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Sunday 5 February 2017 | 8 Jumada I 1438 Volume 21 | Number 7063 | 2 Riyals

World’s longest flight by Qatar Airways that Qatar condemns Push for more crosses 10 time zones takes off today attack on Louvre Museum in Paris QR 920 10 time zones 17h 45m travel and QNA Scheduled to leave Crosses 10 time zones before arriv- This journey of 17 hours and 45 minutes will Doha today at ing in Auckland, New Zealand, on become the longest passenger flight in the world 5:10am. Monday at 7:30am. covering 9,032 miles. QATAR has strongly con- 217 ECONOMY demned the attack on a tourism offices The Boeing 777-200LR will pass over Dubai, CLASS SEATS security post near the Louvre northern Oman, southern tip of India, Sri Lanka, across Museum in Paris. 42 BUSINESS the Indian Ocean and Western Australia. In a statement yesterday, Mohammed Osman More prospects CLASS SEATS the Foreign Ministry said that The Peninsula the State of Qatar condemns Qatari investors Doha the criminal act, and reiter- he Ministry of Econ- asked to explore the ates solidarity with the omy and Commerce possibility of French Republic. has called on Qatari establishing more The Ministry renewed investors to explore travel and tourism Qatar's firm position reject- the possibility of offices in the ing violence and terrorism in The 5 longest routes are: Testablishing more travel and country. all its forms and tourism offices in the country, Doha-Auckland: 9,032 miles manifestations. Industry sources Dubai-Auckland: 8,824 miles indicating that there is more Dallas-Sydney: 8,578 miles The Organization of scope for such facilities outside say that most of Johannesburg-Atlanta: 8,439 miles Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Doha and its suburbs. the business is Singapore-San Francisco: 8,434 miles also yesterday strongly Data released by the Min- concentrated denounced the terror offen- istry shows that the highest in Doha. sive in which a man carrying number of travel and tourism a knife attacked the security offices are based in Al Rayyan, To establish a new travel Auckland patrol stationed in front of the with 32 licence holders. Doha agency investors need to Louvre museum. has 11 active business licences develop a work plan based on Source: Qatar Airways / Agencies The Peninsula graphic: Abraham In a statement, the Sec- in the sector, Umm Salal six, Al economic feasibility and deter- retary General of OIC, Dr Wakrah five and Al Khor and mine the value of investment, Yousef bin Ahmed Al Oth- Dakhira two. the Ministry said in an advisory aimeen, expressed his Of the active businesses in issued to potential investors. disappointment over the hei- the travel and tourism indus- “As your customers are QA to fly passengers from banned nous crime which includes, try, travel offices top the list families, individuals, retired according to a preliminary with 332 facilities, followed by persons, students, tourist probe launched into the inci- tourism with 237 offices. groups, and businessmen, you nations after US court verdict dent by the French Offices conducting local need to approach them through authorities, bears the signs tourism are listed among the online monthly bulletin, social of a terrorist attack. Al Oth- most inactive with 14 offices media and create database for Huda N V Customs and Border Protection "We have reversed the provi- aimeen confirmed the and three offices dealing in land the customers,” said the ww (CBP), nationals of the seven sional revocation of visas," a US solidarity of OIC with France tourism. Ministry. affected countries listed below State Department spokesman and the French people. Data about the number of Citing the latest global sta- atar Airways said yester- and all refugees seeking admis- told AFP. → See also page 13 people served per office indi- tistical data on travel and day it will resume carrying sion presenting a valid, "Those individuals with cate that Al Khor and Dakira are tourism, the Ministry said that Qnationals of seven previ- unexpired US visa or Lawful visas that were not physically Tajikistan President the least served, geographically, 57 percent of the bookings are ously barred countries on its Permanent Resident (LPR) card cancelled may now travel if the with 101,015 people per office. being done through the inter- US-bound flights, after a US fed- (Green Card) will be permitted visa is otherwise valid," the offi- arrives today Each office in Doha serves net and 47 percent of the eral judge temporarily halted a to travel to the United States and cial said. 86,950 people and that in Al searches are being made on controversial travel ban. Citizens will be processed accordingly The State Department offi- QNA Wakra 59,807 people. Every smart phones. Industry sources of Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Syria, upon arrival," said Qatar Air- cial added that the Trump office in Umm Salal and Al say that most of the business is Iran, Iraq and Yemen holding ways in an announcement on administration is "working TAJIKISTAN'S President Rayyan serve 15,139 and 18,928 concentrated in Doha, although valid US visas can now fly Qatar its website. closely with the Department of Emomali Rahmon will arrive people, respectively. some travel and tour operators Airways. US authorities yesterday Homeland Security and our legal in Doha on an official visit to The Ministry said that 91 have opened small offices in Last week, the airline had suspended President Donald teams" pending a full review of Qatar today. percent of the holders of licenes areas outside the city but have issued a travel alert restricting Trump's controversial ban on a complaint filed by Washing- Emir H H Sheikh Tamim in travel and tourism are men not found them very US travel for the nationals of travellers from seven Muslim ton state's attorney general, bin Hamad Al Thani and the and 57 percent of them are aged successful. these countries on its flights. countries, following a court rul- which filed the challenge. President of Tajikistan will above 45 years. → Continued on page 5 "As directed by the US ing that blocked its enforcement. → See also page 15 hold talks tomorrow. New company Nights to be colder in to manage HIA some parts of Qatar

The Peninsula The Peninsula and Al Khor, with the temperature dropping to 7 degrees at night. The he Executive Board of Directors of Qatar Air- he country would continue to day would be hotter with sunshine ways Group has announced the establishment experience the cold spell taking the mercury to 17 and 19 Tof a new company to manage and operate Tbrought forth by the north- degrees, respectively. Dukhan will Hamad International Airport (HIA) as an independ- westerly winds from the icy have the coolest daytime with 15 ent entity owned by Qatar Airways Group. European regions. Mercury is degrees Celsius, and 11 degrees at The decision was announced at the board meet- expected to dip as low as 7 degrees night. ing held on January 31. Having opened in 2014, the Celsius in some parts of the coun- In Mesaieed and Al Wakrah, airport serves 30 million passengers a year, and can try tonight. temperatures would fall to 8 handle 100 aircraft movements per hour on its dual- Yesterday, the lowest temper- degrees tonight, while day temper- runways. Within two years of its opening, HIA has ature was recorded at 6 degrees atures would likely be 19 degrees. earned several world-class awards and recognitions Celsius at Turayna, south of the The northwesterly winds will blow including the Skytrax 5-Star Airport award – the only country. between 5 to 15 knots inland. Off- Middle Eastern airport to have earned this honour; While nights would remain shore, the wind direction would be Skytrax’s Middle East’s Best Airport in 2015 and 2016; chilly, days would be warmer com- northwesterly, with speeds rang- Skytrax Best Staff Service in the Middle East 2016; pared to the last few days with ing up to 22 knots, decreasing to 18 and previously Best Airport Award at the Future winds subsiding. knots by mid-day. The wave height Travel Experience (FTE) Asia Awards in 2015. Maximum temperature in Doha will be between 5 to 7 feet at first HIA is the official airport of Bayern-Munich Foot- is expected to soar to 20 degrees, falling to 2 to 4 feet later. ball Club. Services and facilities at HIA include Qatar while in Mesaieed, Al Wakrah and The bureau has issued no Duty Free, a premium shopping emporium with more Al Khor it will be 19 degrees. inshore warning for today and said A man sips tea at a cafe in Industrial Area yesterday. People took than 40,000 square metres of combined retail and The weather bureau has fore- visibility could be four to eight kil- dining with more than 70 boutiques and 30 cafés to the outdoors covered in warm clothes as sunshine brought some cast a mild day with some clouds, ometre. However, it continues its and restaurants. relief from chilly conditions on Friday. today. The coldest place in the warning of strong winds and high → Continued on page 5 Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula country today would be Abu Samra seas for sea goers. 02 HOME SUNDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2017

Emir greets Sri Lankans mark 69th Independence Day Sri Lankan President Fazeena Saleem Sankapali, addressing the The Peninsula Emir praised gathering, said, “You all have EMIR H H Sheikh Tamim bin Sankapali thanks been here for the past years or Hamad Al Thani sent yester- ri Lankans in Qatar cel- Emir and the decades. You have not only day a cable of congratulations ebrated their country’s government for benefitted from this country, to President of the Democratic 69th Independence Day you all have been great contrib- Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka providing with traditional zeal and utors to the development of Maithripala Sirisena on the opportunities for Sri fervour yesterday. Qatar. I, on behalf of my gov- anniversary of his country's SDespite the chill weather, Lankan expatriates. ernment, take this opportunity Independence Day. (QNA) many Sri Lankans turned up at to thank Emir H H Sheikh Deputy Emir H H Sheikh their embassy in the Old Airport Messages from Sri Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani area for a flag-hoisting Lankan President, the government of Qatar for and Prime Minister and Inte- ceremony. Prime Minister and providing opportunities for Sri rior Minister H E Sheikh K H C Sankapali, chargé Foreign Minister read Lankans to be part of their Abdullah bin Nasser bin Kha- d'affaires at the embassy, out at the event. development and progress lifa Al Thani have also sent hoisted Sri Lanka’s national flag while providing a great contri- congratulations to Maithripala as the national anthem was bution for the process of Sirisena on the Independence sung and a traditional oil lamp been able to overcome a dark earning foreign exchange for Day. was lit. era and reillumine our insur- our motherland.” Two minutes of silence was mountable aspirations for “The Embassy of Sri Lanka observed in remembrance and democracy, freedom, and in Qatar is committed to pro- Sudan Minister honour of freedom fighters of Sri human dignity. However, the vide all assistance and support Lanka. Also, religious observ- realization of the true meaning for the betterment of our Sri praises Qatar's ances were performed. of freedom and independence Lankans living here according The message of Sri Lankan lies in our potential to free our- to all applicable rules and reg- role in Darfur President Maithripala Sirisena selves from the shackles of all ulations and guidelines in Sri was read out. It said: “It is at a kinds and forms of poverty, ill- Lanka and also subjected to the SUDANESE Minister of Cul- challenging and decisive health, and confines of divisive law of this country,” she added. ture Tayeb Hassan Badawi has moment that we celebrate the identities of race, religion and Sankapali also hinted that praised the great role played by 69th Independence anniversary caste, and enrich ourselves, as a new ambassador of Sri Lanka the State of Qatar in achieving this year. The responsibility of a society that values equity and to Qatar will soon be appointed. peace in the Darfur region, say- strengthening the recently rights of all. “We will have a new ambas- ing that the Doha agreement secured democratic freedom as Also, messages of Sri sador soon as the official promotes culture of peace and well as ensuring that, enriched Lankan Prime Minister Ranil formalities and procedures are dialogue approach to realize by indigenous wisdom, all com- Wickremesighe and Foreign being done at the moment K H C Sankapali, chargé d'affaires at the embassy, hoisting the regional stability. munities could live with dignity, Minister Mangala Samaraweera regarding the new appoint- Sri Lankan national flag at the embassy premises yesterday. The Minister highlighted lies on our shoulders. We have were read out. ment,” she said. Pic: Abdul Basit / The Peninsula the peace gains that have been achieved for the people of Sudan through the Doha agreement, including disap- Silatech created 300,000 jobs for Arab youth last year pearance of war agenda and promotion of dialogue for peaceful transfer of power, as The Peninsula more than one million job agreement with the Agricultural across Tunisia via providing sup- where it collaborated with Qatar well as peaceful coexistence opportunities by 2020 across the Bank of Sudan to promote Islamic port to entrepreneurs, and Red Crescent to provide train- and national unity of Sudan. ilatech, a regional social Arab region through its core pro- microfinance to support youth supports the innovative Smart ing for displaced youth develop The Sudanese minister organisation, has created grammatic pillars: Enterprise entrepreneurs and create 23,000 Tunisia program in enabling their skills and provide 1,700 said that Qatar is a strategic Sand sustained more than Development, Employment, and jobs, in addition to partnering with 50,000 jobs by 2020. Silatech jobs. In Palestine, Silatech part- partner for Sudan in various 300,000 jobs for Arab youth Policy and Research. Social Development Bank to cre- renewed its partnership with nered with Talal Abu Ghazaleh domains, adding that his min- through a network of more than The Highlights of 2016 ate 20,000 jobs for graduates to Attawfiq Microfinance in Morocco Group to launch ‘Khadamati’ istry is now implementing 150 partners last year. included collaborations to cre- start their own enterprises. In adding up to 140,000 jobs for portal to allow craftsmen in Pal- massive cultural projects in Silatech’s key achievements ate and sustain job opportunities Tunisia, Silatech signed an agree- Moroccan youth. estine to advertise their products all parts of Sudan, taking included signing strategic part- across the region. ment with Enda Tamweel to Silatech extended its inno- and services and connect them advantage of the Qatari nerships to create and sustain In Sudan, Silatech signed an create more than 580,000 jobs vative partnerships to Syria, with customers and markets. support. 92% of patients fully satisfied with services at Sidra: Survey

The Peninsula the clinic, the process of getting which is also mentioned in the an appointment, rating the doc- Quran.” he Outpatient Clinic at tors and nursing teams, comfort “The feedback that we receive Sidra Medical and in the hospital building and the from each patient allows us to TResearch Center has been quality of waiting room and hos- ensure that we are identifying any recognised for patient satisfac- pital amenities. gaps and concerns immediately tion excellence seven months Highlights from the patient and making necessary improve- after opening the doors to its feedback collected include, “The ments to enhance patient first clinics. Some 92% of the care we received was more than experience at Sidra. The high patients were fully satisfied with I imagined it would be. It was patient rating of our doctors, their experiences, according to excellent and I hope they con- nurses and the services motivates the figures of regular internal tinue to keep up providing such us to work harder and to ensure patient satisfaction survey great levels of care and service we maintain the best possible released yesterday. to patients” (about General Sur- standards of care. This is partic- The survey result is based on gery), “Excellent care - I felt like ularly critical as we attend to a more than 7,000 appointments a VIP!” (about Orthopaedics) and higher volume of patients, ramp (or nearly 800 survey respond- “The service provided was up more services including read- ents) that have taken place at the excellent. I have yet to experi- ying our main hospital for Sidra Outpatient Clinics since ence better service in other inpatient care and recruit for over May until December 2016. facilities” (about the Ear, Nose 3500 clinical and administrative “At Sidra, we pride ourselves and Throat Clinic). One patient, roles over the course of two on putting our patients at the was so happy with the care she years,” said Dr Abdulla Al Kaabi, heart of all we do. We are received from the Obstetrics Deputy Chief Medical Officer of delighted with the results from team that she named her baby Sidra. our patient satisfaction survey, Sidra. “The team and staff at Sidra successfully began the which is testament to Sidra’s Sidra were exceptional. I really phased opening of its Outpatient ongoing vigilance and commit- valued the attention and care Clinic in May 2016 with several ment to our patients and thanks that was given to me – and it paediatric outpatient clinics and to the skills and expertise of our seemed fitting that I name my services and also offers obstet- diverse healthcare leaders and baby Sidra - a beautiful name rics care. teams. We collect and transpar- ently report on patient satisfaction at the Sidra Outpa- tient Clinic to ensure that we continuously deliver the best quality care and safety for our patients. This is an ongoing process as we gear up to open more services and clinics until the Outpatient Clinic becomes fully operational later next month,” said Peter Morris , Chief Executive Officer, Sidra. Since May, Sidra has been collecting data and feedback from patients following their visits to the Outpatient Clinic. Through surveys, patients are asked to rate their experience on areas including the ease of their journey from home through to their registration at Patients at the Sidra Medical and Research Center. SUNDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2017 HOME 03 Qatar 'made huge progress' in fight against cancer

Fazeena Saleem Health Report identified that can- (MOPH), in a statement, said that HMC’s National Center for Cancer people’s attitude to accessing The Peninsula Rising cases cer was responsible for 18 percent collecting correct data on the dis- Care and Research (NCCCR) and early diagnosis, treatment and World Cancer Day of all deaths in Qatar compared to ease helps in designing Chairman of Cancer Services at care,” he said. atar yesterday marked marked with 10 percent in 2010. The report awareness programmes to pre- HMC said, “We have made great Dr Mohammed Ussama Al the World Cancer Day emphasis on creating added that after cardiovascular vent cancer and avoidable progress in the fight against can- Homsi, Senior Consultant in the (WCD) with an awareness about the disease, cancer was the second deaths. It further said demo- cer in Qatar. The National Cancer Oncology Department at NCCCR emphasis on creating leading cause of death from a non- graphic and clinical data about Strategy has guided us to reduce noted that WCD presents an ideal disease and Qawareness and col- communicable disease. cancer patients in the QNCR the impact of this overwhelming opportunity to highlight the fact collecting data. lecting accurate data about In this backdrop, Qatar joined helps to identify the prevalence disease and build on previous that together the world can make cancer. the worldwide initiative to raise and nature of cancer in Qatar. In achievements to ensure the well- a difference. “WCD presents an The recent statistics from the In 2015, a total of awareness of cancer among the 2014, MOPH created the QNCR being of Qatar’s population.” excellent opportunity to raise Qatar National Cancer Registry 1,465 patients were public in order to save lives and replacing the hospital based reg- “Our cancer services are awareness amongst the public of (QNCR) show that in 2015, a total documented as reduce the number of preventa- istry. MOPH and Hamad Medical benchmarked against best inter- the importance of taking care of of 1,465 patients were docu- newly diagnosed ble deaths that occur each year Corporation (HMC) work national practice and recognized their health and being aware of the mented as newly diagnosed with with cancer. due to the disease, under this together in collecting data for the by international research study consequences of a lack of physi- cancer. Among them, 44 percent year’s theme - ‘We can. I can.’ It QNCR and follow standards set groups. Educating people and cal activity and poor nutrition….. were female and 56 percent were highlighted the importance of by the World Health Organiza- broadening their understanding The risk of developing cancer, can male patients. states that the majority of Qatar’s knowing the symptoms and risk tion’s International Agency is vital for the future of cancer be reduced by following healthy According to Qatar’s 2014 residents will be, either directly factors of developing cancer. Research in Cancer (IARC). prevention, early detection and lifestyle habits such as not smok- Population Health Report, can- or indirectly, affected by It also emphasized the Commenting on World Can- treatment. This is also an efficient ing, preventing ultraviolet (UV) cer was the second leading cause cancer. importance of collecting data on cer Day 2017, Professor Karl weapon in dispelling the many exposure from the sun, consum- of death in the country between Similarly, the World Health cancer patients. Alexander Knuth, Medical Direc- myths and misconceptions about ing a healthy diet and exercising 2004 and 2010. The report also Organization’s 2014 Population The Ministry of Public Health tor and Chief Executive Officer of cancer that can adversely affect regularly.” Qatar Charity builds model village in Djibouti's Arta region

The Peninsula Said Abu Sala'a, attended the The village will solve the inauguration ceremony. housing crisis in Djibouti and atar Charity has inaugu- “Doha Al Kheir” consists of will benefit the whole residents rated a model village at 100 houses, a dispensary, a of the region. “The village is a QDamerjog in the Arta mosque, a primary school, a distinctive addition to the whole Region of Djibouti. The village, sewing center, a water network, region especially and Djibouti "Doha Al Kheir” comprises 100 and a large tank. QC is looking generally,” the Minister said. houses, a medical centre, a forward to more than 5,000 Khalid Al Yafei, Director of mosque, a primary school and people in Damerjog take advan- QC's Operations Department, a tailoring centre. tage of these facilities. thanked members of “Rohama’ The project was funded by The model village offers edu- Qatar” and “Atta Alkheir” from "Rohama Qatar" and imple- cational services to more than Doha Alkheir initiatives for mented by the QC in 360 persons. There were no financing the project. The branch collaboration with Mercy Inter- schools in this area. After suffer- of Mercy International Associa- national Association. ing from a water crisis for a long tion in Djibouti helped in The Minister of Housing, time, the people now have access implementing the project. Al- Environment and Urban Plan- to clean water. Further, the Yafei presented the most ning of Djibouti, Musa Mohamed project contributes to creating important projects of QC in Dji- Ahmed, and the Chargé work opportunities through bouti during the last year and a d'affaires of the Qatari Embassy teaching and training students at half that valued at around QR15m The model village built by Qatar Charity in Djibouti. in Djibouti, Nasser Mohammed a sewing workshop. benefiting 77,801 people. 04 HOME SUNDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2017 Intensive filmmaking QBA Chairman meets Wisconsin Foundation team workshop planned

Irfan Bukhari feature films individually on The Peninsula Filmmaking “veil” for which they would also Qatar Cinema and conduct field research to assess atar Cinema and Film Film Distribution public opinion on the issue. Distribution Com- “Each participant will have to Company will conduct pany has planned a produce the film in two-week the filmmaking hands-on, intensive time,” he said. Qfour-month filmmak- workshop in AbdulRahman Najdi has ing workshop for the Qatari collaboration with been a filmmaker and has youth. Girls Creativity Centre directed many films. “Being a The company will conduct and US embassy in filmmaker, I want to promote this filmmaking workshop in Qatar. the art of filmmaking,” he noted. collaboration with Girls Crea- To a question, he said that the tivity Centre and US Embassy in Only Qatari nationals response from the youth was Qatar. “The plan will take final will be enrolled for very good. “In last workshop we shape soon as consultations with the workshop. And received a large number of the US embassy are still under- will select 10 applications and I am hoping a way. The embassy supported a students; 5 each boys bigger response this time,” he similar filmmaking workshop said. and 5 girls. The age- around two years ago,” said He said that Arab film indus- limit is 17-25 years. Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman of Qatari Businessmen Association, with AbdulRahman Najdi, General try was losing charm. “Once They will get training the visiting delegation of Wisconsin Foundation for Economic Development in Doha. The Manager, Qatar Cinema and Egypt used to lead the industry delegation discussed the ways to further develop economic relations between Doha and Film Distribution Company. of all disciplines of but now it has lost its lustre, filmmaking. the US state of Wisconsin. They also reviewed the joint cooperation and prospects for He said the theme of film- therefore it is important to enhancing foreign direct investment between the two parties. making workshop would be revive Arab film industry by cre- “veil” (hijab). “At the end of 3-4 ating a new generation of months long intensive work- script writing, acting, camera, filmmakers,” he said, adding shop, participants will produce direction, digital editing,” Abdul- that the Emirati (UAE) and Bah- short feature films on veil,” he Rahman Najdi added. rani film industry was picking said, adding that the subject had He said that professionals some pace and had produced Independent schools to resume classes today been selected to repel West’s having command on various few good movies. misunderstandings on the departments of filmmaking He said that most of Qataris The Peninsula The ministry asked the students to do hard subject. would conduct the workshop. who were interested in film- work from the first day of school to obtain excel- Only Qatari nationals will be “In our last workshop whose making had interest only in the ll Independent schools will resume classes lent marks. Parents were also urged to make enrolled for the workshop. “We theme was ‘women voice’, we direction. “In filmmaking all today after the two weeks spring holidays, suitable environment at home so their children will select 10 students; 5 each had also hired services of pro- skills are needed from script- Athe Ministry of Education and Higher Edu- could study seriously and encourage them to from boys and girls. The age- fessional filmmakers,” he said. writing to editing therefore in cation said yesterday. A total of 113,429 students obtain high marks. limit is 17-25 years. They will get To evaluate skill of partici- the upcoming workshop we from various levels of Independent schools as will Schools area ready to receive the students and training of all disciplines of film- pants, he said, they would be would train participants for all return to their classes entering the last term of to distribute text books for second term from the making including story writing, assigned to produce 10-minute skills,” he added. 2016-17 academic year. first day of school. RAF sends aid to Syrian refugees in Lebanon

The Peninsula assess the needs of refugee families. Then they were provided coupons heikh Thani bin Abdullah Foun- to receive the aid at distribution dation for Humanitarian centers. SServices (RAF) has dispatched The foodstuffs included rice, fresh humanitarian aid at a cost of sugar, tea, lintels, olive oil, edible oil, QR1m to Syrian refugees sheltering pasta, salt, canned foods among oth- in Lebanon. ers. The project helped reduce the More than 8,000 people fighting suffering of refugee families amid for survival benefitted from the harsh weather and snow fall. RAF project. The project meant to pro- implemented several projects and vide basic needs to refugee families planed to continue to meet the needs like foodstuffs, fuels and medicines. of more than 40,000 refugees like The medicines were distributed to heater fuels, food baskets and med- three health facilities serving the Syrian refugees receiving aid material. icines enough for four months. beneficiaries. RAF’s massive campaign Shita Al The project was implemented by Basha and Al Arqub in southern part The project aimed at providing Rama (winter mercy) in Lebanon RAF in collaboration with its local of Lebanon, Al Shamal medical cen- fuels and food baskets to most earmarked QR4m for relief projects partners in Lebanon. More than tre in Al Dhania and Nurah medical deserving refugee camps in Akar, Al for 31,000 Syrian refugees across the 120,000 liters fuels for heaters, centre in Jabal were supplied med- Buqa, Shaba, Al Arqub and those in Lebanon. They will be provided 4,000 food baskets, 200 raincoats icines for children, women and southern part of Lebanon. 5,000 food baskets, tents, vaccina- were distributed to beneficiary fam- senior citizens enough for four A survey was conducted in col- tion, medicines, winter wears, ilies. Al Rahma medical centre in months. laboration with local partners to blankets and fuels.

Qatar Chamber unveils new service to obtain COO online

The Peninsula

atar Chamber has launched a new service to allow private companies to obtain certificate Qof origin (COO) online from its website. “The new service will enable private compa- nies to get rid of all problems they faced like slow procedures,” said Saleh Hamad Al Sharqi, Director General of Qatar Chamber. “The companies will get services in their offices as the system is being converted into paperless”. The new service can be availed by download- ing a subscription form from the system. The applicant is required to fill in the form, put signa- ture of owner of the company and submit at Qatar Chamber. "QC will soon launch a mobile application that will have all services provided by it as all transac- tions will be transferred on it after final approval," said Al Sharqi. QC has upgraded its website making it a plat- form to interact with Qatari businessmen. They could be in touch with QC, and give their feedback about challenges they faced. The website has separate page about invest- ments in Qatar showcasing investment opportunities and law encouraging attracting the investment. A separate page is also available at the website about the tenders floated by the Central Tenders Committee in a bid to update the compa- nies about the tenders. SUNDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2017 HOME 05 AZF to launch biggest National Sport Day event

The Peninsula For its sixth annual spire Zone Founda- NSD celebrations, tion (AZF) and its affiliated member Aspire Zone organisations are set Foundation will to launch one of the introduce a number biggestA National Sport Day cele- brations in Qatar, laying on a of unique sporting programme that offers the per- activities, available fect blend of sporting activities in Qatar for the first and family fun. time. For its sixth annual NSD cel- ebration, Aspire Zone Foundation will introduce a number of unique do so through the various sport- 1pm. The activities will help them sporting activities, available in ing events being organised on gain new skills in gymnastics and Qatar for the first time. These Aspire Zone’s outdoor pitch (10). basketball under the supervision include several innovative East- Open from 9am to 3pm, these of coaches from Aspire Acade- ern and European sports, tailored include popular sports such as my’s Multi-Sport Skill and presented in a way that football, basketball, volleyball, Development programme appeals to local preferences and calisthenics demonstrations, par- coaches. expectations. achute games, mini telematch Uniquely for Qatar, AZF has “Team at Aspire Zone Foun- competitions, and movement incorporated into its activities this dation has worked tirelessly to with music. year a new sporting trend that is organise a range of unique and Aspire Zone Foundation has growing in popularity – “Nordic thrilling family-oriented sporting also allocated a large space in walking” — an affordable sport- Families enjoying various activities at Aspire Zone Foundation. activities designed to create an Pitch 10 for young children to ing activity that burns large ideal sporting atmosphere in a engage in fun activities and games numbers of calories and helps family-friendly environment. This in a safe and secure environment. achieve total body fitness. visitors above the age of 18 who also be able to enjoy a wide tionary bike races. supports Aspire Zone Founda- These include bouncy castles, Originating from the Scandi- are interested in trying it. The range of indoor activities, start- This year’s programme tion’s aim of bringing members obstacle courses, and football navian region in northern Europe, demonstrations will start from ing from 10am in Aspire Dome. includes Aspire Zone’s annual Fun of the local community together skills for kids. Soft play areas for several recent studies have 11am in front of Aspetar’s state- These include indoor wall climb- Run and the ‘5,000 Step Journey’, and giving them the opportunity children under the age of two are emphasised the Nordic walk’s of-the-art West Wing. ing, individual football activity, with over 12 educational stations to enjoy unique and memorable also available, meaning that even crucial role in improving overall In collaboration with the as well as fitness and gym classes that provide valuable tips and experiences,” said Nasser Abdul- the youngest members of the physical and mental health. Embassy of Japan in Doha, delivered by ASPIRE ACTIVE advice for participants about lah Al Hajri (pictured), Director family can take part in the fun. Drawing on the extensive ‘Kendo,’ one of Japan’s oldest programme. physical activity and healthy life- of PR and Communications at the Meanwhile, mothers and experience of their staff, world- martial arts will be demonstrated In addition, Aspire Academy styles. More information more foundation. daughters seeking a private and renowned coaches from Aspetar and visitors can try it out under will organise a ‘Beat the Cham- about Aspire Zone Foundation’s All members of the commu- comfortable space can participate – one of Aspire Zone Founda- the supervision of highly trained pion’ event, made up of a series programmes and events is avail- nity who are keen to participate in women-only activities that tion’s member organsiations professionals, starting at 9am on of sporting challenges that able on its website, social media in group activities and spend take place on the indoor pitches – will be situated in five stations pitch 10. include a 20 metre sprint, ball channels and ‘Life in Aspire’ some quality time together can of Aspire Dome from 10am until to demonstrate the sport to Visitors to Aspire Zone will throwing, vertical jumps and sta- smartphone app. Ministry plans to expand No need for several travel agents to open offices Continued from page 1 the number of customers get divided and it causes “Some travel agents have small offices out- loss in business. I know there are some who fishing ports in the country side Doha. Outside Doha there is no need for opened offices outside Doha and closed due to several travel agents to open offices, one or two lack of business,” said a senior official of a Doha- offices can be helpful. When there are more offices, based travel agency. Sidi Mohamed exploitation rates of all types of In an effort to increase the self- The Peninsula fish have been determined in sufficiency ratio of fish, the order to identify the quantities of ministry has also given special he Ministry of Municipality fisheries in order to save the fish attention to the projects of fish and Environment is work- stock in the State. farming, as they are considered Ting towards expanding and It also allocated coastal and the most appropriate means to developing the fishing ports of the marine sites for the establishment increase the self-sufficiency ratio country as the designs have been of fish and shrimp farms by the while maintaining the fish stock. prepared for the expansion and private sector. In coordination The Aquaculture Research development of the fishing ports with the Ministry of Economy and Centre in Ras Matbakh consid- in Al Khor, Al Wakrah and Fard- Commerce, preparations have ered a developmental research hat Al Thakhira Harbor in been made to offer land in Al project that aims at achieving a cooperation with the Public Arish (111 hectares) to be utilised high ratio of self-sufficiency Works Authority. by the private sector in the pro- through the development of Also, to maintain fish stock, duction of about 1,000 tonnes of aquaculture industry on which a the Ministry is evaluating the fish shrimp per year, which allows number of medium-sized fish stock in the country. The biolog- Qatar to achieve full self-suffi- farms depends. ical characteristics for the ciency of shrimp. A national The annual fish production is reproduction of the mostly-con- database of monitoring and ana- between 12,000 and 14,000 sumed fish have also been lyzing the statistics of fisheries in tonnes. It meets around 80 per- studied, said a magazine of the all fish reproduction sites in the cent of the local demand, and the ministry. Furthermore, the cur- State was developed, operated remaining 20 percent demand is rent, maximum and sustainable and integrated with the Internet. met through imports. Airport to expand capacity

Continued from page 1 Hamad Interna- tional Airport has an airside hotel, two air- side squash courts, a gym, a 25-metre swim- ming pool and spa, all within easy reach of the departure gates. The airport has one of the largest free span maintenance hangars in the world, a cutting- edge two-storey cargo facility, and one of the world’s largest self- contained catering facilities. Further expansion plans for the airport will expand its capacity to 50 million passengers. The formation of a new company to man- age and operate the airport is expected to help the growth of the airport. 06 HOME / GULF SUNDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2017 NAMA Center to unveil 4 free training courses

The Peninsula “Identify and Start Your Busi- New programmes ness” programme, which includes AMA Center, a mem- New programmes, GYBI and SYB programmes, starts ber of Qatar designed by ILO, today. Foundation for Social target young men and The remaining sessions are a Work, is set to intro- women aspiring to set of modules within the Improve duce four free Your Business (IYB) programme. discover their Ntraining courses for the month of The "Marketing Basics" course, potential, hone their February. The new programmes, from February 5 to 8, aims to ena- designed by International Labour skills, and contribute ble youth to identify customers Organisation (ILO), target young effectively to the and competitors, achieve cus- men and women aspiring to dis- economic and social tomer satisfaction, improve cover their potential, hone their development in Qatar. selling skills, and develop mar- skills, and contribute effectively keting plans. to the economic and social devel- The centre has The “Procurement and Inven- opment in Qatar. launched its training tory Management” course, from Regency Group Chairman Shamsudheen bin Mohidheen inaugurating Malabar Gold & The centre has launched its plan for the year 2017 February 19 to 22, aims to enable Diamonds showroom in Dubai at Grand Hyper, Sonapur, in the presence of Shamlal Ahamed, training plan for the year 2017 in in light of the success trainees to recognise the impor- Managing Director – International Operations of Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Abdul Salam light of the success of the training of the training courses tance of the procurement, KP – Group Executive Director, management team members, other dignitaries, well-wishers courses held during the past held during the past assessing the project’s require- and guests. years. NAMA Center has years. ments, the steps to an effective announced that it is now accept- purchase, the importance of ing registration requests. inventory management, how to “We are pleased to announce providing them with the latest use and regularly check those that we have completed the prep- knowledge and skills in accord- records, in addition to learning Malabar Gold & Diamonds arations for our training ance with the highest the skills that will help them in programmes and courses for the international standards.” controlling their project’s inven- year 2017 and are now accepting An integrated curriculum has tory. The “personnel and applications from ambitious been designed to qualify and pro- operation management” course, opens new Dubai outlet young men and women wishing vide entrepreneurs with from February 26 until March 1, to join,” said Mariam bint Abdul- managerial skills, using the Start aims to enable trainees to deter- latif Al Mannai, Director of the and Improve Your Business (SIYB) mine the relationship between The Peninsula exquisite range of collections in increases during this season of Community Services Department, curriculum adopted by the ILO. people and productivity, how to the new outlet can hold one love, the jewellery retailer and the Director in charge of run- Elements of the curriculum is influence productivity, hiring pro- alabar Gold & Diamonds, spell-bound with their awe- launched the exclusive collec- ning NAMA’s affairs. adapted to the nature of the ductive personnel, encouraging the leading jewellery inspiring beauty and classic tion to cater to the customer “ The new programmes and Qatari culture and environment employees to be productive, and Mretailer, launched its designs. Like all other outlets, demand. This unique jewellery courses have been designed by to present the framework of prac- ensuring the safety of workers. 15th showroom in Dubai at this outlet will also exhibit a collection is a perfect gift to the ILO, so as to ensure training tical workshops containing some These courses are available Ground Floor, Grand Hyper, wide range of diverse and trendy express true emotions. With content meets the trainees’ of the training programmes. The to all aspiring and established Sonapur on Thursday. designs in gold (18 K & 22 K), IGI prices starting from Dh590 to requirements on all fronts includ- courses include Generate Your entrepreneurs from all segments The latest showroom was certified diamonds and precious Dh2,750, there is something to ing planning for new projects, Business Idea (GYBI) programme, of Qatari society and all nation- inaugurated by Shamsudheen gem jewellery from Italy, Sin- fit everyone’s budget. setting them in motion, and Start Your Business (SYB) pro- alities, holding all levels of bin Mohidheen, Chairman of the gapore, Bahrain and India. Customers can also choose developing and improving gramme and Improve Your education, targeted at the age Regency Group, in the presence Apart from that, the new gifts to their loved ones from already established ones, by Business (IYB) programme group of 18 to 45 years old. of Shamlal Ahamed, Managing showroom will have the newly their branded jewellery segment Director – International Oper- unveiled ‘Heart to Heart’ jewel- that includes Era - Uncut Dia- ations of Malabar Gold & lery collection, a special mond Jewellery, Ethnix Diamonds, Abdul Salam KP – collection of diamond and 18K - Handcrafted Designer Jewel- Group Executive Director, gold jewellery from Malabar lery, Mine - Diamonds Agricultural tourism in Kuwait management team members of Gold & Diamonds on display and Unlimited, Precia - Gem Jewel- Malabar Gold & Diamonds, other sale. ‘Heart to Heart’ jewellery lery and Divine – Indian dignitaries, well-wishers and collection showcases the exclu- Heritage Jewellery. The branded guests. The outlet unveils a sig- sive heart shaped jewellery jewellery segment of Malabar nificantly large collection of which symbolises the best way Gold & Diamonds is renowned traditional as well as contem- to express love. As the demand globally for their flawless crafts- porary designer jewelleries. The for heart shaped jewellery manship and impeccable style. Indian budget 'well-balanced'

The Peninsula positive move for domestic tour- ism, he said. he Indian budget for 2017- Abolishing the FIPB policy 18, presented by Arun is a welcome move to add the TJaitley is a well-balanced continuing efforts of making the budget, with a greater empha- India an investor friendly des- Kuwaitis pick strawberries at the Blue Lake farm in Al-Abdali, 130km north of Kuwait City. sis on the agriculture sector and tination, in line with promoting The farm encourages people to pick their own strawberries before buying them according increased provisions to uplift the ‘Make In India’ campaign. to weight, in an attempt to encourage agricultural tourism. economic and social conditions Reduction of taxes for small and in rural India. medium enterprises indicates "The agenda to transform, the Government’s commitment energise and clean India, will to encourage and promote the allow the government to lead entrepreneurial environment in 13 militants the country towards a more India. brighter future," said Adeeb Ample provision has been The reduction in taxes for dead in Yemen Ahamed (pictured), Managing given to the development of middle income class is likely to Director, Lulu Financial Group. roads and highways and passen- have a twin impact of reduction ADEN: At least 13 Al Adherence to fiscal disci- ger safety for railways which in taxation burden and encour- Qaeda militants were pline, with emphasis on growth will not only help develop trade, age increased taxpayer base. killed in clashes with and development, increased but also promote tourism and Furthermore, incentives and tribesmen in southern allocation to agriculture credit subsequent infrastructure. steps towards promoting cash- Yemen. “The tribesmen and other development Development of airports in tier less economy and digital thwarted the attack and schemes, increase in infrastruc- 2 cities on PPP mode and five transformations announced killed 13 militants,” one ture spending are this year’s key special tourism zones in part- during the budget will make of the source said. elements. nership with states is also a India a more efficient nation.

Need holistic approach in breast cancer drive: HBKU Press

The Peninsula According to the World Health Organ- and previous findings indicated that ization, in 2014, cancers accounted for 18 women in Qatar were often diagnosed with amad Bin Khalifa University Press percent of the total deaths in Qatar among breast cancer at advanced stages as their (HBKU Press) has emphasized on all age groups and breast cancer specifi- participation rates in screening activities Hthe need for a more holistic cally accounts for 31 percent of all cancers were low. approach in breast cancer awareness and in females. The lack of wide-spread knowledge screening and on developments related to “Through HBKU Press’s open access translated to the low rates of breast can- the issue. platform, QScience.com, peer-reviewed cer screenings and self-examinations by The availability and accessibility of research papers and articles about cancer the women in the study. early breast cancer screening programs and a variety of other topics can be easily Coinciding with this study was the and the widespread public service accessed online,” said Dr Alwaleed Alkhaja, launch of the National Cancer Strategy in announcements citing early detection of Senior Editor at HBKU Press. May 2011. Specifically, with regards to cancer as a key to a higher survival rate is A research study on Avicenna journal, breast cancer, the National Cancer Strat- on the rise, according to the National Can- available on QScience.com, ‘Breast cancer egy Review 2011-2016 points to several cer Strategy Review. While the disease is screening among Arabic women living in campaigns and initiatives that have been still the number one cancer among women the State of Qatar: Awareness, knowledge, successful in raising breast cancer aware- in Qatar, early detection dramatically and participation in screening activities,’ ness, and increasing the number of breast increases the success of available treat- was published at a time when Qatar was cancer screenings (whether clinical or ments as well as chances of survival. facing a rise in breast cancer incidence, self-examinations). SUNDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2017 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07

Luck prevails over Trump Sudan foreign Iran vows to minister seeks to strengthen shoot missiles ties with US Khartoum AFP

SUDAN yesterday vowed to if threatened enhance its bilateral relations with Washington despite US President Donald Trump's Worsening ties Hajizadeh was quoted as saying by executive order banning the Tasnim news agency. African country's citizens Tension with new US “If we see smallest misstep from entering the United administration ratchets from the enemies, our roaring mis- States that was stayed yester- up as Tehran holds siles will fall on their heads,” he day by a US court. Behnam Partopour, a Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) student from Iran, military exercises. added. The ban on Sudanese Despite the heated words, US is greeted by his sister Bahar (left) at Logan Airport after he cleared US customs travellers came just weeks and immigration on an F1 student visa in Boston, Massachusetts, yesterday. US says not considering Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said after former US president yesterday he was not considering Partopour was originally turned away from a flight to the US following US Barack Obama lifted a raising the number of President Donald Trump's executive order travel ban. US forces in the Middle raising the number of US forces in 20-year-old US trade the Middle East to address Iran’s embargo imposed on Sudan. East to address Iran’s “misbehaviour”, but warned that Despite the travel ban, “misbehaviour". the world would not ignore Iranian Sudanese Foreign Minister activities. Ibrahim Ghandour vowed Dubai Iran’s Revolutionary Guards is that Khartoum will work Reuters holding the military exercise in US-backed militias launch towards enhancing bilateral Semnan province yesterday to test ties with Washington. Revolutionary Guards missile and radar systems and to "Sudan and the United commander said Iran “showcase the power of Iran’s rev- new offensive for Raqqa States have many common would use its missiles if olution and to dismiss the goals, including fighting ter- its security is under sanctions,” according to the force’s rorism jointly in the region threat, as the elite force website. Raqqa province, Syria ground. The SDF, which SDF, the Turkish army and and internationally," defiedA new US sanctions on its mis- Dismissing Trump’s comments Reuters includes the powerful Kurd- the Syrian rebel groups it Ghandour said in a message sile programme by holding a that “nothing is off the table” in ish YPG militia, launched its backs, and the Syrian army to new US Secretary of State military exercise yesterday. dealing with Tehran, the com- n alliance of US- multi-phased campaign with help from the Russian Rex Tillerson, a foreign min- Tensions between Tehran and mander of Iran’s ground forces said backed militias started aimed at encircling and ulti- air force and Iranian-backed istry statement said. Washington have risen since a yesterday that the Islamic Repub- Aa new phase of its mately capturing Raqqa in militia. "Such joint efforts led to recent Iranian ballistic missile test lic has been hearing such threats campaign against the Islamic November. It is the main US A SDF commander said the removal of US sanctions which prompted US President since its 1979 revolution. State-held city of Raqqa yes- partner in the fight against the forces had so far on Sudan," Ghandour said Donald Trump’s administration to “The defence capability and the terday, aiming to complete Islamic State in Syria. advanced a few kilometres without specifically reacting impose sanctions on individuals offensive prowess of Iran’s armed its encirclement and sever Fighting also raged in the latest phase, which to Trump's ban, but insisting and entities linked to the Revolu- forces would make America or any the road to militant strong- between Islamic State and aims to capture areas to the that Khartoum was "commit- tionary Guards. other enemy regretful of any incur- holds in Deir Al Zor Syrian government forces east of the city, including the ted to enhancing bilateral ties Trump’s national security sion,” Ahmad Reza Pourdastan was province. northeast of Aleppo, where highway linking it to Deir Al between the two countries". adviser Michael Flynn said Wash- quoted as saying by ISNA. The Syrian Democratic the Syrian army is nearing Zor province. Last week Trump barred ington was putting Iran on notice Forces (SDF) said in a state- the IS-held city of Al Bab, Deir Al Zor, which is Syrian refugees indefinitely over its “destabilising activity”, and BALLISTIC TEST ment the action was being risking a confrontation with almost entirely in Islamic and blocked citizens of Iran, Trump tweeted Tehran was “play- Iranian state news agencies undertaken with “increasing Turkish forces that are fight- State hands, stretches all the Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Yemen ing with fire” reported that home-made missile support from the (US-led) ing the group in the same way to the Iraqi border. A and Sudan from entering the “We are working day and night systems, radars, command and international coalition area. Kurdish military source said United States for 90 days. to protect Iran’s security,” head of control centres, and cyber warfare forces” through both air Islamic State is being on Tuesday that the goals of Refugees from countries Revolutionary Guards’ aerospace systems would be tested in yester- strikes and backing from fought in separate campaigns this phase included captur- other than Syria are barred unit, Brigadier General Amir Ali day’s drill. coalition special forces on the in Syria by the US-backed ing the main highway. from entry for 120 days.

Road to peace

Iraqis take part in the second Baghdad Marathon for Peace in Baghdad, yesterday.

S Sudan rebels Nigeria politician back accuse Egypt after 4 years in UK jail of air raids Juba Lagos "A chartered private plane Reuters AFP will fly him to Warri and he will land at Osubi airfield operated outh Sudan rebels ne of Nigeria's most by Shell," he added. accused Egypt yesterday powerful men, who was The former politician would Sof carrying out bombing Ojailed in Britain for be received at the airstrip by raids against their positions, money laundering and fraud in supporters and sympathisers drawing an immediate denial a landmark anti-corruption who have lined up to welcome from Cairo, and warned of the case, has returned home, his him back, he added. risk of a regional war. aides said yesterday. "For now, it is going to be a It was the first time either "Chief James Ibori has quiet ceremony. An elaborate side had alleged Egyptian arrived. He landed in Abuja in reception will be organised involvement in South Sudan’s the early hours," said Ighoyota later for him at Oghara, his festering conflict, which pits Amori, a political adviser to hometown," he said. President Salva Kiir’s military Ibori, who was governor of the Ibori's media aide, Tony against forces loyal to his oil-rich Delta state between Eluemunor, also confirmed his former vice-president, Riek 1999 and 2007. arrival, saying only: "He is in Machar. The Egyptian air He said Ibori, who was town. I will keep you posted force on Friday dropped released in London in Decem- later." Ibori was jailed in April “more than nine bombs and ber after serving just over four 2012 for fraud amounting to explosions on the gallant years of a 13-year jail term, nearly £50m. He had fled to SPLA-IO positions” near the would later fly to the southern Dubai in 2010, from where he northern village of Kaka, a port city of Warri in Delta state. was extradited to Britain. rebel statement said. 08 VIEWS SUNDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2017

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

EDITORIAL Vote for stability fter Trump, France’s far-right party leader Marine Le Pen is trying to hasten the world’s slump into protectionism and isolationism. Le Pen kicked off her presidential campaign yesterday giving voters A a bundle of promises which, according to her, would make France great again. She wants to lead Iraq’s displaced ‘in another France to Frexit and choose the path of Donald Trump. Her party has made 144 proposals for Le Pen’s election bid – the most important of which include leaving the euro zone with a vote on the European Union membership, tight immigration prison’ after fleeing ISIL controls, protectionism in all possible fields and increased defence spending. Also, there will be taxes on job contracts for foreigners, lowering of the the 100 families from her area of Mosul locating her loved ones. retirement age and increase in welfare benefits. The Belkis Wille escaped from the ISIL-controlled territory Aid workers told me that they have proposals also include curtailing benefits now Al Jazeera and reached an area under KRG military made some, very minor, progress enjoyed by non-French people. Free education will control, the women, girls and young boys around advocating for freedom of be made available only for citizens, citizenship laws were separated from the men and boys movement of displaced people or to will be made tough and it would be made impossible aged 15 and above in their family, and all reunite them with their families, as a for migrants to regularize their stay. Under Le Pen, of them were held in a school, in different result of the demands on them to pro- France will transform completely and will not look rooms. vide other urgent services for the like the France we are seeing today. The 16-year-old boy had been follow- When buses arrived to take them all to people in these camps. But it has not It’s the beauty of democracy that people have ing us as we made our way through the camp, this woman’s husband and son been their priority. the right to elect the leader they like. Trump was not Nargizlia. It is the most recent addi- were missing. She asked security forces at One worker said to me candidly, when parachuted from space and entered the White tion to the camps housing the 135,000 the “reception centre” and later at the camp they speak to camp residents, free move- House through the ballot boxes, and Americans who people who have fled the fighting as about their fate, but she said they refused ment is not their main complaint. Tthe Iraqi government tries to retake Mosul, its to answer her. Now she is sitting in her But when I ask residents about voted for him had full knowledge of his regressive second-largest city, from the Islamic State of tent, unable to leave the their human rights concerns, the feel- policies and the threats Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, known as ISIS) group. camp and without even a ing that they are being held in open air he would pose if elected. Ghazi, who had been hiding behind tents phone to call any friends, prisons and the impact this has on their French people too are each time we stopped to speak with someone, family, or international ability to communicate with their fam- highly educated, and finally approached. He quietly told me he was organisations for help in ilies is one of the first things they French voters France is a very living in a tent with a group of unaccompanied regularly raise. will not only be advanced democracy. If men and boys he didn’t know. He looked at me, One man at Nargizlia begged for my Le Pen enjoys huge electing their so full of fear at his surroundings, and asked if help to leave the camp, to meet a 2-year- popularity, that’s there was anything I could do to help him join The people in these camps old daughter he never met who is now in president, but will because they find sense his family, who had been sent to a different were terrorised by ISIL and Kirkuk, a major city 160km away, and to be deciding the in what she has to offer. camp. have had to leave their mourn the death of his mother with his future of Europe. A few days after I took him to the manager’s office and found siblings, who escaped Mosul before ISIL becoming President, a staff member who said he would take Ghazi lives behind. Some were took control. Trump has shown the in to see the manager. We had to leave, it was separated from family He told me, “We escaped from prison, world the dangers of late in the day, but it absolutely broke my heart members in the chaos in just to be put in another prison,” and shook excessive nationalism to leave this boy, with no guarantee that he 2014, when ISIL took over his head as he walked away. and protectionism. Even would be able to join his family. his ardent followers are finding him too hot to The people in these camps were terrorised the region. The writer is senior Iraq researcher at Human handle, and his policies regressive and by ISIL and have had to leave their lives behind. Rights Watch. un-American. Le Pen too is set to lead France down Some were separated from family members in this dark tunnel if elected. Opinion polls see the the chaos in 2014, when ISIL took over the 48-year-old Le Pen topping the first round of the region. presidential election on April 23 but then losing the Some were separated from family members May 7 run-off to a mainstream candidate. But by accident as they fled recently, and others elections are known to throw up bizarre surprises. were separated from the men and older boys in French voters must reject far-right parties and their family for security checks, to make cer- the xenophobia they are promoting. Europe already tain they aren’t ISIL fighters. has enough problems in the form of Brexit and But none of the camps housing Mosul’s dis- Trump, and if France too chooses to go that way, the placed allow for free movement, a fundamental European Union project will suffer serious blows, right, and only one is allowing family reunifi- blows from which it may not recover, pushing the cation at the moment, as far as I know. continent into instability and economic turmoil and At least two camps prohibit visitors and ban causing the birth of a new chaotic world order. If a mobile phones, ostensibly for security reasons. candidate from the mainstream parties is elected, it Ghazi’s was confiscated as he arrived at the will boost confidence across the continent and the camp’s euphemistically named “reception cen- tre”, or screening facility. This makes the EU will be better equipped to overcome the many displaced significantly more vulnerable - those challenges it’s facing. French voters will not only be whose loved ones were detained for alleged electing their president, but will be deciding the affiliation with ISIL have no way of reaching out future of Europe. to contacts to help locate them. Since the first days of the Mosul operation in October, husbands and sons in the four Kurd- ish Regional Government-controlled (KRG) QUOTE OF THE DAY camps I have visited have come to me asking for help to rejoin their families. They happened to leave the city on a different bus from their Russia is clearly families, either because they were held back in screening, or because they left Mosul at a dif- testing Nato and the ferent time. West. It is seeking to Ghazi’s parents fled Mosul in a wave of expand its sphere of escapees, while he stayed behind to check on an ailing uncle. They called him as they reached influence, destabilise the Iraqi security forces checkpoint to say they countries and weaken were being sent to the Qaymawa camp. He then the alliance. fled Mosul alone. When he reached the security checkpoint, Michael Fallon he asked the soldiers to send him to join his fam- ily. But they ignored him and sent him with British Defence Secretary hundreds of other displaced families to Nargizlia. One woman in Nargizlia told me that when Displaced people who fled from Islamic State are seen at a camp in Duhok, Iraq. SUNDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2017 OPINION 09 Trump policy on Israel is evolving in surprising ways

As president, Trump has punditry about what exactly the Anne Gearan mentioned the prospect of Trump administration may be say- The Washington Post an Israeli-Palestinian peace ing with its statement. Israel’s deal. Trump has said that he ambassador to the United Nations, plans to deploy his son-in- Danny Danon, told Israel Radio, law, senior White House “It’s still too early to tell. I would resident Donald Trump’s administration is adviser Jared Kushner, to not categorise this as a U-turn by shaping its policy toward Israel and a the role of Middle East the US administration, but the issue potential peace settlement with the Pales- peacemaker. is clearly on their agenda.” Danon tinians in ways that may seem surprising “Prime Minister Netan- added, “We don’t always agree on for a president who had appeared to offer yahu looks forward to his everything.” The White House Pthe government in Jerusalem a blank check on the meeting with President statement came just a few hours expansion of settlements in the West Bank and other Trump on February 15 in after Israeli police forcibly evicted issues. The outlines of the policy emerged on Friday which they will speak about 40 families from the Jewish settle- after a conflicting series of statements attributed to a wide range of issues, ment of Amona, a messianic the administration. including this one,” Netan- community of battered mobile On Thursday evening, the White House issued an yahu’s office said of the homes on a windy hilltop built on unusual statement discouraging new Israeli settle- White House statement. land privately owned by Palestini- ments in the West Bank. That was prompted by a “If you dissect the word- ans that the Israeli Supreme Court Jerusalem Post story that appeared to be based on the ing it seems a slight branded as “illegal.” leak of parts of a harsher, draft statement criticising departure,” said Alon The eviction of the 600 settlers settlements as an obstacle to peace. The subsequent Pinkas, a former senior and hundreds of supporters on official statement was an attempt to soften any blan- Israeli diplomat and top Wednesday and Thursday required ket condemnation of settlements and any perceived government aide. “At the more than 3,000 police officers. criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netan- same time, the right wing in The most committed youth hurled yahu, people familiar with the episode said Friday. Israel didn’t expect this and excrement, bleach and rocks at the This photo shows part of the Israeli settlement of Psagot, background, The official statement, rushed as it was, is none- was blindsided.” police. Dozens were injured. The theless expected to be the foundation for Trump overlooking Palestinian houses, in a suburb of the West Bank city of Ramallah. The administration young activists, goaded by zealous administration policy on Israeli homebuilding on statement followed exten- rabbis from West Bank religious land that Palestinians claim for a future state. It puts administration official Thursday as saying settle- sive conversations here this week between visiting schools, chained themselves the United States on record agreeing with Israeli ments could “undermine” US chances to foster peace. King Abdullah II of Jordan and the White House. together in Amona’s synagogue for leaders that current settlements are not necessarily The official was also quoted as saying that Trump is Abdullah, who spoke briefly to Trump at Thursday’s a final standoff, which ended only a an obstacle to peace, but it also says that new con- committed to two states. National Prayer Breakfast, met with Vice President few hours before the White House struction “may not be helpful.” There was no The article set off a scramble to issue revised lan- Mike Pence, national security adviser Michael Flynn statement. mention of the long-stated US goal of a separate Pal- guage that softened the rebuke and removed the and other White House officials, along with Defence As the Amona evictions began, estinian state alongside Israel. reference to two states, while making clear that the Secretary Jim Mattis and senior lawmakers with Netanyahu and his defense minister, The settlement policy — more lenient toward United States will not countenance everything Israel whom he maintains a close relationship. Avigdor Lieberman, who resides in Israel than former President Barack Obama’s admin- does. The result may be helpful to Netanyahu in two Jordan is among the few Arab countries consid- a settlement, had announced the istration, but not as lenient as sought by many of ways, US and Israeli officials and analysts said. It lifts ered stable and trustworthy by the administration. Its plans to build the 5,500 houses for Israel’s strongest backers — is expected to be formal- US pressure against current settlements, which previ- geography, bordering Israel, the West Bank, Syria, Jews in the West Bank. A week ago, ised when Netanyahu visits President Trump at the ous administrations have called illegitimate and a Iraq and Saudi Arabia, also makes it a key player on a Netanyahu assured his Likud party White House on February 15. hindrance to peace, while giving him political cover range of issues, from the anti-Islamic State campaign and his security cabinet that when “The president’s committed to peace. That’s his against critics on his right who want to greatly expand to the migrant crisis that has brought more than he travels to Washington, he will not goal,” White House press secretary Sean Spicer said building in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. 650,000 Syrian refugees to Jordan and an additional yield to pressure to give the Pales- Friday, adding that settlements would “obviously be It also suggests more continuity with past policy 85,000 on the Syrian side of the border waiting to get tinians a full state, but something he a topic” for the two leaders. “We don’t believe that than many foreign policy analysts had expected, given in. A White House statement on the meeting with called a “state-minus.” the existence of current settlements is an impedi- Trump’s fierce condemnation of the Obama adminis- Trump said that the president “underscored that the ment to peace, but I think the construction or tration for being “unfair” to Israel, and the strong United States is committed to strengthening the secu- expansion of existing settlements beyond the current views of close advisers shaping his Israel policy. “This rity and economic partnership with Jordan” and that borders is not going to be helpful moving forward.” statement is important in that it seeks to eliminate they discussed an official visit in the “near future.” That’s not what the original, leaked version of a tension created by the last administration over growth Anxious to get a reading on where the new US statement about settlement expansion had said. within existing Israeli communities in the West Bank, administration stood on a number of issues, Abdullah Drafted in response to Israel’s surprise announce- and it signals a return to the status quo ante” of US cautioned in particular that the promised movement D-RING ROAD ment of 5,500 new homes for Jews in the West Bank opposition to settlement expansion, said Joshua Block, of the US Embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem would POST BOX: 3488 over the last week, the remarks originally charged president of the Israel Project in Washington. have cascading, negative consequences. In addition that settlements could hamper peace efforts, accord- Block likened the statement to the much more to serving as a recruiting tool for terrorist groups, DOHA - QATAR ing to people who saw its contents or were briefed on detailed written understandings between former more than 2 million Palestinians live in Jordan, about [email protected] them. The Jerusalem Post quoted an unidentified president George W Bush and former Israeli Prime one-third of the population. Any upheaval in the Minister Ariel Sharon, in which the United States West Bank would have immediate spillover effects. gave quiet assurance that it would recognise existing Despite his campaign statements that it would take EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE settlement blocks as part of Israel in a future peace place immediately after his inauguration, Trump TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 Settlements are usually accord. The Bush policy allowed for growth within appears to have dialed back his commitment to mov- FAX: +974 4455 7758 considered one of the settlements but not for expanding their perimeters or ing the embassy. While the Jerusalem Embassy Act primary obstacles to a the building of new communities. passed in 1995 calls for relocating the mission to Jeru- MANAGING EDITOR Settlements are usually considered one of the salem, the law included a national security waiver that TEL: 4462 7505 peace settlement, because primary obstacles to a peace settlement, because every administration since has exercised. The current Palestinians consider them Palestinians consider them an illegal expropriation waiver, signed by President Obama in December, DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR and their existence complicates the drawing of viable expires in June. Regional partners who have spoken to an illegal expropriation and TEL: 4455 7769 their existence complicates borders for a Palestinian state. Trump administration officials about it believe the As a candidate, Trump said Israel should “go White House intends to delay a final decision until the drawing of viable borders ahead” with settlements, and as president-elect, he forced to do so when Trump would need to sign LOCAL NEWS SECTION for a Palestinian state. railed against the Obama administration for allowing another waiver or take steps to implement the law. TEL: 4455 7743 a UN condemnation of Israel over settlements. In Israel, there was head-scratching and instant BUSINESS NEWS SECTION TEL: 4462 7535

SPORT NEWS SECTION Is Putin already testing Donald Trump? TEL: 4455 7745 ONLINE SECTION to wonder if Moscow was already testing to see just with Vladimir Putin and hinted at removing sanctions,” con- TEL: 4462 7501 Emily Tamkin how far they could push the neophyte president. curred Dalibor Rohac of the American Enterprise Institute. [email protected] Foreign Policy “Possible poisoning of Russian human rights An aggressive posture in Eastern Europe, he said, gives Rus- leader Vladimir Kara-Murza needs investigating. sia a leg up in any future talks about counterterrorism PUBLIC RELATIONS Let’s put #RussiaOnNotice,” tweeted Sen. Bob cooperation, whether that’s “real or imaginary.” Art of the Menendez, D-N.J. Deal, indeed. TEL: 4455 7613 ast week, Russian President Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., issued two separate Some see not a test, but simply Putin taking advantage of [email protected] Vladimir Putin and US President statements. One warned Trump, “In the first of what a compliant new president. Anders Aslund of the Atlantic Donald Trump spoke on the will be many tests for your new administration, Council thinks the two leaders are in ideological sync, giving ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT phone, a hotly-anticipated, one Russia and its proxy forces launched attacks against Putin a free hand. TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 hour call. Throughout the cam- Ukrainian forces this week.” The other said, “The “What we are seeing is really that the Trump administra- FAX: 4455 7870 Lpaign and transition, Trump insisted he United States must draw strength from Vladimir tion seems to be infatuated with Putin and his Russia, for [email protected] and Putin would get along well, and hinted [Kara-Murza]’s example and demand that those whatever reason,” he said. at closer cooperation on a range of issues. responsible are brought to justice.” Or the different episodes could be entirely unrelated to CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT In the week following the phone call, In some forums, the new administration has Putin, Trump, or any high-level gamesmanship between TEL: 4455 7857 fighting dramatically escalated in Eastern taken a conventional line. US Ambassador to the UN them. “It’s not always a well-oiled hierarchy,” the Wilson [email protected] Ukraine, where Russia backs and supplies Nikki Haley denounced Russian actions in Ukraine Center’s Matthew Rojansky said describing Russia’s political fighters. The violent escalation has left on Thursday, and said US sanctions would remain leadership. SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION 25,000 citizens of Avdiivka are now living in place until Russia restored and respected Ukrain- Neither Moscow nor Kiev has direct, constant control TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 without electricity, heating, or water, ian sovereignty. But observers in Washington and in over the fighters on either side in Eastern Ukraine, who could FAX: 44557819 according to the Center for Civilians in Europe wonder if backing Ukraine is really a prior- be taking advantage of the current situation, he said. Kara- Conflict. ity for the administration. Murza may not have been poisoned again - it could be a [email protected] In that same week, anti-Kremlin activ- “I definitely think events in Ukraine are testing recurrence of symptoms, he said. ist Vladimir Kara-Murza’s lawyer said he how much stomach there is [in the United States] to Why do politicians, press, and public alike tend to read suspects his client was poisoned again; he support Ukraine,” said Heather Conley of the Center more into what may have been only isolated incidents? All thoughts and views believes his near-fatal 2015 illness was the for Strategic and International Studies. Because “somehow our relations with Moscow end up having expressed in these columns result of poison. And Putin’s domestic crit- Conley noted that there have been low level this life and death, moralized quality to them,” Rojansky said. ics do have a tendency to get themselves ceasefire violations there for ages, but that the For all Trump’s intentions to forge a more productive are those of the writers, not poisoned, sometimes in exotic fashion. last six days have been the most serious. Russia relationship with Moscow, the legacy of mutual mistrust of the newspaper. And a technical tweak to US export is ramping up activity from the Arctic to the might be his biggest obstacle. In US-Russia relations, both limits on information technology on Eastern Mediterranean to see what, exactly, US sides naturally assume worst intentions in the other. And that All correspondence Thursday briefly became Exhibit A in (and, for that matter, European) policy will be, remains true, it seems, independently of who sits in the Oval regarding Views and Trump’s supposed rapprochement with she said. Office. Opinion pages should be Russia — before it wasn’t. “The Kremlin has been emboldened by the elec- All of which led many in Washington tion of Mr. Trump who vowed to seek good relations The author is staff writer at Foreign Policy. mailed to the [email protected] 10 ASIA SUNDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2017 Japan hopes for deeper security ties with US

Tokyo Alliance doubt about US commitment to Reuters Japan's defence. I want to link It was similar to the message apanese Defence Minister Secretary Mattis' visit he delivered in South Korea. Tomomi Inada said yester- to Japan and South He appeared eager to reas- day she hoped a visit by US Korea to the further sure Japan of US resolve, after a Defence Secretary Jim Mat- deepening of defence 2016 election campaign in Jtis to South Korea and Japan cooperation among which Donald Trump, before this week, his first overseas trip the three countries: becoming president, suggested since taking office, would lead Inada. both South Korea and Japan to deeper security ties. were benefiting from a US secu- Inada spoke at the start of rity umbrella without sharing talks with Mattis, who on Friday Mattis reaffrimed US enough of the costs. reaffirmed Washington's com- commitment to its Japan's relations with South mitment to its mutual defence mutual defence treaty Korea have frayed in recent treaty with Japan when he met with Japan. weeks due to a feud over war- Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in time history, just as tensions over Tokyo. North Korea make cooperation "The security situation in the to the further deepening of between the two allies vital. Asia-Pacific is becoming defense cooperation among the Japan has also been keen for increasingly severe," Inada said, three countries." assurances that the new admin- adding she wanted to strengthen Mattis said on Friday that istration of President Donald the US-Japan alliance. provocations by North Korea, Trump will adhere to Washing- "South Korea is an impor- which is advancing its nuclear ton's commitment to defend tant neighbour," Inada added. weapons and missile pro- disputed East China Sea islands US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis and Japan's Defence Minister Tomomi Inada shake hands at a "I want to link Secretary Mattis' grammes in defiance of UN that are under Japanese control visit to Japan and South Korea resolutions, left no room for but claimed also by China. joint news conference after their meeting at the Defence Ministry in Tokyo, yesterday.

Singaporean asylum seeker US immigration policy: Students protest in Jakarta to be detained Jakarta Trump's order that temporarily chances of going to the US, said "We are here to protest treated like this," said activist AP banned travelers from seven rights activist Veronica Koman, Trump's xenophobic and Islam- Filza Inanuma. until March 7 predominantly Muslim who organized the protest. ophobia policies," Koman said "Everybody should have ndonesian students yesterday countries. A US judge yesterday recently. rights to go everywhere they Chicago protested President Donald They do not include Indone- imposed a nationwide hold on Protesters waved banners want for their protection, for AP ITrump's immigration policy sia, the world's most populous President Trump's ban on trave- such as "I'm angry with Trump" their life." outside the US embassy in its Muslim nation, and the Philip- lers and immigrants from Iran, and "No ban, no wall." A similar rally was held out- A SINGAPOREAN teen seeking capital. pines, a key US ally. Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, "Actually this is not only for side the seaside US Embassy in asylum after blog posts mock- In Jakarta, dozens of students However, Indonesia is home Libya and Yemen, siding with Muslims but this is war against the Philippine capital, Manila, ing his government landed him and activists from several rights to nearly 14,000 refugees seek- two states that had challenged humanity because the immi- where protesters burned a por- jail will remain in US custody groups called on the Indonesian ing resettlement in third the executive order that has grants or refugees around the trait of Trump. until a Chicago immigration government and the interna- countries, and Trump's ban will launched legal battles across the world, not only from Muslim No violence was reported court hearing next month. tional community to help stop significantly impact their country. countries, don't have to be both in Jakarta and Manila. Amos Yee's attorneys said on Friday that the US Immi- gration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had denied him humanitarian release. Diplomacy Malaysia reopens island He's been detained since December 16 when he was taken into custody at O'Hare dispute with Singapore International Airport. His hearing is on March 7. The Hague documents in British national Attorney Sandra Gross- AFP archives between August last man submitted his asylum year and the end of January. application this week, saying alaysia reopened a dec- They included internal cor- it was unclear whether he'd ades-old dispute with respondence from the be released from an Illinois MSingapore calling on Singapore colonial authorities jail during the proceedings. the UN's top court to overturn in 1958, a British naval incident She says he'll be impris- a 2008 ruling granting its report from 1958 and a map oned longer in the US than he neighbour sovereignty over a from the 1960s. was in Singapore. tiny but strategic island. Kuala Lumpur maintained In Singapore, the 18-year- In a filing to the Interna- these documents showed that old was jailed twice on tional Court of Justice (ICJ), "officials at the highest levels in charges of hurting the reli- Kuala Lumpur maintained new the British colonial and Singa- gious feelings of Christians documents had been discov- porean administration and Muslims. ered in British archives backing appreciated that Pedra Branca/ Grossman says he was its territorial claim to the islet. Pulau Batu Puteh did not form persecuted based on laws After years of negotiations part of Singapore's sovereign restricting freedom of failed, the parties turned to the territory," the ICJ said. expression. tribunal in The Hague, which Under the court's rules, In the 10-minute hearing, in 2008 ruled the island states can ask for a judgement Grossman, appeared in per- belonged to Singapore. to be revised if new facts come son before the judge while But in its filing on Friday, to light within 10 years of the Myanmar's President Htin Kyaw is welcomed by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen Amos appeared via video Malaysia asked the court to first ruling. The ICJ will now from the jail where he has upon his arrival at the Peace Palace, in Phnom Penh, yesterday. revise that judgement based on have to decide whether the case been detained. the discovery of three can proceed. Nine dead after boat HK doll maker launches Trump's replica capsizes in Indonesia Hong Kong with a jabbing pointed finger. AFP The doll -- which costs around $120 -- had received Jakarta exactly how many people were Hong Kong doll maker "love and hate" responses, said AFP on board," said local disaster with a history of creating Howard Cheung, founder of toy agency spokesman Hamsidar, A figurines of controversial maker Dragon in Dream (DiD). t least nine people have who goes by one name. world leaders has launched a "This one definitely had been killed and one is The cause of the accident is replica of US President Donald more feedback and interest than Astill missing after a fish- still not known, but officials Trump complete with replace- the others," he said. ing boat capsized in eastern suspect bad weather might able heads and hands. DiD is displaying a prototype Indonesia, an official said have played a role. Trump follows in a line of of the doll in Hong Kong toy shop yesterday. The fishing boat departed other limited edition figures Seven and has taken a total 300 The wooden boat was car- from an unofficial location, said made by the firm including Rus- pre-orders so far, including rying around 30 people when a transport ministry spokes- sian President Vladimir Putin online from the US. it overturned on Friday after- man, thus it did not have a legal and former Soviet dictator There is a thriving toy col- noon after departing from permit to make the trip. Joseph Stalin. lecting scene in Hong Kong and Takalar Lama river to Tanah The Indonesian archipelago The company also issued a the Trump doll stands among an Store manager Monita Chan sits at the counter behind a Keke island in the province of of more than 17,000 islands is Barack Obama model after he array of other models in the prototype figurine replica of US President Donald Trump, South Sulawesi. heavily dependent on boat won the presidency eight years shop, from Teenage Mutant made by toymaker Dragon in Dream (DiD), in Hong Kong. Twenty-one people have transport but safety standards ago. Ninja Turtles to Star Wars fig- been found alive but rescue are poor and accidents occur The 30.5 centimetre Trump ures and a replica of Hitler. teams are still searching for regularly. figure comes with a red "Make Store manager Monita Chan One customer said he had than Hillary Clinton, including missing passengers. In January, a passenger boat America Great Again" cap and said the toy had received an pre-ordered the doll to add to Donald Trump," said the cus- "It's a traditional boat and ferrying around 200 people presidential podium as well as "enthusiastic" response, with 50 his collection of miniature his- tomer, a Hong Konger in his 30s it didn't report to the relevant from the capital Jakarta to two removable heads with dif- pre-orders through the shop toric figures, which includes who gave his name as Joe. authorities before it departed, nearby Tidung island left more ferent facial expressions. alone. "Maybe they like Trump's Napoleon, Hitler and Libyan dic- While some users registered so there's also no passenger than 20 people dead after it Four swappable hands can aggressive style -- it's been quite tator Moamer Kadhafi. excitement after ordering the manifest and we don't know caught fire. be fixed to the toy, including one popular". "I think anybody's better doll, others ridiculed it. SUNDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2017 ASIA 11 US refugee swap on track: Australian FM

Sydney Refugee programme phone call. Reuters "The agreement is to be The agreement is to honoured by the Trump admin- ustralian Foreign be honoured by the istration (so) I'm pleased this Minister Julie Bishop Trump administration agreement will continue," said yesterday that (so) I'm pleased this Bishop said. a controversial ref- agreement will "We remain in contact with ugee resettlement continue: Bishop. the Trump administration and dealA with the United States our embassy in Washington is would go ahead, despite US also working with US officials "We remain in contact Protesters march on the streets of Sydney's central business district against US President immigration officials postpon- and we expect that vetting proc- with the Trump ing interviews with asylum ess would be as tough as Donald Trump's travel ban policy, yesterday. seekers. administration and Australia's vetting process in Reuters reported on Friday our embassy in terms of health and security that US officials had pulled Washington is also checks," she added. Thousands condemn refugee ban planned second-round inter- working with US Bishop said "my under- views with detainees in an officials". standing is that interviewing and Sydney became strained on Thursday processing centres on the tiny Australian camp on the Pacific vetting is still taking place", Reuters after details about an acrimoni- Pacific Island of Nauru and island of Nauru, suggesting without providing any further ous phone call between Trump Manus Island in Papua New Washington is already blocking stopped visits by travellers from details. housands of protesters ral- and Australian Prime Minister Guinea. progress on a controversial ref- seven Muslim-majority Several detainees on Nauru lied across Australia Malcolm Turnbull emerged and Similar protests were held ugee resettlement deal. countries. showed the cancelled interview Tyesterday condemning US Trump insulted the deal in Canberra, Newcastle and Detainees and an official Bishop said both countries dates in their online applica- President Donald Trump's order between the two nations on ref- Hobart, while hundreds source said interview dates were were still working through the tions, while a source said the temporarily barring refugees ugee resettlement. attended an anti-Trump rally in pulled yesterday, hours after US details of the agreement, which second-round interviews had and nationals from seven coun- About 1,000 people gath- Melbourne on Friday. President Donald Trump signed sparked a rare diplomatic spat been postponed while officials tries and demanding an end to ered in Sydney to protest against In Sydney, protesters carried an executive order that sus- between the two staunch allies, tried to work out what was Australia's offshore detention of Trump's executive order on placards that said "Refugee tor- pended the US refugee with Trump berating Australia's meant by the "extreme vetting" asylum seekers. immigration and to call on Aus- ture, Australia's shame" and "No programme for 120 days and prime minister in an angry announced by the White House. US ties with Australia tralia to close its offshore walls, no camps, no bans". Survey: Sharif Mattis rejects US military moves in South China Sea most popular Tokyo any need for dramatic military But how the United States nuclear-armed military power. in his most complete remarks on Reuters moves at all," Mattis said, stress- would achieve that has been It is also the world's second- the issue to date. political figure ing that the focus should be on unclear, including whether it largest economy and the prime "And certainly our military S Defence Secretary Jim diplomacy. would have a military target of Trump accusations of stance should be one that rein- in Pakistan Mattis yesterday played In his Senate confirmation dimension. stealing American jobs. forces our diplomats in this Udown any need for major hearing, Secretary of State Rex Analysts have said Tillerson's Mattis suggested that major regard. But there is no need right US military moves in the South Tillerson said China should not remarks, like those from the military action was not being now at this time for military Karachi China Sea to contend with Chi- be allowed access to islands it White House, suggested the pos- currently considered. manoeuvres or something like Internews na's assertive behaviour, even as has built in the contested South sibility of US military action, or "What we have to do is that, that would solve something he sharply criticised Beijing for China Sea. even a naval blockade. exhaust all efforts, diplomatic that's best solved by the PAKISTANI Prime Minister "shredding the trust of nations The White House also vowed Such action would risk an efforts, to try to resolve this diplomats." Nawaz Sharif has been the in the region." to defend "international territo- armed confrontation with China, properly, maintaining open lines Mattis criticised China's most popular political figure "At this time, we do not see ries" in the strategic waterway. an increasingly formidable of communication," Mattis said, actions. in Pakistan liked by 63% peo- ple of the country, according to a survey. Around 39% people Pakistan ministerial meeting favoured Imran Khan while Bilawal garnered apprecia- tion from 32% countrymen with Bahrain opens today suggested a joint survey by International Republican Islamabad eign Office said. Institute and Institute for Internews It said the move reiter- Republic Opinion Research. ated Bahrain’s commitment The survey suggested 85% he two-day first Bah- towards the progress and bet- Pakistanis disliked the MQM rain-Pakistan Joint terment of Pakistan and its founder followed by Asif Ali TMinisterial Session will people. Zardari and Tahirul Qadri open in Pakistani capital of A myriad of topics, rang- with 80 and 79% masses Islamabad today. ing from bilateral, political respectively expressing their The Bahrain side will be and socio-economic to future dislike for. headed by Foreign Affairs development projects, are Asked about their satis- Minister Sheikh Khalid bin likely to be discussed. faction over government Ahmed bin Mohamed Al Kha- Some memorandums of performance 64% people lifa, while the Prime Minister’s understanding in areas of expressed satisfaction over Adviser Sartaj Aziz will lead common interest are also the performance of federal the Pakistani side. likely to be signed. government. The meeting aims at Bahrain is likely to host Among provinces, Pun- solidifying the bilateral ties, the second joint ministerial jab stood on top hailed by 79% an announcement by the For- session. Pakistanis followed by KP. UN lifts sanctions on Afghan warlord Kabul AFP

he UN Security Council has lifted sanctions on the Tnotorious Afghan warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, previ- ously branded "a global terrorist" and accused of war crimes. The move follows a peace deal between Hekmatyar's insurgent group Hezb-i-Islami and the Afghan government in September that granted him legal immunity from past Amin Karim, representative for warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, offences, sparking outrage from during a press conference, in Kabul, yesterday. rights groups. A statement on the UNSC's Hezb-i-Islami and the Afghan "strong signal to other fighters" website on Friday said an government," chief negotiator in the country, he said in refer- assets freeze, travel ban and for Hekmatyar, Mohammad ence to the Taliban. arms embargo targeting Hek- Karim Amin, said. He further said that it matyar -- a former prime "And it shows the commit- showed "the only key to achieve minister and one of the most ment from the government and a peaceful solution to the con- controversial figures in Afghan- from the Hezb-i-Islami to pur- flict is through an inter-Afghan istan's modern history -- no sue on this peace track". negotiation without any foreign longer applied. It would also "open the interference". "It is an important point of door" and stimulate the peace The whereabouts of Hek- the peace agreement between process and would send a matyar remains unknown. 12 ASIA SUNDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2017 Voting in Punjab & Goa ends with high turnout

Panaji/Chandigarh Assembly elections polls - where the ruling BJP-SAD IANS alliance, Congress and new Eighty-three percent entrant AAP are locked in a bit- ver a crore and a half of the over 1.1 million ter triangular fight. voters turned up to electorate exercised The border state's Malwa chose new govern- their franchise for belt, which accounts for 69 out ments in the Goa's 40 assembly of the 117 assembly seats, also traditionally high- constituencies while saw a heavy voter turnout that Oturnout states of Punjab and Goa over 72 percent of could be decisive for any party's yesterday, in the first major test Punjab's nearly 10.99 victory. of Prime Minister Narendra Modi million voters cast The highest turnout was in and his allies after the govern- Sangrur and Fazilka districts at their ballot for 117 ment's move to ban high-value 73 percent, followed by Mansa assembly segments. notes last year. and Fatehgarh Sahib districts at Voters queue to cast their ballots in the Punjab Legislative Assembly and Amritsar Lok Sabha Eighty-three percent of the 72 percent. In some assembly elections at a polling booth in Amritsar, yesterday. over 11 lakh electorate exercised Both Congress and seats, the voter turnout was even their franchise for Goa's 40 AAP are hoping to 75 to 78 percent till 5 p.m. assembly constituencies while cash in from an anti- Amritsar and Ropar districts Dal-BJP alliance has ruled for major incidence of violence and and other narcotics valued at over 72 percent of Punjab's incumbency factor as recorded the lowest turnout at two straight terms. intimidation. There was just one Rs18.26 crore were seized in the nearly 1.99 crore voters cast their surveys point to a less than 60 percent, the poll Both Congress and AAP are incident in a village in Tarn state which went to polls yester- ballot for 117 assembly segments, cliffhanger between officials said. Voting at different hoping to cash in from an anti- Taran where supporters of two day, the Election Commission election officials said. the two parties. polling stations in Punjab was incumbency factor as surveys political parties clashed and one said. Poll officials said the final disrupted or delayed due to tech- point to a cliffhanger between person faced bullet injuries...an Talking to reporters here, voting percentage in both the nical snags in electronic voting the two parties. Voting for the FIR has been registered," Sand- Deputy Election Commissioner state could go up as many peo- at 5 p.m. machines (EVMs). by-election to the Amritsar Lok eep Saxena, deputy election Sandeep Saxena said that 1.243 ple were still in the queues Brisk voting took place At stake was the political fate Sabha seat was also held commissioner, said. million litres of liquor valued at outside polling stations and were almost all over Punjab - a state of 1,145 candidates, including 81 yesterday. With drug menace being one Rs13.34 crore was also seized allowed to cast their ballot even which recorded 78.3 percent women and a lone transgender "Overall Punjab witnessed a of the major poll issues in Pun- since the announcement of polls after the voting formally ended turnout in the 2012 assembly in Punjab where the Akali peaceful polling without any jab, around 2,598 kgs of drugs on January 4.

Job hunt Modi takes digs at rivals NEWS BYTES in UP; SP & Cong hit back Thousands clean up oil sludge

Meerut for forging a pre-poll alliance. along Chennai coastline IANS He called upon the people to give his Bharatiya Janata CHENNAI: Thousands of people scooped out buckets of thick rime Minister Narendra Party a mandate similar to the oil sludge along the Chennai coastline yesterday that had spilled Modi yesterday attacked 2014 general elections when the into the sea after the collision of two tankers last week. Two Pthe BJP's political rivals in party won 71 of the 80 Lok petroleum product carrying ships — M T BW Maple carrying Uttar Pradesh, saying that in the Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh. liquefied Petroleum Gas(LPG) and M T Dawn Kanchipuram acronym SCAM 'S' stands for Modi also took digs at the which had petroleum oil lubricants (POL)-- collided off the Samajwadi (Party), 'C' for Con- Samajwadi Party, the Congress Kamarajar Port on January 28 night. More than 1,000 people gress, 'A' for Akhilesh and 'M' for and the Bahujan Samaj Party were deployed here with portable pollution cleaning equipment Mayawati. It drew a riposte from on demonetisation and sought for shore line cleaning, Minister of State for Road Transport, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav the people's support in making Highways and Shipping, Pon. Radhakrishnan told reporters. who said the word stood for the country "corruption-free". Three super sucker and submersible pumps have also been "Save the Country from Amit Uttar Pradesh will witness deployed to remove the oil spill. The accident, which was Shah and Modi". The Congress a seven-phased election for earlier termed as a minor one, has turned into a major one, too hit back. 403 seats from February 11 to threatening the marine ecology along the Tamil Nadu coast. Campaigning ahead of the March 8. The BJP is fighting a first phase of the seven-phased triangular contest with the SP- Two militants dead in Kashmir Uttar Pradesh assembly elec- Congress combine and the BSP. tions with a 'Vijay Shankhnaad Leaders from these parties SRINAGAR: Security forces yesterday killed two militants Job hunters crowd at a job fair in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, Rally' here, Modi slammed the have been addressing a series in Sopore town of north Kashmir after a brief gunfight in China, yesterday. Samajwadi Party and Congress of rallies in Uttar Pradesh. which two officers of the state police were injured. "Police and other security forces have thwarted a major terrorist action by killing two militants in a gunfight in Sopore area yester- day morning," police said here. "Information was received Beijing resident Myanmar arrests that militants were travelling in a vehicle and were planning Sri Lankan President slams some terrorist action in Sopore area. "Police and other secu- crashes car near second suspect in rity forces immediately swung into action and intercepted them near Amargarh Sopore. "While being challenged, the Tiananmen Square rivals & vows reconciliation lawyer's murder terrorists lobbed a grenade and fired upon police party in which SP operation Baramulla Shafqat Hussain and a Sub Beijing Colombo his predecessor, strongman Yangon Inspector of Police Mohammad Murtaza were injured. "In Reuters AFP Mahinda Rajapakse, Sirisena AFP the retaliatory action, two militants were killed whose iden- said those who oppose him tity is being ascertained. "Two AK series rifles, one pistol, car crashed and over- ri Lanka's President were working against stability second suspect has been four hand grenades and other arms and ammunition were turned near Tiananmen Maithripala Sirisena yes- and the rebuilding of the arrested over the bra- recovered from the site. ASquare in the heart of Sterday slammed critics of nation's war-battered Azen murder of a Beijing which police blamed his ethnic reconciliation plan infrastructure. prominent Muslim lawyer in on the driver losing control on as the country emerges from a "Those opportunists who Myanmar, yesterday, as ques- Sri Lankan Premier to visit China a slippery road, cautioning decades long ethnic war that oppose ethnic reconciliation tions build over a killing that against the spreading of claimed over 100,000 lives. and national unity are work- stunned the Buddhist-major- BEIJING: Sri Lanka aims to finalise a free trade agreement rumours. Sirisena marked the Indian ing to achieve their narrow ity country. Ko Ni, a with China this year and the country's prime minister will Police said on their offi- Ocean island's 69th anniver- political objectives (of gaining 63-year-old legal advisor to visit Beijing in May, the Sri Lankan ambassador said yes- cial microblog yesterday that sary of independence from power). They are anti-national Aung San Suu Kyi's ruling terday, amid rising concern in the South Asian nation about the 26-year-old driver had Britain with a promise of eth- forces," Sirisena said. National League for Democ- Chinese investment. Hundreds of Sri Lankans clashed with taken responsibility for the nic unity despite opposition The ceremonies at Colom- racy, was shot in the head police at the opening last month of a Chinese-invested indus- accident. from hardline nationalists. bo's seafront Galle Face outside Yangon's airport last trial zone in the south, saying they would not be moved from In 2013, a vehicle crashed "Those who oppose our promenade ended with school Sunday while he was holding their land. It was the first time opposition to Chinese invest- on the edge of Tiananmen commitment to ethnic recon- children singing the national his grandson and waiting for ments in Sri Lanka had turned violent. China signed a deal Square, killing five people and ciliation and national unity are anthem in Tamil, the language a taxi. with Sri Lanka late last year to further develop the strate- injuring dozens in what China working against the country," of the main minority commu- A cab driver who tried to gic port of Hambantota and build a huge industrial zone said was a planned attack by Sirisena said in an address to nity, despite opposition from intervene was also killed, nearby, a key part of Beijing's ambitions to create a mod- the East Turkestan Islamic the nation. hardliners among the majority and the gunman — identified ern-day "Silk Road" across Asia. Critics, including former Movement, a Muslim Uighur Stopping short of naming Sinhalese. as 53-year-old Kyi Lin— was President Mahinda Rajapaksa. separatist group. arrested at the scene. Police said the driver, sur- Police have not offered a named Zhang, in yesterday's motive for the murder of Ko Pakistani boy reunited with mother accident was a Beijing Ni, who spoke out against ris- resident. ing anti-Islamic sentiment NEW DELHI: A five-year-old Pakistani boy was reunited Tiananmen Square is at and also criticised the army's with his mother yesterday at the Wagah-Attari border cross- the political and cultural heart lingering grip on power. But ing, with some help from Indian authorities. The boy, Iftikhar of Beijing and security is the NLD, whose electoral vic- Ahmed, had been taken "forcibly" to India by his father, who always tight in the wake of the tory ended decades of military belongs to Jammu and Kashmir, a year ago. Pakistan thanked government's bloody crack- rule, has called the murder a India for the help in helping with the boy's return. The Pakistan down on student-led protests political assassination and High Commission in New Delhi said that the five-year-old boy there in 1989. "terrorist act" against their was lodged for some time in a hotel in Amritsar with a senior Police sealed off a large policies. After a series of diplomat and later taken to Wagah. Pakistan High Commis- section of the boulevard on police leaks and conflicting sioner Abdul Basit "appreciated the cooperative role of Indian iconic Tiananmen Square comments about the investi- government" in the return of Iftikhar Ahmed, the statement after a military jeep over- Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena hoisting the gation, state media confirmed said. In March 2016, Iftikhar's father Gulzar Ahmed took him turned and rescue services national flag during 69th Independence Day celebrations yesterday that a second sus- to Ganderbal district in Jammu and Kashmir. Subsequently, were called to extinguish a in Colombo, yesterday. pect had been arrested 12 the boy's mother filed a case in an Indian court for his custody. fire, eyewitnesses told. hours after the murder. SUNDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2017 EUROPE 13 Louvre Museum reopens; Egypt identifies attacker

Paris aired yesterday , Hamahmy’s AP 'Son not a terrorist' father, Reda Refae Al-Hamahmy, Reda Refae said his son was not an Islamist he Louvre Museum Al-Hamahmy, said his and the French were only accus- here reopened to the son was not an ing him of terrorism to excuse public yesterday the brutality used to stop him. He Islamist and the morning, less than said he was shocked to learn of French were only 24-hours after a his son’s alleged involvement. Tmachete-wielding assailant accusing him of “All I want is to know the shouting was shot by soldiers. terrorism. truth and find out whether he is In drizzly weather, tourists dead or alive,” the father said. “I filed by armed police and sol- All I want is to know am desperate to know whether diers outside Paris museum, the truth and find out he is dead or alive.” which had been closed immedi- whether he is dead or “This is all a scenario made ately after Friday’s attack. alive, the father said. up by the French government to The attacker was shot four justify the soldiers opening fire,” times after slightly injuring a sol- added the father. He denied his dier patrolling the underground “Abdallah El-Hamahmy,” tweets son was radical or a member of mall, but the attacker’s injuries about a trip from Dubai to Paris any militant groups. “He is a very are no longer in a life-threaten- were posted on January 26. In normal young man,” he said. ing, according to prosecutors. the profile photo, Hamahmy is Louvre visitors expressed An Egyptian interior minis- seen smiling and leaning calmly mixed feelings yesterday with try official confirmed yesterday against a wall. some tourists planning to leave Reda Refae Al-Hamahmy, father of Abdullah Reda Refaie Al-Hamahmy, holds a picture of his identity of the attacker as Egyp- In another tweet, Hamahmy Paris earlier than planned. son Daqahliya, Egypt, yesterday. tian-born Abdullah Reda Refaie went on an angry tirade ahead “We heard on the news that Al-Hamahmy, 28. The official of Louvre attack, posting: “No a terrorist attack took place... We safe because of the heightened intended to tour the city’s sites the United Arab Emirates, the said initial investigation found negotiation, no compromise, no stayed at the hotel and we’re security presence. before leaving France. father said. In Egypt, several no record of political activism, letting up, certainly no climb thinking about cutting our vaca- The suspect’s father said Hamahmy’s brother Ahmed, officers from domestic security criminal activity or membership down, relentless war.” tion in Paris short,” said Lucia Hamahmy is married with a who works at Health Ministry in agency visited the family home of any militant groups at home. In an interview with Dubai- Reveron from Argentina. 7-month-old child, and in his last Dubai, was interrogated for sev- in the Nile Delta to question fam- On Twitter account of an based news channel Al-Hadath Others were stoic and felt contact with the family said he eral hours by security officials in ily members. EU founders speak of ‘multispeed’ future Spain trial stokes Catalan

Valletta there will be an EU with differ- independence fervour Reuters ent speeds, that not everyone will take part in the same levels erman Chancellor Angela of integration”. Madrid million people out of a total of Merkel and leaders of The 27 leaders are due to AFP 6.3 million eligible voters took Gother founding states of meet without British Prime Min- part. European Union spoke of some ister Theresa May on March 25 eparatists in Catalonia plan “On February 6, it is those countries moving ahead faster in the Italian capital to celebrate to come out in force 2.3 million people who will be than others with further 60th anniversary of founding Stomorrow when the Span- on trial,” Mas said. integration. Treaty of Rome. ish region’s former leader, Artur Faced with a pro-inde- After a summit in Malta at French President Francois Mas, stands trial over a non- pendence movement that which all national leaders dis- Hollande said he thought the binding independence refuses to die down, the con- cussed plans for a formal Rome statement could mention referendum he held, further servative government of Prime declaration in March on future “several speeds” as a possible straining ties with Madrid. Minister Mariano Rajoy insists of the bloc following Britain’s way forward, though he stressed: Supporters of independ- that this type of local, one- departure, Merkel and others “European unity is essential.” ence for wealthy, northeastern region-only referendum is offered endorsements of a so- German Chancellor Angela Merkel (centre) leaves at the end In a reminder of divisions in region say they hope to draw at unconstitutional. called “multispeed Europe”, of the European Union leaders summit in Valletta, Malta. the bloc, Hollande took a dig at least 30,000 protestors on the The fight for greater auton- which some governments fear East European states which Paris large avenue next to Barcelona omy, or independence, for could damage EU unity in the of the 17 other states which use have doubted the currency’s complains fail to honour commit- court tomorrow morning. Catalonia, a region with its own wake of Brexit. euro currency are keen to bind survival. ments—such as taking in Inside, Mas — who was pres- culture and language, has for Though they disagree on euro zone closer together after The last few years, Merkel asylum-seekers—while accept- ident of the semi-autonomous decades soured relations with details, Berlin, Paris and many years of crisis in which investors told reporters, showed “that ing big subsidies from Brussels. region from 2010 to 2016 — his Madrid but the clash has wors- former vice-president Joana ened over the past few years. Ortega and Irene Rigau, the offi- A watershed moment was cial once responsible for in 2010, when Spain’s Consti- German weekly education in Catalonia, will face tutional Court watered down a Russians trying to hack Dutch govt accusations of “serious civil dis- special statute awarded to sparks furore obedience” and “misfeasance”. Catalonia in 2006 under the Prosecutors want them Socialist government, giving it The Hague APT29 and APT28, which have scrapping a decade-old compu- banned from holding public more powers. over cartoon AFP links to Russian government and ter system for the March 15 office for nine to 10 years for Supporters of independ- were named by FBI and US general elections and would having organised a symbolic, ence slammed what they said on Trump ussian hackers accused of Homeland Security as being count millions of votes by hand non-binding referendum in was “judicial harassment” and trying to meddle in the behind “malicious cyber activity” after a report revealed “vulner- November 2014 in public asked for a referendum similar Berlin Rrecent US elections have against US government bodies. abilities” in the system. schools, despite a ban from the to the one organised in Scot- Reuters tried to infiltrate Dutch minis- The hacking bid on prime “In the last six months we Constitutional Court. land in 2014. tries among hundreds of cyber minister’s office to have been have seen hundreds of attempts Their defence argues they After the Constitutional GERMAN weekly magazine attacks ahead of next month’s unsuccessful, the daily added. to hack into emails and com- were merely defending “the Court banned that, Mas and his Der Spiegel sparked contro- polls, reports said yesterday. Concerns over security of pany data. It’s a real challenge right to freedom of expression” associates held the non-bind- versy at home and abroad Two Russian groups were Dutch computers and websites to stay ahead of the game,” the of Catalans, many of whom ing vote for which they are on yesterday with a front cover behind phishing attempts to have been growing since the out- head of the Dutch secret serv- want a say in the future of their trial. illustration of US President pinch credentials of government cry erupted over US intelligence ice (AIVD) Rob Bertholee said in 7.5-million strong region—be it “We are more than ready,” Donald Trump beheading the workers, including at the prime reports that Russia had interfered a television interview. for or against independence. a Catalan government source Statue of Liberty. minister’s office, Volkskrant to help secure the election of US Apart from Russia, China More than 80 percent of said this week, requiring ano- It depicts a cartoon figure daily said. President Donald Trump. and Iran had also been behind those who cast their ballot in nymity. “If we win the of Trump with a bloodied Citing security experts, Volk- Dutch authorities some of the cyber attacks, he the 2014 vote did so for inde- referendum, everything will knife in one hand and the skrant said the two groups were announced that they were said. pendence — although just 2.3 speed up,” he said. statue’s head, dripping with blood, in the other. It carries the caption: “America First”. The artist who designed the cover, Edel Rodriguez, a German Mini Park Cuban who came to the US in 1980 as a political refugee, told The Washington Post: builds wall around US “It’s a beheading of democ- racy, a beheading of a sacred Hamburg Las Vegas skyline. symbol.” Reuters The slogan “Let the world The cover set off a debate be great again” was scribbled on Twitter and in German and German tourist attraction on wall, a reference to Trump’s international media, with that features miniature election slogan “Make America Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, Amodels of various parts Great Again”. a member of Germany’s Free of world has put up a wall “I don’t want to tell anyone Democrats and vice president around United States, in a dig what to think. Everybody should of the European Parliament, at President Donald Trump’s look at that wall, and then decide describing it as “tasteless”. plan to build a full-sized one on regardless of whether they are The cover follows a series the border with Mexico. on left, right or centre,” said Ger- of attacks on Berlin’s policies The display at Miniature rit Braun, co-founder of Miniatur by Trump and his aides, Wonderland, which Trip Advi- Wunderland. “The main thing marking a rapid deterioration sor rates as top destination in is the people think about it.” in German relations with the Hamburg, is a hit with tourists, Ryan Ott, a tourist from the United States. Chancellor including some from the US. United States, said: “I think it’s Angela Merkel was the go-to Visitors could be seen a good use of humour, which is European ally for former US peering over a miniature con- what the world needs, I think, president Barack Obama, crete wall topped with razor right now to help cope with A wall with barbed wire on its top is seen in front of the skyline of Las Vegas at the exposition who praised her as “an out- wire to look at sites such as a what’s happening in our standing partner”. tiny Mount Rushmore and a country.” “Miniature-Wonderland” in Hamburg. 14 EUROPE SUNDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2017

British soldier Le Pen launches admits plotting terror acts in poll campaign; N Ireland

London vows ‘freedom’ AFP A BRITISH soldier admitted Lyon, France stockpiling an arsenal of Reuters Initial edge explosives and making bombs Opinion polls see the for a Northern Ireland- rance’s far-right party 48-year-old daughter related terror attack. leader Marine Le Pen of National Front Ciaran Maxwell, 31, a kicked off her presi- founder Jean-Marie Royal Marine, admitted pre- dential campaign Le Pen topping the paring terrorist acts between yesterday, hoping 2011 and 2016. first round on April 23 Fpromises to shield voters from He kept hideaways in but then losing the globalisation. England and Northern Ireland Opinion polls see the May 7 run-off. to store explosive substances, 48-year-old daughter of explosive devices, compo- National Front (FN) founder In 144 commitments, nents for explosive devices, Jean-Marie Le Pen topping the Le Pen proposes ammunition and weapons. first round on April 23 but then leaving eurozone, Maxwell bought chemi- losing the May 7 run-off to a taxes on job cals and components and mainstream candidate. made explosives and devices. contracts of French presidential candidate for the far-right Front National party Marine Le Pen (second right) But in the most unpredict- He compiled a library of foreigners, lowering arrives to attend a two-day political rally to kick off her presidential campaign in Lyon, yesterday. able election race France has the retirement age terrorism documents, includ- known in decades, the FN and increasing ing instructions on how to hopes a two-day rally in Lyon, several welfare make explosives and terror where Le Pen is spelling out her tactics. He also had maps, benefits. Regional party chief urges electoral platform, will help plans and lists of potential convince voters to back her. targets for a terrorist attack “The aim of this programme Nato's integrated command. Fillon to drop presidential bid and images of an adapted is first of all to give France its “This presidential election Northern Irish police pass freedom back and give the peo- puts two opposite proposals,” card and police uniform. ple a voice,” Le Pen said in the Le Pen said. “The ‘globalist’ Paris wanted a change of candidate. election on April 23. Media reports suggested introduction to the manifesto. choice backed by all my oppo- Reuters Fillon, 62, has been embroiled “This scandal is doing us more he had links to dissident Irish In 144 “commitments”, Le nents ... and the ‘patriotic’ in a deepening scandal since damage every day, and we can’t Republicanism. Maxwell, who Pen proposes leaving the euro- choice which I personify.” rench presidential candidate satirical newspaper Le Canard wait another two weeks,” Gilles is originally from Northern zone, taxes on the job contracts “We were told Donald Francois Fillon faced Enchaine reported he had paid told France Bleu Provence radio. Ireland, was arrested on of foreigners, lowering the Trump would never win against Fmounting pressure from his his wife hundreds of thousands “There are presidential and leg- August 24 last year. retirement age and increasing the media, against establish- own conservative camp to with- of euros of public money for work islative elections at stake and, Since then it has emerged several welfare benefits while ment, but he won... We were draw from the race yesterday, as she may not have done. beyond that, the survival of our that at age of 16, he was victim lowering payroll tax for small told Marine Le Pen would not a senator from The Republicans He denies the allegations, but political party.” of a savage sectarian beating firms and income tax. win presidential election, but party warned it could split if he they have rocked his campaign. He added: “This could go as who want Northern Ireland to The manifesto also foresees on May 7 she will win,” Jean- refused to bow out. An opinion poll published far as a party split.” remain part of the UK. reserving certain rights now Lin Lacapelle, a top FN official, Senator Bruno Gilles, head overnight showed the former Fillon, a former prime minis- The 1998 Good Friday available to all residents, includ- told several hundred party offi- of the party’s influential front-runner is now set to trail ter, vowed on Friday to fight on peace accords largely ended ing free education, to French cials and members. Bouches-du-Rhone region, said in third position behind far-right despite public calls from a grow- the three decades of violence citizens only, hiring 15,000 If elected, Le Pen says she in a radio interview yesterday leader Marine Le Pen and inde- ing number of Republican in Northern Ireland, known police, building more prisons, would immediately seek an that party faithful had “turned pendent centrist Emmanuel lawmakers and officials for him as the Troubles, in which curbing migration and leaving overhaul of European Union. the page” and overwhelmingly Macron in the first round of the to step aside. 3,500 people were killed.

Dodging the wave

People escape from breaking waves in the northern Spanish Basque city of San Sebastian, yesterday.

Romanian govt signals possible retreat on corruption decree

Bucharest this will convince members and Romania saw the biggest protests AFP supporters of the PSD not to since the ouster of communist dic- descend onto the streets and tator Nicolae Ceausescu in 1989. he head of Romania’s rul- escalate tensions”. Friday’s protest in the capi- ing socialists signalled Demonstrators launched a tal, which drew around 100,000 Tyesterday a possible retreat noisy march in central Bucharest people, saw effigies of govern- on a contentious corruption yesterday afternoon, blowing ment officials in prison fatigues decree that has sparked the big- whistles and vuvuzela horns in paraded through the crowds to gest demonstrations since the fall the national colours, heading for jeers and shouts of “Thieves!” of Ceausescu in 1989. parliament to form a human Protesters acted as pallbear- As tens of thousands of peo- chain there. ers for a coffin bearing the ple gathered in Bucharest for a “It’s about the future of our inscription “Romanian justice” fifth day, Social Democrats (PSD) children, for our kids. We want carried through the crowd while chief Liviu Dragnea told website justice to be made,” said Geor- others gave a rousing rendition DC News that he and Prime Min- giana Dragoi, a housewife taking of the national anthem. ister Sorin Grindeanu “could part in a protest of families before “I am not a leftist, I am not possibly discuss repealing the the main event. rightist. My views are centre- decree”. On Friday night some 250,000 right. But I want respect,” said He cautioned however that people demonstrated nationwide, Armand, 34, an economist taking he would do so “in the hope that similar to Wednesday night when part. SUNDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2017 AMERICAS 15

Nominee for Judge grounds Army secretary withdraws travel curbs his name

Washington nationwide AFP US President Donald Trump’s choice for Army secretary has Washington withdrawn his name from con- Agencies Move irks Trump sideration after running into The order blocking obstacles untangling himself from S President Donald the ban, issued by his business interests, US media Trump yesterday Seattle US District reported yesterday. lashed out at a Judge James Robart, Vincent Viola is a billionaire court ruling sus- who made his fortune after found- is valid across the pending his ing high-frequency trading firm United States, Ucontroversial ban on travelers Virtu Financial, the Washington from seven Muslim countries, pending a full review Post reported. He is also owner of dismissing it as “ridiculous” and of a complaint filed the Florida Panthers hockey team. vowing to get it overturned. by Washington “I appreciate the confidence The order blocking the ban, state’s attorney President Trump showed in me,” Solicitor General Noah Purcell speaks to the press with Washington state Attorney General issued early yesterday by Seat- general. he said in a statement to the Mil- Bob Ferguson (right) outside US District Court, in Seattle, Washington. Ferguson filed a state tle US District Judge James itary Times. “I offer my continued Robart, is valid across the The opinion of this lawsuit challenging key sections of President Trump's immigration Executive Order as illegal support for President Trump and United States, pending a full so-called judge, and unconstitutional. his administration, and look for- review of a complaint filed by which takes law- ward to redoubling my efforts to Washington state’s attorney enforcement away believe is lawful and the main tenets of the order. valid visa must be allowed entry support the Army and its veterans general. from our country is appropriate.” The government yesterday into the country by Customs and as private citizens.” The travel restrictions, ridiculous and will be “The president’s order is suspended enforcement of Border Protection (CBP). Viola’s statement concluded which went into effect a week overturned, the US intended to protect the homeland Trump’s refugee and immigra- “The constitution prevailed that he would not have been able ago, have wreaked havoc at air- President tweeted. and he has the constitutional tion ban and scurried to appeal a today,” Ferguson said, describ- to navigate the confirmation proc- ports across America, sparked authority and responsibility to judge’s order, plunging the new ing the judge’s decision as ess, which involves meeting numerous protests and left protect the American people,” administration into a crisis that historic. “No one is above the Pentagon’s conflict of interest countless people hoping to wrote, less than 12 hours after said the statement from White has challenged Trump’s author- law—not even the president.” requirements. reach the United States in the ruling was issued in House spokesman Sean Spicer. ity — and ability to fulfill “It is not the loudest voice that Secretary of Defence James limbo. Seattle. Trump’s executive order blocks campaign promises. prevails in a courtroom, it’s the Mattis was “disappointed but “The opinion of this so- “Interesting that certain citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Soma- The Homeland Security constitution,” he added, pointing understands and respects Viola’s called judge, which essentially Middle-Eastern countries agree lia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from Department no longer was direct- out that Robart was appointed by decision,” Pentagon spokesman takes law-enforcement away with the ban. They know if cer- entry into the US for 90 days. ing airlines to prevent Republican president George W. Navy Captain Jeff Davis said. “The from our country, is ridiculous tain people are allowed in it’s Syrian refugees are barred visa-holders affected by Trump’s Bush. Secretary will recommend to the and will be overturned!” Trump death & destruction!” said indefinitely, and refugees from order from boarding US-bound The State Department said President another candidate soon.” wrote in a flurry of early morn- Trump, who was in Florida for other countries are barred from planes. The agency said it had that up to 60,000 people from Earlier this week, New York ing tweets. the weekend. entry for 120 days. “suspended any and all actions” the seven targeted countries had Times reported that Viola was try- “When a country is no The White House said in a The ruling by the federal related to putting in place their visas canceled as a result of ing to swap his majority stake in longer able to say who can, and statement early yesterday that court in Seattle was not the first Trump’s order. the order. A Justice Department Eastern Air Lines for a piece of Swift who cannot, come in & out, the Department of Justice to challenge the travel ban by Washington state’s attorney attorney, however, told a court Air, a charter company with mil- especially for reasons of safety would fight the court to defend president, but it was the most general, Bob Ferguson, said the hearing in Virginia that about lions in hard-to-track government &.security - big trouble!” Trump the travel ban, “which we sweeping as it effectively vacated order means that anyone with a 100,000 visas had been revoked. contracts.

Nanny donates Herculean task NEWS BYTES portion of liver to save Peru to give visas to Venezuelans LIMA: Peru has created a temporary visa that will allow thou- 16-month-old sands of Venezuelans to work and study in the country, part of a migratory policy that aims to “build bridges” and “not walls,” the Andean nation’s interior ministry said. Jackson, New Jersey President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski’s government issued 20 AP temporary visas to Venezuelan migrants in Peru this week. Kuc- zysnki, a centrist, has expressed concern about shortages of food A 16-MONTH-OLD New Jer- and medicine in Venezuela, mired in a deep economic crisis. sey girl’s life has been saved Some 6,000 Venezuelans are expected to receive the per- by her nanny, a University of mit, which will allow them to study, work and receive health Pennsylvania student who services in Peru for a year, the interior ministry said. donated a portion of her liver to aid the child. 1 dead in Georgia home explosion Kiersten Miles had only known the Rosko family, of CLEVELAND, GEORGIA: A powerful explosion destroyed Jackson, for three weeks when a home in Georgia yesterday, killing one person inside and she learned that baby Talia had shattering windows of neighbouring houses as the blast’s a serious disease that could shockwave was felt by people living miles away. turn fatal if she didn’t receive Investigators were unable to quickly determine what trig- a liver transplant. Wanting to gered the blast. Television news stations broadcast footage help and knowing that her O French firefighters help extinguish wildfires in Chile's central-south regions, in Florida, showing bits of wood, concrete blocks and other debris strewn blood type was compatible, yesterday. over a large area. 22-year-old Miles started “The house was just blown all to pieces,” White County researching living organ Sheriff Neal Walden said confirming one death in the incident. donation. The family’s medical team Cops clear prison uprising scene informed Miles of ramifica- tions the procedure could Body of Canadian filmmaker SMYRNA, DELAWARE: The Delaware State Police said a have not only on Talia but prison building that was the site of an inmate uprising in also herself. which a guard died earlier this week has been turned back “I can never donate found off Florida coast over to the Delaware Department of Correction. again,” she said, even if she is In a statement, State Police said they “cleared the crime a perfect match. Undeterred, scene” and turned Building C at the James T. Vaughn Correc- Miles donated part of her liver Miami from his last known position and impact on the marine ecosystem. tional Center near Smyrna back over to corrections officials. at the Hospital of the Univer- AFP it was found at approximately The film won the Directors Guild State Police said that detectives are continuing to con- sity of Pennsylvania in early 220 feet in depth,” she said. of Canada award and a dozen duct interviews and to “collect and examine countless pieces January after she was deter- he body of Canadian doc- The Key Largo Fire Depart- others the following year. of physical and video evidence as part of investigations that mined to be a match with umentary filmmaker and ment volunteer dive team “So happy to be shooting would take long time.” Talia. Tconservationist Rob Stew- discovered the body and iden- #sharkwater2 with the best “It’s such a small sacrifice art was reportedly found off the tified it as Stewart’s, although cameras and equipment in the Brazil’s Lula holds vigil for late wife when you compare it to sav- Florida coast yesterday, days the coroner’s office will officially world,” he wrote in his latest ing a life,” Miles said. “Some after he disappeared during a confirm the identity. Instagram post three days ago. SÃO BERNARDO DO CAMPO: Former Brazilian President of her doctors said she possi- dive while making a film about Earlier, the US Coast Guard “For the first time I can show Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva held a vigil yesterday for his late bly wouldn’t have made it sharks. announced that it had sus- you sharks through my eyes.” wife Marisa Leticia, at the headquarters of the Metalwork- past 2 years old. All I had to Stewart, 37, vanished on pended the search for Stewart. The filmmaker was captur- ers’ Union where they met four decades ago. do was be in the hospital for Tuesday afternoon during a dive Officials made no comment ing “the personality in #shark Leftist party staff and hundreds of citizens, many wear- a week and a 5-inch scar.” with three of his crew members as to the reason for Stewart’s faces that people that spend ing the red shirt of the Workers’ Party and carrying posters Doctors have said both at the Alligator Reef coral reef, death. After surfacing from his their lives with sharks truly that read “President Lula,” went to Sao Bernardo do Campo Miles and Talia are recover- some four nautical miles off the dive, he went underwater again understand,” he added. in metropolitan Sao Paulo to offer their condolences to Latin ing nicely. island of Islamorada. before the crew’s boat was able The accompanying picture America’s most popular leftist leader. “I didn’t know she was “The body was reportedly to pick him up. The other three shows a diver from behind, pre- Marisa Leticia, a veteran labour activist like her hus- this selfless ) I’ve come to find recovered late in the afternoon,” divers emerged safely. sumably Stewart, holding a band who was first lady from 2003 to 2011, was pronounced out that this is who she is,” Marilyn Fajardo, a spokes- A biologist and underwater camera on his shoulder. brain dead at 66 at the Sirio-Libanes hospital in Sao Paulo Talia’s mother Farra Rosko woman for the Coast Guard’s photographer, Stewart was film- Stewart’s team is fundrais- on Friday. said of Miles. “She really is an Seventh District, told ing a sequel to his best-known ing and looking for volunteers She had been treated in intensive care since January 24 angel on earth; I know that reporters. 2006 documentary Sharkwater, via Stewart’s Twitter account to with a brain hemorrhage due to a ruptured brain aneurism. sounds silly, but she really is.” “It was found about 300 feet about shark hunting and its continue the search. 16 MORNING BREAK SUNDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2017

PRAYER TIMINGS

FAJR 04.57 am Horse-drawn ski races thrive in Tatra SHOROOK 06.15 am

ZUHR 11.48 am MAGHRIB 05.23 pm Zakopane traditional ceremonies. A ASR 02.58 pm ISHA 06.53 pm AFP wedding in the Tatra region without horses is no wedding ll winter long in at all. You absolutely need two WEATHER TODAY Poland's Tatra white horses to bring the new- mountain region, lyweds to church," she says. o o residents don col- "Funerals are also done 11 C 20 C ourful traditional the traditional way, with two costumesA to race horse-drawn black horses harnessed to a Minimum Maximum sleds and compete in ski joer- hearse." ing, a Scandinavian sport The competition near where galloping horses pull Male Ciche took place in a skiers at breakneck speeds. U-shaped arena some 800 "It's not just about win- metres long and guarded by ning. The key thing is for us around 50 firefighters. mountain folks to get together "Ski-ski joering is the one and show our horses, the har- that draws the most compet- nesses, the sleds, argue over itors," says Lukasz Nodzynski, the races like we've always spokesman for the southern done and preserve our herit- village of Poronin. age," says local enthusiast One of the participants, Janusz Stoch. Jacek Dziuba, is a mountain Stoch is from Zab, the man now living in Warsaw southern village located at who returns every year for the Poland's highest elevation as event. "The snow was pretty A parade at a horse-drawn skiing event in Lichajowki near Zakopane, southern Poland. well as the hometown of ski soft, the course hard. Good for jumper Kamil Stoch, a double the large horses, not so much Olympic champion and — like ski joering, which sees a lone Skupien, president of the her sixties, takes part in the for the smaller ones," he says. half the village — a very dis- skier compete while har- association of Tatra competition every year with There is always an ambu- tant relative. nessed to his horse. residents. her husband. "You have to lance and veterinarian on The region's equestrian The third called "We examine the tradi- attach yourself well to the sled hand because the events can skiing events take place every "kumoterki" is named after tional mountain costumes and balance your body right be dangerous, according to winter weekend in different the tiny wooden sled raced by from head to toe, checking out on every turn, otherwise you Skupien. villages around the mountain each husband-and-wife team. even the smallest of details," risk falling or worse: your sled "The difficulty of ski joer- resort town of Zakopane and But for starters, there is adds Skupien, himself dressed may tip over," she explains. ing lies in staying upright on Mild daytime with some clouds and cold by night. involve three disciplines. always a sled parade with folk in traditional trousers with an Attending the event in a your skis behind the horse There is ski-ski joering, a music against the backdrop of embroidered pattern called clearing near the village and while its hooves slide around HIGH TIDE 00:00 - 10:30 LOW TIDE 05:15 - 17:45 kind of horse-drawn skiing the snow-covered mountains. "parzenica". ski resort of Male Ciche, she on the snow surface and on Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department whose name means "ski driv- "Every family shows off its "Everything is noted by brings over their horses Orlik, chunks of ice," he says. ing" where a horseback rider beautifully adorned horses the jury which gives out prizes Marysina and the regal Cezar, "To win and stand on the tows a skier teammate along. and the kumoterki sleds for the three most beautiful a magnificent white stallion podium, you need a good The second, and most which are used to go to church outfits," he says. of the Lipizzaner breed. horse, a good rider, and a good popular, discipline is simply for christenings," says Andrzej Ela Rzadkosz, in "We raise them to use in skier."

Astronomers Personal archive of Escher find stray black hole hiding in Milky Way

Tokyo IANS

xamining a molecular cloud with enigmatic motion, a team led by researchers in Japan has Efound signs of stray black hole hiding in the Milky Way. It is difficult to find black holes, because they are completely black. In some cases black holes cause effects which can be seen. Theoretical studies have predicted that 100 mil- lion to one billion black holes should exist in the Milky Way, although only 60 or so have been identified Photographs from the personal archive of Dutch artist Maurits Cornelis Escher (1898- through observations to date. 1972) are seen at the Escher Museum in The Hague yesterday, the first ever time they "We found a new way of discovering stray black have been displayed in public. holes," said one of the researchers Tomoharu Oka, Professor at Keio University in Japan. The researchers used the ASTE Telescope in Chile and the 45-m Radio Telescope at Nobeyama Radio Observatory, both operated by the National Astro- nomical Observatory of Japan, to observe molecular The cave squeaker returns: clouds around the supernova remnant W44, located 10,000 light-years away from us. A supernova is the explosion of a star -- the larg- est explosion that takes place in space, according to Rare frog seen after decades Nasa. The primary goal of the researchers was to exam- ine how much energy was transferred from the Harare specimens of the frog in its light brown with dark spots. supernova explosion to the surrounding molecular AP known habitat of Chimanimani, Now authorities fear for the gas, but they happened to find signs of a hidden black a mountainous area in the east. frogs' security, especially from hole at the edge of W44, said the study published in he cave squeaker is back. The team found the first "the scientific world" whose Astrophysical Journal Letters. Researchers in Zimbabwe male specimen on December 3 huge interest could result in the During the survey, the team found a compact Tsay they have found a rare after following an animal call frog being captured and illegally molecular cloud with enigmatic motion. frog that hasn't been seen in that they had not heard before, exported. Hopkins said 16 spec- To investigate the origin of this cloud, named the decades. The Artholeptis trog- Hopkins said. They then discov- imens are on display at various "Bullet", the team performed intensive observations lodytes, also known as the "cave ered another two males and a museums, including the British of the gas cloud. squeaker" because of its pre- female. Hopkins said he been Museum. The data indicated that the Bullet seems to jump ferred habitat, was discovered looking for the cave squeaker "We are expecting an influx out from the edge of the supernova remnant with in 1962 but there were no for eight years. "I was not with of scientists looking for it. We immense kinetic energy. reported sightings of the elusive my team when they were found. will do everything in our power "Most of the Bullet has an expanding motion with amphibian after that. An inter- I was at the base. I can no longer to protect and conserve the a speed of 50 km/s, but the tip of the Bullet has a speed national "red list" of threatened climb the mountains as I am 75," frog," said Caroline Washaya- of 120 km/s," Masaya Yamada, a graduate student at species tagged them as critically Hopkins said. Moyo, spokeswoman for the Keio University, said. endangered and possibly extinct. Researchers plan to breed Zimbabwe National Parks and "Its kinetic energy is a few tens of times larger Robert Hopkins, a more frogs with the ones taken Wildlife Management Author- than that injected by the W44 supernova. It seems researcher at the natural history from their habitat and then ity. She said a park management impossible to generate such an energetic cloud under museum in Bulawayo city, said reintroduce them to the moun- plan will be devised to protect ordinary environments," Yamada added. his team had found four tain summit. The frog is tiny and the cave squeaker.