SPORT | Page 1 Afi f receives AFC Player of the Year award

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WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXX No. 11393 December 11, 2019 Rabia II 14, 1441 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Al Sadd to kick off campaign against Hienghene today

By Sahan Bidappa Casablanca (2013), Kashima Ant- Doha lers (2016) and Al Ain (2018) did when the tournament was held in their home country. Sadd’s head ince 2013, three host na- coach Xavi Hernandez said it would tion clubs have gone on to be a diffi cult feat to achieve but not Sreach the final of the FIFA impossible. HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani with HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Club World Cup Qatar 2019. Al “We are aware that it is diffi cult, heads of delegations of other GCC countries at the 40th session of the GCC Supreme Council in Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani holding talks with the Custodian of the Two Sadd will be aiming to become but we are here to perform and play Riyadh yesterday. Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud in Riyadh yesterday. the fourth one. The Qatar league and we have one of the best players champions will kick off their of this generation in the club’s his- campaign today against Oceania tory. They were part of the Qatar winners Hienghene Sport in a team which won the Asian Cup this play-off match at the Jassim Bin year. We have a very good football Hamad Stadium. philosophy and we are capable of PM takes part in GCC Summit A victory will give Sadd a place continuing the achievements, but in the quarter-fi nals, where they the task will be very diffi cult,” Xavi will take on Monterrey of Mexico. said. QNA Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, yesterday. With a potential semi-fi nal or fi - While Sadd should be able Riyadh The session was attended by members of Kuwait’s efforts to bridge GCC rift praised nal encounter against European to breeze past New Caledonia’s the offi cial delegation accompanying the champions Liverpool – the tourna- Hienghene, their recent form does prime minister. The 40th session of the GCC tance of continuing them within ment’s crowd-pullers – looming, not inspire too much confi dence. ommissioned by His Highness the HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Kha- Supreme Council praised the the framework of a united GCC. the Qatar giants have much to look They have lost three of their last Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad lifa al-Thani attended a luncheon banquet endeavours and sincere eff orts ex- The council also praised the forward to. four league games, with Xavi fi nd- C al-Thani, HE the Prime Minister held by the Custodian of the Two Holy erted by the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh success of the 24th Arabian Gulf This will be Sadd’s second par- ing it hard to produce consistent and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz al- Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah Cup which was hosted by Qatar, ticipation in the competition hav- results. Sadd’s dip in form coin- bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani partici- Saud, for the delegation. to bridge the rift that has marred and the “distinct organisation and ing played previously in the 2011 cided with their AFC Champions pated along with heads of delegations of The Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ah- the relations between the member eff orts” exerted by the country edition, where they fi nished third. League semi-fi nal exit, where they Gulf countries in the opening of the 40th mad al-Jaber al-Sabah met at Diriyah Palace states, and expressed its support to make this championship a suc- The passionate Sadd fans will hope lost to eventual champions Al Hilal session of the GCC Supreme Council, with HE the Prime Minister and Minister of for these eff orts and the impor- cess. (QNA) Page 24 their team can repeat what Raja of Saudi Arabia. To Page 9 which was held at the Diriyah Palace in Interior. To Page 24 Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, December 11, 2019 QATAR

Amir to meet Malaysian PM ‘Qatar an active partner’ tomorrow in global eff orts to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani will meet the Prime Minister of Malaysia Dr Mahathir Mohamed, tackle climate change at the Amiri Diwan tomorrow. Dr Mahathir Mohamed is arriving in Qatar on an off icial QNA visit. His Highness the Amir and Madrid the Malaysian prime minister will discuss bilateral relations. They will also witness the E the Minister of Municipal- signing of a memorandum of ity and Environment Abdullah understanding on establishing Hbin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie a joint supreme committee stressed Qatar’s keenness to play its role between Qatar and Malaysia, in as an active partner with the international addition to discussing regional community in tackling the impacts of cli- and international issues of joint mate change, in line with the principles of interest. the United Nations Convention. The minister highlighted the announce- Programme on ment of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani during the UN combating money Climate Action Summit in New York in Sep- laundering tember that Qatar will contribute $100mn to support the small island developing states HE the Minister of Municipality and and the least developed countries to deal Environment Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin The Public Prosecution with climate change, natural hazards and Turki al-Subaie addressing the conference represented by the Institute environmental challenges, and build the in Madrid. of Criminal Studies and the necessary capabilities to face the impacts of Department of International climate change, which would enhance the energy sources. Co-operation, organised a 3-day global eff orts in this area. Meanwhile, the launch of the electric programme for improving Addressing the 25th session of the Con- bus operation project, and the project of capabilities in the fields of ference of the Parties to the United Na- using compressed natural gas as an alter- combating money laundering, tions Framework Convention on Climate native fuel in the transportation sector, investigating terrorism financing, Change in the Spanish capital Madrid especially in public transport applications and international sanctions. yesterday, the minister said that within in Qatar, is a reinforcement of sustainable the framework of Qatar’s support to the transportation in the country, in order to ROLACC signs eff orts of the international community to achieve integration with the Doha Metro confront climate change, Doha hosted in project as part of eff orts to reduce emis- pact with UN 2012 the 18th session of the Conference of sions from transportation. The Rule of Law and Anti- the Parties to the United Nations Frame- The minister added that several projects Corruption Centre (ROLACC) work Convention on Climate Change, and initiatives that contribute to the ef- signed yesterday a co-operation adding that Qatar is also a founding mem- forts to reduce emissions have been imple- agreement with the United ber of the Global Green Growth Institute mented Qatar, such as the ones to promote Nations Institute for Training and which helps developing countries to pur- clean development that aligns the factors Research (UNITAR) at the Kigali sue development strategies based on sus- of economic development in the country National Convention Centre to tainability principles. and environmental development, adding establish and sponsor a training HE al-Subaie noted that environmental that work is also underway on a number of and research centre in Rwanda development is one of the four main pil- neutral carbon projects. to train UN staff on the African lars of Qatar National Vision 2030, which In a related context, Qatar recently continent, in co-operation with seeks to support projects that promote launched the ‘One Million Tree Initia- the Rwandan Ministry of Justice. clean energy use and enhance the effi cien- tive’, as a social programme to promote The agreement signing ceremony cy of natural gas and energy use, waste re- environmental sustainability, adapt to the was attended by HE the Chairman cycling and increasing green spaces. expected eff ects of climate change, reduce of the Board of Trustees of The minister pointed out that the emissions and improve air quality, the ROLACC Dr Ali bin Fetais al-Marri, launch by Qatar of a project to establish a minister added. Director of the Division for People solar energy plant represents an important The minister underlined that facing the and Social Inclusion of UNITAR step in the way of diversifying the sources impacts of climate change requires concert- Alex Mejia, and Attorney-General of Qatar’s production of electrical energy ed international eff orts in line with the prin- and Minister of Justice of Rwanda and increasing dependence on renewable ciples of the United Nations Convention. Johnston Busingye.

Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, December 11, 2019 QATAR Speaker elected as GOPAC chair for 2019-2021

By Shafeeq Alingal tives of GOPAC, said a number Staff Reporter of initiatives and programmes will be carried out to improve the functions of the organisa- n a recognition to the eff orts tion. by Qatar to combat corrup- “Plans will be chalked out to Ition, HE the Speaker of Shura improve the works,” he said and Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin thanked parliamentarians for Zaid al-Mahmoud was yesterday pinning hope in him and Qatar in elected as Global Organisation of the fi ght against corruption. Parliamentarians Against Cor- The speaker, who noted that ruption (GOPAC) Chair 2019- the chairmanship puts a lot of 2021. responsibility on him, sought He was unanimously elected help and support from all to the post during after vot- members to discharge his du- ing was held during the seventh ties. GOPAC conference that came to “GOPAC deserves all kind of an end yesterday. support as it stands for fi ghting The Speaker, while deliver- corruption globally and achiev- ing the closing address, said the ing sustainable development election has come as an interna- for future generations. The or- tional confi rmation for the ef- ganisation’s initiatives assume forts being taken up by Qatar and signifi cance in the present world His Highness the Amir Sheikh that’s witnessing changes,” he Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to said. fi ght corruption. He thanked the delegates for Al-Mahmoud, who an- their presence and said more nounced that he will jointly steps will be initiated in the work with all parliamentarians eighth conference to beat cor- HE the Speaker of the Shura Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Fadli Zon, former GOPAC chairman congratulates HE the Speaker of Shura Council Ahmed bin Abdullah to achieve the goals and objec- ruption. al-Mahmoud addressing the closing ceremony of GOPAC conference. bin Zaid al-Mahmoud. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed GOPAC conference concludes with calls to strengthen fi ght against graft

alls to strengthen tionaries of new director fi ght against corrup- board and regional chapters Ction, annual general were announced while new meeting, adoption of reso- proposals were adopted by lutions and declarations the meeting. marked the formal valedic- Earlier in the day, dis- tion of the seventh Global cussions were held on the Organisation of Parliamen- ‘Westminster Foundation tarians Against Corruption for Democracy Support- (GOPAC) conference yes- ing Parliaments to Combat terday. Members of board of Corruption’ and ‘Fighting directors and regional chap- GOPAC secretary John Hyde, chairman HE the Speaker of Shura Council Ahmed bin Abdullah Fraud and Corruption in De- ters were elected during the bin Zaid al-Mahmoud and former chairman Dr Fadli Zon along with other dignitaries velopment Projects: Islamic concluding session. attending the closing session. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed Development Bank Perspec- The biennial election ses- tive.’ sion declared HE the Speak- Meetings of Arab Region er of Shura Council Ahmed Parliamentarians Against bin Abdullah bin Zaid al- Corruption (ARPAC), Af- Mahmoud as GOPAC Chair rican Parliamentarians’ 2019-2021. Network Against Corrup- Dr Fadli Zon, the former tion (APNAC) and South- chairman of the organisa- east Asian Parliamentarians tion, while addressing the Against Corruption (SEA- valedictory session, ex- PAC) were also held at vari- pressed his gratitude to ous venues. The conference Qatar for hosting the con- also witnessed meetings of ference. He called for joint Latin America and Oceania eff orts to further strengthen Parliamentarians and representatives attending the valedictory session of GOPAC chapters. GOPAC secretary the functions of GOPAC and conference. John Hyde along with other eff orts to fi ght against cor- director board members and ruption. liamentarians will make the and powerful during the tari chairmanship,” he said. parliamentarians attended “The commitment of par- organisation more strong coming years under the Qa- During the session, func- the session. Al-Mahmoud meets GOPAC conference delegates

QNA Doha

E the Speaker of the Shura Council HAhmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud, yes- terday met the delegates at- tending the 7th Global Con- ference of Parliamentarians Against Corruption cur- rently being held in Doha. Shura Council and the Glo- parliamentary co-operation standing was signed, ac- met the President of the Sen- HE al-Mahmoud met the bal Organisation of Parlia- between the Shura Council cording to which the two ate of Somalia Abdi Hashi Chairman of Global Organi- mentarians Against Corrup- and the Inter-Parliamentary parties agreed to enhance Abdi, and Vice-President of sation of Parliamentarians tion and ways of enhancing Union were reviewed. parliamentary co-operation the House of Representatives Against Corruption, Dr Fadli them were reviewed. HE also met the President to strengthen the bonds of of Rwanda Musa Fadel. Zon, on the sidelines of the The Speaker also met the of the National Assembly friendship between the Qa- The two meetings reviewed GOPAC conference. Secretary-General of the of Mali Issaka Sidibe, and tar’s Shura Council and the the relations in the parlia- During the meeting, the Inter-Parliamentary Union his accompanying delega- National Assembly of Mali. mentary fi eld between Qatar relations of parliamentary Martin Chungong. During tion. During the meeting, On the sidelines of the and Somalia and Rwanda and co-operation between the the meeting, the relations of a memorandum of under- conference, the Speaker also ways to enhance them. Health ministry assessing safety of diabetes medicine

QNA in high levels. which makes it safe. Doha The ministry said in a In this context, the statement yesterday that Ministry of Public Health it had withdrawn samples indicated in its statement he Ministry of from all pharmaceuticals that the majority of the Public Health an- containing metformin in preparations containing T nounced that it is in the public and private sec- metformin in Qatar comes continuous contact with tors to carry out analysis in from European countries international regulatory the Ministry’s drug control or the US. bodies to follow up on de- laboratories. The ministry recom- velopments regarding the The US Food and Drug mended that patients safety of medicines con- Administration (FDA) and who use these medicines taining metformin, known the European Medicines continue to use them as as ‘Glucophage’, which is Agency (EMA) have re- the risk of stopping the used in the treatment of ported that medicines sold use of diabetes treat- diabetes. in the US and European ment greatly exceeds the This is in order to verify countries do not contain potential effects of low that the medicines do not NDMA. This substance levels of NDMA, and pa- contain NDMA, an impure is present in nature, such tients should continue to substance, which may be as food and drinking wa- monitor their health with carcinogenic when present ter, but in small portions healthcare providers. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 11, 2019 5 QATAR

New challenge at Qatar’s Strongest Man contest Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) finalised their preparations for the New ‘law on strategic storage 7th edition of Qatar’s Strongest Man, scheduled to take place on December 13 from 4pm at Aspire Park. Out of 19 participants, only eight of the strongest entrants who successfully completed the of food to encourage PPPs’ physical challenges will proceed to the actual competition. By Peter Alagos ties of strategic commodities, frastructure and legislation. The eight finalists will go through Business Reporter whether short term or long term He stressed that these steps five challenges: first is Conan’s items to secure its uninterrupt- are adopted to meet the chal- Wheel where contestants must ed availability in the market. lenges related to global markets, lift and carry a 180kg bar on a he new law on strate- Stressing the role of the pri- climate changes, monopolistic rotating platform; the second gic storage of food and vate sector, al-Obaidli noted policies, or changes at the local is the Sand Bag Lifting where Tconsumption goods that it eff ectively contributed and regional level. contestants take sand bags off would play a signifi cant role to meeting the requirements of He said the issuance of the a box and place them on high in strengthening the country’s the local market and increased Law No 24 of 2019 aims to cre- stands; the third is the Giant public-private partnership the local production through ate a legal framework for the es- Wheel Tyre Flipping where (PPP) strategy, according to manufacturing and agricultural tablishment and management athletes must flip a 120kg tyre Qatar Chamber board mem- production. of strategic storage and facing down a 25m course; the forth is ber Mohamed bin Ahmed al- Al-Marri said strategic stor- all fl uctuations, as well as or- Truck Pulling where athletes must Obaidli. Qatar Chamber board member Mohamed bin Ahmed al-Obaidli presiding over a meeting yesterday. age would help the country face ganising procedures applied in pull a 6-tonne truck for 25m. Al-Obaidli made the state- two challenges: short-term emergency cases. What makes this edition stand ment during a seminar hosted the presence of Qatar Cham- portant to announce in advance Al-Obaidli, who is also chair- stocks of perishable goods and Sheikh Jassim said there is out is the new challenge, the Axle by Qatar Chamber yesterday, ber chairman Sheikh Khalifa the success of PPP projects in man of Qatar Chamber’s Food the long-term stock of non- coordination between the au- Press: this is a distant cousin of which aims to discuss the role bin Jassim al-Thani, fi rst vice the strategic storage sector and Security and Environment perishable goods. He said that thorities and the private sector, an Olympic lift it must lift the axle of the private sector in the stra- chairman Mohamed bin Towar any new project to give the pri- Committee, said the storage the national strategy for food whether suppliers, wholesalers from the floor to overhead. tegic storage of foodstuff s and al-Kuwari, board member Ab- vate sector enough time to study sector has played a key role in security is based on four pil- or outlets to secure the neces- Aspire Zone successfully commodities. dulrahman al-Ansari, assistant the project and communicate achieving social, economic, and lars: boosting local production, sary goods and commodities. transformed this championship “The private sector would undersecretary for Consumer with international companies to political objectives, and secur- strategic storage, international He noted that an electronic into an exciting competitions play an important role in the Aff airs - head of the Strate- cooperate in the implementa- ing the strategic commodities trade, and the local market. system has been launched to immensely popular in Qatar’s strategic storage sector; Law gic Storage Team Sheikh Jas- tion process. and consumption goods during Sheikh Jassim said the state manage strategic storage and to sports-loving society. No 24 of 2019 concerning or- sim bin Jabor al-Thani, and the He also said strategic storage unexpected fl uctuations, such has laid an integrated food se- identify the amount of goods in On the day of the competition, ganising and control of stra- director of the Food Security projects, such as the food se- as the sudden drop in domestic curity system based on diver- the private sector. AZF will also organise a series tegic storage of food and con- Department at the Ministry of curity storage facility at Hamad production or natural and com- sifying sources of import, es- Al-Kuwari said food security of accompanying community sumption goods would enhance Municipality and Environment Port has promoted the coun- mercial market fl uctuations. tablishing a strategic storage of is one Qatar’s most important activities for all the family to enjoy public-private partnerships,” and secretary of the National try’s status as an important He said the signifi cant expan- food and strategic commodi- project, and stressed that “the the event. There will be a fan al-Obaidli stressed. Committee for Food Security hub for strategic storage and a sion that Qatar is witnessing in ties, achieving local self-suffi - private sector is willing to see zone with functions and sports The seminar, which was Masoud Jarallah al-Marri. model for achieving food secu- all economic sectors requires ciency, enhancing productive more facilitations in terms of fi - activities for kids, in addition to led by al-Obaidli, was held in Sheikh Khalifa said it is im- rity strategy. increasing the storage capaci- capacities, and developing in- nancing and procedures.” food and beverage.

QU College of Engineering signs MoU with QPD n agreement was signed tween QU-CENG dean Dr Kha- countries. Each member should “QU-CENG is pleased to between Qatar University lid Kamal Naji, and QPD general provide training opportunities partner with QPD in foster- ACollege of Engineering manager Yosuke Watanabe, in to the students where such op- ing CENG educational and (QU-CENG) and Qatar Petro- the presence of representatives portunities are exchanged dur- awareness programmes. This QU and QPD off icials at the signing ceremony. leum Development (QPD) with of both parties. ing the annual conference of agreement comes in line with the aim to sponsor training for Commenting on the agree- IAESTE. Training includes the QU’s commitment to provide abilities that help them join the ment. Therefore, constant ef- This year, QPD is glad to support students with The International ment, Dr Naji said, “Qatar preparation of a detailed training community with outreach ac- workforce and become future forts are made to support and CSR programme at Qatar Uni- Association for the Exchange of University is represented by programme for each student and tivities that aim to enhance and leaders,” he said. encourage the social responsibil- versity, which is the primary in- Students for Technical Experi- the College of Engineering as covering the cost of accommo- enrich students’ experience in “QPD strongly believes that ity initiatives and programs that stitution of higher education and ence (IAESTE). a member of IAESTE, an in- dation in addition to the month- the engineering fi eld and pro- corporate social responsibility is positively refl ected on the social research in this country,” Watan- The agreement was signed be- ternational organisation of 89 ly salary of the trainee.” vide them with the skills and a key pillar of human develop- levels inside the Qatari society. abe added. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, December 11, 2019 QATAR Eco Dome to open on Jan 27

By Joey Aguilar Addressing a press confer- initiative were present on the Staff Reporter ence yesterday, EPR chairman occasion. Abdallah al-Suwaidi said the Al-Suwaidi explained that the public, particularly children and Dome showcases two contrast- HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani and Abdallah al-Suwaidi, along with off icials and representatives from key partners and sponsors of the co Dome, a fi rst for Qatar students, will have the opportu- ing environments – forested and Eco Dome initiative, at the press conference yesterday. PICTURE: Jayan Orma to raise awareness about nity to watch a video (using 2D deforested – which provides vis- Ethe importance of recy- virtual reality) that underscores itors a deeper understanding of estation, which will save millions Eco Dome, which will also host a Environment (strategic Partner); schools participating with us, cling and caring for the envi- the signifi cant contribution of their impacts to Mother Earth. of trees and help reduce carbon number of educational activities. Jaidah Group -Isuzu (transpor- who come to the factory almost ronment, will open on January recycling to the environment. “The video shows what hap- footprint in Qatar. Sponsors of EPR’s “mega en- tation partner) while honorary daily, after launching the Dome, 27, at the Elite Paper Recycling “The Eco Dome aims to send pens if you don’t recycle, since EPR set a fi ve-year aggres- vironmental project” include partners include the embas- we will double (the number) of (EPR) premises in Doha’s New a message for the new genera- you need paper you go and cut sive communication strategy Ooredoo (platinum /offi cial sies of Sweden, Italy, Tanzania, our school visits,” al-Suwaidi Industrial Area. tion on the importance of recy- trees so it aff ects the environ- and launched a series of CSR and telecom sponsor); Qatar Post Ecuador, Argentina, Moldova, said. “We are expecting more Held under the patronage of cling. Now we get school visits ment and human lives, there will community public awareness and Aamal (gold sponsors); and Uruguay, and Unesco, and Gas than 25 students per hour.” prominent Qatari businessman and children see the recycling be less oxygen. Another picture campaigns aligned with Qatar FMM, Talabat, Al Waad Packag- Exporting Countries Forum; Al EPR, through its Go Green ini- HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim process in our factory (at EPR) is what happens if you recycle, National Vision 2030 aimed at ing and Manufacturing Company Rayyan TV and Marhaba (media tiative has collected more than al-Thani, the initiative serves but still the message is not fully which then makes the world a promoting the company’s ‘Go (silver sponsors). partner); Al Meera (retail part- 108,000 tonnes of paper waste in as tool and platform to edu- shown to them, that is why we greener place to live in,” he said. Green Recycling and Sustain- Other key sponsors include: ner); Al Wadi Hotel By MGal- Qatar and recycled to Kraft paper cate students and the public on are launching this,” he said. According to EPR, recycling ability’ initiatives. Ministry of Education (educa- lery (hospitality partner); and and exported 80% of it, contrib- the negative eff ects of defor- HE Sheikh Faisal and offi cials of paper plays a key role in pro- Al-Suwaidi said students from tional partner); Ashghal, Qatar Realis Design (industrial design uting to both micro-economy estation in an entertaining and and representatives from key tecting Mother Nature and un- levels, including those from uni- Green Building Council, Kah- partner). and sustainability, during the interesting way. partners and sponsors of the derlines the need to stop defor- versities, are welcome to visit the ramaa-Tarsheed and Friends of “We now have more than 250 past three years.

US Treasury Secretary and Qatar Foundation for Social Work, Unicef sign MoU Ivanka Trump to attend Doha Forum

atar Foundation for ing their common com- mitment to the SDGs and tribute to their advance- US Treasury Secretary Social Work (QFSW) mitments to development improving the rights of ment in order to achieve the Steven T Mnuchin will attend Qand the United and the advancement of the vulnerable people.” goals for which they were the upcoming Doha Forum Nations Children’s Fund rights of children and their Guided by the Conven- established. accompanied by Ivanka (Unicef) signed a memo- families, all in the context tion on the Rights of the The civil society organi- Trump, adviser to the US randum of understanding of helping to achieve the Child, Unicef works with sations working under the president, it has been (MoU) during the Doha In- Sustainable Development governments, civil so- umbrella of QFSW rep- announced. ternational Conference on Goals (SDGs) and taking ciety organisations and resent diff erent branches The announcement was made Disability and Development into account national pri- other partners worldwide of social work, including: in a statement by the United held recently. orities and development to advance children’s awareness raising and en- States Department of the The MoU aims to plans. rights to survival, protec- couraging volunteerism; Treasury, and issued in Doha strengthen the bonds of Amal Abdullatif al-Man- tion, development and family cohesion; people by the US embassy. co-operation between the nai, chief executive offi cer, participation. with disabilities; reduc- The forum will take place two organisations in order QFSW, said, “QFSW and QFSW works to support, ing domestic violence; in Doha on December 14 to achieve their common Unicef have for many years strengthen and promote the women’s empowerment; and 15. Treasury Secretary objectives. worked together to promote civil society organisations empowering and building Mnuchin and Ivanka will The MoU also provides a positive change on develop- working under its umbrella, youth capacities; sup- participate in the forum’s framework of co-operation ment issues. Today’s agree- developing and activating porting the elderly; and programming, according to between the parties to fa- ment further strengthens their role in society, and de- rehabilitation, preven- the statement. cilitate work in areas of this partnership and for- veloping strategies, policies tion and protection from common concern, includ- malises our joint com- and programmes that con- social risks. QFSW and Unicef off icials exchange the MoU. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 11, 2019 7 QATAR

Toyota Avalon recalled over faulty electronic control

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), in co-operation Students hone with Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros Co, announced the recall of Toyota Avalon model of 2020 due to faulty Electronic Control Unit programming. MoCI confirmed the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing eff orts writing skills at to protect consumers and ensure that vehicle dealers follow up on defects and repairs. The ministry has said that it will co-ordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate QC workshops with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out. atar Charity (QC), encouraging novice writers shops held across diff erent the third and last phase of It urges customers to report in collaboration to produce literary works, schools in Qatar. the programme, which re- any violations to its Consumer Qwith Qatar Univer- QC said in a statement. The workshops, present- quires these qualifi ed par- Protection and Anti-Commercial sity (QU) and other part- Some 30 male and female ed by QU faculty members, ticipants to write complete Fraud Department, which ners, organised a number students of QU, who were academicians and scholars stories. Students at a workshop. processes complaints. of training workshops for declared qualifi ed candi- with expertise in the fi elds Through its ‘Future’s university and school stu- dates for the second phase of literature and creative Writers’ programme, Qa- dents to enhance their crea- of the ‘Future’s Writers’ story writing. They includ- tar Charity stressed that tive and short story writing programme, attended the ed theoretical and practical it aims to contribute to skills and capabilities. training workshops held at aspects, as well as a discus- achieving Qatar National The workshops came as the university. sion and exchange of views Vision 2030 by off ering an part of the ongoing fourth Qualifi ed for the second on written works by the array of activities to create a edition of the ‘Future’s phase of the programme, participants, who learned culture of reading, discover Writers’, a Qatar Charity’s the students - including how to develop their stories talents and develop writing programme implemented in those with special needs and came to know about the skills of students to build an Qatar, allowing competition - from primary, prepara- elements of the short story. educated generation capa- among participants to dis- tory and secondary schools, The workshops were held ble of meeting challenges, play their hidden talents and participated in the work- to prepare the students for the statement added.

The workshops came as part of the ongoing fourth edition of the ‘Future’s Writers’. Starlink Qatar enters into partnership with CAF Café

tarlink Qatar has en- tered into a partner- Sship with CAF Café, it has been announced. Under this, CAF’s coff ee will be provid- ed at Starlink’s Aspire branch, according to a statement. The Aspire outlet is the fi rst of “many branches where one can dive into the experience of having a great cup of coff ee while buying technology”. “Together, working as one team, we hope to un- lock the full potential of the Off icials mark the partnership. modern global experience and look forward to having “Since everything we fee shop for regulars, CAF ing a great cup of refi ned you at our branches,” the achieve in technology is is a place that presents caf- coff ee”. statement notes. dedicated around our cus- feine in a way that is de- “Through our partner- During its 14 years of tomers’ comfort, having signed to make a change ship with CAF, we delight- presence in the Qatari mar- an aromatic cup of cof- in society. The cafe has an edly found a great con- ket, Starlink “has always fee can amplify any shop- “exemplary team of coff ee nection that made our put its customers at the ping experience,” the connoisseurs”. collaboration process very forefront of its strategy”. statement said. Being a leading spe- natural. The collabora- When Starlink rebranded, CAF is a social-driven ciality coff ee bar in Ku- tion of both parties off ers it did so by keeping its cus- speciality coff ee bar where wait, CAF is “all about an exciting opportunity to tomers’ experience in mind, “social chemistry is con- bringing communities ensure that all services are ensuring that it’s not just stantly getting ignited by together while creating a expanded throughout the about buying products, but engaging community mem- movement by eliminating country, creating a strong is more about the experi- bers to form connections cultural barriers between bond that can initiate vast ence of exploring the ideas through social interaction”. people to shape social growth,” the statement behind them”. Being more than just a cof- diversity while enjoy- added.

Ooredoo launches Shahry 5G and will be loaded with 100 in- represented excellent value ternational minutes, so all for money with consider- Qatarna 5G packs subscribers can call their able fl exibility, the arrival of family and friends across 5G was the perfect opportu- the globe. nity for us to take a look at oredoo has an- Shahry and Qatarna packs Both new Shahry 5G what we off er and see where nounced a complete whether their device sup- and Qatarna 5G plans will we could give our customers Orevamp of its best- ports 3G, 4G, or 5G. come with entertain- even more than before. selling postpaid Shahry and Shahry 5G and Qatarna ment and lifestyle ben- “We’re delighted to Qatarna packs and add- 5G plan subscribers will efi ts; Shahry customers launch our new Shahry ons, giving customers more never run out of data, with can choose from Starz and Qatarna packs, which options, greater fl exibility, the new plans off ering end- Play, ErosNow, and Urban will signifi cantly enhance and better value. less access to the Internet. Point, while Qatarna cus- our customers’ experience, All new Shahry and Qa- Once a customer consumes tomers can choose from giving more options, more tarna packs will be 5G- their full allowance for the beIN Connect, Starz Play, value, and more benefi ts.” enabled, meaning as long month, they will still be and Urban Point. Customers can sign up as customers have a 5G- able to continue connecting Manar Khalifa al-Mu- for a new Shahry or Qatarna enabled device, they will be to any network at speeds raikhi, director, PR and Cor- pack or migrate from their able to access Ooredoo’s 5G of up to 20Mbps without porate Communications at existing pack to a new pack network. All customers can further charge. Ooredoo, said: “While our online via the Ooredoo App access the benefi ts of new New Qatarna 5G plans postpaid packs have always or at any Ooredoo shop. QATAR

Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, December 11, 2019 QATAR Carrefour launches webstore in Qatar

ustomers in Qatar can now shop for their fa-  Partnership with Qatar Post Cvourite products from the will ‘ensure seamless online comfort of their homes, as Car- refour has announced the launch experiences’ for customers of its webstore. Powered by Qatar Post, residents living in Doha, Al head of Carrefour in Qatar, add- fered during special occasions, Rayyan, Al Daayen or Umm Salal ed: “We’re constantly striving to the statement notes. Delivery can place their orders online and deliver seamless shopping expe- is also free of charge on orders receive them the next day, with riences and, today, we’re extend- above QR250. All items are deliv- more than 100 neighbourhoods ing that commitment to include ered in reusable bags, in line with covered by the delivery service, the online world as well. Carrefour’s “ongoing commit- Carrefour has said in a state- “Our webstore will allow us ment to curb the prevalence of ment. to adapt to changing consumer single-use-plastic”. Faleh Mohamed al-Naemi, preferences by off ering the same The webstore is the latest addi- chairman and managing direc- choice, quality and value that tion to Carrefour’s omni-chan- tor of Qatar Post, said: “Our they’ve come to expect from our nel services, such as the popu- mission is to redefi ne conven- physical stores, right at their fi n- lar Valet Trolley home delivery ience by becoming a custom- gertips. service, which allows customers er-centric, digitally enabled “We look forward to fulfi ll- to purchase groceries from stores company. We continuously ing incoming orders and creat- located in Villaggio or City Cent- challenge ourselves to fi nd even ing great moments for everyone er Doha and have their grocer- more ways to add value to our everyday.” ies delivered to their homes the customer by off ering an ever- The online store can be ac- same day, the statement adds. increasing number of delivery cessed at www.CarrefourQatar. Further, customers who wish to points – when and where people com, where customers will fi nd receive basic supplies within one need them the most. a wide selection of more than hour can opt for Carrefour Now, “With this latest initiative 12,000 products, including fresh available through the Talabat ap- with Carrefour, Qatar Post now food, personal care items, house- plication. makes ordering and getting de- hold goods in addition to elec- As Carrefour continues to un- livery in about a day a reality for tronics and appliances. Prices are dergo its digital transformation customers.” similar to those found in stores, in Qatar, more services are ex- Laurent Hausknecht, country with exclusive promotions of- pected to come online in 2020. Off icials at the webstore launch. Qatar Security Systems Company awarded ISO certifi cation atar Security Systems certifi cates in the fi eld of quality enhance our internal manage- help us secure new contracts Company (QSSC), a sub- management. ment and operational processes, and clients. The ISO 9001:2015 Qsidiary of Qatari Inves- The integrated manage- but also improve our competi- accreditation showcases the im- tors Group Technology, has been ment system (IMS) delivers a tive standing in future commer- provements we made to our in- awarded new certifi cations from higher quality of services with a cial eff orts. ternal management and opera- the International Standards Or- stronger focus on customer sat- “QSSC is committed to con- tional processes, which have led ganisation (ISO). isfaction, increased effi ciency in tinuous improvement and aims to enhanced customer service. The company fulfi lled re- the use of resources, improved to exceed ISO standards. I would “On the other hand, the ISO quirements for ISO 9001:2015 business processes and raised like to thank the QSSC team for 14001:2015 certifi cation dem- for Quality Management Sys- awareness of risk management their hard work and dedication onstrates QSSC’s commitment tems, ISO 14001:2015 for Envi- to protect workers and the en- towards our valued customers to international industry-spe- ronment Management System, vironment, a press statement and the company.” cifi c environmental standards, and ISO 45001:2018 for Occupa- noted. “The ISO 9001:2015 and while the ISO 45001:2018 certi- tional Health & Safety Manage- Omar al-Hassan, execu- 14001:2015 certifi cates have be- fi cation will ensure a safer work ment Systems, which together tive director of Qatari Investors are pleased to have passed the dit stage leading to the award of come key requirements for ten- environment with enhanced Omar al-Hassan represent the most recognised Group Technology, said: “We rigorous and company-wide au- certifi cates, which will not only der submissions, and they will production performance.” Gulf Times Wednesday, December 11, 2019 9 QATAR Thundery Tuesday  Rainwater removal work in full swing  350 pumps deployed to clear water  Lightning, hail reported  More rain expected today: Met  Authorities urge people to exercise caution  43mm rain recorded in Abu Hamour

oha and other parts of Qatar wit- the showers intensifi ed in some areas yester- nessed thunderstorms and heavy rain day, particularly since the evening. Besides Dyesterday, prompting the authorities rain, there were reports of hail from some concerned to issue safety advisories for peo- places, including Mesaieed. ple to follow in such conditions. The Met department tweeted about an Today, the Qatar Met department has said active thunderstorm south of Doha around thundery rain is again expected in the coun- 11pm yesterday. “Kindly take extra care as it try along with strong winds. Thundershow- might be accompanied by strong winds and ers have also been forecast in off shore areas hail at times,” it said. in the early hours of the day, besides windy Earlier, it said thunderstorms of variable conditions and high seas. intensity continued in Doha and the south- With the downpour leaving a number ern areas. Abu Hamour received some 43mm of roads waterlogged, the Ministry of Mu- of rain, the highest recorded until then yes- nicipality and Environment (MME) said rain terday, while continued scattered thunder- emergency teams in diff erent municipalities storms were seen across the country, the around the country were deployed to with- department said in another Twitter post draw rainwater that had accumulated in dif- around 10pm. A dramatic image of a lightning strike. Picture courtesy of Met department Twitter page ferent areas. The weather offi ce also warned people to Safar Mubarak al-Shafi , Assistant Under- avoid staying outside in view of lightning secretary for General Services Aff airs at the strikes. MME and chairman of the joint rain emer- The Met department, MME, Ministry of gency committee, said timely preparations Interior, Traffi c Department, Ashghal and by the panel and other authorities concerned Qatar General Electricity and Water Corpo- enabled them to swiftly address the situation ration (Kahramaa) issued advisories on how and related emergencies since early yester- to stay safe during thunderstorms and rain. day. The MME also issued rain emergency The amount of rainwater removed around numbers at municipalities around the coun- the country from dawn until 12noon yester- try, which can be found on its Twitter page. day was nearly 8.2mn gallons. This was done A reflection of the Fanar on a rain-drenched Meanwhile, the Supreme Committee for in 1,499 batches with the participation of 613 evening. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil Delivery & Legacy said that as safety is their workers, the MME said in a statement. top priority, they decided to close the (FIFA In addition, the municipal operations Sporadic rain was reported from Doha and Club World Cup) Fan Zone early last night rooms received 235 reports, which were dealt other places since late on Monday night and due to the adverse weather conditions. Rain in Doha yesterday. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam with immediately. The eff orts will continue until the rain is over, the MME stressed. Al-Shafi said the emergency teams in mu- nicipalities started their work immediately after the rain started, and the focus was on removing water from the main roads to facil- itate traffi c, before moving to public utilities and residential areas aff ected by the showers. Meanwhile, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) said it deployed around 350 pumps across the country to speed up the water- clearing process. Ashghal also tweeted that it was closely following the weather changes and distrib- uting tankers and equipment to clear accu- mulated water in areas that lacked drainage networks. A waterlogged road. PICTURE: Ram Chand Rainwater removal in progress. PICTURE: Ram Chand

Tunisian team arrives

Tunisian side Esperance Sportive de Tunis arrived in Doha for the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019 yesterday. The CAF Champions League winners will play AFC Champions League winners Al Hilal FC of Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

Al Sadd to kick off campaign against Hienghene

From Page 1

Against Hienghene – who play in a 1,800-ca- pacity stadium and were only formed in 1997 in the Pacifi c Island French ter- ritory of New Caledonia – Xavi would want his team to strike form. “I am very happy to participate in this Al Sadd coach Xavi Hienghene Sport manager Felix Tagawa (left) and captain big tournament, in which Hernandez addresses a Bertrand Kai address a press conference yesterday. we will play the best clubs press conference yesterday. in the world. We are very as a coach, Xavi said: “This a senior New Caledonian excited, although we know great knows how to taste is a great thing for me. I had side – club or country – will very well the extent of the success in big tourna- no idea I will be the fi rst one compete in a global football challenges that we will face ments. to do so. It gives me great tournament. The team is throughout the competi- As a player, Xavi won two motivation for tomorrow’s based in Hienghene, a re- tion, since all the clubs are Club World Cup trophies in match to win, especially mote part of New Caledo- the champions of their con- three attempts with Barce- since I played in tourna- nia with a population of just tinents,” he said lona. Now the Spaniard will ment on three occasions, 2,500, fi ve hours away from “We will try to display hope to draw his experi- and won it twice. But it is the country’s capital, Nou- our best level, and we will ence as a player to motivate diff erent this time.” mea. see what happens later Sadd players. “Now I have Meanwhile, for Hieng- Hienghene arrived in because no one can know no relationship with Bar- hene players, it will be an Doha ten days early for the what will happen in foot- celona, because I am part of opportunity of a lifetime. tournament and have put in ball. We have to deal with Al Sadd. I am very proud to Manager Felix Tagawa’s a week’s preparation. “We the championship step by coach at this club and train team are the fi rst New Cal- have nothing to lose and step,” Xavi added. its players. It is an honour edonian side to win the OFC we are prepared, said coach After playing four sea- for me to lead the club in Champions League – hav- Felix Tagawa. “They have sons for Sadd, the veteran this big tournament. For ing debuted in the compe- good defenders and mid- Spain midfielder hung up the players, this tourna- tition just two years earlier fi elders and a top striker his boots in May this year ment means a lot too,” Xavi – and qualify for the FIFA in Baghdad Bounedjah but to take up the coaching added. Club World Cup, and only we have done well to qual- reins. At 39, he is too early On being the fi rst person the second non-New Zea- ify for this tournament and in his coaching career to participate in the Club land side to do so. we want to give our all,” he but the former Barcelona World Cup as a player and It will be the fi rst time added. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, December 11, 2019 QATAR AAB launches Qatar National Day celebrations HIA expo focuses

bdullah Abdulghani & Bros Co (AAB), the ex- Aclusive agents for Toy- ota and Lexus in Qatar, have started their Qatar National on human rights Day celebrations with a week- long campaign from December 10-17. The celebration has been or- ganised to thank esteemed cus- tomers for helping make Toyota and Lexus the leading automo- in Islamic culture tive brands in Qatar, AAB has said in a press statement. new version of the exhi- Accordingly, AAB has dedi- bition of Arabic Callig- cated prizes to express their Araphy on ‘Human Rights appreciation for the company’s in Islamic Culture’ at Hamad customers. International Airport (HIA) was Customers who buy any vehi- Promotional images issued by AAB for the campaign. opened yesterday on the occa- cles from Toyota or Lexus show- sion of the International Human rooms, or the pre-owned vehicles Rights Day, which falls on De- showroom, as well as those pur- cember 10 each year. chasing parts from the main spare The event was opened by Na- parts centre or servicing their ve- tional Human Rights Commit- hicle during the campaign period, tee (NHRC) deputy chairman Dr will have a chance to win one of Mohamed bin Saif al-Kuwari, in two Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2020 the presence of secretary-gener- models through a raffl e draw. al Maryam bint Abdullah al-At- This comes as a sign of the tiyah, assistant secretary-gener- company’s appreciation for cus- al Sultan al-Jamali, a number of tomers, the statement noted. representatives from HIA, many R K Murugan, acting CEO, diplomats, other dignitaries, said: “At AAB, we would like to and a large audience of travellers show our appreciation to our passing through HIA. customers for their continuous The celebration of the Hu- support for, trust in and loyalty man Rights Day this year comes NHRC deputy chairman Dr Mohamed bin Saif al-Kuwari inaugurating the exhibition as other dignitaries look on. towards our brands. under the motto, “Standing Up The Customer Apprecia- for Human rights,” an initiative tion Week is one of the ways in Lexus have a “large lineup of showrooms are open seven by the United Nations to high- which we are reaching out and models that appeals to all cus- days a week. light the crucial role of youth saying thank you.” tomer requirements and AAB is Also, to “provide the best in the collective and peaceful The campaign is unique as truly committed to provide the ownership experience,” AAB movements as a source of in- AAB employees and represent- best purchase experience to all has eight service centres lo- spiration for a better future, and atives from their principals, its customers”, the statement cated in various parts of the to empower youth and youth Toyota Motor Corp, thank cus- added. country and its call centre is organisations to act as a cata- tomers in their own language – As part of the Customer open 24 hours from Saturday to lyst for the achievement of the ‘Shukraan’, ‘Salamat’, ‘Shukri- Service Enhancement Pro- Thursday, in order to support Sustainable Development Goals ya’ and ‘Arigato’. Toyota and gramme, the Toyota and Lexus customers. and create a better world by promoting human rights, peace and equality. The new version of the ex- hibition will go on for 20 days and allow thousands of visitors NBK Heavy Equipment sees rise to Qatar and passengers mov- ing through HIA to see dozens of paintings that refl ect the place in sale of Case products of human rights in the Islamic NHRC deputy chairman Dr Mohamed bin Saif al-Kuwari and other dignitaries tour the exhibition. religion. The exhibition include works In a statement, Maryam bint year’s Human Rights Day, the of- Al-Attiyah noted that the asser Bin Khaled (NBK) of Arabic calligraphy includ- Abdullah al-Attiyah said that the fi cial said: “Stand Up for Human new version of the Arabic Cal- Heavy Equipment, ing the Holy Qur’an verses and occasion recognises the achieve- rights” carries a very important ligraphy Exhibition in Islam is Na subsidiary of NBK sayings of Prophet Muhammad ments made by Qatar in the fi eld message, calling on all countries considered a new landmark in Group, has announced that its (PBUH) that have a direct rela- of protection and promotion of of the world to pay due attention a long path for this exhibition, fl eet sales of Case Construc- tionship with the international human rights, and to emphasise to the youth, and inspire them which attracted a large audience tion Equipment increased from conventions on human rights the keenness of the National to promote a culture of human in several cities and capitals, in- 2018 to 2019. with their translation into the Human Rights Committee to rights in all societies, before be- cluding New York (at the United Various new strategies have languages of the world, especial- keep on urging Qatar to continue ing embodied in legislation and Nations headquarters), Geneva, been implemented at the divi- The Case Construction Equipment range. ly English, French and Spanish. the key reforms it is undertaking laws. Paris, Brussels, Berlin, Greece, sion, and the launch of specifi c The aim is to introduce the to promote and protect human She pointed out that NHRC Kuwait and Tunisia, as well as models were focused to meet brands”, the statement noted. and invites equipment users principles of the religion of Is- rights. attaches great importance to the Hamad Bin Khalifa University the requirements of worksites, Case introduced the landmark to participate in defining and lam through art, and support the Regarding the importance youth and their role in defending in Qatar, Katara – the Cultural the company said in a press Case Model 320, the industry’s improving new products. eff orts of dialogue between reli- of the call to action set by the human rights and international Village, and Fire Station Artist statement. fi rst factory-integrated trac- With the increase of Case gions, civilisations and cultures. United Nations to celebrate this legislation. in Residence. Eyad Rashid, general man- tor loader/backhoe in 1957. In equipment, NBK Heavy ager of NBK Heavy Equip- 1969, Case started building Equipment stressed that it ment, said: “We are proud to skid steer loaders, and has been “prides itself on its after- announce that our growth in manufacturing wheel loaders sales services and the way it Qatar refl ects our strategy and for more than 60 years. Case positively drives the market plans. NBK Heavy Equipment now produces a full line of con- towards Case, starting from HBKU’s Qatra Social Work Club holds inaugural event is the authorised distributor struction equipment, including parts availability to afford- of Case in Qatar, and thanks excavators, telehandlers, wheel able service rates with skilful to its reliability, durability and loaders, crawler dozers, skid technicians available round amad Bin Khalifa Uni- to-door transportation including multi-purpose usage, we were steers and compact track load- the clock”. versity’s (HBKU) Qatra to and from remote areas; and so able to serve the needs of vari- ers. NBK Heavy Equipment NBK Heavy Equipment was HSocial Work Club has much more. ous companies in the fi elds of is one of the main dealers for founded in 1975 and played held its inaugural event. Alina Zaman, president of the heavy construction and earth- Case in the region. Their re- an integral role in support- Led by HBKU’s College of Is- Qatra Social Work Club, said: moving. lationship going back to over ing the construction sector by lamic Studies (CIS), it was an “This was our fi rst stepping stone “We look forward to another 40 years - making NBK Heavy providing the market with the opportunity for participants in striving for our vision in pro- prosperous year in 2020 with Equipment the oldest Case most reliable machines and to engage with Richard Geary, moting HBKU as a caring com- the launch of new projects and dealer in the Middle East re- equipment. founder of the Deaf Reach Pro- munity with self-suffi ciency, continuous infrastructure de- gion, the statement pointed “Having key partnerships gramme, which strives to instil dignity, harmony, and happiness. velopment in Qatar.” out. with many of the leading glo- foundational changes in the ed- Richard Geary’s talk touched our Case has been solving Appreciating this relation, bal manufacturers of heavy ucation framework for deaf chil- hearts and raised community earth-moving challenges with NBK Heavy Equipment in- equipment and operating a dren in Pakistan. awareness, and we were able to equipment since its incep- vited customers to the 570T well-staffed field force and The World Innovation Summit associate it with our motto that tion in 1842. Case equipment Backhoe Loader Case factory service centres, Nasser Bin for Education (WISE) 2018 prize- Richard Geary with Qatra Social Work Club members at the ‘every Qatra (drop) can make a “have seen an evolution of earlier this year, where they Khaled Heavy Equipment is winner shared his story of how, as inaugural event. diff erence’.” Students from Paki- fi ne-tuned products designed had the chance to have a close actively collaborating with an American citizen, he made Ka- stan plan to visit and volunteer at to solve real-world challenges look at the stages of manu- enterprises that are building rachi, Pakistan, his home as well as real-time, applicable change on able skills; high-level accessibility one of the Deaf Reach schools in with more than 175 years of facturing this loader. The trip the future of our nation, and his eff orts to empower the coun- the ground, from academic edu- in terms of instruction in Pakistan their upcoming travels to gain a knowledge and experience in included presentations on the remain keen to rise to future try’s deaf community. The multi- cation up to its newest addition Sign Language (PSL), full scholar- fi rst-hand understanding of how the fi eld from CNH Industrial, products of Case, as the brand challenges,” the statement ple projects by Deaf Reach make it of a BA programme to vocational ships which embrace deaf children the Deaf Reach empowers the deaf and is one of the pioneer US takes customers seriously added. a role model for what constitutes training for developing employ- in poor communities, and door- community. Security preparations in place QND celebrations at Katara begin today atara — the Cultural Vil- cember 17 and 19, to be followed lage Foundation has an- by fi reworks and drone shows. Knounced that its Qatar Meanwhile, a number of arts for 2019 FIFA Club World Cup National Day celebrations will be workshops and various related held from today until December activities will be held in co- 19. operation with diff erent private QNA adding that work is proceeding especially after the big success carry out their tasks in a way that Featuring some 40 diff erent and government entities and Doha according to the plan set in terms achieved by the security plan. guarantees the safety of all. activities, the Qatar National organisations. of security measures, facilitation He underlined that the aim of For his part, Head of the Com- Day programme at Katara has The celebrations will also the traffi c movement, ensuring the Security Committee is the munication and Media Unit of been organised in co-operation coincide with the FIFA Club he Security Committee of the fl ow of the masses and pro- safety of the masses and the par- the Security Committee Col with various ministries and collection of artistic, cultural World Cup, which is held in Qa- the Supreme Committee for viding all security services in ac- ticipating teams and achieving Khaled al-Kaabi said that the government and private enti- and heritage events this year, tar for the fi rst time from today TDelivery & Legacy (SC) con- cordance with the best levels and the maximum levels of security past period witnessed extensive ties. in addition to some military until December 21. fi rmed that all preparations have international standards. for all concerned parties, as well communications to co-ordinate The celebrations will be held shows and a parachuting dis- In addition, the activities of been completed to secure the FIFA He noted that the security as bringing the championship between the committee and the at the Katara Esplanade from play, which enjoy considerable the ninth Katara Traditional Club World Cup Qatar 2019, which preparations for the Club World out in a manner appropriate for relevant authorities in the FIFA 3pm-10pm. popularity”.Other activities and Dhow Festival will continue will kick off in Doha today and con- Cup are going on the same level Qatar and its prominent experi- and the concerned authorities Saif Saad al-Dosari, director events include folkloric shows until December 16. tinue until December 21. of interest and co-ordination ence in organising international in countries participating in of Human Resources at Katara, featuring members of expatri- Al-Dosari thanked the spon- Security Commander of the between the executive units of and regional sporting events. the Club World Cup, in order to addressed a press briefi ng in ate communities from some 20 sors and supporters of the Ka- 2019 FIFA Club World Cup Lt the Security Committee in the Al-Dosari advised the peo- ensure the achievement of the this regard on behalf of Dr Kha- Arab and other countries living tara celebrations, including Col Khalifa Shaheen al-Dosari 24th Arabian Gulf Cup, and ple to go early to the stadium desired goals and provide secu- lid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, gen- in Qatar. Ooredoo, the Supreme Com- underlined that all units of the even with the same work groups to avoid traffi c congestion and rity for all participating teams, eral manager of Katara. Besides, there is an operetta mittee for Delivery & Legacy, Security Committee are fully which have been responsible for crowding at the gates, and to give the masses, sports missions and He said Katara is keen to of- titled ‘This is Qatar’, which will Qatar Airways, Qatar TV and prepared for the championship, securing that championship, security men an opportunity to media. fer its visitors an “excellent have two performances on De- others. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 11, 2019 11 QATAR National Day a time to remember the glorious deeds of our Founder

QNA of Qatar’s National Day. In an development and providing the ing “we learned from him how He also emphasised that un- co-ordination with all state sance in the country, he noted. Doha exclusive statement to Qatar most dignifi ed ways of life for its to face challenges and overcome der the blockade, the country agencies, especially in the leg- The secretary-general of the News Agency (QNA), he said people and residents. diffi culties, which was very rel- was able to achieve the highest islative field, pointing out that Cabinet concluded his state- that this glorious occasion is a The secretary-general of the evant in the face of the unjust rates of development and secu- the General Secretariat has ments by expressing his con- E the Secretary-General reminder of the Founder Sheikh Cabinet added, “We recall on blockade imposed on the coun- rity and safety according to in- completed many important and gratulations on the National of the Cabinet Hamad Jassim bin Mohamed bin Thani, this day the feats of the Founder try.” ternational organisations. necessary legislations, espe- Day, which became a national Hbin Ahmed al-Mohan- who established the base and and remember the successes He continued by saying that HE al-Mohannadi explained cially the legislations on eco- occasion to remember the glo- nadi congratulated His High- laid the values and principles and achievements of our coun- “under the guidance of our that the General Secretariat of nomic affairs and investments, ries of our ancestors, who cre- ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin upon which the State of Qatar try and the positive role it plays leader and the awareness of citi- the Cabinet, within the frame- which place a solid ground for ated a proud history for us, and Hamad al-Thani, His Highness was built. in the region and the world zens and solidarity between res- work of its specialisation and the development process and the achievements made in this the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad These set of values and prin- thanks to the wise leadership of idents and citizens, we were able under the guidance of HE the create a sound legal environ- prosperous era, and to renew bin Khalifa al-Thani, His High- ciples enabled to make signifi - His Highness the Amir Sheikh to overcome the eff ects of the Prime Minister and Minister ment for expanding investment the determination to continue ness the Deputy Amir Sheikh cant achievements and off er the Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.” blockade and became stronger, of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin and attracting capital. on the path of construction, Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani world a bright model of a se- He expressed pride in the glo- more cohesive, self-reliant and Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, Additionally, there are other development and progress and and the loyal citizens and resi- cure and stable state capable of rious history of the Founder and capable of building and provid- is working to implement Qa- legislations that have already work hard for our dear country dents of Qatar on the occasion achieving the highest rates of his eff orts and sacrifi ces, add- ing.” tar National Vision 2030 in created a legislative renais- Qatar and its people. Ties between Philippines and ‘Our relations with Qatar stand on solid foundation Qatar are historic’

QNA held this year, which solidify the schedule and in addition to this, QNA the people is what will achieve Doha gains made. The ambassador Qatar has successfully hosted Doha the noble goals and lofty aspira- said, “The Philippines is thank- various international sporting tions of the ancestors.” ful to the State of Qatar for host- events this year. He explained He also praised the remarkable hilippine ambassador to ing more than 240,000 Filipi- that these experiences will defi - harge d’Aff aires of the achievements of Qatar during Qatar Alan Timbayan stat- nos working and residing in the nitely result in the success of the embassy of Sudan, Ghazi the past period, both domesti- Ped that relations between country who consider Qatar as 2022 FIFA World Cup, adding CBabeker Humaidah, de- cally and internationally, noting the Philippines and Qatar stand their second home. that Qatar’s continued progress scribed the relations between that Qatar has paid great atten- on a solid foundation, based on The Filipino community con- in the energy sector ensures its Qatar and Sudan as historic, tion to the infrastructure. He mutual respect and partner- tinues to positively contribute breathtaking development. stressing that they are getting revealed that he was observing ship, adding that this year the to Qatar’s progress and develop- The ambassador conveyed his stronger as time passes. Hemme- what is happening in Qatar dur- Philippines and Qatar celebrated ment. The Philippines and the greetings to His Highness the ida noted, in a statement to Qatar ing the past two years and saw 38 years of diplomatic relations State of Qatar continues to en- Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad News Agency (QNA) on the occa- that a great eff ort has been made. which will continue to deepen gage in Joint Labour Committee al-Thani, His Highness the Fa- sion of Qatar’s National Day, that He stressed that the most im- and fl ourish over the coming Meetings to discuss labour poli- ther Amir Sheikh Hamad bin the bonds between the Sudanese portant thing accomplished by years. cies and reforms for the benefi t of Philippine ambassador to Qatar Khalifa al-Thani and the gov- and Qatari people are insepara- Qatar is the investment in Qatari In exclusive statements to the Overseas Filipino Workers in Alan Timbayan. ernment and people of the State ble, adding that he expected the in addition to its role in the res- people through education and Qatar News Agency (QNA), the the country. The opening of Qa- of Qatar on the occasion of the bilateral relations between the toration of Sudanese antiquities the opening of branches of the envoy said that the two nations tar Visa Centre in Manila is also Plant, in meeting the country’s country’s National Day. two countries to witness steady through the Sudanese-Qatari most prominent international share a number of bilateral agree- an indication of the importance power and water demands, the “We have witnessed the resil- growth and development in the project. Furthermore, there is universities in Doha, as well as ments in the fi elds of labour, cul- that Qatar gives to the Philippines National Museum of Qatar, a ience, solidarity, and determina- near future under the leadership distinguished relationship be- the interest in healthcare and the ture, health, technical vocational given the strength of the relation- spectacular example of architec- tion of the people of the State of of the glorious December revolu- tween the two countries in the development in the communica- education and training, and in- ship between the two countries.” ture that houses the unique story Qatar in overcoming the chal- tion and the Sudanese govern- cultural fi elds and reconstruc- tion and technological sector. vestment protection, among oth- He stressed that the accom- of Qatar, the Doha Metro, which lenges faced by the country. ment of Prime Minister Dr Ab- tion projects in Darfur and the He pointed out that Qatar has ers, pointing out that his country plishments achieved by Qatar now operates the Red, Green and “The people have stood hand- dalla Hamdok. peace villages built by Qatar. established, through soft diplo- looks forward in sharing more locally and on the international Gold lines, as well as the suc- in-hand with their government, He pointed out that the fea- Hemmeida expressed his ap- macy, a network of strong exter- bilateral agreements with Qatar, stage are exceptional and truly cessful hosting of the 2019 IAAF under the wise leadership of His tures of that development have preciation to the contributions nal relations with most countries particularly in sports, energy and impressive, pointing out that World Athletics Championship Highness the Amir, which re- been clarifi ed through meetings, of Qatar Red Crescent and Qatar of the world. It also has common trade sectors. this year witnessed the success- and the 24th edition of the Ara- sulted in a stronger nation. It is visits and contacts that have Charitable Society for Sudan, interests, economic and invest- He also pointed out that the ful opening of Al Janoub Stadium, bian Gulf Cup at Khalifa Interna- our fervent hope that the State taken place so far, adding “on especially during the fl oods that ment ties that made it a country two nations continue to ex- one of the stadia built for the tional Stadium, among others. of Qatar continues to be blessed the behalf of the Government of have recently swept a number of of great importance in the re- change high-level visits, adding hosting of the FIFA World Cup He highlighted how Qatar con- with more prosperity and success the Republic of Sudan, we must Sudanese states. gional environment and at the that several meetings have been in 2022, the Umm Al Houl Power tinues to meet its targets ahead of in all its endeavours,” he said. thank His Highness the Amir The acting charge d’Aff aires at international level. Its invest- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al- the Sudanese embassy in Doha ments have expanded across Thani for his call, in the speech congratulated the State of Qatar, continents, while Qatar also in front of the United Nations which celebrates its National Day hosted a large range of seminars Libyan charge d’affaires hails Qatari diplomacy General Assembly in September on the 18th of December every and meeting of importance in the and at the opening of the 48th year. parliamentary, human rights and QNA the distinguished relations be- of Qatar’s National Day, Kareem termination of its people. The session of the Shura Council, to He added, “I would like to con- security fi elds, which prepares it Doha tween the two countries, high- hailed the quiet diplomacy and Libyan charge d’aff aires extended remove the name of Sudan from gratulate the State of Qatar on to play an infl uential role region- lighting Qatar’s support to the good conduct of the State of Qa- his sincere congratulations to the list of state sponsors of ter- the great national and historical ally and internationally. Libyan people and the Govern- tar in the face of the local and re- His Highness the Amir Sheikh rorism and his support for Sudan occasion,” stressing that Qatar’s Hemmeida expressed his sin- he Charge d’aff aires at the ment of National Accord. In gional challenges and the unjust Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and through his meeting in New York celebration of its National Day cere thanks to Qatar for hosting Libyan embassy in Qatar, his statements to Qatar News blockade imposed on it, which it to the Qatari people on the occa- with Dr Abdalla Hamdok on the is a celebration of the ancestor’s the Sudanese community resid- TSalem Kareem, praised Agency (QNA) on the occasion overcame with the will and de- sion of the National Day. sidelines of the current session past, which represents the base ing in the country, which is es- of the United Nations General for Qatar’s present and a plat- timated to be more than 60,000 Assembly. form for a bright future. in medical, legal, engineering, He said that within the frame- He continued by saying, “We educational, sports and other work of the distinguished rela- tell Qatar and its people, as they sectors. He stressed that they all tions between the two countries, celebrate the National Day, that enjoy a distinguished relation- Qatar Post making strides in digital technology Qatar has signifi cant invest- history will record for you that ship with their Qatari brothers ments in Sudan, especially in the the clarity of vision and unity of and contribute with them in the agricultural and real estate fi elds, goal between the leadership and renaissance of the country. QNA ices and products, reaching the largest number of customers training days were implemented Doha highest level of service quality in various regions in Qatar. On through 82 training courses. and ranking second globally after digital development, Qatar Post Qatar Post’s eff orts during the achieving a performance level of has launched a Turkish market coming period will focus on the n line with Qatar National 96.1%. In addition, the company service that allows customers in establishment of the new head- Vision 2030 and its develop- has obtained the certifi cation of Qatar to shop Turkish products. quarters and sorting centre, and Iment strategy, Qatar Postal ISO in the areas of government, The new edition of the new dig- the completion of the application Doha and Lima agree Services Company (Qatar Post) is fi nancial and e-commerce postal ital channels, the new website of the latest postal technology seeking to become the most ad- services. and mobile application, has also systems to improve the compa- vanced postal service company On the logistics side, Qatar been designed. In addition, the ny’s performance, and the launch in the 21st century through au- Post has launched international company has developed a “Con- of the new website, mobile appli- tomation and digital technology, shipping services which gener- nected” service which has re- cation and performance analysis on common objectives as well as enhancing its service ated revenues of QR1mn in 2018, duced the shipping period from system, in addition to develop- portfolio and customer experi- in addition to co-operation with eight to fi ve days. ing and improving the position ence, and by raising the effi cien- the General Directorate of Traffi c In the fi eld of automation, of the Turkish market, increas- QNA cy of its human resources and or- in order to provide the delivery of Qatar Post has launched a pilot ing the number of products of- Doha ganisational capabilities. driving licenses and vehicle li- model for self-service machines fered, increasing the volume of Qatar Postal Services Com- censes to customers. at the headquarters, in addition e-government transactions and pany has reduced its operating Qatar Post’s achievements to working on activating cus- delivery service to customers, as mbassador of Peru to Qa- losses to QR39mn from QR42mn were not limited to the above. tomer management programmes well as distributing self-service tar Jose Benzaquen Perea in 2017. The company also fi nal- It was able to complete the de- and basic mail systems and fi nal- machines to other branches and Asaid that his country fully ised the new Qatar Post Strategy velopment of the network of ising the design of the company’s focusing more on providing de- agrees with Qatar on common 2019-2023 and the timetable of outlets and branches to reach performance analysis system. livery solutions and benefi t from objectives, such as the prosper- activities and projects, as well as 24 branches and seven kiosks As well as the development of the pilot model applied in Car- ity and happiness of their people, modernising the system of serv- distributed ideally to serve the human capital, last year 2,148 refour. promoting a close link between external action and development priorities. Both countries based on the Danish ambassador praises Qatar’s stellar achievements rule of law, with diplomatic poli- cies for renewed co-operation, QNA existing ties in several areas and Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the continue its positive develop- political dialogue, and promo- Ambassador of Peru to Qatar Jose Benzaquen Perea. Doha look forward to strengthening occasion of Qatar National Day, ment for the benefi t of its people tion of trade and investments, as our co-operation in the coming the ambassador said Denmark and international partners,” he well as the protection of human ship, with the signing of various obtained thanks to the determi- years. One area of co-operation warmly congratulates the people added. rights, the fi ght against poverty, agreements and memoranda of nation and drive of its leaders on-resident ambassador that has become critical to all of of Qatar on their National Day The transformation of Qatar terrorism; environmental con- understanding (MOU): “For the and its people,” the envoy under- of the Kingdom of Den- the world is combating climate 2019 and applauds Qatar’s rapid towards a modern state in only servation; and, education and year 2020 we are working and lined. Nmark to the State of Qatar change and managing the energy and impressive developments one generation is remarkable health for all, the ambassador co-ordinating the visit to Qatar “I believe that the extraor- Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin transformation. since its independence. by any standard, the ambas- said. of our President Martin Vizcarra dinary achievements of Qatar affi rmed that the peoples of Den- As two leading countries He also hailed Qatar’s support sador said, pointing out that is In an executive statement to Cornejo,” he said. lie fundamentally in its respect mark and Qatar enjoy a positive within the energy sector there is towards international co-opera- not only refl ecting the ambition Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the “The National Day of a coun- and fulfi lment with what was and stable relationship through ample scope to work together to tion and rules based world order, of the people of Qatar to imple- occasion of Qatar National Day, try is one of the most signifi cant established by the international economic and international co- create solutions for the future of affi rming that Qatar has made ment profound economic and the ambassador hailed His High- events in the history of a na- agreements, in the principles and operation as well as people-to- Qatar and Denmark as well as the tremendous progress within its social progress, but also allowing ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin tion; therefore, it is to remember norms of international law, and people exchanges and tourism. world,” the Danish ambassador economic, health and education- them to thrive in many other ar- Hamad al-Thani’s visit to Peru what freedom and independence harmonious coexistence with all “We believe that there is an said. al sectors. eas such as sports with the Asian in October 2018, saying that it means, for a worthy country, like the actors in world society,” he excellent scope for extending the In an executive statement to “We are confi dent that it will Football Cup victory in 2019. strengthened bilateral relation- Qatar. The independence was added. Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, December 11, 2019 REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA

UNREST CONTROVERSY WEATHER CRIME CONFLICT Two militants killed after UN off icial to leave Mali for At least two dead after DR Congo policewoman Three Nigerian security staff attack on Somali hotel perceived rebel sympathy cyclone hits Madagascar held for killing protester executed in militant video

Al Shebaab gunmen attacked a hotel in So- An United Nations official is set to leave Mali Two people were killed in Madagascar after Cyclone A policewoman in the Democratic Republic of Militants in northeast Nigeria have released a video malia’s capital near the presidential residence by today, according to the government, after Belna landed in the northwest of the country, caus- Congo was arrested yesterday after allegedly showing the execution of two soldiers and a police- yesterday and police said they killed two attack- provoking outrage by appearing to back ing heavy flooding and displacing hundreds, local shooting a young protester dead at close range in man, posted online late Monday by the Islamic State ers and rescued dozens of people from inside. Tuareg independence in the strife-torn north. authorities said yesterday. The tropical cyclone hit the eastern city of Goma, police said. group (IS) propaganda agency Amaq. The video, dated The two attackers were killed outside the hotel The official, Christophe Sivillon, headed the UN the impoverished island nation’s Boeny region on The teenaged boy was killed as angry residents Sunday, was made by a branch of Boko Haram that as they launched the attack, while two others office in the northern town of Kidal until he was Monday after brushing past the island of Mayotte staged protests after police prevented them from has sworn allegiance to IS known as the Islamic State stormed inside, deputy police commissioner forced to step down on Monday in the wake and the Comoros archipelago. “A child and an pursuing thieves who were preying on northern Group in West Africa (ISWAP). Its release came days General Zakia Hussen said, adding security of comments he made at a pro-independence elderly person were unable to save themselves” neighbourhoods in the city, a local off icial added. after the militants announced the kidnapping of 14 forces had rescued 82 people, including several party conference. Mali’s current unrest began in after a dam collapsed, said the head of Madagas- “I have just arrested the off icer who shot the people including two aid workers and, according to the officials. “We warn people against calling their 2012 when ethnic Tuareg separatists rebelled in car’s National Off ice for Disaster Risk Management youth at pointblank range. It is a policewoman. militants, six members of the security forces. It shows relatives who they think are in the hotel until the north of the country - a region they name (BNGRC), Elack Andriakaja. The cyclone brought We have placed her in the hands of the appropri- three men in plain clothes kneeling in a field, introduc- the operation is finished,” she wrote on Twitter Azawad - triggering a conflict which has since torrential rain and reached a maximum wind speed ate authorities,” police chief Jean-Baptiste Bukili ing themselves as members of the Nigerian security while fighting still raged. been overtaken by militants. of 180 kilometres per hour. told an AFP correspondent. forces before being shot. Protests, blasts hit Iraq’s south as demos continue

AFP Baghdad

raq’s south saw further protests and ex- plosions, as demonstrations against the Igovernment and its Iranian sponsor that erupted on October 1 persist unabated, ac- Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali receives medal and diploma from Chair of the Nobel Comitteee cording to security sources. Berit Reiss-Andersen during Nobel Peace Prize awarding ceremony in Oslo City Hall, Norway, yesterday. The southern city of Amara was rocked overnight by four near-simultaneous ex- plosions targeting premises of two pro-Iran armed factions, according to police. “Three sound grenades targeted two Ethiopia PM collects Nobel Prize premises and the house of an Assaib Ahl al-Haq leader and an improvised explosive device targeted the house of an Ansar Allah and urges unity against hatred commander,” police said. Asaib Ahl al-Haq is one of the most pow- erful groups in Iraq’s Hashed al-Shaabi se- AFP reopened, fl ights resumed and meetings were curity force, a network of armed groups inte- Oslo held across the region. But the “Abiymania” hype grated into the state, of which Ansar Allah is has faded and he is now facing major challenges. also a component. The land border between the two nations is Medical sources reported three wounded thiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed col- once again closed, and the question of border de- by the blasts. lected the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo yes- marcations remains unresolved. Founded in 2014 to fi ght IS militants who Eterday, appealing for unity as ethnic vio- “At present, this work seems to be at a stand- had seized swathes of northern Iraq and lence fl ares in his country and reconciliation still,” said the head of the Norwegian Nobel Com- neighbouring Syria, the Hashed is made eff orts with neighbouring former foe Eritrea have mittee, Berit Reiss-Andersen. up of mostly factions, many of which have stalled. “It is the hope of the Norwegian Nobel Com- been backed by Iran. According to security Abiy, 43, won the Nobel for his eff orts to re- mittee that your previous achievements, coupled sources, the attacks were committed against solve the long-running confl ict with Eritrea. with added encouragement of the Peace Prize, the groups due to their loyalty to neighbour- Announced back in October, the prize also will spur the parties to further implementation of ing Iran, whose infl uence continues to grow honoured his mediation eff orts in eastern Africa the peace treaties,” she added. in Iraq, in particular via armed groups that it Iraqis gather at Tahrir square in Baghdad amid ongoing anti-government protests, yesterday. and the democratic reforms he has undertaken in Abiy has vowed to hold the fi rst “free, fair and has long trained and fi nanced. his country, long ruled by authoritarian leaders. democratic” elections since 2005 in May, and ex- These attacks come shortly after the re- precedented protest movement demanding blocked the road to the Shanafi ya oil refi n- Ethiopia saw spectacular progress in the perts fear the Ethiopian leader may have to shift cent bloodshed in several Iraqi cities, the an overhaul of the political system. ery, according to police, demanding employ- months after he took power in April 2018, but his attention away from the peace process to fo- latest seeing 24 people killed, including four In the holy city of Karbala, protesters ral- ment. the winds have since shifted: in addition to the cus on the vote. police offi cers, on Friday evening in central lied at the police station to demand informa- Despite Iraq being Opec’s second-largest stalled peace process with Eritrea, his reforms In stark contrast to his authoritarian pred- Baghdad. tion within 24 hours on the death of Fahem crude producer, one in fi ve of its people live aimed at opening up Ethiopia have paradoxically ecessors, Abiy has lifted the state of emergency, Both the state and the demonstrators ac- al-Tai, a 53-year-old prominent civil society in poverty and youth unemployment stands given rise to a fl are-up of ethnic tensions. released dissidents from jail, apologised for state cuse armed men of perpetrating the violence, activist gunned down in a drive-by shoot- at one quarter of the population, the World Faced with these challenges, Africa’s youngest brutality and welcomed home exiled armed the former claiming that it is not possible to ing on Sunday evening while returning home Bank says. leader called for unity as he picked up his award groups. identify those responsible, while the latter from protests. Protesters from several cities in the south at Oslo’s fl ower-bedecked City Hall, in a formal He also established a national reconciliation point to pro-Iran entities. Others blocked access to the courthouse yesterday joined thousands of demonstrators ceremony attended by the Norwegian royal fam- committee and lifted a ban on some political par- Since October 1, Iraq’s capital and its south to demand proceedings be launched against gathered for more than two months in Bagh- ily and dignitaries. ties. have been gripped by rallies against corrup- local leaders for corruption — a key priority dad’s Tahrir Square, which is the epicentre of “There is no ‘Us and Them’,” he said. “There is But less than two weeks after the Nobel an- tion, poor public services, a lack of jobs and of the protest movement in a country ranked the demonstrations in the capital. “We came only ‘Us’, for ‘We’ are all bound by a shared des- nouncement in October, anti-Abiy protests left Iran’s perceived political interference. the 12th most corrupt country in the world by to support our brothers in Baghdad,” said tiny of love, forgiveness and reconciliation.” 86 people dead. More than 450 people have been killed and Transparency International. an activist in the movement from Nassiriya, On July 9, 2018, following a historic meeting in In his Nobel speech, he denounced the “evan- more than 20,000 wounded during the un- In Diwaniya, also in the south, protesters Haydar Kazem. Eritrea’s capital Asmara, Abiy and Eritrean Presi- gelists of hate and division” who are “wreaking dent Isaias Afwerki formally ended a 20-year-old havoc in our society using social media”. Mean- stalemate between their countries in the wake of while, the Nobel festivities have been tainted by the 1998-2000 border confl ict. Abiy’s refusal to fi eld questions from the media, That was just three months after Abiy took of- as the ex-intelligence chief has considerably fi ce. Yesterday, Abiy was quick to praise the role of shortened the traditional Nobel programme and Sudan’s former president questioned over coup his Eritrean “partner and comrade-in-peace” — cut out all news conferences. the only leader Eritrea has known since it gained The head of the Nobel Institute, Olav Njolstad, independence in 1993 — in his Nobel Prize. called the decision “highly problematic”, noting AFP Mohamed al-Hassan, who did nationwide protests against his council, which is tasked with “We understood our nations are not enemies. that a “free press and freedom of expression are Khartoum not attend the hearing. rule of three decades. overseeing a transition to civilian Instead, we were victims of the common enemy essential conditions for a lasting peace in a de- The lawyer also told report- On November 12, Sudanese rule as demanded by the protest called poverty,” he said. mocracy.” ers that in his view the hearing authorities fi led charges against movement. Bashir is being held in A former soldier himself, Abiy also testifi ed to Abiy’s entourage responded that it was “quite udan’s former president was “not a judicial matter, it’s a Bashir and some of his aides for Kober prison in a separate case, for the ravages of war, recalling how his entire unit challenging” for a sitting leader to spend several Omar al-Bashir appeared political matter”.In 1989, Bashir, “plotting” the 1989 coup. which he has been on trial since had been wiped out in an Eritrean artillery attack days at such an event, especially when “domestic Syesterday before a prose- a brigadier at the time, seized The prosecution established a August, on charges of illegally ac- but he had survived after briefl y leaving a foxhole issues are pressing and warrant attention”. They cutors’ committee over the 1989 power in a coup that toppled the special committee for the case. quiring and using foreign funds. to get better antenna reception. also said Abiy’s “humble disposition” contrasted coup that brought him to power, elected government of prime If found guilty, he could face A verdict is due in that case on “War is the epitome of hell for all involved,” he with “the very public nature of the Nobel award”. his lawyer said. minister Sadiq al-Mahdi. the death penalty or life impris- Saturday. Yesterday, Bashir was said. The Nobel Peace Prize consists of a diploma, a Bashir was “brought to be in- The former president was onment under Sudanese law. taken from Kober prison to the During the lightning-fast rapprochement that gold medal and a cheque for 9mn Swedish kronor vestigated in the case of the al- himself ousted by the army in Sudan is now ruled by a joint prosecutor’s offi ce in a convoy followed the peace deal with Asmara, embassies ($945,000). leged 1989 coup,” said his lawyer, April of this year after months of civilian and military sovereign under strong armed protection.

STRIFE 15 injured in Lebanon protests Fifteen people were injured in Two Algerian ex-PMs get heavy jail terms for corruption confrontations between protesters and the Lebanese army in Tripoli in northern Lebanon yesterday, AFP Former prime ministers years.Two other former indus- front companies while ben- QNA reported. The clashes erupt- Algiers Ahmed Ouyahia and Abdel- try ministers, Mahdjoub Bedda efi ting from undue tax, customs ed after scores of protesters tried malek Sellal, who were both and Youcef Yousfi , were handed and land benefi ts”. The automo- to destroy Al-Mina municipality close to the ousted president, 10-year terms. tive scandal cost the treasury building after the death of a young n Algerian court sen- were sentenced to 15 years and Businessman Ali Haddad, more than 128bn dinars (975mn man and his sister in the collapse tenced two former prime 12 years respectively. founder and CEO of private euros), according to the offi cial of a building in the town. Aministers to long jail It was the fi rst time since construction fi rm ETRHB and APS news agency. terms yesterday in the fi rst of Algeria’s independence from former head of Algeria’s main Defence lawyers boycotted the trial, alleging the proceed- STRIFE a series of high-profi le cor- France in 1962 that former employers’ organisation, was ruption trials launched after prime ministers were put on sentenced to seven years. ings were “politicised” and im- Rouhani may visit longtime president Abdelaziz trial. And three businessmen who pacted by a climate of “settling Japan on Dec 19 Boutefl ika resigned in the face The state prosecutor had own vehicle assembly plants scores”.The defendants protest- of mass protests in April. sought 20-year prison sentenc- Demonstrators gesture near police off icers standing guard during — Ahmed Mazouz, Hassen Ar- ed their innocence and spent Iranian President Hassan Rouhani The verdicts came just two es for the two ex-premiers. a protest against the country’s ruling elite and calling to reject the baoui and Mohamed Bairi — the trial shifting blame among may visit Japan on Dec 19 for talks days before Algeria is due to In all, 19 defendants were upcoming presidential election in Algiers, yesterday. were sentenced to seven years, themselves. with Japanese Prime Minister Shin- elect a president to replace tried on charges ranging from six years and three years respec- Before the court retired to zo Abe, Jiji News reported yesterday. Boutefl ika in a vote bitterly op- money laundering to abuse of sector got its start in 2014, via to Boutefl ika’s entourage. tively. deliberate, former prime min- Abe said on Monday that Tokyo is in posed by the country’s nine- offi ce and granting undue privi- partnerships between foreign One former industry min- The prosecutor denounced a ister Sellal broke down in tears discussions about the visit in an at- month-old protest movement, leges in the nascent vehicle as- groups and large Algerian cor- ister, Abdeslam Bouchouareb, sector dominated by nepotism and begged for leniency, saying, tempt to try to resolve Iran’s nuclear which sees it as a regime ploy to sembly industry. porations, many of which are who is on the run abroad, was and favouritism, describing “I don’t have much time left to impasse with the United States. cling to power. The Algerian automotive owned by businessmen linked sentenced in absentia to 20 businessmen who “managed live.” Gulf Times Wednesday, December 11, 2019 13 AMERICAS US lawmakers reach deal on $738bn defence bill

Reuters tives and Senate Armed Services There were concerns earlier workers, something Democrats It expresses a Sense of Con- high-profi le requests, the bill The NDAA calls for a sweeping Washington Committees agreed on a com- this year that the NDAA might strongly sought. gress that Turkey’s acquisition of establishes the US Space Force approach to North Korea’s nucle- promise version of the National fail for the fi rst time in 58 years Among other things, the pro- Russia’s S-400 missile defence as the sixth Armed Service of ar weapons development, as well Defence Authorisation Act, or over steep divides between the posed fi scal 2020 NDAA impos- system, which Washington says the United States, under the Air as the threat it poses to US forces S lawmakers announced NDAA, after months of negotia- Democratic-controlled House of es sanctions related to Russia’s it not compatible with Nato de- Force. on the Korean peninsula and al- an agreement on Mon- tions. Representatives and Republican- Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream fences and threatens the F-35, The legislation also contains a lies in the region. Uday on a $738bn bill set- It is expected to pass before controlled Senate over Trump’s pipelines and bars military-to- constitutes a signifi cant transac- series of provisions intended to It puts mandatory sanctions ting policy for the Department Congress leaves Washington policies. military co-operation with Rus- tion under US sanctions law. address potential threats from on North Korean imports and ex- of Defence, including new meas- later this month for the year-end Because it is one of the few sia. The bill says Trump should China, including requiring re- ports of coal and other minerals ures for competing with Russia holiday break. pieces of major legislation Con- Russia is building the pipelines implement sanctions on Turkey ports on China’s overseas invest- and textiles, as well as some pe- and China, family leave for fed- The legislation includes gress passes every year, the to bolster supply to Europe while over the S-400 purchase, some- ments and its military relations troleum products and crude oil, eral workers and the creation of $658.4bn for the Department NDAA becomes a vehicle for a bypassing Ukraine, and members thing lawmakers have been de- with Russia. and it puts additional sanctions President Donald Trump’s long- of Defence and Department of range of policy measures as well of Congress have been pushing manding. It bars the use of federal funds on banks that deal with North desired Space Force. Energy national security pro- as setting everything from mili- the Trump administration to do The NDAA also reauthor- to buy rail cars and buses from Korea. It also calls for sanctions on grammes, $71.5bn to pay for tary pay levels to which ships or more to stop the projects as they ises $300mn of funding for the China, and it says Congress “un- The bill also bars the Penta- Turkey over its purchase of a ongoing foreign wars, known aircraft will be modernised, pur- near completion. Ukraine Security Assistance Ini- equivocally supports” residents gon from reducing the number of Russian missile defence system, as “Overseas Contingency Op- chased or discontinued. The NDAA also prohibits the tiative, to include lethal defen- of Hong Kong as they defend troops deployed to South Korea and a tough response to North erations” funding, and $5.3bn in It includes a 3.1% pay hike for transfer of F-35 stealth fi ghter sive items as well as new authori- their rights and seek to preserve below 28,500 unless the Secre- Korea’s eff orts to develop nuclear emergency funding for repairs of the troops, the largest in a decade jets, which Lockheed Martin ties for coastal defence cruise their autonomy with China. tary of Defence certifi es that it is weapons. damage from extreme weather and, for the fi rst time, 12 weeks Corporation is developing, to missiles and anti-ship missiles. It also supports improving Tai- in the US national security inter- The US House of Representa- and natural disasters. of paid parental leave for federal Turkey. Fulfi lling one of Trump’s most wan’s defence capabilities. est to do so.

Trump launches broadside against his own FBI director President Donald Trump renewed his war against his own security establishment yesterday with a broadside against the “attitude” Democrats unveil Trump of FBI Director Christopher Wray. Trump accused Wray of down- playing the findings of a report issued Monday into the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)’s opening of an investigation into Russian interference during Trump’s victorious 2016 election impeachment charges campaign. “With that kind of attitude, he will Reuters House Judiciary Committee to undo the results of the 2016 never be able to fix the FBI, which Washington Chairman Jerrold Nadler told re- election. is badly broken,” Trump tweeted. porters that the Democrats had to “The President will address The report by the Justice Depart- take action because Trump had these false charges in the Sen- ment inspector-general found emocrats in the US House endangered the US Constitution, ate and expects to be fully exon- that there had been numerous of Representatives an- undermined the integrity of the erated, because he did nothing procedural errors but said there Dnounced formal impeach- 2020 election and jeopardised wrong,” White House spokes- was no political bias against ment charges against President national security. woman Stephanie Grisham said Trump by law enforcement. Donald Trump yesterday, a his- “No one, not even the presi- in a statement. Wray said the investigation had toric move that set the stage for dent, is above the law,” he said at In an interview with Fox News, been underpinned by “adequate a divisive trial in the Republican- a news conference to announce Grisham, asked whether Trump factual predication”. led Senate ahead of the 2020 the formal impeachment charg- would testify, said she did not This starkly contradicts Trump’s elections. es. know. claims that the investigation The two formal charges, or He was joined by House After the articles of impeach- – which grew into a sprawling articles of impeachment, accuse Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other ment were announced, Trump probe of multi-pronged Kremlin Trump of “betraying” the coun- Democratic leaders involved in tweeted “WITCH HUNT!” interference operations and try by abusing power in an eff ort the impeachment probe. Earlier, he attacked the im- Trump’s business links with Rus- to pressure Ukraine to probe a “Our elections are a corner- peachment eff ort, tweeting that sia – was an “attempted coup”. political rival and then obstruct- stone of democracy ... the integ- to impeach a president when the Ignoring the report’s finding that ing Congress’ investigation into rity of our next election is at risk country has such a strong econ- there was no political motivation, the scandal. from a president who has already omy “and most importantly, who Trump is instead focusing on the The Democratic-controlled sought foreign interference in the has done NOTHING wrong, is many procedural mistakes high- House is almost certain to vote to 2016 and 2020 elections,” Nadler sheer Political Madness!” lighted by the inspector-general. impeach the president. said. He is the fourth US president “I don’t know what report current It could take up the matter Trump has denied wrongdoing to face impeachment. director of the FBI Christopher next week. and calls the inquiry a hoax. Democratic president Bill Wray was reading, but it sure A trial would then be held in The White House, which has Clinton was impeached in 1998 Pelosi joins Nadler, Adam Schiff , Eliot Engel, Carolyn Maloney and Richard Neal as they announce the next wasn’t the one given to me,” the Senate, likely in January. refused to participate in the for lying about a sexual relation- steps in the House impeachment inquiry, at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. Trump tweeted. No Republican in either the hearings in the House because ship he had with a White House Trump has been at odds with House or Senate has come out in it says the process is unfair, ac- intern, but he was acquitted in with his Ukrainian counterpart with Zelenskiy, and say there is two healthcare-related bills, leg- much of the national security favour of Trump’s removal from cused Democrats of engaging in a the Senate. to solicit Ukraine to publicly an- no direct evidence he withheld islation to fund the government establishment since he took of- offi ce. “baseless and partisan” attempt Republican president Richard nounce the investigations of Bi- aid or a White House meeting in through next September, in ad- fice and claims, without providing Nixon resigned in 1974 before he den and a debunked theory that exchange for a favour. dition to impeachment, as exam- evidence, that a “deep state” is was impeached over his involve- Ukraine, not Russia, interfered in Senate Majority Leader Mitch ples of movement on key issues. working against him. ment in the Watergate scandal. the 2016 US election. McConnell complained that the The impeachment battle has Wray took over at the FBI in 2017, Democratic president Andrew The obstruction charge ac- impeachment process had de- divided Americans and raised the replacing an acting director Johnson was impeached in 1868 cuses the president of defying layed work on other matters. heat in an already polarised Con- who had held the position since but not convicted in the Senate. and impeding the House’s eff orts “Obstruction and stalemate gress. Trump’s firing of director James Democrats have moved rapidly to investigate the scandal, add- have brought us to the 11th hour. Top Democrats initially had Comey in May that year, just as since launching their inquiry in ing that Trump would remain a I hope ... that both chambers been reluctant to pursue Trump’s the Russia probe gathered steam. late September after a whistle- threat to the US Constitution if will be able to set aside Demo- impeachment out of concerns blower complaint about a July 25 he remained in offi ce. crats’ impeachment parade long doing so could hurt the party in telephone call in which Trump Representative Adam Schiff , enough to get the people’s busi- 2020. will vote tomorrow on whether sought help from Ukrainian the Democrat who spearheaded ness fi nally fi nished,” he said on Republicans warned that to send the formal charges to the President Volodymyr Zelenskiy the investigation in the House the Senate fl oor. Democrats were setting a dan- full House for a vote. to investigate former vice-pres- Intelligence Committee, said im- Democrats sought to counter gerous precedent. House Majority Leader Steny ident Joe Biden, a leading con- peachment was an extraordinary the argument that impeachment “Future Congresses will in- Hoyer, the Democrat in charge of tender in the Democratic race to remedy but that Trump had given was being done at the expense of evitably make impeachment a scheduling debates on the House challenge Trump in next Novem- Democrats no choice. passing major legislation. political tool to be used anytime fl oor, told reporters yesterday: ber’s election. “The evidence of the presi- Democratic Representative a president of the opposing party “I don’t want to get ahead of the The abuse of power charge dent’s misconduct is overwhelm- Tom Malinowski pointed to up- occupies the White House,” Re- (Judiciary) Committee, but po- accuses Trump of using nearly ing and uncontested,” he said. coming votes in the House on a publican Senator Lindsey Gra- tentially” the two articles of im- $400mn in US security aid and Republicans argue that Trump new trade deal between the Unit- ham said in a statement. peachment will be debated on the Trump: tweeted ‘WITCH HUNT!’ a possible White House meeting did nothing improper in his call ed States, Canada and Mexico, The House Judiciary panel House fl oor next week.

Rights activists, bodies warn against Russia’s top diplomat opens US talks amid impeachment moves to weaken encryption More than 100 activist organisations, security experts and industry groups warned yesterday against eff orts to force tech companies AFP a day after Putin held a landmark to weaken encryption, saying any such requirement would help Washington fi rst meeting with Ukraine’s hackers, criminals and authoritarian governments. president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, The warning came in a letter to top law enforcement off icials in the although they did not reach any United States, Britain and Australia, responding to an eff ort by those ussian Foreign Minister breakthrough (see report on countries to gain special access to encrypted content on Facebook Sergei Lavrov began a visit page 17). and its messaging services. Ryesterday to Washington in The pair met in Paris along- The signatories said any special “backdoor” access would make all which he was due to meet Don- side the presidents of France and communications less secure. ald Trump, the day Democrats Germany, who are leading eff orts “These exceptional access mechanisms for law enforcement unveiled impeachment charges to end a fi ve-year war in which agencies would be the same ‘backdoors’ that provide an against the president. Ukraine is battling Russian- opportunity for terrorists, criminals, and other parties to gain The timing marks a redux of backed separatists. unauthorised access,” said the letter endorsed by the American the veteran Russian diplomat’s The impeachment inquiry is Civil Liberties Union, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch last visit to Washington in May linked to the war, with House and other organisations and individuals. 2017, when Trump was fi ghting Democrats unveiling charges “This is because technologists cannot build systems that are off allegations that he co-operat- that Trump abuses his power and inherently able to tell when ‘bad’ people use them, just as engineers ed with Russia and was accused obstructed Congress. cannot design sidewalks and highways to crumble underneath the of sharing classifi ed information After Lavrov’s last visit in May feet of certain people.” with Lavrov. 2017, the Washington Post re- Lavrov began the day of talks ported that Trump shared clas- by meeting with US Secretary of Pompeo and Lavrov at their meeting in the Jeff erson Room at the State Department in Washington, DC. sifi ed information with him and Derailed train fires under control State Mike Pompeo, who said the Russia’s then-ambassador to Trump administration is deter- Russia including on improving 2021 obligated the two powers to clear Forces, which limited mis- Washington about a threat from Fires are still burning at the site where a Canadian Pacific Railway mined to pursue its work despite business ties and on arms con- halve their arsenals of strategic siles that could hit European cit- the Islamic State group. train derailed early on Monday while hauling oil, but they are under the politics at home. trol. nuclear missile launchers. ies, after saying that Moscow was The US ally that provided the control, CP and public safety off icials said yesterday. “We didn’t pick this date to Russian President Vladimir The Trump administration, in violation. information, which led to re- The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) said in a statement coincide with the process on Putin has called for the quick while not ruling out an exten- Lavrov is also expected to dis- strictions on laptops in the cab- that the scene was contained, with about 100 responders focusing Capitol Hill, but we can’t allow renewal, even by the end of the sion, wants a new treaty to in- cuss the hotspots of Iran, North ins of commercial fl ights from on suppressing the remaining fires in an aff ected area. the zaniness that’s taking place year, of the New START treaty, clude China, which has a quickly Korea and Syria – where Russia, the Middle East, did not author- CP said in a statement that 34 cars derailed west of Guernsey, in the on Capitol Hill to impact our the last remaining major arms growing, but still much smaller, which backs President Bashar ise its sharing, the report said. Canadian province of Saskatchewan, spilling crude and causing a job,” Pompeo told conservative treaty between the United States arsenal than Russia and the Unit- al-Assad, has become even more The White House denied the fire. It is not yet clear how much oil was spilled. broadcaster One America News and Russia. ed States. pre-eminent as the top foreign accusation but Trump later in- “The last that I have on it is that things are under control ... the fire on Monday. Negotiated under Trump’s The United States earlier this player after Trump pulled US sisted he had the “absolute right” is contained in an area, there’s no concern about other tanker cars Pompeo said that he would predecessor Barack Obama, the year withdrew from the Cold troops. to share “facts pertaining to ter- catching fire at this point,” Transport Minister Marc Garneau told look to fi nd ways to work with treaty which expires in February War-era Intermediate Range Nu- The talks in Washington come rorism and airline fl ight safety”. reporters in Ottawa yesterday. Gulf Times 14 Wednesday, December 11, 2019 ASIA Bangladesh starts fencing Court makes ‘Joy Bangla’ Rohingya refugee camps mandatory By Sam Jahan, AFP latest attempt to repatriate them Balukhali to Myanmar failed in August. The refugees are already forbidden to leave the camps at state events he Bangladeshi military although their sprawling na- has started erecting fenc- ture means authorities have IANS tional unity and therefore it Tes around camps housing been unable to police all their Dhaka should remain as the national hundreds of thousands of Ro- movements. slogan - a symbol of national hingya refugees despite com- New checkpoints on the main spirit and patriotism, he said plaints from community leaders roads leading to the camps stop he Bangladesh High in the petition. and rights groups. Rohingya and send them back to Court yesterday directed Ahmed represented himself An AFP correspondent yes- the settlements when they try to Tthat top level offi cials of at the hearing on December terday saw troops in military travel to other parts of Bangladesh. the government must say “Joy 4. The Cabinet, law and edu- fatigues erecting pillars for It has imposed a blackout on Bangla” at the beginning and cation secretaries were made barbed-wire fences around one high-speed Internet in the Ro- ending of all state programmes respondents to the rule. large camp at Balukhali in the hingya settlements, confi scated from December 16 onwards. The HC bench also expressed southeastern border district SIM cards and mobile phones The bench of justices Nazmul dissatisfaction at the use of Cox’s Bazar. used by the refugees, and fi led Ahasan and Kamrul Kader gave “Bangladesh Zindabad” slogan. Bangladesh’s refugee com- cases against hundreds for ille- the order yesterday after hear- The HC bench fi xed January missioner Mahhbub Alam gally obtaining citizenship cards. ing a petition in this regard. 14 for further hearing on the Talukder confi rmed that con- The move to construct The bench said, “The slo- writ petition. struction had begun but barbed-wire fences has been gan ‘Joy Bangla’ has united the The High Court on De- declined to comment further. condemned by Rohingya lead- nation to fi ght in the Libera- cember 4 observed that “Joy Army chief General Aziz ers who said they would create a tion War led by Father of the Bangla” was the only slogan Ahmed said late last month “panic” among the Rohingya. Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh at home and abroad during the that army engineers had begun “It will restrict our move- Mujibur Rahman.” Liberation War. erecting the pillars and that the ment. We have to walk a long On December 4 2017, the High Even some poets, litterateurs military has “placed orders” for distance to get food rations from Labourers carry a concrete pillar as Bangladesh authorities prepare erecting pillars for barbed-wire Court issued a ruling asking why and intellectuals of the then barbed wire. the authorities,” said Mohamed fences around Balukhali refugee camp in Ukhia yesterday. “Joy Bangla” should not be de- West Pakistan had chanted the The camps house nearly a Hashim as he watched troops clared the national slogan, after slogan and therefore, they were million members of the mostly digging holes for pillars. shouldn’t turn Rohingya refu- “The Bangladesh government Local resident Abdul Gaf- lawyer Bashir Ahmed fi led a writ arrested and sent to jail in 1971. Muslim Rohingya minority, “The children won’t be able to gee camps into open air prisons. now risks squandering the global far, who lives near the Balukhali seeking directives for it. Deputy Attorney-General around 750,000 of whom fl ed a play any more.” Barbed wire and guard towers goodwill it had earned when it al- camp, also complained. Ahmed said Joy Bangla was Abdullah Al Mahmud Bashar military off ensive in neighbour- Earlier rights groups also should be reserved for criminals, lowed the Rohingya to cross into “The pillars erected for fenc- the slogan of freedom fi ghters told the court that Sheikh Mu- ing Myanmar in August 2017. condemned the move, saying not people who fl ed Myanmar to safety,” he added. ing were constructed on the lo- and people of Bangladesh dur- jibur Rahman had fi nished his Frustration has been growing the fencing could transform the escape from mass atrocities,” Brad UN experts have expressed cals’ paddy fi eld. Many locals ing the Liberation War in 1971. historic March 7 speech with in Bangladesh about hosting the camps into “a big prison”. Adams, Asia director at Human serious concerns about these living here will also be trapped “Joy Bangla was the slogan “Joy Bangla”, which is now refugees, particularly since the “The Bangladesh government Rights Watch, said in a comment. restrictions. inside fences,” he said. of our independence and na- part of the constitution. US sanctions Suu Kyi in court as genocide Cambodian case set out against Myanmar Reuters Suu Kyi is expected today to for the Myanmar military until The Hague repeat denials of genocide and the case is heard in full. argue that military “clearance “Only in this way can we operations” launched in August hope the rights of the Gambia PM’s aides ass rapes, the burn- 2017 were a legitimate counter- and the safety of the Rohingya ing alive of Muslim terrorism response to attacks by group be fully protected,” said MRohingya families in Rohingya militants. Philippe Sands, another lawyer their homes and the killing with Detailing events at the village for the tiny, mostly Muslim West knives of dozens of children of Min Gyi, Gambia’s lawyer African country. Myanmar’s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi stands before UN’s International over alleged were described by Gambia’s le- Andrew Loewenstein drew on More than 730,000 Rohingya Court of Justice in the Peace Palace of The Hague yesterday, at the start of a gal team as it set out its genocide witness accounts recorded in a fl ed Myanmar after the military- three-day hearing on Rohingya genocide case. case against Myanmar at the report by UN investigators, who led crackdown and were forced UN’s highest court yesterday. estimated 750 people were killed into squalid camps across the said 58-year-old Myint Myint guilty of the most serious inter- Myanmar’s leader Aung San there, including more than 100 border in Bangladesh. The UN Thwin. “Therefore to show our national crime, but will focus on corruption Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace laure- children under the age of 6. investigators concluded the support and that we stand with Gambia’s request for provisional ate, looked on impassively as “There were dead bodies on military campaign was executed her we joined this march.” measures. A decision on that re- the alleged atrocities were de- the fl oor: young boys from our with “genocidal intent”. Once feted in the West, Suu quest is expected within weeks. Reuters “Kim used RCAF tailed on the fi rst of three days village,” Loewenstein quoted Myanmar has previously de- Kyi has faced mounting inter- The tribunal has no enforce- Phnom Penh soldiers to intimidate, of hearings at the International from one survivor’s testimony to nied almost all allegations made national criticism over the Ro- ment powers, but its rulings are demolish, and clear Court of Justice in The Hague. the UN fact-fi nding mission. by refugees against its troops, hingya crisis. But she has re- fi nal and have signifi cant legal out land sought by the The case was instituted by Gam- “As we entered the house, the including of mass rape, killings mained popular at home since weight. he US Treasury has (People’s Republic of bia against Buddhist-majority soldiers locked the door. One and arson, and promised to pun- coming to power 2016 as part of In the Bangladeshi refugee imposed sanctions on China)-owned entity” Myanmar in November. soldier raped me. He stabbed me ish any soldiers involved in what the transition to democracy after camps on Tuesday, hundreds Ta businessman and a “All that Gambia asks is that in the back of my neck and in my it says were isolated cases of decades of military rule. gathered on a hilltop and chanted, senior government offi cial and accusations in total dis- you tell Myanmar to stop these abdomen. I was trying to save wrongdoing. Gambia is arguing that Myan- “Gambia! Gambia!”, pumping with close links to Cambo- regard of legal and judicial in- senseless killings,” Gambia’s Jus- my baby, who was only 28 days Outside the court, dozens of mar’s forces carried out wide- their fi sts. Some off ered special dian Prime Minister Hun Sen, dependence of the country”, tice Minister Abubacarr Tam- old, but they threw him on the Rohingya demonstrated to de- spread and systematic atrocities prayers at mosques in the camps accusing them of corruption. Cambodia’s foreign ministry badou said in opening comments. ground and he died.” mand justice for victims. Hours that constituted genocide, and and many others were fasting. This comes as western said in a statement on Tuesday. “To stop these acts of bar- At the end of yesterday’s hear- earlier in Yangon, Myanmar’s that in doing so Myanmar violat- “Our people were killed, our countries step up pressure on “This is a serious violation barity and brutality that have ing Gambia asked the court to commercial capital, thousands ed its obligations under the 1948 children were thrown into fi re, Hun Sen over a crackdown on of the international princi- shocked and continue to shock order special measures to pro- of people had rallied in support Genocide Convention. our women were raped, our the opposition and after the ples of sovereign equality and our collective conscience. To tect the Rohingya. The so-called of Suu Kyi. This week’s proceedings, be- houses were burnt down. All we United States expressed con- non-interference in the do- stop this genocide of its own provisional measures would act “It’s like Mother Suu went to fore a panel of 17 judges, will not want is a fair trial,” said Nurul cern over Cambodia’s military mestic aff airs of other states people.” as a kind of restraining order the frontlines for our country,” deal with whether Myanmar is Amin, 30. ties with China. as enshrined in the Charter The US Treasury said it had of the UN as well as other sanctioned Kun Kim, a former international laws,” it added. joint chief of staff of the Royal The sanctions are an at- Cambodian Armed Forces tack on “the ongoing eff orts Rally for land reform (RCAF), over his role in a real to restore trust and confi - Teenagers in Nepal forced to estate development in Koh dence between Cambodia and Kong province and his rela- the United States”, the lead- tionship with a Chinese state- ers of which have recently owned entity that he reaped exchanged messages, the sleep outside during periods signifi cant fi nancial benefi t ministry added. from. A spokesman for the rul- “Kim used RCAF soldiers ing Cambodian People’s Party, Thomson Reuters Foundation and Reproductive Health Mat- ed to be done to raise awareness to intimidate, demolish, and Senator Sok Eysan, earlier told Kathmandu ters. and combat the perception that clear out land sought by the Reuters that the sanctions were “Even if they hadn’t expe- menstruating women and girls (People’s Republic of China)- ineff ective and only served as rienced that directly, the psy- are impure and can bring mis- owned entity,” the department support for opposition. eenage girls are still be- chological stress of that was fortune on their communities. said in a statement. Kun Kim and Try Pheap ing forced to sleep out- quite real,” added Thomson, a “An integrated approach of “Kun Kim was replaced as “don’t have assets abroad and Tside during their peri- lecturer in comparative politics health and education must be RCAF Chief of Staff because if they are stupid to keep as- ods in parts of Nepal despite a at Britain’s University of Bath. reached to every household Kim had not shared profi ts sets outside, let them freeze”, string of deaths and a law ban- The centuries-old practice and educate people that men- from his unlawful business- he said. ning the ancient custom, re- known as ‘chhaupadi’ was out- struation is a biological process es with senior Cambodian The US “did this just to sup- searchers said yesterday. lawed in 2005, but penalties in- and it does not make women government offi cials,” it added. port their puppets, it’s not ef- A new study published days cluding a fi ne and jail time were impure,” said women’s rights Three members of Kim’s fective”, he said, referring to after the latest victim suff o- only introduced last year after campaigner Radha Paudel. family and fi ve entities that are the opposition Cambodia Na- cated to death found nearly the deaths of a teenager and “Menstruation must be con- owned or controlled by these tional Rescue Party that was eight out of 10 girls in Karnali, a mother and her sons led to a sidered as a dignifi ed, natu- individuals were also sanc- dissolved in 2017. a province in western Nepal parliamentary investigation. ral thing. Otherwise things tioned, the department said. The dissolution paved the where the practice is preva- Researchers interviewed 400 will not change,” she told the Cambodian tycoon Try way for Hun Sen’s party to win lent, were banished from their girls aged between 14 and 19 Thomson Reuters Foundation. Pheap, a member of Hun Sen’s all the seats in parliament last homes while menstruating. in mid-western Nepal’s Kar- In many communities, men- ruling party, was also sanc- year. Because menstruating girls nali province for the study and struating women and girls tioned for building a large- The US has called for the and women are viewed as im- found 77% practised chhaupadi are not allowed to meet other scale illegal logging consorti- release of detained opposi- pure, many have to sleep in despite the ban. family members or venture um with collusion of offi cials. tion leader Kem Sokha. It has huts, where they are at risk of Even in wealthier urban house- out, must eat frugally, and are His 11 Cambodia-registered also voiced concern at reports being bitten by snakes or dying holds, where it was less common, barred from touching a range of entities were also sanctioned. Cambodia is cooperating with from carbon dioxide poisoning about two-thirds of girls said they items including milk, religious Kun Kim and Try Pheap China on a naval base, some- from fi res lit to keep warm. practised chhaupadi. idols and cattle. could not be reached for thing Hun Sen has denied. “The women and girls we The study came less than a But there are signs that atti- comment. Cambodia has also come spoke to were terrifi ed of week after Nepali police ar- tudes are changing - last week, It is “very disturbing when under pressure from the Eu- snakes and animals coming in rested the brother-in-law of a a village in western Nepal an- public fi gures of a country ropean Union, which is con- at night, or of being attacked by woman who died of suff ocation nounced a reward of 5,000 Nepali become subjects of punitive sidering the scrapping of trade Human rights activists display placards demanding for land strangers,” said Jennifer Thom- in a hut - the fi rst such arrest in rupees ($44) for each woman who measures of another country preferences over Cambodia’s reform during a rally in Jakarta yesterday. son, who worked on the study, the Himalayan country. refused to be confi ned to a hut, in based on groundless accounts crackdown on the opposition. published in the journal Sexual But activists said more need- a bid to end the practice. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 11, 2019 15 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA Hong Kong leader rules out protest concessions ahead of Beijing visit

AFP by a now-abandoned attempt to something the city’s pro-Beijing 6,000 people since June, 40% visit, which typically involves a ment request to suspend a lower respirators to protect themselves Hong Kong allow extraditions to mainland leadership has insisted must be a of them students - would violate meeting with President Xi Jin- court’s ruling that it was uncon- from tear gas. China but has since morphed precursor to meaningful dialogue the spirit of the rule of law. “How ping. stitutional. However, the judges The movement has upended into a popular revolt against Bei- - but in her weekly press con- can we completely ignore the rule In late November, the city’s warned that anyone who contin- the semi-autonomous Chinese ong Kong leader Carrie jing’s rule. ference yesterday, Lam refused of law just to fulfi l the demands... pro-democracy camp won a ued to wear masks had to face the hub’s reputation for stability and Lam yesterday ruled out In a rare lull in police-protest- to accept protesters’ demands So we have no way to make the landslide victory in local elec- “risk of having acted contrary to blanketed its streets with un- Hfurther concessions to er clashes, around 800,000 peo- further to the extradition bill’s response, but we are still willing tions, which critics described as the law” if the government wins precedented scenes of political the city’s pro-democracy move- ple marched peacefully through withdrawal. “If a particular de- to examine the social problems a referendum for the movement, its appeal. violence. ment ahead of her weekend visit the city’s streets on Sunday, urg- mand requires us to deviate from refl ected by this incident in hope but Lam and her government re- Lam imposed the ban in Octo- Despite a lull in clashes in the to Beijing, despite a landslide ing the government to respond the law... I could not agree to ac- of relieving residents’ grievance,” mained unrattled. ber under colonial-era emergen- past two weeks, tension bub- election defeat for the govern- to their fi ve demands — which cept those demands simply for she added. In a fresh defeat for Lam’s ad- cy powers not used in more than bled under the surface as police ment and a peaceful mass march. include an independent inquiry the purpose of reaching people’s Lam said would give a “full ac- ministration, a Hong Kong court half a century in a move aimed at defused two improvised mail The movement, which marked into the police, an amnesty for aspirations.” count” of what has happened in yesterday eff ectively lifted a ban quelling months of unrest. bombs discovered near a school its six month anniversary on those arrested, and fully free Lam argued that an amnesty the city when she goes to Beijing on demonstrators wearing face Protesters have used face and seized fi rearms including a Monday, was initially sparked elections. An end to violence is for those arrested - more than on Saturday for her regular duty masks by refusing a govern- masks to avoid identifi cation and pistol during overnight raids. NZ launches probe into deadly volcanic eruption NZ prime minister says no sign of life New Zealand Police Superintendent Bruce Bird with PM Jacinda on White Island; Eight still missing Ardern speak to the media about the eruption of Whakaari/White as island remains inaccessible; Island during a press conference in Whakatane yesterday. Australian, US, UK, Chinese, German and Malaysian tourists on island

Reuters had been launched but clarifi ed it Whakatane was not a criminal investigation. New Zealand’s geological haz- ards agency GeoNet raised the ew Zealand police alert level for the volcano in No- launched an investiga- vember because of an increase in Ntion yesterday after a volcanic activity. The volcano’s volcanic eruption on an island last fatal eruption was in 1914, popular with tourists killed six when it killed 12 sulphur miners. people, injured more than 30 and Yet, daily tours bring more left eight people missing, who are than 10,000 visitors to the pri- presumed dead. Prime Minister vately owned island every year, A view shows the White Island volcano in Whakatane after a volcanic Jacinda Ardern said reconnais- marketed as “the world’s most eruption the day before. sance fl ights showed no signs of accessible active marine vol- life on White Island, as eyewit- cano”. fi rst responders, medical person- pull critically injured survivors nesses detailed the horrifi c burns “I have to say that I’m very nel and the locals who helped into a boat. suff ered by those caught up in surprised to hear there were The view from a rescue helicopter as it heads toward the smouldering White Island volcano off the coast evacuate people from the island,” Hopkins, 50, who was given the Monday’s eruption. visitors there today, because sci- of New Zealand’s North Island. Peter Buttle said. “Their eff orts tour as a birthday gift, said many “The scale of this tragedy is entists seem to have been well have been both courageous and of the survivors had run into the devastating,” Ardern said in par- aware that White Island was extraordinary. sea to escape the eruption. liament. “To those who have lost entering a phase of heightened Royal Caribbean confi rmed “People were in shorts and T- or are missing family and friends, activity,” said Drexel University several passengers on its 16-deck shirts so there was a lot of exposed we share in your grief and sorrow volcanologist Loyc Vanderk- cruise liner, Ovation of the Seas, skin that was massively burnt,” he and we are devastated.” luysen. “I’ve been to White Is- were on a day trip to the island told the ‘NZ Herald’ newspaper. Police said 47 people were on land before, but I don’t think I but did not provide further infor- Australian Prime Minister the uninhabited island at the would have been comfortable mation. Scott Morrison said three Aus- time of the eruption - 24 from being there today.” Janet Urey, 61, a nurse from tralians were feared to be among Australia, nine from the United A crater rim camera owned and Richmond, Virginia, said her the confi rmed fatalities, with 13 States, fi ve from New Zealand, operated by GeoNet showed one son Matthew, 36, and his wife, among the injured. four from Germany, two each group of people walking away Janet, 32, were cruise passengers Malaysia’s high commission in from China and the UK and one from the rim inside the crater just injured in the eruption while on New Zealand said one Malaysian from Malaysia. “I would strongly a minute before the explosion. their honeymoon. was among the dead, while Brit- suggest that there is no one that “It’s now clear that there were “The phone rang at midnight. ain’s high commissioner to New has survived on the island,” po- two groups on the island - those Then I heard a voicemail come Zealand confi rmed two British lice Deputy Commissioner John who were able to be evacuated on. It was my son. He said, ‘Mom women were among the injured. Tims said of the eight people still and those who were close to the ... this is not a joke. A volcano Russell Clark, an intensive care missing. eruption,” Ardern said at a morn- erupted while we were on the is- paramedic with a helicopter Of the 31 injured, at least 27 ing news conference in Whaka- land. We’re at the hospital with team, said the early scenes were suff ered greater than 71% body tane, a town on the mainland’s severe burns.’” overwhelming. “Everything was surface burns, and some could east coast, about 50km from Urey said she was frustrated by just blanketed in ash,” he told succumb to their wounds, said White Island. A boat belonging to White Island Tours is seen after tours were suspended in Whakatane yesterday. the lack of information from the Reuters. “It was quite an over- Peter Watson, the government’s Later, in parliament, she paid cruise ship he was on and from whelming feeling.” chief medical offi cer. Burns units tribute to the pilots of four heli- pilots made an incredibly brave GNS Science, New Zealand’s The Buttle family have owned authorities. “I have not heard a ‘Whakaari’, as it is known in across the South Pacifi c nation copters that landed on White Is- decision under extremely dan- geoscience agency, warned there the island for over 80 years, and word from the cruise people,” she the Maori language, is New Zea- of 4.5mn are full to capacity, he land in the aftermath of the erup- gerous circumstances,” Ardern was a 50/50 chance of another a spokesman said they were dev- said. A New Zealand man, Geoff land’s most-active cone volcano, added. tion. said. Since then, rescuers have eruption in the coming 24 hours, astated by the tragic event. “We Hopkins, whose tour group was built up by continuous volcanic Police said an investigation “In their immediate eff orts to been unable to access the island, as the volcano vent continued to wish to thank everyone involved just leaving the island at the time activity over the past 150,000 into the deaths on White Island get people off the island, those which is covered in grey ash. emit “steam and mud jetting”. in the rescue eff ort, including the of the eruption, said he helped years, according to GeoNet.

Western Australia legalises voluntary assisted dying

DPA the state health minister who lives are not worthy to be lived,” Toxic bushfi re haze triggers Canberra oversaw the bill’s introduction, Right to Life Australia said in a said in the parliament in Perth. statement. “Everyone knows what this leg- Euthanasia and assisted sui- estern Australia has islation is about. It’s about re- cide is legal in just a handful voted to legalise vol- fl ection. countries, including the Nether- alarm in eastern Australia Wuntary assisted dying, And to refl ect that we’ve cho- lands, Belgium, Colombia, Lux- becoming the second jurisdiction sen compassion and the right to embourg, Germany, Switzerland, in the country to do so.” choose.” Like in Victoria, there Japan, Canada, and few states of AFP mally foreshadows the famed erties.” But New South Wales on climate change. Our actions Today we showed that at least will be an 18-month implemen- the United States. Sydney Sydney-Hobart yacht race. Rural Fire Service said “dete- on climate change are getting in Western Australia, we can do tation period during which au- Next year New Zealanders “The vision is just so poor.” riorating fi re conditions have the results they’re intended to big things,” Western Australia thorities will work out the details will decide in a referendum if Some of the city’s commuter been delayed by a thick blanket get,” he said. (WA) Premier Mark McGowan of how the scheme will operate. they want to legalise euthana- oxic haze blanketed Syd- ferries were also cancelled “due of smoke” over the east of the Morrison’s conservative said yesterday after the historic The law allows adults in pain sia. Australia’s Northern Ter- ney yesterday trigger- to thick smoke” and school kids state. “Strengthening winds coalition has been criticised by vote. “And in this parliament we with advanced and progressive ritory, a quasi-state under the Ting a chorus of smoke were kept inside at breaktime may see fi re conditions worsen former fi re chiefs for failing to have big, compassionate hearts terminal illness, and less than federal government, had passed alarms to ring across the city, and sent home early as pol- this afternoon,” the service said. heed warnings about climate and we’re willing to take some six months to live - or a year for the world’s fi rst voluntary eutha- as “severe” weather conditions lution levels soared far above As the day developed there change. The crisis has been pro- political risks to do the right those with neurodegenerative nasia law for the terminally ill in fuelled deadly bush blazes. Fire “hazardous” levels. For weeks were nearly 100 bushfi re inci- pelled by a prolonged drought thing.” conditions - will be able to access 1995. engines raced offi ce-to-offi ce in the east of the country has been dents in the state of New South that has made vegetation tinder The upper house of the state medical assistance for euthana- Four people benefited from the city centre with sirens blar- smothered in smoke as drought Wales alone and dozens more dry. The Bureau of Meteorology parliament last week passed the sia if approved by two medical the law the before the fed- ing, as inland bushfi res poured and climate-fuelled bushfi res in Queensland. Total fi re bans has reported that Australia ex- Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill af- professionals. eral parliament overturned it smoke laden with toxic parti- have burned. But the scale of were put in place across much perienced its driest November ter 55 amendments to the initial The request can only be initi- in 1997. However, the federal cles into commercial buildings. the problem yesterday shocked of the east of the country and in on record this year. version of the bill introduced by ated by the patients themselves parliament does not have the Emergency services responded even hardened residents. large parts of western Australia. The “big dry” has left farmers the centre-left Labor govern- and they must be of sound mind power to change legislative de- to an “unprecedented” 500 au- Bruce Baker - an 82-year-old Temperatures in some inland desperate and small towns fac- ment. and have decision-making ca- cisions made by Western Aus- tomatic call-outs inside a few who lives in Gosford, north of areas eased past 44C . ing the prospect of running out The bill returned to the lower pacity. Doctors can conscien- tralia and Victoria. hours according to New South Sydney - said he was skipping To the northwest of Sydney, of water completely. A swathe of house and the amendments were tiously object to taking part in The state of Queensland is Wales Fire and Rescue’s Roger his daily morning walk because several fi res already burning for the east of the country has seen ratifi ed late Tuesday after an the scheme. The law “balances considering passing similar laws. Mentha. of the smoke. “This is the worst weeks have combined to create “rainfall defi ciencies” since early emotional and lengthy debate. strong safeguards with appropri- In three other states, assisted dy- A regional fi re headquar- it’s been, for sure,” he told AFP. a “megafi re” that has already 2017 - almost three years. After the laws passed, WA state ate accessibility, ing bills were defeated by one or ters miles from the nearest “It dries your throat. Even if destroyed 319,000 hectares Many dams in New South lawmakers exchanged hugs as which together will at long two votes in the past few years. blazes was itself evacuated you’re not asthmatic, you feel it.” (788,000 acres) of land, mostly Wales are empty and almost all the visitors in the public gallery last give many dying people the Currently, they are all run by the while throngs of mask-wearing Authorities recommended inside national parks. are well below capacity. Fire- applauded. WA’s introduction of choice to limit their suff ering conservative party. The current commuters choked their way that the vulnerable cease out- Prime Minister Scott Mor- fi ghters south of Brisbane re- euthanasia laws follows the his- at the end of life,” said Stephen conservative federal government through thick acrid air and the door activity altogether and rison - who for weeks has not cently reported 1,000 litres of toric introduction of voluntary Walker, is against such laws. organisers of a harbour yacht that everyone stay inside as commented on the smoke haze water were stolen from tanks at assisted dying in Victoria in 2017. president for Dying with Dig- “There is no excuse, now, for race declared it was unsafe to much as possible. - defended his government’s their station. After an 18-month implemen- nity group. While many lauded other states not to follow suit,” proceed. “The smoke from all Tuesday had been expected handling of the fi res and said Amid the shortage, Tuesday tation period, the option for ter- the law, some criticised it, say- said Go Gentle Australia, an the fi res is just so severe here on to bring strong winds and high there were no plans to profes- also saw the toughest water minally ill patients to end their ing the passage of the bill was activist group, in a statement. the harbour that you just can’t temperatures that made for “se- sionalise the countryside’s restrictions in a decade being lives with a lethal combination “a great tragedy for Australia.” “There is no excuse, now, for the see anything, so it’s just too vere conditions where embers largely volunteer force. “Our introduced for Sydney - with of medication has been available “This is a bill of despair and lack territories not to have restored dangerous,” said spokeswoman can be blown ahead of the fi re policy is sensible when it comes curbs on everything from hose- in Victoria since June. “It’s not a of hope. their right to decide this issue by Di Pearson of an event that nor- into suburbs and threaten prop- to addressing and taking action pipe use to washing cars. time for jubilation,” Roger Cook, It sends a message that some themselves.” Gulf Times 16 Wednesday, December 11, 2019 BRITAIN Leak of trade papers well-planned operation: experts

Reuters ordinary internet users and draw uncovered in June, fuelling talks with the US, a key issue in cions that Russian hackers may politicians and journalists to fi rm Graphika — which worked London further parallels with a previous concern that Moscow was seek- the British election campaign. have stolen and leaked the docu- the leaked papers, the source with Reuters to fi rst identify the Russian information operation, ing to interfere in the upcoming Labour said last week that the ments. said. suspected Russian activity — said said outside researchers and gov- vote. authenticity of the leaked docu- A person with knowledge of Reuters was not able to estab- the “attention to secrecy” closely hoever leaked UK-US ernment offi cials. “This is very, very clinical op- ments has not been disputed and the matter said the e-mail ad- lish if any messages were sent or resembled a previous Russian trade papers online British intelligence offi cials are erational security,” said a person it acted in the public interest by dress used to register multiple received from the accounts. campaign, whose operators also Wahead of the general now investigating whether the familiar with the government in- releasing them to journalists. social media accounts which re- The same person or people also made signifi cant eff orts to hide election took extensive precau- documents, which detail nego- vestigation. “Whoever has done It declined to comment yester- peatedly shared web links to the registered an e-mail account and their identities. tions to cover their tracks, which tiations between Britain and the this is massively trying to hide day on new evidence about the leaked documents was also used online blogging account from “This operation was run by experts who suspect Russia was US over a future trade deal, were their tracks, it is not exactly run- source of the leak. to sign up for nine services of- a platform providing so-called professionals. The attention to behind the eff ort say points to a part of a “hack and leak” opera- of-the-mill behaviour.” A government spokeswoman fering virtual online phone num- “burner” e-mail addresses, security was far too tight and professional and well-planned tion ahead of a general election The opposition Labour Party pointed to an earlier statement bers. which have public inboxes but consistent to come from anyone operation. tomorrow. has seized on the leaked docu- that offi cials were looking into The Internet phone numbers are designed to be used once and else,” he said. The heightened security meas- Social media site Reddit said ments to allege a plot by the gov- the matter. could have been used to register then abandoned, web records “It’s an operation that wanted ures, including a web of dispos- last week the documents were erning Conservatives to sell off The Kremlin has repeatedly more accounts, further obscur- show. to get its stories noticed, but able e-mail addresses and virtual first posted online by accounts parts of the state-run National denied allegations of election ing the owner’s identity, or to Ben Nimmo, head of investi- really, really didn’t want to be phone numbers, are not typical of linked to a Russian campaign Health Service (NHS) in trade meddling and dismissed suspi- send SMS messages directing gations at social media analytics traced back to the source.” Fake claim about hospital boy ‘came from hacked account’

Guardian News and Media The same claim was shared London on Twitter, where it was spread by much more significant ac- counts. The Telegraph column- false online story that ist Allison Pearson retweeted the photograph of an ill screenshots of the Facebook A boy lying on the floor of page to her followers twice, Leeds General infirmary was telling them “I presume this is staged came from a hacked ac- genuine”, and adding later that count, according to the medical the photo was “100% faked”. secretary whose name was at- Her posts have received thou- tached to the initial post. sands of retweets between The woman, whose name the them. Guardian is withholding be- According to the researcher cause she says she has received Marc Owen Jones, Pearson is death threats since the post was “perhaps the most influential made, denied posting the alle- proponent of the faked floor gation that four-year-old Jack theory”, although a tweet from Willment-Barr’s mother placed the former England cricketer him on the floor specifically to Kevin Pietersen sent to Piers Opposition Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn sits with school children during a campaign event at Sandylands Community Primary School in Morecambe yesterday. take the picture, which was on Morgan may have been seen by the front page of Monday’s Dai- more people as a one-off. ly Mirror. While many of the users who “I was hacked. I am not a initially posted the claims to nurse and I certainly don’t Twitter shared it with identical know anyone in Leeds,” the wording, there is little indica- woman said. “I’ve had to delete tion that the false narrative is everything as I have had death being artificially boosted by Ashworth apologises after threats to myself and my chil- automated accounts. dren.” She said she had tried to Twitter metadata shows the report the hack of her Facebook vast majority of the tweets were account to the advice service posted through the social net- Action Fraud. work’s website or smartphone The row over Jack’s treat- apps, and the accounts sharing ment has become a central them overwhelmingly appear to Corbyn criticism leak part of the election campaign, be those of real people with an with Boris Johnson being criti- interest in politics. Guardian News and Media to undermine the leadership’s nation of Corbyn and Brexit” thing that’s on our minds … I and I look like an idiot as a result cised for repeatedly refusing to Despite claims of a staged London trust in him as a shadow Cabinet outside of city seats, and told think things can change quick- of doing it. But I thought I was look at the photograph he was photo, Leeds General infirma- minister carrying a crucial brief the friend that he “can’t see it ly; I think things change more having a private conversation shown by a journalist during an ry has confirmed that Jack did two days before the election. happening” that Corbyn would quickly anyway now.” Ashworth with someone who I’ve always interview on Monday. suffer due to an exceptionally onathan Ashworth, the Speaking to the BBC’s Victo- be prime minister. told Derbyshire they were “hav- had conversations with over the Despite the claim that the busy week. shadow health secretary, ria Derbyshire Show, Ashworth Appearing to refer to an un- ing banter with each other – years. photo was staged having been “Our hospitals are extremely Jhas dismissed as “banter” said he was “saddened” that a successful plot to oust Corbyn, we’re joking around”. “It’s obviously stupid. I apol- acknowledged as false, it has busy at the moment and we are a recording of him saying La- conversation with a friend who Ashworth says: “We messed it “No, I don’t mean it because ogise to Labour party members continued to spread on both very sorry that Jack’s family bour would not win the election he had spent three weeks going up in 2016 when we went too I’m joking around with my mate but the reason it has come out Facebook and Twitter, largely had a long wait in our emergen- and suggesting the civil service round America with had made it early. People like me were in- because he’s a Tory … If you leak now is because the Tories don’t through individual low-follow- cy department,” said Dr Yvette would have to “safeguard secu- into the public domain. ternally saying: ‘This isn’t the it to Guido Fawkes of course want to be talking about the fact er accounts cutting and pasting Oade, the chief medical officer rity” if Jeremy Corbyn entered On the tape, he says: “I don’t right moment,’ but I got kind of it makes me look like a right that we’ve had a toddler lying on the original text to share with at Leeds Teaching Hospitals No 10. know, on the security stuff ; I ignored. But I don’t think we’re plonker but it’s not what I mean the fl oor in a hospital.” their friends. NHS trust. Ashworth was caught on worked in No 10, I think the ma- going to get there; In Mansfi eld, when I’m winding up a friend – The Conservatives seized on One version, posted by a man “We are extremely sorry that tape talking to a Conservative chine will pretty quickly move in Ashfi eld, it’s dire for the La- I’m trying to sort of pull his leg a the recording after suff ering a who claims to work for the Brit- there were only chairs available “friend” and the audio was sub- to safeguard security, I mean the bour party up there, these tradi- bit,” he said. terrible day of gaff es on Monday, ish army’s intelligence corps, in the treatment room, and no sequently leaked to the right- civil service machine. But it’s tional working areas.” He later apologised to Labour over Johnson’s refusal to look at has received 2,000 shares on bed. This falls below our usual wing Guido Fawkes blog. not going to happen! I can’t see Pressed then on what would party members telling BBC 2’s a picture of a sick boy on a hos- Facebook; another, from a self- high standards, and for this we He has confi rmed the verac- it happening.” happen to Corbyn if the To- Politics Live programme: “Ob- pital fl oor and peddling untrue professed former soldier, has would like to sincerely apolo- ity of the tape and dismissed it He said it was “dire for La- ries won the election outright, viously with the benefi t of hind- claims that a Tory aide had been received a further 500. gise to Jack and his family.” as joking around but it is likely bour” as a result of a “combi- Ashworth said: “That’s the sight I’ve been too clever by half hit by a Labour activist. Prime minister mocked Rail company to off er over campaign video three classes of travel Daily Mail secretary at the RMT rail union, London described the idea as “a return to AFP posted on Johnson’s Twitter a British prime minister in the Victorian times” and a “money- London account on Monday, two days 2003 romantic comedy and has grabbing” gimmick. before Britain votes in its third been campaigning for the pro- ail passengers are to be of- “A lot of the fi rst-class car- election in four years. EU Liberal Democrats, was asked fered three price levels for riages are already completely oris Johnson yesterday But a candidate with the main about the parody on BBC radio. Rthe fi rst time since third- empty and those with standard faced claims of plagia- opposition Labour party, Rosena “I thought it was quite well done, class seats were abolished more tickets are crammed in together Brism after copying a spoof Allin-Khan, had already posted very high production values but than 60 years ago. uncomfortably,” he said. “We version of a scene from the hit her version of the scene on No- clearly the Conservative party have But the new tickets will not be want a train which is comfortable Christmas fi lm Love Actually as vember 22, as part of her re-elec- an awful lot of money,” he said. cheaper than current fares. for everyone, not just those who part of his election campaign. tion campaign. “Maybe that’s where the ru- Instead, new operator Avanti can aff ord to pay more.” The prime minister is seen in a “With any luck next year I’ll bles went?” he added, referring will off er airline-style ‘premium But rail expert Mark Smith, social media clip taking the part be your MP,” the candidate for a to a report into Russian funding economy’ seats on the West Coast founder of Seat61.com, said: of actor Andrew Lincoln, who London constituency tells a man of the Tories that Johnson’s gov- Main Line, possibly by the end of “When it comes to intercity trav- turns up to profess his undy- on the doorstep, as Christmas ernment refuses to release. next year. Avanti West Coast man- el, there does seem to be scope ing love for Keira Knightley by carols play on portable speakers. “But I did notice that one of aging director Phil Whittingham for having some extra classes. It showing her fl ashcards. “And our country won’t be the cards from the original fi lm said those paying to upgrade from depends what they’re doing and One of the cards Johnson run by these muppets,” she adds, that he didn’t hold up was the a standard economy ticket could be how they’re doing it.” Third- shows a householder in his “Vote showing another card with pho- one where Andrew Lincoln held entitled to “a bigger seat, better Wi- class rail travel was abolished Conservative Actually” clip says: tographs of Johnson, members of up a card saying, ‘Because at Fi and snacks”. in Britain in 1956 and renamed “With any luck, by next year his government and US President Christmas you tell the truth’. However Labour peer Lord second class, later branded as we’ll have Brexit done (if Parlia- Donald Trump. “And I just wonder if the spin Adonis, who was transport sec- standard class. ment doesn’t block it again). Allin-Khan called Johnson’s ver- doctors in the Tory party thought retary under Gordon Brown, The new tier will be between “Your vote has never been sion a “copycat” of her original clip. that was a card that wouldn’t look said: “This ‘premium economy’ standard and fi rst class – which more important, the other guy A third online parody of the too great in Boris Johnson’s hands.” idea is just an excuse for yet an- provides drinks, meals and Wi-Fi. could win, so you have a choice scene has Johnson as the house- The social media blitz is a re- Activists from climate action group Extinction Rebellion, other rail fare increase.” Fare levels have not been re- to make between a working ma- holder answering the door to fl ection of modern campaigning dressed as bees, stand with their hands glued to the front Unions and passenger groups fear vealed. It is likely to be intro- jority or another gridlocked hung Trump, who tells him: “With any and a need to attract a younger of the Conservative Party election campaign bus, shortly it could reduce the quality of service duced once the Pendolino car- parliament.” luck by next year you’ll be selling electorate, which has been grow- after it left from the JCB construction company, where Prime for those in economy seats and make riages Avanti has inherited from The clip has been seen more off the NHS.” ing over the years and could Minister and Conservative party leader Boris Johnson made a overcrowding worse. the previous Virgin Trains fran- than 1.5mn times since it was Actor Hugh Grant, who played swing the result. speech, in Uttoxeter, Britain, yesterday. Steve Hedley, assistant general chise are refurbished. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 11, 2019 17 EUROPE

The Sad Goodbye: Roxette Russia, Ukraine leaders singer dies

AFP Stockholm agree on prisoner swap Reuters shake, and they avoided eye Zelenskiy, who sparred ver- he lead singer of Swedish Paris contact. bally with Russian journalists at pop duo sensation Rox- But the talks did deliver spe- the news conference, said he had Tette, Marie Fredriksson, cifi c commitments. given no ground on Ukraine’s who shot to global fame in the he leaders of Russia and A fi nal communique set out sovereignty or territorial integ- 1990s with hits like It Must Have Ukraine agreed yesterday the prisoner exchange and a rity. Been Love, has died aged 61 af- Tto exchange all remain- renewed commitment to im- He said he and Putin had disa- ter a long fi ght with cancer, her ing prisoners from the confl ict plement an existing ceasefi re greed on several issues. manager said yesterday. in east Ukraine by the end of the agreement in eastern Ukraine’s Asked who triumphed in their The mother of two, who died year, but left thorny questions Donbass region that has never exchanges, Zelenskiy said: “I on Monday, had been diagnosed about the region’s status for fu- fully taken hold as well as en- don’t know who (beat) who. I with a brain tumour in 2002 but ture talks. hanced powers for international think it would be appropriate went into remission and made a Russia’s Vladimir Putin and ceasefi re monitors. Zelenskiy, Merkel, Macron and Putin at their press conference late on Monday after a summit at the to be diplomatic as we’ve just comeback a few years later. Ukrainian President Volodymyr The sides also said they Elysee Palace. started talking. Let’s say for now By 2016, however, the illness Zelenskiy, in their fi rst face-to- had agreed, over the next four it’s a draw.” had taken its toll and doctors ad- face meeting, took part in nine months, to work towards local and Putin had worked out the Another round of talks in the Monday’s summit was the Putin, for his part, is unwill- vised her to stop touring. hours of talks in Paris, brokered elections in Donbass, a major outline of an agreement that so-called Normandy format, fi rst time the four leaders have ing to be seen to bend to outside Announcing her death, Dim- by French President Emmanuel stumbling block up to now. would allow the transit of Rus- brokered by France and Ger- met under the Normandy format pressure over eastern Ukraine, berg Jernberg Management Macron and German Chancellor There were no details though sian natural gas to continue many, will be held within four since 2016. and he does not want to be seen described Fredriksson as “a Angela Merkel. on how the votes would be con- across Ukrainian soil. months. Many Ukrainians are con- to be leaving the Russian-speak- wonderful person with a huge The confl ict in eastern Ukraine ducted, and Macron acknowl- He gave no details. Ukraine’s industrial Donbass cerned about compromising ing population of Donbass at the appetite for life”. that broke out in 2014 has killed edged there were still disagree- A member of the Russian del- region spun out of Kyiv’s con- with Russia. mercy of the Kyiv government. “Marie leaves us a grand mu- more than 13,000 people, left a ments on the subject. egation said offi cials had been trol in 2014, soon after street They see Putin as an aggressor He expressed only cautious sical legacy,” the company said large swathe of Ukraine de facto “We have made progress on instructed to hammer out de- protests ousted a pro-Moscow seeking to restore the Kremlin’s hope for the peace talks. in a statement. “Her amazing controlled by Moscow-backed disengagement, prisoner ex- tails. leader in the Ukrainian capital infl uence on the former Soviet “All this gives us the grounds voice – both strong and sensitive separatists and aggravated the changes, ceasefi re and a politi- However, there was no defi ni- and Russia sent in armed men to republic and ruin Ukraine’s as- to suppose that the process is – and her magical live perform- deepest east-west rift since the cal evolution,” Macron said at a tive agreement on the political seize Ukraine’s Black Sea Crimea piration for closer European ties. developing in the right direc- ances will be remembered by all Cold War. news conference at which Zel- issues that stand in the way of region. Protesters who have warned tion,” he said. of us who was lucky enough to The body language between enskiy and Putin sat separated resolving the confl ict. A 2015 ceasefi re deal was Zelenskiy about making con- Sticking to his cool tone, when witness them.” Putin and Zelenskiy, a comedi- by Merkel and Macron. “We These include the status of signed in Minsk, the capital of cessions to Putin in Paris were he ended his remarks to jour- Fellow band member and gui- an-turned-politician elected have asked our ministers in the Donbass within Ukraine and Belarus. camped outside the presidential nalists in Paris, Putin thanked tarist Per Gessle farewelled her earlier this year on a promise to coming four months to work on who should de facto control the But fi ghting still fl ares up in administration in Kyiv, watching Merkel and Macron warmly but in a heartfelt statement, saying: resolve the confl ict, was chilly. this.” border between Donbass and Donbass four years on, and a the summit news conference on off ered no pleasantries to Zel- “Things will never be the same. There was no public hand- In addition, Zelenskiy said he Russia. peace deal has been elusive. a big screen. enskiy. “Thank you, Marie, thanks for everything. You were an out- standing musician, a master of the voice, an amazing performer. Thanks for painting my black and white songs in the most Gunman slays six in Czech hospital shooting rampage beautiful colours,” Gessle said. “You were the most wonderful friend for over 40 years.” AFP said the man died despite resus- country at noon next Tuesday to Born in the southern Swed- Prague citation eff orts. honour the dead. ish village of Ossjo, Fredriks- Police said the gunman had “It’s something we’re not used son kickstarted her career in the used the Czech-made 9mm to in our country,” he added. “I nearby city of Halmstad where gunman killed himself semi-automatic CZ 75 pistol absolutely don’t understand the she met Gessle in the 1980s. yesterday after shooting in the attack, which took place motive of this young man.” The pair formed Roxette in A dead six patients at a hos- shortly after 0600 GMT. The prime minister has can- 1986 and went on to sell more pital in the eastern Czech city of “As far as we know, the man celled a two-day trip to Estonia than 80mn albums worldwide. Ostrava, in what the premier has is not in our database of legal that was scheduled to start yes- After achieving national suc- called “an immense tragedy”. gun owners,” Kuzel said, adding terday afternoon. cess with the release of their fi rst The attacker gunned down there was no indication that he President Milos Zeman also album, they made their interna- people at close range at the trau- had an accomplice. expressed his condolences. tional breakthrough in 1989 with ma ward of the Faculty Hospital The man had three entries in “I’m with you in my heart, I’m catchy pop song The Look. in Ostrava, a steel hub located his criminal record for violence thinking of you in these tragic The song shot to the top of the some 300km (190 miles) east of and theft, said Kuzel. hours,” he said in a tweet posted US Billboard that same year and Prague. Czech media identifi ed the by his spokesman. would later be followed by Joy- Four men and two women died killer as a builder from the near- The hospital has reopened af- ride, Listen To Your Heart, and It during the assault, which police by Opava district. ter the rampage, while the city Must Have Been Love. said lasted only a few seconds. Prime Minister Babis (centre right) and Interior Minister Hamacek (centre left) are seen at the Faculty His boss, named as Ales Zy- of Ostrava has announced it will The ballad was used in the Two other people were seri- Hospital in Ostrava, eastern Czech Republic after the shooting incident. gula, told the public Czech Radio not light up its monuments after soundtrack of Hollywood movie ously wounded – one is in a crit- that the attacker had “decided dusk. Pretty Woman starring Richard ical condition after being shot in but reports suggested he was The shooter then fl ed the on himself inside the vehicle he was seriously ill and that no Gun rampages are rare in this Gere and Julia Roberts. the head and the other is past the mentally unstable. scene in a silver Renault Laguna as police were about to capture one wanted to treat him”. EU member country of 10.7mn The aggressive treatment for worst following surgery, rescue “I was told the dead victims car, sparking a police hunt in- him in a village just northwest “We noticed a slight change in people. her brain tumour forced Fre- services said. were people sitting in the wait- volving hundreds of offi cers and of Ostrava, regional police chief his behaviour,” he added. In 2015, a restaurant guest in driksson to take a break but by A third person sustained light ing room of the trauma ward. two helicopters. Tomas Kuzel said. Prior to his death, police had the southeastern town of Uher- 2009, Roxette were back on tour injuries. Fortunately, there were not as “His mother co-operated “We identifi ed the gunman urged “maximum possible cau- sky Brod shot dead seven men and in the recording studio. The gunman had chased chil- many as usual,” Prime Minister with the police – he came home, using hospital cameras. We de- tion” as they tweeted pictures and a woman before committing Dimberg Jernberg Manage- dren out of the waiting room Andrej Babis told local media in told her he had shot people and ployed two helicopters, iden- of the man who had thick black suicide. ment said the funeral would take before opening fi re, according to the immediate aftermath of the that he was going to shoot him- tifi ed his car ... and when one hair and was wearing a red and In March this year, a patient at place with only the closest fam- the DNES broadsheet daily. shooting. “The gunman was al- self now,” Babis said at the site helicopter descended over the black jacket and trainers. a Prague hospital shot two fel- ily members present, including Police said they had not yet legedly shooting from a close of the crime after travelling to car, he shot himself in the head,” Babis described the shoot- low patients after an argument her husband Mikael Bolyos and determined what drove the range, aiming at the head and Ostrava. Kuzel told reporters. ing as “a catastrophe” and said in a room. her children. 42-year-old to launch the attack neck.” The man had turned the gun Interior Minister Jan Hamacek sirens would sound across the One of the men died.

France suff ers sixth day of pension protests

DPA pension schemes, which allow Paris some workers in transport and the hospital system to retire in their 50s. arge protests blocked “I earn €1,600 [$1,772] net roads in French cities [monthly] after 34 years work- Lyesterday as trade un- ing,” he argued. “And then they ions sought a show of force the say we’re privileged!” day before the government was The government is deter- due to detail its pension reform mined to press ahead with the plans. reform, its third big confronta- On the sixth day of a strike tion with uncompromising but against President Emmanuel waning unions which were una- Ministers Li Andersson (left, education), Maria Ohisalo (interior), and Katri Kulmuni (right, finance) with Macron’s proposed reforms, ble to stop a reform of the SNCF Prime Minister Marin (second right). most of the Paris metro re- rail service and pro-business mained shut down, and state changes to the labour code. railways said only one in fi ve But aside from the trade un- high-speed and Paris suburban ion mobilisation, the govern- trains would run. ment has suff ered two embar- World’s youngest PM takes offi ce Hardline unions are hoping to rassments in recent days. derail Macron’s plan to replace Pensions chief Jean-Paul France’s 42 diff erent pension Delevoye had to step down from AFP and President Sauli Niinisto offi - I haven’t followed what the press schemes with a single points- People take part in a demonstration in Paris as part of the sixth day an unpaid insurance industry Helsinki cially appointed the new centre- have been writing very much ei- based system. of massive strike action over government’s plans to overhaul the position that he had not de- left cabinet. ther at home or abroad,” she told The industrial action ap- pension system. clared on his register of inter- She succeeds Antti Rinne, who reporters outside parliament. peared somewhat less eff ective ests, according to French media. inland’s Sanna Marin, 34, resigned last week after losing Earlier this week she said: “I than on its fi rst day on Thurs- march on Paris’s Left Bank, one Geneves said two-thirds of And on Monday, four econo- was offi cially appointed as the trust of one of his coalition have never thought about my age day, when nine out of 10 high- teacher from a lower secondary teachers in his school were out mists who helped draft the eco- Fthe country’s prime min- parties over his handling of a or gender, I think of the reasons I speed trains were cancelled and school in the Paris suburb of on strike, but admitted it was nomic section of Macron’s 2017 ister yesterday, becoming the postal strike. got into politics and those things some 46% of teachers went on Alfortville told DPA that his col- less than last week as many of election manifesto warned that world’s youngest sitting head of Marin has made global head- for which we have won the trust strike. leagues had little faith in gov- them were waiting to see the de- the government was in danger government. lines for becoming not only Fin- of the electorate.” The education ministry said ernment assurances. tails of Prime Minister Edouard of losing its way with the pen- The former transport minister land’s youngest ever leader, but The Social Democrats took 16% of teachers were out on Teachers were one of the pro- Philippe’s proposals. sions reform. takes the helm of a coalition of also the world’s youngest sitting offi ce in June after defeating strike yesterday. fessions that stood to lose most Also aggrieved by the reform The plans should focus on fi ve parties that will all be led by head of government, ahead of the far-right, anti-immigration Broadcaster BFMTV cited lo- from the abolition of profes- plans was Marc Morvan, a ware- unifying and simplifying the women, once the prime minister Ukraine’s Prime Minister Oleksiy Finns Party by the narrowest of cal authorities in several cities sion-specifi c schemes and the house worker in the Natural country’s pensions system rath- takes over as head of her Social Honcharuk who is currently 35. margins in April’s election. as also reporting lower numbers implementation of the points- History Museum in Paris. er than cutting costs or raising Democratic party next year. But yesterday Marin defl ected The victory was seen by some of local protesters. based system, said Jean-Bap- “There are 42 pension the retirement age, the econo- All but one of the female coali- questions about the internation- commentators as a triumph for On Thursday, the interior tiste Geneves. schemes, but each one of them mists warned. tion leaders are aged under 35. al attention she has received over Finland’s liberal, equal society ministry said 806,000 people “All the ministers say we are has its justifi cations,” he said. The public also needed reas- Marin became Finland’s third becoming the world’s youngest over a party that ran on a ticket joined huge marches nation- not going to lose a cent, but the “They are social conquests!” surance about the value of the female prime minister after her premier. of cutting asylum levels almost wide. fact is we don’t believe them at Morvan criticised the govern- points they would earn by pay- nomination was passed in parlia- “My own thoughts have been to zero and halting anti-climate In the midst of a huge protest all,” he said. ment’s focus on public sector ing into the system, they wrote. ment by 99 votes to 70 yesterday on practical things and this week, change measures. Gulf Times 18 Wednesday, December 11, 2019 INDIA

EMPLOYMENT LAW AND ORDER POLITICS EVENT LEGAL Govt committed to CBI probe into musician Janata Dal factions Spy satellite to be Ban on cutting trees empower SC/STs: Modi Balabhaskar’s death sought set to merge in Kerala launched today for metro project

Soon after the Parliament unanimously passed A year after the death of musician Balabhaskar Kerala’s Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) and Janata Countdown for today’s launch of India’s latest spy The Supreme Court yesterday directed the the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty- in an accident near Thiruvananthapuram, the Dal(S) have started unoff icial talks to merge. satellite RISAT-2BR1 and nine foreign satellites Maharashtra government and the Mumbai Sixth Amendment) Bill, 2019 which extends Kerala government has sought a Central Bureau Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) headed by media baron began at 4.40pm yesterday at the Sriharikota Metropolitan Region Development Authority reservations for the Scheduled Castes and of Investigation probe into the matter. His father and Rajya Sabha member M P Veerendra Kumar rocket port in Andhra Pradesh. The Polar Satellite (MMRDA) not to cut trees for the metro project Scheduled Tribes category for 10 more years, C K Unni said the ongoing Kerala crime branch and Janata Dal (S) led by senior legislator C K Nanu, Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket was expected to in Mumbai till the Bombay High Court decision Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter probe lacked conviction. “We felt the crime branch are both allies of the CPI-M led Left Democratic blast off from the first launch pad at 3.25pm on an activist’s plea against tree felling. The to express his happiness. Modi said he and his team was prejudiced that this was nothing but a Front (LDF). It was in 2009 that Kumar, angry at today carrying RISAT-2BR1 a radar imaging earth court returned to the High Court Rohit Joshi’s government are “unwaveringly committed” accident. Then came the news that a few members not getting the Kozhikode Lok Sabha seat, along observation satellite weighing about 628kg, said appeal challenging an earlier High Court towards the empowerment of the marginalised in my son’s music troupe were arrested in a gold with a section of his party leaders split and became the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). order. Joshi, a resident of Thane, had filed a sections of society. Union Law Minister Ravi smuggling case,” Unni said. Balabhaskar, 40, was part of the JD(U) led by Nitish Kumar and in Kerala The satellite will be placed into an orbit of 576 km. plea challenging the Bombay High Court’s Shankar Prasad said the Bill amends provisions travelling with his wife and daughter from Thrissur joined the Congress-led United Democratic Front . It will have a life of five years. The satellite would November 25 order vacating the stay on the related to reservation of seats for SCs and STs to the state capital, when their car crashed on Then leaders like Nanu, ex-state minister Mathew also carry nine foreign satellites. The foreign felling of trees for the metro line 4 (Wadala and that reservation is the right of these under- September 25 last year. While his daughter died on T Thoma and minister for water resources K satellites are being launched under a commercial to Kasarvadali via Thane) project to be privileged community. the spot, Balabhaskar died on October 2. Krishnankutty remained with the LDF. arrangement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). constructed by the MMRDA.

Partial SMS service restored in BJP confi dent Kashmir as Rajya Sabha AFP Srinagar

he government was set to allow some incoming text to decide fate of Tmessages into Kashmir, offi cials said, four months af- ter they were fi rst blocked when New Delhi moved to strip the re- gion’s autonomy. The August 5 communica- tions blackout — which included Citizenship Bill cutting landlines, mobile phones and internet access — has badly IANS the Rajya Sabha. The BJP is con- sion started for its “help” on hit locals and businesses espe- New Delhi fi dent of support from 11, which passing the Bill in the Upper cially as texts are an integral part includes Subramanian Swamy, House. “Not only Patnaik but V of banking processes. Swapan Dasgupta, Rakesh Sinha Karthikeyan Pandian was also Offi cials in Delhi said mil- fter a smooth passage among others. The only nomi- approached for this purpose,” lions in the region will be able to in the Lok Sabha, the nated MP the BJP is not counting said a source. receive service messages from Areal test for the BJP is to on is K T S Tulsi, say sources. Pandian is the backroom per- today, including one-time pass- get the sensitive Citizenship With 11 more Rajya Sabha son of the Odisha CM and con- words from fi nancial institutions. Amendment Bill passed in the members on board, the NDA’s sidered de facto chief minister. They will still be unable to Rajya Sabha today, where it is count goes up to 105, where it The BJP has reason to believe send messages, the offi cials said. short of numbers. still needs 15 MPs’ support. Here that BJD’s seven MPs will vote in Passwords sent by SMS are But party insiders say the comes the BJP’s ‘chemistry’ to favour of the CAB. widely used for many online passage of the Bill in the Upper enable it to take the total tally to With three extra votes than purchases and fi nancial transac- House has less to do with the 120, making a smooth passage for required, Amit Shah’s party has tions in the country. Companies numbers and more with inter- the Citizenship Amendment Bill. also reached out to Jagan Mohan and customers had complained party chemistry, where the par- The All India Anna Dravida Reddy’s YSRCP which has two the clampdown meant they were ty’s top guns, led by Amit Shah, Munnetra Kazhagam or AIAD- Rajya Sabha members. suddenly unable to conduct sim- come into the picture. MK is seen as part of the NDA Though Shiv Sena has said it ple, day-to-day transactions. At least two BJP ministers - a and in one viral video, Amit Shah will oppose the Bill, many in BJP Kashmiris said they had to re- Rajya Sabha member and the was earlier heard advocating AI- are hopeful that the Sena at best sort to calling relatives or friends other an infl uential party general ADMK ministers to use the NDA may end up walking out, which outside the valley — home to secretary - say the chemistry banner for events in Tamil Nadu will eventually help the govern- more than 7mn people — after will pave the way for the CAB rather than that of its own. ment. phone lines were gradually re- passage. The alliance between the two “Wait and watch. We will be stored, to help them make pur- The Rajya Sabha has a total parties in Tamil Nadu, however having the last laugh”, said a BJP chases or pay their bills. 245 members. But now, with shaky, has been for all to see. general secretary who is privy to Text messaging services were a few vacant seats, the House Two senior Union ministers have talks with YSRCP. He said the restored in mid-October along strength comes down to 238. BJP been pressed to take the south- government has more numbers with mobile phone lines, but then needs 120 votes to pass the Bill, ern party on board. The BJP is than it needs for the Bill to pass cut again by authorities a few which is one above the halfway confi dent the AIADMK’s 11 MPs the Rajya Sabha test. hours later after a truck driver mark (119). The BJP has 83 MPs will vote in favour of CAB today. The NDA government had was killed by suspected militants in the upper house and its Na- With 116 MPs, the BJP would introduced the Bill in its pre- and his vehicle set ablaze. tional Democratic Alliance has need four more. But Amit Shah, vious tenure and got the Lok Security sources said then 94 MPs. who is personally supervised the Sabha’s approval. However, CAB that the decision to cut the mes- Apart from BJP’s 83 MPs, the fl oor management in the Lok couldn’t pass the Rajya Sabha saging services was taken to re- NDA also has six MPs from the Sabha on Monday, doesn’t want test due to vehement protests. duce the ability of militants to Janata Dal (United), three from to leave anything to chance. With more protests mount- communicate. the Shiromani Akali Dal and one Hence, the BJP wants to get a few ing against the government this Users still cannot access app- each from Lok Jan Shakti Party extra votes in its kitty. time, Home Minister Amit Shah based messaging platforms as Demonstrators burn copies of the Citizenship Amendment Bill during a protest in New Delhi and Republican Party of India. Sources say, Naveen Patnaik’s is personally overseeing the ar- mobile internet services remain yesterday. Protesters in the northeast clashed with police, set fire to tyres and cut down trees to The entire count goes up to 94. Biju Janata Dal was approached rangement to ensure the Bill sees blocked. block roads in a shutdown across the region against the Bill . There are 12 nominated MPs in long before the Parliament ses- the light of day.

Karnataka cabinet expansion after Shah nod: Yediyurappa Killer cites Delhi air, water pollution in mercy plea The second cabinet expansion Yediyurappa told reporters here. sacrificing their seats, which led of the over four-month-old BJP As declared after the ruling party to the fall of the previous JD-S- government in Karnataka would won 12 of the 15 Assembly seats Congress coalition government Delhi is a gas chamber then why hand down take place after party chief Amit in the December 5 by-elections, in July,” recalled Yediyurappa. death penalty, said Akshay Kumar Singh, one Shah approves the names to be Yediyurappa said he would make The first cabinet expansion of the four convicts in the Nirbhaya gang-rape finalised soon, Chief Minister B S all the 11 winners ministers as he took place on August 20 when and murder case, while moving the Supreme Yediyurappa said yesterday. had promised them for bringing 17 BJP legislators, including an Court seeking review of its 2017 judgement “The cabinet will be expanded the party back to power. independent were inducted, with sentencing all four convicts to death. soon after Shah and Prime “I am committed to honour three as deputy chief ministers. “Everyone is aware of what is happening in Minister Narendra Modi approve the word I have given them for In the 34-member ministry, Delhi-NCR with regard to water and air. Life the names to be finalised in resigning their Assembly seats including the chief minister, 16 is becoming short, then why death penalty,” consultations with the party and joining our party to contest cabinet posts are vacant to be asked Akshay in the review petition filed high command when I go and win on our symbol (lotus). filled in the second phase of its through advocate A P Singh. to Delhi in three-four days,” They have to be rewarded for expansion. The Supreme Court on July 9, 2018, had dismissed the review pleas filed by the other convicts in the case, except Akshay who did not file a review petition. Singh filed the review plea for his client in the top court yesterday. Anger at price rise Akshya pleaded that the air quality of Delhi has deteriorated, and the capital city has literally become a gas chamber. Even the water in the city is also full of poison, the plea claimed. The apex court had earlier dismissed the review pleas by Mukesh (30), Pawan Gupta (23) and Vinay Sharma (24), ruling that no ground was established by the accused for seeking a review of the death penalty. A 23-year-old paramedic student was gang- raped and brutally assaulted on the interven- ing night of December 16-17, 2012, inside a moving bus in south Delhi by six persons. Later, she was thrown out of the bus at an isolated place. The victim succumbed to her injuries on December 29, 2012, at a hospital in Singapore. Meanwhile, 42-year-old Tamil Nadu police head constable S Subash Srinivasan has volunteered to hang the killers of Nirbhaya in Tihar Jail. “I read a news report stating that no hangman was available to hang Nirbhaya’s killers. They have committed an unforgivable crime and their punishment should not be delayed on this account,” Srinivasan said. Srinivasan has already written a letter to the Tihar Jail authorities on December 6 and is waiting for a reply. “I have also given my phone number. I am yet to get a call,” Congress party activists wear garlands made of onions as they protest against the price rise of Srinivasan said. onions, vegetables and the LPG gas cylinder, in Siliguri yesterday. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 11, 2019 19 LATIN AMERICA US, Canada, Mexico reach agreement to replace Nafta

Reuters The deal, which still needs The US, Mexico, Canada Trade ta in his fi rst year in offi ce, intent Good for everybody — farmers, Also yesterday, Demo- crats and US organised labour, Washington/Mexico City the approval of lawmakers in Agreement, or USMCA, would on delivering on his 2016 cam- manufacturers, energy, unions crats in the House of Repre- that at times threatened to scut- all three countries, adds more replace the North American Free paign promise to replace what — tremendous support,” Trump sentatives announced formal tle a deal originally struck in the stringent oversight of the pact’s Trade Agreement (Nafta), a re- he has derided as the “worst deal tweeted yesterday. charges against Trump that fall of 2018. anada, Mexico and the labour provisions demanded gional pact in place since 1994 ever.” Canadian and Mexican “Importantly, we will fi nally accuse him of abusing power Yesterday’s announcements US have agreed to a fresh by US Democrats, changes that that encompasses $1.2tn in an- leaders reluctantly agreed to join end our country’s worst Trade and obstructing Congress, came after several intense days Coverhaul of their quarter- Speaker of the House Nancy nual trade across the continent. the negotiations with their larg- Deal, Nafta!” making him only the fourth of negotiations with Mexico over century-old regional trade pact Pelosi said made it an “infi nitely Its backers say it is responsible est trading partner. For Democrats, the deal serves US president in history to face proposed changes to clauses after negotiators approved chang- better” deal than the one struck for 12mn US jobs and a third of “America’s great USMCA as a retort to Trump’s and Re- impeachment. concerning steel and alumini- es to a preliminary deal struck last between the Trump adminis- all US agricultural exports. Trade Bill is looking good. It will publicans’ assertions that their Agreement on a fi nal USMCA um, biologic drugs and Internet year, and offi cials signed the new tration, Canada and Mexico in US President Donald Trump be the best and most important only agenda was pursuing his text follows more than a year of services, as well as the new la- agreement yesterday. 2018. launched a renegotiation of Naf- trade deal ever made by the US. impeachment. delays, led primarily by Demo- bour provisions. Argentina’s Peronist returns as Fernandez takes offi ce

Reuters Aires supporters gathered op- Buenos Aires posite the pink-hued Casa Ro- sada palace, waving banners and beating drums while food ven- rgentina’s Peronist leader, dors sold grilled sausages in the Alberto Fernandez, was summer heat. Asworn in as president yes- “There is going to be a party,” terday, marking a shift to the left said Rafael Mantero, 45, a food for Latin America’s No 3 econo- vendor from the city of Rosario, my as the country fi ghts rampant who said he voted for Fernandez infl ation, credit default fears and because his own sales had fallen rising poverty. by around half in the last couple The 60-year-old centre-left of years under Macri. politician took his presidential “These past four years were oath in front of cheering law- terrible for me economically.” makers in Congress along with The new administration is political leaders from the region expected to usher in growth- and representatives from major focused policies after unpopular trade partners including Brazil fi scal tightening, which critics and the US. warn could strain already de- In an hour-long speech he pleted state coff ers and poten- criticised rising rates of hunger tially fan tensions with creditors. A relative of a person who was flying aboard the Chilean Air Force C-130 Hercules cargo plane that went missing in the sea between the southern tip of South America and and poverty and said the coun- Colourful banners hung around Antarctica gestures at the Cerrillos base in Santiago yesterday. try needed to revive growth to the central city square yesterday, escape from “virtual default” many from unions and grassroots after a period of painful auster- organisations who helped drive ity under outgoing conservative the Peronists back to power. Mauricio Macri. T-shirts with the face of Fernan- “We have to heal so many dez de Kirchner read “We’re back.” open wounds in our homeland,” Supporters hope Fernandez he said in the speech in Congress can tackle annual infl ation run- after he had symbolically taken ning above 50%, poverty ap- Search on for Chile plane the presidential baton and sash proaching 40% amid recession, from Macri, whose administra- and tricky restructuring talks tion was hit by recession and a over around $100bn in sovereign spiralling debt crisis. debt with lenders including the Fernandez pledged to bridge International Monetary Fund. social divisions and to roll out In a refl ection of political missing with 38 on board a “massive” credit system with challenges ahead, Brazil’s right- low rates to bolster domestic de- wing leader, Jair Bolsonaro, who mand, something he made a pil- has clashed publicly with Fern- AFP Chilean Air Force said, adding guay, Argentina and Chile have South America and Antarctica our disposal, with planes, ships, lar of his campaign. andez, did not attend, the fi rst Punta Arenas, Chile that the plane had enough fuel joined in the search, offi cials said. frequently hit by some of the satellites, and foreign support “Without bread there is no time since 2002 a Brazilian pres- to remain in the air for several Chilean President Sebastian world’s worst weather. to try to fi nd them,” Espina told present or future, without bread ident has not attended the inau- hours beyond that time. Pinera cancelled his scheduled However, the weather condi- journalists. “We know that the life only suff ers,” he said. guration in Buenos Aires. escue planes and ships But seven hours after los- trip to Buenos Aires yesterday tions “to fl y were good, which is conditions are very diffi cult.” The rise of Fernandez marks Hard-hit Argentines, inves- yesterday searched the ing communication offi cials for the inauguration of Argen- why the trip was planned,” said Brazil has sent a Polar explo- a return of Argentina’s powerful tors and markets are watching Ropen sea between the declared that the plane had tina’s new President Alberto Francisco Torres, head of opera- ration ship and two air force left-leaning Peronists, including Fernandez closely for his plans southern tip of South America crashed. The pilot may have Fernandez to monitor rescue tions of Chile’s air force. planes to join the search. Vice President Cristina Fernan- to right the economy. and Antarctica for a Chilean Air carried out an emergency ocean operations from Santiago, gov- The planes and ships are The names of those aboard dez de Kirchner, a rock-star pop- He picked Martin Guzman, a Force plane that went missing landing, said Eduardo Mosque- ernment spokeswoman Karla searching within a 60-mile ra- the missing airplane were re- ulist politician who clashed with young disciple of the Nobel Prize with 38 people aboard. ira, commander of the Fourth Rubilar said. dius from where offi cials lost leased yesterday. investors and farmers during her winner Joseph Stiglitz, to head The C-130 Hercules cargo Brigade based in Punta Arenas, He initially said that he would contact with the Hercules, Most were air force person- twin terms between 2007-2015. the economy ministry last week. plane vanished after departing early yesterday. travel to Punta Arenas. Torres said. nel, but also included three In a move to underscore his “Alberto needs to improve the an air base in the southern city “All national and interna- “We are doing everything Defence Minister Alberto Es- people from the army, two from man-of-the-people credentials economic and social situation,” of Punta Arenas on Monday at tional air and maritime means humanly possible to fi nd them pina fl ew to Punta Arenas with a private construction company Fernandez had driven himself in his said Veronica Quintana, 34, sell- 4.55pm (19.55GMT) en route to available in the area are contin- despite extremely diffi cult con- Air Force chief Arturo Merino to and an offi cial from a Chilean silver Toyota to Congress, waving ing fl ags in the central square. Chile’s Antarctic base of Edu- uing the search” for survivors, ditions,” Pinera said. co-ordinate the search and res- university. to crowds lined along the roadside. “There are many people who are ardo Frei, offi cials said. the air force said in a statement The plane went missing cue mission. Many of them were travelling In the historical Plaza de Mayo hungry and it is a critical situa- Contact was lost with the yesterday. while fl ying over the Drake Pas- “Believe me, we are using all to carry out logistical support square in the centre of Buenos tion we are in.” plane at 6.13pm (2130GMT), the Aircraft and ships from Uru- sage, a maritime route between human and material means at tasks at the Eduardo Frei base. Probe targets fi rms over Military event Thunberg a ‘brat,’ deals linked to Lula’s son claims Bolsanaro Reuters day in a drive-by shooting not Brasilia far from where a prominent Reuters cording to the investigation. suggests that Oi benefi ted from tribesman who defended the Sao Paulo/Brasilia Police said the newest phase various government decisions Amazon rainforest was also of the Car Wash operation, in- in this period, including a decree razil’s right-wing Presi- killed last month. volving 47 search and seizure signed by Lula that authorised dent Jair Bolsonaro “The indigenous peoples razilian authorities wid- warrants, was based on an earlier Oi/Telemar to acquire Brasil Bcalled Swedish climate are literally being murdered ened a political graft in- inquiry into former leftist leader Telecom in 2008, prosecutor change campaigner Greta for trying to protect the forest Bvestigation yesterday Lula, who was found guilty of Athayde da Costa added. Thunberg a “brat” yesterday from illegal deforestation. Over to target telecom fi rms Oi and bribery in a separate case but last Prosecutors also said they after she criticised mounting and over again. It is shameful Telefonica Brasil over alleged month left jail while appealing. were looking into alleged ir- violence against indigenous that the world remains silent irregular payments to a com- Prosecutors said that Oi paid regularities surrounding deals people in which two Ama- about this,” Thunberg wrote pany part-owned by the son of more than 132mn reais between between Gamecorp/Gol and zon tribesmen were shot dead in a tweet on Monday that an- ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da 2004 and 2016 to fi rms in the Telefonica Brasil, citing a 40mn three days ago. gered Bolsonaro. Silva. Gamecorp/Gol group for serv- reais payment to Editora Gol “Greta said the Indians died Thunberg has taken on Oi SA, formerly known as ices they were ill-equipped to from Movile Internet Movel SA, because they were defending world leaders in the past. Telemar, and Telefonica Brasil provide. a technology company that pro- the Amazon (forest). How can A video of the 16-year-old SA, which operates under the They said Lula’s son was part vides services to the carrier. the media give space to a brat Swede giving US President Vivo brand, said in statements of the controlling ownership Preferred shares in Oi were like that,” Bolsonaro told re- Donald Trump a “death stare” that they were co-operating ful- group behind Gamecorp/Gol. trading 2.4% down at 1.22 reais porters, using the Portuguese at a UN climate summit in New ly with authorities. “The evidence shows that the after falling as much as 4.8% word “pirralha.” York in September went viral on A lawyer for Lula said he will biggest asset that Oi/Telemar earlier yesterday. The teen activist retorted social media. Indigenous com- “await and analyse” the details group sought at Gamecorp was Likewise, Telefonica Brasil’s by changing the biographi- munities in Brazil are facing of the investigation, as it does the son of the then president,” preferred shares also cut ini- cal description on her Twitter escalating violence since Bol- not directly involve the former prosecutor Robson Pozzobon tial losses and were last down account to “Pirralha”. Thun- sonaro took offi ce in January. president. told reporters in Brasilia. around 1% at 56.34 reais. berg turned a spotlight on the Tribes have faced violence It was not immediately possi- “As we have seen before in the For Luis Sales, analyst at struggles of the world’s indig- especially from illegal loggers ble for Reuters to locate a repre- Car Wash investigation, in busi- Guide brokerage, the impact of enous peoples to protect the and miners. sentative for his son, Fabio Luis ness — and we are talking about the investigation on shares of Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro speaks during an environment on Monday at the Questioned about the Gua- Lula da Silva. business with the government both carriers should be minimal. oath taking ceremony for new members of the National United Nations climate change jajara murders, Bolsonaro told In total, the group linked to — there is no such thing as a free “Values involved are lower Bolivarian Militia in La Guaira, Venezuela. Maduro summit in Madrid. reporters “any death is worry- Lula’s son received 193mn reais lunch,” Pozzobon said. than those previously seen in the attended a military parade to mark the recruitment of 3mn Two indigenous men of the ing” and that his government ($46mn) from telecoms, inter- Evidence collected from re- Car Wash, which itself lost some militiamen so far this year. Guajajara tribe in eastern Am- will enforce the laws against net and cable TV companies, ac- ceipts, e-mails and bank details strength recently,” he said. azon were shot dead on Satur- illegal deforestation. Gulf Times 20 Wednesday, December 11, 2019 PAKISTAN PML-N announces legislative boycott in parliament

Internews ing on a “public interest” petition vened a day after a group of pro- protesters. They will be exposed He did not mention any par- demns the London incident. accountability, the minister said Islamabad against the reappointment of testers gathered outside Aven- at an appropriate time,” he said. ticular piece of legislation, but Minister Saeed also said that that one person, Manzoor Papar- army chief General Qamar Javed fi eld fl ats in London, where ailing “We know who had orchestrated political analysts believe he was the PTI condemns the London wala, who had never been even to Bajwa. PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif is the attack. The message given to referring to a constitutional protest, but he also accused the Karachi, had sent billions of ru- n a National Assembly ses- Lawmakers from both sides staying. us is declaration of war. We are amendment that the government Sharif family of fi nancial corrup- pees from London. sion marred by kerfuffl e, the of the aisle engaged in slugfest They carried placards against ready for it, but the system will might table on extension in the tion. “The money was transferred to Imain opposition party, the over a recent protest outside the Nawaz and raised slogans in fa- suff er.” tenure of army chief. “These big palaces have been Pakistan through TTs [telegraph- Pakistan Muslim League – Na- Sharif family residence in Lon- vour of Prime Minister Imran “It is a dangerous precedent,” However, it is unclear if the built with the money stolen from ic transfers]” he said. waz (PML-N), has announced a don, with the PML-N’s Khawaja Khan. he warned the PTI. “Do not turn government would introduce a Pakistan,” he said. Referring to a story published boycott of future legislation in Asif warning the ruling Pakistan Raising the issue in the house, political rivalry in personal en- constitutional amendment or fi le “They lecture us on sanc- in the Daily Mail about allega- parliament, a move that could Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party Asif delivered a fi ery speech in mity.” a review in the apex court against tity of vote, and then request for tions of corruption against She- scuttle a possible government against turning its “political ri- which he accused the ruling par- Asif said that his party would its verdict. permission for him [Nawaz] to hbaz Sharif, Saeed said the PML- plan to introduce a key consti- valry [with the Sharifs] into a ty of disregarding “the sanctity not take part in any legislative Former prime minister Raja fl y abroad,” the minister said. N president should fi le a damage tutional amendment in the lower personal enmity”. of the house”. process in parliament, nor would Pervaiz Ashraf of the Pakistan “Khawaja Asif has to ask that in suit against the British newspa- house. And in an angry retort, Com- In the same breath, he warned it negotiate with the government Peoples Party (PPP) supported 35 years Nawaz could not build per. Last month, the Supreme munications Minister Murad the PTI that “no house will be on key appointments in the Elec- the PML-N and demanded an a hospital in which he could be He said the ruling party is Court gave the government six Saeed told the PML-N to stop safe, if the sanctity of Nawaz’s tion Commission of Pakistan investigation into the London treated.” ready for a charter on the is- months to introduce legislation defending the former klepto- or any other politician’s house is (ECP), which has become dys- protest. While referring to a new cor- sues of people if the opposition on the extension/reappointment crats. violated”. functional following recent re- Minister of State Hammad ruption scandal recently revealed stopped defending the “corrupt of a chief of army staff , while rul- The National Assembly con- “We know the names of all the tirements. Azhar said that the PTI con- by the prime minister’s aide on family”.

Government’s e-commerce policy delayed The government rescheduled the launch date of e-commerce policy from December 23 to the Imran: India’s citizenship third week of January 2020, in a bid to resolve all issues including the establishment of international payment gateway in Pakistan. In a meeting chaired by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood, the e-commerce policy law violates human rights implementation and other issues were discussed with stakeholders On World Human Rights Day, from the public and private Imran seeks end to atrocities sectors. in Kashmir The meeting deliberated on the progress of establishment of Internews international payment gateway Islamabad in Pakistan as well as taxation and ease of doing business with reference to e-commerce. rime Minister Imran Khan has condemned the Pcontroversial legislation Obaid-Chinoy’s passed by the Indian parliament which will grant citizenship to film wins three religious minorities from neigh- awards in US bouring countries, but not Mus- lims. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s “We strongly condemn (the) animated short Sitara: Let Girls Indian Lok Sabha citizenship Dream has won three awards in legislation, which violates all Los Angeles Animation Festival. norms of international human They were given on the best rights law and bilateral agree- screen play, best music, and ments with Pakistan,” he tweet- Prime Minister Khan: We strongly condemn the Indian Lok Sabha humanity category. ed yesterday. citizenship legislation, which violates all norms of international Director Obaid-Chinoy won an The premier described the human rights law and bilateral agreements with Pakistan. Academy Award in 2016 for her move as “part of the RSS Hindu documentary A Girl in the River: Rashtra design of expansionism on religion or belief”. tions and norms, and a glaring The Price of Forgiveness. propagated by the fascist Modi “The Lok Sabha legislation is attempt by India to interfere in Two years before, she became government”. also in complete contravention the neighbouring countries with the first director from Pakistan to The Citizenship (Amend- of various bilateral agreements malafi de intent,” the statement win an Oscar. ment) Bill provides that Hindus, between Pakistan and India, added. Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, particularly the one concerning Prime Minister Khan also re- and Christians fl eeing persecu- security and rights of minorities iterated calls for an end to India’s Four Musharraf tion in Muslim-majority Af- in the respective countries,” the “gross abuse and oppression” of Protesters shout anti-Indian slogan during a rally in Islamabad against the lockdown in ghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pa- statement read. Kashmiris. Indian-administered Kashmir, on Human Rights Day yesterday. properties seized kistan can be granted citizenship It added: “The latest legisla- “On Human Rights Day, we of India. tion is another major step to- must appeal to the world’s con- since August 5, when Indian to the protection of the rights of ples of respect for human rights Anti-Terrorist Court (ATC) I There are no similar provi- wards the realisation of the con- science, to upholders of inter- Prime Minister Narendra Modi all citizens without discrimina- and human dignity”. Rawalpindi Judge Shaukat Kamal sions for Muslim refugees. cept of ‘Hindu Rashtra’, idealised national law and to the United revoked the constitutional au- tion. The premier said his gov- Dar has ordered the confiscation The bill sailed through the and relentlessly pursued by the Nations Security Council to act tonomy of the region and arrest- “On International Human ernment is committed to the of four plots of former military lower house with 311 votes in fa- right-wing Hindu leaders for against the illegal annexation of ed thousands of people. Rights Day, Muslims need to protection of human rights for ruler General Pervez Musharraf in vour and 80 against shortly after several decades. Indian occupied Kashmir (IOK) Since the annexation, New remember that the message of all citizens as preached by the the Benazir Bhutto murder case. midnight on Monday. “It is driven by a toxic mix of by the Indian occupation gov- Delhi has also enforced a near equality, justice and protection Prophet, especially in his last Federal Investigation Agency In a statement, Pakistan’s an extremist ‘Hindutva’ ideol- ernment,” he tweeted. complete communications of human rights for all was given sermon. inspector Mohamed Azmat had Foreign Offi ce called the move ogy and hegemonic ambitions in “We salute and stand reso- blackout by blocking Internet more than 1,400 years ago by our World Human Rights Day is presented details of Musharraf’s “a complete violation of the the region.” lutely with the brave Kashmiris and telecommunication services Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him),” observed every year on Decem- properties: three plots in DHA Universal Declaration of Human “We condemn the legislation struggling for their right of self- in the disputed territory. the premier said. ber 10, the day the United Na- Karachi and one in Islamabad. Rights and other international as regressive and discrimina- determination,” Khan added. In a separate tweet, Prime Khan added that the message tions General Assembly adopted The court has already confiscated covenants on elimination of all tory, which is in violation of all Indian-administered Kashmir Minister Khan assured that his of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) the Universal Declaration of Hu- other moveable and immoveable forms of discrimination based relevant international conven- has been under military curfew government remains committed “embodied the cardinal princi- man Rights in 1948. properties of the former ruler.

Rail run Pakistan Railways told to provide information on minorities’ quota

Internews total number of minority candi- Moreover, the respondent [Pa- Islamabad dates hired for the jobs in accord- kistan Railways] has also been ance with the quota notifi cation. asked to immediately share on With no response from Paki- its website all categories of infor- he Pakistan Information stan Railways, Masih approached mation mentioned in Section 5 of Commission has directed the Pakistan Information Com- the Right of Access to Informa- TPakistan Railways to pro- mission, which issued notices to tion Act 2017 and also submit a vide data concerning minorities’ the railways twice. compliance report to the infor- quota in the organisation in writ- They did not appear in the mation commission by January ing within 10 days. hearings, and then another no- 6, 2020, he said. The directive was issued by the tice was issued to them. “In case it fails to implement commission after hearing a case However, through a letter the orders, contempt notices regarding Pakistan Railways’ dated November 1, the assistant would be issued since it is bound violation of the Right of Access personnel offi cer-III for the chief to follow the orders or it can fi le to Information Act 2017, and the personnel offi cer of Pakistan an appeal against the decisions commission’s statement that Railways, Zahoor Ahmed Butt, in the high court,” said Abdullah. there is no provision in the Right asked Masih to come to the offi ce The Right of Access to Infor- of Access to Information Act of chief personnel offi cer at the mation Act was enacted in Octo- which permits a public informa- Pakistan Railways headquarters, ber 2017, under which all public tion offi cer to ask a complainant located in Lahore, on any work- bodies were to disclose their in- to appear in person to collect the ing day, when the information formation by April 2018. requested information. sought would be provided. However, a large number of According to the order, a citi- “At no place in the Act is it them still lag in ensuring their zen by the name of Basharat mentioned that entities can call digital presence and, even if they Masih had fi led an appeal with complainants to their workplac- do, the information provided on the information commission on es to share data. Doing this may their websites is quite limited. April 20 this year, stating that make the complainant feel pres- The Pakistan Information in January he had sought infor- sured,” said Federal Information Commission has struggled to mation from Pakistan Railways Commissioner Zahid Abdullah. come into existence in the coun- about the total number of posts He said that “complainants try as under the previous gov- it had advertised on the seats re- can belong to far-fl ung areas and ernment of the Pakistan Muslim served for minorities, especially that is another reason why they League – Nawaz (PML-N), it was after the issuance of a quota no- should not be called over to get to be set up within six months tifi cation in May 2009 in grades data”. which did not happen. BPS 8 and above. “We have urged Pakistan Rail- The present government is- A newly-built Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT) takes a test-run in Lahore on December 10, 2019. The metro line has 26 stations over a Masih had also sought to know ways to provide data in writ- sued the offi cial notifi cation for 27.1km track, which is expected to accommodate around 250,000 passengers daily. the total number of applications ing within 10 working days,” he the Pakistan Information Com- received, and subsequently, the added. mission on November 7, 2018. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 11, 2019 21 PHILIPPINES

Human Rights Day march

Human rights advocates take part in a march to mark International Human Rights Day in Manila. Right: Filipino activists, and relatives of people killed in the country’s war on drugs, hold a rally in observance of Human Rights Day in Manila, yesterday. Duterte to lift Rock icon Bono rules out compromise on rights

AFP martial law Manila 2 frontman Bono said yesterday there must be Uno compromise on hu- man rights, in a rebuke of Phil- ippine President Rodrigo Du- in southern terte ahead of the Irish rockers’ fi rst Manila concert. The Philippine leader has waged a deadly war on drugs that has claimed thousands of lives. Overwhelmingly backed by Filipinos but condemned by Philippines critics who say it is a war crime, the killings by police as well as AFP military to establish control with Mindanao has however been unknown suspects are the sub- Manila measures like curfews, check- hit by a number of deadly suicide ject of a preliminary inquiry points and gun controls in a na- bombings in a worrying escala- by the International Criminal tion where many civilians own tion of militancy driven by the IS Court prosecutor. resident Rodrigo Duterte fi rearms, either legally or ille- infl uence in Southeast Asia. The rock icon, a longtime will lift martial law in the gally. These attacks included a Jan- member of Amnesty Inter- (From left) US ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim, Philippine Red Cross chairman Richard Gordon, Psouthern Philippines by Suspects could also be de- uary 2019 blast during Sunday national, a critic of Duterte’s Zipline CEO Keller Rinaudo and U2 frontman Bono pose for a photo during a signing ceremony in year’s end, his spokesman said tained for longer periods with- mass at a Catholic cathedral on drug war, said human rights Manila, yesterday. yesterday, more than two years out criminal charges being fi led the island of Jolo. are “critical” which he takes after it was imposed in an at- in court. “The deterrence argument “very seriously”. Duterte, elected in a land- He has also told police he plans to see the Filipino leader, tempt to stop the Islamic State However martial law is a con- seems questionable in light of “I would just say you can’t slide in 2016, told supporters will have their backs, vow- adding: “President Duterte is group gaining a foothold there. tentious issue in a country ruled unprecedented suicide attacks,” compromise on human rights on the stump to “forget the ing to hand out presidential very popular. He doesn’t need Duterte put the Mindanao re- for 20 years by the late deposed political analyst Richard Hey- and that’s my soft message laws on human rights” as he pardons should they be pros- me on his side.” gion under military rule in May dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who darian said. to the president,” Bono said, vowed to kill 100,000 crimi- ecuted and sent to jail while U2 are in Asia for their Josh- 2017, hours after gunmen fl ying Duterte has hailed as the greatest “Even after several years of when asked about his views on nals and dump their bodies enforcing his crackdown. ua Tree Tour 2019 that will the black IS fl ag seized the city of leader the Asian nation ever had. implementation it did not bring the Philippines’ overall human into Manila Bay to fatten the Bono, in Manila for a U2 wrap up in the Indian city of Marawi, sparking a fi ve-month Congress allowed Duterte any substantial defeat of any rights situation in the country. fish. concert today, said he has no Mumbai on Sunday. battle that left 1,200 people to extend martial rule over the armed group in that area,” added dead. entire south after government Jose Antonio Custodio, a mili- “The (presidential) palace is forces recaptured Marawi, ig- tary historian and defence ana- confi dent on the capability of noring opposition warnings of lyst. our security forces in maintain- a creep towards authoritarian The tourism fallout was also ing the peace and security of rule. substantial, Custodio added, Lorenzana says no Christmas ceasefi re with ‘Reds’ Mindanao without extending British-based watchdog citing frequent travel advisories martial law” beyond December group International Alert said for Mindanao issued by Western 31, presidential spokesman Sal- in a report earlier this year that governments. By Darwin Pesco pose the declaration of a ceasefi re to the “While the talks have not been made of- vador Panelo said in a statement. martial rule has reduced confl ict Defence Secretary Delfi n Manila Times president. Last week, President Rodrigo fi cial, the serving of warrants of arrest will Duterte’s security advisers incidents in Mindanao by 30% in Lorenzana earlier told reporters Duterte declared his intention to resume continue,” PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Ber- had apprised him of the “weak- 2017 and 2018. he had advised Duterte against the peace talks with the Communist Party nard Banac said. ening of the terrorist and ex- The group’s Asia peace and prolonging martial rule over the efence Secretary Delfi n Lorenzana of the Philippines (CPP). National Security Adviser Hermogenes tremist rebellion, a result of the confl ict policy adviser Francisco region. “It’s time to go back to is not keen on having a ceasefi re But the Philippine National Police (PNP) Esperon said peace talks should happen capture or neutralisation of their Lara said the military check- normal, and so that we can at- Dwith communist rebels during the said it would continue arresting CPP mem- in the Philippines. This was rejected by leaders, as well as the decrease in points curtailed the transport of tract more investors,” Lorenzana Christmas season. bers and associates with standing warrants CPP founder Jose “Joma” Sison who said it the crime index,” Panelo added. fi rearms, which led to fewer kid- told government television last “We will not recommend,” Lorenzana of arrest even if the peace talks would con- would jeopardise the National Democratic Martial law had allowed the nappings and clan wars. week. told reporters when asked if he would pro- tinue. Front of the Philippines. Water service providers will not Robredo to release drug report next week insist on arbitral award payment By Divina NJD Cruz Manila Times

By Divina NJD Cruz January 2020 and to negotiate to pay Maynilad P3.4bn for not “Manila Water felt we do not 2007. Meanwhile, Sen. Francis Manila Times with the government in amend- allowing the company to raise want to increase until such time Tolentino called on the Senate ice President Maria Le- ing the “onerous” provisions of rates. that we can restore the service to investigate the water con- onor Robredo will share their concession agreements. Rep. Jose Antonio Sy-Al- to what it was,” he said. tracts. Vwith the public her “dis- he Manila Water Co Inc The president earlier threat- varado, chairman of the public The National Water Resourc- He said among the onerous coveries” on the government’s and Maynilad Water ened to fi le plunder complaints accountability panel, said the es Board has reduced the water or oppressive provisions of war on drugs next week. TServices Inc yesterday against the water companies. House initiated a joint probe to allocation for Metro Manila be- the contracts is Section 9.4, “The report, we’re just wait- Maria Leonor Robredo said they would no longer insist “We will follow the demand assess the current issues sur- cause of the receding water level which allows the concession- ing for the SEA Games to end. It on the implementation of the of the government and the pres- rounding the water situation in at Angat Dam. aires to pass on the payment of will be fi nished on Thursday, but multimedia exhibit on the war decision of an arbitral tribunal ident,” Manila Water President Metro Manila. “We agree to the delay, but its corporate income tax to the I will be in Basilan and Marawi, on drugs campaign at the Com- ordering the Philippine govern- and Chief Executive Offi cer Jose Meanwhile, the concession- we need to talk about the tim- consumers. so most probably, we’ll do it on mission on Human Rights yes- ment to pay them billions of pe- Rene Gregory Almendras said aires said they would not im- ing, when and what are the pro- “These water concession- Monday because I will be out for terday. sos in penalty amid the threats when asked by Rep. Michael pose higher rates until the wa- visions, because a delay has an aires are public utilities and the rest of the week,” Robredo The exhibit dubbed “Istorya hurled by President Rodrigo Defensor on the possibility of ter service in Metro Manila and implication to the investments as held in our Supreme Court told reporters yesterday. ng Pag-asa (Stories of Hope) Duterte to fi ght the ruling and scrapping the implementation nearby provinces had improved. needed by concessionaires in cases, public utilities are pro- The vice president earlier Special Edition” features pho- fi le charges against the water of the arbitral award. “We will not implement the water source, sustainability and hibited to recover corporate bared that her report would con- tos and personal accounts of concessionaires over the “oner- Maynilad President and approved rate hike,” Almendras Clean Water Act,” Fernandez income tax as operating ex- tain her recommendations and rehabilitated drug users, or- ous” water agreements. Chief Executive Offi cer Ram- said, adding that the company said. The water concession- penses. As a result, they can- fi ndings during her brief stint as phans and widows of extraju- During the hearing of the oncito Fernandez gave the same would co-ordinate with the aires also pledged to work with not pass it on to the people.” co-chairman of the Inter-Agen- dicial killings and human rights Committee on Good Govern- assurance. Metropolitan Waterworks and the government in reviewing Tolentino stressed. cy Committee on Anti-Illegal workers. ment and Public Accountability “We agree to the demand of Sewerage System (MWSS) on the concession agreements. He pointed out that the cor- Drugs (ICAD). “The messages conveyed and the Committee on Public the president; we will not go af- how to “mitigate” the increase. “To avoid misunderstand- porate income taxes of these “This is actually a report on here are from various sectors, Accounts at the House of Rep- ter the historical arbitral award- Almendras said the rate in- ings in the future, we will co- concessionaires have already my 18 days at ICAD, what are stakeholders in the issue of resentatives, the chief execu- ed to us,” he said. creases would allow the com- ordinate with the MWSS to been shouldered by their con- our recommendations. Moving human rights, the government tives of the water companies The Permanent Court of Ar- pany to recover funds spent on study the appropriate actions sumers. In 2018, the corporate forward, what we think needs to must be there to protect each announced that they would no bitration in Singapore ordered programmes approved. He add- for a long-term relationship income tax of Maynilad was be improved, what needs to be citizen,” Robredo said. longer push for the payment the Philippine government to ed that a rate-rebasing occurs in the future,” Almendras said. P2.8bn and for Manila Water, changed, what are the sugges- “For those whose rights have of the monetary award. They pay P7.3bn to Manila Water for every fi ve years to assess if the Fernandez said his agency P2bn. These were shouldered tions to improve the campaign been violated, the government also agreed to defer the water its losses. In 2017, the tribunal programmes have been met and is also willing to review the by their customers, the sena- against illegal drugs,” Robredo must assure everyone that jus- rate hikes to be implemented in also ordered the government if increases are necessary. agreement that it inherited in tor said. said during the opening of a tice will be served,” she added. Gulf Times 22 Wednesday, December 11, 2019 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES ESG: Making sure your investments are responsible matters

Just as the climate change crisis – with powerful storms, unprecedented droughts and wildfi res – is compellingly becoming a clear and present danger, more and more consumers are making environmentally-sensitive purchases. Asset managers are also increasingly incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics into their investment decisions. Last September, 12 of the world’s largest investors – including Allianz SE, Swiss Re AG, and Zurich Insurance Group – committed to making their investment portfolios carbon-neutral as part of the Net-Zero Asset Owner ‘The language of compassion needs Alliance convened by the UN. The result: $2tn of assets were deployed using ESG analysis. ESG investing accounts for concerns from gender equality neither alphabets nor vocabulary’ to worker rights to new ways to provide funding to charities working in poor countries. What was once a fringe approach has now seen big investors, with KKR, Vanguard Asset A glimpse into Qatar’s fi rst being used – was set up in the NCCCR facing issues associated with life- specialising in healthcare – on three Management and Columbia Threadneedle Investments, in 2014. limiting conditions. This is crucial to occasions. Additionally, the programme palliative care unit – and how Today, 11 years on, the one-member coming up with a set of guidelines that has also started a Fellowship programme creating funds focused on social concerns. its message of compassion team has expanded to a team of seven can be used by physicians like myself, all in palliative care. The common notion that underpins social investing is cuts across cultural and dedicated physicians, two clinical over the world.” The 10-bed unit located on the fi rst that capitalism has obligations that go beyond shareholders nurse specialists, and 25 nurses, who Dr Hassan says that being able to set fl oor of NCCCR is a signifi cant start. and return on equity and that investors and companies also religious notions are supported by a multi-disciplinary up Qatar’s fi rst palliative care unit has And hearing from the family of a patient need to consider their impact on customers, employees, team of dieticians, respiratory been personally rewarding, but adds: who was cared for at the facility helps therapists, physiotherapists, social “The country still has a long way to go. to provide a true understanding of the local communities and society in general. Businesses need to Across the globe, disease and workers, clinical pharmacists, and “For instance, as our unit is situated magnitude of its impact. factor in these overlapping death are intertwined with spir- psychologists. in the NCCCR, we cannot admit Zeinab Doukali, an Assistant Program The rise of “S” in constituencies to operate, ituality, and the Middle East is She admits that she and her team patients who are dying of diseases Editor at Al Jazeera, lost her mother to and a threat to this “no diff erent,” says Dr Azza Adel have had to deal with religious and other than cancer here. This means cancer a year ago; she was taken care of ESG means that ‘licence’ can have an Ibrahim Hassan. “Besides, this is a re- cultural notions that infl uence the our team need to work with various in both a medical ICU at Hamad Medical Corporation, and at the palliative care impact on their bottom gion that is the birthplace of three major attitudes of people towards palliative clinical departments and services, to bad behaviour religions of the world; it goes without care. These include a general hesitancy bring palliative services to the bedside unit at the NCCCR, under Dr Hassan. line. saying that conversations about pallia- to use opioid-based medications for of patients with non-malignant “You only need to walk through the can be really Organised eff orts at tive care or terminal illnesses – such as pain relief and breathlessness, families’ conditions.” swing doors under the sign that says responsible investing can cancer – will be infl uenced by religious lack of trust in the patient’s decision- The physician also points out that Supportive and Palliative Care, and you expensive for be traced back decades. interpretations and beliefs.” making abilities, and a reluctance to the essence of palliative care lies in its can feel the gentleness, understanding These approaches, which As the Programme Director of withdraw aggressive measures in the ability to give patients with end-of- and acceptance that seems to radiate companies Supportive & Palliative Care Section at face of inevitable death. life needs the option to be among their from the doctors, nurses and staff focused on screening the National Center for Cancer Care and Dr Hassan says all religions look to loved ones. This means that palliative there,” says Doukali. out companies seen as doing specifi c kinds of harm, later Research (NCCCR), and with more than ease human suff ering, and emphasises services should not be hospital-bound; “It’s hard to describe the level of care came under the term socially responsible investing, or two decades of experience in the fi eld, how it is necessary to convince patients they need to be extended to the homes that those people gave my mother – SRI. Over time more companies adopted corporate social Dr Hassan is well-placed to comment and their families that all decisions are of the patients. the respect they showed her until her responsibility (CSR) policies amid increasing scrutiny of on the link between spirituality and made with the comfort of the patient in “Our studies have shown that almost last breath; their reassuring smiles; terminal illnesses – and more. mind, and by respecting their specifi c 60 percent of our patients prefer to die their quiet conversations,” she says. their business practices. Some investors also advocated what “The World Health Organisation religion – a point which she hopes that a outside a hospital setting,” she says. “I remember how, even when she was became known as impact investing as they sought to make estimates that over 950,000 new conference that is being held in Vatican “Yet, compared to other countries with quite weak, she said she felt energised a positive eff ect on the world, rather than just avoid the bad cancer diagnoses will occur annually City, will stress on. similar healthcare facilities, patients a few days into her fi rst stay in the unit. stuff . in the Eastern Mediterranean region The symposium, titled Religion and in Qatar spend the longest time in Even the way they touched my mother, The biggest change under ESG is that SRI, CSR and impact – which includes the Middle East and Medical Ethics: Palliative Care and the hospitals, prior to death. In order for the manner in which they turned her Qatar – by 2030,” says the physician, Mental Health of the Elderly, is being their wishes to be granted, we have over in bed – it was as if she was the investing are now coming under a single umbrella just as ESG who is also an Assistant Professor of held from December 11-12 and is co- to ensure we have the manpower and most precious thing in their lives. has been embraced by policymakers, regulators and an ever- Clinical Medicine at Weill Cornell hosted by the World Innovation Summit resources to provide home care.” “I’m a journalist and I consider bigger number of investors. Medicine-Qatar, a Qatar Foundation for Health (WISH), an initiative of QF, Qatar’s palliative care programme, myself adept at describing emotions. A recent Deutsche Bank report suggested “the S in ESG partner university. and the Vatican’s Pontifi cal Academy though relatively young in comparison But when I saw the interaction between will increasingly be the ‘next big thing’ when it comes to “This means that this part of the for Life. with its Western counterparts, is the my mother, who couldn’t speak English, world will have the highest relative “At the conference, the medical fi rst palliative care programme in the and the nurses – most of who couldn’t investor focus.” The claim is that long-term returns will be increase of cancer of all regions in the fraternity and religious leaders will be region to receive the recognition of speak Arabic – I realised that the higher from investing in companies that pay attention to the world. This fact alone points to the holding frank discussions on the best the Joint Commission International language of compassion needs neither social part of their business. need to accelerate the availability and way to help patients and their families – an international accreditation body alphabets nor vocabulary.” A recent analysis by Moody’s Investors Service accessibility of palliative care services suggested social considerations posed “high credit risk” across this region.” In 2008, Dr Hassan was invited by to $8tn of debt that it assesses. Moody’s said emerging- Qatar’s then Supreme Council of Health market governments, healthcare providers, heavy – now the Ministry of Public Health – industries and consumer sectors had the highest risks to set up the country’s fi rst palliative related to the social. care unit at what was then Amal A new generation of global inequalities fuelled by climate Hospital, and is now the NCCCR. She says it was a challenge, not so change and technology could trigger violence and political much because she was initially alone instability if left unchecked, the UN warned on Monday. and had to start from scratch, but More than 1,500 investment managers have signed up to the because she had to raise awareness UN Principles for Responsible Investment and the ESG sector is about the real meaning of palliative now the fastest-growing part of the market. care, and dispel misconceptions associated with it – even among Given the greater awareness of ESG and the way healthcare professionals. information travels across social media, companies “When I fi rst arrived in Qatar, are learning that the rise of “S” in ESG means that bad I noticed that people, including behaviour can be increasingly expensive. physicians, mistook palliative care for They need to show now, clearer than ever, they are part of end-of-life care; that there was almost a sense of phobia and dread linked the solution and not the problem. with even hearing or saying the word ‘palliative’,” she explains. “This was – and still is – misleading. To Advertise “Palliative care addresses the physical, emotional, social and spiritual [email protected] suff ering of patients and families facing Display the consequences of any life-limiting illness, not just cancer. End-of-life 44466621 44418811 care is only one part of palliative care. So that was my fi rst goal – to educate Classified health practitioners as well as the public 44466609 44418811 on the meaning of, and need for, such services in the health sector of this Subscription country.” Through workshops and direct [email protected] meetings with key stakeholders, Dr Hassan made steady progress. Eventually, a dedicated 10-bed facility © 2019 Gulf Times. All rights reserved – in place of the few beds that were Dr Azza Adel Ibrahim Hassan Gulf Times Wednesday, December 11, 2019 23 COMMENT A new hope for US climate action

By Jules Kortenhorst 2030, putting the country on track to and Andrew Steer reach net-zero emissions by mid- Boulder, Colorado century. So, despite three years of federal indifference, all hope for effective he United Nations Climate climate action in the US is not lost. Change Conference (COP25) But we cannot afford to rest easy. currently taking place in The needed transformation will TMadrid is supposed to require broad citizen mobilisation, prepare the ground for more ambitious increased energy productivity, national climate commitments. disruptive innovation, updated Nowhere is this more important market structures, and forward- than in the country where national thinking investment. The US leadership on climate change is least Congress and executive branch must likely: the United States. take aggressive, quick action, placing But a new report should give the climate change and the associated world hope that it’s not too late to economic transformation at the top keep the US on a path in line with of the policy agenda. global aspirations to avoid the most The rewards would be tremendous. catastrophic eff ects of climate change. Beyond environmental benefi ts, the This will require continued leadership changes outlined in the America’s from US states, cities, and businesses Pledge report, if designed well and that are already stepping up, combined implemented effi ciently, could boost with reinvigorated action from the prosperity, lower consumer costs, federal government. and improve public health. By 2030, The US is the world’s second-largest the economic transformation could emitter of greenhouse gases, and was deliver equal or better performance the largest overall emitter for decades. in electricity, vehicles, and buildings Although China surpassed it in 2006, compared to fossil-fuel technologies – America’s cumulative emissions and at a lower price. remain unmatched. And yet, far from For example, it is already cheaper leading the way on climate action, the to shut down coal-fi red power plants US under President Donald Trump’s and replace them with wind and solar administration has rolled back many than it is to keep the plants online. federal climate and environmental In addition, the transition will create rules and formally indicated its new job opportunities and the careers intention to withdraw from the 2015 of the future, including in renewable Paris climate agreement by late next energy, electric vehicle manufacturing, year. and sustainable forestry (among Fortunately, the rest of the US is not others). Recent analysis by the Global following Trump’s lead. Across the US presidential hopeful Michael Bloomberg speaks during a panel at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP25) in Madrid, Spain, yesterday. Commission on the Economy and country, a massive coalition of states, Climate shows that smart climate cities, businesses, universities, and clean electricity, and six have already “Accelerating America’s Pledge” to transform energy and transportation Africa, the US, and Vietnam, so that action can create global economic others have declared that “We Are Still achieved it. (produced in collaboration with systems, including by building on the they can work with one another and gains of $26tn by 2030, as well as In.” Despite the federal government’s But serious questions remain. How the Rocky Mountain Institute, the innovative measures that US states, with their national governments to generating 65mn jobs. offi cial withdrawal from the Paris much progress can this coalition University of Maryland, and the World cities, and businesses are already taking. spur climate action. Non-federal US actors have laid agreement, they will take the necessary make to reduce emissions without the Resources Institute), stronger action The impact of such a movement But the role of the national a strong foundation for climate steps to fulfi l America’s climate federal government’s support? And by states, cities, and businesses could promises to extend beyond government remains important. action, and they continue to drive commitments. how much better would the situation reduce US greenhouse-gas emissions US borders, with bottom-up Despite the potential of bottom-up progress. But to achieve the necessary This is no pie-in-the-sky be if the US administration and by 37% (compared to 2005 levels) by commitments in the country climate leadership, the fact remains transformation as quickly as required, declaration. The coalition’s more than Congress recommit to climate action? 2030. leveraged to increase climate that the results are much better more elected US offi cials and national 3,800 participants (and counting) These are the questions that America’s In other words, even without ambition around the world. This when combined with top-down leaders will need to step up. – Project include states, cities, and counties that Pledge, a Bloomberg Philanthropies the federal government, the US can is already starting to happen. For co-ordination and oversight. The Syndicate account for 65% of the US population, initiative, has been working to answer drastically reduce emissions, improve example, Alliances for Climate America’s Pledge report shows that nearly 70% of US GDP – equivalent to over the last year. air quality, and stimulate broad-based Action connects cities, states, the aggressive US federal re-engagement  Jules Kortenhorst is CEO of the an economy larger than China’s – and The conclusions are both reassuring economic gains. Success would require private sector, investors, universities, on climate action – in the form of a Rocky Mountain Institute. Andrew over half of US emissions. For example, and daunting. According to the an expanded coalition of non-federal and civil-society organisations in comprehensive “all-in” strategy – Steer is President and CEO of the World 145 US cities have committed to 100% initiative’s just-released third report, actors to move quickly and ambitiously Argentina, Japan, Mexico, South could reduce emissions by 49% by Resources Institute.

The policy debate Europe needs

Barry Eichengreen policymakers in a number of eurozone treaties. One response is: who Saskatoon countries, starting with Germany, cares? Treaty provisions can be are dead set against fi scal expansion. creatively reinterpreted when exigent Believing that they are being asked circumstances require. This has he eurozone is in a bind. to encumber their children with happened more than once in the Despite successive doses of debt in order to provide the stimulus euro’s two decades. monetary stimulus by the that countries like Italy are unable But the legitimacy of the ECB TEuropean Central Bank, to deliver, they happily invoke the depends on more than legal infl ation remains stubbornly below EU’s fi scal rules to justify not running formalities. Fundamentally, it target. Conventional monetary budget defi cits. derives from public support. And policy and even quantitative easing This impasse has prompted public opinion toward quasi-fi scal evidently have limited potency when suggestions that the ECB should measures by the ECB would be interest rates are at or near zero. pursue fi scal policy by stealth. For strongly negative in countries like Monetary skeptics worry, example, it could adopt a policy Germany. The German government, moreover, that lowering rates of dual interest rates. It could pay channelling this popular indignation, further will damage Europe’s banks. positive rates when taking deposits could protest in a variety of ways, Additional asset purchases beyond from commercial banks, cushioning such as refusing to participate in EU the monthly level of €20bn ($22bn) the banks’ profi tability. It could then decision-making processes requiring already agreed, they warn, will impair lend to those same banks at sharply unanimous consent. Anyone familiar the liquidity of fi nancial markets. negative rates, giving them money with the “empty chair crisis” of By pushing up asset prices, the ECB on such concessional terms that they 1965, when France refused to occupy could expose the fi nancial system to would fi nd lending it irresistible. The its seat in the Council of Ministers stability risks when those lofty prices ECB has experimented with these over a dispute about the Common return to earth. policies on a small scale under its so- Agricultural Policy, will appreciate The obvious event precipitating called TLTRO-II programme. how disruptive such a protest can be. this return would be a recession. And But by expanding a policy under Rather than attempting to when this downturn materialises, which it paid more on its liabilities circumvent the intent of the the ECB will have limited room for than it charged on its assets, the ECB’s statute, the resources of the off setting action, again because ECB would incur losses and erode European Investment Bank should interest rates are already low. its capital. To be sure, central banks be enlisted. The EIB has €70bn of The solution to this conundrum can operate with negative capital, paid-in capital and reserves and suggested by ECB President Christine fi nancing themselves by printing €222bn of callable capital. It has a Lagarde is greater reliance on fi scal money. But the longer they do so, the board of directors from all 28 EU policy. By purchasing government more observers, anticipating ongoing member states, limiting the danger bonds bearing negative interest money creation, will come to doubt of capture. Its charge is to fund rates, investors are literally begging the credibility of monetary policy. sustainable investment projects, European governments to borrow. So The ECB’s shareholders, meaning and it is empowered to borrow for long as growth rates remain stuck at European governments, might then that purpose. Because it is required low levels because of anaemic private feel compelled to recapitalise it – at a to place its bonds with private spending, a bit of additional public signifi cant cost to themselves. investors, it is subject to market spending is just what the doctor Critics in Germany and elsewhere discipline, and it earns positive ordered. If the economy nonetheless will therefore challenge the legality returns on its investments. Ramping sinks into recession, fi scal stimulus of such policies, citing the strict up its borrowing and spending can be ramped up still further. separation between monetary would be entirely consistent with its The problem is that national and fi scal policy in the European mandate. EIB lending is limited to 250% of the capital subscribed by its shareholders. To make a diff erence now, much less in a recession, this capacity would have to be scaled up signifi cantly. To be sure, proposals for doing so will meet with political resistance from those who fear that a larger EIB would be a loss-making EIB. But signifi cant losses are unlikely in an environment where borrowing costs are only a fraction of the return on equity investment. This, in any case, is the debate Europe should be having. Tackling the stimulus issue head-on is more likely to succeed than proceeding by subterfuge. — Project Syndicate, 2019.

Barry Eichengreen is Professor of Economics at the University of California, Berkeley. His latest book is The Populist Temptation: Economic Grievance and Political Reaction in the Modern Era. Gulf Times 24 Wednesday, December 11, 2019 QATAR GCC Summit stresses the need for integration among members

QNA Riyadh PM takes he 40th session of the GCC Supreme Council Tconcluded here yesterday part in with the fi nal statement empha- sising the necessity of achieving co-ordination, integration and GCC interdependence among the GCC countries in all fi elds to attain unity. Summit The statement also underlined that the GCC countries stand united in the face of the attacks From Page 1 which Saudi Arabia was sub- jected to this year, which embod- At the beginning of the meet- ies the defence policy of the Gulf HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin ing, the prime minister conveyed Co-operation Council based on Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani attending the 40th session of the GCC the greetings of His Highness the principle of integrated and Supreme Council in Riyadh yesterday. the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- equal collective security princi- mad al-Thani, and his wishes of ple, and the principles contained nicable and non-communicable and enhances the international good health and well-being to in the joint defence agreement diseases, as well as encouraging standing of the GCC and its role the Kuwaiti Amir and for further approved in 2000. the youth by promoting aware- in regional and global issues. progress and prosperity to the The statement underscored ness about the importance of in- The GCC leaders underlined Kuwaiti people. that the security of the GCC novation and entrepreneurship the keenness to preserve the For his part, Sheikh Sabah al- states is an indivisible unit, in- HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani holding talks among all segments of society, strength and cohesion of the Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah recip- dicating that any aggression with the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah in Riyadh yesterday. especially university students, Gulf Co-operation Council and rocated his greetings and wishes against a GCC member-state is and the development of infra- the unity of the ranks among its of success and happiness to His an aggression on all members. tween the GCC people, uphold- The council praised the success of the structure and legal and regulato- members, and to maintain this Highness the Amir, and to the The statement noted the meas- ing the role of the co-operation ry legislation which contributes region as an oasis of stability, se- Qatari people for further devel- ures undertaken by the GCC system in maintaining security, 24th Arabian Gulf Cup which was hosted to empowering innovators, as curity, economic prosperity and opment and growth. countries as a result of the navi- stability and prosperity in the re- by Qatar, and the distinct organisation well as co-operation with gov- social peace. During the meeting, the two gational attacks in the Gulf coun- gion, and activating the mecha- ernment and private agencies, The GCC Supreme Council af- sides reviewed bilateral rela- tries and the oil installations in nisms of strategic partnerships and eff orts exerted by the country to investment programmes and in- fi rmed its steadfast positions on tions, in addition to discussing Saudi Arabia, explaining that and co-operation that link the make this championship a success ternational funds to support and the Palestinian cause as the fi rst the topics on the agenda of the these steps confi rmed the GCC GCC system with brotherly and fi nance emerging youth projects Arab and Muslim issue, and its 40th session of the GCC Su- states’ keenness on stabilising oil friendly countries. make this championship a suc- competitiveness, the statement and encourage common projects support for the permanent sov- preme Council. markets and the recovery of the The council praised the en- cess. stressed the GCC countries’ en- among the GCC youth. ereignty of the Palestinian people The meeting was attended global economy by preserving deavours and sincere eff orts The statement highlighted the deavours to achieve advanced The statement also stressed over all the occupied Palestinian by members of the offi cial del- the interests of producing and exerted by the Amir of Kuwait need to achieve economic unity positions globally through an in- the importance of promoting territories since June 1967, the egation accompanying the prime consuming countries in co-oper- Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber by accelerating the completion tegrated management under the strategic partnerships, not- establishment of an independ- minister. ation and co-ordination with the al-Sabah to bridge the rift that of the necessary legislation and umbrella of the Gulf Co-opera- ing that the challenges facing ent Palestinian state with East On the Kuwaiti side it was at- active forces in the international has marred the relations be- decisions to implement the re- tion Council, to formulate mod- the region require strengthen- Jerusalem as its capital, and the tended by members of the of- community. tween the member-states, and maining steps of the economic ern methods in addressing future ing co-operation and partner- return of refugees according to fi cial delegation accompanying Meanwhile, the statement expressed its support for these integration between the member fi les and including them in all the ship, raising levels of economic, the Arab Peace Initiative, inter- the Amir of Kuwait. underlined that the challenges eff orts and the importance of states, including the customs un- plans presented. cultural, security and political national references and inter- HE the prime minister later facing the region emphasise continuing them within the ion, the common market and the The most important plans co-ordination with all brotherly national legitimacy resolutions, left Riyadh. He was seen off the paramount importance of framework of the a united GCC. fi nancial and monetary integra- are the exploitation of science and friendly countries and eff ec- stressing the necessity of acti- upon departure at King Salman strengthening the mechanisms The council also praised the suc- tion, in order to achieve the full and technology supported by tive regional and international vating the eff orts of the interna- Air Base Airport by Minister of of co-operation between the cess of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup Gulf citizenship and economic research to fi nd solutions to systems, completing free trade tional community to resolve the State and member of the Council GCC states in all areas, achieving which was hosted by Qatar, and unity by 2025. common challenges facing the negotiations and implementing confl ict in a way that preserves of Ministers Dr Musaad bin Mo- the maximum stages of integra- the distinct organisation and ef- On the necessity of complet- region, such as securing water, joint action plans in a way that all the legitimate rights of the hamed al-Aiban. He returned to tion and interdependence be- forts exerted by the country to ing the requirements of global energy and agriculture, commu- is benefi cial to the GCC citizens brotherly Palestinian people. Doha yesterday evening. Doha Metro launches Green Line, introduces four new Red Line stations

By Joey Aguilar Staff Reporter

atar Rail launched the preview service of Doha QMetro’s Green Line and four new stations in the Red Line yesterday, including the link to Hamad International Airport (HIA). “The launch of the Green Line preview service is expect- ed to signifi cantly increase the number of passengers using the metro,” Qatar Rail’s Green Line project director, engineer Jassim al-Ansari, said in a statement. “The Green Line acts as an East and West connection for Doha, and will serve new resi- dential areas and tourist destina- tions, including Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar Foundation, Qatar National Library (QNL) and Mall of Qatar (MoQ), fur- ther facilitating the movement of people to more locations, cultural Doha Metro’s Al Riff a station provides a direct connection to Mall of Qatar. PICTURE: Qatar Rail Metro passengers can access Qatar National Library via the Green Line. PICTURE: Jayan Orma attractions and lifestyle destina- tions across the city,” he noted. The Green Line covers 11 sta- tions from Mansoura in the east to Al Riff a in the west and two interchanges at Msheireb and Al Bidda. It includes The White Pal- ace, Hamad Hospital, Al Messila, Al Rayyan Al Qadeem, Al Shaqab, QNL and Education City. Apart from the HIA link, Ka- tara, Qatar University, and Lusail also started their preview serv- ice yesterday, bringing the total number of stations open across the network to 36. The Legtaifi ya station on the Red Line will open next year. Metro passengers travelling to diff erent stations of the three lines can also board the train go- ing to HIA, except stations which Metro passengers from Al Riff a station receive gifts at Mall of Qatar are out of its way. They can seek during the Green Line’s opening yesterday. PICTURE: Joey Aguilar the assistance of customer serv- ice and metro staff at every sta- sengers lauded the opening of the and provides fast and frequent tion. new line and other Red Line sta- services from the airport to the Passengers are also advised to tions, saying they can now access major cultural, tourist and busi- check the metro’s new and im- various locations faster and with ness districts of Doha. proved ‘Plan My Journey’ feature ease. With all lines running, the A view from the train near Mall of Qatar. PICTURE: Jayan Orma on its mobile app and website, The launch of the Green Line Doha Metro now provides a which shows the full route to take yesterday also saw Mall of Qatar seamless and hassle-free trans- MoQ, before heading to Katara – and the Red, Green and Gold family class carriages and QR10 provides a seamless facilitator for from their starting point to their welcoming and distributing gifts portation to Qatar residents, as the Cultural Village to have some Lines at Msheireb station. It also in the goldclub carriage. A Day customers getting to and from destination. According to Qatar to passengers from and to the Al well as domestic and foreign visi- karak and chappati,” said Indian stressed that customers are not Pass in standard class for all lines metro stations and their sur- Rail, Green Line will operate from Riff a station, which has a direct tors, who want to explore “every- expatriate Punit, who also wants required to tap in and out when costs QR6, while that in goldclub rounding areas. 6am-11pm between Saturday connection to the mall. thing the city has to off er.” to explore the Gold Line during interchanging between stations is QR30. Qatar Rail said metro custom- and Thursday, and from 2pm- Meanwhile, Qatar Rail said the “I am planning to visit QNL his weekly off . as long as they remain in the Metrolink, Qatar Rail’s feed- ers can view available metrolink 11pm Fridays, as it is with the Red opening of the HIA link enables fi rst to borrow books, and then do Qatar Rail said interchanges paid area. All journeys, including er bus service (operated by its routes by downloading the Doha and Gold Lines. a seamless “Plane to Train” expe- mall hopping, from City Center are available between the Green those requiring an interchange partner Mowasalat) will also in- Metro mobile app or by visiting A large number of metro pas- rience for those arriving in Qatar Doha to Villaggio and then to and Red Lines at Al Bidda station, will cost QR2 in the standard and troduce new routes. Its services its website.