the at a checkpoint leading to a rally abruptly ended talks with the own responsibility,” the Rahimullah, said he had been talks, with many Afghans and future president, will do anything where President Ashraf Ghani Taliban earlier this month over statement said. sitting inside his shop when the observers expecting the vote to they can to upend the election. was addressing supporters in a deal that would have allowed An AFP image from the scene second blast came. be cancelled if a deal was agreed. On the first day of cam- central Parwan province, just the US to begin withdrawing near Ghani’s rally, roughly an “The wave broke all the Even candidates did little in the paigning in July, suicide attackers north of the capital, killing 26 troops from its longest war. hour’s drive north of Kabul, windows,” he said. way of campaigning. and gunmen targeted the Kabul and wounding 42. In a statement sent to media showed the remains of a burnt “I rushed outside and saw But with the deal off, Ghani office of Ghani’s running mate, Just over an hour later claiming responsibility for both motorcycle, with a body on top, several bodies just across the and his rivals have begun the Amrullah Saleh. At least 20 another blast also claimed by the blasts, Taliban spokesman Zabi- covered by a blanket and next to street. This is the second time in race. people died in those attacks. Taliban rocked central Kabul hullah Mujahid said the attack a badly damaged police car. less than a month that a blast has Ghani is seeking a clear Turnout in the elections is set near the US embassy. Authorities near Ghani’s rally was deliber- Women and children were broken our windows. I just fixed mandate they can use to nego- to be low, with experts citing fear initially did not give casualty ately aimed at disrupting the among the causalities, Parwan them a week ago.” The UN’s tiate with the insurgents on a of violence and a loss of hope figures, but later said 22 people September 28 elections. hospital director Abdul Qasim mission in Afghanistan also lasting peace in Afghanistan. among voters following wide- had been killed and a further 38 “We already warned people Sangin said. slammed the Taliban, accusing Trump’s declaration that the spread fraud allegations during wounded. The explosions came not to attend election rallies, if The president, who was them of showing “despicable dis- US-Taliban talks were “dead” the 2014 election. Outcry forces NW Pakistan officials to scrap veil order IMF delegation in Pakistan to

AFP “to protect them from any resulted in a reversal by author- the region defended the move. review programme progress PESHAWAR unethical accident”. ities. “The directive is hereby One provincial legislator, Siraj- But the directive, first withdrawn,” a new order issued ud-din Khan, warned that his INTERNEWS (FBR) Chairman Shabbar Zaidi. Pakistan education authorities announced last week, triggered yesterday said. radical Jamaat-e-Islami party ISLAMABAD As per the proposed schedule of have reversed a decision making a nationwide backlash, as social However leading Pakistani would protest and “force the the visit, the delegation will it compulsory for female media users and activists con- women’s rights activist Tahira government to enforce this order The International Monetary remain in Pakistan until Sep- students in two major north- demned the move as yet another Abdullah warned that the in the whole of the province”. Fund’s (IMF) Middle East and tember 20. western cities to wear veils, one curb on women’s rights in a attempt “did not enhance the Local shopkeeper Jameel Central Asia Director Jihad Another official said the del- day after the move sparked a deeply misogynistic country. image of Pakistan”. Ahmad and teacher Ameen Sadiq Azour along with an eight- egation will hold marathon rights outcry on social media. “So the burden of unethical “While the rest of the world also vented their anger at the member delegation arrived in meetings with Hafeez Shaikh District education officials in behaviour lies on schoolgirls and is moving forward with its chil- government’s decision to reverse Islamabad yesterday to hold and top officials of the Ministry Peshawar, the capital of Khyber not the pervs who harass girls, dren’s education, protection and the order, saying that under formal talks with top of Finance, Planning Minister Pakhtunkhwa, and Haripur, regardless of them being development, Pakistan is defi- Islam and Pashtun tribal tra- government functionaries. Khusro Bakhtyar, Planning another city in the conservative covered,” tweeted one social nitely moving backwards,” she dition dominant in the northwest Amid his arrival, the gov- Commission officials and the province, had announced that media user, Naila Inayat, in a said. women must be properly ernment stepped up efforts to Minister of Economic Affairs girls must cover themselves fully typical comment. The backlash However some residents in covered. recover about Rs85bn additional Hammad Azhar and his team. revenue from the electricity and The delegation will also gas consumers and firm up a meet with the chairpersons and UN experts urge road map to bridge gaps in tax members of the National Elec- Sri Lanka PM faces party challenge collection. tronic Power and Regulatory Bangladesh to AFP/COLOMBO The visit is being described Authority (Nepra), Oil and Gas until parliament speaker Karu president Mahinda Rajapakse, as “routine” by both sides. A Regulatory Authority (Ogra) and probe deaths of Jayasuriya and deputy party leading the opposition bid despite finance ministry representative Securities and Exchange Com- Sri Lanka’s ruling coalition leader Sajith Premadasa threw outstanding court cases and said the delegation, headed by mission of Pakistan before trav- Rohingya became embroiled in a power their hats into the ring. The UNP criminal inquiries. Jayasuriya, 78, Azour and Mission Chief to elling to Karachi to hold discus- struggle yesterday as two chal- dominates the ruling coalition and who played a key role in ending Pakistan Ernesto Ramirez-Rigo, sions at the State Bank of ANATOLIA lengers came forward to oppose is expected to nominate its can- a political crisis last year, said he is here “to review the pro- Pakistan and other DHAKA Prime Minister Ranil Wickremes- didate for the election to be held wants the top office so he can gramme as per schedule.” stakeholders. inghe to be candidate for a between November seven and scrap the presidential system On its first day, the team The delegation will also UN human rights experts on looming presidential election. December seven. Voting already which he accused of centralising held informal meetings with interact with National Assem- Monday called on Bangladesh Wickremesinghe had been the risks controversy with Gotabaya power. “I will enter the contest Adviser to the Prime Minister on bly’s Standing Committee on to look into the deaths clear frontrunner to be the United Rajapakse, younger brother of Sri with the intention of abolishing Finance Abdul Hafeez Shaikh Finance led by former finance happened in Rohingya refugee National Party (UNP) candidate Lanka’s former strongman the executive presidency,” he said. and Federal Board of Revenue minister Asad Umar. camps in the country’s Cox’s Bazar district. In a statement, the UN human rights experts expressed Nepali climber set for final push in record 14-peak bid its “deep concerns” over the recent restrictions imposed by AFP/KATHMANDU the British Gurkhas, Purja or mountains engraved on his back, the government and increased “Nims dai” climbed both the with colourful prayer flags military presence at the refugee The current record for climbing 8,848-metre Everest and Lhotse tracing his journey to the peaks. camps after a massive “Gen- the world’s 14 tallest peaks is at 8,516 metres in a record 10 Swapping his army boots for ocide Day” protest held last almost eight years. Nepali hours and 15 minutes in 2017. crampons, Purja quit the military month. “We urge the Bangla- climber, Nirmal Purja, who This inspired the 36-year-old after 16 years of service and re- deshi Government to carry out served in the British Special to start “Project Possible”, scaling mortgaged his house to begin his an independent, impartial and Forces, has a target of seven the 14 peaks — all higher than expedition and start raising effective investigation into all months. 8,000 metres — in seven months. funds. Purja began his attempt deaths that have occurred with On Monday Purja arrived at But doing so is radically in April with the 8,091-metre regards to this case,” the the advance base camp of the ambitious. In the 1980s, it took Annapurna, checking the illus- statement said. 8,201-metre Cho Oyu, ready for Polish climber Jerzy Kukuczka trious “8,000ers” Dhaulagiri, It noted that some 200,000 the final phase of the last three seven years, 11 months and 14 Kanchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse refugees gathered for the “Gen- peaks in his feat of astonishing days. South Korean climber Kim and Makalu off his list in only a ocide Day” rally in Cox’s Bazar endurance. “Nobody believed I Chang-ho managed it in about a month to finish his first phase. to mark the second anniversary could do this when I first said it... month less — although he did, “My life story tells anyone Mountaineer Nirmal Purja speaks as Nepali mountaineer Mingma of their exodus from Myanmar. I’m so glad to be inspiring gen- unlike Kukuczka and Purja, do who doesn’t have privilege to David Sherpa (right) looks on during a press conference in Kathmandu. They called for Myanmar citi- erations of all ages through this it without supplementary dream about bigger things. Any- zenship rights and other guar- endeavour. This is what keeps oxygen. Before he set off on his thing is possible if you put your antees before they agree to me going,” Purja said. “This is not human body can do. To establish human potential,” Purja said. first expedition, Purja had a heart and mind and give 100 return. about me... it is to show what the a paradigm shift in perception of Only a teenager when he joined detailed tattoo of the 14 percent to it,” he said. 14 ASIA WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2019 Taiwan’s flag lowered in Solomons; police on alert 20 dead in road accident AFP As well as closing its embassy, Taipei will also are taking a stranglehold on the scholarships in Taiwan will have HONIARA capital’s economy. to return home. scrap aid programmes focused on agriculture Chinese-owned shops were “It is indeed regrettable that in southern Police maintained a strong and health, while the students currently on largely closed yesterday as news their unfinished cooperative presence on the streets of the scholarships in Taiwan will reportedly have to sank in that 36 years of diplo- projects must come to an end, Philippines Solomon Islands’ capital Honiara matic ties with Taiwan had and it is a loss for Solomon return home. AP yesterday but reported no unrest ended. Police said they had extra Islands people,” Taiwan’s Pres- MANILA following the troubled Pacific officers on patrol to keep the ident Tsai Ing-wen said in a nation’s decision to switch diplo- Taiwanese flags — watched as “It doesn’t reflect what we peace and meetings were statement that expressed “strong matic allegiance to China from Taipei’s embassy lowered its flag the people of this country would underway with community regret and condemnation” over Twenty villagers were killed Taiwan. for the final time. have chosen.” Honiara’s Chi- groups. the decision. and 14 others were injured The move, revealed late The issue has stirred pas- natown has borne the brunt of “We’re reminding people not The Solomons’ government when the truck they were riding Monday when officials in Taipei sionate debate in a country long mob violence in the past, most to take the law into their own has not made any official in lost control and fell off a cliff pre-emptively severed ties with mired in corruption, with many recently when Prime Minister hands and reminding them statement on its decision and yesterday in a remote mountain Honiara, prompted a peaceful viewing diplomatic manoeuvring Manasseh Sogavare was elected what’s happened in the past Sogavare cancelled a planned village in the southern Philip- pro-Taiwan protest on the island as an attempt by the political in April this year. when protests have happened,” media conference yesterday, pines, police and the Red Cross of Malaita. elite to feather their own nests. Its prosperous Chinese pop- a police spokesman said. citing a busy schedule. said. “We’ve spoken to the police “This switch has been pushed ulation — some who have been As well as closing its Local media reported that Provincial police chief Joel chief there and there were no by a few members of parliament, resident for generations -- has embassy, Taipei will also scrap the lawmakers voted 27-0 in Limson said the truck was incidents,” a police spokesman backed by foreign influences,” long been a target for lingering aid programmes focused on agri- favour of recognising China, with negotiating a downhill road in said. one man, who did not want to be resentment, exacerbated by culture and health, while the six abstentions. Tboli town in South Cotabato In Honiara, a group of named, said on the streets of increasing numbers of more Solomon Star Times reported 125 It leaves Taiwan with just 16 province when its brakes bystanders — some waving Honiara yesterday. recent migrants who locals feel students currently on nations left that recognise it. apparently failed and plum- meted down a ravine, pinning 15 people to death. Five other victims later died in hospitals, Widodo: Indonesia doing Limson said. Police, Red Cross volun- everything to put out fires teers and villagers retrieved the 15 bodies from the wreckage at AFP Mosque in Pekanbaru. The toxic the bottom of the ravine. Some PEKANBARU, INDONESIA smoke caused by deliberate of the dead included children burning to clear land for planta- returning from a family reunion Indonesia is battling forest fires tions is an annual problem for at a beach resort, Limson said causing toxic haze across Indonesia and its neighbours, but by phone. southeast Asia with aircraft, arti- has been worsened this year by Red Cross leader Erwin ficial rain and even prayer, Pres- particularly dry weather. Rommel del Carmen said ident Joko Widodo said during a Authorities on Monday said several passengers survived by visit to a hard-hit area yesterday. they had arrested nearly 200 jumping off the wayward bus. Forest fires are raging on the people suspected of being islands of Borneo and Sumatra, involved in activities that led to sending a choking fug across the the out-of-control fires. Philippine govt region — including towards Four corporations were also neighbours Malaysia and being investigated, authorities attacks drug Singapore. said. During a visit to Riau The Association of Southeast war film as province in central Sumatra Asian Nations (ASEAN) meteor- Tuesday, Widodo said nearly ological agency said Tuesday the ‘propaganda’ 6,000 troops had been sent to number of hotspots had stabi- Indonesian President, Joko Widodo inspecting the damages from the ongoing forest fires in Pekanbaru, hot spots to help put out fires. lised, but a thick haze continued AFP yesterday. Indonesian authorities have arrested nearly 200 people over vast forest fires. “We have made every effort,” to cloak the region. MANILA he said. On Borneo island, which As well as firefighters on the Indonesia shares with Malaysia In peninsular Malaysia, the were closed yesterday, affecting on Borneo, officials said. A new documentary that takes ground, dozens of aircraft were and Brunei, pollution levels were met office and air force were more than 350,000 students. Air quality improved in Sin- a fiercely critical look at the being used to seed clouds and “hazardous”, according to envi- working together to seed clouds Air quality was at gapore and was in the “mod- Philippine government’s deadly bomb blazes with water, he said. ronment ministry data. Hun- with chemicals in the hope that “unhealthy” or “very unhealthy’ erate” range after slipping to drug crackdown has come “We have also prayed,” he dreds of schools across Indonesia rainfall would clear the haze. levels in many parts of penin- “unhealthy” levels over the under attack, with President added, after a visit to Amrulloh were shut. But hundreds of schools sular Malaysia and Sarawak state weekend, officials there said. Rodrigo Duterte’s spokesman yesterday slamming it as “prop- aganda” aimed at gullible Four dead in foreign viewers. Hong Kong leader to hold dialogue to ease tensions “On The President’s Orders” Kyrgyz-Tajik is a gritty, cinematic depiction REUTERS provide a platform for us to withdrawn, that would have of protesters’ anger, capitulated of the campaign, in which border clashes HONG KONG discuss,” Lam told reporters at a allowed people to be sent from to one of their main demands on police have killed thousands, weekly briefing. Hong Kong to mainland China September 4, announcing the full told from the perspective of AFP Hong Kong’s leader, Carrie Lam, She said the issues included for trial. withdrawal of the extradition authorities, and families of the BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN said yesterday that she and her housing and land shortages in But the demonstrators’ bill. dead. The documentary has team would begin dialogue one of the world’s most densely demands have broadened to But the protests have won plaudits from rights cam- A shootout at the contested sessions with the community populated cities of 7.4 million. include universal suffrage and continued. paigners and one film review frontier between Central Asian next week, while reiterating that Young people are particularly an independent inquiry into their Police on Monday said 89 called it a testament of “our Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan killed violence that has roiled the city frustrated by the high cost of complaints of excessive force by people were arrested over the dark age of cruelty and three Tajik and one Kyrgyz over three months of protests finding a place of their own to the police. weekend after “radical pro- dehumanisation.” border officer, authorities said must end. live. Hong Kong returned to China testers” attacked two police Duterte spokesman Sal- yesterday, as tensions in the Lam, who is under pressure “But I have to stress here, in 1997 under a “one country, officers on Sunday evening, vador Panelo said the film was region escalate. from Beijing to defuse the public dialogue platform doesn’t mean two systems” formula that guar- hurling petrol bombs and bricks. being used to “espouse a one- Flare-ups are common at anger stirring the protests, said we don’t have to take resolute antees freedoms not enjoyed on Brawls also broke out sided information bordering to the border, where large areas the dialogue sessions would be enforcement actions. Sup- the mainland — including a between anti-government pro- black propaganda aimed at gul- are not demarcated and com- as open as possible, with pressing the violence in front of much-cherished independent testers and others who support lible foreign audiences who petition for scarce land and members of the public able to us is still the priority,” she said. legal system. Beijing. know little or zero-knowledge water pits ethnic groups against sign up to attend. The former British colony But many residents complain Nearly 1,500 people have about the Philippines”. each other. “Hong Kong society has has been roiled by nearly four about what they see as creeping been arrested since the protests Panelo said any questions Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan really accumulated a lot of deep months of sometimes violent interference by Beijing in Hong intensified in June. the film raised about the drug accused each other of opening rooted economic, social and protests. Kong’s affairs despite the The turmoil is also beginning war were based on the film- fire first on Monday, with Kyr- even political issues, I hope these The trigger for the unrest promise of autonomy. to hit the economy of the makers’ effort to create a gyzstan saying fighting broke different forms of dialogue can was an extradition bill, now Lam, who has been a focus financial hub. “thrilling” film. out after the Tajik side erected a “military observation point” without agreement. Tajik authorities said three Train derails in Hong Kong officers were killed in the clashes and were buried yes- during rush hour, 8 injured terday, the Tajik service of Radio Free Europe reported. AFP was still under investigation but Earlier, they said “several” HONG KONG there was no immediate sug- Tajiks had been injured in the gestion of foul play after previous shootout. A passenger train derailed during attacks by pro-democracy pro- Kyrgyzstan said that 13 of the morning rush hour in Hong testers on the city’s mass transit its citizens were injured as well Kong yesterday, leaving eight system. as the 40-year-old officer who people injured, authorities said. “We would not rule out any was killed. Images from the scene possibility but at this stage we The country’s foreign min- showed three carriages off the won’t speculate on any particular ister said yesterday it had called tracks and zigzagged across the suggestions,” the city’s transport in Tajik ambassador Sukhrob rails near Hung Hom station in chief Frank Chan told reporters. Olimzoda to protest the “illegal Kowloon — a busy interchange Lau Tin-shing, operations actions” of Tajikistan’s border that provides services to mainland director of the city’s only rail service. China. company, the MTR Corporation, Kyrgyz Prime Minister Passengers had to leave the told media that short section of Mukhammetkalyi Abylgaziev train through a broken door and the track nearby had been travelled to the remote region cross tracks on the East Rail Line replaced on Monday and the con- following the clash. to make their way to safety. dition of the replacement is “not Kyrgyz leader Sooronbai Five hundred passengers had unusual”, according to his visual Jeenbekov met with Tajik coun- been evacuated from the train. assessment. terpart Emomali Rakhmon in Eight passengers reported injuries Subway services between two July at talks hailed as historic, when they arrived at the con- stations on the line were sus- but no further progress has course of the station, according pended and intercity services to A Mass Transit Railway (MTR) train is seen derailed on the East Rail line in Hong Kong, yesterday. been made on demarcating the to authorities. mainland Chinese cities were can- Some 500 passengers were evacuated from the train. frontier. The cause of the derailment celled for the day. WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2019 EUROPE 15 UK top court hears challenge to Parliament suspension REUTERS Johnson says parliament’s shutdown was LONDON necessary to allow him to introduce a new Boris Johnson could recall legislative agenda, but opponents say the real Parliament if Britain’s highest reason is to prevent scrutiny and challenges by court rules he unlawfully parliament to PM’s Brexit policy suspended it, a government lawyer said yesterday, after judges heard the prime minister Keen, the government’s chief the EU issue, angry groups of wanted a shutdown because it law officer in Scotland, told the rival Brexit and pro-European was an obstacle to his Brexit court. However, Keen was supporters shouted abuse at plans. unable to rule out that Johnson each other outside court. Johnson announced on might then look to suspend par- Launching the legal chal- August 28 that he had asked liament again. In a damning lenge to Johnson’s decision — by Queen Elizabeth to prorogue, or judgement last Wednesday, a mixture of anti-Brexit cam- suspend, Parliament for five Scotland’s highest court said the paigners and opposition law- weeks from last week until suspension was unlawful and an makers — David Pannick said October 14. He said the “egregious” attempt to stymie there was strong evidence the shutdown was necessary to parliament. prime minister wanted to silence allow him to introduce a new However, a week earlier the parliament because he saw it as legislative agenda. High Court of England and Wales an obstacle. Demonstrators protesting outside the Supreme court in central London on the first day of the hearing Opponents said the real rejected a similar case, saying No premier had abused the into the decision by the government to prorogue the Parliament, yesterday. reason was to prevent scrutiny the matter was political and not prorogation power in this way and challenges by Parliament — something judges should for at least 50 years, Pannick told where he now has no majority interfere in. the court. “He... wished to avoid ‘No-deal Brexit like burning your house down’ — to his Brexit policy, especially All 11 judges on the Supreme what he saw as the risk that par- his promise to leave the Court will now decide on a liament would take action to AFP themselves as the party to European parliamentary elec- European Union by October 31 crucial question: how far Brit- frustrate or damage the policies BOURNEMOUTH, UNITED overturn the result of the 2016 tions, leapfrogging both the gov- even if no divorce deal has been ain’s unwritten constitution of his government,” he said. KINGDOM referendum. erning Conservatives and oppo- agreed. limits the power of the prime He said it was “remarkable” “The first task is clear. We sition Labour Party. They want the Supreme minister and whether Johnson’s Johnson had not provided a Liberal Democrat leader Jo must stop Brexit,” said Swinson Its unequivocal support for Court, the United Kingdom’s advice to the queen was witness statement spelling out Swinson warned in her party during her maiden conference the EU was demonstrated when highest judicial body, to rule therefore illegal. his reasons for the prorogation conference speech yesterday speech as party leader. prominent MEP Guy Verhofstadt, Johnson’s actions were illegal. “That this is a serious and and that the court could draw that a no-deal Brexit would be “We are crystal clear: a who has been heading up the Critics, including rebels thrown difficult question of law is amply adverse inference from that. like “burning your house down” Liberal Democrat majority gov- European parliament’s efforts on out of his Conservative Party demonstrated by the fact that Johnson has said the current as she pledged to cancel Britain’s ernment will revoke Article 50 Brexit, was invited to give a con- over Brexit, say he should resign three senior judges in Scotland session of parliament was longer departure from the EU alto- on day one,” she added, referring ference speech earlier in the if that is its decision. have reached a different con- than any since the English Civil gether. to the legal mechanism that has week. The Lib Dems have wooed “The consequence (of his clusion from three senior judges war in the 17th century, and that The pro-EU Lib Dems have set in motion Britain’s departure MPs who support EU mem- advice to the monarch being in England and Wales,” said lawmakers would have plenty capitalised on the squabbles from the European Union. bership from both main parties ruled unlawful) could be that he Brenda Hale, president of the of time to discuss Brexit again within the two main parties over “There is no Brexit that will and is set to perform well in a goes to the queen and seeks the Supreme Court. Illustrating the after an EU summit on October Brexit, seeing their polling be good for our country.” The general election which many recall of parliament,” Richard deep social divisions wrought by 17-18. numbers soar after pitching party came second in the recent believe is imminent. Russian guards Merkel criticises Netanyahu’s plan to annex Jordan Valley Italy insists injured in clash Malta take in REUTERS with N Korean BERLIN migrants it wanted rescued poachers German Chancellor Angela Merkel yesterday criticised AFP AFP/MOSCOW Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin ROME Netanyahu’s announcement last Three Russian coast guards week that he intended to annex Valletta yesterday appeared to were injured yesterday in a the Jordan Valley in the occupied refuse to take in around 90 clash with North Korean fishing West Bank, saying it hurt efforts migrants it had asked the Italian boats in the Sea of Japan, after to negotiate a peace deal. coastguard to rescue in Malta’s which 80 fishermen were “The German government own Mediterranean search and detained, Russia’s FSB security backs an internationally nego- rescue area, officials said. service said. tiated peace solution in the sense “Last night a rescue oper- The FSB security service, of a two state solution. ation was carried out at the which controls the border and “Annexations are always det- Maltese authorities’ request of coast guard, said in a statement rimental to peace solutions. They a small boat with around 90 that guards observed two do not help and therefore we do migrants which was fully in fishing vessels and 11 motor not agree,” said Merkel at a news Malta’s area of (search and boats while on duty in Russian conference with Jordan’s King rescue) responsibility,” the waters of the Sea of Japan. Abdullah. Italian coastguard said in a The larger boat’s crew The plan announced by statement. attacked officers who boarded Netanyahu, who faced a closely “The Maltese search and the vessel, and three officers fought election yesterday, was rescue coordination centre offi- received injuries, the FSB said. “a disaster for any attempt to cially said it was taking respon- German Chancellor Angela Merkel shaking hands with King Abdullah II of Jordan after they gave a Both vessels were even- push two-state solution forward”, sibility for the coordination and joint press conference following bilateral talks at the Chancellery, in Berlin, yesterday. tually detained. said King Abdullah. asked Italian authorities about the availability and use of naval means,” it said. The Italian coastguard went Renzi to leave Democratic Party to the migrants’ rescue, took them on board and then REUTERS own agenda, complicating policy expected proportional reform of requested a rendez-vous with ROME negotiations. the electoral law which is seen a Maltese vessel to transboard “This is not a mortal threat enhancing the bargaining power or disembark “but did not Former Italian Prime Minister to the government yet, but it of small parties. obtain it,” the coastguard said. Matteo Renzi announced increases fragmentation and Renzi said he would take “So far there’s no per- yesterday he was leaving the makes its prospects less rosy,” some 30 lower house deputies mission,” a Maltese coastguard centre-left Democratic Party said Francesco Galietti, head of and senators with him. The coa- spokeswoman confirmed, (PD) to set up a new party, in a political risk consultancy Policy lition, which also includes the asking not to be named. move that raised tensions in the Sonar. left-wing LEU party, is just eight Italy and Malta frequently new ruling coalition and could The spread between yields votes above the minimum complain of having to take undermine its stability. on Italian benchmark bonds and threshold in the upper house unfair responsibility for Renzi, who led a PD gov- German Bunds widened to 140 Senate, where the PD has 51 migrants making the perilous ernment from 2014-2016, had a basis points from 133 on Monday. lawmakers. journey from North Africa as leading role in forming the coa- Conte, a technocrat close to It has a much more com- they are the first countries they lition this month after Matteo 5-Star, said he was “puzzled” by fortable majority in the Chamber will likely reach. Both countries Salvini’s hard-right League Renzi’s move, which altered the of Deputies, where the PD has have previously adopted walked out of an alliance with political balance in parliament 111 seats. hardline attitudes against A military vehicle is parked at the scene where an Italian soldier the 5-Star Movement in the vain and was badly timed just after “We are sorry, breaking up charity vessels which rescue was stabbed outside the central station, in Milan, Italy, yesterday. hope of triggering an early the government was formed, the PD is a mistake”, PD leader migrants who mostly depart election. according to a statement issued Nicola Zingaretti, who is from from Libya in flimsy dinghies. Renzi stressed that his new by Conte’s office. the PD’s left, wrote on Facebook. Italy police probe attack on soldier Under international law, a party would continue to back the However, in an interview Culture minister Dario country is not obliged to allow government, but his former col- with la Repubblica daily, Renzi Franceschini, one of the PD’s AFP by other soldiers who were rescue vessels operating in its leagues and Prime Minister said his new party would enlarge most influential figures, com- ROME patrolling the area, the reports search and rescue area to dis- Giuseppe Conte were still dis- the government’s majority. pared his former leader’s said. While some media said he embark on its own territory. mayed by a decision analysts say Earlier this week two PD breakaway to the political divi- Italy’s anti-terrorism police was wielding a paperknife, the Italian flagged vessels are may threaten the government’s deputies close to Renzi said he sions that led to fascism in the opened an investigation Repubblica daily said he used a also considered Italian territory medium term prospects. could attract lawmakers from 1920s. yesterday into the stabbing of a pair of scissors and stabbed the under international law. “I have decided to leave the Silvio Berlusconi’s centre-right 5-Star leader and Foreign soldier by a Yemeni man, who soldier, 34, in the back as well “Italian coastguard vessels Democratic Party and to build a Forza Italia party, whose support Minister Luigi Di Maio made light has been arrested, Italian media as the neck. The wounds were with the rescued migrants on new house together with others”, has plunged since 2018 elections, of his move, telling the Ansa said. superficial, the daily said. board are heading for Maltese Renzi wrote on Facebook. leaving space in the political news agency it was “no sur- The 23-year old attacked the The man had been reported territorial waters pending The 5-Star/PD coalition will centre-ground. prise.” Renzi has had an abrasive soldier outside Milan’s central to police on Monday after allegedly receiving instructions from the now have to rely for their Renzi’s supporters hope to relationship with his former station, lightly wounding him in trying to attack people in the Maltese authorities,” the Italian majority on a new party with its fill that room ahead of a widely party. the neck before being detained station with a pen, the reports said. coastguard said. 16 EUROPE WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2019 Spain looks set EU’s Tusk backs North Macedonia’s membership ANATOLIA ANKARA for new election Outgoing European Council President Donald Tusk yesterday reiterated his strong as talks stall support for the accession of North Macedonia to the bloc. “I expressed my personal The conservative to the talks said. views clearly back in June: your People’s Party, which The centre-right Ciudadanos country, within the last two was second in April’s party offered on Monday to help years, has done everything that election, said it would Sanchez secure parliament’s con- was expected of you for the EU firmation as prime minister if to be able to launch the nego- vote against Pedro certain conditions were met, but tiations in line with the Sanchez. Sanchez said his party was already European Commission’s meeting the conditions. recommendation. REUTERS Ciudadanos accused him of “That continues to be my MADRID lying in his response and said it strong conviction. Your country could back him only if he complied has done everything,” Tusk said with all their demands. after meeting with North Mac- Spain is on course to hold its fourth “His response ... is a joke on all edonian Prime Minister Zoran election in four years as a deadline Spaniards. I’m asking him to rectify, Zaev. approaches for forming a new to go back to constitutionality and Tusk — due to be succeeded government without any sign of allow to unblock Spain,” Ciu- this December by Belgian North Macedonia’s Prime Minister Zoran Zaev (left) welcomes European Council President, agreement. dadanos leader Albert Rivera wrote Prime Minister Charles Michel Donald Tusk, upon his arrival in Skopje, yesterday. Politicians and sources on all on Twitter. — praised North Macedonia’s sides cast doubt on the chances of Opinion polls show a new efforts over the past years, to fighting corruption. share,” Tusk said. In June, the EU Council wel- breaking five months of deadlock election might not end the impasse, including the name dispute “Skopje is the best possible North Macedonia, formerly comed the historic Agreement since an inconclusive election with the Socialists still unable to with Greece. place where I would like to known as Macedonia, changed and took good note of the EU before next Monday’s deadline. win enough seats in the 350-seat He also said that there is no appeal to the leaders of the its name under a June 2018 Commission’s recommendation If there is no breakthrough, a parliament to secure a majority on doubt in Brussels about North European Union: Now you do agreement with Greece, ending to open accession negotiations new election will be held on their own. Macedonia’s political com- your share. Because North a longstanding dispute between with North Macedonia, and also November 10. Although the The conservative People’s mitment to the rule of law and Macedonia has already done its the two countries. Albania. economy has not suffered greatly, Party (PP), which was second in economic analysts say further April’s election, said it would vote Police clear major delays in implementing reforms in against Sanchez. Russia says no threat after blast in areas such as labour and pensions All the main party leaders met migrant camp in could finally start to bite. or were due to meet King Felipe VI northern France Spain, which has the fourth today and were expected to tell him laboratory holding smallpox virus largest economy in the European whether they would back Sanchez’s AFP world to hold the smallpox Novosibirsk, the country’s AFP Union’s euro currency zone, has bid to become premier. MOSCOW virus. The Russian health third most populous city, is GRANDE-SYNTHE been in political limbo since Pedro Pablo Iglesias, leader of far-left watchdog Rospotrebnadzor the latest to hit Russian state Sanchez’s Socialists emerged as the Unidas Podemos, reaffirmed after Russia has said there is no said a fire broke out when a facilities this year. French police began clearing biggest party in April’s election but meeting the king that he would threat of contamination after gas cylinder exploded, In August, one person died around 1,000 migrants from a failed to secure a parliamentary support Sanchez’s confirmation an explosion and fire at a injuring one worker at the and thousands had to be evac- gymnasium near the northern majority. only if he agrees to a coalition gov- Soviet-era biological weapons facility. uated because of a fire at a port of Dunkirk yesterday after Party leaders have spent more ernment. The Socialists have ruled facility in Siberia that stocked Glass was broken but the Siberian ammunition depot a court ruled it was a health and time publicly blaming each other out a coalition government with samples of the Ebola and structure of the building that set off a series of dra- security hazard. for the impasse than negotiating, Podemos. smallpox viruses. remained intact and there matic explosions. The mayor of Grande- and a flurry of last-minute calls and Iglesias said it would be “rea- The blast happened on were no biohazardous mate- Later the same month, an Synthe in December last year initiatives failed to achieve a sonable” for King Felipe to allow Monday at “Vector”, a state- rials in the room where the explosion at a missile testing opened up the sports hall to breakthrough. more time for talks but EFE news run virus and biotechnology explosion happened, the site in the far north killed five migrant families seeking “It’s meant to show that they agency cited sources close to the king research centre that is one of watchdog said. nuclear agency staff and shelter from the cold. tried until the end,” a source close saying there would be no delay. only two locations in the The blast near caused a spike in radiation. Since then, it has grown into a makeshift camp with around 800 people sleeping in tents pitched around the Greta Thunberg wins Amnesty’s highest human rights award crammed gymnasium where some 170 people to reach AFP “The politics required to take August last year. Thunberg spoke forcefully already had a significant impact Britain had been sheltering. WASHINGTON on this crisis simply doesn’t exist The next of these will be held yesterday about the “destruction” and that the UK’s parliament Young men travelling today,” Thunberg said, standing on September 20, a day when of the planet and the large scale declared a climate emergency alone were the first to board Swedish environmental activist on a step to reach the Thunberg and thousands of New deaths that would come about after the teen met with British buses that will take them to Greta Thunberg and the Fridays microphone. York students are expected to as a result of climate change, political leaders. shelters around the region, for Future youth movement “That is why every single one pour into the streets as part of a water and air pollution and the “The award is about where they can apply for received Amnesty International’s of us must push from every pos- “global climate strike” along with destruction of food chains. acknowledging that they’ve asylum. “Ambassadors of Conscience” sible angle to hold those respon- other protests around the world. But she said she also saw an already done something that Families were to be moved award yesterday, days before a sible accountable and to make That will be followed on Sat- “awakening.” many of us who’ve been involved later. major UN climate summit in New the people in power act.” urday by the first Youth Climate “Even though it is slow, the for decades have not been able A court in the regional city York. She added that the prize was Summit at the UN and the pace is picking up and the debate to do, they’ve been able to of Lille ordered the gym- The 16-year-old, who is not just for her but the millions Climate Action Summit on is shifting,” she said, before con- actually inspire a much larger nasium shut on September 4 taking a year out of school, of youth who have taken part Monday, which the UN chief has cluding “See you on the street!” number of people,” he said. following complaints from received a standing ovation from since last year in weekly school convened because the world’s Earlier, Kumi Naidoo, the “These young, high school local authorities and residents students at The George Wash- strikes held every Friday, biggest polluters remain woe- secretary-general of Amnesty students are playing a very about violence, garbage and ington University in US capital inspired by the sit-in she began fully behind their greenhouse gas International, said that Thunberg important role in educating their the presence of people-smug- where the ceremony was held. outside Sweden’s parliament in emissions targets. and other youth activists had own parents.” glers among the migrants. House of Ukraine’s former top central banker set on fire Slovak PM survives AP MINSK no-confidence vote

The home of Ukraine’s former REUTERS “representatives of state bodies central bank chief has been BRATISLAVA and the justice system”. A deputy burned to the ground, the third justice minister resigned this chilling incident involving the Slovak Prime Minister Peter month after her mobile phone banker over the past few weeks. Pellegrini survived a no-confi- was seized by the police, Police said in a statement dence vote yesterday, days after although she denied any con- yesterday that they are investi- losing his formal majority in tacts with Kocner. gating a suspected arson attack parliament and as revelations Two deputy general prose- late Monday on the house of about the reach of the main cutors had already resigned over Valeria Gontareva outside the suspect in the murder of a jour- their contacts with Kocner or a capital, Kiev. nalist shake his government. woman also charged in the case. An unknown assailant is said The 2018 killings of investi- Slovak media published to have hurled a gasoline bomb gative reporter Jan Kuciak and parts of messages Kocner over the fence of her property. his fiancee Martina Kusnirova allegedly exchanged with the Firefighters were unable to put shone a spotlight on corruption charged woman and with out the blaze. in Slovakia and sparked huge business allies in which they Gontareva, who is currently protests that forced then-Prime discuss his alleged contacts a senior policy fellow at the Minister Robert Fico to resign. among the authorities. Institute of Global Affairs in Kuciak had uncovered fraud Pellegrini has not been shown London, was also hit by a car at A law enforcement officer walks at a site of a burnt house, which is reportedly owned by former cases involving politically con- to have been in contact with the end of August, and earlier Governor of the Ukrainian Central Bank, Valeria Gontareva, in Kiev, yesterday. nected businessmen. A subject Kocner but opposition parties that month a car registered to of his reportage was Marian called a no-confidence vote when her daughter-in-law was set on previously publicly promised to PrivatBank. The government The arrival of Zelenskiy has Kocner, one of five people now he refused to remove the deputy fire in Kiev. send a plane to London to bring ended up injecting $6bn into the stoked speculation that the awaiting trial for the killings and minister who later quit. Gontareva has said she has Gontareva home, has denied struggling lender following the decision to nationalise the bank an acquaintance of politicians He won yesterday with received threats from Ukrainian involvement in the incidents. He move. could be reviewed. from various parties. support from independents after oligarch Ihor Kolomoyskyi, who insisted that his comments in an Iuliia Mendel, spokeswoman Ukrainian Prime Minister Four of those charged, the departure of two lawmakers lost his PrivatBank to a gov- interview about “helping” Gon- for Ukrainian President Volo- Oleksiy Honcharuk yesterday including Kocner, have pleaded from a junior coalition party this ernment nationalisation that was tareva back home were not a dymyr Zelenskiy, said in a tweet dismissed reports that the gov- not guilty, while the fifth has week cost the government its carried out while Gontareva was threat. Tuesday that the president ernment is considering reversing confessed to shooting Kuciak. formal majority in the 150- at the helm of the central bank Gontareva has been at log- “expects the relevant agencies that decision though he said it Special prosecutors said last member parliament. Of 131 law- in 2016. gerheads with Kolomoyskyi after to investigate this provocation looking into how the nationali- month that Kocner’s phone makers present, 62 voted against Kolomoyskyi, who she proposed to nationalize as soon as possible. zation was conducted. showed communications with Pellegrini while 66 backed him. WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2019 AMERICAS 17 Lewandowski defends Trump at impeachment hearing

REUTERS We as a nation would be better served if elected WASHINGTON officials like you concentrated your efforts to combat the true crises facing our country as Corey Lewandowski, President opposed to going down rabbit holes like this Donald Trump’s former campaign manager and close hearing: Corey Lewandowski confidant, yesterday vigorously defended his former boss and your efforts to combat the true theory: the crony privilege,” lashed out at Democrats but crises facing our country as Nadler added. “... Where are the repeatedly avoided answering opposed to going down rabbit limits?” their questions during a chaotic holes like this hearing,” Lewand- Lewandowski repeatedly hearing before a US congres- owski said in his opening avoided answering questions sional panel considering whether remarks to the Democratic-led from Nadler and other Demo- to impeach Trump. panel. crats, citing the White House’s Lewandowski, who is con- The White House on Monday instructions that he not discuss sidering running for a US Senate told Lewandowski not to discuss post-election interactions with seat from New Hampshire, conversations he had with Trump beyond those already tangled with Democratic Trump after he became president detailed in Mueller’s report on members of the House of Rep- including an exchange that Dem- Russian interference in the resentatives Judiciary Committee ocrats view as evidence that election. and told the panel he would Trump committed obstruction Lewandowski sparred with refuse to answer any questions of justice by trying to interfere in Democratic Representative about his conversations with a federal investigation and may Sheila Jackson Lee, accusing her Trump. The president’s fellow need to be impeached. of delivering a “rant.” Jackson Republicans unsuccessfully White House lawyers sat Lee said Lewandowski was Corey Lewandowski is seated to testify before the US House Judiciary Committee’s first hearing of US sought to have the hearing behind Lewandowski during the avoiding questions and inter- President Donald Trump’s impeachment investigation on Capitol Hill, in Washington, DC, yesterday. adjourned shortly after it began. hearing. rupting her. Lewandowski faced Lewandowski was the first Committee Chairman Jerrold friendlier questions from Repub- impeachment witness to appear Nadler, a Democrat, began the lican lawmakers. none. What there has been fantastic guy” who would make Mueller’s 448-page investigative before the committee since hearing by slamming the White Lewandowski assailed the however, is harassment of the a “great senator” and that “I like report made public in April that former Special Counsel Robert House’s legal team for instructing federal investigation into Russian president from the day he won everything about him.” Democrats view as evidence that Mueller testified in July about his Lewandowski to limit the scope interference in the 2020 election. the election,” Lewandowski Democrats asked Lewand- Trump obstructed justice. inquiry that detailed Russian of his testimony by invoking a “It is now clear the investi- added. owski about the president’s effort Democratic Representative 2016 election interference and doctrine called executive priv- gation was populated by many Trump said on Twitter that to persuade then-Attorney Steve Cohen asked Lewand- Trump’s actions to impede the ilege. “We should call this what Trump haters who had their own Lewandowski had given a “such General Jeff Sessions to redirect owski, “You didn’t think that it investigation. it is: an absolute cover-up by the agenda — to try and take down a beautiful” opening statement. the Mueller probe away from the was illegal to obstruct justice?” “We as a nation would be White House,” Nadler said. a duly elected president of the Trump in August sought to boost 2016 Trump election campaign. “The president never asked better served if elected officials “The White House is United States. As for actual ‘col- Lewandowski’s potential Senate The episode is among a number me to do anything illegal,” like yourselves concentrated advancing a new and dangerous lusion’ or ‘conspiracy,’ there was bid, calling his former aide “a of incidents contained in Lewandowski said. Data breach exposes millions of Ecuadorians Trump rallies backers

AP everyone could have been which did not respond to The data includes national QUITO exposed. requests for comment. identity card numbers, tax iden- in New Mexico in Ecuadorian President Lenin It wasn’t immediately clear tification numbers and even Millions of Ecuadorians are at Moreno said he would push if anyone had wrongfully names of relatives. bid to turn state red risk of identity theft because a through legislation to ensure accessed the data. And while The researchers said security breach exposed a trove stricter data security, while vpnMentor said the breach was WikiLeaks founder Julian AP in suburban Albuquerque, is the of data including names, phone Interior Minister María Paula closed on Wednesday, it also Assange is among those in the RIO RANCHO first stop on a three-day swing numbers and birth dates, a cyber Romo vowed to hold those noted the impact can be long database. The Ecuadorian gov- that will also take him to Cali- security firm said. responsible accountable. lasting. ernment granted Assange citi- President Donald Trump made fornia for fundraisers expected Researchers at vpnMentor “The information we’ve The information could zenship during his nearly seven- a pocketbook appeal for to raise more than $15m. said the problem stemmed from received is very serious,” she potentially be used to commit year stay at the nation’s London re-election in the Democratic- Trump has generally held his an unsecured server located in said. everything from phone scam to embassy. According to the firm, leaning state of New Mexico, rallies in Republican-friendly Miami that contained infor- Experts said Ecuador does business fraud. researchers found his name and telling voters that his energy terrain. mation on over 20 million indi- not have mechanisms in place “A malicious party with what is believed to be a national policies have made the state Yesterday’s rally represents viduals, most of whom reside in requiring companies to protect access to the leaked data could identity number. wealthier and warning that the a striking departure from that Ecuador. personal data. possibly gather enough infor- The breach is one of several gains could disappear if the practice and demonstrates a The small South American According to vpnMentor, the mation to gain access to bank large-scale security lapses proposal knows as the Green campaign with the resources to nation is home to just over 17 server in question is owned by accounts and more,” the firm exposing the personal data of New Deal takes effect. try to turn a few Democratic- million people, meaning nearly Ecuadorian company Novaestrat, said in a statement. millions this year. “The Democrats want to leaning states his way, similar completely annihilate New Mex- to what happened in 2016 with ico’s economy,” claimed Trump, Michigan and Wisconsin. Bolsonaro set to who boasted that an oil and gas Trump captured just 40% of boom during his administration the state vote in 2016, as com- resume duties has helped increase the state’s pared to the 48% that went for revenues. “The Democrats will Hillary Clinton. She did not visit BLOOMBERG/BRASILIA never get the chance because the state during the 2016 New Mexico will never give campaign. Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro them that chance.” Still, campaign officials said was released from hospital in Trump went to New Mexico, a Trump rally in nearby El Paso, Sao Paulo and will return to which has not backed a Repub- Texas, last February was well work today, a day earlier than lican for president since 2004, attended by female and Hispanic planned, according to a to try to turn the state red and voters and travelers from New statement from the presidency. expand his grip on the Electoral Mexico, indicating to them that A tweet by Government College in next year’s presi- New Mexico is in play. Secretary Luiz Ramos showed dential election. Hundreds of people showed Bolsonaro landing in Brasilia on “It’s been quite a while since up early Monday to claim a place Monday afternoon. a Republican won this state,” in line ahead of the evening Presidential spokesman Trump told supporters, who event in Rio Rancho. Otavio Rego Barros had said that greeted him with chants of “USA, Trump’s efforts in New Bolsonaro would rest for two USA.” ‘’I think we’re going to do Mexico will provide a test of how days in Alvorada. But the office great here. We’re here because well his often-harsh rhetoric of the presidency issued a we really think we’re going to about immigrants will play with statement after Bolsonaro’s turn this state and make it a Hispanic voters, who comprise arrival in Brasilia saying he Republican state.” nearly 40% of New Mexico’s would resume his duties today. Trump’s rally in Rio Rancho, electorate. Belarusian President, Alexander Lukashenko (left) meets with US Undersecretary for Political Affairs, David Hale, in Minsk, yesterday. US, Belarus to restore ambassadors New parent charged in admissions

AFP relationship,” he said. Washington did not ask Belarus scam, linked to $400,000 bribe MINSK Hale did not say when the “to choose between East and AP extradite her to the US. coach at USC, to fabricate an ath- ambassadors, who were with- West,” saying it respected Bela- BOSTON Sui is the first person to be letic profile depicting Sui’s son The United States and Belarus drawn from both capitals in rus’s “desire to chart its own charged since June, when parent as a top player on two private are preparing to exchange 2008 in a row over sanctions, course”. A woman accused of paying Jeffrey Bizzack pleaded guilty to soccer clubs in Canada, prose- ambassadors after more than a might return. The 65-year-old $400,000 to get her son into the paying $250,000 to get his son cutors said. Both Singer and decade-long freeze, a senior US Washington eased sanctions Lukashenko is a key ally of University of California, Los into the University of Southern Janke have pleaded guilty. diplomat said yesterday. against Belarus in 2016. Russian President Vladimir Putin Angeles, as a fake soccer recruit California as a fake athlete. Sui’s son was admitted to US Undersecretary for Hale said that if Minsk shows and Belarus’s improvement in has become the 52nd person Dozens of others were charged UCLA as a soccer player in Political Affairs David Hale met more progress during upcoming ties with Washington comes charged in a sweeping college in March when authorities November 2018, authorities said, with Belarusian President Alex- parliamentary and presidential amid apparent Kremlin pressure admissions bribery scheme, announced the investigation. and was awarded a 25% schol- ander Lukashenko as Wash- elections “we can discuss further for closer ties between Moscow according to an indictment Prosecutors said Sui paid arship. It is unclear whether her ington looks to improve ties with easing of sanctions”. and Minsk. unsealed yesterday. $400,000 to a sham charity son still attends the school. the isolated regime in Minsk. Belarus will hold parlia- During the talks with Hale Xiaoning Sui, 48, of Surrey, operated by admissions con- The scandal has ensnared In a statement released by mentary elections this year and yesterday, Lukashenko also said British Columbia, was charged sultant William “Rick” Singer as dozens of wealthy parents the US embassy after the talks, presidential polls in 2020. he wanted to improve ties with with a single count of conspiracy part of a scheme to have her son accused of paying bribes to rig Hale said US-Belarus relations Often dubbed “Europe’s last Washington. and fraud in the indictment admitted to UCLA as a fake soccer their children’s SAT and ACT were at a “historic juncture”. dictatorship”, Belarus has been Hale’s visit follows a trip to unsealed in Boston’s federal recruit. Sui is accused of pro- scores or get them admitted as “It is my honour to announce the target of Western sanctions Belarus last month by then- court. Authorities said she was viding Singer her son’s transcript recruited athletes to elite schools that we are prepared to over its poor rights record and national security advisor John arrested in Spain on Monday and photos of him playing tennis. across the nation, including Yale, exchange ambassadors as the lack of fair elections. Bolton aimed at improving US night and was being held there Singer worked with Laura Stanford and Georgetown next step in normalising our Hale also pointed out that relations with Minsk. while authorities seek to Janke, a former assistant soccer universities. 18 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2019 Trudeau reassures allies over intelligence breach

AFP The Canadian criminal hands, said Canadian The RCMP looked at anyone the “Five Eyes” intelligence eignty and security,” it said. OTTAWA media reported media. with access to the internal doc- alliance with Australia, New The Globe and Mail reported The daily Globe and Mail said ument, eventually focusing on Zealand, Britain and the US. Saturday that Ortis’s arrest was Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that Cameron Ortis US authorities discovered in 2018 Ortis. Ortis had access to material linked to a major investigation yesterday sought to reassure was undone by US the RCMP document on the Ortis “had access to infor- that could cause a “high” degree into the laundering of stolen Canada’s allies over security authorities’ discovery seized laptop of a Vancouver mation the Canadian intelligence of damage to the country and its Russian funds. after a senior police intelligence of an internal police businessman with ties to community possessed,” RCMP allies, if released, with “poten- Ortis, 47, as recently as officer was accused of stealing organized crime, triggering the Commissioner Brenda Lucki said tially devastating” consequences, August was said to be overseeing highly classified materials that, document in criminal investigation that led to Ortis. in a statement Monday. “He also the CBC said, citing a report pre- a probe into whether some of the if released, could be “potentially hands. Ortis had reportedly emailed had access to intelligence coming pared by Canadian intelligence money was funneled through devastating.” Phantom Secure Communica- from our allies both domestically services. Canada. Cameron Ortis served as the small train station in St. John’s, tions founder and key adminis- and internationally.” “Analysis of the contents of According to the newspaper, director-general of national Newfoundland that Canadian trator Vincent Ramos in 2018, to “We are aware of the the reports could reasonably lead the corruption investigation was intelligence coordination for the officials had reached out to allies offer him “valuable” information, potential risk to agency opera- a foreign intelligence agency to looking at a $230m fraud scheme Royal Canadian Mounted Police about the security breach. said public broadcaster CBC. tions of our partners in Canada draw significant conclusions allegedly run by senior Russian (RCMP) before his arrest last “We’re working with them Ramos, whose company and abroad,” the statement said, about allied and Canadian intel- interior ministry and tax Thursday. to reassure them, but we want police estimate made more than adding that the investigation is ligence targets, techniques, officials. The next day he was formally to ensure that everyone under- $80m selling encrypted mobile ongoing. methods and capabilities,” the Ortis, who has worked for charged with accessing secrets stands that we’re taking this sit- phones to drug traffickers and Lucki did not specify which report said. the RCMP since 2007, faces up and unauthorised communi- uation very seriously,” he said. money launderers between 2008 foreign organisations may have “This type of information is to 30 years in prison if convicted cation of special operational A senior police intelligence and 2018, pleaded guilty to rack- been exposed to the theft of among the most highly protected of the five charges brought information. officer, Ortis was undone by US eteering in an American court in secrets, which allegedly took of national security assets, by any against him under Canada’s Trudeau, campaigning for authorities’ discovery of an May and was sentenced to nine place between 2016 and 2019, government standard and goes criminal code and its Security of re-election, told reporters at a internal police document in years in prison. though Canada is a member of to the heart of Canada’s sover- Information Act. Venezuela government, Teen sentenced to 20 years oppn leaders agree on for terror link new dialogue process AP FORT WORTH ANATOLIA National Table, process will ANKARA reportedly focus on future elec- A Texas teenager has been tions, prisoner release and a sentenced to 20 years in prison The Venezuelan government and united opposition to the US for recruiting fighters on behalf five opposition party leaders blockade. of a Pakistan-based terrorist announced they agreed on Opposition deputy Timoteo organisation. starting a new dialogue process Zambrano of Cambiemos, and Eighteen-year-old Michael to tackle problems in the nation. Claudio Fermin from Solutions Kyle Sewell was sentenced in Main opposition leader Juan for Venezuela party voiced federal court in Fort Worth after Guaido was not part of the new support to the agreements, pleading guilty in May to a deal announced yesterday and saying that both parties joined charge of conspiring to provide he said the Norway-mediated talks in a bid to ‘’remove the material support to a foreign negotiations are ‘’finished.’’ obstacles that damage terrorist organization. The development comes six democracy’’ of Venezuela. They Authorities said Sewell tried weeks after President Nicolas also said they reject hostile to recruit a fellow American to Maduro’s government walked measures against Venezuela. join Lashkar-e-Taiba, the mil- away from negotiations, citing “We’re betting on peace for itant group behind a 2008 Venezuela’s Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez (left) and Venezuelan opposition deputy Timoteo the US administration’s a concerted effort; Venezuelans attack in India’s financial Zambrano after signing an agreement for the government’s return to Parliament, during a meeting mounting sanctions on the OPEC are not going to allow the capital of Mumbai that killed nation. country to miss this opportunity at the Foreign Ministry in Caracas, yesterday. 166. ‘’I welcome the signing of the for dialogue,” Fermin said after Sewell put the person in agreements reached at the Dia- signing of the agreement before said, according to the TeleSur TV reached between the gov- start of the current political crisis contact with someone he logue Table with the opposition,’’ slamming Guaido for wasting an channel. ernment and opposition parties in the country in January. thought would facilitate Maduro wrote on Twitter in cele- opportunity in Norway. Felipe Mujica, MAS; Fermín, in Venezuela. ‘’We welcome the agreement overseas travel to join the terror bration of the new agreements. “The deputy Juan Guaido, as Luis Romero, Avanzada Pro- A statement from the foreign reached between the Venezuelan group. But authorities said that ‘’It is a step to move towards we have witnessed, has had an gresist,; Pedro Veliz, Bandera ministry yesterday focused on Government and several oppo- third person was an undercover living together and peace. All the extraordinary opportunity with Roja and Zambrano signed the Turkey’s ‘’principled position for sition parties yesterday in FBI agent . doors of dialogue will remain the dialogues in Norway … what agreement on behalf of their the resolution of the current dis- Caracas. We consider this devel- open for the tranquility of all does he propose? Violence? parties. agreements in Venezuela opment as a significant and Venezuelans,’’ he added. Crossing his arms? Surrender to Turkey was one of the first through the preferences of the encouraging step towards a Tropical Depression The Mesa Nacional, or the will of external forces?” she countries to hail the agreement Venezuelan People’’ since the solution,’’ it read. Eleven forms near Texas coast: NHC Power outage hits US narcotics agent admits role in drug trafficking scheme REUTERS/ARANSAS COUNTY four nations in AP known for slaughtering its rivals. Martinez-Diaz, a member of Gomez helped Martinez-Diaz Tropical Depression Eleven has Central America NEW YORK Gomez, 42, faces up to 20 La Organizacion de Narcotrafi- avoid detection from law formed near the Texas coast AP years in prison and is scheduled cantes Unidos, pleaded guilty enforcement and also and is expected to produce TEGUCIGALPA A federal narcotics agent to be sentenced November 21 in this summer to distributing more improperly accessed DEA heavy rainfall and flooding, the scheduled to stand trial this US District Court in Manhattan. than 5,000 kilograms of cocaine, records about a cooperator he US National Hurricane Center A failure in Central America’s month has pleaded guilty to His guilty plea happened last drugs he smuggled from the believed to have information (NHC) said yesterday. electrical grid left millions of participating in a decadelong month but had not previously Dominican Republic by boat. about his co-conspirators, pros- The depression is located people without power for hours drug conspiracy that involved been reported. Prosecutors said Martinez- ecutors said. about 25 km south-southwest in at least four countries the smuggling of thousands of A message was left with his Diaz encouraged Gomez to apply Gomez told US District Judge of Freeport, Texas, packing yesterday. kilograms of cocaine from defense attorney seeking to the DEA in 2010 to further his Jesse Furman he once picked up maximum sustained winds of Honduras was the country Puerto Rico to New York. comment. drug trafficking. money for the drug ring that he 55kph, the NHC said in its latest hardest hit, with the entirety of Prosecutors said Fernando A newly released transcript Gomez became an agent the should have known “came from advisory. its territory and its more than Gomez, a former US Marine, shows Gomez, in pleading guilty, following year after lying during illegal means.” “The center of the 9 million inhabitants affected. infiltrated the Drug Enforcement admitted selling firearms to a his employment screening about “DEA Special Agent depression will move inland Traffic snarled as more than Administration in 2011 and high-volume cocaine trafficker whether he had ties to criminals, Fernando Gomez violated the over the Upper Texas coast later 600 stoplights went dark in the remained a federal agent until drug dealer, Jose Martinez-Diaz, authorities said. very laws he swore to enforce,” today, and move farther inland capital, Tegucigalpa. his arrest last year, even as he while Gomez was working as a As an agent assigned to the Manhattan US Attorney Geoffrey Tuesday night and Wednesday,” Leonardo Deras of Hon- assisted a drug trafficking ring police officer outside Chicago. DEA’s Chicago field division, Berman said in a statement. the weather forecaster said. duras’ state electric company said at a news conference that the problem arose from an overload at a substation on the Brazil’s former president Temer Caribbean coast. Salvador Mansell, president admits coup against Rousseff of Nicaragua’s state power transmission company, Enatrel, said the blackout hit his coun- ANATOLIA in the coup process. try’s capital, Managua, and its ANKARA After informing her followers on main departments, or Twitter about the coup confession by provinces. Former Brazil president Michel Temer said former president, Roussef said: ‘’Temer There are about 600,000 the impeachment of his predecessor did not say, however, that the 2016 coup paying customers for electricity Dilma Rousseff was in fact a ‘’coup’’. was to frame Brazil in neoliberalism. And in the country. Internet service Speaking to TV Cultura, Temer said he of course Temer denied having directly and water distribution in parts “never supported or made a commitment participated in the coup’’. of the capital, which relies on to the coup” and even tried to stop it. Temer was the vice-president of a pumps, were also knocked out. Supporters of Rousseff have long been coalition between Rousseff’s Workers’ Power began to be restored saying that the former president’s 2016 Party and the centrist Brazilian Demo- in the afternoon. impeachment is a ‘’masquerade’’ and her cratic Movement party. Honduras’ government said ouster a “coup” by the political rivals of Temer himself has been charged many the process would take three or popular Workers’ Party. times in connection with various cor- four hours. Temer replaced Rousseff in 2016 in ruption investigations and was jailed for Brazil’s former president Dilma Rousseff (right) with France’s leftist party La France El Salvador and Guatemala a Senate-imposed mandate after his right- five days in March. Insoumise (LFI) president Jean-Luc Melenchon during her visit at National Assembly’s also had partial outages. wing party helped impeach President The Workers’ Party ruled from 2002 office in Paris, yesterday. The four nations plus Costa Rousseff over weak claims of corruption until 2016 when Rousseff, the first female Rica and Panama have shared related to irregular allocation of public president of Brazil and a long-time from office through impeachment two what has been going on in Brazil since a linked electrical network funds. Rousseff did not lose time to slam comrade of former Brazilian President years into her second term. 2016 impeachment a coup against elected since the late 1980s. Temer after he tried to whitewash his role Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, was removed Both Lula and Rousseff have called leaders. WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2019 HOME 19 HMC and Sidra Medicine highlight need for pediatric sepsis awareness The World Sepsis Day was established in 2012 as an initiative of the Global Health Alliance. The global annual campaign, which is supported by Qatar’s public healthcare sector, advocates prevention education alongside promoting early detection and comprehensive evidence-based treatment measures.

THE PENINSULA/DOHA

The officials during the Sixth National Sepsis Symposium, hosted by Sidra Medicine in collaboration with In recognition of World Sepsis Day, HMC, recently. held annually on September 13, staff from Hamad Medical Corpo- ration (HMC) and Sidra Medicine Last week Sidra Medicine makes sepsis so dangerous is the among the public. He said that a have joined forces to raise hosted the 6th National Sepsis Sym- simple fact that there is a lack of lack of knowledge and awareness awareness of the life-threating posium, in collaboration with HMC. knowledge and awareness about the among patients, family members, condition and to empower both The multidisciplinary educational condition. We urge parents who and healthcare staff makes sepsis medical professionals and members event was developed for healthcare have a child that is sick and not the number one cause of pre- of the general public, specifically providers involved in the care of getting better to contact their doctor ventable deaths worldwide. parents of young children, to pediatric patients and highlighted immediately so their child can be “For the past five years, we have recognize the signs of sepsis. recent developments in sepsis care. assessed. Individual symptoms don’t been working on developing a Dr Ibrahim Fawzy Hassan, Dr Mohammad Janahi, Senior always mean the child has sepsis, but standardised care pathway for Director of the Medical Critical Care Attending and Chief of Pediatric it is important for parents to trust patients with suspected sepsis. The Division and Chair of the Sepsis Infectious Diseases at Sidra Med- their instincts if they are concerned,” program has been adopted by the Steering Committee at HMC said that icine said sepsis can be difficult to said Dr Janahi. The signs and Ministry of Public Health as the some people have a higher risk of diagnose in children as the signs can symptoms of sepsis can include national program for sepsis developing sepsis than others. be subtle. He said it’s important to fever or low temperature, fast heart treatment and is being rolled out “Sepsis happens when the ensure that both medical profes- rate, fast breathing, feeling cold across Qatar’s public sector immune system goes into overdrive sionals and parents have the infor- (cold hands and feet), clammy and healthcare providers,” said Dr Labib. and attacks the body’s organs and mation they need to recognise sepsis pale skin, confusion, dizziness, dis- The World Sepsis Day was tissues. The condition can happen as and that parents are encouraged to orientation, shortness of breath, established in 2012 as an initiative a result of an infection and while speak up if they are concerned. extreme pain or discomfort, and of the Global Health Alliance. The anyone can develop sepsis, those with “While anyone can develop nausea and vomiting. global annual campaign, which is a compromised immune system, such sepsis, it’s more dangerous in Dr Ahmed Labib, Senior Con- supported by Qatar’s public as small children, the elderly, patients children, particularly premature sultant at the Medical Intensive healthcare sector, advocates pre- with chronic diseases and people who babies and infants as they can be Care Unit at Hamad General Hos- vention education alongside pro- are on immunosuppressing medi- more susceptible to developing pital and the National Sepsis moting early detection and com- cation, are more prone to develop sepsis due to their immune system Program Lead said sepsis prehensive evidence-based sepsis,” said Dr Hassan. not being fully developed. What awareness remains relatively low treatment measures.

CROSSWORD MALL ROYAL PLAZA The Big Trip (2D/Animation) 2:15pm; Pailwaan (2D/Kannada) 2:00pm; Gang Leader (2D/Telugu) The Big Trip (2D/Animation) 2:15 & 4:30pm; 2:30pm; Love Action Drama (2D/Malayalam) 3:45 & Rambo: Last Blood (2D/Action) 8:00, 9:45 & 11:30pm; 11:30pm; Dream Girl (2D/Hindi) 6:15pm; Ittymaani (2D/ Love Action Drama (2D/Malayalam) 4:00, 6:30 & 9:00pm; Malayalam) 8:45pm; Chhichhore (2D/Hindi) 5:30pm; Rambo: Last Blood (2D/Action) 8:00, 9:45 & 11:30pm; Dream Girl (2D/Hindi) 5:30 & 11:30pm; The Goldfinch (2D/Drama) 11:00pm; The Lion King (2D/ Chhichhore (2D/Hindi) 6:15pm; Drama) 5:00 & 7:00pm; Ad Astra (2D/Adventure) 9:00 Gang Leader (2D/Telugu) 2:30pm; & 11:15pm Sivappu Manjal Pachai (2D/Tamil) 2:00pm; LANDMARK Ad Astra (2D/Adventure) 8:45 & 11:15pm

Pailwaan (2D/Kannada) 2:30 & 11:00pm; Gang Leader (2D/Telugu) 2:30 & 5:15pm; ROXY Rambo: Last Blood (2D/Action) 8:00, 9:45 & 11:30pm; Ittymaani (2D/Malayalam) 3:00pm; Brothers Day (2D/Malayalam) 1:40, 8:10 & 11:30pm Love Action Drama (2D/Malayalam) 6:00 & 11:15pm Gang Leader (2D/Telugu) 12:30, 3:15, 6:00, 8:45 & 11:40pm; Sivappu Manjal Pachai (2D/Tamil) 3:00pm Ittymaani (2D/Malayalam) 11:00am, 1:00, 5:10, 8:30, 10:30 & Porinju Mariam Jose (2D/Malayalam) 8:30pm 11:40pm; Ad Astra (2D/Adventure) 8:30 & 11:00pm IT: Chapter 2 (2D/Horror) 6:00 & 11:15pm; Love Action Drama (2D/Malayalam) 11:00am, 12:30, 1:45, 3:15, 4:30, AL KHOR 6:10, 7:15, 8:45, 10:00 & 11:30pm; Playmobil The Move (2D/Animation) 10:30am, 12:30, 2:20 & Chhichhore (2D/Hindi) 11:15am, 5:30 & 11:45pm; 4:20pm; Saaho (2D/Hindi) 10:30am & 5:45pm; Strange But True (2D/Thriller) 8:20 & 10:10pm; Ittymaani (2D/Malayalam) 12:00, 6:00pm & 12:00am; The Big Trip (2D/Animation) 12:30, 4:30, 6:30 & 8:30pm; IT: Chapter 2 (2D/Horror) 2:15 & 8:30pm; The Goldfinch (2D/Drama) 11:00am 1:00, 2:00, 2:10, 4:00, 4:10, 5:00, Brothers Day (2D/Malayalam) 3:00, 9:00 & 11:30pm; 7:00, 8:00, 10:30 & 11:00pm Playmobil The Move (2D/Animation) 3:30pm; Just A Stranger (2D/Tagalog) 9:00pm

FLIK Mirqab Mall ASIAN TOWN 47 Meters Down: Uncaged (2D/Adventure) 10:20am & 10:30pm; Aladding 4:30 & 8:00pm; Love Action Drama (2D/Malayalam) 5:45, 8:30, 9:30 & 11:15pm; Angel Has Fallen (2D/Action) 11:00am, 12:10, 1:20, Ittymaani (2D/Malayalam) 10:00pm; 2:30, 3:40, 4:50, 6:00, 8:20 & 10:40pm Gang Leader (2D/Telugu) 7:00pm; Dora And The Lost City Of Gold (2D/Adventure) Dreamgirl (2D/Hindi) 6:30pm; 10:35am, 12:20, 1:00pm; IT: Chapter 2 (2D/Horror) 10;40am, 1:50, 5:00, 7:10, 8:10, 10:20 & 11:20pm; Pailwaan (2D/Kannada) 6:30 & 9:30pm Lion King 7:00pm; Love Action Drama 3:55, 6:50 &

9:45pm; Official Secrets 10:10am, 2:10, 4:20, 6:30 & Note: Programme is subject to change without prior notice. 8:40 Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (2D/Comedy) 5:00pm, Playmobil The Move (2D/Animation) 11:00am, 12:35, 1:55pm Section 375 (Hindi) 5:50 & 11:15pm; The Angry Birds Movie 2 10:05am, 12:00noon & 2:35pm; The Goldfinch 11:20am, 3:00 & 8:25; Welad Rizk 2 (2D/Arabic) 10:50pm & 12:20am

RAMBO: LAST BLOOD Rambo: Last Blood (also known as Rambo V and Rambo V: Last Blood) is a 2019 American action thriller film directed by Adrian Grunberg and co- written by Sylvester Stallone. 20 MORNING BREAK WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2019

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 04. 04 AM Summit praises Qatar’s sport SHOROOK 05. 21 AM

ZUHR 11. 28 AM MAGHRIB 05. 37 PM ASR 02.55 PM ISHA 07. 07 PM integrity and governance WEATHER TODAY QNA The Inter-Regional DOHA Sports Integrity Summit condemned The Inter-Regional Sports Integrity Summit ‘Doha 2019’ the piracy on beIN underlined that the State of SPORTS channels Qatar has exerted huge efforts launched by Saudi to achieve integrity and BeoutQ channels, fighting corruption, and that hosting the summit in Doha during a panel affirms its ability to create all discussion titled means of success for any inter- “Media Rights and national event organised on its Digital Piracy, a soil. At the conclusion of the Hot Issue in Sports two-day summit, the Summit Integrity”. praised Qatar’s sports integrity and the sports governance it applies, as well as the coun- opportunity that must be try’s sports revolution at the seized in order to establish level of infrastructure in prep- binding laws to fight cor- Panellists speaking at a session during the Sports Integrity Summit Doha 2019. aration for the FIFA World Cup ruption in sport. The Inter- Qatar 2020. Regional Sports Integrity World Cup Russia, where the the official income of organ- organization. ICSS Chairman CEO of the Sport Integrity Summit condemned the piracy broadcast of 64 games were izers and workers in the sports Mohammed bin Henzab said Global Alliance (SIGA), on beIN SPORTS channels stolen, and that FIFA should sector. that the agreement with o o Emmanuel Medeiros said that launched by Saudi BeoutQ play a bigger role against Saudi On the sidelines of the UNICRI complements the 28 C 38 C the Summit resulted in channels, during a panel dis- Arabia. Inter-Regional Sports Integrity agreement with the UN Office Minimum Maximum achieving a clear progress in cussion titled “Media Rights SIGA CEO Emmanuel Summit, International Centre of Counter-Terrorism. the area of sports integrity, and Digital Piracy, a Hot Issue Medeiros called for holding for Sport Security (ICSS) and UNICRI Director Bettina Misty to foggy at places by early morning noting the signing of several in Sports Integrity”. anyone behind the piracy of the United Nations Interre- Tucci Bartsiotas praised the becomes relatively hot daytime with slight cooperation agreements and Speakers at the session beIN SPORTS channels gional Crime and Justice efforts exerted by the ICSS in dust at times, relatively humid by night. partnerships with many bodies said that beIN SPORTS invests accountable, noting that a Research Institute (UNICRI) the field of sports safety and

and international at least $15bn in broadcasting session will be organised on signed a cooperation security and expressed confi-

HIGH TIDE 06:45 – 18:08 LOW TIDE 01:43 – 13:47 organisations. rights, and called on all sports September 25 with all the agreement and a partnership dence in the Center and its Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department Medeiros extended his federations to take a firm stand parties, led by UEFA, with to work together to develop chairman, noting the strong gratitude to organisers of the against these thefts which which SIGA signed a memo- the field of sports safety and relations between the two event saying that their efforts harm the common rights of randum of cooperation com- security in major sporting sides and looking forwards to and cooperation with SIGA and broadcasting and affect the mitting them to the need to events. work together to coordinate International Centre for Sport revenues of the federations adhere to the terms of sports The agreement was signed the efforts relating to sports Security (ICSS) contributed to and channels that employ integrity, as well as the by UNICRI Director Bettina safety and security and major the success of the Summit, hundreds of employees, tech- European Commission and Tucci Bartsiotas and ICSS sporting events around the adding that the continued nicians and photographers, beIN SPORT, officials, organ- Chairman Mohammed bin world. work by all sides in Doha, which in turn may affect the izers and a number of unions Henzab. The agreement comes For his part, Mohammed especially the Ministry of quality and restructuring. in order to reach a realistic ini- less than a month after the bin Henzab welcomed the UN Culture and Sports, Ooredoo Speakers called on FIFA to tiative to address this piracy. ICSS signed a partnership official and said that signing and Qatar Airways, provided address the phenomenon of He stressed that SIGA will agreement with the United agreements with international the awesome atmosphere pre- piracy through the direct demand an investigation and Nations Office of Counter-Ter- organizations gives the ICSS vailed during the Summit. contact of FIFA President a firm stand to confront piracy rorism. The agreement is the great responsibilities, espe- Medeiros said that the Gianni Infantino with the and preserve the rights of the first of its kind signed by the cially as these agreements Inter-Regional Sports Integrity heads of states that carried out parties concerned because Washington-based UN body relate to specialised profes- Summit in Doha represents an piracy operations at 2018 FIFA these rights constitute 90% of with a civil society sional work on the ground.

World’s migrant population now at 272 million

AFP UNITED NATIONS

Europe and North America have absorbed the largest share of the world’s 272 million migrants, a population that has grown by 23 percent over the past decade, according to a UN report published yesterday. The report found that there were 82 million migrants living NBC names its new in Europe and 59 million in North America in 2019, fol- streaming service lowed by northern Africa and western Asia with 49 million ‘Peacock’ each. There were 51 million more AFP migrants in the world in 2019 NEW YORK than in 2010, a 23 percent increase, according to the NBCUniversal said yesterday its new Salt harvesting report prepared by the popu- streaming television service is being called lation division of the UN An Indonesian man works at a salt harvesting pond in Sidoarjo, East Java province. Salt evaporation ponds are shallow, “Peacock” and will include original shows Department of Economic and artificial basins designed to extract salt from seawater through natural evaporation. including a new “Battlestar Galactica” Social Affairs. It said migrants along with programs from its own content account for 3.5 percent of the library. Peacock, using the longtime NBC world’s population today, com- logo, is set to launch in April 2020 and pared with 2.8 percent in 2000. compete against streaming giants such as WarnerMedia acquires ‘The Big Bang Theory’ for HBO Max The report said the esti- Netflix and Amazon and upcoming services mates were based on official from Walt Disney Co. and Apple. AFP The Wall Street Journal platform. Netflix said on NBCUniversal said national statistics on the The company, a unit of Comcast, NEW YORK reported that WarnerMedia, Monday it had acquired the Tuesday that its new platform foreign-born or the foreign offered no details on pricing. a subsidiary of telecom global rights to popular sitcom would be called “Peacock” population obtained from pop- Shows will include a “reboot” of the WarnerMedia group operator AT&T, had agreed to “Seinfeld” from 2021, without and would be available from ulation censuses, population science fiction series “Battlestar Galactica” announced yesterday that it pay $500m over five years for revealing the value of the April 2020. registers or nationally repre- as well exclusive rights to longtime pro- had secured the rights for “The Big Bang Theory.” transaction. The streaming service will sentative surveys. grams such as “Parks and Recreation” and “The Big Bang Theory” on its WarnerMedia refused to It came after the air classic NBC comedies such “These data are critical for “The Office,” according to an NBCU upcoming online platform confirm the sum. streaming giant lost the rights as “30 Rock,” “Cheers,” and understanding the important statement. HBO Max, the latest move in “It’s one of the biggest to “Friends” and the American “Will and Grace,” the enter- role of migrants and migration “The name Peacock pays homage to the fight for back catalogs shows on broadcast television version of “The Office” — the tainment giant said in a in the development of both the quality content that audiences have between streaming services. of the last decade, and the fact two most-watched series it statement. countries of origin and desti- come to expect from NBCUniversal — All 279 episodes of the that we get to bring it to a has on offer. Streaming platforms are nation,” said Liu Zhenmin, UN whether it’s culture-defining dramas from comedy show, stretching streaming platform for the NBCUniversal is paying spending billions of dollars under-secretary-general for innovative creators like (Battlestar pro- across 12 seasons, will be first time in the US is a coup $500m over five years for creating new content but are Economic and Social Affairs. ducer) Sam Esmail, laugh-out-loud com- available when HBO Max for our new offering,” said “The Office.” Major players also expanding their offerings The UN’s country-by- edies from legends like Lorne Michaels launches in spring next year, Robert Greenblatt, Warner- like Netflix and Amazon are by snapping up back catalogs country analysis shows that half and Mike Schur, blockbusters from Uni- the company said in a Media Entertainment keeping an eye on Apple and of popular old shows. the world’s 272 million migrants versal Pictures, or buzzy unscripted pro- statement. chairman. Disney, which will launch Netflix is also soon to lose live in just 10 countries, with the gramming from the people who do it best Classic television series WarnerMedia has already their streaming services later the rights to the catalog of United States in first place with at Bravo and E!,” said Bonnie Hammer, have become a hot com- agreed to shell out $425m this year, and then NBCUni- “Star Wars,” Pixar and Marvel 51 million. Germany and Saudi chairman of direct-to-consumer and modity in the escalating battle over five years to acquire versal and WarnerMedia in superhero films, which belong Arabia were next with 13 digital enterprises at NBCU. for streaming supremacy. “Friends” for the new 2020. to Disney. million each.