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Qatar-Italy Merritt donates trade volume World Record up 15% at spikes for Doha QR10.6bn in 2018 exhibition

Friday 5 April 2019 | 29 Rajab 1440 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 24 | Number 7852 | 2 Riyals

The big Ooredoo Your home internet will now be Supernet boost up to 5x faster for FREE! Terms & conditions apply Doha Assembly to be a Al Sadd celebrate QNB Stars League glory milestone in IPU history QNA/THE PENINSULA Under the overarching general debate on ‘Parliaments DOHA theme of education as platforms to enhance edu- cation for peace, security and the With the participation of over for peace, the Inter- rule of law’. 2,000 representatives including Parliamentary Union's The outcome of the debate parliamentarians, UN partners 140th Assembly, is also expected to help inform and experts from 160 countries, which begins in the parliamentary contributions the 140th Assembly of IPU will to the High-Level Political begin tomorrow in Doha. Doha tomorrow, will Forum on Sustainable Devel- Speaker of the Shura Council consider ways in opment at the UN in July 2019. H E Ahmed bin Abdulla bin Zaid which parliaments Global parliamentary coor- Al Mahmoud welcomed the can boost gender dination to counter terrorism president and members of the and extremism conducive to vio- Executive Committee of the equality — particularly lence will be a prominent theme Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in the region, take at the Assembly. Delegates will who met at the Sheraton Hotel measures to counter consider what action parlia- yesterday, in preparation for the terrorism, promote ments can take to disrupt and Assembly and related meetings mitigate the effects of terrorist of the IPU. human rights and activity. H E the Shura Council invest in renewable As with all IPU Assemblies, Speaker said the Shura Council energy. human rights will feature Al Sadd’s Spanish skipper Xavi Hernandez, coach Jesualdo Ferreira, players and officials hold the has taken all the necessary strongly. The IPU Standing Falcon Shield after winning the QNB Stars League (QSL) title at the Al Sadd Stadium yesterday. ‘The arrangements for the success of Committee on Democracy and Wolves’ yesterday recorded a dominant 7-2 win over Al Ahli to top the standings with 54 points to these events, to reach results that Cuevas Barron and IPU Sec- Human Rights will consider the win the QSL crown with a round to spare. `P20 would favour the IPU’s support retary General Martin Chungong. key role parliaments play in and its path to strengthen Under the overarching allocating resources and legis- democracy and sustainable theme of education for peace, lating to ensure universal health development. the Assembly will consider ways coverage by 2030. The Com- H E the Speaker said he is in which parliaments can boost mittee will also examine par- ready to cooperate with the gender equality — particularly liamentary responses to attacks Qatar expresses concern over committee and provide all the in the region, take measures to on freedom of expression and requirements to make the counter terrorism, promote the right to information, partic- assembly and meetings suc- human rights and invest in ularly in a changing media land- military escalation in Libya cessful. H E the Speaker said he renewable energy. scape where privacy and indi- wants to make it a milestone in The IPU Forum of Women vidual freedoms are under QNA that the State of Qatar warns of entire region, including Europe, the IPU history. Parliamentarians will meet threat. DOHA sliding into chaos and insecurity and calls for exercising H E the Speaker expressed during the Assembly to consider At a panel discussion at the in western Libya, which will influence to stop the recent hope that the participants of the ways to encourage more women Assembly, parliamentarians will The State of Qatar confirmed have serious repercussions on attacks on western Libya, which event have a chance to learn to enter politics. As reported evaluate policies to reduce that it has been following the the political process and the is a clear violation of the UN about the State of Qatar’s her- recently by the IPU in its annual poverty by mobilising more recent military escalation in ability of institutions in those agreement. itage, the generosity of its people Women in Parliament analysis, investment in renewable Libya with great concern, noting areas to protect citizens stir their The statement called on all and to acquaint themselves with the share of women in the par- energies. Today, over one billion that this escalation comes shortly lives and to contain the problem parties in Libya to shoulder their the renaissance witnessed by liaments of the Middle East and people still live without elec- before the convening of the of migration and human responsibility towards the Qatar in all fields thanks to the North Africa region stands at 18 tricity; nearly three billion Libyan National Conference, and trafficking. Libyan people, who aspire for wise policies of Amir H H Sheikh percent compared with four people cook or heat their homes thus threatens to undermine the According to the statement, peaceful solution and prioritizing Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. percent in 1995. with polluting fuels such as path of the UN-backed political the State of Qatar reminded national dialogue over military The meeting was attended MPs will explore the rela- wood, resulting in air pollution solution. regional and international options and the interest of the by IPU President and Head of the tionship between education, that causes adverse health The Ministry of Foreign actors that this escalation might Libyan nation over individual Executive Committee Gabriela peace and democracy in the consequences. Affairs said in a statement today have a disastrous impact on the ones. `P4 Scattered rainfall brings Congress ends US support for pleasant weather Yemen war THE PENINSULA also. The weather will be cloudy DOHA to cloudy with chances of scat- AFP tered rain that may be thundery WASHINGTON Qatar Meteorology Department at times. (QMD) has forecast pleasant According to QMD, the US lawmakers voted yesterday weather during weekend due to country is being affected by state to end military support for the scattered rainfall across the of instability due to the extension bloody Saudi-led war in Yemen, country. Qatar received scat- of a low pressure over the region dealing a harsh bipartisan tered rainfall with thunders at till tomorrow. “Partly cloudy to rebuke to Donald Trump and some places including Doha and cloudy weather is expected to taking the historic step of its suburbs, said QMD. continue with a chance of scat- curtailing a president’s war- The Department shared the tered rain of variable intensity making powers. footage and pictures of rainfall that may be thundery at times The House of Representa- and thunder through its social in some areas,” it said. tives voted 247 to 175, with one networking sites. The Department Temperature is expected to congressman voting present, to has forecast that he weather will rise in coming days by around approve a resolution that be partly cloudy to cloudy with four to six degrees compared to directs the president “to remove chances of scattered rain may be previous days reaching mid United States Armed Forces thundery at times today. thirties daytime specially in from hostilities in or affecting A glimpse of lightning over Doha last evening. Qatar Meteorology Department has forecast that the Thundery rain at some southern and central areas of the the Republic of Yemen” within current weather condition would continue till tomorrow. PIC: BAHER AMIR/THE PENINSULA places is expected tomorrow country. 30 days. The text cleared the Senate last month and now heads to Trump, who is expected to veto the legislation. QA wins big at PAX International Readership Awards The White House has called the measure “flawed” and THE PENINSULA carrier also received the ‘Best Airways’ patented Business Class “As an airline, one of our highest offering. We are very pleased that warned it would harm bilateral DOHA In-Flight Duty Free Programme’ seat, Qsuite, which features the priorities is to provide our cus- these awards recognise our efforts relations in the region, award for the Middle East, the third industry’s first-ever double bed in tomers with an exceptional expe- to pay attention to every detail.” including with Saudi Arabia. Qatar Airways has been awarded time in four years that it has won Business Class, as well as sliding rience each and every time they Qatar Duty Free Senior Vice But the passage through the PAX International Readership this award, and the ‘Outstanding panels that stow away, enabling fly. We continually strive to President, Bruce Bowman, said: Congress marked a historic award for ‘Best Cabin Interior Food Service’ award. colleagues, family members and innovate in order to create a mem- “We are delighted that our in- milestone, as it was the first Passenger Experience’ at an awards The ‘Best Cabin Interior Pas- friends travelling together to orable environment onboard — flight duty free programme has time in history that a measure ceremony that took place at the senger Experience’ award recog- create their own private suite. from our cabin interior, to our been recognised as best in class invoking the 1973 War Powers Radisson Blu hotel in Hamburg, nises the unparalleled in-flight Qatar Airways Group Chief exquisite food and beverage in the Middle East for the third Resolution will reach the pres- Germany, on Wednesday. The experience offered on Qatar Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: service, to our extensive duty free time in four years. `P2 ident’s desk. `P4 02 HOME FRIDAY 5 APRIL 2019

OFFICIAL NEWS Shura Council welcomes IPU delegates 2nd Edition of Alliance of Amir congratulates Civilization Award launched President of Senegal QNA of Qatar joined Turkey and DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh DOHA Spain, the founding co-sponsors Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, of the initiative, in laying its Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdul- Qatar National Commission for foundation. lah bin Hamad Al Thani and Education, Culture and Science She said the award includes Prime Minister and Interior and Qatar Committee for the four axes which are Qatar and Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah Alliance of Civilization of the the global partnership in edu- bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani Ministry of Foreign Affairs have cation, the role of education in sent yesterday cables of con- launched the second edition of promoting civilisational dia- gratulations to the President the Alliance of Civilization logue, educational curricula and of the Republic of Senegal, Award. their role in promoting the Macky Sall, on the occasion of The Commission Secretary- culture of the alliance of civili- his country’s National Day. QNA General, Dr Hamda Al Sulaiti, zations and dialogues and school reaffirmed Qatar’s interest in initiatives to promote civilisa- FM receives message alliance of civilisations and tional dialogue and acceptance from Brazil counterpart intercultural dialogue. She of the other. added that it has been reflected For his part, adviser to the DOHA: Deputy Prime Minister in institutional frameworks that Ministry of Foreign Affairs and and Minister of Foreign Affairs offer programs that have con- member of the secretaries of the H E Sheikh Mohamed bin tributed to promoting under- Qatar Committee for the Alliance Abdulrahman Al Thani received standing and cooperation of Civilization, Nozad Al Heeti a written message from the among different civilisations and said this time, the award Minister of Foreign Affairs of cultures. She said this interest addresses education, as the basis The Shura Council Speaker, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, welcomed the President the Federative Republic of Bra- increased after the launch of the for instilling the concepts and and members of the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) who met yesterday zil, Ernesto Araujo, pertaining UN Alliance of Civilizations ini- values of the Alliance of to the bilateral relations and in Doha, in preparation for the Assembly and related meetings, which will kick off tomorrow in Doha tiative in 2007, where the State Civilizations. ways to boost and develop them. The message was received by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi yesterday IFQ gets richer with Canadian-authored works during his meeting with the Secretary of Bilateral Negotia- THE PENINSULA highlighting the Francophonie tions in the Middle East, Europe DOHA and French language around the and Africa at the Brazilian For- world”. eign Ministry, Kenneth Felix The Canadian Embassy in Doha Gellet was grateful for Can- Haczynski. QNA has offered Canadian-authored ada’s contribution, noting that works to the French Institute of “we must not lose sight of the fact Al Muraikhi meets Italy, Qatar (IFQ) on the occasion of that the Francophones in Qatar UK, France & US envoys the Francophone Week in Qatar. are nearly 200,000 speakers. The During an official ceremony French Institute of Qatar offers DOHA: Minister of State for held at the IFQ media library on them the only library of French- Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Wednesday, Franck Gellet, the language books in the country.” Saad Al Muraikhi met on yes- Ambassador of France to Qatar, The IFQ media library offers terday with UK Ambassador received from Stefanie the public more than 15,000 to Qatar Ajay Sharma; Italian McCollum, the Ambassador of books and magazines, children’s Ambassador Pasquale Salzano; Canada to Qatar, a number of books, comics and numerous French Ambassador Franck books by different Canadian DVDs, as well as access to Cul- Gellet and US Charge d’Affaires authors, a gesture that demon- turethèque, the large digital to Qatar William Grant. During strates Canada’s commitment to library of the French Institutes the meeting, they discussed the Francophone community network. In addition, the library the bilateral relations and ways and the French Language lovers contains a vast selection of ref- to boost, develop them and in Qatar. erence books and educational promote cooperation aspects. McCollum said, “It is great to books which is essential for In addition, they discussed top- continue this beautiful tradition people learning French, and ics of common interest. The that began in 2014 during the especially for students at the IFQ meeting was attended by a first celebrations of the Franco- Language Center, where French number of officials from the phonie in Qatar,” noting that this classes are offered for all ages Franck Gellet (right), the Ambassador of France to Qatar, and Stefanie McCollum, the Ambassador of Ministry of Foreign Affairs. QNA Canadian book donation pro- and levels, as well as Arabic Canada to Qatar, during the event. gramme “contributes to classes. QA wins big at PAX International Readership Awards Ooredoo announces pre-order of

FROM PAGE 1 new Huawei P30 and P30 Pro to a collection of more than 170 in- This is testament to our com- flight products, including fragrances, THE PENINSULA months with the Huawei P30 Pro. mitment to provide passengers with cosmetics, skincare, watches, jew- DOHA Prepaid customers will get a selection of luxury and leading ellery, fashion accessories, toys, and 10GB free data, valid for a period brands and products tailored to their Qatar Airways memorabilia. Ooredoo announced yesterday it of one month, for three months needs. The introduction of our online One of the largest duty free is opening pre-orders for the new with the Huawei P30 and pre-order facility last year also means retailers in the world, Qatar Duty Free Huawei P30 and P30 Pro devices unlimited data valid for a period that passengers can shop prior to (QDF) boasts more than 90 elegant for its customers, with a raft of of one month for three months travelling and have their shopping boutiques and luxury, high-end amazing benefits. with the Huawei P30 Pro. All cus- delivered to the comfort of their seats. stores, as well as more than 30 res- Customers pre-ordering their tomers will receive 1 Nojoom The Middle East is a highly compet- taurants and cafés covering an area new Huawei P30 or P30 Pro will point for each QR2 spent. itive region for duty free; thus we are of 40,000 square metres at HIA, pro- receive a Huawei Watch GT abso- Manar Khalifa Al Muraikhi, tremendously gratified to have viding travellers with a world-class lutely free, along with free data Director PR and Corporate Com- received this award.” shopping experience under one roof. and Nojoom points. Postpaid cus- munications at Ooredoo, said: Qatar Airways’ in-flight offering Luxury brands also available at the tomers will get 10GB free data, “We’re proud to be able to offer includes an exclusive selection of five-star airport include Tiffany & Co., valid for a period of one month, pre-orders for the exciting new affordable and luxury brands, as well Gucci, Bulgari, Hermès, Burberry, for three months with the Huawei Huawei P30, and we’re delighted Awards won by Qatar Airways at the PAX International as its in-flight duty free magazine, Hugo Boss, Moncler, Rolex and P30 and unlimited data valid for to offer our customers so many Readership Awards in Hamburg. Extravaganza, introducing passengers Harrods. a period of one month for three extra benefits on top.” Kerala hosts cultural events for Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation THE PENINSULA introduce the award and its three cate- which is mother tongue of Kerala for DOHA gories valued at $2m, in order to expand this year’s edition, along with five lan- the circle of participants. guages in the achievement category. A new cultural tour of the Sheikh Hamad This is also to emphasize the impor- The team answered many questions International Award for Translation and tance of addressing the topic of trans- raised by journalists concerning distri- Understanding kicked off on Wednesday lation as means of human consciousness bution of financial value and standards by visiting Kerala in India with an aim and bridge of communication whose governing the value of translated mate- of holding several cultural events to value is determined by the knowledge, rials in its native language, Arabic and introduce the 5th edition of Award 2019. enlightenment, and knowledge transfer others languages. The cultural tour, in which Dr Hanan to the people. The media team is seeking The team also met with a number Al Fayyad, spokesperson of the award, to introduce the Award to the Malayalam of translators in similar meetings. They Dr Imtinan Al Smadi, member of the speakers and interested academics and met Sheikh Mohammed Karakkunnu media team, and Riyad Al Musibli, will translators. and V Abdul Kabeer, Editor-in-Chief at review the efforts of the Sheikh Hamad During the first day of the tour, the the Islamic Publishing House (IPH), rep- Award in bridging and creating means media team met with O Abdul Rahman resenting the Board of Directors. of cooperation between academic trans- The members of the delegation during a discussion. Moin, Editor of Madhyamam newspaper The team also introduced to the lators and the Award within the and a number of other editors at the Islamic encyclopedia issued by the IPH, framework of its vision, philosophy and communication and message of peace, to Arabic. newspaper, which is one of the largest which has so far reached 12 volumes, goals. During the tour, the languages and the role of the Sheikh Hamad Award The tour will also include interactive newspapers in Kerala, and is also the and is expected to issue another three selected for this year edition will also in enhancing human communication. dialogues with a number of translators first in Gulf countries among the volumes to complete the encyclopedia, be reviewed and discussed. There will also be an open discussion from and to Arabic language, as well speakers of Malayalam language. They and is the first major translation project The significance of this three-day with graduate students and members meeting presidents or representatives also visited MediaOne television to Malayalam and it includes several tour is that Malayalam, the native lan- of the translation department at the uni- of some universities, including the Uni- channel. Dr Abdussalam Ahmad and languages, on top of them Arabic. The guage of Kerala state, is one of the lan- versity to review the reality of trans- versity of Calicut and the Islamic Uni- Abdullah Manham of Al Jamia Al Islamia encyclopedia includes information guages introduced for the 5th of the lation and the importance of the award versity and a visit to the most important were present during the meeting. related to Islam and Muslims every- Award 2019. in servicing this field of knowledge. publishing houses of Islamic books and The media team gave a detailed where. The meeting was attended by Dr The Kerala team tour includes The second symposium will be held meeting a number of translators. presentation of the Award, its objectives, A A Haleem, editor of the encyclopaedia, several scientific events, holding two at the Islamic University and will discuss This tour is part of a series of activ- categories and languages. The hosts K T Hussain, Deputy director of IPH, and seminars, the first at Calicut University, the intellectual and scientific impacts of ities launched by the media team in appreciated the role of the Award in Ashraf Kizhuparamba, Executive Editor on translation as a bridge of human encouraging translation works from and some Arab and foreign countries to selecting the Malayalam language, of Prabodhanam magazine. FRIDAY 5 APRIL 2019 HOME 03

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs meets Eritrean Ambassador

QNA DOHA

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met yesterday with Ambassador of the State of Eritrea to the State of Qatar, Ali Ibrahim Ahmed. The Minister handed the Eri- trean Ambassador a note of protest against the contents of the press statement issued by the Ministry of Information of the State of Eritrea on Wednesday, in which the State of Qatar was accused of financing acts of sab- otage against Eritrea, an accu- sation that Qatar categorically rejects. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi explained to Qatar, Bangladesh discuss ties the Ambassador the policy of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi with Ambassador of the State of The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Qatar is based on firm prin- Eritrea to the State of Qatar, Ali Ibrahim Ahmed. Dr Abulkalam Abdul Momen, met with the Ambassador of the State ciples of mutual respect between States, non-inter- peace and coexistence The Minister of State for stability of the Horn of Africa, of Qatar to Bangladesh, Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Dehaimi. During ference in internal affairs and between countries and Foreign Affairs stressed Qatar’s and on deep historical relations the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and ways of boosting laying the foundations for peoples. keenness on the security and with the Eritrean people. and developing them, in addition to issues of common concern.

Qatar hails speech Qatar, US explore ways for of Moroccan King during Pope’s visit enhancing bilateral relations QNA DOHA QNA During the two the Narrative: Media and Politics WASHINGTON meetings, they in the Middle East” and held an An official source from the open meeting with the Women’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs The Official Spokesperson for the exchanged views Foreign Policy Group, moderated expressed the State of Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E on the relations by Ambassador Anne Patterson. welcoming of what came in the Lulwah Al Khater, met separately between the United The Official Spokesperson speech of King Mohammed VI with the Deputy Spokesman for States and Qatar and for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Morocco, during the visit of the US Department of State, participated in a session of the Pope Francis to Rabat recently. Robert Palladino, and Deputy the importance of Gulf International Forum in He stressed on the importance Assistant Secretary of State, Tim communication and Washington, where she high- of good religious upbringing in Lenderking, during her visit to keeping the public lighted that the Qatari-US rela- the face of extremism, which the United States. informed about the tions are proceeding in an cannot be combatted with During the two meetings, excellent manner, pointing to the money or military force alone. they exchanged views on the course of events. convening of the second strategic The official source told QNA relations between the United dialogue between the two coun- that Qatar also praised ‘Al Quds States and Qatar and the impor- tries last January, the expansion Call,’ which was signed in Rabat The Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E tance of communication and held meetings with a number of of Al Udeid military base in recently, and called for acti- Lulwah Al Khater, met separately with the Deputy Spokesman for keeping the public informed US think tanks, including the Qatar, and the signing of mem- vating it by regaining and pro- about the course of events. They Stimson Center, the Carnegie orandum of understanding on the US Department of State, Robert Palladino, and Deputy Assistant tecting the historic, legal, and also discussed possible oppor- Center, the United States Institute combating the financing of ter- Secretary of State, Tim Lenderking. religious rights of Palestinian tunities for enhancing bilateral of Peace, the Wilson Center, the rorism between Qatar and the Muslims and Christians in Al relations between the two Aspen Institute, the McCain United States. She pointed to the the blockade, formed a major diversifying domestic production Quds. The source highlighted friendly countries and ways to Institute, the Brookings Center existence of six US universities crisis cell, pointing to Qatar’s and supporting small projects. the strength of ties and the joint achieve collective security for the and the Center for the National in Qatar, describing Qatari-US rapid response to this dangerous Qatar also launched a power vision of Qatar and Morocco, Gulf region and the Middle East. Interest. She also delivered a cooperation as “promising”. situation by diversifying the plant aimed at securing energy stressing that it focuses on cre- The Official Spokesperson for lecture at Georgetown University She said the session that import of food and medicine and water for the coming years, ating a better future for the the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Washington entitled “Defining Qatar, in the first 24 hours after from all over the world, she said. people of the two countries and the peoples of the Arab region. Qatar, Latvia Spring Festival begins at The Pearl-Qatar hold political SACHIN KUMAR outlets in Medina Centrale are consultations THE PENINSULA expecting to welcome a high influx of residents and visitors spending QNA United Development Company quality time between festival RIGA (UDC), a leading Qatari public activities and the variety of retail shareholding company and master and dining offerings that give The State of Qatar and the developer of The Pearl-Qatar and Medina Centrale its casual feel. Republic of Latvia signed a Gewan islands, welcomed visitors The festival offers a rich memorandum of understanding to Medina Centrale for the program of events and attractions (MoU) to hold political consulta- four-day Spring Festival, which for the whole family. A mesmer- tions between the foreign minis- kicked off yesterday. izing flower tunnel structure has tries of both countries. The first The outdoor event, which runs been erected especially for the round of political consultation until April 7, features a variety of event, in addition to roaming between the foreign ministries entertaining programs to attract parades, stage performances, was held in Riga, capital of Latvia. children and families to the most graffiti artists, and caricaturists. Qatar’s side was chaired by lively and dynamic community in Meanwhile, children can take part the Secretary-General of the the heart of The Pearl-Qatar. in fun train rides, mascot shows, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E “The purpose of this festival is remote-control car racing, face Dr Ahmed bin Hassan Al to increase the footfalls of visitors painting, and drawing activities at Hammadi, while Latvia’s side to Medina central,” said Abdul- a dedicated area featuring a play- was chaired by State Secretary rahim Al Ibrahim, Executive ground and a host of workshops. of Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Director Commercial, UDC talking The festival is the latest event Affairs, Andris Pelss. to reporters. “Medina central is a to be organized by UDC to They discussed relations and hub for people to come with their promote The Pearl-Qatar as a ways to boost and develop them, families and enjoy,” he added. one-stop destination for shopping, as well as the latest development The visitors enjoying activities during the Spring Festival at The Pearl-Qatar. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA Throughout the festival, retail dining, and leisurely living. regionally and globally. Experts debate merits of artificial intelligence THE PENINSULA The debate’s speakers were Joy Buolamwini, a Nick Bostrom added, “Think DOHA Ghanaian American computer scientist and digital about what it means to mechanize activist at MIT’s Media Lab; Nick Bostrom, a Swedish intelligence to full human level per- Four of the world’s top experts on artificial intelli- philosopher, bestselling author and director of Oxford formance, and then shortly after to gence (AI) debated the merits of AI and how best to University’s Future of Humanity Institute; Muthoni superhuman levels of intelligence.” go forward with it during the second live debate of Wanyoike, a Kenyan data scientist and organizer at Muthoni Wanyoike said “We, as the 2019 season of Doha Debates – a Qatar Foun- Code for Africa and Nairobi Women in Machine humans, have the ability to ruin the dation production – at Education City on Wednesday. Learning & Data Science; Dex Torricke-Barton, a universe...or to ensure our continued Hosted at Northwestern University in Qatar, a former communications executive at Facebook, existence.” Qatar Foundation partner university, the debate Google and SpaceX, and a British bestselling author; Dex Torricke-Barton empha- examined the pros and cons of AI as it revolutionizes and Govinda Clayton, the debate’s bridge-building sized accountability, saying “I think homes, workplaces, healthcare, transportation, and “connector,” a conflict-resolution expert and we need to do better as a society in communications. The debate participants included researcher at Swiss science and technology university demanding that our politicians AI advocates and critics from three continents and a ETH Zurich. actually understand the technology conflict-resolution expert, as well as debate mod- Buolamwini highlighted that “While builders of they are talking about. A revolu- The participants at Doha Debates Second Live Debate. erator Ghida Fakhry and digital host Nelufar Hedayat. AI systems aim to overcome human limitations, tionary idea.” Questions to the speakers came from students in the research studies and headlines continue to remind Amjad Atallah, Managing of our time. The speakers provided practical sugges- studio audience and livestream participants around us that these systems come with risks of bias and Director of Doha Debates, said, “We’re all impacted tions and potential solutions — constructive dialogue the world. abuse.” by AI, one of the biggest opportunities and challenges that is the hallmark of Doha Debates.” 04 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA FRIDAY 5 APRIL 2019

Shelling kills House votes to end US role in Yemen war 22 civilians in REUTERS president’s ability to send troops has killed tens of thousands of assistance, not troops on the Republicans have said they Syria’s Idlib WASHINGTON into action. people and spawned what the ground. believe Saudi Arabia’s powerful Yesterday’s vote marked the United Nations calls the world’s They also argued that it could Crown Prince Mohammed bin AFP/ BEIRUT The US House of Representatives first time both chambers of Con- most dire humanitarian crisis, boost Iran, arch-rival of US ally Salman was responsible for approved a resolution yesterday gress have supported a War with the country on the brink Israel. Khashoggi’s death. Riyadh has Heavy bombardment by the that would end all US Powers resolution. of famine. Defense Department spokes- denied he ordered the killing. Syrian army of the militant- involvement with the Saudi “The president will have to Backers of the War Powers woman Commander Rebecca House Republicans derailed controlled Idlib region has Arabia-led coalition in the war face the reality that Congress is resolution said the Saudi-led Rebarich said in a statement the resolution earlier this year killed 22 civilians, a monitor in Yemen, rebuffing President no longer going to ignore its con- bombing campaign in Yemen after the vote that new restric- by tying it to a measure con- said yesterday, the latest Donald Trump’s policy of stitutional obligations when it had made the humanitarian tions on U.S. military support demning anti-Semitism. They violence to theaten a seven- continued support for the comes to foreign policy,” Repre- crisis worse, harshly criticising could “increase civilian casu- tried to stop it again yesterday month-old truce. kingdom. sentative Eliot Engel, the Dem- Riyadh for killing civilians. alties, jeopardize cooperation by adding a provision opposing The ceasefire was brokered As the resolution was already ocratic chairman of the House They also argued that US with our partners on counterter- the Boycott, Divest, Sanction by the main foreign backers of passed in the Senate, the vote in Foreign Affairs Committee, said involvement in Yemen violated rorism, undercut UN-led peace (BDS) movement tied to Israel’s the warring parties in September the Democratic-led House sends before the vote. the constitutional requirement negotiations at a critical point, treatment of the Palestinians. to head off a government the measure to the White House, Still, neither the House tally that Congress, not the president, and embolden Iran.” That effort failed in the offensive that prompted UN which said last month Trump nor the 54-46 bipartisan vote in should determine when the Getting the measure passed House and was condemned by warnings of humanitarian dis- would issue a veto. It would be the Senate, where Republicans country goes to war. took months, but support grew the House Democratic majority aster for the region’s three the second of his presidency. have a slim majority, would be Resolution opponents argued after the murder of Saudi jour- leader, Representative Steny million residents. But since the The vote in the House was enough to override a veto. that support for the Saudi-led nalist Jamal Khashoggi, a U.S. Hoyer, as a “cynical, political region was overrun by the 247-175, as 16 Republicans joined The four-year-long civil coalition was not an appropriate resident and Washington Post ploy.” Overcoming Trump’s veto Hayat Tahrir Al Sham alliance the majority Democrats in war in Yemen, which pits the use of the War Powers Act, columnist, at a Saudi consulate would require two-thirds major- led by former Al Qaeda fighters backing the rare use of the War Saudi-led coalition against because the military provides in Turkey in October. ities in both the Senate and in January, the fragile truce has Powers Act, which limits the Houthi rebels backed by Iran, support such as targeting Both Democrats and House. come under mounting assault. Libya: US and allies warn against military offensive

AFP Nato-backed uprising toppled TRIPOLI/WASHINGTON Forces led by and killed longtime dictator a controversial Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The United States and its allies Libyan military chief Haftar’s forces have emerged called yesterday for an imme- manoeuvred yesterday as a key player, opposing the gov- diate de-escalation of tensions in ernment in Tripoli and backing Libya and warned of conse- for a threatened a parallel administration in the quences for military action after advance towards east. Unity government chief strongman Khalifa Haftar Tripoli as UN chief Fayez Al Sarraj condemned ordered forces to advance on Antonio Guterres Haftar’s “escalation” and said he Tripoli. had ordered loyalist forces to “Our governments oppose warned of the growing prepare to “face all threats”. any military action in Libya and risk of violence. Powerful armed groups from will hold accountable any Libyan Libya’s western city of Misrata, faction that precipitates further which back Sarraj, said they civil conflict,” said a joint terrorists and mercenaries”. “stand ready... to stop the cursed statement by the United States, His statement was followed advance”. An aerial view shows military vehicles on a road towards Tripoli in Libya, yesterday, in this still image France, Britain, Italy and the by troop movements on the The rise in tensions came as taken from video. United Arab Emirates. ground, local and military sources United Nations boss Guterres Forces led by a controversial said, as a convoy of LNA vehicles visited Tripoli ahead of a planned Libyan military chief manoeuvred approached the city of Gharyan, conference later this month to rorists” and criminal groups. Paris last year to hold elections benefit from it militarily or yesterday for a threatened advance some 100km, from Tripoli. hammer out a roadmap for He has repeatedly expressed before the end of the year, but politically”. towards Tripoli as UN chief Commander Abdessalem Al- delayed parliamentary and pres- his intention to march on Tripoli. that vote never materialised as “His progress can enhance Antonio Guterres warned of the Hassi said yesterday that his idential elections. The European Union warned Haftar’s forces and the Tripoli his position in the negotiations” growing risk of violence. forces had entered into the city “I am deeply concerned by that the “military buildup government grappled for power. if the UN-backed conference set The self-proclaimed Libyan without fighting. the military movement taking underway in Libya and the esca- The UN said Haftar and for this month goes ahead, he National Army of Khalifa Haftar But at least four sources in the place in Libya and the risk of con- latory rhetoric... seriously risks Sarraj agreed at a meeting in Abu added. announced on Wednesday it was city denied this, and a local frontation,” the visiting Guterres leading to an uncontrollable Dhabi last month to make a new Jalel Harchaoui, a researcher gearing up to move on the west official said there were “ongoing tweeted from the capital. confrontation”. attempt to organise the at the Clingendael Institute in of the country including the efforts to avoid a confrontation” “There is no military solution” The United States’ embassy elections. The Hague, said that “taking capital, home to a UN-backed between rival fighters who divide to Libya’s woes, he added. said it “strongly condemns the Libyan analyst Emad Badi Tripoli is certainly not an easy unity government. the city. Haftar’s forces in January increase in violence in Libya and said factions in western Libya or risk-free task, but it’s still a Spokesman Ahmed Mesmari Dozens of militias have launched another offensive into reiterates the UN’s call for were angling for a joint front possibility.” said preparations were almost fought for control of the North oil-rich southern Libya, osten- restraint”. against the strongman, but “The risk of conflagration complete “to purge the west of African country since a sibly aimed at wiping out “ter- Rival leaders had agreed in “whatever the result... Haftar will has increased,” he said.

Oppn protests Ethiopia crash report calls on broken up in Benin Boeing to review 737 Max controls before election BLOOMBERG 575 miles per hour before AFP/COTONOU ADDIS ABABA crashing into a field, killing all 157 people on board. The authorities in Benin Pilots commanding a doomed Boeing should review the yesterday broke up marches Ethiopian Airlines jet were hit flight-control system to ensure gathering hundreds of people with a cascade of malfunctions the plane’s safety, Ethiopian protesting against the oppo- and alarms seconds after the Transport Minister Dagmawit sition’s exclusion from Boeing Co. 737 Max took off from Moges said at a news conference upcoming parliamentary elec- Addis Ababa on March 10, in the capital of Addis Ababa tions. according to a preliminary yesterday to announce the Election watchdogs last report released Thursday. report. month ruled that only two Most critically, the plane’s Aviation authorities should parties allied to President automatic anti-stall system that verify the issues have been ade- Patrice Talon met toughened was also linked to a previous 737 quately addressed “before the conditions of admissibility set Max crash months earlier began release of the aircraft to down by new electoral laws. pushing the nose of the jetliner operations.” That effectively barred the down less than two minutes into The comments under- entire political opposition from the flight due to a malfunc- scored the need for a software fielding candidates for the vote, tioning sensor. update that Boeing already has which is due on April 28. The crew was able to climb under way for the anti-stall Talon, a millionaire former as high as 13,400 feet and system that can push down the businessman who made his Journalists protest request permission to return to plane’s nose. money in cotton and ports, has the airport after temporarily dis- That so-called MCAS feature Tunisian journalists holding their press cards and shouting slogans against the Prime Minister during been repeatedly accused of abling part of the system. had been suspected in the crash a protest at the Assembly of the Representatives of the People in Tunis, yesterday. Prime Minister authoritarianism since coming But the pilots struggled to of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 to power in March 2016. Youssef Chahed’s hearing of the health sector in the Parliament was lifted following a protest against control the plane, which entered about six minutes after takeoff Several political opponents the working conditions. a steep dive reaching speeds of on March 10. have been taken to court in recent months as part of a fight against corruption which critics have denounced as a witch Algeria set for new protests despite Bouteflika departure hunt. The Cowrie Forces for an AFP “3B” — Abdelakder Bensalah, forces chief Ahmed Gaid Salah. interior minister -- or, as the protesting “until they have all Emerging Benin (FCBE) of ALGIERS Tayeb Belaiz and Prime Minister Bensalah, speaker of the French-language El Watan gone”. “Our victory is partial,” former president Thomas Boni Noureddine Bedoui. upper house of parliament for 16 newspaper put it on Thursday, he said in a video posted online. Yayi, Restore Hope and the Algerians are planning mass The Bouteflika regime stal- years, is to take the reins as “chief engineer of electoral “Algerians will not accept that People’s Liberation Party (PLP) protests today in a key test of warts have been entrusted to interim president for three fraud”. symbols of the regime... lead the all urged their supporters to whether they can keep up the oversee the political transition months until elections are Critics say all three have interim period and organise the protest. pressure for sweeping reforms after the veteran leader finally organised. Belaiz, a minister for always been faithful Bouteflika next elections.” Leaders said it was a “call following ailing president stepped down at the age of 82. 16 years, was named by Boute- servants, who should follow his “These symbols of the regime to resistance” but as soon as Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s resignation. Bouteflika quit late Tuesday flika as head of the Constitutional lead and resign. cannot be part of the solution protesters gathered to march Opponents of the old regime after weeks of demonstrations Council which regulates Lawyer Mustapha and we have been demanding on the electoral commission, have taken to social media against his bid for a fifth term in elections. Bouchachi, one of the leading since February 22 that the whole the police and army moved in, calling for a massive turnout, tar- office. He had lost the backing of Bedoui, until his appointment voices of the protest movement, system, its symbols and its several witnesses said. geting a triumvirate they dub the key loyalists including armed as prime minister, had served as urged Algerians to continue clients, leave,” he added. FRIDAY 5 APRIL 2019 ISLAM 05 The impact of belief in divine destiny s every event of our lives predetermined? Is our entire course laid out for us Nothing in life and no matter what we do or how we try to avoid it, Iour lives will unfold in some pre- happens by chance determined way? Is there such a thing as fate or destiny? If so, what about free will? Aren’t we aktub, is an Arabic word with supposed to have the freedom a very deep meaning— “it is to choose our actions? Isn’t free Mwritten”. A simple analysis will negated if fate exists? of this phrase leads us immediately To understand the Islamic to think about what is destiny. How perspective on destiny and free many of us are not used to thinking will, we first need to know a few about what could have been if we basic facts which form the foun- had done different things? To rec- dation of faith for Muslims: reate hypothetical situations in 1. God is the Only Sustainer which we would have acted differ- of the whole universe and He is ently and as a consequence we ORESTE DEL RIO SANDOVAL the Most Merciful. The Quran would have obtained another result. begins with, “Praise belongs to Maktub tells us that what is destined God, Lord of the Worlds, the Lord to happen will always find a unique, of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy…” magical and wonderful way to manifest. (1:1-2) Whatever happens in your life, happens or comes — not by 2. God has created humans chance— But because there is something you need to do or under- in the finest state. God mentions stand and that thing comes from a divine design. The skeptics argue in the Quran: “We have certainly that there is no such master plan and that everyone creates their created man in the best of own destiny. stature.” (95:4) I believe in a higher energy, a divine God that makes everything 3. The primary objective of that happens becomes perfect, responding to a motive and therefore, human life is to worship God. does not give space to other possibilities. When you expect some- “And I did not create the jinn and thing to happen in the future, when you start a project and use the mankind except to worship Me.” word ‘hope’, you are waiting for the destination to harmonise with (Quran, 51:56). your desires, and that it is written that way... The question immedi- It must be noted that the special purpose in life, i.e., to God controls everything, why And if our plans work suc- ately arises, written where and who wrote it? The word ‘hope’ is a Islamic concept of worship worship Him. Islam teaches that does He allow massacres of cessfully or something good derivation of the Arabic word “insha’Allah”, which means “If Allah encompasses all human in order for us to freely perform innocent people, torture, disease happens to us, belief in divine wills”, and thus is written in the Holy Quran Surah (chapter) Al Kahf, endeavors that are pursued for in the test of life, He has given us and the worst forms of evil to destiny will prevent us from (Of the Cavern, 18: 23-24): just ends, and in accordance with free will to lead our lives as we exist? Indeed, Islam does not becoming too boastful or “And do not say anything about anything, I will do it tomorrow God’s commandments. wish, but the outcome of each of ascribe evil to God. God allows arrogant. Many successful people unless you add: if Allah wills. And remember your Lord when you forget 4. Our life is a test and we’ll our actions is governed by the tragedy and misery to take place feel that their wealth and status and say: It may be that my Lord leads me to something that comes be judged for our actions in the will of God. If God does not will in this world for reasons which are because they are smarter, closer than this to the right thing. “ Everything will be done by the Will hereafter. God says in the Quran, for something to take place, it often escape humans; it could be wiser, stronger, or just more of Allah and if he allows it, since everything is written. “Blessed be He in Whose hands will not happen no matter how a test for those people, a form of deserving of success than others. It is a matter of faith. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 11: 1: “Faith is is Dominion; and He over all hard we try. And if He wills for purification, or warning for the But the truth is, they may have the surety of what is expected, the conviction of what can not be seen.” things hath Power; He Who something to occur, it will tran- rest of us to rehabilitate our lives. made certain choices, it is God “Blessed is the man who has strength in you; In whose heart your created Death and Life, that He spire no matter what we do to The Ultimate Truth is known who made those choices work ways are”. Through the valley of tears they change it in a fountain, may try which of you is best in stop it. only to God and our conviction out well for them. when the rain fills the ponds...” (Psalm 84: 5-8). deed: and He is the Exalted in One may say then, “What’s is that God is Just and Good, even God says in the Quran, “No In this sense the divine designs are never malicious, since before Might, Oft-Forgiving.” (67:1-2). the use of striving in this life if in those matters where we do not misfortune can happen, either birth there is a plan for our steps in the world; But to develop the plan 5. He’s All Wise, and He tests we will get what is already understand His Will. The Quran in the earth or in yourselves, that we must use the elements or gifts that our Lord gives us. Both the us according to our strength. The decreed by God?” This seems gives us a glimpse of this in the was not set down in writing Quran and Bible establish concrete rules to fulfill the divine plan, for Quran cites: “God does not logical, but it is, of course, a mis- interaction between Moses and before We brought it into some reason they will be the best selling and most used books of all burden any soul with more than conception. In fact, Islam places a learned man in Chapter 18, being––that is easy for God–– so time. But, do we comply as it should with what is written? it can bear: each gains whatever great emphasis on making verses 60 through 82. you need not grieve for what you The concept of free will is the Jewish view of the subject. This good it has done, and suffers its efforts towards a desired end. In In addition, God has miss or gloat over what you gain. implies that the person can choose in each case whether he does what bad.” (2:286) the Quran, God says: ordained accountability for God does not love the conceited, God indicates (good) or does not (evil). However, God is omnipotent 6. God is Omniscient and “And that there is not for man humans on the Day of Judgment, the boastful” (57:22-24). This and already knowing; Therefore, He knows what we are going to do, Omnipresent – i.e., he is fully except that [good] for which he when He will reward us for mindset helps us live a fulfilling so is there really free will? Anthropomorphically speaking is the same aware of His creation and is strives And that his effort is going obeying Him and acting right- and happy life. We become more as when a parent warns a child of a danger, and the latter ignoring always present. He is also All to be seen – Then he will be rec- eously in this world or punish us thankful and learn to give empow- the warning of his father is hurt. The father did not want his son to Powerful, so whatever He ompensed for it with the fullest for transgressing His limits and ering meanings to our experi- hurt himself, he told him what he had to do to avoid it; But he knew decrees takes place, and recompense And that to your living a whimsical existence. This ences, whether good or bad. what would happen if his son would be persistent in the conduct, if whatever He does not will does Lord is the finality”(53:39-42). further proves the importance of The belief in divine destiny the harm was not fatal, the father also knew that “harm” would serve not happen. God – there is no Again, making an effort is free will in our lives. God will judge is also a great source of courage. as learning; Perhaps from there the phrase: “Nobody learns by the deity except Him, the Ever-Living, part of the power we have in the us according to the choices we When we know that no calamity head of another”. In spite of how unpredictable and seemingly immu- the Sustainer of [all] existence. form of free will — if we waste make in this life, not based on the or harm can touch us without the table our destiny may be, we must always keep in mind the power Neither drowsiness overtakes it away with a complacent destiny He has decreed for us. The will of God and the time of our of our actions and behaviours; since they intangibly generate chains Him nor sleep. To Him belongs attitude, then we’re being Quran confirms this as: “Whoever death is prefixed, we lead a of sequential reactions in our environment and prepare us to assume whatever is in the heavens and ungrateful for the blessing we does righteousness – it is for his righteous and valiant life. Quran the destiny that corresponds to us. whatever is on the earth. Who is have. We must do everything [own] soul; and whoever does evil mentions: “Say, ‘Only what God In the Middle Ages a pilgrim saw in Paris three workers working it that can intercede with Him within our power to optimise our [does so] against it. And your Lord has decreed will happen to us. with large blocks of stone. “What are you doing?” He asked. “Cutting except by His permission? He lives—at the same time, we must is not ever unjust to [His] servants.” He is our Master: let the believers stone,” one of them said indifferently. knows what is [presently] before recognise that God’s power and (41:46). put their trust in God.’” (9:51) “Winning me a few francs,” the second replied dryly. them and what will be after them, domain are far greater. He is not Truly, when we accept the “Wherever you may be, The third suspended his work for a moment and with a big smile and and they encompass not a thing thinking only about us, but for the Divine Destiny we lead a more death will overtake you, even if marked enthusiasm replied: “I am building a beautiful and spectacular of His knowledge except for what entire humanity, the whole world, satisfying and productive life. you should be within towers of cathedral that is going to be the most important in the whole region.” He wills. His Throne extends over nay, the universe itself! He is the When we don’t get what we wish lofty construction…” (4:78) In life, each event brings something positive, even if it is through the heavens and the earth, and One who, through destiny, bal- or strive for, our belief in divine In conclusion, Destiny is one a negative trait. The next time you feel depressed because what you their preservation tires Him not. ances the lives of humans, destiny prevents us from of the articles of faith in Islam. It wanted did not happen, be strong, and be happy because God has And He is the Most High, the Most animals, plants, while at the same becoming despondent or frus- teaches Muslims to make the decided to give you something better. Great. (2:255) time harmonising planets and trated. We accept the tragedy as most out of their resources and In other words, humans are other celestial bodies. a test from God and submit to His leave the results to God. Oreste Del Rio Sandoval is Ambassador of Panama to Qatar God’s best creation who have a Many people protest that if will with patience and dignity. www.whyislam.org The need and importance of Allah’s mercy any have heard the need for imagine if the Prophet (PBUH) on whose life Allah much of His mercy will we need to enter Hurayrah that the Prophet (PBUH) said: Allah’s (God’s) mercy, yet not took an oath (in the Quran) because the prophet Paradise? The same applies to us “Allah has one hundred parts of Mfully understand its meanings needing Allah’s mercy in this world. Can mercy, of which He sent down one and implications to our existence and (PBUH) is so dear to him, will not be able to enter we expect to enjoy provisions, rizq, hap- between the jinn, mankind, the animals forgiveness in the hereafter. Compre- Paradise without Allah’s mercy, how much of His piness, or any of the blessings of this life and the insects, by means of which they hending its meanings, therefore, can without Allah’s mercy? are compassionate and merciful to one help us to strive more through deeds and mercy will we need to enter Paradise? The same Knowing this, therefore, how can another, and by means of which wild worship to earn His mercy rather than applies to us needing Allah’s mercy in this world. Can we afford not to ask Allah for His mercy? animals are kind to their offspring. And missing out on His blessings in this life More importantly, why do so many of Allah has kept back ninety-nine parts and forgiveness in the hereafter. we expect to enjoy provisions, rizq, happiness, or any us not long for Allah’s mercy when He of mercy with which to be merciful to To get an idea of its importance, let of the blessings of this life without Allah’s mercy? has repeatedly reminded us that He is His slaves of the Day of Resurrection.” us first remind ourselves of the high the “Most Merciful”? [Muslim, Al Tawbah, 6908.] status that Prophet Muhammad (peace Another example of Allah’s mercy be upon him) holds before Allah. In dearer to him than Muhammad (PBUH). Prophet (PBUH) enjoyed before God, About Allah’s Mercy is illustrated by an example where it was Surah Al Hijr (Chapter 15 of the Quran), I never heard that Allah swore by the now consider the following hadith. He Allah has repeatedly reminded us in narrated that ‘Umar ibn Al Khattaab said: verse 72, Allah takes an oath on the life life of anyone else.”” (peace and blessings of Allah be upon the Quran about His mercy. He says in “Some prisoners were brought to the of the Prophet (PBUH) when telling the The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), him) said: the Quran: Messenger of Allah (PBUH), and there story of Prophet Lot (peace be upon him) used to stand in prayer at night so long “No one’s deeds will ever admit him Say O Muhammad: “To whom was a woman among the prisoners who The verse starts as follows: that his feet would swell up. Observing to Paradise.” They said, “Not even you, belongs all that is in the heavens and the was searching (for her child). When she “Verily, by your life (O Muhammad) him engaged in worship with such high O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “No, not earth?” Say: “To Allah. He has prescribed found her child she embraced him and …” (Surah Al Hijr, 15:72) devotion, ?’ His wife Aishah (may Allah even me, unless Allah showers me with mercy for Himself… (Surah Al Anaam, put him to her breast. The Messenger of Ibn Kathir comments on this verse be pleased with her) asked him: “Mes- His Mercy… 6:12) Allah (PBUH) said to us, ‘Do you think that in his tafsir by stating, “Allah swore by senger of Allah! Why do you do this, Narrated by Al Bukhaari, 5349; He also says: And your Lord is Rich this woman would throw her child in the the life of His Prophet, which is an when Allah has forgiven you your past Muslim, 7042 (Free of all needs), full of mercy;… (Surah fire?’ We said, ‘No, by Allah, not if she is immense honor reflecting his high rank and future sins?” So, imagine if the Prophet (PBUH) Al Anaam, 6:133) able not to.’ The Messenger of Allah and noble status. Amr bin Malik An- He replied: “Should I not, therefore, on whose life Allah took an oath (in the Allah’s mercy is boundless. It is there (PBUH) said, ‘Allah is more merciful to His Nakari reported from Abu Al Jawza’ that be a thankful servant?” (Sahih Bukhari Quran) because the Prophet (PBUH) is for us to ask and for Allah to give it to us slaves than this woman is to her child.’” Ibn `Abbas said: “Allah has never created (4837) and Sahih Muslim (2820)] so dear to him, will not be able to enter if he chooses to shower it on us. In (Al Bukhaari, 5653; Muslim, 6912) or made or formed any soul that is Knowing the high honour that the Paradise without Allah’s mercy, how Saheeh Muslim it is narrated from Abu www.iqrasense.com 06 ASIA FRIDAY 5 APRIL 2019 Kerala gives rousing welcome to Rahul IANS Thousands of men “I know the CPI-M and Con- WAYANAD, KERALA and women, and gress are locked in a fight here and it will go on. But I am not Congress President Rahul Gandhi even the young, going to say a word about the yesterday filed nomination packed the streets CPI-M. They will attack me and papers for the Lok Sabha elec- of Wayanad as Rahul let them do that.” On Wednesday tions from Wayanad amid an Gandhi, accompanied night, Gandhi landed at outpouring of support from Kozhikode and waved to the thousands on the streets, leading by Priyanka Gandhi, thousands waiting outside the the party to claim it will sweep reached the airport to take a close look at him. all 20 seats in Kerala. Collector’s office to Yesterday, after seeing huge Thousands of men and crowds on the streets, he stopped women, and even the young, file his nomination his vehicle and broke the security packed the streets of Wayanad as papers for the Lok cordon to freely mingle with the Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by Sabha elections from people. He shook hands with many. his sister and Congress General Wayanad constituency. “I am very happy that he Secretary Priyanka Gandhi, lifted me up,” exclaimed a six- reached the Collector’s office, year-old girl, whose mother filed his papers and then held a added that they had been waiting road show to frenzied slogan message that India is one. I feel from 7am to see Gandhi. shouting by party supporters. there is an assault on all institu- Wayanad town appeared Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra wave to their supporters after Rahul filed his At least three journalists fainted tions by (Prime Minister packed with supporters, many nomination papers for the general election, in Wayanad in the southern Indian state of Kerala, yesterday. in the heat — and Rahul Gandhi Narendra) Modi. So I decided I coming from the neighbouring helped people to carry one of them will contest from south India and districts of Kozhikode, Malap- (SPG) cancelled his planned visit tough to handle the surging state the next day. Kerala goes on a stretcher to an ambulance. also from north India.” Gandhi, purram, Kannur and Kasargode. to the Congress office in crowds. to the polls on April 23 to elect Before returning to Kozhikode, who will also be a candidate Present in large numbers Wayanad. With the roads in the “I have seen Indira Gandhi 20 MPs. he explained that his decision to from his traditional seat Amethi were leaders and activists of hilly district mostly narrow, the when she came to Kozhikode Congress leader Ramesh contest from Wayanad — a in Uttar Pradesh, accused Modi Congress allies like the Indian planned road show took place many years back. Now I am Chennithala gloated: “It’s going backward district in Kerala bor- of ignoring the main issues: lack Union Muslim League. Many on a different route. excited that I have seen her to be a 20-20 victory for the dering both Karnataka and Tamil of jobs and farmers’ plight. carried party flags and umbrellas The Gandhis travelled in an grandchildren. I am very happy,” UDF.” But Chief Minister Pinarayi Nadu — was aimed at sending a He said he had nothing in colours of various parties that open vehicle, accompanied by beamed a 78-year-old Muslim Vijayan yesterday reiterated that message that India was one. against Kerala’s ruling Com- make up the Congress-led United former Chief Minister Oommen woman. Rahul Gandhi meant to take on He told the media: “I have munist Party of India-Marxist Democratic Front (UDF). Chandy and UDF leaders. Gandhi will return to the CPI-M and this does not come to Kerala to send out a (CPI-M). The Special Protection Group Police personnel found it Wayanad on April 16 and tour the augur well for the Congress.” BJP and RLP BJP never saw political foes as anti-national: Advani form alliance IANS “Right from its inception, the along with the late Atal Bihari “Therefore the BJP has (democracy, within and outside in Rajasthan NEW DELHI BJP has never regarded those Vajpayee. always been in the forefront of the party) guided the struggle- who disagree with us politically The BJP did not field Advani demanding protection of inde- filled evolution of my party... IANS In a veiled criticism of Prime as our ‘enemies’, but only as our in this Lok Sabha election. He pendence, integrity, fairness and “It is my sincere desire that JAIPUR Minister Narendra Modi and BJP adversaries. had been representing Gandhi- robustness of all our democratic all of us should collectively President Amit Shah, BJP veteran “Similarly, in our conception nagar in Gujarat since 1991. institutions including the media,” strive to strengthen the demo- In a jolt to the Congress, the L K Advani yesterday said his of Indian nationalism, we have “The guiding principle of my he said. cratic edifice of India,” Advani Rajasthan Loktantrik Party party never viewed those who never regarded those who dis- life has been ‘Nation First, Party A former Deputy Prime Min- added. (RLP) yesterday joined hands disagreed with it politically as agree with us politically as Next, Self Last’. And in all situa- ister, Advani said that elections Advani conveyed his with the Bharatiya Janata Party “anti-national” but only as ‘anti-national’. tions, I have tried to adhere to were a festival of democracy “sincere gratitude” to the people (BJP), forming a new alliance in “adversaries”. “The party has been com- this principle and will continue and “are also an occasion for of Gandhinagar. “Their love and the state ahead of the Lok “The essence of Indian mitted to freedom of choice of to do so,” he said. honest introspection by all the support has always over- Sabha elections. democracy is respect for every citizen at personal as well Advani said that defence of stakeholders in Indian whelmed me.” Both Advani and With this alliance, the BJP diversity and freedom of as political level,” said Advani, a democracy and democratic tradi- democracy. senior BJP leader Murli Manohar will contest on 24 of the total expression,” Advani said in his founder member of both the tions, both within the party and in “In short, the triad of Satya Joshi were not given ticket by 25 Lok Sabha seats. blog post, writing after a gap of Bharatiya Jana Sangh and the the larger national setting, have (truth), Rashtra Nishtha (dedi- the BJP in this Lok Sabha The announcement was four years. later Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) been the proud hallmark of the BJP. cation to nation) and Loktantra election. made by BJP state President Madan Lal Saini in the presence of Union Minister for HRD Prakash Javadekar and RLP Banks and others Convener Hanuman Beniwal. Beniwal told the media: “The country’s development is our utmost priority. We will stand face huge loss as together to ensure Narendra Modi becomes the Prime Minister again. The Congress has ruined our Videocon sinks nation. Now is the time to rectify things.” Javadekar announced that IANS uploaded by the company’s Res- Beniwal will contest from Nagaur MUMBAI olution Professional (RP) on its against Congress’ Jyoti Mirdha. “I website on Thursday for varying will fight from Nagaur and I will The beleaguered Videocon Group periods ranging from November also campaign across the country has admitted to stupendous 2018 to January 2019. for the party,” added Beniwal, a outstandings to various lenders In a statement late Thursday MLA from Khinvsar. — public and private — evening, Group Chairman Earlier, Beniwal had amounting to over Rs90,000 Venugopal Dhoot said that planned to join hands with the crore, making it perhaps the because of “Obligor and Co- Congress. However, the Con- biggest corporate bankruptcy Obligor structure”, there is mul- gress spurned the RLP offer. case in Indian banking history, tiple counting of the same This is Beniwal’s third official sources said yesterday. amount, and this structure was tenure as MLA in Rajasthan. In The company, however, said put in place at the time of 2013, he contested as an Inde- the total dues amount to around restructuring the Videocon’s pendent after being suspended Rs39,000 crore, most of which debts”. from the Bhartiya Janata Party In search of greener pastures it plans to repay through its huge “The actual dues are around (BJP) following his remarks “oil assets”. Rs39,000 crore. Videocon has about corruption among party A peacock takes a flight in Mohatabad village on the outskirts of Faridabad in the northern Indian The two main group com- oil assets of Rs1 lakh crore to leaders. state of Haryana, yesterday. panies — Videocon Industries address this loan. Videocon is in Ltd (VIL) and Videocon Tele- NCLT and will be paying back communication Ltd. (VTL) — majority of the loan through this owe Rs59,451.87 crore and oil reserve,” Dhoot assured. Rs26,673.81 crore, respectively Nevertheless, industry Five Rohingya die in ‘helicopter attack’ or a staggering Rs86,125.68 sources say this will be the crore to Indian banks, led by the biggest private sector bankruptcy REUTERS The United Nations has Buthidaung were razed during the Cross teams are following the sit- State Bank of India (SBI). in India after the Insolvency and YANGON accused the army of cracking 2017 campaign against Rohingya, uation very closely and offered Besides, 731 other Opera- Bankruptcy Code was introduced down on the Muslim minority though the village that was home our services in case of need, tional Creditors have made sep- in 2016 for debt resolution — Villagers and a lawmaker in with “genocidal intent”. to the casualties from Wednesday’s including medical supplies or arate claims of Rs31,117, 971,029 with wide-ranging ramifications Myanmar’s troubled Rakhine More recently, the military attack was spared at that time. transfer to the Sittwe hospital, (VIL) and Rs12,669,978,507 for both the corporate world and state said yesterday that a has been fighting another armed Myanmar’s leaders have as we did two weeks ago with 5 (VTL) for a total of over the banking sector. military helicopter attacked a group, the Arakan Army, which vowed to crush all the rebels wounded civilians,” he said. Rs90,000 crore, the sources Last year, the company was group of Rohingya Muslims gath- recruits mostly from the ethnic fighting for autonomy in Rakhine Rashid Ahmed, a laborer who said. sent by the SBI to the National ering bamboo, killing five and Rakhine Buddhist population. State, an area long scarred by spoke by telephone to Reuters, Interestingly, even the Company Law Tribunal after the wounding 13, but a military The latest incident occurred in complex ethnic divisions, and said his elder brother, uncle and Group promoters — Venugopal Dhoot-family owned company spokesman declined to a valley in Buthidaung township, authorities have blocked most aid nephew had been shot while they Dhoot, Pradipkumar Dhoot and defaulted on its loans. comment. Major-General Tun near a village that was home to agencies’ access to the area, raising were working at Sai Din valley. Rajkumar Dhoot — have also As per the IBC regulations, Tun Nyi said the army would Rohingya Muslim families. fears of more civilian suffering. “A helicopter attacked them filed claims of Rs57,823.24 the company’s board of directors release “true news” about the “A military airstrike killed Stephan Sakalian, head of while they were working there, crores on the basis of personal has been suspended and a RP alleged incident in time. five people, including one of our delegation in Myanmar at the cutting and collecting bamboo,” guarantees provided by them for appointed to manage its routine Myanmar’s western Rakhine villagers, at around 4pm yes- International Committee of the he said. Two other villagers said a various facilities availed/guar- daily operations. state came to global attention in terday,” Zaw Kir Ahmed, a com- Red Cross, said teams from the helicopter had attacked the group. anteed by VIL, which are under Revealing the figures of 2017, when the army drove munity leader from Kin Taung organization had visited Some of the wounded were evaluation. claims, VIL has named a about 730,000 ethnic Rohingya village said by telephone. Buthidaung Hospital where 13 brought to Buthidaung town, but The VTL has also claimed whopping 54 Indian and foreign across the border into Bang- “People in the village don’t people were being treated for several died before they reached Rs17,86,94,69,659 from VIL on banks, financial institutions and ladesh following attacks by dare to go out and are wounds, some of them in “urgent the hospital, said Maung Kyaw which there is no dispute and even a cooperative bank to Rohingya insurgents on police frightened,” he added. need of surgery”. Zan, a lawmaker for the has been accepted in toto. whom it owes a staggering Rs posts. Many villages around “ICRC and Myanmar Red township. This and other data has been 59,451.87 crore. FRIDAY 5 APRIL 2019 ASIA 07

SC rejects plea NZ mosque shooter to face 50 murder charges about sacked AFP Christchurch on Friday,” the 24 people injured in repeatedly labelled the atrocity. that if convicted, he will likely high court judge CHRISTCHURCH police said in a brief statement. 15 March attacks on However, New Zealand’s face long-term isolation to Tarrant, 28, will appear via two mosques remain Terrorism Suppression Act, prevent him being targeted by INTERNEWS The man accused of attacking video link in the Christchurch introduced after the 9/11 attacks, the largely Polynesian prison ISLAMABAD two mosques in Christchurch last court from a maximum-security hospitalised, four of is little used and could com- population over his white month will face 50 murder prison in Auckland. them critical, including plicate the prosecution. supremacist views. The Supreme Court (SC) of charges when he appears in A note from the court this a four-year-old girl. Criminal charges, such as New Zealand is in the Pakistan’s office has returned court today, New Zealand police week said the appearance was murder and attempted murder process of tightening its gun laws the Karachi Bar Association’s said. likely to be brief and would are easier to pursue, although after the attack and the gov- (KBA) plea which requested the Australian Brenton Tarrant “ascertain the defendant’s during Friday’s hearing. prosecutors may want the ernment has also said it will court to set aside the Supreme was previously charged with one position regarding legal repre- The court has now barred accused tried as a terrorist. review laws dealing with hate Judicial Council’s (SJC) opinion murder as a holding measure, sentation” and other procedural media from filming or photo- New Zealand’s Corrections speech. that had led to removal of an but police said yesterday that all matters. graphing the accused. Department revealed last month Ardern has called for action outspoken judge of the the deaths and injuries in the Tarrant sacked a court- Police said further charges that Tarrant was segregated from by social media giants after the Islamabad High Court (IHC). March 15 attacks will be reflected appointed lawyer after his first were being considered against other prisoners and able to be alleged gunman livestreamed the The SJC’s decision of in upgraded charges during his court appearance on March 16, Tarrant - a self-avowed white observed constantly, either attacks online. October 11, 2018 had led to next appearance. raising fears he wanted to rep- supremacist - but did not specify directly by staff or via CCTV The latest update from health issuance on the same day of a “The man arrested in relation resent himself and attempt to use what they were. camera. authorities earlier this week said notification for removal of to the Christchurch terror attacks any trial as a propaganda They may relate to whether It said he had no access to 24 people remained in hospital Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui from the will face 50 murder and 39 platform. the court deems the attack a ter- television, radio or newspapers after the attacks, four of them position of IHC judge. attempted murder charges when The court said Tarrant would rorist act, something Prime Min- and no visitors. critical, including a four-year- “Scandalous and inappro- he appears in the High Court in not be required to enter a plea ister Jacinda Ardern has Local media have reported old girl. priate language has been used in the petition,” said the letter issued by the SC Registrar’s office while rejecting the plea. Imran: Pakistan offers Moved by senior counsel Rasheed A Razvi on behalf of the best tourism attractions KBA, the petition had requested the apex court to order a trans- INTERNEWS beauty of the country. parent investigation into ISLAMABAD The Prime Minister, veracity of the allegations lev- however, cautioned that tourism elled by the former judge in his Pakistani Prime Minister Imran must be promoted with respon- speech of July 21, 2018 and in Khan has said the country offers sibility, while taking care of the the replies he submitted to the best tourism attractions in the environment. SJC. Siddiqui was removed from world ranging from beach, He said religious tourism, the high judicial office on the mountain, and desert tourism. especially for the adherents of recommendation of the SJC Addressing a tourism Sikhism, Buddhism, and Hin- under Article 209 of the Consti- summit in Islamabad, the Prime duism will increase the number tution for conduct unbecoming Minister said Pakistan had virgin of tourists in the country. of a judge for delivering a con- coastal belt in Balochistan, and Meanwhile, the authorities troversial speech on July 21, lamented that the country’s elite have announced to raise a 2018 at District Bar Association prefers to visit Europe and special force for protection of Rawalpindi. He was therefore western countries instead of tourists in GB, as part of the deemed guilty of committing exploring our own tourist spots. measures to enhance tourism in misconduct.In his speech, the The Prime Minister said the country’s north. former judge had spoken about Allah had bestowed the country GB Inspector General of the involvement of certain with diverse kind of mountain Police Sanaullah Abbasi said the officers from the executive scenery from Suleman, Kara- force would be set up on the organ of the state, specifically koram and Himalaya heights. model of Thailand and Malaysia, Craftsman at work from an intelligence agency, in He said these mountain consisting of over 600 staff manipulating the formation of ranges had their own diverse headed by its own Inspector A Pakistani worker makes handicrafts at a workshop in Lahore, yesterday. The pieces are used for IHC’s benches features abundant with great General of Police decoration of buildings. In its letter, the Registrar’s vegetation, wildlife and bird life, IGP Abbasi said the purpose office reminded the petitioner which have no match in any part of forming the special force was that a similar plea, filed by Sid- of the world. to ensure security of tourists. He Oman Air Force Chief meets Pakistan Army Chief diqui himself, was already Imran Khan said Gilgit- said English language profi- pending with the apex court. Baltistan (GB) region in the ciency would be a prerequisite INTERNEWS military’s media wing Inter of Pakistan Air Force. On March 25, a five-judge country’s north had immense for the recruits. The special ISLAMABAD Services Public Relations (ISPR) The Air Chief offered support Supreme Court bench had potential for tourism and with tourism force’s main office will said. and cooperation in the field of brushed aside an earlier the improved law and order be established in Gilgit, while Pakistan Army Chief General The Commander of the aviation and military training to objection by the Registrar’s office there a large number of people sub-offices will be set up in Qamar Javed Bajwa yesterday Royal Air Force of Oman lauded the Royal Air Force of Oman and ordered fixing of the former were visiting the area. Hunza, Nagar, Skardu, Diamer, met the Commander of Royal Air the Pakistan Army’s efforts while both the dignitaries agreed judge’s petition for a hearing. He said there are dozens of Ghizer and Ghanche districts. Force of Oman Air Vice Marshal towards peace and stability in to further augment defence In its objection, the Regis- beautiful areas in Pakistan like Sanaullah Abbasi said there Matar Ali Matar Al-Obaidani at the region, ISPR added. cooperation between the two trar’s office said the petitioner Nathia Galli, but they need to be was no security threat to tourists the General Headquarters in Earlier this week, the Com- countries. had invoked the extraordinary developed. in GB and these steps were Rawalpindi. mander Royal Air Force of Oman On Monday, the Commander jurisdiction of the apex court in Imran Khan said Pakistani being taken to provide better During the meeting, matters met Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Royal Air Force of Oman also a case involving an individual’s tourists need to be given facilities to tourists and promote of mutual interest and regional Anwar Khan and lauded the pro- called on Naval Chief Admiral grievances, which was not awareness about the scenic tourism industry. situation were discussed, the fessionalism and achievements Zafar Mahmood Abbasi. permissible. China offers Philippines calls Chinese ships near disputed island ‘illegal’ assistance to AFP Sea is a point of regional con- Pag-asa, also called Thitu violation of Philippine sover- statement added. woman arrested MANILA tention because trillions of island, is held by the Philippines, eignty,” it added. Chinese Foreign Ministry at Trump resort dollars of goods pass through it, but in the first three months of The DFA statement said the spokesman Geng Shuang told The Philippines yesterday and rich petroleum reserves are the year at least 275 Chinese “swarming tactics” raised ques- journalists Manila and Beijing AFP branded as “illegal” the recent thought to sit deep beneath its fishing and coast guard vessels tions about the ships’ intent, met on Wednesday and BEIJING presence of hundreds of Chinese waters. were sighted in the area, the which critics have speculated is “exchanged views frankly, ami- ships near a disputed island in Under President Rodrigo Philippines military said. an effort to pressure the Philip- cably and constructively” on the Chinese diplomats have the South China Sea - a rare Duterte, however, Manila has “The presence of Chinese pines over infrastructure work issue. contacted a woman arrested at public rebuke of Beijing by largely set aside its previously vessels near and around Pag-asa it is doing there. “They (both sides) also reit- US President Donald Trump’s Manila, which has backed off confrontational stance on (island)... is illegal,” the “Such actions, when not erated that they would continue Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida their once tense territorial China’s claims in favour of Department of Foreign Affairs repudiated by the Chinese gov- to cooperate and discuss and offered her consular standoff. seeking trade and investment (DFA) said in a statement. ernment, are deemed to have measures to promote trust,” he services, the Chinese Foreign Control over the South China from Beijing. “Such actions are a clear been adopted by it,” the said. Ministry said yesterday. The woman was arrested on Saturday at Trump’s resort Singapore seizes record shipment of pangolin scales after attempting to gain access 6 alleged IS online recruiters while carrying multiple mobile AFP phones and a thumb drive con- SINGAPORE arrested in Afghanistan taining malware, court docu- ments revealed. Singaporean authorities have REUTERS as Islamic State Khorasan The US president was made a record seizure of nearly KABUL (ISIS-K) after an old name for staying at the Florida resort at 13 tonnes of pangolin scales the region that includes Afghan- the time. Zhang Yujing was worth some $38.7m, officials Afghan security forces have istan, has recruited many arrested and charged with said yesterday, calling it the arrested six alleged members of fighters from around the world, making false statements to largest such haul globally in the Islamic State militant group including Western countries. federal officers and knowingly recent years. and accused them of using The group, also known as entering a restricted building - Government agents found hundreds of fake accounts on Daesh, has been active in which Mar-a-Lago becomes the shipment bound for Vietnam Facebook and other social Afghanistan since 2015, fighting while Trump is in residence. from Nigeria as they were media platforms to find recruits, the Taliban as well as Afghan The Chinese Consulate checking a 40-foot container at authorities said yesterday. and US forces. General in Houston was notified a customs station on Wednesday, The men, arrested in the In a separate operation in of the arrest and “contacted the discovering the haul packed in capital, Kabul, also used Twitter, the eastern province of Nan- person concerned” to provide 230 bags. Authorities display the seized Pangolin scales in Singapore, yesterday. Instagram and Telegram for fake garhar, the NDS arrested 10 sus- assistance, Foreign Ministry “This is the largest shipment accounts recruiting fighters and pects over involvement in assas- spokesman Geng Shuang said. of pangolin scales seized in a another 177kg of cut and carved scaly anteaters, are highly sought promoting Islamic State, sinations and transporting An arrest document in the single haul globally in recent elephant ivory worth about after by traditional medicine Afghanistan’s National Direc- weapons, ammunition and federal district court of Palm years,” a government press $88,500 were also found traders in countries such as torate of Security (NDS) said. explosives, it said in the Beach said Zhang first pre- release read. alongside the scales. China and Vietnam. The agency said the men had statement. sented herself as a member and Local media reported that Authorities across Southeast Under Singaporean law, confessed, but have not yet been Islamic State emerged in said she was headed to the pool some 17,000 pangolins were Asia have been trying to stop the those found guilty of the illegal charged. They were among 16 Nangarhar on the porous border and then claimed to be killed to fill the bags, which were rampant poaching and smug- import, export or re-export of arrests it said were connected with Pakistan to become one of attending a non-existent packed in a shipment declared gling of pangolins, the world’s wildlife can fined up to to Islamic State. Afghanistan’s most dangerous Chinese-American friendship as containing “frozen beef”. most heavily trafficked mammal. S$500,000 ($369,375) and jailed The Afghan affiliate of militant groups for its bombing event. The press release added that The animals, also known as for up to two years or both. Islamic State, sometimes known and complex attacks. 08 VIEWS FRIDAY 5 APRIL 2019 Israel-Arab alliance hangs ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN on Palestinian peace SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR HUSSEIN IBISH BLOOMBERG MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected] bout two years ago, an oppor- tunity emerged to revive the DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Israeli-Palestinian peace MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI Aprocess by bringing Israel and [email protected] Gulf Arab countries closer together. It didn’t happen, and the last chance may depend on next week’s election in Israel. The opportunity for a new strategic partnership was based on mutual antipathy to Iran. Shared Israeli and EDITORIAL Arab opposition to the Iran nuclear agreement and Iran’s use of terrorist groups like Hezbollah to destabilize the region started to overcome decades of Qatar’s all-round growth hostility. The administration of US President Contrary to Israeli and American to facilitate ‘the strategic shift’ to a rap- atar continues to attract global investors which Donald Trump was quick to recognise hopes (and Palestinian fears), Gulf Arab prochement with Israel, which he evi- are pouring in capital to participate in the coun- the opportunity and pitched it as a way countries are insisting on movement dently favors. Qtry’s all-round growth story. At the end of Q4, 2018, of reviving Israeli-Palestinian negotia- toward an Israeli-Palestinian peace It’s been clear for a couple of years Qatar’s inward foreign investments amounted to tions, which haven’t resulted in any agreement. Gulf Arab governments that several key Gulf countries were QR711.8bn, according to the Planning and Statistics agreements since 2005 and collapsed consider the Israeli occupation of the open to mutually reciprocal small steps: Authority (PSA) in its foreign investment survey. completely after President Barack West Bank a threat to their security and Arab moves toward diplomatic recog- Other foreign investments accounted for 69 percent Obama failed to secure a settlement stability. nition of Israel in exchange for Israeli or QR491bn, followed by foreign direct investment in Qatar freeze from Israel in 2011. The Trump administration appar- steps toward easing the plight of the at QR117.9bn or 17 percent and portfolio investments at The idea was that Saudi Arabia, the ently didn’t understand this, and has Palestinians and facilitating renewed QR99.8bn or 14 percent of the total liabilities. United Arab Emirates and their allies repeatedly blocked the path to the kind negotiations. On a quarterly basis, total outward foreign invest- could of progress the Gulf governments want Gulf Arab openness to creating this ments gained one percent as portfolio investments provide to see. virtuous circle with Israel has been met expanded about six percent. new First, the US recognised Jerusalem with effusive Israeli enthusiasm about a Qatar’s assets with non-residents increased by incentives as Israel’s capital without distin- new relationship, but frostiness on con- QR3.9bn from QR385.2bn at the end of the previous for Israel guishing between West Jerusalem and crete steps toward lessening tensions quarter to QR389.1bn. Other foreign investments con- to make the city’s occupied East, which fed the with Palestinians, except for failed sisting of long-term loans and trade related short term Gulf Arab conces- deepest suspicions of Arabs and Egyptian-led efforts to ease the human- financial instruments accounted for 53 percent or openness to sions to Muslims. itarian crisis in Gaza. QR205bn of the total assets, followed by foreign direct creating this the Pales- It also wrecked the peace The current ultra-right Israeli gov- investment abroad at QR146.2bn or 38 percent and port- virtuous circle tinians, framework reached in 1993 that set erning coalition, in which Netanyahu is folio investments (financial securities) at QR37.5bn or 10 and more Jerusalem and four other subjects aside among the most liberal members, is not percent. with Israel has induce- as key “final status” issues to be deter- likely to change the dynamic. Qatar’s growth story is been met with ments and mined only by agreement and after Hope depends on Israel’s April 9 confirmed by the Purchasing effusive Israeli Arab other key issues were resolved. election to deliver either a new gov- Managers’ Index (PMI) political Then, the US cut off most ties and ernment or a different Netanyahu-led readings. At 50.5 in January, enthusiasm about cover to funding to Palestinians, undercutting coalition that’s open to engaging Pales- Qatar’s growth up from 50.1 in December, the a new relationship, the Pales- any efforts by Gulf countries to prod tinians as a response to Gulf overtures. story is confirmed latest Qatar Financial Centre but frostiness on tinians to the Palestinians back into US-brokered The Blue and White Party that’s by the Purchasing PMI indicated a solid concrete steps make con- talks. challenging Netanyahu is led by several Managers’ Index improvement in overall cessions of Finally, by endorsing Israel’s annex- former generals and has adopted a business conditions across the toward lessening their own. ation of the Golan Heights last month, tough negotiating stance towards the (PMI) readings. At non-oil & gas private sector. tensions with It the White House handed Israel another Palestinians. 50.5 in January, Driving the latest Palestinians, hasn’t victory at Arab expense and in defiance But it’s also criticised Netanyahu for up from 50.1 improvement was a series- except for failed gone well. of international law. avoiding talks and has pledged to in December, record increase in While Since the Jerusalem announcement, resume peace efforts. Its leaders say employment, while both Egyptian-led there has Saudi King Salman has seized hold of they understand Israel’s security needs the latest Qatar short-term output and new efforts to ease the been dip- the Palestinian issue personally and better than he does; if so, they will not Financial Centre business measures ebbed humanitarian crisis lomatic repeatedly clarified that Saudi Arabia let an opportunity pass. PMI indicated a slightly. Businesses remained in Gaza. activity, would not alter its commitment to cre- In recent years, Israeli officials have strongly confident regarding most ating a Palestinian state with its capital often boasted about ‘our Sunni Arab solid improvement expected activity at the start recently a in Jerusalem. allies’ in the struggle to contain Iran. As in overall business of 2019. visit by Hopes of bringing Israel and Gulf things stand, that’s hyperbole. conditions across The QFC’s new strategic Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin countries together are fading but not The strategic alliance that Israel the non-oil & gas plans will promote Qatar as Netanyahu to Oman and his meeting extinguished, as recent statements by wants is possible. But it depends on a a natural hub for innovative with Gulf leaders at a Warsaw strategy the UAE minister of state for foreign recognition by Israeli leaders that the private sector. digital, media, sports, and conference in February, Israel and the affairs, Anwar Gargash, demonstrate. Gulf Arab governments must be able to financial services, providing Gulf Arab countries aren’t actually In a March interview, Gargash point to progress toward advancing a solid basis for foreign direct investments in those forming an open alliance against Iran. lamented the Arab history of ignoring Palestinian rights. growing fields. The QFC’s strategy includes an emphasis There’s been some clandestine intelli- and boycotting Israel, which he called on new emerging markets that are collectively worth over gence-sharing and commerce with ‘very, very wrong.” The writer is a senior resident scholar at $2.1 trillion, with Qatar and the QFC well positioned to Israeli cyber-security firms, but that’s But he also insisted that Gulf coun- the Arab Gulf States Institute in serve as a gateway to these lucrative and fast-growing about all. tries need ‘progress on the peace front’ Washington. economies. One of the QFC’s partnership goals is to establish a new financial city in Msheireb Downtown Doha, one of the world’s smartest and most sustainable cities. The uncertain state of American dominance QFC’s focus on the digital, media sports and financial service industries is aligned with Qatar’s existing posi- DANIEL W DREZNER remained the preeminent Americana seems inapposite. provide a political model.” tioning in those fields. THE WASHINGTON POST global power. Tufts Univer- A generation of American sol- Is Tooze correct? He does In the sports industry alone, Qatar has already estab- sity’s Michael Beckley made a diers has grown used to hit upon the central paradox of lished world-class infrastructure thanks to robust invest- here is a schizo- similar argument in “Unri- fighting wars on totally asym- the current state of world pol- ments, and has leveraged this by hosting international phrenia at the heart of valed: Why America Will metrical terms. That for them itics. Not even the incompe- sporting events, which are set to bring even more eco- debates about US Remain the World’s Sole is what the American world tence of the Trump adminis- nomic impetus, with the sports industry estimated to be hegemony. On the one Superpower.” Andrea and order means.” tration can necessarily dent US T Tooze makes similar structural power (though I am valued at $20bn by 2023. All these initiatives will make hand, the Trump adminis- Mauro Gilli argued February 15 Qatar more attractive for global investors. tration has made it easy for in the MIT Press Journals that points on the economic side of more worried about the dollar critics to argue that America China will be unable to catch the power equation: “The than Tooze). has ended. Long-term trends up in technological sophisti- hegemony of the dollar- The Trump administration show that China is catching up cation to the US military. Treasury nexus in global has accomplished next to to the United States on just The latest addition to the finance remains unchallenged. nothing in rewriting the deals about every conceivable capa- latter genre comes from Adam The dollar’s role in global that make the world go round. bility metric. Short-term Tooze in the London Review finance didn’t just survive the Its strategy of antagonizing QUOTE OF THE DAY trends show the European of Books. Tooze does not crisis of 2008: it was rein- allies as it antagonizes adver- Union is a more potent regu- dispute the low caliber of forced by it. As the world’s saries has been self-defeating. latory power and the United current American foreign banks gasped for dollar America’s soft power has been There’s great States has become more iso- policy. Rather, he asks liquidity, the Federal Reserve temporarily eviscerated. opportunities for lated on questions of, say, avi- whether it matters in the grand transformed itself into a global Despite all this, however, US the United States ation regulation. scheme of things. On the mil- lender of last resort.” military and economic capa- At the same time, serious itary front, for example, Tooze Tooze’s conclusion is that bilities remain pretty and Turkey to work international relations writes: “Never before in “two years into the Trump formidable. closer together. scholars have argued that US history has military power presidency, it is a gross exag- The United States is at the hegemonic power has per- been as skewed as it is today. geration to talk of an end to center of most of the key net- Mike Pompeo sisted. Stephen Brooks and For better or worse, it is Amer- the American world order. The works that drive world politics US Secretary of State William Wohlforth made the ica’s preponderance that two pillars of its global power - and the global economy. So case in “America Abroad: Why shapes whatever we call the military and financial - are still has all of this talk about the the Sole Superpower Should international order. And given firmly in place. What has end of the liberal international Not Pull Back from the World” how freely that power has ended is any claim on the part order been exaggerated? Let that the United States been used, to call it a Pax of American democracy to me suggest three things. FRIDAY 5 APRIL 2019 OPINION 09 What is next for Algeria after Bouteflika’s resignation?

n February 10, Algeria’s all of it. “Yetanahâw gâ’a,” an already services in 2015. As it stands, the army Algeria is full of uncertainty. President Abdelaziz Boute- legendary meme and one of the most chief is the most influential man in the Peaceful revolutionaries face a well- flika - or those who have iconic catchphrases of the past few country, and he will defend his entrenched bureaucratic-military been speaking for him over months, means “they should all get interests and those of other high- apparatus, which has been chan- O ranking officers. Their interference in the past six years - announced that he taken away.” This is nothing short of a nelling and derailing transitions for was running for a fifth mandate as revolution. After a decade-long civil the unfolding crisis is inevitable. While more than 30 years. Yet, contrary to head of state. It seemed that the inca- war and twenty years of increasingly Gaid Salah is largely compromised, the the catastrophising and paternalistic MAC MARGOLIS pacitated president was going to grotesque politics, the Algerian people army still has a genuine political legit- narrative characteristic of Western BLOOMBERG prevail once again, despite widespread want to renovate their republic. This imacy. Other fragments of the ruling media, there are some reasons to be popular discontent. implies a profound yet peaceful coalition are also still relevant. Because optimistic. By April 2, everything had changed. renewal of the political and socio-eco- political parties and other peripheral First, both sides have demon- After seven rounds of mass demonstra- nomic fabric of the country organisations are in disarray, the tech- strated their rejection of violence tions, along with the daily mobilisation Conversely, the events of past few nocracy is more than ever in charge of and their refusal to do anything that of students, workers, activists and con- days (the appointment of a new tech- the daily management of the country. would lead to a repetition of the civil cerned citizens, Bouteflika has offi- nocratic government, Salah’s public The new government led by war. While there was no reason to cially resigned. He will not finish his calls for Bouteflika’s dismissal, France Noureddine Bedoui is an assemblage of doubt the pacifism of the popu- fourth mandate. It would be false and supporting the “continuation of demo- high-level public servants and techni- lation, it is important to notice that unfair to proclaim, as has the New cratic transition”) all display the same cians. These technocrats have even members of the army have York Times, that Bouteflika resigned logic. They aim to channel popular remained pillars of the regime and been reluctant to militarise the under army pressure. The people are impulses and attenuate the effects of navigated successive crises since the crisis. responsible, not the military. A this revolution to ensure the “conti- late 1980s. Second, the patriotism of the peaceful popular mobilisation has put nuity of the state”. Protesters aim to As for the two figures in charge of movement is deeply rooted in the an end to the routine of government save the state from those who endan- ensuring the transition after Boutef- national political culture. The mediocrity, political absurdity and gered it with their mismanagement. lika’s resignation, they are both com- Algerian people, as sanctified when petty corruption. Yet, ensuring the continuity of the state promised members of the estab- associated with the war of inde- The ruling coalition that controlled has also been a way for factions of the lishment. The current head of the con- pendence, have slowly resurfaced the state has slowly crumbled over the crumbling ruling coalition to preserve stitutional council, Tayeb Belaiz, over the last decade. Political oppo- past couple of months. They failed as their interests. Among other tricks, this occupied key ministries (employment, nents of various stripes have shown The ruling coalition they used to govern: in a disorderly resulted in Machiavellian negotiations justice, interior). He was appointed by their awareness of this evolution that controlled the fashion, attached to their vested conducted by the presidency and the presidency on February 11 2019, and have tried to overcome their state has slowly interests and without ever convincing former members of the secret services just a day after the announcement of divisions, beyond the fractures of crumbled over the population with their mea culpa. in order to convince former President Bouteflika’s candidacy. The head of the the “Dark Decade”. In a platform Members of the so-called Revolu- Liamine Zeroual to lead the transition. Council of the Nation, Abdelkader Ben- released on March 19, they rejected the past couple tionary Family, ruling parties, business As usual, and despite the civil yet firm salah, is supposed to become head of any direct intervention of the army of months. They owner associations, and trade unions injunction of the population, members state during a ninety days interim and expressed their attachment to a failed as they used progressively abandoned the pres- of the ruling elite tried to neutralise the period. He has remained until the end a radical and peaceful change. to govern: in a ident. Their compromised leaders effects of political change. devoted supporter of Bouteflika, which Finally, and most importantly, couldn’t cope with the discontent Counter-revolutionary forces are is unlikely to appease the protesters. the Algerian people, and especially disorderly fashion, coming from within their ranks. still far from being defeated. This is While counter-revolutionary ele- the youth, have proven to be politi- attached to their Officers in the army, led by the chief of notably the case with the army, which ments are still in control of the Algerian cised, organised and conscious of vested interests staff, Ahmed Gaid Salah, eventually is now the most powerful institution in state, a couple of key issues will affect the stakes of the current crisis. They joined the movement at the end of the country. By hastening Bouteflika’s the outcome of the revolution. It have regained their dignity by them- and without ever March. resignation, the army’s staff did not remains to be seen whether political selves, without the help of any convincing the Yet, protesters are demanding only echo popular demands. They also opposition forces will support popular foreign power or the mediation of population with their much more. Bouteflika was the sym- eliminated the last competing pole of mobilisation by proposing a coherent any representative. Such an exem- mea culpa. bolic head of the ruling coalition, but power in the regime since the restruc- alternative to the bureaucratic-military plary political performance will the current movement seeks to uproot turing of the country’s intelligence apparatus. For the first time since the compel the future leaders of the 1992, these opponents are in a position country, whoever they might be, to to seize power. After suffering from meet the standards of their own pervasive fragmentation and discredit, people. they have the difficult task of proving that Algerian politicians can be respon- sible and respectful of their constituents. The second sensitive issue is the economic side of the revolution. As the judicial apparatus has turned its wrath D-RING ROAD against crony capitalists associated POST BOX: 3488 with the presidency, it seems that the DOHA - QATAR systematic embezzlement and cor- [email protected] ruption that have undermined the country might finally be addressed. Yet, these structural problems will not EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE be solved by punishing a handful of TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 businessmen, as powerful as they FAX: +974 4455 7758 might be. These flaws are inherent to the Algerian state apparatus, and thus MANAGING EDITOR to those who are still in charge - TEL: 4462 7505 namely, technocrats and high-ranking officers. Moreover, economic justice DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR cannot be limited to a mere struggle TEL: 4455 7769 against corruption. The promise of redistribution and collective well- LOCAL NEWS SECTION being inherited from decolonisation TEL: 4455 7743 still has to be fulfilled. People celebrate during a demonstration after the resignation of Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in Algiers. In conclusion, the situation in BUSINESS NEWS SECTION TEL: 4462 7535

SPORT NEWS SECTION or weeks on end last year, whole rat race thing, and I can escape be alive for the next one. “Next stop: six TEL: 4455 7745 Darryl Clinton watched the that here,” said Clinton, 58, who moved feet,” she quipped, pointing at the Kilauea Volcano from a front- to Kapoho in 2006 with his family and ground below her feet. ONLINE SECTION row seat on the deck of his built an off-the-grid house - not Carrie Fischer, 59, says she and her TEL: 4462 7501 F husband Harald are happy to stay in friend’s house in Kapoho on Hawaii’s hooked up to utilities — and started a [email protected] Big Island, only leaving after a “lava garden. their largely unscathed home in the TERRAY SYLVESTER Kilauea has now returned to new kipuka and she isn’t worried about bomb” from an erupting ground fissure PUBLIC RELATIONS REUTERS another eruption. flew onto the porch and nearly sliced “normal,” the US Geological Survey TEL: 4455 7613 “It’s funny, I’m not that worried (USGS) announced on March 26. [email protected] “What actually happened is that, about it happening again because we based on Kilauea Volcano’s behavior lived through it. There was so much ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT over the past 8 months and its lack of warning before it happened,” Fischer TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 eruptive activity, the USGS Hawaiian said. Hawaii residents return FAX: 4455 7870 Volcano Observatory lowered the She says the main challenge is psy- [email protected] Volcano Alert Level for Kilauea to chological; she tries not to think about the ridges of cooling lava that now sur- to new normal after epic normal,” USGS spokeswoman Janet CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT Babb said in an email. round her neighborhood. “I try not to TEL: 4455 7857 It’s a new normal for returning resi- think that I can’t get out easily.” [email protected] volcano eruption dents. Not all of them are looking During the eruption, fountains of forward to it. lava from some 22 ground fissures SUBSCRIPTION & Pauline and Eddie McLaren were created molten ridges of up to 20 feet DISTRIBUTION cleaning their house of soot left by (6 meters) high, and in places cinder TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 his foot off. On Monday he drove back brush fires. The couple also lived off the cones up to 50 feet (15 meters) high. FAX: 44557819 to live at the house where he was grid, getting by on a small pension and When it rains the still-cooling lava [email protected] injured after the County of Hawaii pasturing horses on their three-acre ridges give off steam plumes. Ingrid announced it had opened a makeshift (1.21-hectare) lot. Life wasn’t easy and Webb, 34, says she and her husband During the eruption, road into the area, nearly a year after they had planned to sell their home and four children are also delighted to the historic eruption of the Kilauea before last year’s eruption. They think be able to drive back to their 15-acre All thoughts and views fountains of lava Volcano forced hundreds to evacuate the property is almost worthless now. (6-hectare) organic farm. She doesn’t from some 22 ground and destroyed more than 700 “The bottom line is, we came back know of anywhere else where she can expressed in these columns fissures created structures. because we had nowhere else to go,” re-create the life they have in the East are those of the writers, molten ridges of Clinton and his neighbours now Pauline, 78, said. “Now I don’t think Rift Zone, where the climate and soil not of the newspaper. occupy what Hawaiians call a “kipuka,” we’ll ever leave.” are so conducive to the crops they up to 20 feet high, an area of land surrounded by a now- The couple received $4,000 in grow. and in places cinder hardened lava flow. rental assistance from the Federal The main headache she says is All correspondence cones up to 50 feet He and other newly returned resi- Emergency Management Agency and access into the community on the regarding Views and high. When it rains dents say they moved back because $9,000 from the Small Business makeshift road, which only residents Opinion pages should be they can live inexpensively in a benign Administration to repair the pasture can use for now - not repairmen, or sent to editor-in-chief the still-cooling lava climate with beautiful surroundings - fences burned in the brush fires, she farmworkers. But it’s all worth it, she ridges give off steam even if it’s under one of North Amer- said. adds “This is our future. This is our kids’ office or mailed to the plumes. ica’s most active volcanoes. Pauline is not afraid of another future. The farm is my kids’ college [email protected] “I don’t really want to be in the eruption because she doesn’t expect to fund.” 10 EUROPE FRIDAY 5 APRIL 2019 Britain facing long Brexit delay with divorce in doubt

REUTERS The chaos has raised Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay LONDON fears of a disorderly yesterday. May’s de-facto exit that would roil deputy, David Lidington, will also Britain could ask the European attend. Union for a long Brexit delay next financial markets. The aim, May’s spokesman week if crisis talks between The European Central said, was to have intensive dis- Prime Minister Theresa May’s Bank has warned that cussions. A further meeting government and the opposition markets need to price between May and Corbyn will Labour Party fail to find a way happen when there is a reason out of the impasse over the in a no-deal Brexit. for one, her spokesman said. divorce from the European Hammond said that if talks Union. extension to an end,” Finance failed, the government would Brexit is now mired in doubt, Minister Philip Hammond told present some ideas from the dis- nearly three years since the ITV. cussions to parliament. Law- United Kingdom shocked the When asked if he was com- makers may have to sacrifice Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar (right) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel sit down for a round world by voting 52 percent to 48 fortable about a long extension, some of their Easter holidays, the table discussion inside Farmleigh House in Dublin, yesterday. to leave the bloc. Supporters fear he said he was not comfortable government said. betrayal and opponents are about it, but that the defeat of The Brexit vote exposed deep pushing for another May’s deal on Friday, the very fractures in British society, leading top economic institutes leaders are weary of London’s discussions have focused mostly referendum. day that Britain was due to have though the crisis it triggered has to slash their forecasts for 2019 failure to agree its own divorce on a one year delay. May, who has already left the EU, meant “we are where also shown a political system in growth by more than half and patience is wearing thin. German Chancellor Angela delayed Brexit once, is now we are.” dire need of reform. It is unclear yesterday. European Commission Pres- Merkel was to meet residents trying to find a way to get a Corbyn, a veteran socialist how, when or if Britain will leave The House of Commons on ident Jean-Claude Juncker said who live along the border divorce deal approved by campaigner whom May has the EU. Wednesday approved legislation in Brussels that Britain would not between Ireland and Northern courting opposition Labour Party repeatedly derided as unfit for The chaos has raised fears of which would force May to seek get any further short delays Ireland during a visit to Dublin leader Jeremy Corbyn who wants office, said on Wednesday that a disorderly exit that would a Brexit delay to prevent a unless its parliament ratified a yesterday to discuss Brexit to to agree to a much closer post- she had not moved far enough shock the British economy, roil no-deal departure on April 12. deal by April 12 - the date set by learn what impact any return of Brexit economic relationship in talks which continued, at a financial markets and even hurt “If passed... this bill would EU leaders as the effective frontier checks would have on with the EU. lower level, yesterday. global trade. The European place a severe constraint on the cut-off for avoiding the European their lives. “The important thing now is Labour’s Brexit point man, Central Bank has warned that government’s ability to negotiate Parliament elections. Merkel will use her trip to that in any extension that we get Keir Starmer, and Corbyn’s markets need to price in a an extension,” May’s spokesman The EU is discussing different meet Prime Minister Leo Var- from the EU, we have an absolute strategy chief, Seumas Milne, no-deal Brexit. said. After more than two years options: a delay until the end of adkar to consider the border sit- clarity that as soon as we’ve done were seen entering the Cabinet Concern about Brexit is of tortuous discussions about the the year, next Spring or the end uation and how to prevent a the deal, we are able to bring that Office with May’s slowing the German economy, minutiae of the separation, EU of 2020 though in recent days no-deal “hard Brexit”. Spain claims Russian hostels May scrambles to avoid chaotic Brexit finale success in in residential AFP leaders - tired of Britain’s for a reported 100 minutes of questioned the wisdom of LONDON political drama and eager to talks both sides described as putting Brexit’s fate in the hands spaces banned focus on Europe’s own problems “cordial” but inconclusive. of the Conservative Party’s Gibraltar row Britain’s government redoubled - want to see either a done deal The EU’s chief Brexit nego- eternal rivals. AFP its efforts yesterday to win over or a new way forward from the tiator Michel Barnier yesterday Health Secretary Matt with Britain MOSCOW the main opposition party in a UK government before they all welcomed the cross-party effort Hancock - tipped as one of REUTERS last-gasp bid to avoid a chaotic meet in Brussels on Wednesday. to resolved the deadlock. several potential successors to BRUSSELS Russian lawmakers yesterday exit from the European Union The British Premier’s “It’s time for decisions,” he May - told BBC radio that Corbyn approved a bill to outlaw guest- next week. European counterparts will tweeted. was “a Marxist who never once Spain has claimed victory in an houses and hostels from resi- The latest round of cross- decide whether to grant her But May’s decision to hear in his political life put British argument with Britain over the dential buildings, a measure party talks came after law- request to push back Brexit until out Corbyn’s demands for a interests first”. status of Gibraltar, after the industry experts say will hit makers tried to safeguard against May 22 - the day before nations closer post-Brexit alliance with May and Corbyn have com- European Parliament passed a budget travel. a doomsday ending to the begin electing a new European the bloc that includes mem- peting visions of Britain’s place law that referred to the The Duma voted in favour 46-year partnership by fast- Parliament. bership of its customs union has in Europe and neither has shown peninsula as a “colony of the of a ban on “using residential tracking a bill on Wednesday One alternative is to force enraged Britain’s right wing and much willingness to compromise British Crown”. space in apartment buildings night seeking to delay Brexit. her to accept a much longer seen two junior ministers resign. in the past. The reference upset London for hotel services,” said the May is racing against the extension that could give Britain One senior minister said May The Times newspaper and held up the bill, already website for Russia’s lower clock in a desperate search for time to rethink Brexit and pos- had no other choice. quoted an unnamed government approved by the EU executive, house of parliament. votes that could push her ill- sibly reverse its decision to leave. “It’s very simple - there’s source as saying that May’s office which guarantees that Britons The bill, mooted by author- loved divorce deal with the other The other is to let Britain go nowhere else to go,” the thought it more likely than not will be able to visit the ities for years, delays imple- 27 EU leaders through par- without a deal on April 12 in the unnamed cabinet minister told that the negotiations would fail. European Union for up to 90 menting the ban until October liament on the fourth attempt. hope that the economic dis- the news website Politico. May has resisted the customs days without visas even if 1, after the summer season. Her Downing Street office ruption is short-lived and worth Pro-European members of union idea because it bars Britain Britain leaves the EU without a Hostels and guest houses noted the situation’s “urgency” the price of eliminating long- May’s team insisted it was time from striking its own inde- deal, as long as Britain are frequently located in and said the sides were engaged term Brexit uncertainties. to compromise on long-standing pendent trade agreements with reciprocates. existing residential buildings in in “intensive discussions” aimed May dramatically ended her beliefs for the benefit of a safe nations such as China and the A Spanish government city centres. Lawmakers argue at nailing down an elusive courtship of her own Conserv- resolution of Britain’s biggest United States. spokesman said it was “the first that this violates the rights of breakthrough compromise. ative Party’s holdouts and crisis in decades. And Corbyn is under time that the European Par- other residents. The ban will Britain’s latest Brexit resistant Northern Irish allies by “There is going to be pain on pressure from Labour’s pro-EU liament and the... member hurt tourism, especially in deadline is April 12 and turning to the main opposition both sides,” Finance Minister wing to push for a second refer- states have recognised that Saint-Petersburg, said the head resistance to May’s plan remains Labour Party this week. Philip Hammond said. endum that would pit May’s final Gibraltar is a colony”, and “a of the League of Hostels asso- passionately strong. She met Labour leader Yet even some members of agreement against the option of great step forward for the ciation Yevgeny Nasonov. But increasingly weary EU Jeremy Corbyn on Wednesday May’s own cabinet publicly staying in the bloc. position and claims made by Spain”. Spain ceded the port at the Poroshenko agrees to stadium mouth of the Mediterranean to Britain in 1713 after a war, but claims sovereignty over it. debate with Zelensky in Kiev Gibraltar was a “crown AFP colony” when Britain joined the KIEV or drugs. Zelensky also wanted European bloc in 1973, but the debate to be held at Kiev’s London reclassified it as a Ukrainian leader Petro Poro- Olympic Stadium, which seats “British overseas territory” in shenko yesterday agreed to go over 70,000 people. 2002. head-to-head with comedian “(If you want) a stadium, let Officials say Britain did not Volodymyr Zelensky in a debate it be a stadium,” Poroshenko object when the European at the country’s biggest stadium, said in a video address. Court of Justice said in rulings as flamboyant media spectacle The 53-year-old also in 2006 and 2017 that Gibraltar and social media campaigns warned that an election debate was “a colony of the British drive the race for the presidency. was no laughing matter and a crown” rather than part of the Zelensky, a 41-year-old presidential election would United Kingdom. But London actor best known in the country determine the country’s fate for has been irritated by Spain’s for playing the president in a tel- decades to come. “A debate is push to raise the sovereignty evision show, is favourite to not a show,” Poroshenko said in dispute in the Brexit process. become Ukraine’s next leader an apparent jab at Zelensky’s A British spokeswoman said after he dominated a first-round lack of political experience. “A in February that Gibraltar was vote on March 31, despite many debate is not staged for a a “full part of the UK family” initially dismissing his candidacy stadium spectacle”. and that it was “completely as a joke. With 100 percent of the inappropriate” to call it a Observers say Ukraine’s ballots counted, Zelensky is colony. two-round election is one of the ahead with more than 30 French teachers oppose proposed reforms Gibraltarians had voted country’s most unpredictable percent of the first-round vote, overwhelmingly to remain in votes since it gained inde- nearly twice that of Poroshenko, People take part in a demonstration as part of a national day of strikes by elementary school teachers the EU in Britain’s 2016 pendence from the Soviet Union on almost 16 percent. to protest against government’s planned school reforms, in Montpellier, yesterday. referendum. in 1991. Frontrunner Zelensky has It was Poroshenko who ini- shunned traditional rallies, tially suggested a debate. instead performing satirical Ukraine’s incumbent leader shows and blurring the line Anger at Germany’s deportation of Vietnamese activist is eager to spar with his political between reality and fantasy. AFP novice rival, giving him a chance Despite limited political BERLIN authorities in the Bavarian city in an open letter to Bavaria’s protested the March 26 depor- to show off his debating skills experience Zelensky capitalised of Nuremberg. State Interior Minister Joachim tation, labelling it “absolutely and outflank the comedian on frustration over corruption Germany’s deportation of a Viet- The deportation took place Herrmann and the immigration cruel and inhumane” and a before a run-off vote on April and a stalling economy to namese author and human rights despite the fact Vietnam con- department. “complete failure of Bavarian 21. But he had to agree to a leapfrog his establishment activist back to his communist- siders Nhan a “state enemy” and “How can you deport an asylum policy”. number of unusual conditions opponents. Zelensky accepted ruled homeland sparked protests sentenced him to 20 years’ jail. author whose livelihood is the Nhan was in 1979 sentenced set down by Zelensky, including a debate with Poroshenko after yesterday. Ralf Nestmeyer, Germany freedom of the word to a land in Vietnam to 20 years in prison a requirement for both of them a social media campaign urged Nguyen Quang Hong Nhan, vice president of the PEN writers known for repression and cen- for “propaganda against the to undergo medical tests to him to publicly share his political 65, and his wife were expelled association, said he was sorship?” Nestmeyer wrote. The socialist state” and served most prove they do not abuse alcohol opinions and proposals. last week by immigration “appalled by the deportation”, left-leaning Greens party also of the term. FRIDAY 5 APRIL 2019 AMERICAS 11

San Diego County House panel sues Trump administration over immigration seeks Trump REUTERS SAN DIEGO

San Diego County has filed a tax returns federal lawsuit against the administration of US President REUTERS Trump was dismissive Donald Trump, accusing it of WASHINGTON of the request but leaving thousands of asylum seekers stranded without help The Democratic head of a continued to make and straining county resources, powerful US House committee the audit argument officials said. asked the Internal Revenue in comments to The suit, filed by the county’s Service for six years of President reporters during Board of Supervisors in the US Donald Trump’s personal and Distict Court in Southern Cali- business tax returns, in a long- a meeting with US fornia, asks a judge to issue an awaited move widely expected military leaders. injunction ordering the federal to lead to a long court battle with government to resume its “Safe the White House. tax penalties. Release” program which ended The request, in a letter from Trump was dismissive of the in October. The programme had Canada’s Foreign Minister Chrystia arrives for the North Atlantic Council during the Nato Foreign Ways and Means Committee request but continued to make the helped people seeking asylum Ministers Meeting at the State Department in Washington, DC, yesterday. Chairman Richard Neal to IRS audit argument in comments to reach relatives in the US or Commissioner Charles Rettig, is reporters during a meeting with connect with charities dedicated viewed by Democrats in the US military leaders. “Is that all?” to helping migrants. The county House of Representatives as a the president asked when told Pompeo urges Nato to has already spent over $1.3m vital first step toward oversight of Democrats wanted to see six years operating a downtown shelter to Trump’s income taxes and of his returns. accommodate asylum seekers, business network, which some “Usually it’s 10, so I guess she wrote. lawmakers believe could be rife they’re giving up,” he said. “I’ve adapt to emerging threats with conflicts of interest and been under audit for many years Eleven bank potential tax law violations. because the numbers are big and REUTERS attacks, threats to energy security, The United States has also “It is critical to ensure the I guess when you have a name, WASHINGTON Chinese strategic competition, been at odds with European coun- robbers shot accountability of our government you’re audited. But until such time including technology and 5G, and tries over the failure of many of and elected officials. To maintain as I’m not under audit, I would not US Secretary of State Mike many other issues,” Pompeo said. them to meet Nato defence dead in Brazil trust in our democracy, the be inclined to do that.” Neal based Pompeo yesterday called on Nato In a 2018 strategy document, spending guidelines of 2 percent American people must be assured his request on his committee’s allies to adapt to confront a wide the US military put countering of GDP. AFP that their government is operating oversight jurisdiction of the IRS, variety of emerging threats, China and Russia at the heart of a Speaking to journalists at the SAO PAULO properly, as laws intend,” Neal specifically its alleged audits of including Russia’s increased new national defence strategy. start of the meeting, Nato’s chief, said in a statement. Trump and the extent to which aggression, Chinese strategic The Nato meeting will focus Jens Stoltenberg, said Nato allies Eleven bank robbers were shot IRS and US Treasury officials the agency has enforced the tax competition and uncontrolled on ways to deter Russian should commit to increased dead yesterday after Brazilian were not immediately available laws against the president. migration. aggression and will seek to agree defense spending. military police busted a gang for comment. Trump defied Congressional Republicans Pompeo made the call at the a package of measures to bolster “All Nato allies made a pledge trying to blow up ATM decades of precedent as a presi- oppose Neal’s effort, saying such opening of a meeting of North Nato’s military presence in the to invest more in defense to machines near Sao Paulo, offi- dential candidate by refusing to a move sets a dangerous prec- Atlantic Treaty Organization Black Sea, alliance officials have improve burden sharing in our cials said. Police arrested one release the tax documents and has edent by turning the confidential foreign ministers in Washington said. Pompeo said Nato should alliance, and I expect all allies, assailant and a manhunt is still continued to keep them under tax documents of a US citizen into marking the 70th anniversary of also confront increased cyber including Germany, of course, to under way for the rest after they wraps as president, saying his a political weapon. the trans-Atlantic military warfare. make good on the pledge we fled two banks in Guararema returns were “under audit” by the “This particular request is an alliance. He said it was important Washington has said it will not made together,” he told reporters. municipality, 80km northeast IRS. Trump’s former personal abuse of the tax-writing com- to strengthen the 29-member partner with countries that adopt US President Donald Trump of Brazil’s biggest city, the Sao lawyer Michael Cohen recently mittees’ statutory authority and alliance to counter new threats China’s Huawei Technologies has called on Nato countries to Paulo state government said in testified in Congress that he did violates the intent and safeguards from Russia, China and Iran. systems, but has been at odds on pay even more than 2 percent of a statement. not believe the president was of... the Internal Revenue Code,” “We must adapt our alliance the issue with the EU, which has their gross domestic product for Some of the fleeing being audited but may have used Representative Kevin Brady, the to confront emerging threats... shunned US calls to ban the defence. He told Nato leaders last attackers forced their way into the audit claim to avoid scrutiny committee’s top Republican, said whether that’s Russian aggression, company across the bloc. The bulk year to increase defence spending a house where they held the that could lead to an audit and IRS in a statement. uncontrolled migration, cyber of members are EU countries. to 4 percent of GDP. occupants hostage. The hos- tages were later freed by police. Around 25 assailants were Zuckerberg confident of stopping involved in the early morning raid, according to the statement. Democrat Tim Ryan of Ohio interference in 2020 campaign Russian firms sued enters 2020 White House race REUTERS there was an extensive Russian NEW YORK cyber-influence operation for MH17 death REUTERS the White House in 2020, during the 2016 campaign aimed NEW YORK including black, Hispanic and Facebook Inc’s Chief Executive at helping Donald Trump, a REUTERS openly gay candidates as well as Officer Mark Zuckerberg is Republican, defeat Democrat NEW YORK US Representative Tim Ryan a record six women. The winner confident the world’s biggest Hillary Clinton. Russia has (pictured), a moderate Ohio will likely face Trump in the social network will do better in repeatedly denied the The family of an American killed Democrat from a blue-collar general election. 2020 at stopping “bad actors” allegations. when a Malaysian Airlines plane district who has touted his appeal Despite nine terms in Con- from manipulating the US pres- Zuckerberg said the social was shot down over Ukraine in to the working-class voters who gress, Ryan lacks the name rec- idential election. media giant had implemented a 2014 filed a lawsuit against fled the party in 2016, yesterday ognition and support network of “We’ve learned a lot since lot of different measures since US-based money transfer announced he will enter the 2020 some of his better-known rivals. 2016, where, obviously, we were 2016 to verify any advertiser companies and two Russian White House race. He barely registers in 2020 behind where we needed to be who is running a political ad and banks they accuse of providing Ryan, 45, who represents a opinion polls despite recent visits on defences for nation states create an archive so anyone services to the group they blame northeastern Ohio district that has to Iowa and New Hampshire, trying to interfere,” he said in a could see what advertisers for striking Flight MH17. lost manufacturing jobs in recent states that hold early nominating “Good Morning America” are running, who they are tar- American Quinn Lucas years and that shifted to Repub- new leadership in the party. But contests. He also is likely to wind interview released yesterday. geting and how much they are Schansman, 18, was aboard lican Donald Trump in the 2016 as a white moderate from a up competing with former Vice- “These aren’t things that you paying. MH17 on his way to meet his White House race, made the working-class district, he will face President Joe Biden — who is ever fully solve, right? They’re Advertising practices at parents for a family vacation. announcement on a campaign questions about whether he fits expected to get into the race in the ongoing arms races, where we Facebook, the world’s largest “We realise that we will website. Ryan bolstered his the times in a party that is coming weeks — for centrist need to make sure that our social network with 2.7 billion never get our son back. But we national profile in 2016 when he becoming more diverse and is working-class votes. systems stay ahead of the users and $56bn in annual are committed to shedding light unsuccessfully tried to unseat increasingly driven by its pro- Ryan has said he could unify sophisticated bad actors, who revenue, have been in the spot- on — and holding accountable Nancy Pelosi as the Democratic gressive wing. the two wings of the party and are just always going to try to light for two years amid growing — all who participated in his leader in the US House of Repre- He is the 17th candidate for the expand its appeal in a campaign game them.” discontent over its approach to murder,” his father Thomas sentatives, arguing it was time for Democratic nomination to seek against Trump. US intelligence agencies say privacy and user data. Schansman said in a statement. Trump threatens tariffs if Mexico does not help with immigration

REUTERS tariff the cars,” Trump told delayed as Mexican officials WASHINGTON reporters at the White House. sought to slow down the US- Trump said he would bound flow that Trump is deter- President Donald Trump “probably start off with the tariffs mined to turn back. threatened yesterday to put — that will be a very powerful The Mexican government has tariffs on cars coming from incentive.” vehemently denied changing Mexico into the United States if Trump warned last Friday policy in response to threats, but Mexico does not continue to help that he would close the US has appeared to slam the brakes Washington deal with the immi- border with Mexico this week on its practice of awarding so- gration and drug situation along unless Mexico took action to help called humanitarian visas that the southern US border. stop the flow of illegal migrants allow migrants from other coun- Trump told reporters at the across the frontier. Trump said tries to pass freely within its White House he would put tariffs that media coverage in recent borders. Without such papers, on cars or close the border, but days has prompted Mexico to they are vulnerable to harassment he said he may start with the take action to curb the flow of and deportation from officials. tariffs. He also said he would give immigrants to the United States As many as 1,500 men, Mexico a year to try to stop the and take other action to ease the women and children traveling in flow of drugs before putting pressure on US ports of entry. a large group or caravan from tariffs in place. Meanwhile, another report Honduras, El Salvador, Nica- “A lot of good things are hap- said that tempers frayed among ragua, and Cuba were gathered pening with Mexico. Mexico hundreds of mostly Central in the town of Mapastepec in Cars line up at the San Ysidro crossing port to cross from Tijuana in Mexico to San Diego in the US understands that we’re going to American migrants gathered on Chiapas state, unable to obtain yesterday. US President Donald Trump’s is expected to visit a section of the border fence in Calexico close the border, or I’m going to Wednesday in southern Mexico, the temporary visas. during his tour to California today. 12 AMERICAS / CLASSIFIEDS FRIDAY 5 APRIL 2019

SERVICES CHANGE OF NAME

USED CONTAINERS (Sales & Rentals) ARMSTRONG I, Clarita Dejada, New & Used Containers - Sales/Rental (Certified & Uncertified) holder of Philippines Passport Mobile: 557 80 396 (Steve) No. P9828714A E-mail: [email protected] www.iescoqatar.com. (Qatar ID No. 28960802565) WAREHOUSE FOR RENT hereby change my name to CLARITA ABOGADO CAYA. WOKEER INDUSTRIAL AREA Available Sizes: 358/415/510/830/1340 Sqm. Mobile: 660 02 704 (Steve) Any objection, please contact the E-mail: [email protected] WATER TANK CLEANING days from the publication of this notice.

AL MUTWASSIT CLEANING & PEST CONTROL Kharaba st, Behind white Mosque. Fax: 443679 99 - GSM. 55875920/55860432 Car explosion in Mexico I, Lovely Calibo Tumala, Aerial scene of damages caused after a car exploded in front of the Union of Towns and Organizations CAPITAL CLEANING COMPANY holder of Philippines Passport of Guerrero (UPOEG) headquarters in Xaltianguis, Guerrero state, Mexico, yesterday. Guerrero is one Cleaning Water Tanks & Pest Control. of Mexico’s poorest and most violent states, where a lucrative drug trade has flourished. GSM: 55565328/ 33189899 Tel: 44582257 No. EB9872377 E-mail: [email protected] (Qatar ID No. 28260813628) hereby change my name to Venezuelan Venezuela crisis needs LOVELY TUMALA ABDELFATTAH Minister: More ABDELFATTAH ELBAZ. Russian troops full-scale UN action Any objection, please contact the could arrive BLOOMBERG which US efforts to deliver aid NEW YORK were stymied by President days from the publication of this notice. REUTERS Nicolas Maduro’s government, MOSCOW The worsening humanitarian which has called the aid effort crisis in Venezuela requires a full- part of an American bid to over- Venezuela’s Deputy Foreign scale UN response to address throw his regime. Human rights Minister Ivan Gil said yesterday increasing levels of food inse- and aid groups have decried the I, Valliappan Venkatachalam, he does not rule out that more curity and shortages of medicine, politicisation of food and med- holder of India Passport Russian military personnel may according to a new report. icine aid as millions of Vene- arrive in Venezuela under agree- The study published yes- zuelans suffer. No. L4586968 ments already concluded with terday describes the spread of To address the growing (Qatar ID No. 30435601194) Russia, Interfax news agency vaccine-preventable diseases, problem, the report calls on UN hereby change my name to reported. such as measles and diphtheria, Secretary-General Antonio The Minister also said rising infant mortality and sharp Guterres to publicly declare that VIJHAY VALLIYAPPAN Russian forces will stay in Ven- increases in the transmission of Venezuela is facing a “complex VENKATACHALAM. ezuela as long as needed, and infectious diseases including humanitarian crisis,” a move that there is no set period for malaria and tuberculosis. Child which would allow the world their stay. “The group of military malnutrition is widespread, body to deploy its various Any objection, please contact the specialists is (in Venezuela) in the according to the report by agencies to provide more context of our agreements and researchers at Human Rights assistance to the Latin American contracts for military-technical Watch and the Johns Hopkins nation. The report also called on days from the publication of this notice. cooperation,” Interfax quoted Gil Bloomberg School of Public Guterres to work to ensure Ven- as saying. Earlier the Kremlin Health. ezuelan authorities grant access said Russian military specialists “Venezuela’s health system is to UN groups seeking to deliver are in Venezuela to service pre- in utter collapse,” according to humanitarian assistance. LOST existing contracts for the supply researcher Shannon Doocy, an International groups are of Russian arms. associate professor at Johns increasingly seeking ways to bring The US special represent- Hopkins who worked on the Ven- aid to Venezuela through politi- ative for Venezuela said last ezuelan border and contributed cally neutral channels. In late LOST PASSPORT week US Secretary of State Mike to the study. “No matter how hard March, the Red Cross said it will Pompeo has a list of options, they try, Venezuelan authorities begin distributing aid inside Ven- including sanctions, that Wash- cannot hide the reality on the ezuela to about 650,000 people. Filipino Passport No. ington could use to respond to ground.” Growing calls to step up Maduro has sought to deny that the presence of Russian troops humanitarian assistance to Ven- Venezuela is beset by shortages EC0885337 issued to in Venezuela. ezuela come after months in and a broken health care system. ADONIS KILAT AWING Flooding in Paraguay’s Anyone who has found the passport, please give it to the Police or call: capital due to heavy rain Call: 50529429

AFP overflowing. to his home after he left it one ASUNCION A 90-day emergency was month ago due to flooding. declared in Asuncion on Ramirez, who relies on More than 20,000 families Wednesday due to the flooding. crutches to get around following across Paraguay have been Hardest-hit are some 5,000 a car accident, said that he will affected by severe flooding from families living in the Banado Sur not leave home this time. The two weeks of heavy rain that working-class neighbourhood flooding “will go by quickly,” he caused the country’s main river on the city outskirts. said optimistically. to burst its banks, a senior The people affected by Pedro Velasco, the leading official said as an emergency flooding “need sheet metal neighbourhood Catholic priest, was declared in the capital. roofing, wood, and all types of said that one week ago they National Emergency Minister help,” a municipal official said. warned emergency officials that Joaquin Roa made the The Paraguay River flows the river was about to overflow announcement as forecasters past Asuncion and eventually and asked for trucks to deliver said the precipitation would con- merges into the Parana River in aid and help evacuate people. tinue for the rest of the week. Argentina. “We did not expect it “They didn’t move until The Paraguay River, which to swell so quickly,” said Pablo Monday, but by then it was runs some 1,000km north to Ramirez, a resident of Banado already too late and they south and splits the country in Sur, a neighborhood in the couldn’t come in” because of the two, is expected to continue capital, dismayed after returning flooding, Velasco said.

People salvage belongings in a flooded area of Asuncion after the overflowing of the Paraguay River due to heavy rain in the past weeks. BUSINESS Friday 5 April 2019 PAGE | 17 PAGE | 18 Banker questions US warns France future of against new India’s electoral tax on digital bonds giants

Qatar-Italy trade volume up 15% at QR10.6bn in 2018

LANI ROSE R DIZON tools, and chemicals among firm Salini Impregilo Group. export their produce not only to THE PENINSULA others, Rigano’ added. During his visit, Conte also Qatar, but to all the points of He also said, “We have opened the first permanent sales of Lulu Group worldwide. The growing presence of Italian around 3,000 Italian residents corner of 100 percent Italian That means 160 points of sales products and services in Qatar About 90 percent of in Qatar and between 50 and 60 products at Lulu Hypermarket. in the world from Paris, UK, only points to brighter trade rela- Italy’s imports from Italian companies are operating Through the new partnership Europe, passing through the tions between Qatar and Italy, Qatar was mainly oil in the country. But there are even between Lulu Hypermarket and Middle East, India, and to the Italian Trade Commissioner to and gas, the country’s more. More companies are Italian farmers’ association Col- United States”. Qatar Giosafat Rigano’ (pic- moving from Italy to Qatar due diretti Italy and its parent Rigano’ went on to reiterate tured) has said. exports to Qatar to growing bilateral relations company Filiera Agricola Italiana on how trade relations between In an interview with The were machineries, between both countries as well SPA, authentic 100 percent Qatar and Italy has developed Peninsula, Rigano’, who heads instrumental goods, as with their Qatari counterparts. Italian food products will be over the last five years. the Italian Trade Agency, which We have hundreds of Italian exported to Qatar with the He added, “Qatar’s economy functions under the Italian consumption companies moving to Qatar in ‘Signed by Italian farmers’ logo. has grown rapidly with a Embassy here, said that not only goods such as order to strengthen trade and Rigano’ also said: “The stronger market. Our is the bilateral trade between fashion accessories, business relations with Qatari Italian farmers’ association is involvement in each level is also Qatar and Italy growing, but more furniture, agrifood, (around QR4.5bn) in 2018. Italy’s companies”. formed by more than 1.5 million very strong. In the last few years, Italian companies are also coming imports from Qatar also Rigano’ said one of the Italian farmers. Not only is this the involvement of Italian com- to invest in Qatar to further pharmaceuticals, increased by 23 percent to €1.5bn most significant Italian for the interest of Italian pro- panies is quite significant in the strengthen these trade ties. instrumental tools, (around QR6.1bn) in 2018. projects in Doha is the con- ducers to export their products country. Also, the bilateral trade The visit of Italian Prime and chemicals among While 90 percent of Italy’s struction of the 60,000 seat Al to Qatar through Lulu Group; is continuously growing, which Minister Giuseppe Conte to Doha others. imports from Qatar was mainly Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, which but this will also enable Qatari is a sign of how stronger our on Wednesday also gave a new oil and gas, the country’s exports the Italian Prime Minister also people to discover new Italian relationship is becoming. That boost to the bilateral relations of to Qatar were machineries, visited during his day-long trip products known for their trust- means we are going to have very both countries, he added. €2.6bn (about QR10.6bn) in 2018 instrumental goods, con- to Qatar. The project, which is worthiness and transparency. important and increasingly rel- According to Rigano’, from €2.3bn (around QR9.4bn) sumption goods such as fashion one of the proposed host And this agreement with Lulu evant opportunities for Italian bilateral trade between Qatar in 2017. Italian exports to Qatar accessories, furniture, agrifood, venues for the FIFA World Cup Group is very important because companies and Qatari companies and Italy grew by 15 percent to also rose by 21 percent to €1.1bn pharmaceuticals, instrumental 2022, was built by the Italian it will help Italian farmers as well”, Rigano’ added. QCSD issues March Report

QNA three-month treasury bills with exception transfers were made DOHA the value of QR300m. The total in March. The number of share- number of T-Bills issued was holders recognized in the com- Qatar Central Securities Depos- 30,000 and a maturity date of pany’s system during March itory (QCSD) presented its main 04/06/2019. It also included reached 399,107 shareholders, procedures during the month six-month treasury bills issued while the number of share- of March, which included with the value of QR200 holders with a bank account custody, recording, man- million. The total number of was 52,587. agement, acquisition, clearing T-Bills issued was 20,000 and Also in March, 35 mortgage and settlement of securities and a maturity date of 03/09/2019. releases were registered and derivatives and other financial The QCSD also registered registered 107 account opening instruments; the provision of nine-month treasury bills operations for new share- related financial services; the issued by QCB with the value holders in March, issued 13,783 transfer of ownership of exe- of QR100m. The total number account statements and 586 to cuted contracts through trading of T-Bills issued was 10 ,000 whom it may concern and remittances; in addition to and a maturity date of certificates. the implementation of all 03/12/2019. QCSD successfully The number of shareholders mortgage and decommis- held the Quarterly BCP Testing recognized by the system sioning and foreclosure oper- event in March. As a result, the according to nationality (Qatari ations at the request of the rel- transfer of work systems from and non-Qatari) and type of evant parties. QCSD also the main site to the disaster shareholder (individuals and updated a number of share- recovery site went smoothly institutions) reached 239,488 holders’ statements and added and the main site went back to Qatari shareholding individuals new shareholders. technically functioning with no in March and the number of QCSD also registered trouble. shareholders from Qatari insti- treasury bills issued by Qatar There were 119,836 own- tutions was 1,384 in March. Central Bank (CB) for March in ership transfer of the third The number of non-Qatari French IT giant Atos unveils AI lab its systems. Treasury bills market, the QCSD conducted shareholders in March of this (T-Bills) were registered with 524 family transfers. The year was 157,225, shareholders Thierry Breton (right), CEO of European IT services corporation Atos, greets French Economy and Finance a date of issue on March 5. company also conducted 268 from non-Qatari institutions Minister Bruno Le Maire prior to inaugurate the Atos’ artificial intelligence (AI) lab, yesterday at Atos The T-Bills included inheritance transfers and no reached 1,010. headquarters in Bezons, near Paris. QSE’s main index closes at 10,189.56 points Brent oil resumes climb to $70 on tightening global supply THE PENINSULA Market cap fell by 0.13 Industries sector accounted for accounted for 7.11 percent and DOHA percent to reach QR566.91bn as 22.94 percent and Transpor- QNB accounted for 6.65 percent. REUTERS highest since November. compared to QR567.63bn at the tation sector accounted 7.20 When compared on daily TOKYO/LONDON Brent has gained nearly 30 Qatar Stock Exchange’s (QSE) end of previous week, reports percent. basis, the QSE index gained 27.99 percent this year, while WTI has benchmark index gained 43.88 QNA. Industries sector led traded points, or 0.28 percent, when the Brent oil prices resumed their risen nearly 40 percent. Prices points, or 0.43 percent, last week Banking and Financial number of transactions last week bourse closed trading at climb towards $70 per barrel yes- have been underpinned by US when the bourse closed yes- Services sector led traded value with 30.23 percent of the total 10,189.56 points yesterday com- terday as expectations of tight sanctions on Iranian and Vene- terday at 10,189.56 points. last week with 31.26 percent of number of transactions. Banking pared to Wednesday’s closing. global supply outweighed pressure zuelan crude, along with Opec Trading value during last the total traded value. Industries and Financial Services sector The volume of shares traded from rising US inventories and production cuts and rising global week decreased by 18.10 percent sector accounted for 22.18 accounted for 24.75 percent. Real decreased to 9.64 million from production. demand. to reach QR1.39bn compared to percent. Real Estate sector Estate sector accounted for 21.77 10.83 million on Wednesday and International benchmark “There is a clear bias to the QR1.70bn. accounted for 15.24 percent and percent and Telecoms sector the value of shares decreased to Brent futures rose 16 cents to upside with the supply restric- Trading volume increased by Consumer Goods and Services accounted for 7.11 percent. QR238.50m from QR244.74m on $69.47 by 1346 GMT. Brent tions,” said Michael McCarthy, 4.66 percent to reach 63.97 sector accounted 12.89 percent. From the 46 listed com- Wednesday. touched $69.96 on Wednesday - chief market strategist at CMC million shares, as against 61.12 Banking and Financial panies 24 ended last week From the 49 companies the highest since November 12, Markets in Sydney. “And there’s a million shares, while the number Services sector led traded higher, while 22 fell. listed on QSE, shares of 44 saw when it last traded above $70. much better than expected of transactions fell by 5.49 volume last week with 32.02 Qatar Fuel led trading value trading yesterday. From these, US West Texas Intermediate demand picture after the recent percent, to reach 29,533 trans- percent of the total traded during last week accounting for 22 companies gained, 17 closed (WTI) crude slipped 13 cents to China and US PMI numbers, along actions as compared to 31,248 volume. Real Estate sector 8.06 percent of the total traded lower and remained six com- $62.33 a barrel. The contract hit with a potential kicker from any transactions. accounted for 25.54 percent. value. United Development panies unchanged. $62.99 on Wednesday, also the US.-China trade agreement.” 14 BUSINESS FRIDAY 5 APRIL 2019

      

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION As at 31 December 2018 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS For the year ended 31 December 2018

2018 2017 2018 2017 QR’000 QR’000 QR’000 QR’000

ASSETS CONTINUED OPERATIONS Cash and bank balances 23,562 371,120 Rental income 1,319,285 1,481,684 Other operating revenues 54,883 58,023 Receivables and prepayments 196,349 225,100 Operating expenses (307,000) (374,767) Inventories 28,061 22,265 OPERATING PROFIT FROM MAIN OPERATIONS 1,067,168 1,164,940

Equity investments 3,316,717 2,470,953 Dividend income from equity investments 124,055 241,848 Net gain on sale of equity-accounted investees - 177,777 Equity-accounted investees and joint venture 1,425,613 1,425,907 Net gain on sale of equity investments - 500,221 Investment properties 43,863,571 43,819,785 Share of results of equity-accounted investees and joint venture 102,083 141,354 Impairment loss of equity-accounted investees - (162,194) Property and equipment 797,641 832,413 Impairment loss of available-for-sale financial assets (IAS 39) - (67,487) TOTAL ASSETS 49,651,514 49,167,543 Loss on disposal of subsidiaries - (33,895) NET OPERATING PROFIT 1,293,306 1,962,564

Gain from change in fair value of investment properties - 457,276 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Other income 7,702 241,286 LIABILITIES Finance costs (835,545) (709,620) General and administrative expenses (195,349) (244,112) Payables and other liabilities 2,764,318 2,822,431 Provision for claims (41,056) - Sukuk and Islamic financing borrowings 15,770,522 16,188,248 Impairment loss of property and equipment (23,881) - Depreciation of property and equipment (33,895) (15,596) TOTAL LIABILITIES 18,534,840 19,010,679 Impairment loss of trade and other receivables (29,457) (6,248)

PROFIT FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 141,825 1,685,550 EQUITY

DISCONTINUED OPERATION Share capital 26,524,967 26,524,967 Loss from discontinued operations - (3,549) Legal reserve 1,616,053 1,572,678

PROFIT FOR THE YEAR 141,825 1,682,001 Fair value reserves 719,779 17,326

Foreign currency translation reserve 1,827 154 Profit attributable to: Retained earnings 2,542,036 2,037,602 Owners of the Company 433,749 1,693,201 Non-controlling interests (291,924) (11,200) Equity attributable to owners of the Company 31,404,662 30,152,727 141,825 1,682,001 Non-controlling interests (287,988) 4,137 BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE 0.16 0.64 TOTAL EQUITY 31,116,674 30,156,864 BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE CONTINUING OPERA- TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 49,651,514 49,167,543 TIONS 0.16 0.64 FRIDAY 5 APRIL 2019 BUSINESS 15

      

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OTHER COMPRHENSIVE INCOME For the year ended 31 December 2018   >>>#> ?? ,?) -)93'!;)263<

2018 2017 2018 2017 QR’000 QR’000 QR’000 QR’000

OPERATING ACTIVITIES Profit for the year 141,825 1,682,001 Profit for the year 141,825 1,682,001

Other comprehensive income

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss Adjustments for: Equity investments at FVOCI - net change in fair value 862,852 - Gain from change in fair value of investment properties - (457,276) Equity-accounted investees - share of OCI 1,167 - Dividend income from equity investments (124,055) (241,848) 864,019 - Share of results of equity-accounted investees and joint Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently venture to profit or loss: (102,083) (141,354)

Cash flow hedges - effective portion of changes in fair value (12,324) 17,198 Depreciation of property and equipment 33,895 15,596 Foreign operations - foreign currency translation differences 1,673 (1,800) Impairment loss of trade and other receivables 29,457 6,248 Available-for-sale financial assets - net change in fair value (IAS 39) - (326,785) Impairment loss of property and equipment 23,881 - Equity-accounted investees - share of OCI (IAS 39) - (2,667) Gain on expropriation of investment properties (19,054) (171,971) Other comprehensive income / (loss) for the year 853,368 (314,054) Provision for employees’ end of service benefits 7,890 11,635 TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR 995,193 1,367,947 Reversal of allowance for impairment loss of trade and other receivables (4,043) (9,391) Attributable to: Owners of the Company 1,287,117 1,379,147 Net gain on sale of equity investments - (500,221) Non-controlling interests (291,924) (11,200) Impairment loss of equity-accounted investees - 162,194 995,193 1,367,947 Net gain on sale of equity-accounted investees - (177,777) Impairment loss of available-for-sale financial assets (IAS 39) - 67,487

  >>>#> ?   >@?) -)93'!;)263< Profit on Islamic bank accounts (1,051) (42,872)

Provision for slow-moving and obsolete inventories 687 4,683 In thousands of Loss on disposal of property and equipment 100 - Attributable to owners of the Company Qatari Riyals Reversal of provision for obsolete and slow moving Foreign Non- inventories (7) - Fair currency Share Legal Retained con- Total value transla- Total capital reserve (1) earnings trolling equity Loss on disposal of subsidiaries - 33,895 reserves tion interest reserve Finance costs 835,545 709,620

822,987 950,649

Balance at 1 Changes in: January 2018 26,524,967 1,572,678 17,326 154 2,037,602 30,152,727 4,137 30,156,864 Receivables and prepayments 40,786 69,266

Adjustment on Inventories (6,476) (7,740) initial applica- tion of Payables and other liabilities (51,913) 326,947 IFRS 9 - - (153,872) - 129,534 (24,338) (201) (24,539) Cash from operating activities 805,384 1,339,122

Employees’ end of service benefits paid (24,934) (7,569) Adjusted balance at 1 January 2018 26,524,967 1,572,678 (136,546) 154 2,167,136 30,128,389 3,936 30,132,325 Net cash flows from operating activities 780,450 1,331,553

Net profit for the year - - - - 433,749 433,749 (291,924) 141,825 INVESTING ACTIVITIES Other compre- hensive income Purchase of property and equipment (23,424) for the Year - - 851,695 1,673 - 853,368 - 853,368 (31,798) Total comprehen- Payments for development of investment properties (82,242) (336,939) sive income for the Year - - 851,695 1,673 433,749 1,287,117 (291,924) 995,193 Payments for purchase of completed investment properties - (3,064,117) Transfers of re- serves on disposal Purchase of equity investments (1,039) (300,261) of FVOCI - - 4,630 - (4,630) - - - Proceeds from sale of equity investments 18,127 3,171,350 Transferred to legal reserve - 43,375 - - (43,375) - - - Proceeds from sale of equity-accounted investees - 533,210

Transferred to Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment 320 - Social and Sports Activities Fund - - - - (10,844) (10,844) - (10,844) Dividends received 203,500 351,472

Balance at 31 Profit on Islamic bank accounts received 1,051 42,872 December 2018 26,524,967 1,616,053 719,779 1,827 2,542,036 31,404,662 (287,988) 31,116,674 Net movement in restricted bank balances 2,945 (1,465) Balance at 1 January 2017 26,524,967 1,403,358 329,580 1,954 1,882,299 30,142,158 431,534 30,573,692 Net cash flows from investing activities 119,238 364,324

Net profit for the year - - - - 1,693,201 1,693,201 (11,200) 1,682,001 FINANCING ACTIVITIES Other comprehen- sive loss for the Proceeds from Sukuk and Islamic financing borrowings 3,385,000 1,992,865 Year - - (312,254) (1,800) - (314,054) - (314,054) Payments for Sukuk and Islamic financing borrowings (4,626,687) (2,402,140)

Total comprehen- Dividends paid - (952,379) sive income for the Year - - (312,254) (1,800) 1,693,201 1,379,147 (11,200) 1,367,947 Net movement non-controlling interest - (384,505)

Transaction cost paid (11,584) (4,440) Movement in non-controlling Net cash flows used in financing activities (1,253,271) (1,750,599) interest ------(416,197) (416,197) NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (353,583) (54,722) Transferred to legal Net foreign exchange difference 8,970 (1,800) reserve - 169,320 - - (169,320) - - - Cash and cash equivalents as of 1 January 366,550 423,072

Dividends for 2017 - - - - (1,326,248) (1,326,248) - (1,326,248) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT 31 DECEMBER 21,937 366,550 Transferred to Social and Sports Activities Fund - - - - (42,330) (42,330) - (42,330) Note: The above published financial information are not the full set of the consolidated financial statements. The published audit report of the independent auditors is issued on Balance at 31 the full set of consolidated financial statements which are available on the Qatar Stock December 2017 26,524,967 1,572,678 17,326 154 2,037,602 30,152,727 4,137 30,156,864 Exchange’s website: https://www.qe.com.qa 16 BUSINESS FRIDAY 5 APRIL 2019

      

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BLOOMBERG million rupees ($14 to $140,000). “The bank knows your the donors given the bond is sold NEW DELHI Afterward they are delivered to identity, your balance sheet will through a state-run bank. The a political party, which can disclose your name, that you next court hearing is scheduled Uday Kotak (pictured), India’s Introduced by Prime exchange them for cash. They bought so many bonds,” Jaitley for April 6. billionaire banker, has ques- don’t carry the name of the said. “So a reasonably trans- “We will scrap the opaque tioned the country’s finance min- Minister Narendra donor and are exempt from tax. parent step.” electoral bond scheme that was ister about the future of an Modi last year, Questions about electoral He added that the only non- designed to favor the ruling opaque political financing tool anyone can buy an bonds have increased after the transparent part of the deal is party,” the main opposition Con- days after the main opposition electoral bond at the election watchdog last week told which political party receives the gress party said in its manifesto party pledged to scrap the con- the Supreme Court that anon- money and, if this disclosure is published April 2. troversial instrument if it came government-owned ymous donations have serious insisted upon, donors would About 17.2 billion rupees to power. State Bank of India repercussions on the trans- return to the anonymity of cash ($250m) of electoral bonds were “Finance minister, we are in in denominations parency of political funding. rather than use a bank sold between January to March political season. Electoral reform ranging from 1,000 Critics say they help legalise instrument like the electoral of this year, up 62 percent from has been talked about,” Kotak, large anonymous donations that bond. the whole of 2018, news website founder of Mumbai-based Kotak rupees to 10 million can potentially lead to businesses Critics, including the Associ- Scroll.in reported, citing a Mahindra Bank Ltd, asked Arun rupees ($14 to and foreign companies gaining ation for Democratic Reforms response under India’s Right to Jaitley at an industry event in $140,000). Narendra Modi last year, anyone influence over the elections that that petitioned the court, allege Information Act. Modi’s ruling New Delhi yesterday. “In that can buy an electoral bond at the start on April 11. it’s this very detail that allows the party received 95 percent of all context, how do you see the path government-owned State Bank Jaitley replied to Kotak’s ruling party to corner the bulk of electoral bonds last year, towards electoral reforms and journey.” of India in denominations question saying the debate about donations. That’s because the according to calculations based the role of electoral bonds in that Introduced by Prime Minister ranging from 1,000 rupees to 10 electoral bonds is “ill informed.” government is privy to details of on previous disclosures. Kenya’s economy expected Boeing’s 737 Max isn’t going to fly anywhere soon to grow by 6.3% in 2019 BLOOMBERG NEW YORK

REUTERS Small and medium busi- Nothing can replace the loss NAIROBI nesses have been hardest hit experienced by the families of the since the government put a cap 346 people who died when two Kenya’s economy should grow on commercial lending rates in 737 Max planes crashed in the an improved 6.3 percent in late 2016. space of five months. But clarity 2019, President Uhuru Kenyatta At the time, lawmakers said about what caused those trag- said yesterday, citing an they were concerned about high edies would help. Unfortunately, improved business envi- interest rates. But the cap led to we still don’t have it, and are ronment and his government’s a private credit squeeze, as unlikely to for some time. push to boost manufacturing, banks said it forced them to cut Yesterday, Ethiopian author- food production and access to back on high-risk loans. ities announced their prelim- housing. With many Kenyans fed up inary findings into last month’s Last year, growth was an of government corruption crash, but they don’t bring us estimated 6.1 percent, he said. draining state coffers and dis- much closer to the truth. The “We expect an even torting business and politics, reluctance of regulators to rush A file picture of Boeing’s 737 Max. stronger growth... reflecting Kenyatta reiterated a pledge to to judgement is understandable continued improvement in the tackle graft. given the sensitivity and tech- business environment, “I must, however, caution nical nature of the issues that’s already happening, of the pilots at such high a speed and manufacturer is confident in the momentum associated with that the pursuit of the corrupt involved. However, until vital course - Ethiopia stopped short in such limited time, whatever fixes that it has proposed, and that execution of the Big Four will be undertaken strictly questions are satisfactorily of saying the plane has a design some US peers and politicians customers will be able to take Agenda, and sustained macr- within the remits of the law - answered, the 737 Max will not problem. might think. delivery and fly the plane again oeconomic stability,” he told and not through vigilante return to the skies. For Boeing Co. That will be of some relief for All aircraft manufacturers before too long. But will they? parliament. justice and pitchfork protest,” and its customers, time is money, Boeing. But its decision to issue a recognize that prioritizing safety The creation of an interna- The government also plans he added. but that is of secondary concern software update that increases is a sound business decision, tional panel that includes China to boost output by setting up a The Directorate of Criminal when human lives are involved. the level of redundancy in the because otherwise customers to review the plane’s safety is a credit guarantee scheme for Investigations is investigating As anticipated, Ethiopia’s plane’s anti-stall system and would soon take their business sensible step in view of con- small and medium businesses, what it said was fraudulent transportation minister said the makes it respond less aggres- elsewhere. However, back in tinuing skepticism about the he said in an annual state-of- construction of two dams pilots followed all procedures sively when pushing the nose 2011, when Airbus was rapidly US Federal Aviation Administra- the-nation address. valued at 63 billion shillings prescribed by Boeing and yet down, looks like a de facto winning orders for its new tion’s rigor and independence in “We will be launching an ($626m). Some payments were were still unable to stop the plane acknowledgement that the 737 320neo single-aisle model, hur- certifying the jet. SME Credit Guarantee Scheme already made out despite the from diving, a finding which Max wasn’t as safe as it should rying the 737 Max’s design But global decision-making in a few weeks, aimed at deep- dams not being built. would appear to shift the blame have been. probably seemed sensible too. bodies aren’t known for reaching ening their access to credit The probe has seen three towards the manufacturer. We await more details of the Today, Boeing continues to conclusions in a hurry, particu- without being subjected to ministers, including the one in However, in recommending final minutes of the Ethiopia produce the 737 Max at full tilt, larly when safety matters are complex application procedures charge of finance, questioned that Boeing and aviation author- flight, but it’s possible that recti- which will rapidly create billions concerned. Nor should they and collateral requirements,” by detectives. They have all ities should review the aircraft’s fying an un-commanded dive of dollars of immobile plane - even if that spells financial pain Kenyatta said. denied wrongdoing. flight control systems - something may have been very difficult for inventory. This suggests the for Boeing and the airlines. Bayer contains cyber attack it Barclays, RBS join says bore Chinese hallmarks blockchain trial to REUTERS at least five WINNTI attacks in speed property sales FRANKFURT Germany. “This is a very active group German drugmaker Bayer has of hackers with the ability to BLOOMBERG made cheaper and more contained a cyber attack it carry multiple international LONDON transparent.’’ believes was hatched in China, attacks in parallel,” he said. Purchasing Process the company said, highlighting Manufacturing groups Some of the world’s largest Real estate transactions the risk of data theft and dis- across the globe are expanding lenders, law firms and real often involve multiple third ruption faced by big business. their data networks as sensors, estate companies are turning to parties exchanging a mountain Bayer found the infectious processing chips and analytical Tesla chief the technology behind Bitcoin of information, which costs time software on its computer net- tools become more advanced to streamline the process of and money. Blockchain could works early last year, covertly and cheaper. loses $1.1bn in buying and selling property. create a secure and trusted monitored and analysed it until Germany has experienced Barclays Plc, Royal Bank of record that reduces duplication the end of last month and then a big increase in the number of 2 minutes as Scotland Group Plc and Clifford and eliminates some mid- cleared the threat from its security incidents hitting Chance LLP were among 40 dlemen, according to a systems, the company said on critical infrastructure such as shares tumble companies to test a new statement from IPN on yesterday. power grids, the country’s platform developed by Instant Thursday. “There is no evidence of cybersecurity agency said in BLOOMBERG Property Network, a company “When a person wants to data theft,” Bayer said in a “Once it has been installed, February. LONDON backed by blockchain software purchase a house, the process statement, though a spokesman more or less any action can be While it’s not possible to firm R3. IPN said it could cut the encompasses a whole host of added that the overall damage carried out,” Rohr said. say with certainty who was Elon Musk (pictured) saw time it takes to buy a house from different interactions with dif- was still being assessed and that Discovery of WINNTI pro- responsible for the attack, $1.1bn wiped from his net months to weeks and, if applied ferent businesses and govern- German state prosecutors had vides clear evidence of complex because the malware used is worth in the first two minutes globally, could result in an mental entities that can be launched an investigation. and sophisticated malware that widely available, Rohr said the of New York trading as Tesla annual saving of about $160bn. uncomfortable and drawn out,” “This type of attack points is used in a targeted, sustained methods bore the hallmarks of Inc shares sank as much as 11 If the platform catches on, it John Stecher, head of the group towards the ‘Wicked Panda’ espionage campaign, he added Chinese hackers. percent. would be a rare example of innovation office at Barclays in group in China, according to Bayer, Germany’s biggest drug- “The malware most The fall cut his net worth financial firms using blockchain New York, said by phone. “The security experts,” the maker and the world’s largest probably comes from a Chinese to $22.3bn on the Bloomberg -- the distributed ledger aim of this forum was to sim- spokesman added, citing DCSO, agricultural supplies company group of ‘mercenaries’ who Billionaires Index as of 9:32 designed to track Bitcoin trans- plify the purchasing process for a cyber security group set up by after its takeover of Monsanto, carry out targeted attacks and am The electric-car maker actions -- for consumer the customer.” Bayer in 2015 with German said it could not determine campaigns on the Internet for had reported a record decline products. Most bank projects IPN is now creating a con- partners Allianz, BASF and exactly when its systems were money,” he said. in deliveries during the first have to date have focused on sortium of some trial partici- Volkswagen. first compromised. “Their targets have in the quarter, down to 63,000 areas such as syndicated cor- pants as well as new firms to Third-party personal data ‘ACTIVE GROUP’ There was past been the online gambling vehicles in the three months porate loans and trade finance. develop and launch its platform, was also not compromised, the a WINNTI attack on computer industry, the theft of intellectual that ended in March, from “We are near the end of the Chief Executive Officer John spokesman said. systems at German technology property of the affected com- 90,966 in the fourth quarter. hype cycle and have not found Reynolds said by email. IPN’s The hackers used malware group ThyssenKrupp in 2016, panies or the use of access for About $10bn of Musk’s a great consumer solution for platform allows multiple parties called WINNTI, which makes it according to media reports at the purposes of espionage.” fortune is derived from Tesla distributed ledger technology to work on a single property possible to access a system the time. German broadcasters BR and with approximately $13bn until now,’’ Dan Salmons, transaction and monitor its remotely and then pursue Rohr declined to comment NDR initially reported the coming from his stake in closely director for mortgage innovation progress in real time. It plans to further exploits from there, said in detail on the Bayer case, incident. (Additional reporting held rocket business Space at RBS, said by phone. “Property release the next version of the Andreas Rohr (pictured) of the citing a non-disclosure by Douglas Busvine Editing by Exploration Technologies Corp, is an industry that is ripe for this, platform in September. DCSO. agreement, but said he knew of Keith Weir and David Goodman) according to calculations by where a complex difficult --With assistance from Jack the ranking. process for customers could be Sidders. 18 BUSINESS FRIDAY 5 APRIL 2019 UK’s finance sector sees little progress in gender pay gap

BLOOMBERG afternoon in London yesterday. 61 percent less on a mean basis -- LONDON That’s marginally worse than the the biggest disparity in the 25.7 percent reported last year industry -- and mean bonuses Women working in the UK’s and significantly wider than the were less than a quarter of the financial-services industry are 14.2 percent average gap across average man’s. seeing little improvement in their all sectors, underscoring the chal- At Goldman Sachs Group Inc., pay parity with male colleagues, lenges facing finance. the difference in the hourly wage and yet are mostly absent in according to the latest batch of It’s even worse when it comes gap was 50.6 percent, although senior positions in many financial disclosures as this year’s reporting to bonuses -- a major component that’s an improvement on the 56 institutions. To keep the talent and season comes to a close. of compensation in banking. percent gap the Wall Street firm the pipeline going and therefore Businesses have until mid- Women in finance were paid 48.1 reported a year ago. Both banks meet any quota requirements, the night in London to report their percent less, the data so far show. have public action plans aimed at City needs a massive cultural shift gender pay gap for a second year Just seven of 382 finance and addressing the issue. to change the working under a law that makes it man- insurance companies that have Barclays Plc reported a 49.3 environment.” datory to publish a uniform reported figures didn’t give a percent pay gap, Standard Life She suggests changes should assessment of the difference bonus figure. Investments Ltd. was at 45 percent include measures to discourage between what men and women The numbers are a blunt and Lloyds Banking Group Plc long hours and ‘presenteeism’ that in their workforce earned on assessment across the whole posted a 31.5 percent gap. are incompatible with caring average. Last April’s disclosures workforce, and don’t measure the Nationwide Building Society responsibilities, better maternity provoked a swell of unease, pay of men and women doing the reported a 28 percent difference. policies that don’t endanger pro- prompting pledges by some of the same job, or adjust for other Not one of the financial com- motion, and easier part-time and country’s best-known companies factors, such as experience or panies in the FTSE 100 has so far job-share arrangements. to take action. Few have made location. Companies were also reported that its women earn Such policies are unlikely to progress, with the banking and asked to measure their median more than men on average. yield fast results. Building and finance sector posting some of the pay gap, which compares the man “The City is one of the worst retaining a pipeline of talent to largest gaps on average. in the middle of the male earnings offenders in the pay gap stakes,” reach the top level of any Female workers in British pack with his female equivalent. said Vicky Pryce (pictured), chief company can take years or finance earned an average 26.3 Pay for female staff at HSBC economic adviser at the Centre decades, meaning that firms’ percent less than men in the Holdings Plc’s UK business fell for Economics and Business efforts were never going to be industry, according to an analysis further behind male colleagues in Research. “Women represent fairly reflected in just two years of the filings available as of early the last year, with women earning often the bulk of the workforce, of data. US warns France against new tax on digital giants

AFP draft legislation to set a three considering following France’s WASHINGTON percent tax on digital advertising, lead including Britain, Spain, the sale of personal data and other Austria and Italy. US Secretary of State Mike revenue from any technology The State Department said Pompeo (pictured) yesterday company that earns more than that Pompeo also spoke to Le warned France to drop plans for 750 million euros ($841 million) Drian about the fate of foreign a tax on digital giants such as worldwide each year. fighters from Syria. Facebook and Apple, saying it The effort comes amid rising The United States has been would hurt American business. public outrage at the minimal tax pressing France and other The top US diplomat raised paid by some of the world’s richest Western countries to bring back his objections as he met French firms which base operations in and try at home their citizens who Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le jurisdictions that charge low rates. joined the Islamic State movement Drian in Washington during 70th France has led the effort after as Washington prepares to anniversary celebrations for the would negatively impact large US a European Union-wide effort was withdraw troops. NATO alliance. technology firms and the French scuttled by low-tax countries such Repatriation is a deeply unat- “Secretary Pompeo urged citizens who use them,” the State as Ireland, which have wooed big tractive option for European France not to approve a digital Department said in a statement. technology firms. states, which have recent expe- services tax, which France last month unveiled Other countries are rience with attacks.

CROSSWORD MALL ROYAL PLAZA

Lucifer (2D/Malayalam) 2:00 & 11:15pm; My Hero Academia: Two Heroes (2D/Animation) 2:15pm Dumbo (2D/Family) 2:00pm; Project Ghazi (2D) 2:15pm; Lakshmi’s NTR (2D/Telugu) 2:15pm; Lakshmi’s NTR (2D/Telugu) 2:00pm; Romeo. Akbar. Walter. RAW (2D/Hindi) 4:00 & 11:30pm; Romeo. Akbar. Walter. RAW (2D/Hindi) 5:00 & Lucifer (2D/Malayalam) 6:30pm; 9:00pm; Shazam!(Action) 4:00, 6:30, 9:00 & Dumbo (2D/Fantasy) 5:00pm; The Smile (2D/Drama) 7:00pm; 11:30pm; Argentina Fans Kaattoorkadavu (2D/ Shazam! (Action) 4:00, 6:30, 9:00 & 11:30pm Malayalam) 4:45; Project Ghazi (2D) 7:30pm; Uriyadi II (2D/Tamil) 9:00pm; Pet Sematary (2D/Horror) Pet Sematary (2D/Horror) 7:15pm; 9:30pm; NatpeThunai (2D/Tamil) 11:15pm Uriyadi II (2D/Tamil) 9:15pm; NatpeThunai (2D/Tamil) 11:30pm ASIAN TOWN Lucifer (2D/Malayalam) 11:00am, 12:00noon, 2:00, 3:00, 5:00, LANDMARK 6:00, 8:15, 9:15, 11:30pm, 12:15, 02:00, 02:30 & 03:15am; Romeo. Akbar. Walter. RAW (2D/Hindi) 2:00 & Lakshmi’s NTR (2D/Telugu) 12:00noon; NatpeThunai (2D/ 6:30pm; Lucifer (2D/Malayalam) 2:15 & 8:00pm; Tamil) 1:00pm; Majili (2D/Telugu) 3:45pm; Uriyadi II (2D/ Shazam! (Action) 2:00, 4:30 & 9:00pm; Tamil) 6:30pm; Argentina’s Fans (2D/Malayalam) 2:00, 3:00, Dumbo (2D/Family) 4:30pm; 8:45, 11:15pm; Romeo. Akbar. Walter. RAW (2D/Hindi) 5:45 & NatpeThunai (2D/Tamil) 5:15pm; 11:30pm; Pet Sematary (2D/Horror) 9:30 & 11:30pm; ROXY Lakshmi’s NTR (2D/Telugu) 11:15pm; Uriyadi II (2D/Tamil) 11:30pm Dumbo (2D/Family) 1:00, 3:30, 7:50 & 10:30pm; Lakshmi’s NTR (2D/Telugu) 12:30 & 8:45pm; Lucifer (2D/Malayalam) 3:00, 7:00 & 10:30pm; FLIK Mirqab Mall Majili (2D/Telugu) 12:30, 3:30, 6:30, 9:30pm & 12:30am; Shazam! (2D/Action) 12:30, 3:15, 6:00, 6:10, 9:00 & 11:40pm; Captain Marvel 11:20am, 1:50, 4:25, 7:00, 9:30, Show Queen 12:30, 2:20, 4:10 & 6:00pm 10:50pm & 00:00midnight Dumbo (2D/Fantasy) 10:30am, 11:05, 1:25pm, AL KHOR 3:45, 6:05, 8;45 & 11:10pm Lucifer (2D) 12:35, 4:00, 7:30 & 11:00pm Lucifer (2D/Malayalam) 10:30am, 1:45, 5:00, 8:15 & Pet Sematary (2D/Horror) 1:35 & 6:30pm; 11:30pm; Majili (2D/Telugu) 10:30am & 4:00pm; Romeo. Akbar. Walter. RAW (2D/Hindi) 3:30, Shazam! (Action) 12:30, 3:15, 6:00, 8:45 & 11:30pm; 8:35 & 11:30pm Lakshmi’s NTR (2D/Telugu) 1:15pm; Shazam! (Action) 10:20, 11:20am, 12:10, 1:00, Uriyadi II (2D/Tamil) 6:45 & 12:00midnight; 2:00, 2:50, 3:40, 4:20, 5:30, 6:20, 7:20, 8:10, 9:00 Argentina’s Fans (2D/Malayalam) 9:15pm 10:00, 10:50, 11:40pm & 00:40am

Note: Programme is subject to change without prior notice.

PROJECT GHAZI Project Ghazi is a superhero movie that evolves around a thread to the project soldiers. It’s a story of an advanced soldier project and it spans over a period of 20 years. FRIDAY 5 APRIL 2019 CLASSIFIEDS 19

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 SPORT Friday 5 April 2019 PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 La Liga: Pandya on Barcelona focus ahead of target decisive World Cup after title push tough season

Al Sadd’s players and officials celebrate with the Falcon Shield after winning the QNB Stars League (QSL) title at the Al Sadd diumSta yesterday. ‘The Wolves’ yesterday recorded a dominant 7-2 win over Al Ahli to top the standings with 54 points to win the QSL crown with a round to spare. Classy Al Sadd seal QSL crown THE PENINSULA DOHA Bounedjah Al Rayyan, nets 39th goal Football giants Al Sadd Al Sailiyah yesterday crushed Al Ahli 7-2 to of the season win the QNB Stars League (QSL) share points crown with a round to spare. WolvesWoW llves ccrushrushh AAll Feared Algerian striker Ahli 7-2 to win the THE PENINSULA Baghdad Bounedjah produced DOHA a hat-trick while Qatar national Falcon Shield with Al Sadd’s team skipper Hassan Al Haydos a round to ssparepap Al Rayyan yesterday produced Algerian striker scored two to add sparkle to Al an injury-time goal as the Sadd’s comprehensive win over Baghdad former champions earned a Al Ahli on home soil at Jassim Bounedjah fighting 2-2 draw against Al Bin Hamad Stadium. celebrates Sailiyah at Al Ahli Stadium Akram Afif and Woo-Young after scoring yesterday. Jung also scored as Al Sadd fans Qatar Stars League (QSL) QSL ROUND 21 RESULTS his 39th goal Al Sailiyah have 35 points celebrated the title win in CEO, Hani Taleb Ballan Al Sadd 7-2 Al Ahli in the QSL this after 21 rounds while Al pouring rain. Al Kharaitiyat 1-0 Al Duhail season. Rayyan have 34 with just one (left) presents an award to Al Khor 0-0 Al Gharafa For Al Ahli, Abdulrasheed Al Sadd’s coach Jesualdo Al Arabi 2-1 Qatar SC more round of action Umaru and Jhon Chancellor Ferreira. Al Sailiyah 2-2 Al Rayyan remaining in the regular scored the two goals. Al Shahania 5-2 Umm Salal season. Gelmin Rivas scored After 21 rounds, Al Sadd - the injury-time goal for Al coached by Jesualdo Ferreira - Rayyan. have an unassailable tally of 54 Al Sailiyah produced the points while second-placed Al opening goal in the 21st Duhail - who yesterday lost to Al Kharaitiyat stun Al Duhail 1-0 minute and four minutes later, Al Kharaitiyat 1-0 - have 47 captain Rodrigo Tabata pro- points. THE PENINSULA shot was blocked by a defender At the half-hour mark, Al In the 77th minute, Al duced the equaliser with a Third-placed Al Sailiya take DOHA following a cross by Hazem Duhail’s Ahmed Yasser headed Kharaitiyat stunned Al Duhail. penalty. on Al Rayyan in another match- Ahmed. Five minutes later, the ball on a loopy cross from Valentin Lazar clipped a long- In the 50th minute, Al up yesterday. It is the 14th time Bottom-placed Al Kharaitiyat Ahmed also managed to get into close but the deflected of the ball range loopy cross towards Salam, Sailiyah took the lead for the that Al Sadd have won the yesterday stunned former cham- the Al Kharaitiyat box but his shot missed the target narrowly. Four the skipper in blue jersey. Salam, second time when Adel Bader national football crown. pions Al Duhail 1-0 in their hotly- from close range was also minutes later, Al Duhail’s with his back facing the net, Ahmed found the net from Qatar Stars League chief contested clash at Al Ahli blocked. Nakajima Shoya was booked for headed the ball into the top left close range to put pressure on Hani Ballan handed over the Stadium. It was only the fifth win Al Duhail’s feared striker ‘diving’ inside the Al Kharaitiyat of the net with a spectacular former champions Al Rayyan. Falcon Shield and medals to the for Al Kharaitiyat in 21 rounds. Youssef El Arabi – within a space box. Seven minutes later, Al finish to score his only goal of the Abdulqader Elias, standing winners. Barcelona legend Xavi The goal hero was captain of six minutes – attacked the Al Duhail’s Ahmed Yasser was also season. close to the Al Rayyan goal- received the Falcon Shield as Mohammed Salam who produced Kharaitiyat box twice (9th minute shown a yellow card by referee Four minutes later, Qatar mouth, failed to deflect the players and fans erupted in joy a spectacular header for the only and 15th minute) but on each Khamis Al Marri. national team hero and Al Duhail ball into the net following a at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. goal of the match. occasion he was denied from In the 68th minute, Al striker Almoez Ali nearly found cross from the wing. In 21 matches, Bounedjah In the second minute, Al close range. In the 20th minute, Kharaitiyat captain Salam and Al the net with a close-range flick Just two minutes into has scored 39 goals, the most by Duhail’s Murad Naji Hussain Mohammed Musa Ali – after an Duhai’s Bassam Al Rawi both but the ball was palmed away by injury time and Rivas found a player in a single season in the aimed at the Al Kharaitiyat goal assist by Murad Naji – missed the were booked for rough football Al Kharaitiyat goalkeeper the net with slick close-range history of QSL. from the edge of the box but his target narrowly. and constant arguments. Mustafa Abdul. shot. IPL: In-form Hyderabad beat Delhi by 5 wickets to go top of the table

IANS Chasing 129, SRH won by 5 However, Pandey (10) and batsmen failed to read the two Deepak Hooda picked up a smart Patel finishing with a six off the NEW DELHI wickets with nine balls to spare. Shankar (16) too fell in quick suc- Afghanistan spinners. catch at long-off off Nabi with the final delivery. The start from the opening cession to once again raise the Nabi (opening the bowling scoreboard reading 52/3. Skipper Brief scores Jonny Bairstow started from pair of Bairstow and David hopes of the Delhi players. It was with Bhuvneshwar) sent back Shreyas Iyer did try to wage a Delhi Capitals: 129/8 in 20 where had he left against Royal Warner set the platform for the too late in the day as Mohammad Shikhar Dhawan (12). The battle, but he didn’t find much overs (Shreyas Iyer 43, Axar Patel Challengers Bangalore as he hit a rest of the batting. Nabi (17n.o.) and Yusuf Pathan struggle of the Delhi batsmen was support from the other end. 23 not out; Mohammad Nabi 2/21, whirlwind 28-ball 48 to set the Even though SRH lost (9n.o.) took SRH home. Nabi fin- reflected on the scoreboard as Iyer (43 off 41 balls) was finally Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2/27) lost to runchase for Sunrisers Hyderabad Bairstow and Warner (10) in quick ished things off in style with a six they managed just 36 runs for the cleaned up by Rashid. All-rounder Sunrisers Hyderabad: 131/5 in (SRH) in their Indian Premier succession, Vijay Shankar and over third man. loss of two wickets in the Chris Morris tried to wield the long 18.3 overs (Jonny Bairstow 48, League clash against Delhi Manish Pandey settled down to Earlier, Mohammad Nabi Powerplay. handle, but could only manage 17 Mohammad Nabi 17 not out; Rahul Capitals (DC) at the Feroz Shah ensure that the scoreboard kept (2/21) and Rashid Khan (1/18) made Star batsman Rishabh Pant (5) off 15 balls as DC scored 24 runs Tewatia 1/10, Axar Patel 1/18) by Kotla yesterday. ticking. full use of the conditions as the DC fell while trying to up the ante as off the last two overs with Axar 5 wickets. FRIDAY 5 APRIL 2019 SPORT 21 Stage set for AEF U-21 Dressage Championship Finals

THE PENINSULA Rosad, his compatriot Ivana Putri 9:00am to 4:00pm. The second DOHA Santosa will also take to the field round competitions will be held today. tomorrow. Top riders of the continent are Among the other competitors Meanwhile, the QEF will also set to compete in the inaugural will be, Tan Zhi xuan, Tara Yen host an official gala dinner for the Asian Equestrian Federation Wee (Singapore), Ekaterina visiting riders, officials of the (AEF) U-21 Dressage Champi- Akhtimirova, Viktoriia Terina International and Asian Federa- onship Finals, which will take (Kyrgyzstan), Raunaq Anand, tions as well as the referees and place at the Qatar Equestrian Sudipti Hajela (India), Nur Sabrina the technical support staff. The Federation (QEF) Arena from Dato’ Azman (Malaysia), Mina secretary-general of Qatar and today. Hang, Yu-Chen, Lin (Chinese Asian Equestrian Federations The two-day U-21 Dressage Taipei) and Pawarisa Thong- Bader Al Darwish yesterday con- finals will see riders from seven pradup (Thailand). firmed that the QEF has com- countries in action at the pictur- In the final, each competitor pleted all arrangements for esque venue in Al Rayyan. will appear on a loaned horse, hosting the event, which is being The young riders gained entry provided by the organising com- held for the first time in Qatar to the Doha Finals following out- mittee.The vet check and the under the auspices of the AEF. standing performances at the horse inspection took place yes- Qatar is a popular destination in zonal qualifiers, which took place terday at the QEF Arena, followed the region for hosting quine in several countries last year. by the Chef’s d’Equipe Meeting. events and the QEF has organised Among the prominent riders The draws of horses were also similar events with a huge who will compete in Doha are conducted by the organisers in success, attracting top riders over Rosad Febrisamina, who also the presence of AEF officials. Sep- the years. goes by the name of Rosad Natsir. arate draws were held to decide Darwish said that the tournament, Asian Equestrian Federation U-21 Dressage Championship Rosad emerged victorious at the athletes’ starting order in each which saw its initial stages being Finals will start in Al Rayyan today. Indonesia’s special qualifying round. hosted in 12 major cities in Asia, round, held in Gunung Putri, Today, Test Ride and Round will see the participation of three Sentul, last October. Along with 1 Competition will be held from Qatari riders. Qatar Barcelona target maintain spot in FIFA decisive title push rankings

REUTERS Barca can practically seal the title when they host THE PENINSULA/AFP BARCELONA nearest challengers Atletico Madrid tomorrow. PARIS Barca snatched a 4-4 draw at Villarreal last week. After somehow snatching a 4-4 Asian Cup champions Qatar draw at Villarreal in one of the maintained their 55th place in most memorable games in Since their last league defeat by Real Betis in the FIFA world football recent La Liga history, Barcelona November, Barca have been on a relentless run of rankings, remaining the top- can practically seal the title 14 wins and four draws. ranked side in the Gulf region. when they host nearest chal- The FIFA World Cup 2022 lengers Atletico Madrid hosts jumped 38 spots to 55 in tomorrow. Atletico have been Barca’s only genuine February after their stunning Tuesday’s eight-goal thriller, challengers for top spot but after their hopes victory at Asian Cup. in which Lionel Messi and Luis faded with three defeats in their last nine Meanwhile, Belgium hold Suarez scored in stoppage-time, games, victory tomorrow is their last chance of on to top spot in the latest FIFA may have trimmed their overhauling the Catalans. world football rankings while advantage over Atletico to eight in-form England are on the points but it underlined the rise, snatching fourth place Catalan side’s single-mind- Spain apart from Real Madrid, “As long as we have a chance from World Cup finalists edness about winning the league. who have 53. we’re going to set the bar high Croatia. “The spirit which we showed If Barca can beat Atletico, and we’re going to try and make The top three positions are to never give up demonstrates who have not won at the Nou things as hard as possible for unchanged with World Cup how much we want to lift this Camp since 2006, they will take them.” winners France in second spot England’s manager Gareth Southgate poses with the OBE that league title,” Suarez said after an 11-point lead at the top of the Atletico’s record of only six ahead of Brazil, in third in the he received at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace the Villarreal game, in which his standings with seven games left, away wins this season does not latest rankings. in London, yesterday. side trailed 424-2 in the 90th all but guarguaranteeinganteeing thetheyy wiwinn an makea e for o eencouraging cou aging reading,eading, England move up one place minute.minute. eightheighth title in 11 yearsyears.. nnoror does the fact they are set to on the strength of convincing SinceSince ttheirheir llastast lleagueeague ddefeatefeat AtleticoAtletico havehave beenbeen Barca’sBarca’s be withoutwithout strikersstrikers AlvaroAlvaro Euro 2020 qualifier wins England’s manager byby Real Betis in November, Barca only gengenuineuine challenchallengersgers for top Morata and DiegoDiego Costa through against the Czech Republic and have been on a relentless run of spotspot for some time injuryinjury as well as record signing Montenegro last month while 14 wins and four drawsdraws,, led butbut after their Thomas LemarLemar.. Croatia, who reached the 2018 Southgate honoured byby strikers Messi and hopes faded with BarcaBarca havehave anan almostalmost cleanclean World Cup final before losing Suarez, the leadinleadingg scorers threethree dedefeatsfeats in billbill of health for the gamegame and to France, retreat one place to at Buckingham Palace inin Spain witwithh 32 anandd 19 ttheirheir llastast ninenine couldcould wewelcomelcome bbackack Ousmane fifth. goalsgoals respectiverespectively.ly. games,games, vvictoryictory DembeleDembele afterafter tthehe France Germany, rebuilding fol- REUTERS English manager and to TheThe SoutSouthh AmAmericanerican tomorrow is fforwardorward returnedreturned to lightlight lowing their humiliating exit LONDON receive an award from the strikersstrikers hhaveave nettenettedd a theirtheir last ttrainingraining followingfollowing a musclemuscle from the 2018 World Cup after royal family - as a proud royal combinedcombined 5511 chchanceance ofof over-over- injury.injury. the group phase, are also England’s manager Gareth fan, that was very special. It’s times,times, more hhaulingauling tthehe ElsewhereElsewhere in La Liga, third-third- moving up. They rise three Southgate received the OBE a moment that will live with thanthan everyevery Catalans.Catalans. placedplaced RealReal MadridMadrid hosthost EibarEibar places to 13th in the rankings award at Buckingham Palace me for ever.” otherother “Even“ Eve n afterafter ffallingalling to on the back of their victory over yesterday after steering the Last month, team captain team thoughthough it’s theitheirr the Netherlands in the Euro national team to the World Harry Kane received the MBE ini n ffirstirst qualifiers last month. Cup semi-finals in Russia last award. He was top scorer with dedefeatf eat Austria slid 11 places, the Summer. six goals in Russia but the sincesince ZiZin-n- biggest drop in the rankings, Southgate, 48, dressed in team was knocked out after a edineedine after Euro qualifier defeats by his trademark waistcoat, was 2-1 loss to Croatia in the Zidane’sZidane’s return by llosingosing Poland and Israel in March. presented the award for semi-finals. 2-12-1 at Valencia.Valencia. services to football by Prince Southgate’s OBE came as difficultdifficult wwe’lle’ll Fourth-placedFourth-placed GetaGetafefe hhostost FIFA RANKINGS Charles after he was included England climbed one place to alwaysalways keep fifightingghting resurgentresurgent Athletic Bilbao in a in Queen Elizabeth’s 2019 fourth in FIFA’s latest world andand on SaturSaturdayday vitalvital game forfor bbothoth sides’sides’ ambi-ambi- 1. Belgium; 2. France; 3. Brazil; 4. New Year’s honours list. rankings after Euro 2020 (tomorrow)(tomorrow) we face the tionstions of qualifyingqualifying for the Cham-Cham- England (+1); 5. Croatia (-1); 6. Uru- “It’s very special,” he said qualifying victories over the bestbest team in tthehe lleagueeague pionspions League, whilewhile VaValencialencia guay (+1); 7. Portugal (-1); 8. Switzer-

after the ceremony. Czech Republic and andand it wouwouldld bbee great to visitvisit struggstrugglingling Rayo Vallecano,Vallecano, land; 9. Spain; 10. Denmark.... “It’s a privilege to be the Montenegro. reduce the pointspoints gagap,”p,” readyready to seize fourth spot should 55. Qatar midfieldermidfielder RRodrigoodrigo said.said. GetafeGetafe failfail to win.win. Advantage Man City but fixtures favour Liverpooliverpool

REUTERS Liverpool’s home game Yet two of their fixtures stand the balance in favour of Juergen in thee quarter-quarter-finalsfinals anandd iiff one MANCHESTER with Chelsea on April out as absolutely crucial to Klopp’s side. weree to be eliminatedeliminated thetheirir 14 is their only meeting deciding the outcome of what Yet there have rarely been workloadkload wouldwould ease. Manchester City have a one- with a top-six team promises to be a thrilling battle. title run-ins without some WhateverWhatever hhappens,appens, ttherehere wiwillll point advantage over rivals during the run-in and City, who play four of their surprises. be no shortashortagege of drama between Liverpool going into the final six half of their games last six away from home, host There is an argument that now andand May 12. games of the Premier League Spurs at the Etihad on April 20 playing against teams scrapping season but a tougher set of are against sides in -- a game which comes after a desperately against relegation is fixtures means Pep Guardiola’s the bottom five of the two-legged Champions League tougher, at this stage of the cam- Pep Guardiola side will have to be at their very league, starting with quarter-final between the pair. paign, than taking on mid-table best to defend their title. a trip to 16th-placed Then the Manchester derby sides with little to motivate them. Liverpool’s home game with Southampton today. at Old Trafford on April 24 offers Teams such as Leicester, who Chelsea on April 14 is their only Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United City host in the penultimate meeting with a top-six team side the chance to ruin the ambi- game and Wolverhampton Wan- during the run-in and half of Should City, who have won tions of their local rivals. derers, who are at Anfield on the their games are against sides in their last eight games in the It is such a tight race that final day, have shown they are the bottom five of the league, league, extend that run until the even a normally acceptable capable of upsetting the big boys. starting with a trip to 16th-placed end of the season they will win result -- a draw at Manchester Another factor is the Cham- Southampton today. the title again. United -- could be enough to tip pions League -- both clubs are 22 SPORT FRIDAY 5 APRIL 2019

ITF World Proteas close to knowing World Junior Tennis Qualifications: Cup squad but doubts remain Qatar through REUTERS In ODI cricket he has to quarters CAPE TOWN managed a single century in his previous 16 innings, dating back QNA South Africa coach Ottis Gibson to the start of 2018, at an KUALA LUMPUR knows the players he wants to average of 35.26. travel to England for the Cricket Counting in his favour The Qatari U14 tennis team qualified World Cup, but injuries and loss though is an impressive to the quarter-finals of the Asia- of form have complicated his average of 63.44 in England. Oceania Final Qualifying event for 15-man selection. Those who have been given ITF World Junior Tennis Competition South Africa, who are due a run of games to contest his being held in Kuala Lumpur, to name their squad on April 18, opening spot, Reeza Hendricks Malaysia. have not lost a 50-over series and Aiden Markram, have not Qatar reached the quarter-finals in the last 12 months, winning grasped their opportunities after beating China 2-1 in their third home and away against Sri despite hugely impressive group match on Wednesday. Lanka, in Australia, and at domestic form. In the quarters, the Qatari team home to Pakistan and There are also questions will take on their Japanese counter- Zimbabwe. over the number three position, parts who led the other group. Captain Faf du Plessis has with the same duo also in con- The State of Qatar is represented previously described what they tention for that along with the by Nasser Al Yafei, Rashed Nawaf see as their blueprint for inexperienced, but in-form, and Meshari Nawaf. success -- six specialist Rassie van der Dussen. Qatar began their campaign in batsmen, an all-rounder at Dussen made his debut less the event with a 1-2 defeat against number seven, three fast than three months ago but New Zealand in the first match, then South Africa’s captain Faf du Plessis (right) reacts next to the team’s coach Ottis Gibson in this file photo. bowlers and a spinner. could be asked to play a pivotal they edged out Chinese Taipei in their The bowling lineup picks role in one of the key batting second match. itself with Imran Tahir pro- Indian Premier League, and have gone off (to the IPL) to taking injuries into a World positions in the lineup. The event features teams from viding his controlled leg-spin, both have a history of breaking make sure that they still Cup, so hopefully that will take JP Duminy, who provides a China, Japan, Thailand, Australia, and a seam attack of Kagiso down in the recent past. remember what the biggest care of itself.” second spin option as well as Korea, Chinese Taipei, Qatar, India, Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and one “I’ve had 15 (players in picture is with regards to the Opening batsman Hashim being a frontline batsman, is Hong Kong, Indonesia, Syria, New of veteran Dale Steyn or new- mind) for a while now, but Proteas setup. Amla has been a stalwart at the undergoing strength training on Zealand, Uzbekistan and Sri Lanka. comer Anrich Nortje. we’ve got to sit with fingers “We have a camp on May top of the order for the last a troublesome shoulder. The four top teams will qualify Ngidi (side strain) and Nortje crossed,” Gibson recently told 12, and we want to make sure decade, but his form in all The Proteas open their to the ITF World Junior Tennis Com- (shoulder) are currently out with reporters. that there are no niggling formats has been called into World Cup against England at petition to be staged in Czech injuries though, missing the “We’ve asked the guys who injuries. We don’t want to be question in the past year. The Oval on May 30. Republic in August 2019. Buttler vows never to be ‘Mankaded’ again Sevastova

REUTERS Rajasthan Royals’ Jos Buttleris being dismissed by a ‘Mankad’ run out at the stunned as RAJASTHAN non-striker’s end by Kings XI Punjab’s Ravichandran Ashwin (left) during an Indian Premier League game last week in this picture obtained by a video. seeds struggle England’s Jos Buttler has vowed to make sure he is never dismissed by a “Mankad” in Charleston run out again after losing his wicket that way for the second time in his career REUTERS during an Indian Premier League (IPL) SOUTH CAROLINA game last week. The Rajasthan Royals batsman was Fourth seed Anastasija Sevastova was run out on 69 while backing up at the stunned by world No. 81 Jessica non-striker’s end as Kings XI Punjab’s Pegula 6-4, 6-2 in the second round Ravichandran Ashwin chose to whip off of the Charleston Open on the bails instead of completing his Wednesday as several seeds ICC charges delivery as Buttler stepped out of the struggled in South Carolina. crease. Sixth seed Elise Mertens fell to ex-Sri Lankan The 28-year-old was dismissed the Kaia Kanepi 0-6, 6-0, 7-5 and same way when England played Sri Lanka seventh seed Julia Goerges lost to all-rounder in 2014, although in that case spinner American Taylor Townsend 6-4, Sachithra Senanayake had warned Buttler 7-6(0). Lokuhettige twice for backing up too far. Pegula broke the Latvian five “I must be the only person to get out times en route to an unlikely victory. REUTERS twice in that way. I’ll make sure it never The Marylebone Cricket Club, the that suddenly over the next two games “Super special, because I’m from COLOMBO happens again,” Buttler told the Daily authority on the laws of cricket, said I found myself being really conscious the area,” Pegula told the Post and Mirror. the dismissal was not “within the spirit of it and it’s quite distracting. Courier. “I had a good feeling this Former Sri Lanka international “I didn’t like what happened and I of the game” after reviewing footage “I think if you look at the footage, week. I kind of went in knowing that Dilhara Lokuhettige (pictured didn’t agree with it, but what can you do?” of the incident. probably the wrong decision was made I feel comfortable here, I feel good. above) has been charged with The dismissal, named after India “I was really disappointed with it, because at the time he was expected I was just trying to ride that three counts of breaching the bowler Vinoo Mankad who ran out Aus- I didn’t like the style of it,” Buttler to release the ball I was in my crease.” momentum.” International Cricket Council’s tralia’s Bill Brown in similar fashion in added. “I just thought it was a bad Buttler, who has made two fifties Caroline Wozniacki, seeded fifth, anti-corruption code, the sport’s 1947, is permitted under cricket’s laws precedent at the start of the in the IPL this season, is back in action had little trouble with Laura governing body said yesterday. but viewed by many as going against the tournament. when the Royals take on Kolkata Siegemund, beating the German 6-2, The charges against the spirit of the game. “What was more disappointing is Knight Riders on Sunday. 6-2 in just under 90 minutes. bowling all-rounder include being “Today, I played a pretty decent party to an effort to fix the result match and I’m ready for tomorrow or progress of an international again,” said 2011 champion Woz- match, and directly soliciting, Pandya on focus after tough season niacki, who will next face 12th seed inducing, enticing or encouraging Mihaela Buzarnescu. a player to do the same, it said. REUTERS their last before this year’s World Cup, Third seed Aryna Sabalenka nar- Mumbai Indians Lokuhettige, who played nine MUMBAI with lower back stiffness. rowly escaped an upset, coming from batsman Hardik one-dayers and two Twenty20 He was back at his best for the a set down to beat Kateryna Kozlova internationals for Sri Lanka, has Hardik Pandya will be a key cog in Mumbai Indians on Wednesday, Pandya in action 3-6, 6-3, 6-3. American eigth seed been charged for similar offences India’s tilt at the Cricket World Cup smashing 25 off eight deliveries with during the IPL. Madison Keys had to fight back from relating to a 10-over league in the this year but the past few months have the bat and then picking up 3-20 with 4-3 down in the final set to defeat Ger- United Arab Emirates last year. been a “reality check” for the all- the ball to help his team beat cham- many’s Tatjana Maria 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-4. “He was provisionally sus- rounder, who has had to deal with pions and table-toppers Chennai pended by the ICC, which had injury problems and controversy off Super Kings by 37 runs. WTA CHARLESTON RESULTS been appointed by the Emirates the field “It has been seven months that I 2ND ROUND: Cricket Board as its designated India has produced a plethora of have hardly played games. I’ve just Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS x14) bt Tamara Zidansek anti-corruption official,” the ICC spin-bowling all-rounders suited to batted and batted and batted, and (SLO) 7-5, 6-2 said in a statement. Asian conditions but past tours to Aus- touch wood the game is getting Jelena Ostapenko (LAT x10) bt Shelby Rogers “That provisional suspension tralia, England and South Africa have improved,” Pandya said after being (USA) 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) remains in full force and effect and highlighted the need for a batsman handed his man-of-the-match award. Madison Keys (USA x8) bt Tatjana Maria (GER) he has additionally been provi- who can turn his arm to fast bowling. “I am someone who wants to 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-4 sionally suspended under the ICC While Pandya is considered one improve my game day by day. That’s Aryna Sabalenka (BLR x3) bt Kateryna Kozlova Code pending the determination of the cleanest strikers of the ball and something I was focusing all those (UKR) 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 of these new charges.” is viewed as having the potential to time I was out. Touch wood it is Monica Puig (PUR) bt Sofia Kenin (USA x13) Lokuhettige had 14 days to address that need, his career has been helping me. It is a fantastic feeling 6-4, 6-4 respond to the new charges, the dealt some recent setbacks. when you hit the ball like that and Danielle Collins (USA x11) bt Aliona Bolsova ICC added. Sri Lanka Cricket has The 25-year-old had to leave the make your team win.” (ESP) 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) been thrown into turmoil as the ICC Asia Cup last September after suffering Pandya has his eyes trained on the Kaia Kanepi (EST) bt Elise Mertens (BEL x6) 0-6, continues to investigate corruption a back injury, which ruled him out of May 40-July 14 World Cup in England 6-0, 7-5 allegations in the island nation. the T20 and test series in Australia. He and Wales. Taylor Townsend (USA) bt Julia Goerges (GER x7) In January, the ICC granted Sri joined the team as an injury “This Man-of-the-Match I would 6-4, 7-6 (7/0) Lankan cricketers a 15-day replacement for the fourth test but was really like to dedicate to my family and Belinda Bencic (SUI x9) bt Alexandra Kiick (USA) amnesty to report previously not selected. my friends who were there for me 6-0, 6-3 undisclosed information relating Pandya and team mate KL Rahul during my toughest time,” he said. Petra Martic (CRO x16) bt Mandy Minella (LUX) to corruption in the sport. were then sent home from India’s tour “Because these seven months has 6-3, 6-3 It was followed by former of Australia and subsequently banned not been easy. I was out and then I Jessica Pegula (USA) bt Anastasija Sevastova captain and chairman of selectors after making remarks that were widely didn’t know what to do. That kind of (LAT x4) 6-4, 6-2 Sanath Jayasuriya being handed condemned as sexist and inappro- made me feel that I should have a Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x5) bt Laura a two-year ban for refusing to priate in a television show interview. reality check on my life (about) what Siegemund (GER) 6-2, 6-2 cooperate with any investigation The bans were provisionally lifted I am doing and which is helping me. Mihaela Buzarnescu (ROM x12) bt Lauren Davis conducted by its anti-corruption pending a board investigation but “Now my only focus is to play IPL (USA) 6-3, 6-2 unit. Pandya then missed India’s limited and make sure India wins the World Maria Sakkari (GRE x15) bt Andrea Petkovic overs home series against Australia, Cup. That is my sole purpose.” (GER) 6-3, 6-0 FRIDAY 5 APRIL 2019 SPORT 23 Peslier clinches Qatar Gold Sword THE PENINSULA PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE DOHA FP Margin Horse Trainer Jockey French jockey Olivier Peslier astride Yazeed 1 Gold Amer (FR) Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle Ronan Thomas celebrates after winning the Qatar Gold Yazeed yesterday produced 2 0.50 Fuwairat (FR) Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al Malki Eduardo Pedroza Sword at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian electrifying speed as French 3 NK Rodina (QA) Mohammed Jassim Ghazali Jahromi Harry Bentley jockey Olivier Peslier won the Club (QREC) yesterday. Qatar Gold Sword, the feature QATAR SILVER SWORD event at the Qatar Racing and 1 AJS Moaddie (QA) Hadi Nasser Rashid Al Ramzani Ronan Thomas Equestrian Club (QREC). 2 1.00 Tabouk (QA) Hamad Ahmed Al Malki Al-Jehani Eduardo Pedroza Yazeed, trained by Alban 3 1.00 Di Oco Py (FR) Hadi Nasser Rashid Al Ramzani Faleh Bughanaim Elie Marie De Mieulle, clocked a time of 2:10.24 in the 2,000m LOCAL THOROUGHBREDS turf race in the 10-rider field. 1 Al Lusail (QA) Hadi Nasser Rashid Al Ramzani Ronan Thomas Gazwan, ridden by Theo 2 3.50 Surra Man Raa (QA) Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al Malki Eduardo Pedroza Bachelot and trained by Julian 3 NK Sraab (QA) Ahmed Mohamad Kobeissi Ryan Curatolo Smart, finished in second spot. The third place was secured SEALINE SPRINT TROPHY by Tayf, ridden by Ronan 1 Anima Rock (FR) Jassim Mohammed Ghazali Jahromi Theo Bachelot Thomas. 2 NO Top Face (USA) Hadi Nasser Rashid Al Ramzani Faleh Bughanaim Peslier won $142,500 for 3 NK Itorio (IRE) Hadi Nasser Rashid Al Ramzani Tomas Lukasek his top-place finish while Bachelot got richer by AL WAJBA TROPHY $55,000. Thomas picked up 1 Luchador (GB) Jassim Mohammed Ghazali Jahromi JP Guillambert $27,500. Alignment, who had Bachelot 2 1.25 Arabic Channel (USA) Hadi Nasser Rashid Al Ramzani Maxime Guyon Harry Bentley on The Popular British jockey in the saddle, finished in third 3 1.50 Ferro Grande (FR) Mohammed Nasser R A Al-Naimi Tomas Lukasek Blue Eye during Qatar Harry Bentley guided The Blue spot. Bachelot got richer by Gold Trophy. Eye to the Qatar Gold Trophy $27,500. QATAR SILVER TROPHY win ahead of a strong field in In race 6, Thomas guided 1 Aahil (QA) Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle Ronan Thomas what race 7 on the cards at Aahil to a close win in the 2 NK Molheb Al Naif (QA) Jassim Mohammed Ghazali Jahromi Harry Bentley QREC. Qatar Silver Trophy worth 3 2.25 Sharesa (QA) Julian Colin Smart Theo Bachelot The Blue Eye, trained by $45,600. Aahil clocked a time Jassim Ghazali, won the of 1:43.90 in the 1,600m. QATAR GOLD TROPHY (QA GR 1) 2200m marathon in a time of Molheb Al Naif, ridden by 1 The Blue Eye (GB) Jassim Mohammed Ghazali Jahromi Harry Bentley 2:14.19. Bentley won $142,000 Bentley and trained by 2 1.50 Heshem (IRE) Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle Olivier Peslier for his win. Ghazali, finished second while 3 NO Alignement (GB) Jassim Mohammed Ghazali Jahromi Theo Bachelot Heshem, ridden by Peslier Sharesa, who had Bachelot in QATAR GOLD SWORD (GR1 PA) and trained by Alban Elie the saddle, ended in third spot. 1 Yazeed (FR) Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle Olivier Peslier Marie, finished in second spot. Bentley took home 2 0.50 Gazwan (GB) Julian Colin Smart Theo Bachelot Peslier won $55,000. $17,600 while Bachelot won 3 0.50 Tayf (FR) Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle Ronan Thomas Ghazali-trained $8,800. PlayersPlayers win to boost McIlroy, says Strange

REUTERS not won one since the PGA Rory after winning The Players,” NEW YORK Championship in 2014. American Strange said. After five top-six finishes in “It’s such a mind game, so I Rory McIlroy’s (pictured) recent succession on the PGA Tour this If he’s in contention think it was huge. Plus he’s got victory at the Players Champi- year, Strange said victory at Saw- the motivation. He knows what onship can propel him to a first grass would send McIlroy to come Sunday he’s going up against, completing Green Jacket at next week’s Augusta brimming with confi- afternoon, it’s a the Slam here. Masters, according to former dence in his ability to finish. different Rory after “I think more than anything Augusta runner-up Curtis “I think that was huge,” else, Rory has to calm down and Strange. Strange, twice US Open champion winning The Players: just get the job done.” Northern Irishman McIlroy and working for broadcaster Strange Several big-name European ended a run of near misses to win ESPN at the Masters, said. players are being tipped to win the prestigious Florida tour- “He didn’t have to reminded think about yourself the title but Strange says Italian nament by one stroke from that he hadn’t finished off in the differently.” Francesco Molinari, the British American Jim Furyk -- his first last year or so after playing well McIlroy was in contention to Open champion, has the accuracy title for a year. the first three days. win last year’s Masters after a to mount a serious challenge. The 29-year-old former “To get over that little hurdle third-round 65 but blew his “He’s one-up on most of the world number one is aiming for and win on really a kind of quirky chances with a 74 on Sunday. players because he’s going to play victory in the Masters to complete golf course, similar to Augusta, to “If he’s in contention come it in the middle of the fairway his set of majors, although he has win on a big stage like that, you Sunday afternoon, it’s a different every time,” Strange said. IAAF Heritage Exhibition opens on April 18 NBA: Magic stop Merritt donates World record spikes Knicks, climb into play-off position THE PENINSULA DOHA REUTERS RESULTS USA’s 2012 London Olympic NEW YORK Games 110m hurdles champion, LA Clippers 103, Houston 135 Aries Merritt has become the Nikola Vucevic had 29 points Dallas 108, Minnesota 110 latest star athlete to give his and 13 rebounds for the Orlando Atlanta 130, Philadelphia 122 support to the IAAF Heritage Magic, who are in the thick of Brooklyn 105, Toronto 115 World Athletics Championships Aries Merritt has the Eastern Conference play-off Miami 102, Boston 112 Exhibition which opens in Doha, become the latest race after a 114-100 win at home Phoenix 97, Utah 118 Qatar on April 18. over the New York Knicks on Portland 116, Memphis 89 Merritt, the fastest man ever star athlete to Wednesday night. Denver 113, San Antonio 85 over the sprint hurdles, has gen- give his support to Terrence Ross added 23 New Orleans 109, Charlotte 115 erously donated to the IAAF Her- the IAAF Heritage points off the bench for the Detroit 89, Indiana 108 itage Collection the pair of spikes World Athletics Magic, and Aaron Gordon and Orlando 114, New York 100

(running shoes) which he wore Evan Fournier scored 19 points Championships Washington 114, Chicago 115 when flying to the current 110m Exhibition which opens each. hurdles world record of 12.80 Orlando began the night a seconds in the IAAF Diamond in Doha on April 18. half-game behind Miami for the worst record in the league and League meeting in Brussels on 7 eighth and final playoff spot in has secured one of the three September 2012. the East, but with the victory, the lottery slots with a 14 percent The spikes will be on public Magic (39-40) moved into a tie chance of landing the No. 1 pick. display in the IAAF Heritage for the seventh spot as the Heat The Magic held off a New Exhibition in the City Center (38-40) fell to Boston 112-102 on York run in the third quarter by Doha shopping mall for six Wednesday. Brooklyn (39-40) responding with a scoring spree months leading into and and Detroit (39-39) also lost, of their own. The Magic had a through the IAAF World Ath- leaving the Magic level with the 16-point lead early in the third letics Championships Doha Nets, both just a half-game quarter, until Hezonja scored 2019 (27 September to 6 behind the sixth-place Pistons. eight straight points to kick off a October). The Nets hold the head-to- 17-5 run. The Knicks cut the Magic In a special ceremony on the head tiebreaker edge on the lead to two later in the third, but evening of April 18, IAAF Pres- Magic. Ross hit back-to-back-to-back ident Sebastian Coe together Orlando plays its last home 3-pointers in the final minute of with Dahlan Al Hamad, IAAF game against Atlanta before fin- the quarter to pad Orlando’s lead Vice President and Director knew I had to become involved story to future generations.” Johnson’s Athens 1997 spikes, ishing the regular season on the back to double digits. General of the IAAF World Ath- and help promote track and Hurdling history will play an Nezha Bidouane’s Edmonton road at Boston and Charlotte. Orlando continued its letics Championships Doha 2019 field,” Merritt said. important part in the exhibition 2001 bodysuit and number, Jana Mario Hezonja led the momentum in the fourth, com- Local Organising Committee, will “I hope that the display of displays. Fanny Blankers-Koen’s Pittman’s Paris 2003 winning Knicks with 29 points while col- piling a 17-2 run during a three- officially open the world’s largest my world record spikes in Doha Olympic accreditation cards vest and number are just a few lecting nine rebounds and five minute stretch spanning the ever display of athletics artefacts will attract the attention of from London 1948, Nawal El of artefacts from famous global assists against his former team. third and fourth quarters. and memorabilia. sports fans and the preser- Moutawakel’s 1984 Olympic champions which will be on Hezonja was selected No. 5 Orlando then kept enough dis- “When I heard about the IAAF vation of the shoes will assist spikes, Colin Jackson’s Stuttgart display alongside Merritt’s overall by the Magic in the 2015 tance in the fourth quarter to Heritage project, I immediately the telling of tracks’ incredible 1993 world record vest, Allen spikes. NBA Draft. New York owns the earn its 39th win of the season. 24 MORNING BREAK FRIDAY 5 APRIL 2019

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 04. 05 AM Palestine Cultural SHOROOK 05. 22 AM Festival kicks off ZUHR 11. 37 AM MAGHRIB 05. 54 PM ASR 03. 06 PM ISHA 07. 24 PM at Katara WEATHER TODAY THE PENINSULA shows at the Katara Drama DOHA Theatre which include the “Zajal” show which is a type The Cultural Village Foun- of Palestinian poetry, folkloric dation – Katara yesterday Palestinian “Dabke” dance launched the Palestine and operetta. Cultural Festival which This year’s festival also features ten days filled with features traditional Pales- shows and activities cele- tinian market displaying dif- brating Palestinian heritage. ferent traditional handicraft Opened by Dr Khalid bin and offering authentic Pales- Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General tinian cuisine. Manager of Katara, the festi- The festival also intro- val’s launch witnessed the duces some young Palestinian attendance of several digni- talents such as Mohammed Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti (centre) along with other officials and dignitaries inaugurating taries and diplomats, in Basyouni who travelled all the the Palestine Cultural Festival at Katara, yesterday. addition to a large number of way from Gaza to perform a visitors from the Palestinian repertoire of traditional Pal- children explaining the Pal- The final day of the fes- musician Bassem Al Ashqar community in Qatar and other estinian songs at the festival. estinian cause to raise tival themed “Jerusalem Day’ which will be one of several communities. Besides, the festival fea- awareness on the struggles of will witness a show featuring activities to celebrate the day The festival includes daily tures a puppet show for the Palestinian people. renowned Palestinian of Jerusalem.

23oC 30oC Minimum Maximum

Partly cloudy to cloudy at times with chance of rain at places maybe thundery at times.

HIGH TIDE 04:26 –16:58 LOW TIDE 12:05 – 23:52 Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department

The festival, which opened yesterday at Katara, features Palestinian cuisine among others. RIGHT: A Palestinian “Dabke” performance. Qatar-based artists create strong line-up of artworks

RAYNALD C RIVERA THE PENINSULA

From sculptures and installations to fashion and graphic design, artworks in progress by 19 Qatar-based artists participating in the fourth cycle of Fire Station’s Artist in Residence are expected to wow art enthusiasts when they go on show in July. The immense talent of the artists is evident in their ongoing projects which Doha’s art lovers were able to witness firsthand during the Open Studio Night on Wednesday. “It’s wonderful to see the growth of the programme in the last four years. Every group seems to get stronger and the shows more interesting,” American painter Michael Perrone, one of the resident artists, observed. American painter and professor Michael Perrone (left), and Multidisciplinary visual artist and writer Hassan Zeid Manasra. Teaching painting at Virginia Com- Beyonce to design shoes monwealth University School of Arts sculpture based on them. iron in my work in the future,” said from the photos I kind of distort and in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), Perrone Multidisciplinary visual artist and Manasra. edit them and the outcome are and clothes for Adidas delves into using fresh techniques and writer Hassan Zeid Manasra has taken Having written or painted over 30 unique pieces which look like BLOOMBERG/NEW YORK media during his residency. a similar trajectory exploring new books mostly for children, the Jor- paintings but are actually prints,” “I’m primarily a painter but lately, material in a larger scale in his instal- danian artist also plans to do one chil- said A Hardan. Adidas AG and pop star Beyonce joined through this experience in the Fire lation in the form of a bed which, for dren’s book every year together with The Qatari graphic designer added: forces to develop footwear and apparel, Station, I’ve been able to explore him, is a metaphor for man’s rela- other artists. “They’re very abstract in a way that I as the German sportswear company seeks sculpture that’s derived from my tionship with his environment. VCUarts Qatar graduate, Shaikha only used geometric shapes, and to reignite growth in its casual fashion painting,” he explained. “The programme has helped me Jassim Al Hardan, also believes the colours and gradients kind of invoke lineup. Beyonce, known for hits such as He integrates his career and to discover new techniques and mate- programme has given her space to these memories that I have from the “Single Ladies,” last year ended a venture passion into his works transforming rials. I never thought I’d create a bed expand her horizons facilitating her places I took the photographs from in with U.K. fashion tycoon Philip Green, with old notebook notes into artworks made of iron this size. It has helped me artistic growth. Qatar; they represent memories from the singer buying out his stake in her Ivy by turning them into shapes, a lot to experiment and create some- “Intially, my work involved my childhood as well as emotions and Park brand. painting them, then making a thing new and now I’m inspired to use taking photos from around Qatar; feelings,” she said. Four-legged prehistoric whale fossil found

AFP fresh information on the evolution older cetaceans in India and WASHINGTON of cetaceans. The fossil was found Pakistan.” about 0.6 miles inland from Peru’s Pieces of four-legged whales Paleontologists have found a well- Pacific coast, at Playa Media Luna. were found in Egypt, Nigeria, Togo, preserved fossil of a four-legged Its mandibles grazed the desert Senegal and Western Sahara, but amphibian ancestor of whales, a soil and during excavations, the they were so fragmented that it was discovery that sheds new light on researchers found the lower jaw, impossible to decisively conclude the mammals’ transition from land teeth, vertebrae, ribs, parts of front whether they could swim. “This is the to the ocean. and back legs, and even the whale most complete specimen ever found The ancestors of whales and ancestor’s long fingers that were for a four-legged whale outside of dolphins walked on Earth about likely webbed. India and Pakistan,” said Lambert. 50 million years ago in the regions Based on its anatomy, the scien- If the whale in Peru could swim that now comprise India and tists say this cetacean of about 13 feet like an otter, the researchers Pakistan. (four meters) long could both walk hypothesized that it likely crossed Paleontologists have previously and swim. the Atlantic from the western coast found partial fossils of the species “Part of the tail’s vertebrae of Africa to South America. As a in North America that were 41.2 showed similarities with that of result of contintental drift, the dis- million years old suggesting that by present-day semi-aquatic mammals tance was half that of today, this time, the cetaceans had lost the like otters,” lead author Olivier around 800 miles, and the east- Winter returns ability to carry their own weight and Lambert of the Royal Belgian west current of the time would Ponies graze on a freshly snow-covered field in Crissier, western Switzerland, yesterday. walk the Earth. Institute of Natural Sciences said. have facilitated their travel. After a healthy dose of spring weather, winter made a return in the early hours of The new specimen, described “This would therefore have been This finding would make less Wednesday in the country. in a study published yesterday in an animal that would have started likely another hypothesis according the journal Current Biology, is 42.6 to make growing use of its tail to to which whales reached North million years old and provides swim, which differentiates it from America via Greenland.