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Thursday 4 April 2019 | 28 Rajab 1440 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 24 | Number 7851 | 2 Riyals

Qatar, Italy vow to strengthen relations Amir and Italian Prime Minister discuss ways to boost cooperation in economy, investment and defence fields. Developments in Libya figure in talks. Giuseppe Conte hails National Museum of Qatar as inspiring and iconic. New premises of Italian Embassy opens. Italian Prime Minister tours Al Bayt Stadium.

QNA Al Bayt Stadium; inaugurated authentic DOHA Italian products corner at Lulu Hyper- market, Al Messaila. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al During the visit to the National Thani and the Prime Minister of the Museum of Qatar the Prime Minister Italian Republic, Giuseppe Conte, held was accompanied by Chairperson of yesterday a session of official talks Qatar Museums H E Sheikha Al Mayassa pertaining to bilateral relations and bint Hamad Al Thani. H E Sheikha means to enhance them in all fields, Mayassa provided a detailed presen- particularly in the fields of economy, tation of the museum’s pieces and investment, and defence. collections. The session, which was held at the The Prime Minister viewed the geo- Amiri Diwan, also discussed a number logical development of Qatar, pearl col- of regional and international issues of lections, as well as an exhibition on the joint interest, particularly developments history of Qatar before discovering oil in Libya. and gas. The talks session was attended by Conte said at the conclusion of his Prime Minister and Interior Minister tour that he would like to "congratulate H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin the State of Qatar and its people for the Khalifa Al Thani, and a number of Their inspiring and the iconic museum that Excellencies the Ministers. On the Italian gives shape to the vision of the country." side, it was attended by members of the He added that his visit to the official delegation accompanying the museum showed that it embodies a Prime Minister. vision of "a community whose strength The Italian Prime Minister was also comes from culture and knowledge accorded an official reception at the where people with different traditions Amiri Diwan. H H the Amir hosted a and values contribute to the social luncheon banquet in honour of the development of each and every one." Italian Prime Minister and the delegation He stressed that protecting national Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with the Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, Giuseppe Conte, at the Amiri accompanying him, at the Amiri Diwan. heritage is a goal both countries are Diwan, yesterday. The banquet was attended by committed to, as it helps ensure the H E the Prime Minister and Interior Min- future generations can know their roots Salzano, and Acting Executive Director Committee for Delivery and Legacy accomplished so far. ister and a number of Their Excellencies and identity as they embark on building of the museum Ahmed Namla. Hassan Al Thawadi and a number of The Prime Minister left Doha yes- the Ministers. a better future. Prime Minister of the Italian those in charge of the stadium’s terday evening. The Italian Prime Min- The Italian Prime Minister spent a The tour was attended by Ambas- Republic and his accompanying dele- construction. ister and his accompanying delegation busy day in Doha and visited National sador of the State of Qatar to the Italian gation also visited Al Bayt Stadium in Al The Prime Minister listened to a were seen off on departure at Hamad Museum of Qatar; inaugurated new Republic, Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al Malki Khor. detailed presentation on the progress international airport by Minister of Italian embassy premises at Alfardan Al Jahni; Ambassador of the Italian He was welcomed upon arrival by of the construction process, in Commerce and Industry Ali bin Ahmed Office Tower in West Bay; paid a visit to Republic to the State of Qatar, Pasquale Secretary-General of Supreme addition to viewing what has been Al Kuwari. `P2, 3 Qatar Airways wins six TripAdvisor Cabinet approves draft law on Travellers’ Choice Airline Awards public-private sector partnership THE PENINSULA QNA DOHA license, for development by the between the Government of the DOHA private sector, build operate State of Qatar and the Gov- transfer (BOT), build-transfer- ernment of the Republic of Peru. Qatar Airways has been named The Cabinet has approved a draft operate (BTO), build own operate The Cabinet also took the ‘World’s Top 10 Airline’, ‘World’s law regulating the partnership transfer (BOOT), operations and necessary measures to ratify, Best Business Class’, ‘Middle East between the public and the maintenance (OM) or any other cooperation agreement between Best Airline’, ‘Middle East Best private sector. Prime Minister form adopted by H E the Prime the Government of the State of Major’, ‘Middle East Best and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Minister, upon the proposal of Qatar and the International Business Class’, and ‘Middle East Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa the competent minister. Organisation for Migration, basic Best Economy Class’ by TripAd- Qatar World’s Top 10 Airline Al Thani chaired the Cabinet The Government or the com- agreement between the Gov- visor Travellers’ Choice Airline Airways World’s Best Business Class regular meeting held yesterday petent administration may, on its ernment of the State of Qatar Awards 2019. Middle East Best Airline at the Amiri Diwan. Following own initiative or at the suggestion and the United Nations Chil- The TripAdvisor Travellers’ wins the meeting, Minister of Justice of the private sector, identify a dren’s Fund and agreement Choice Airline Awards are based Middle East Best Major and Acting Minister of State for project for its implementation between the United Nations High on millions of honest reviews Middle East Best Business Class Cabinet Affairs H E Dr. Issa bin through partnership. Commissioner for Refugees from travellers around the world, Middle East Best Economy Class Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi stated Meanwhile, the Cabinet (UNHCR) and the Government and reflect best service, quality that Cabinet considered topics approved a draft law amending of the State of Qatar. and customer satisfaction. on the agenda. The Cabinet some provisions of Law No. (32) It also took measures to Qatar Airways Group Chief “This year’s achievements by Business Class’ and ‘Best Economy approved a draft law regulating of 1995 on the prevention of ratify terms of reference Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: Qatar Airways in the Travellers’ Class’ as well as being named as the partnership between the damage to the plant envi- between the United Nations rep- “Thank you to all our passengers Choice Airline Awards demon- one of the ‘World’s Top 10 Airlines’ public and the private sector. ronment and its components. resented by the United Nations who awarded us with these six strates our promise to set the is an incredible and proud The partnership between the The amendments come within Office for the Coordination of Travellers’ Choice Awards. We highest standards and deliver the achievement for Qatar Airways.” government and the private the framework of modernising Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) are delighted that our continued absolute best quality of service to TripAdvisor is the world’s sector shall be made under the legislation, to address the and the State of Qatar and rep- pursuit of excellence is recog- our passengers. These awards are largest travel site with more than partnership contract in problems created by the prac- resented by the Government of nised by TripAdvisor travellers some of the most respected acco- 730 million traveller reviews of accordance with the provisions tical reality in this area, and to the State of Qatar on the estab- around the world. This is a lades in travel and to be awarded hotels, airlines, restaurants and of this law. The partnership shall tighten the penalties for violating lishment of an Office for the ringing endorsement for all the ‘World’s Best Business Class’, in attractions, making TripAdvisor be in accordance with one of the the provisions of the law. Coordination of Humanitarian hard work that our team has put addition to the Middle East awards one the most recognised names following regulations: Allocation The Cabinet also approved Affairs in Doha, the State of in to serve our customers. for ‘Best Airline’, ‘Best Major’, ‘Best in the travel industry. `P4 of land through rent or use a draft air service agreement Qatar. `P3 02 HOME THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2019 Qatar, Italy vow to strengthen relations

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani hosted yesterday a luncheon banquet in honour of the Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, Giuseppe Conte, and the delegation accompanying him, at the Amiri Diwan. The banquet was attended by Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani and a number of Their Excellencies the Ministers. H H the Amir and the Prime Minister of the Italian Republic held a session of official talks pertaining to bilateral relations and the means to enhance them in all fields, particularly in the fields of economy, investment, and defence.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte visited National Museum of Qatar. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Chairperson of Qatar Museums, H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa A Thani, who provided a detailed presentation of the museum’s pieces and collections. He viewed the geological development of Qatar, pearl collections, and an exhibition on the history of Qatar before discovering oil and gas.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte (left) and Pasquale Salzano, Ambassador of Italy to the State of Qatar, during the inauguration of new premises of the Embassy, yesterday. PIC: BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA Visit laid foundation for future accords: Italian PM RAYNALD C RIVERA countries. We talked about provide know-how and expertise THE PENINSULA political issues because we and I believe these companies would like to see stability and can do much more for this Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe peace in the Middle East and country, that’s why today’s visit Conte has stressed his meeting North Africa. At the same time has been an opportunity to with Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin we talked about the presence of strengthen cooperation and to Hamad Al Thani yesterday had the Italian companies here in strengthen economic and trade been very fruitful in strength- Qatar and the contribution they exchange,” he said. ening cooperation and friendship give to the infrastructure of this The Premier also said he was between Italy and Qatar as well country,” he said. pleased to learn of H H the Amir’s as in laying foundation for future The Prime Minister also interest to invest in material and agreements. talked about his visit to the Red immaterial infrastructure in Italy. Speaking to reporters at a Line North of the new metro and He said the meeting also press conference after he inau- to the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor touched on energy and on world- gurated the Italian Embassy at which will host FIFA World Cup leading Italian companies such Alfardan Office Tower in West 2022 — two projects in which as Eni, Snam, Leonardo and Fin- Bay, Conte said it was the second Italian companies are actively cantieri, which already operate time for him to meet with H H involved. in Qatar, and that he believed the the Amir; the first time was in “Today, I had the opportunity visit would contribute not only Rome a few months ago and both to visit one of the underground on strengthening cooperation but meetings had been very stations of the Red Line and also also the presence of Italian productive. one of the stadiums that is almost companies. “This has been my second entirely built by an Italian He said no agreements were meeting with H H the Amir and company which are an example signed during the meeting yes- it has been very fruitful in of the important contributions terday, but expressed optimism strengthening cooperation and of Italian companies in the infra- the meeting had “laid foundation friendship between our two structure of this country. They for future agreements to come.” THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2019 HOME 03

Conte opens permanent Italian corner at Lulu OFFICIAL NEWS Deputy PM sends SANAULLAH ATAULLAH Embassy here in Qatar, message to Kazakh FM THE PENINSULA approached us with a proposal to partner with Coldiretti,” said NURSULTAN: The Min- The Prime Minister of the Althaf. “We have managed to ister of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Italy, Giuseppe successfully conclude our the Republic of Kazakhstan, Conte, during his visit to Lulu agreement with Coldiretti, we Beibut Atamkulov received Hypermarket at Al Messila will have dedicated Italian a message from Deputy yesterday, inaugurated the first corner with products sourced Prime Minister and Minister permanent corner of 100 percent through Coldiretti in all our of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Italian products supplied by hypermarkets in the world, Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Coldiretti Italy. Mohamed Althaf, starting from Qatar. We hope to Al Thani pertaining to the Director of Lulu Hypermarket achieve 100 percent growth in bilateral relations and ways to Qatar, and the senior the business from this year”. boost and develop them. The management officials extended Lulu Hypermarkets have message was handed over a warm welcome to him. been treasuring long-standing by the Ambassador of the Coldiretti Italy is a corpo- trade relations with Italy and State of Qatar to Kazakhstan, ration entity of farmers in Italy importing a wide range of food Ahmed bin Ali Al Tamimi, and Europe engaged in research and non-food products including during his meeting with the and development of new olives, organic products and spe- Minister of Foreign Affairs of markets for agricultural products cialty ranges, bakery ranges, Kazakhstan. QNA identified as 100 percent made Italian specialty cheese varieties, in Italy. Coldiretti’s overseas pasta, pasta sauces etc. and Plan for registration export activities are executed by related Grocery foods for more in schools announced its parent company Filiera than a decade. Agricola Italiana S.P.A. and Lulu Since year 2004, Lulu Hyper- DOHA: The Ministry of Hypermarket signed a Memo- markets have been organising Education and Higher Edu- The Prime Minister of the Republic of Italy, Giuseppe Conte; Mohamed Althaf, Director of Lulu Hypermarket randum of Understanding with ‘Italian Food Festival’ regularly in cation yesterday announced Qatar, with other officials during the inauguration of the first permanent corner of 100 percent Italian them during last year. cooperation with the Italian its plan to register new stu- “Over 200 certified authentic products at the Lulu Hypermarket at Al Messila yesterday. PIC: BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA Embassy and Italian Trade Agency dents in public schools for Italian food products including in Qatar, across all Lulu Hyper- the academic year 2019-20, olive, pasta, fruits and vegetables David Granieri, President; from Italy to Qatar has increased products are known here for markets to promote Italian food in cooperation with the des- are being showcased at the ded- Gianluca Lelli; Stefano Albertazzi by 4.2 percent compared to pre- their fantastic quality, highest and non-food products, and to ignated authorities such as icated corner,” Althaf told The from Filiera Agricola Italiana vious year. safety standards, and their wide increase the volume of imports. the Ministry of Interior and Peninsula. He said that Lulu S.P.A. and Prof. Gian Pietro Althaf, during his welcome varieties. “There is an increasing The festival largely showcases Kahramaa. Head of the reg- Hypermarket is working to open Callari attended the ceremony. speech, said: “Today is a historic demand for good quality Italian Italy’s food brands a wide range istration department at the a trade hub in Milan (Milano) city The PM’s visit has further day for the Qatar-Italy diplo- food products in our region, but of products directly sourced from Ministry, Warda Oqail, called of Italy which will help import strengthened the trade relations matic relationship, congratula- we were struggling to meet the various companies in Italy. on parents to ensure that large quantity of food products between Lulu Hypermarkets tions for opening a beautiful new demand because of the supply Lulu Hypermarkets have the registration of their chil- to Qatar. worldwide and Italy. embassy in Qatar; it is also a his- chain constraints. Italy has a Export Distribution Centers dren into the system is done The inaugural ceremony was Speaking about the toric day for Lulu and Coldiretti, diverse geography and every worldwide including the major on schedule, to ensure the attended by Pasquale Salzano, agreement, Conte said: “I believe in starting our partnership for region has their own interesting state of the art facilities recently smoothness and ease of the Ambassador of Italy; Giosafat the agreement will help meet the bringing in the most authentic, products, however, we were opened in UK, USA and Spain, to the process as it will save Rigano, Italian Trade Commis- demand of fast growing Italian 100 percent Italian food products finding it hard to get the right cater to the regular requirements time and effort. She pointed sioner to the State of Qatar, and quality food products in Qatar”. to the consumers in Qatar”. sources; that is when Italian of European, British and US brands out that five new schools officials from Coldiretti namely He said that the agro-food export He said that Italian food Trade Agency Section from the of products. for boys and girls will be opened in the coming aca- demic year, including two secondary schools for girls in Cabinet approves draft law on public-private sector partnership Al Wakra and Al Kheesa and a primary for girls in Mana- FROM PAGE 1 Government of the State of Qatar Minister of Finance on the pro- results of the First Council on which included the statement of sir, in addition to two schools Cabinet took measures to and the Government of the posal to add representative Aging, organized by the Ministry Waqf banks and their achieve- for the fifth and sixth grades ratify maritime transport Federal Republic of Somalia on the members of General Tax Authority of Family, Labor and Social ments, and the challenges facing in Muaither and the old air- agreement between the Gov- avoidance of double taxation and in a number of joint and spe- Services in the Republic of Turkey the Waqf. The Cabinet stressed the port area, all providing 3,102 ernment of the State of Qatar and the prevention of financial evasion cialized committees in the State (Ankara, February 2019). importance of the Waqf to achieve classrooms. New annexes will the Government of the Federal with regard to income taxes. and a memo by the Minister of The Cabinet listened to a pres- the principle of social solidarity be opened for 27 schools in Republic of Somalia and The Cabinet took appropriate Administrative Development, entation by the Minister of Awqaf and investing it for the devel- the coming years. QNA agreement between the decision regarding a memo by the Labor and Social Affairs on the and Islamic Affairs on the Waqf, opment of society. 04 HOME THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2019

H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson, QLC Board of Directors, with other dignitaries and graduates at the ceremony. QLC celebrates graduation of 118 Qataris at NMoQ SIDI MOHAMED Directors. The graduates con- Sheikh Dr Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani remarked, “As we celebrate third feature of QLC, with pro- very proud to be graduates from THE PENINSULA stitute the sixth class of QLC Thani, Managing Director and our graduates’ success, we are grams offered this year to Qatari this institution because it is a major since its establishment by Amir Member; H E Yousuf Mohamed reminded of the responsibilities government institutions, platform that offers learning the Qatar Leadership Centre (QLC) H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Othman Fakhroo, Minister of they now shoulder, to contribute including the Qatar Armed latest management methods and celebrated yesterday its annual Al Thani as a national platform Administrative Development, to our shared societal objectives, Forces’ Medical Services latest methods of leadership.” graduation ceremony at the for leadership development. Labour, and Social Affairs, to further strengthen our progress Department and Qatar Social “We got a training curriculum National Museum of Qatar, In remarks at the ceremony, Member; H E Salah bin Ghanem toward national development.” Work. Past programs have combines theoretical and practical honouring 118 Qataris who have Sheikha Al Mayassa said: “We Al Ali, Minister of Culture and “Qatar Leadership Centre has included partnerships with the sciences provided by qualified completed one of three courses gather tonight at the new Sports, Member; and H E Sultan provided the graduates with a rig- Ministry of Education and Higher staff. In master program, we have of study — the Executive, National Museum of Qatar, a bin Rashid Al Khater, the Under- orous academic foundation that Education, and Qatar Petroleum. learned Crisis Management, Government, or Rising Leaders masterpiece of art in the service secretary of the Ministry of encourages critical thinking,” he QLC’s key partnerships Financial Management, Interna- programs. of education. It connects Qatar’s Economy and Commerce, stressed. include leading institutions: the tional Business Management, and “The Centre supports the past with its future, its rich her- Member. A number of Qatar’s This year QLC marked the University of Cambridge, Uni- Policy Development,” he added. development of leadership skills itage and traditions are the foun- most senior officials attended the addition of an Executive Master’s versity of Chicago Booth School Regarding question about that are essential for Qatar, abil- dation of its informed vision of event, including ministers, gov- degree program in leadership of Business, Duke University, women empowering in all spe- ities which are especially critical development. In a similar way, ernment officials, ambassadors, offered by Georgetown Uni- Georgetown University, Harvard cialization, another graduate Maha now given the rapid rate of eco- the QLC graduates are guided by educators, as well as guests from versity, which is built on the University, HEC Paris, Rice Uni- Al Rumaihi told The Peninsula that nomic diversification and trans- the strength of our national her- QLC’s partner universities, the foundational courses of the QLC versity, University of Oxford, and all opportunities are open to all formation currently underway,” itage and the benefits of edu- business community, along with program. There are 28 Qataris Al Jazeera Media Institute. men and women whether jobs or said H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint cation for a promising future.” family members and friends of currently enrolled in the inau- Fahad Thani Saad Al Mesaifri specialisations. “Today the Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Other QLC Board members the graduates. gural program. Al Hajri, graduate of first class of number of graduates of women Chairperson, QLC Board of attending the ceremony were: Sheikh Dr Abdulla bin Ali Al Institutional programs are a EML-Q program, said: “We are are much more than men.” Qatar and Austria review Qatar Airways wins six TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Airline awards FROM PAGE 1 ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘Best transport rating organisation Skytrax. It ties in culture and sports Airline reviews are based on customer Business Class: Middle East’, ‘World’s Top was also named ‘Best Business Class Seat’, ratings of seat comfort, leg room, in-flight 10 Airline’, ‘Best Airline: Middle East’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, and entertainment, customer service, value ‘Best Economy Class: Middle East’ by the ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge’. for money, check-in and boarding, and TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards. Qatar Airways operates a modern fleet cleanliness, in addition to an overall rating The airline was named ‘World’s Best of more than 250 aircraft via its hub, of the airline. Business Class’ by the 2018 World Airline Hamad International Airport (HIA) to more In 2018, Qatar Airways was named Awards, managed by international air than 160 destinations worldwide.

Minister of Culture and Sports H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali met here yesterday with the Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to the State of Qatar, Dr Willy Kempel. The meeting focused of bilateral cooperation in culture and sports fields and how to develop them further.

Eng. Ali Mohammed Al Kuwari, Acting CEO, Msheireb Properties (second left) and Nabeel Ali bin Ali, Vice-Chairman & EVP, Ali Bin Ali Holding (second right) at the event yesterday. Also present were, Mubarak Al Boainin (left), Senior Director of Contracts & Procurement, Msheireb Properties and Sebastian Farhat, Regional General Manager, Monoprix. PIC: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH / THE PENINSULA Qatar’s first Monoprix with SMART Retail Solution to open in Msheireb

SACHIN KUMAR “Monoprix store is expected to open convenient experience offered by one the THE PENINSULA in Msheireb Downtown Doha in best retail brand in the industry,” he December. The store will promote Qatari added. Msheireb Downtown Doha, the smartest products,” Farhat told The Peninsula on “We are very happy with this part- and most sustainable fully-built city the sidelines of a press conference held nership, and I would like to thank the Ali district in the world and Qatar’s desti- after agreement signing ceremony held Bin Ali Group for their support and their nation for leisure, living and business, will at Msheireb Downtown Doha. However, keenness on offering top-of-the-line be home to the first Monoprix in Qatar he did not reveal much about the smart services to Msheireb Downtown Doha,” with the SMART Retail Solution. features of the store. he added. Msheireb Properties, the developer of Monoprix Msheireb will offer an Nabeel Ali bin Ali, Vice-Chairman and Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD), and extensive organic range of 12,000 items EVP of Ali Bin Ali Holding, commented: Ali Bin Ali Holding, one of the largest con- sourced internationally, as well as a new “As a Group, we seek out partnerships that glomerates in Qatar and the owner of the dine-in Qatari-food concept, sushi bar and complement our long-standing reputation Monoprix franchise in the country, signed pasta & pizza corner. The hypermarket and help us enrich the local market. an agreement on Monday to open will continue to support local initiatives Msheireb Downtown Doha’s infra- Monoprix in Msheireb Downtown Doha. and stock all local Qatari made products. structure, its vision and the services, make The signing was also attended by Commenting on this strategic it the most suitable platform for us to Sébastien Farhat, the Regional General agreement, Ali Al Kuwari, Acting CEO of introduce our retail software solution Manager of Monoprix. Msheireb Properties, said, “Since its exclusively at Monoprix Msheireb, our To be situated at the soon-to-open inception, Msheireb Downtown Doha is new store that will be servicing the new Galleria mall, Monoprix will launch for set to revive the city centre of Doha in the heart of Doha. We are very excited, and the first time in the region one of the most smartest and most sustainable way. We we look forward to the launch.” advanced retail software solutions for an are proud that we have succeeded to work Founded in 1932, Monoprix is a enhanced customer service. In addition with local and international partners to renowned French brand offering the best to this, the store will provide its famous ensure that all the services provided of food retailing along with clothing, Concierge and the Shop & Go concepts, across the city centre development are in household items, perfumes, gift items and making the shopping experience for res- alignment with our promise to our resi- more. The French retail chain currently idents and visitors of MDD more con- dents and visitors. Today’s agreement has two other stores in Qatar – West Bay venient and comfortable. guarantees an exclusive smart and and Doha Festival City. THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2019 HOME 05 Qatar-Switzerland relations strong and growing

FAZEENA SALEEM “The relations tourist destination for Qataris THE PENINSULA between Switzerland and and expatriates. Qatar are unique and The cooperation between The growing bilateral relations special, as they go back Qatar and Swiss in the area of between Qatar and Switzerland to 1973, only two years human rights, specifically on were highlighted during the after Qatar’s inde- migrant workers was also Swiss National Day celebration pendence. This bond has highlighted. held in Doha, yesterday. led to an ever closer rela- “The opening of the ILO- Diplomatic, cultural, trade tionship over the last office in May last year as well as and social ties between two decades,” said Swiss the Geneva-based organisation’s countries were made evident Ambassador Edgar Dörig. recent report show that Qatar is during the event. “There is a working on its commitments to Minister of Commerce and respectable number of improve their livelihoods Industry H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Swiss companies active through fair job opportunities, Kuwari; Minister of Municipality in different sectors of the without the threat of exploi- and Environment H E Abdullah Qatari economy. Growing tation,” said Dörig. bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Swiss exports to Qatar A ceremonial cake was cut, Subaie; the Director of Protocol amounted to a total of premium Swiss watches and of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, $760m last year, amongst jewellery were on showcase and Ambassador Ibrahim Fakhroo; them many of the native cheese was made as part the Dean of the Diplomatic premium watches and of the celebration. Traditional Corps, Ambassador of Eritrea to jewellery…. Qatari busi- Swiss songs were also played by Qatar, Ali Ibrahim Ahmed; nesses have invested musicians who had travelled FROM LEFT: Minister of Commerce and Industry H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Swiss Ambassador Edgar Doerig, members of the Swiss par- substantially in the Swiss from central Switzerland. Minister of Municipality and Environment H E Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, the Director of Protocol liament, diplomats and several economy over the years,” Swiss National Day cele- other guests were present during of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Fakhroo, and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and the he added. bration, marks 728th birthday of the celebration held at Grand Ambassador of Eritrea to Qatar, Ali Ibrahim Ahmed; during the 728th Anniversary of the Swiss Confederation, He also said that the country, which is originally Hyatt Hotel, yesterday. yesterday. PIC: BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA Switzerland is a prime marked on August 1. NHRC organises seminar on Al Muraikhi receives copies of credentials of envoys municipal council elections

QNA DOHA

The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) organised a seminar for the candidates of the Central Municipal Council elections on the rights and duties before and after the electoral process, attended by the candidates from 29 constit- uencies of the council in its sixth session. NHRC Member Mohammed Saif Al Kuwari said the elec- tions culture complies only Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi received yesterday a copy of the with civilised societies. He credentials of the Ambassador of the Republic of Peru to the State of Qatar, Jose Arsenio Benzaquen added that running for elec- tions is a positive sign to Perea. The Minister also received a copy of the credentials of the Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland measure the extent to which (non-resident), Aidan Cronin. The Minister wished both the Ambassadors success in their mission. the individual is present in their society and openness to the other. The NHRC Member added that for an individual to run for elections is proof of their abstraction to serve regardless of victory or not. The NHRC Member pre- sented facts in figures about previous sessions of the Municipal Council since its first session in 1999. Al Kuwari addressed the negative aspects of some types of election propaganda, The participants attending the workshop organised by NHRC for stressing the importance for the the candidates of the Central Municipal Council, yesterday. candidate to be realistic and credible and that the promises they make during the electoral The Qatari voter horizons for women’s partici- programme are applicable. has reached a stage pation in the services and The NHRC Member added of awareness that political scenes. that the Qatari voter has Al Kuwari added that par- reached a stage of awareness enables them to ticipating in the electoral that enables them to sense the sense the credibility process is a national duty credibility of the candidate of the candidate in terms of running and through the electoral program, through the electoral voting. adding promises in an electoral The NHRC Member called programme are exaggerated it program. on all Qatari people to partic- may cause the candidate to fail ipate and cast their votes to amid the conscious public mind deepen democratic behaviour that are aware of their require- need for women to interact in among all members of society ments and the possibility of any electoral process more and lead Qatar to further dem- applying these promises. especially in light of the State’s ocratic progress and political He also highlighted the tendency to open wider prosperity. Qatari artist displays his works at Escapism exhibition at Katara THE PENINSULA The exhibition focuses Abdelaziz, who is a car- DOHA on artist’s nostalgic toonist for a daily newspaper under the pen name “crockodile” Qatari artist Abdelaziz Yousef memories of the past covering various social and displays 21 of his works at and will run until April political topics describes his Escapism exhibition which 14 at building 22 from exhibition as an escape from opened on Tuesday at Katara 10am till 10pm. worries and concerns of eve- Building 22. ryday life encouraging smiles The exhibition which focuses and happiness. on the artist’s nostalgic mem- see that Abdulaziz that is a The artist has participated ories of the past was inaugurated promising talented artist through and organised multiple local and by Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al his beautiful art which con- international galleries besides Sulaiti, General Manager of the tributes to the local artistic scene curating the “Blockade” and Cultural Village Foundation in Qatar,” he said. “[Re]action” art galleries which – Katara. On his side, artist Abdelaziz reflected the impact of the unjust Speaking during the opening said “These artworks have form blockade on Qatar as depicted ceremony, Dr Al Sulaiti said that a pattern allowing for a vibrant by local artists. this exhibition features some fine aesthetic experience that is both The exhibition will run until paintings in which the artist por- attractive yet vague in stimulus April 14 at building 22 from 10am trayed some of his relatives. “I way.” till 10pm. 06 HOME THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2019

MoPH develops better health Qatar, Netherlands hold political consultations QNA plans for women and children THE HAGUE Political consultations THE PENINSULA According to a adolescents in Qatar. The plan between the foreign DOHA recent STEPS survey, focuses on improving nutrition ministers of the State of and promoting healthy life- Qatar and the Kingdom of The Ministry of Public Health approximately 68% styles, by targeting both the Netherlands were held (MoPH) and its partners work of Qatari women are children as well as care givers, yesterday in the Hague. on achieving the national overweight, 90% eat including parents, teachers and Qatar’s side was chaired targets outlined in Qatar’s less than five servings care givers. It also focuses on by the Secretary-General of National Health Strategy 2018- improving pediatric services, the Ministry of Foreign 2022. of fruits or vegetables through offering high quality Affairs, H E Dr Ahmed bin Two of the key areas the a day, and over 80% integrated healthcare for Hassan Al Hammadi, and strategy focuses on are the do not engage in children. Efforts will be specif- the Netherlands’ side was health of women, and the physical activity. ically directed towards chaired by the Secretary- health of children and reducing obesity and dental General of the Ministry of adolescents. caries in children, and main- Foreign Affairs, Joke Brandt. According to a recent have a significant influence on taining a high rate of vacci- During the consulta- STEPS survey, approximately her own health, as well as that nation coverage. tions they discussed 68 percent of Qatari women of her children. Investing in The National Health bilateral relations between are overweight, 90 percent eat women’s health by providing Strategy Lead for “Healthy both sides and ways to less than five servings of fruits the quality of the care and Children and Adolescents,” Dr. boost and develop them as or vegetables a day, and over services provided, in addition Sadriya Al Kohji said “In order well as the latest develop- 80 percent do not engage in to promoting healthy lifestyles, to give our children, the best ments regionally and glo- physical activity. will result in significant health opportunity to lead a healthy bally. They also discussed a The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E Dr Ahmed A detailed plan was improvements for Qatar’s and full life, it is important that number of topics of bin Hassan Al Hammadi, and the Secretary-General of the Ministry of developed to ensure women future generation,” said Dr the foundations of good health common interest. Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Joke Brandt. are supported and empowered Najat Khenyab, National Health are part of their lifestyles from early in life to take care of Strategy Lead for the “Healthy an early age. It is essential to themselves and their children Women Leading to Healthy involve families and to make through improved health lit- Pregnancies” priority within sure they are equipped with the eracy, in addition to offering the NHs 2018-2022. knowledge to make healthy HIA hosts guests from Ehsan Centre them high-quality, coordinated Additionally, Qatar suffers changes.” care that guides them during from low rates of exclusive A dedicated taskforce, THE PENINSULA pregnancy and beyond. The breastfeeding for children up including key stakeholders DOHA plan for this population group to 6 months old, as well as high from different organization also aims to improve the mon- obesity rates in children, from within and outside of the Hamad International Airport itoring of the causes of approximately 18% for boys health sector, has been (HIA), in collaboration with maternal complications, as well and 15% for girls under 20 developed for both priority Qatar Aviation Services and as national protocols and years old. populations to oversee the Qatar Duty Free, conducted a guidelines for maternity care A health sector plan was implementation of the plans special tour for the Centre for in Qatar. developed to improve the with the aim of achieving their Empowerment and Care of the “A woman’s health choices health of children and targets by 2022. Elderly (Ehsan Centre). The tour aimed to showcase the airport’s state of the art facil- ities for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM). Twenty-three guests from Ehsan Centre took part in the tour which included the elderly A member of the Ehsan Centre is guided during a tour at the and staff members. The guests Hamad International Airport. visited various locations across the terminal with Qatar Aviation passengers as well as making our our members.” HIA offers bar- Services highlighting the services 5-star services and facilities rier-free access and dedicated provided for PRM, including the accessible to everyone.” facilities to make travelling more departure area, boarding gate, Buthaina Al Marzouqi, comfortable for passengers arrival hall, and Oryx Airport Director of the Internal Care requiring additional assistance. Hotel. The successful tour ended Department at Ehsan Centre, HIA’s network of elevators, esca- with a lunch for the guests at Le commented: “Our visit to HIA lators, ramps, walkways, check- Marche restaurant. has been a tremendous success in’s and passenger train offer Abdulaziz Al Mass, Vice- with the elderly and staff at simple access to PRM. President of Marketing and Cor- Ehsan. Initiatives like these help In addition, the airport is porate Communications at HIA, the centre achieve its strategic dedicated to ensuring the safest said, “We are delighted to objectives of providing programs environment for all its pas- welcome and host Ehsan Cen- and trips that empower the sengers with the terminal tre’s elderly members at the elderly and provide them with building equipped with over 180 airport to showcase the facilities social activities. We thank HIA evacuation chairs to assist PRM provided for PRM. We are com- for hosting us and their efforts out of the building in an Officials at the booth hosted by Ooredoo during the recent Dell Technologies Forum at St. Regis Hotel. mitted to empowering all our in providing an engaging tour for emergency.

Ooredoo Platinum Sponsor of QF marks World Autism Dell Technologies Forum 2019 Awareness Day THE PENINSULA IT representatives – analysts, and out-of-country solutions DOHA operations managers, network that safeguard mission-critical THE PENINSULA security engineers and technical applications and/or DOHA Ooredoo announced yesterday architects - from a number of infrastructure. that it was the Platinum Sponsor different industries. Yousuf Abdulla Al Kubaisi, Qatar Foundation (QF) has of the recent Dell Technologies As well as acting as Platinum Chief Operating Officer, Ooredoo commemorated World Autism Forum held at St. Regis Hotel. Sponsor for the Forum, Ooredoo Qatar, said: “Business transfor- Awareness Day, an initiative The Dell Technologies also hosted a booth at the event mation is in the spotlight cur- proposed by H H Sheikha Moza Forum provided a valuable demonstrating its Data Centre rently, with corporate entities bint Nasser, Chairperson of opportunity for Dell and services such as Remote Backup looking at their data security and Qatar Foundation, to the United Ooredoo to showcase their service, whereby business cus- management. We were delighted Nations in 2007 and first marked products, solutions and strat- tomers are able to back up all to support this event, which was in 2008. A view of the Qatar Foundation headquarters lighted up in blue egies that can enable the digital their files, applications, data- an excellent opportunity for us QF Headquarters was lit in to mark the World Autism Awareness Day. transformation of Qatar’s bases and virtual machines in to showcase our Data Centre blue, through an initiative spon- businesses. Ooredoo’s Cloud and recover services that enhance business sored by Renad Academy, a spe- awareness campaign by Renad represents World Autism The event attracted hun- them when needed with just a operations, as well as connect cialized school under the Academy and PUE, the building Awareness Day which fell on dreds of attendees including click, and Disaster Recovery, with hundreds of industry umbrella of QF’s Pre-University at Education City was illumi- April 2. It will continue to be lit management-level which includes both in-country professionals.” Education (PUE). As part of an nated in the colour that in blue till today. QA hosts several events in support of autism awareness month THE PENINSULA will also guide and advise cabin this global initiative for the third DOHA crew members on how to effec- consecutive year by partnering tively support and assist autistic with Hamad Medical Corpo- Qatar Airways hosts a series of passengers while travelling on ration, in order to ensure our special events throughout the Qatar Airways flights. An infor- autistic passengers have a month of April designed to raise mation kiosk will be set up at the smooth and enjoyable journey.” awareness of the autism airline’s operations centre where World Autism Awareness spectrum disorder. medical representatives from Day is held every year on April The airline will continue its HMC will distribute informa- two worldwide, with the goal of successful collaboration with tional brochures about the bringing attention to autism. To Hamad Medical Corporation disorder. mark the day, Qatar Airways (HMC) for the third consecutive Nabeela Fakhri, Senior Vice- hosted an exciting and lively year by hosting a series of work- President Human Resources, Kids Fun Day at Kidzmondo shops and training programmes Qatar Airways, said: “As an Doha, providing Qatar Airways conducted by HMC’s doctors, airline, we are proud to support cabin crew and employees the specialists and therapists, with both global and local campaigns opportunity to interact with the aim to ensure that Qatar in raising awareness of this dis- children with autism and their Airways cabin crew and ground order. Equipping our staff with teachers, therapists and car- staff are prepared to support the information they need egivers. Qatar Airways’ Oryx autistic passengers with a better enables us to support all of our Kids Club mascots, Orry and understanding of the disorder. customers as best we can. We Orah, made a special appearance The staff ofQatar Airways with children as part of an event to raise awareness on autism disorder. HMC doctors and therapists are delighted to participate in at the event. THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2019 HOME 07 QA, McGill University to build future of aviation

THE PENINSULA The 2019 Qatar highest positions in interna- DOHA Airways/McGill Air tional organisations, govern- ments, airlines, and law firms Qatar Airways has announced Law Moot Court around the world.” its strategic collaboration with Competition was based “Participants in the Qatar McGill University’s Institute of on a case before the Airways/McGill Air Law Moot Air and Space Law, the world’s International Court Court Competition and the Qatar premier institution for inno- Airways/McGill Rising Scholars vative research and education of Justice concerning in Air and Space Law Con- in the field of air and space law. drone interference ference demonstrated academic The inaugural Qatar with operations at an excellence, as well as a will- Airways/McGill Air Law Moot international airport. ingness to challenge the status Court Competition and the Qatar quo and to rethink the law and Airways/McGill Rising Scholars existing aeropolitical and regu- in Air and Space Law Con- a justified measure in interna- latory frameworks. I am con- ference were held in Montreal, tional aviation. fident that the future of our Canada, on March 22 and 23, Participants presented their industry is in good hands.” 2019. research on various leading- The Director of McGill Uni- The event was attended by edge topics, including the legal versity’s Institute of Air and a wide range of government and regulatory regime for Space Law, Dr. Brian F. Havel, officials and aviation and space autonomous flying taxis in said: “The McGill Institute of Air industry professionals, as well urban centres. Prizes were and Space Law is proud to enter as scholars and graduate stu- awarded for the best overall this ground-breaking educa- dents from more than 20 presentation, the best air law tional collaboration with Qatar countries. presentation, the best space law Airways, one of the world’s Participants pose during the inaugural Qatar Airways/McGill conference in Montreal, Canada on The 2019 Qatar Airways/ presentation, and the most inno- leading air carriers. Our first pri- March 22. McGill Air Law Moot Court Com- vative research, as well as a ority as an Institute is the pro- petition was based on a case special ‘spirit of the conference’ fessional development of our before the International Court award. declaration, which was established the International “Qatar Airways is extremely highly accomplished students, of Justice concerning drone The conference also high- announced at the conclusion of Civil Aviation Organisation as proud of our new strategic col- and Qatar Airways’ support interference with operations at lighted the importance of the the CAPA Qatar Aviation, Aero- well as a set of global rules for laboration with the Institute of enables us to offer exciting new an international airport. Parties 2019 Doha Declaration — a political and Regulatory Summit airspace, air safety and air Air and Space Law at McGill programmes that nurture and had to make submissions and manifesto that calls for a serious held in February in Doha, comes travel. University, which is renowned showcase our students as future present arguments on whether review of the existing aviation 75 years after the historic Qatar Airways Group Chief for developing aviation profes- leaders of the global civil avi- a revocation of traffic rights is regulatory framework. The Chicago Convention, which Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: sionals that hold some of the ation community.” QNTA, Wisa pact to provide training for nannies Ooredoo confirms sponsorship of Palestinian Heritage Festival THE PENINSULA Islamic values in the life of the DOHA Qatari child.” THE PENINSULA popular Palestinian fashion, Al Hababi, said, “This DOHA traditional cuisine and her- The Qatar Nanny Training agreement comes within the itage and fine art photog- Academy (QNTA), a member of framework of the company’s Ooredoo has announced that raphy, as well as cultural lec- Qatar Foundation, has signed a commitment to providing qual- it is to be the official sponsor tures related to the history Memorandum of Understanding ified labour, and one of its main of the Palestinian Heritage and heritage of the country (MoU) with Qatar manpower objectives towards the training Festival. and the sacred holy history of solutions company, Wisa. of nannies. The festival — being Al Qods. As part of the agreement, “In addition, this agreement organised in conjunction with Speaking of the event, QNTA will provide intensive and marks the beginning of the the Palestinian Qatari Manar Khalifa Al Muraikhi – varied workshops for female desired cooperation between the Friendship Association and Director PR and Corporate trainees nominated by Wisa, run two entities. We are keen to train the Palestine Embassy in Communications at Ooredoo in conjunction with QNTA’s core and qualify individuals in basic Qatar — is to be held from – said: “We’re delighted to be programme in English and in skills according to the selected April four to 13 at Cultural sponsoring this important Arabic. The training will take specialisation, as well as guide Village Katara, and aims to event highlighting Palestinian place over the course of three and enhance skills in occupa- shine a spotlight on Pales- history and culture and cele- years. tional health and safety, edu- tinian culture and explore its brating the friendship The MoU was signed by cation, and awareness of the history and roots, as well as between our two countries. Hessa Al Mansouri, General Director of QNTA, and Hussain Ali Al Hessa Al Mansouri, General values and teachings of society.” celebrate the longstanding Supporting events that Hababi, CEO of Wisa, exchange documents during the MoU signing . Director of QNTA, and Hussain The MoU will achieve a relationship between Pal- promote the preservation of Ali Al Hababi, CEO of Wisa, in series of strategic objectives estine and Qatar. regional culture is of para- the presence of a number of offi- more nannies. “In recent years, and balanced education pro- focusing on providing a safe The event will feature mount importance to us, and cials and directors from both the academy has attracted gramme,” she said. environment for children in their popular Palestinian folk we’re proud to be working institutions. Al Mansouri said that Muslim students from several “The focus of the programme early stages, especially for shows including songs and with Katara and the Pales- this joint cooperation is a step countries who speak Arabic, and is on the development of the children of working mothers debkah dances traditionally tinian Qatari Friendship Asso- towards providing more services trained them over an academic physical, social, and linguistic who leave their children at performed at weddings. There ciation to bring this event to to the community by training year, through a comprehensive skills, as well as on inculcating home. will also be displays of life.” QLM Life & Medical Insurance Company QampTech engages students in stem activities offers free medical check-up tomorrow THE PENINSULA The event introduced 40 its dedication to nurturing inno- DOHA primary school students from vative mindsets from a young The campaign timings are from Qatar Academy Sidra — part of age. The unique and interesting 8am to 11am at Abeer Medical Qatar Science & Technology Qatar Foundation’s Pre-Uni- themes of this year’s activities Centres (Abu Hamour & Industrial Park (QSTP), part of Qatar Foun- versity Education — and Doha highlight our emphasis on STEM Area) & at Aster Medical Center dation Research, Development, British School to the elements of while having fun with these and Innovation (QF RDI), architectural design, sustaina- subjects.” in C-Ring Road, Hilal, Al Rayyan, recently organised ‘QampTech’, bility, renewable energy, and QampTech was organised Al Ghanim, Industrial Area and Al an event aimed at igniting the agriculture through a variety of around two main themes — Khor. imagination of young students science, technology, engineering, ‘Mission to Mars’ and ‘Future and taking them on a discovery and mathematics (STEM) City’ — and across four zones: of science and technology. activities. ‘Make It and Take it’, ‘Tinker THE PENINSULA During ‘QampTech’, students Yosouf Abdulrahman Saleh, with Science’, ‘Fablab’, and DOHA took on the role of creators, Executive Director of QSTP, said, ‘Masters of Making’. Students innovators, and builders, coming “Through QampTech, we have were divided into teams and together to understand real-life created a space for students underwent a gamified treasure QIC Group entity QLM Life & Medical Insurance technological and industrial where they can experiment with, hunt experience that took them Company — Qatar’s leading Health & Life Insurer, problems, and ways of solving and explore, science through across all the zones while is celebrating World Health Day by offering free them through applied sciences application. engaging in hands-on medical check-up tomorrow for all residents of for a sustainable future. “In doing so, QSTP reiterates activities. Qatar. The campaign timings are from 8am to 11am at Abeer Medical Centres (Abu Hamour & Indus- trial Area) & At Aster Medical Center in C-Ring Salem Khalaf Al Mannai (pictured), Deputy Road, Hilal, Al Rayyan, Al Ghanim, Industrial Area Group President & CEO, said: “QLM Life Insurance and Al Khor. & Medical Insurance is committed to spreading For the remaining healthcare centres, namely, the culture that human health starts from pre- Asian Medical Center, Al Rabeeh Dental Center, vention. We have provided free health check-up Naseem Al Rabeeh, SAC Mall of Qatar, Elaj Medical in cooperation with some of our health provider Centre, Apollo, Atlas, Future Medical Centre, network. We are taking this initiative as the cor- Planet Medical Centre, Al Safa Medical Medical nerstone of the annual celebration of World Polyclinic and Badr Al Samaa, the campaign Health Day and the activation of the slogan we timings are from 3pm to 8pm. are here for all.” He further added: “Qatar Insurance Group plays a key role in social responsibility at all levels — health, environment, sports and education — and the initiative adopted by QLM, one of the Group’s subsidiaries, is not new to Qatar Insurance Group, which affirms its commitment to its social responsibility towards society in all its sectors in the State of Qatar.” All Qatari nationals and expatriates (whether insured with QLM or not) can visit the nearest QLM Life & Medical counters located at the health providers to avail free medical check-up. Partic- Officials and other guests examine the works by school students at the event organised by Qatar ipants would only need to present their Qatar ID Science & Technology Park. to avail the listed free services. 08 VIEWS THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2019 Qatar presides over UN session to ESTABLISHED IN 1996 condemn attack on NZ mosques

CHAIRMAN QNA SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI he Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nations H E Sheikha Alya bint DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI TAhmed Al Thani, as Vice-Chair- [email protected] person of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly, chaired on Tuesday a session to condemn the terrorist attack ACTING MANAGING EDITOR on the mosques in Christchurch, New MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED Zealand, and other acts of violence [email protected] based on religion or belief. The General Assembly unanimously adopted a reso- lution condemning terrorism and other DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR acts of violence based on religion or MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI belief. The State of Qatar was at the fore- [email protected] H E Sheikha Alya bint Ahmed Al Thani, Permanent Representative of the State of front of countries that called for a Qatar to the United Nations, addressing the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly. General Assembly meeting following the terrorist attack on mosques in Christchurch. The meeting stressed the racial discrimination, xenophobia, and He stressed the need to stand firm sanctity of places of worship and the related intolerance. In addition, it urged against inflammatory rhetoric whatever need to reject Islamophobia and other States to protect and promote freedom the source, especially the addresses EDITORIAL forms of hatred and intolerance. of religion and belief and to promote a issued by government agencies and The meeting also condemned the domestic environment of religious tol- official for political purposes, as they attempts to insult Islam and Muslims, erance, peace, and respect by combating threat peace and security in our region stressing the need to combat inflam- incitement to religious hatred and vio- and the world at large. Victory of diplomacy matory rhetoric whatever its source, lence as well as planning and coordi- The statement reiterated the State of especially from governmental and nating actions at the local, national and Qatar’s assertion that terrorism has no he foreign policy and the shrewd diplomacy that the official bodies for political purposes, regional levels through education and religion, no ethnic or national identity, State of Qatar pursues have been drawing wide- because of their threats to international awareness-raising. and that the State of Qatar recognises Tspread appreciation and praise from across the peace and security. Finally, in its resolution, the General the seriousness of stereotyping with world. Qatar has emerged successful and with unprece- The meeting, chaired by H E Sheikha Assembly called for intensified interna- regard to terrorism and violent dented vigour from the unjust blockade imposed on the Alya bint Ahmed Al Thani, witnessed the tional efforts to promote a global dia- extremism. The danger lay in the stig- country by its neighbouring quartet. The quartet coun- adoption of a resolution that the State of logue on the promotion of a culture of matization of people or followers of a tries have been watching with surprise the progress of Qatar contributed to drafting and pre- tolerance and peace at all levels, based particular religion simply because a Qatari diplomacy in laying bare the inimical intentions senting in partnership with the Republic on respect for human rights and the member had committed a brutal crime of the blockading countries and proving the innocence of Turkey, the State of Kuwait and other diversity of religions and beliefs. against humanity. and sincerity of Qatar before the global communities. countries. Minister for Foreign Affairs of Minister for Foreign Affairs of “This is an unfair violation of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Turkey Mevlut Cavusoglu introduced Turkey Mevlut Cavusoglu, Kuwait’s rights of millions of people, where reli- H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani recently the draft resolution before the vote. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of gious and ethnic discrimination is prac- shed light on Qatar’s vision on the priorities of foreign and The General Assembly strongly con- Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al ticed, leading to a climate of intolerance economic policies and the future of Qatar’s relations with demned the terrorist attack, which it Hamad Al Sabah, and Minister for and hatred of the other, which in turn the world countries, during an open conversation hosted described as “ugly and despicable,” Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indo- leads to catastrophic consequences and by the Georgetown University. H E the Deputy Prime Min- which targeted Muslim worshipers in nesia Retno Lestari Priansari Marsudi additional crimes and the sustainability ister and Minister of Foreign Affairs said that the blockade Christchurch, New Zealand, on March participated in the session. and expansion of the cycle of violence,” brought in a turning point for the geopolitical situation in 15. Also, it strongly condemned the Jassim Sayyar Al Maawda, Deputy he said. the entire region, stressing that the only way forward is ongoing violence and acts of terrorism Permanent Representative of the State The statement also warned against sitting around the negotiation table. targeting persons, including members of of Qatar to the United Nations, stated the accusation of an entire religion or an H E the Foreign Minister addressed the successful strat- religious that the resolution submitted to the entire nation of terrorism, which would egies adopted by Qatar to minorities, on General Assembly condemns in the distort the real efforts to study this phe- ensure national security and the basis of strongest terms the attacks against wor- nomenon and find out the real reasons alleviate the human sufferings religion or shipers in the two mosques in of it. of the blockade. He said Qatar In its resolution, the belief or on its Christchurch and urges the adoption of The Deputy Permanent Represent- would not have been able to behalf. practical measures to protect innocent ative of the State of Qatar to the United Qatar unceasingly face and overcome the chal- General Assembly In its reso- people from such acts of terrorism. Nations said that “the important work on lenges without the internal urged all States to lution, the In his statement to the General decision that has been adopted must be improving the support from citizens and res- work together to General Assembly, the Deputy Permanent Rep- the basis for continuous efforts that can lives of people idents adding that the state Assembly resentative said that the State of Qatar be built on to prevent acts of terrorism appreciates the valuable con- protect individuals urged all States reiterated its condemnation of all acts of motivated by religious hatred in places and communities tributions by its diverse society from acts of violence, to work terrorism, including those motivated by of worship.” around the world and the role it continues to discrimination, together to religious hatred. The statement welcomed of the Sec- through investing play in the future development and hatred based protect indi- “We have learned from the terrorist retary-General of the United Nations’ heavily in efforts of the country. viduals from attack in Christchurch and other ter- call for the Alliance of Civilizations, to H E the Foreign Minister on racism, racial acts of vio- rorist attacks the gravity of inflam- communicate with governments, reli- that contribute to asserted Qatar’s firm support discrimination, lence, discrim- matory discourse and attempts to gious organizations, religious leaders bringing stability, to Gulf Cooperation Council, xenophobia, and ination, and demonize those affiliated with religion, and others to discuss measures to such as education which is a framework for related intolerance. hatred based race, nationality or minority, including prevent attacks against religious sites regional cooperation and on racism, attempts to abuse Islam and Muslims’. and to ensure their sanctity. and youth co-existence. employment. The State of Qatar plays a prominent role in contributing to the resolution of conflicts in It’s been six months since Khashoggi’s the region and the world and enhancing security and sta- bility in several regions. Qatar unceasingly work on improving the lives of people and communities around the world through investing heavily in efforts that con- murder, & Trump has done nothing tribute to bringing stability, such as education and youth employment. The Saudis have adopted democracies have suspended meaningful penalties. They The blockading countries should bear direct respon- a strategy of evasion. They political visits to Saudi Arabia, have stonewalled and obfus- sibility for all negative consequences and impacts that still have not produced curtailed arms sales and cated, brushing aside the CIA’s were caused by the blockade. Qatar, despite being the Khashoggi’s body, preventing withheld other gestures of findings to continue business victim of the blockade, always called for an objective, his family from holding a support for the regime. as usual with the crown serious and unconditional dialogue to resolve the crisis. proper Islamic funeral. The And what about the prince. This “I see nothing!” The successful strategies adopted by Qatar to ensure regime has scapegoated United States, long the approach has meant looking national security and its constant contribution to strength- FRED RYAN expendable officials, seeking standard-bearer for liberty away not only as the Saudis ening security and stability in international level confirm THE WASHINGTON POST to quell international furor by around the world? killed a prominent journalist, that the State is pursuing policies capable of making the staging a sham trial. The The dedicated profes- but also as the regime jails world a better place by establishing peace, understanding ix months ago, a man coordinator of the operation sionals in our intelligence women for demanding basic the importance of co-existence, non-interference in the on the brink of his that killed Khashoggi, Saud Al services have done their jobs. liberties, tortures business internal affairs of sovereign states and respecting the rights greatest happiness Qahtani, remains free - and is They investigated swiftly and leaders and terrorises citizens of others, while carrying on with the State’s own affairs walked into Saudi actively advising the crown thoroughly, concluding - with into submission. S high confidence - that the with a focus on the betterment of life of its citizens and Arabia’s Consulate in Istanbul prince. Meanwhile, Sadly, the most sub- residents. while his wife-to-be watched Mohammed bin Salman has crown prince was indeed missive figure in this story is from the gate. He went there jetted around the world, behind Khashoggi’s killing. President Donald Trump. at the direction of Saudi offi- high-fiving Russian President Congress is doing its job, Even after irrefutable evi- cials to retrieve documents Vladimir Putin, getting too. On a bipartisan basis, it dence came to light showing needed for his upcoming chummy with China, and voted to withhold support for the Saudis had lied about marriage. But it was a care- rubbing elbows with other Saudi Arabia’s war in Yemen, Khashoggi’s death, Trump QUOTE OF THE DAY fully set trap. Lying in wait world leaders as part of a investigated the US response proclaimed Mohammed bin were more than a dozen global tour to rehabilitate his to the murder, and moved to Salman a “great ally” and It will be good for trained Saudi agents, who reputation. restrict the transfer of nuclear protested that the crown murdered him and then bru- The international com- technology to the Saudi prince might well be all if the Rohingya tally dismembered his body. munity, to its credit, has government. innocent. Perhaps most egre- can be repatriated Post contributing col- taken a principled stand for In October, senators giously, Trump has abdicated to their own country umnist Jamal Khashoggi did press freedom and human invoked the Magnitsky Act, the responsibilities of his nothing to deserve this rights. Last month, 36 coun- allowing the United States to office, refusing to comply as soon as possible, gruesome fate. He was tries, including all 28 impose penalties on Saudis with the Magnitsky Act’s ensuring (their) attacked on orders of Saudi European Union members, who violated human rights requirements that the admin- safety and security Arabia’s top official, simply banded together at the UN through their involvement in istration present its findings for doing a journalist’s job: Human Rights Council to Khashoggi’s killing. on the Khashoggi case to telling the truth. Now, half a “condemn in the strongest Congress. Sheikh Hasina But the Trump adminis- year after this heinous act possible terms” Khashoggi’s tration is a far different story. In this impotent response, Bangladesh Prime shocked the world, it is worth murder and to call on the White House officials have Trump isn’t just violating the Minister taking stock of what has been Saudis to cooperate with an issued critical words and slaps law. He is also undermining done in response - and what ongoing UN inquiry. A on the wrist, but they’ve the credibility and moral has not. number of Western stopped short of imposing authority of the United States. THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2019 OPINION 09 Trump’s foreign policy ‘test’ & ‘attempt’

rump’s foreign policy test is China—preliminary understanding ‘environment’ despite US rejection ‘region’ and ‘strategy’ whereas failing and new ‘attempt’ on goes from China buying large chunk of against Maduro government to sustain Nepali officials who are heading the Nepal policy is boiling curi- the US goods to balance trade deficit of it. Likewise Russia did for Assad foreign ministry based on fulfilling osity among all geopolitical the US and in return China wanting regime. This time, China is also on play certain criteria; if not knowing T which remained absent in the case of pundits. It is failing in four arenas. this deal is only applicable for the about the difference is a shame. These are Iran, China-Russia frontiers, company operated in China by the US Syria. Well, Trump’s new test of foreign SAURAV RAJ PANT Venezuela and India & Indo-Pacific and Chinese business personnel. India’s current Prime Minister policy in Nepal — the cockpit of Asia strategy. ‘Russia’ and especially Putin is proving Narendra Modi, who is facing general will be interestingly observed in His policy in Middle East is fabri- ‘double edged’ sword for the US. Putin election this month isn’t an ordinary days to come. Recently, Trump’s cated by detaining Iran’s growing is engaging in the key geo-strategic South Asian ‘impoverished’ leader administration is successful in ambitions for nuclear stock piles; frontiers, where the US is involving neither a ‘Western copycat’. Rather, he building Visa reciprocity agreement despite rejection by the US intelligence (Syria, Iran, and Venezuela). Putin’s is a strong ‘zeal’ man expanding his of 5 years multiple entry tourist visa report that, Iran posses ‘no harm’ for blended strategies by supporting Assad country’s status on paramount way for the US citizens visiting Nepal (as the US at current time, Egypt’s Pres- regime in Syria and meddling in the when he came to power in 2014 by Nepali citizen is already enjoying 5 ident Abdel Fattah el-Sisi ambitions to overall Syrian war had proved using ‘Carrot & Stick’ policy. He is years multiple entry visa plan remain in power and to enhance mil- ‘counter-productive’ for the US — has ‘Hindu nationalist’ and believes India’s entering the US), shows the Trump’s itary control over country till 2034 by made the US to withdraw its troops own traditional ‘values’ but he had new ‘grand strategy’ in countering & making constitutional changes seems from Syria. extremely ‘impressed’ west to bring balancing 21ST century Asian giants( In ongoing trade talks OK for him as this country is one of the In recent days, Chinese premier Xi FDI in the country in the form of ‘Make i.e India & China) from cockpit. between the US and closest ally of the US. After Post-Soviet tour to Italy and France — where Italy in India’ campaign with increment of Well, flight from Nepal isn’t seems China — preliminary era, ‘Containment’ became the US’s agreed to participate in BRI initiatives 32 %( which is $64.8 billion) FDI that much easy for him as this understanding goes key strategy in the world followed by of China despite rejection from the US. inflows to India comparing to 16% ‘impoverished’ world buffered the construction of the global institu- China is not advancing in Europe for increase of previous 15 months before between India and China; setup by from China buying tions like UN, Breton Woods but after 5G joint project and BRI rather it is the campaign as reported by Nexia. the corrupt leaders including India & large chunk of the Trump’s endorsement of Golan Height buying everywhere. China is ‘buying’ Well, polls suggest that, he will again China’s potential intervention in US goods to balance occupancy by the Israel; its key allies in and Russia is playing ‘Zero-sum’ game be coming into power but with lesser their own ‘backyard(Nepal)’ may trade deficit of the US Europe are frustrated and such action against the US. Bitterly, Trump’s role majority. Even India, under his tenure- ‘halt’ his ambitions. of the US had put Israel-Palestine has been limited in defending the ship is ditching the US. All of the above frontiers, and in return China peace talks in turmoil, which the US European interest from China. He had rejected ‘US threats’ after Trump’s task is not ‘satisfactory’ and wanting this deal had sponsored from beginning. This is Maduro government in Venezuela buying oil from Iran and weapons he is still under ‘test’. But, his new is only applicable making new ‘hotspot’ of conflicts in isn’t dying up easily despite White from Russia. Since, current time is attempt of ‘Nepal’ chapter in his Middle East. House official recognition for the ‘sensitive’ period for BJP led gov- foreign policy gambit might be for the company China-Russia frontiers is proving opposition leaders, Mr. Guaido as the ernment in India. This party seems ‘not game changer in countering and operated in China by Trump a ‘jaw breaking job’ with no interim president. Rather, it is with- active’ in countering the US assert- balancing the China & India. ‘Nepal’ the US and Chinese consensus and continuously damaging standing strongly against the US from iveness. Therefore, Xi in China and is only the best ‘route’ for the US business personnel. the US hegemony. In ongoing trade the support of Russia and China. Modi in India — is becoming very state machinery to enter, intercept, talks between the US and Russia-China nexus is building tough combination of leaders for the covert and interrupt actions because West to achieve their geo-strategic Nepal share open border with India objectives. So, underlining this ‘diffi- and Himalayan border with China culties’ in achieving ‘vested’ interest of followed by Nepal’s ‘low performing the US, it had invited Nepal for economy’ which makes Nepali offi- bilateral talks on December 2018 in the cials easily lured with the economic Washington which was held after 17 benefit made by the US. In all these years. ‘geo-strategic’ happenings, Nepali Meeting in Washington between leadership is sleeping like a ‘baby’. Nepali and American foreign ministers ended up with very unique under- The writer is Research Associate of standing because it reported differ- Nepal Matters for America; Wash- ently in both Nepali and the US foreign ington D C based Think Tank. Ministries — US Embassy in Kath- mandu noted that, “Nepal’s central role in a free, open, and prosperous Indo- Pacific; and global issues, including North Korea”, whereas Nepali side firmly opposed the idea that Nepal never agreed upon the strategic Indo- D-RING ROAD pacific agreement but Nepali side POST BOX: 3488 urged the importance of the ‘Indo- DOHA - QATAR Pacific region’ rather than ‘Indo- [email protected] Pacific Strategy’. Who is making Nepali public fool? The US which had 800 military bases EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE around the world and is the key global TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 political player, definitely has a under- FAX: +974 4455 7758 US President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping meeting in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. standing to differentiate between MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4462 7505 f the gridlocked British par- to take part in European Parliament elec- the options suggested on Monday. This is liament had suddenly come to a tions in May. tearing the party apart. DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4455 7769 united Brexit stance on Monday, The option closest to a majority - Dominic Grieve, the thoughtful former it would probably have been dis- with 276 to 273 votes in favor - was for attorney general and Conservative I LOCAL NEWS SECTION missed as an April Fool’s gag anyway. a permanent customs union with the moderate who has supported a second TEL: 4455 7743 Of course, no such thing happened. EU, something already in place as part referendum, faces deselection as an MP THERESE RAPHAEL Monday night’s parliamentary vote of Britain’s EU membership. This would by angry local party members. Nick Boles, BUSINESS NEWS SECTION BLOOMBERG saw lawmakers choosing between four avoid tariffs between the UK and the bloc the Tory lawmaker whose attempt to build TEL: 4462 7535 Brexit options instead of eight the pre- and would be a relief for British industry, consensus for a Norway-style agreement which relies heavily on imported inputs that would keep Britain in the single mar- SPORT NEWS SECTION into products that are then exported. It ket failed on Monday, proclaimed his party TEL: 4455 7745 would avoid costly and burdensome rules incapable of compromise and went to sit of origin checks. A customs union would as an independent. ONLINE SECTION also go a long way (though not entirely) Meanwhile, arch-Brexiters are dig- Brexit’s last chance before TEL: 4462 7501 toward keeping the border open between ging in. One is said to have collected 200 [email protected] Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ire- signatures from MPs calling for a “man- land, a problem that has been the chief aged” no deal (something the EU says isn’t the voters take control PUBLIC RELATIONS block on May’s own Brexit deal. possible). Steve Baker, a leading Conserv- TEL: 4455 7613 Still, a customs union is far from a ative euroskeptic, threatened on Monday [email protected] “soft” Brexit. It would entail extra costs night to support the opposition in a vote of and trade frictions, from import/export no-confidence in the government if May ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT vious week. Progress of a sort. But once documentation to regulatory checks for accepted any “softer” option. TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 again, they said no to everything. Partly, plant and animal products. Nor does it It’s getting to the point where it would FAX: 4455 7870 that’s down to the process: MPs weren’t help much with Britain’s all-important be braver to just say: Bring it on. Hardlin- [email protected] told they had to choose just one option, or services sector, where tariffs don’t apply. ers like Baker have consistently blocked rank them by order of preference, which The deal-breaker for Brexit hardlin- May’s deal and it is probably time for her to CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT would have been revealing. None of the ers, however, is that Britain wouldn’t be stop pandering and ask a different ques- TEL: 4455 7857 votes are binding on Theresa May’s gov- able to conduct its own trade deals. This tion, something that should be easier now [email protected] ernment. That meant voting could be used freedom has become totemic for Brexit- she’s offered to step down. tactically. ers, even if there’s nothing to suggest that But that would require her to seek SUBSCRIPTION & If there was a common thread to the the UK would be able to replicate, let alone compromise where she can find it, out- DISTRIBUTION results, though, it was that, even with improve on, the trade terms it already side of her party. She hasn’t done much TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 cabinet ministers abstaining, the three gets around the world as an EU member. of that so far. FAX: 44557819 main alternatives to May’s deal - a cus- Meanwhile, the clock ticks down to There is talk she will offer the opposi- [email protected] toms union, a referendum on a deal, and April 12, when Britain will crash out of the tion Labour Party some kind of assurance remaining in the single market - lost by EU without a negotiated exit deal unless that it will play a role in future trade talks narrower margins than her deal itself when one of three things happens: Parliament with the EU and seek support for her deal it was last rejected on Friday. This suggests approves a deal; decides to abandon on that basis. But the constitutional prin- All thoughts and views that if there is a consensus somewhere, it’s Brexit altogether; or manages to get the ciple of parliamentary sovereignty, which The option closest toward a Brexit that leaves the U.K. tied EU member states to give it more time. says that one parliament cannot bind the expressed in these columns to a majority — with more closely to the EU. That isn’t a mes- So far, lawmakers can’t agree on a deal hands of its successors, makes that tricky. are those of the writers, 276 to 273 votes sage to which Brexiters in May’s ruling and are unwilling to abandon Brexit. An A different kind of parliamentary vot- not of the newspaper. Conservative Party are listening. extension is up to the EU, but the UK would ing process - say, using preferential voting in favor — was The option with most support was first have to decide what it plans to use it - might turn up a more decisive result in for a permanent a “confirmatory” referendum, a public for. Brussels would prefer to avoid a no- future indicative rounds. Monday’s vot- All correspondence customs union with vote to confirm whatever deal Parliament deal exit, but patience is wearing thin. ing suggests this would probably be a regarding Views and the EU, something decides on. But even that wouldn’t have May’s divided cabinet will spend much customs union or single market option, Opinion pages should be moved the ball much. It would require, of Tuesday arguing over what to do. Con- both agreeable to Labour, possibly with sent to editor-in-chief already in place as firstly, that lawmakers settle on a Brexit servatives are deadlocked between several a confirmatory referendum. But then it part of Britain’s EU path. Then it would need the European incompatible options: Leaving without a would be up to May to act on it, risking office or mailed to the membership. Union to grant a long extension to allow deal; leaving with May’s deal; and pursu- the civil war in her party that she’s been [email protected] for a referendum and the UK to be willing ing closer ties with the EU through one of trying to avoid. 10 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2019 Algerians demand sweeping change as Bouteflika era ends

AFP “I want my daughter to Many Algerians have ALGIERS remember this historic day. never known any Bouteflika’s gone, but it’s far president other than Flag-waving Algerians have cele- from over,” said 35-year-old brated the resignation of veteran Amal, who wore a T-shirt with Bouteflika, who held president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the slogan “I am against the power for two decades but vowed yesterday to keep system” and vowed to march but was rarely seen in protesting to demand sweeping again tomorrow. For 44-year- public since suffering a change to the country’s political old engineer Hamid Boumaza, system. Bouteflika’s resignation was stroke in 2013. The 82-year-old’s departure, “too little, too late”. announced on state media late “Bouteflika’s departure is Tuesday, followed weeks of no longer enough. We want resigns, the speaker of the upper massive demonstrations that have them all to go. We want full house of parliament, currently shaken the North African nation. freedom and we will march for 77-year-old Abdelkader Ben- Car horns sounded on the streets as long as necessary.” salah, acts as interim leader for before jubilant crowds converged Others paid tribute to the up to 90 days during which a in the centre of the capital Algiers longtime leader, but regretted presidential election must be to cheer his departure. that he had clung to power for organised. An Algerian woman carries a portrait of a missing man as she demonstrates to demand sweeping Many Algerians have never so long. Algeria has largely avoided change to the country’s whole political system, in Algiers, yesterday. known any president other “Bouteflika worked. I voted the turmoil unleashed by the Arab than Bouteflika, who held for him at first, but he didn’t know Spring uprisings that brought power for two decades but was how to leave with his head held down rulers in neighbouring face of the mass protests but also The decision aimed “to con- dressed in a beige North African rarely seen in public since suf- high,” said Bilan Brahim, 40. Tunisia and Libya. postponed the vote, angering tribute to the appeasement of the tunic and sitting in his wheel- fering a stroke in 2013. Pro- Algeria’s Constitutional But discontent, particularly Algerians who saw the move as hearts and minds of my compa- chair, handing the letter to the testers in Algiers welcomed his Council said Wednesday it had among the young, turned to anger a ploy to stay in power. triots, to allow them to take council’s head, Tayeb Belaiz. departure but said they were accepted Bouteflika’s resignation after Bouteflika announced in As pressure mounted, state Algeria towards a better future Although credited with determined to continue dem- and informed parliament that his February that he would seek a television announced late to which they legitimately helping foster peace after Alge- onstrating, rejecting any tran- post was officially vacant. fifth term in office in an election Tuesday that Bouteflika had sub- aspire,” his resignation letter ria’s decade-long civil war, sition that leaves power in the Algeria’s constitution says that had been scheduled for this mitted his resignation to the read. Bouteflika has faced criticism for hands of the “system”. that once the president officially month. He dropped his bid in the Constitutional Council. Footage showed Bouteflika, alleged authoritarianism. Turkey: No turning back Palestinians are nowhere in Israel’s poll AP Palestinians was the central comes back to haunt them.” along with individual members from Russia arms deal JERUSALEM issue for voters. This apparent Throughout his tenure, Netanyahu of Netanyahu’s Likud party, have AFP buy US Patriot missiles and lack of interest reflects wide- has repeatedly cast blame on the openly called for annexing parts WASHINGTON quoted President Donald Trump In a charged election campaign spread disillusionment in Israel Palestinians, accusing President or all of the West Bank. These as saying in an unspecified that has been heavy on insults over years of failed peace efforts. Mahmoud Abbas, who seeks a plans include a range of pro- Turkey will not turn back from phone call that his predecessor and short on substance, Israel’s But it also is a testament to negotiated settlement with Israel, posals for the Palestinians, a major arms deal with Russia Barack Obama had made a conflict with the Palestinians has Netanyahu’s success in sidelining of incitement and promoting including nonvoting residency despite the US suspension of “mistake” not to sell the system been notably absent from the the issue. Capitalising on internal “terror.” At the same time, he has rights, possible citizenship or Ankara from the F-35 fighter- to Ankara. discourse. Palestinian divisions and pro- maintained behind-the-scenes financial incentives to emigrate. jet program, Foreign Minister However, the Trump admin- Prime Minister Benjamin moting sometimes contradictory security cooperation with Abbas’ Netanyahu’s main challenger, Mevlut Cavusoglu said. istration has since made clear Netanyahu’s ruling Likud Party policies, Netanyahu has suc- forces in the West Bank. former military chief Benny “The S-400 deal is a done that it is ready to sell Patriot mis- has offered no plan for what ceeded in managing the conflict With the peace process in a Gantz, has given Israel’s “peace deal and we will not step back siles to Turkey — if it drops the many believe is the country’s without addressing the bigger deep freeze, it is perhaps no sur- camp” some dim hope. from this,” he told a think-tank S-400 system. most existential problem. His issue of how two intertwined prise that none of the major His Blue and White party’s forum in Washington, where he The Turkish foreign minister main challenger in the April 9 peoples will live together in the Israeli parties are talking about platform devotes just a few sen- is taking part in 70th anni- said the S-400 deal did not vote speaks vaguely of “sepa- future. Strong backing from the the Palestinians. “The Palestinian tences to the Palestinians, prom- versary celebrations of Nato. signal a warming towards ration,” while Netanyahu’s hard- Trump administration has given cause is totally absent in the ising “an open horizon for The United States said on Russia. “We disagree with line partners speak openly of the him an extra boost. Israeli elections, and when it political settlement” and Monday that it was halting Russia on many issues,” Cavu- once unthinkable idea of “The peace track is currently comes, it comes only in a neg- pledging to work with Arab shipment of F-35 parts of Turkey soglu said, pointing to Moscow’s annexing all or parts of the West in a coma,” said Shmuel Rosner, ative context,” said Ahmed neighbours to find a way to as well as joint manufacturing “aggression” in the Black Sea Bank. Talk of a Palestinian state, a senior fellow at the Jewish Majdalani, a senior Palestinian “deepen the separation.” It work due to Ankara’s purchase and pledging never to recognise the international community’s People Policy Institute. “There’s official. “This is worrisome, makes no mention of Palestinian of the S-400 missile defense Russia’s annexation of the preferred solution for the past not much hope for a viable because it tells us that we are statehood, and says Israel will system from Russia. Crimean peninsula from two decades, is non-existent. solution to be revived in the near going from bad to worse.” continue to maintain control of Cavusoglu said Turkey Ukraine. “We have been It is a far cry from past elec- future, so people can just keep Ahead of the election, several parts of the West Bank and never turned to Russia as it could not working with Russia,” he said. tions, when peace with the pushing it aside until someday it religious and nationalist parties, divide Jerusalem.

Iraq PM to make Tunisia approves law to raise civil first Iran visit on servant retirement age by two years

Saturday REUTERS/TUNIS

AFP/BAGHDAD Tunisia’s parliament approved yesterday a law to raise the retirement age for civil servants by two years and impose social security tax Iraqi Premier Adel Abdel on employees and employers, a key reform demanded by the coun- Mahdi will travel to Iran on try’s international lenders to stabilize its finances. The North African Saturday, a member of his country is under pressure from the International Monetary Fund office said, in his first official (IMF) to speed up reforms and help its economy recover from militant visit to the country rivalling attacks in 2015 that hurt its vital tourism industry. The new law Washington for influence over raises the retirement age for civil servants from 60 to 62 as of 2020. Baghdad. It also imposes a 1 percent social security tax on employees and a The US reimposed tough 2 percent tax on employers. Tunisia’s state social security funds sanctions on Tehran’s energy suffer from a deficit of about $1bn, as the economy has been in and finance sectors last year but turmoil since the 2011 uprising against autocrat Zine El-Abidine Ben has granted Baghdad several Ali, according to officials. exemptions to keep temporarily importing Iranian gas and elec- Kenyan families of Ethiopian tricity, crucial to Iraq’s faltering power sector. crash victims to sue Boeing Abdel Mahdi, 77, has repeatedly said Iraq wants good AP/NAIROBI Relatives mourn for Fares Yousef Abu Hajras, who succumbed to injuries sustained last Saturday ties with both the US and Iran. while taking part in “Great March of Return” demonstrations near Gaza-Israel border, during a funeral The prime minister would A US-based attorney says eight Kenyan families of people who died ceremony in Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip, yesterday. spend two days in the Islamic in an Ethiopian Airlines crash last month will sue Boeing, the manu- republic, a member of his office facturer of the plane, and the airline for compensation. Carlos A. said. He was expected to Velasquez said yesterday in a press conference in Nairobi that it’s discuss “the issue of trade Settler shoots Palestinian to death early to tell “who did what and when” but said from the reports in outside the framework of sanc- his possession “clearly there were some issues with the aircraft tions” in addition to “the rap- REUTERS daughter when a Palestinian did not immediately elaborate. itself, the systems of the aircraft, the operation of the aircraft.” prochement and the conver- NABLUS charged at their car. Asked if it knew of another Velasquez, of VDA trial lawyers in Florida, said the suits will be filed gence of views between Iran “He jumped at me with a casualty in the incident, the in a U.S. federal court and will seek compensation for economic and Arab countries”, the official A Palestinian was shot dead by knife, trying to open the doors,” Israeli military said it had loss and loss of a loved one. The crash on March 10 of a Boeing 737 said. an Israeli settler in the West Sherman said. “I drew my nothing to add to its statement. Max 8 jet killed 157 people, 32 of whom were Kenyans. Iran is the second-largest Bank yesterday. A Palestinian handgun...wound down the Ghassan Daghlas, a Pales- supplier of imported goods to official, however, questioned the window and shot at him from tinian official in the Nablus gov- Iran flood death toll rises to 62 Iraq and also enjoys vast Israeli account of the incident at inside the car.” ernorate, demanded an investi- political influence in the Hawara junction, near Nablus. A second motorist also fired gation of the shooting. AFP/TEHRAN country, particularly among The West Bank, among ter- at the Palestinian, hitting him, “The whole place and street Iraq’s Shiite parties. ritories where Palestinians seek Sherman added. Israel’s Bei- are full of security cameras. The The death toll from major floods swamping much of Iran over the Those factions credit Iran statehood, has seen surges of linson Hospital said a man cameras must have filmed eve- past 15 days has risen to 62, the head of the Iranian Legal Medicine for helping Iraqi armed forces street attacks on Israeli settlers admitted with gunshot injuries rything,” he said. Organisation told local media yesterday. Ahmad Shojaee told the defeat the Islamic State group and soldiers since US-backed from the incident died. Palestinians hope to form semi-official Fars news agency the southern province of Fars has in a fierce three-year battle that peace talks stalled in 2014. Pal- A Palestinian security source an independent state including been hit the hardest with 21 dead. The western province of Lorestan ravaged much of the country. estinians say Israel’s armed said initial information that he the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the northern province of Golestan followed with 14 and 8 dead Since declaring victory response has been excessive. had indicated the dead man had and Gaza but an internationally respectively, he said. Flood-related deaths have been reported in over IS in 2017, Iraq has strived Yehoshua Sherman, a West been trying to cross the road. mediated peace process has all 11 out of Iran’s 31 provinces, Shojaee added. The semi-official Isna to make a diplomatic comeback Bank settler, told Israel Radio The Palestinian health min- but collapsed and Israel has news agency said the current toll was a tally of the victims whose as a mediator among regional that he was driving slowly istry said a second Palestinian expanded its settlement bodies have been transferred to coroner offices across the country rivals. through the intersection with his was wounded in the incident, but building. — indicating the count could still rise. THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2019 ASIA 11 Modi takes election fight to battleground state AFP KOLKATA West Bengal sends the profile has grown considerably third-highest number since her party took most of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi state’s 42 parliamentary seats in staged a massive rally in India’s of lawmakers to the 2014, and she remains hugely east yesterday, stepping up the Lok Sabha and the BJP popular especially among poorer battle with a local rival who is desperate to make voters. could frustrate his party’s return inroads in the key West Bengal sends the third- to power. highest number of lawmakers to Modi addressed tens of thou- state of 90 million. the Lok Sabha, the country’s sands of supporters in Kolkata, lower house of parliament, and the capital of West Bengal, as its and dent its re-election the BJP is desperate to make leader Mamata Banerjee, a pow- prospects. inroads in the key state of 90 erful Modi enemy, campaigned “I haven’t seen a massive million. against the Prime Minister else- turnout like this before in West Analysts say the BJP could be where in the state. Bengal. I bow to your love and targeting West Bengal for seats Voting in India’s general affection,” Modi told a sea of sup- to offset potential losses in other election begins in a week and porters in Kolkata. important states. Supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) shout slogans surrounding a man wearing a mask of West Bengal is a key battle- “Your vote will help us reach The BJP fears Banerjee could Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a campaign rally in Siliguri, yesterday. ground for Modi and his new heights of development in cobble together an alliance Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). 2019. The BJP will overthrow against them, as smaller parties The ruling party has cam- (Banerjee’s) misrule in the state.” did in Uttar Pradesh, a bell- challenging Modi, fail to get a job. The BJP has attacked her grants in the state. paigned hard against Banerjee, The fiery West Bengal leader wether state often considered decisive share of the 545 parlia- record on law and order fol- Migrants have long been fearing she could lead a possible took on the Prime Minister at a India’s most important to win. mentary seats, Banerjee could lowing a spate of election-related accused of grabbing land in West alliance of India’s disparate counter-rally, declaring: “I am If the BJP and Congress, the also become one of the top con- violence last year, and promised Bengal and stoking tensions with regional parties against the BJP not Modi. I don’t tell lies.” Her main opposition party tenders for the Prime Minister’s to crack down on Muslim immi- locals. Amending AFSPA Congress to launch programme to fight air pollution will dilute forces’ IANS the Prime Minister has given secutive term. immunity, says NEW DELHI Rs30,000 crore to an industri- “Narendra Modi has started alist friend. asking questions as to from Sitharaman Congress President Rahul Gandhi “Modiji came here in 2014 where the money will come. I yesterday said the party will and announced that everyone am going to tell you from where IANS launch a national programme to will be given Rs15 lakh in their the money will come. Modiji has NEW DELHI combat air pollution, as bank accounts. However, not a given Rs30,000cr from the increasing air pollution levels single penny got deposited in last Indian Air Force to Anil Ambani, Defence Minister Nirmala Sith- have become a major factor five years. That was a lie. I am we are going to get that money araman yesterday slammed the contributing to rising cases of assuring that 20 percent of the and distribute among the 20 Congress for its election promise public health emergencies. country’s extremely poor people percent extremely poor people to amend the Armed Forces Rahul in a Facebook post will be given Rs72,000 every of the country,” he said. Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and announced that the party will year. The amount will be Terming the BJP govern- accused the opposition party of launch “National Clean Air Pro- deposited in the account of the ment’s effort to implement the supporting separatists and anti- gramme” to combat the menace women of the family. This is Citizenship Amendment Bill in national elements. of air pollution in the country. truth, we don’t lie,” he said. northeast as an attack, Gandhi “Terrorist-friendly people A number of reports have Rahul also appealed to the said the Congress had kept its will misuse AFSPA. It is an effort stated that air pollution has been Congress President Rahul Gandhi puts on a traditional jacket people to ensure victory of the promise of opposing the Citi- to weaken the armed forces and increasing exponentially in many presented to him by party members during an election campaign Congress candidate so that the zenship Bill. support the separatists and cities in the country, with Delhi rally at Bokakhat, Assam, yesterday. attack of the RSS on the lan- “The CAB is an attack on the anti-national elements. They being cited as the world’s most guage, culture and history of culture, thought and Inde- are trying to dilute the polluted capital city. Assam could be stopped. pendence of the people here. We immunity of our security forces. Senior Congress leader Ajay reduce air pollution to a great Assam yesterday, the Congress Gandhi was campaigning stood by the people of the Any dilution of AFSPA will Maken said: “Congress intro- extent. The party is determined President said that while the for Congress’ sitting Lok Sabha northeast during the CAB pro- remove immunity of forces,” duced CNG in Delhi, which to combat air pollution.” Modi-led BJP government failed MP Gaurav Gogoi, who is con- tests and ensured that it is not Sitharaman told a press con- replaced diesel vehicles in public Meanwhile, addressing a to deposit the promised Rs15 lakh testing from the Kaliabar Lok passed in Rajya Sabha,” said ference. She said the Congress’ and private transport, and helped campaign rally in into everyone’s bank account, Sabha seat for a second con- Gandhi. promise on AFSPA was only to sensationalise and demoralise the armed forces. PM Hasina calls AAP urges Congress to back full statehood for Delhi “There is a system of removing AFSPA. Both the IANS NYAY (justice) for the country, I Relations, your party has Rai said, “It is extremely dis- Centre and state governments for repatriation NEW DELHI would like to draw your promised full statehood for appointing that after having work on it together. Congress’ of Rohingya attention towards Delhi, the Puducherry. For Delhi, however, promised full statehood for sensationalism will impact the The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national capital of India, and the your manifesto states: The Con- Delhi for decades, the Congress nation’s security. Congress’ ANATOLIA yesterday wrote to Congress residents of which have been gress promises to amend the has now gone back on its promise is insidious,” she said. DHAKA President Rahul Gandhi asking subjected to decades of injustice, Government of National Capital promise.” Rai requested Gandhi The BJP leader said the Con- him to support full statehood for which crossed all limits during Territory of Delhi Act, 1991 to to reconsider the stand taken by gress’ manifesto proves that the Bangladesh has called for the Delhi. the last five years,” Rai wrote. make it clear that the Lieutenant the Congress in the manifesto party wants to support traitors safe and quick repatriation of AAP Delhi Convenor Gopal He said the Congress didn’t Governor shall act on the aid and regarding Delhi and support the and separatists. “Some aspects Rohingya refugees who have Rai said the Congress in its man- touch the issue in the advice of the Council of Min- demand for full statehood, of the Congress’ manifesto will taken shelter in makeshift ifesto, released on Tuesday, had manifesto. isters, except in matters con- which will allow the people of restrict the armed forces action camps in southern Cox’s Bazar made a U-turn. “Under the topic titled, Fed- cerning the three reserved sub- Delhi to lead their lives with and stop them from func- district, local media reported “While you are talking about eralism and Centre State jects,” he said. dignity. tioning,” she added. yesterday. “It will be good for all if the Rohingya can be repatriated to their own country as soon as US approves anti-submarine possible, ensuring [their] safety and security,” Bangladeshi helicopter sale to India Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said on Tuesday while receiving AFP defensive partner which con- newly appointed British High WASHINGTON tinues to be an important force Commissioner to Dhaka Robert for political stability, peace Chatterton Dickson at her The United States said on and economic progress in the official residence. Tuesday that it had approved Indo-Pacific and South Asia Referring to the suffering of the sale of 24 MH-60R heli- region.” locals due to the huge number copters to India, significantly India, which had estranged of Rohingya refugees, she said boosting its emerging ally’s fire- relations with the United States her government was doing its power to target submarines as since the Cold War, has best to rehabilitate the perse- China expands in the Indian emerged as one of its leading cuted people, Hasina’s press Ocean. defence partner with the secretary quoted her as saying In a quick reply to an Indian interests of the world’s two in a press briefing following request submitted late last year, largest democracies largely Dickson’s visit. the State Department said it overlapping amid their con- Dickson supported Bangla- was informing the US Congress cerns over a rising China and desh’s call for the immediate as legally required that it was militancy. repatriation of Rohingya in giving the green light for India India has been alarmed by safety and dignity, private news Over 4,500kg drugs destroyed to buy the 24 helicopters worth China’s growing interest in the agency United News of Bang- a total of $2.6bn. Indian Ocean as it becomes a A policeman tips marijuana onto a fire as authorties incinerate some 4,572kg of illicit drugs worth ladesh reported. Nicknamed the Romeo, the global naval power. about Rs70m in Agartala, yesterday. Hasina also urged the MH-60R helicopters manufac- In a strategy dubbed by Myanmar authorities to tured by Lockheed Martin are Indian and US observers as the implement the recommenda- designed for hunting subma- “string of pearls,” China has tions put forward by the com- Amicus curiae proposes probe into Kerala floods rines as well as knocking out made use of a growing number mission headed by the late UN ships and conducting search- of naval bases in the Indian Secretary-General Kofi Annan IANS found that faulty dam a 49-page report yesterday, and-rescue operations at sea. Ocean. to resolve the Rohingya crisis. KOCHI management led to the flooding. which indicted the ruling “This proposed sale will Indian naval planners have Some 40,000 babies have After going through 15 dif- CPM-led Left Democratic Front support the foreign policy and responded with a doctrine to already been born in the squalid In a setback to the ruling ferent petitions seeking a judicial (LDF) government for failing to national security of the United ensure freedom of movement refugee camps, she added. Pinarayi Vijayan government, a probe into the cause of the use the dams to control the States by helping to strengthen throughout the Indian Ocean, According to Amnesty report submitted by an amicus floods, the Kerala High Court had floods following heavy rains. the US-Indian strategic rela- stretching from the Strait of International, more than curiae to the Kerala High Court in last year appointed an amicus Last year’s severe floods, tionship and to improve the Hormuz to the Strait of Malacca. 750,000 Rohingya refugees yesterday recommended a curiae, senior advocate Alex P which began with rains in security of a major defensive The MH-60R helicopters have fled Myanmar and crossed judicial probe into the cause of Thomas, to help the court May-end and continued till the partner,” the State Department would replenish India’s aging into Bangladesh since August the worst ever floods to hit the dispose the bunch of petitions. middle of August, claimed 483 said in a statement. fleet of British-made Sea King 2017. state in August last year after it The amicus curiae submitted lives. It called India “a major helicopters. 12 ASIA THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2019

Pakistan, US Govt working on discuss Afghan new master plan peace process QNA ISLAMABAD for Islamabad Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and his INTERNEWS Suparco, the national ISLAMABAD US counterpart Mike Pompeo space agency, will held a telephone conversation Work on a new master plan for assist the Capital during which they exchanged Pakistan’s federal capital city views on Afghan peace process Islamabad has gathered speed Development and Islamabad’s facilitation in with the Federal Commission for Authority in that regard, according to the Review of Master Plan making monitoring urban Foreign Office of Pakistan. progress in its efforts for formu- sprawl, encroachment They agreed on continuing lation of a new master plan. cooperation with regard to the Official sources here say the and built-up-property ongoing peace process in Environment Protection Agency in the city. Afghanistan, the Foreign Office (EPA) Director General last week said in a statement. presented the environmental of a consultant who once During the conversation, atlas for Islamabad which engaged will present his first Qureshi and his US counterpart showed surprisingly that as built preliminary report within two shared views on Pak-US up areas have increased so has months. bilateral relations and security there been some increase in The final report will be Karachi’s local boat building industry situation in the region. green covers from 1990 to 2016. based on findings and observa- The two foreign ministers The Space and Upper tions made in the preliminary Carpenters build fishing boats at a harbour in Karachi, yesterday. Pakistan’s home-grown boat agreed that peace and stability Atmosphere Commission report and will be submitted manufacturing produces hundreds of boats every year to meet the demands of the local fishing industry. in South Asia was linked to (Suparco), the national space subsequently. The ToRs shall be ending tensions. agency of Pakistan, also made a shared with the Ministry of Qureshi also apprised the briefing in this meeting. Interior as well as the Planning New Islamabad police division for foreigners’ security US Secretary of State of Paki- The commission headed by Commission and adhere to stan’s steps taken under the Capital Development Authority Public Procurement Regulatory INTERNEWS force. Inspector General of Police National Action Plan (NAP) to (CDA) Chairman reviewed Authority (PPRA) rules to ensure ISLAMABAD The Law and Order division (DIG), a Senior Superintendent combat terrorism and progress of three sub-com- transparency. It was decided will comprise two units, a Law of Police (SSP) and an SSP (SPU), militancy. mittees formed for various tasks. that Suparco will assist CDA in A new division of more than and Order Unit and a Special a Superintendent of Police (SP), He said Pak-US bilateral In this context, the preliminary monitoring urban sprawl, 3,000 personnel is being set up Protection Unit (SPU), said an two Deputy Superintendents of relations were of great signifi- spade work of the commission encroachment and built-up- in the Islamabad Police that will officer. Police (DSP) and one DSP (law cance for peace and stability in is shaping up. property. In this regard, draft handle public demonstrations The former will act against and order). the region, adding that Wash- The sub-committee formu- MoU is being prepared and and provide security to sit-ins, protest and other forms It will have 45 Inspectors, 85 ington’s role in ending tensions lated around eight major studies Suparco will present it for foreigners - particularly Chinese of agitation while the SPU will Sub-Inspectors, 170 Assistant in the region was with 23 sub studies required finalisation. nationals working on China provide security to foreigners. Sub-Inspectors, 340 Head Con- praiseworthy. from the consultants. These It was decided that CDA will Pakistan Economic Corridor Around 1,000 personnel will stables and 2,620 Constables. In The Foreign Minister urged studies also set the parameters develop a web portal to inform projects - in the city. work in the SPU, and the addition, 114 ministerial staff will the United States to play its role for the consultants. the public regarding review of Police officers said that the remainder in the Law and Order also be recruited. in resumption of Pakistan-India The other major master plan and to seek their pro- new division was being estab- Unit. A total of 437 officials will be dialogue to resolve all out- achievement has been finali- posals. Moreover, public hearing lished as part of the reorgani- This force will be raised in recruited in the 2019-20 fiscal standing issues. sation of ToRs for engagement will be held within two weeks. sation of the capital’s police four phases, with a Deputy year, officials said. Backup Former Malaysian PM goes on trial in graft case pacemaker for

AFP everything from high-end real court ahead of his trial, and he near absolute power. 1MDB. Goldman units and two Sharif suggested KUALA LUMPUR estate to artworks and a luxury prayed with them for a few “Such privilege carries with former bankers are accused of yacht. minutes before entering the it enormous responsibility. The misappropriating $2.7bn, bribing INTERNEWS Former Malaysian Prime He had been tipped to win building to shouts of “Long Live accused is not above the law,” officials and giving false state- LAHORE Minister Najib Razak pleaded not another term in office easily last Najib”. he added. ments in relation to bond issues guilty to all charges against him year and extend his coalition’s Looking relaxed in the dock, After the first witness, an they arranged for the fund. The Doctors have recommended a as he went on trial yesterday six-decade stranglehold on he denied seven corruption and official from the Companies bank has vowed to fight the backup pacemaker and over a multi-billion-dollar fraud, power, only to be soundly money-laundering charges Commission of Malaysia, gave charges. implantable cardioverter-defi- almost a year after his shock defeated by his former boss, related to the alleged theft of largely technical evidence While many of Najib’s sus- brillator for Pakistan’s former election loss. Mahathir Mohamad, who rode a 42m ringgit ($10.3m) from SRC related to corporate records, the pected accomplices have been PM Nawaz Sharif, his daughter The 65-year-old faced the wave of public anger over 1MDB International, a former 1MDB trial was adjourned. caught and charged in Malaysian Maryam Nawaz said yesterday. first of several trials over his to the premiership. unit. It is just a fraction of the The judge set the next courts, the alleged mastermind “Doctors have recom- alleged involvement in the In the months that followed, hundreds of millions of dollars hearing for April 15, and trial behind the 1MDB scandal, Jho mended backup pacemaker looting of sovereign wealth fund once-dormant investigations that he allegedly stole. dates until May 10. Najib left Low, is still at large. and ICD [implantable cardio- 1MDB, a state investment vehicle into the controversy were Opening the prosecution, without commenting, to cheers The Malaysian government verter-defibrillator], a life- established to develop the relaunched and Najib was hit Attorney-General Tommy from his supporters waiting yesterday said a luxury yacht saving device implanted in the economy of the Southeast Asian with dozens of corruption Thomas told the High Court it outside court. allegedly bought by Low with body for patients at risk for nation. charges linked to the plundering was the “first trial in our courts Malaysia has also charged $250m of stolen 1MDB money fatal cardiac arrhythmias,” The former Premier and his of the fund. against a former Prime Minister, Wall Street titan Goldman Sachs will be sold for around half that Maryam said in a tweet. cronies are accused of plun- A small crowd of supporters who for nearly a decade over the scandal, alleging the price. The yacht was returned to Sharif was released from dering billions of dollars from the was waiting for Najib as he occupied the most powerful bank and its former employees Malaysia after being seized last jail last month on bail for six fund and spending it on arrived at the Kuala Lumpur office in the land and wielded stole billions of dollars from year in Indonesia. months. Two die in South Korean ship detained China school over sanctions on North knife attack AFP Both the ship - first detained AFP SEOUL last September and now held in BEIJING the southern port of Busan - and A South Korean ship has been its operator have been referred A knife-wielding man killed detained for more than six to prosecutors, and Yonhap two people and injured two months on suspicion of violating news agency said 4,320 tonnes others at a primary school in UN sanctions against the of diesel fuel were involved. central China yesterday, the nuclear-armed North, Seoul’s The Foreign Ministry official latest such attack to hit the Foreign Ministry said yesterday. did not explain the delay in the country in recent years. Pyongyang is sanctioned authorities making public the Two injured primary school over its weapons programme South Korean ship’s detention. students have been sent to hos- under multiple UN Security The holding of the other three pital with no danger to their Council resolutions, which vessels - registered in Hong lives, the government of include curbs on shipments of Kong, Panama and Togo - had Ningyuan county in Hunan oil and fuel to the isolated previously been announced. province said in a statement. regime. South Korean President Authorities did not state the But the North has been Moon Jae-in has sought to identities or age of those killed. seeking to get around the engage the North to bring it to Police detained a 31-year- measures, with a recent UN the negotiating table, dangling old male suspect, surnamed report saying that Pyongyang economic carrots before it in the Zheng, from the town of Bai- Remains of soldiers from Korean war was securing deliveries of fuel form of inter-Korean projects - jiapingzhen, where the primary through ship-to-ship transfers many of which would violate the Soldiers of Chinese People’s Liberation Army carry caskets that arrived from South Korea containing school is located, the statement in international waters. current sanctions rules if remains of Chinese soldiers who fought in the Korean War, at an airport in Shenyang, yesterday. added. Seoul’s Foreign Ministry said implemented. China has experienced a a South Korean ship and three Questions were also raised spate of knife attacks against others had been detained in the over whether it had undermined schoolchildren in recent years, country, suspected of under- the measures by providing sup- forcing authorities to increase Three detained over China chemical blast mining the economic measures plies to set up an inter-Korean security. AFP province, was one of the worst Officials said the suspects against the North. liaison office north of the border. In October, a woman BEIJING industrial accidents in the have been subjected to “criminal “This is the first time a South Last year three South Korean attacked and injured 14 children country in recent years. coercive measures” - a vague Korean vessel has been detained firms were caught importing mil- with a knife at a kindergarten Police have detained three Three employees from term which indicates detention, for allegedly violating UN sanc- lions of dollars worth of coal and in China’s southwestern suspects linked to a chemical Jiangsu Tianjiayi Chemical, arrest or being put under house tions,” a ministry official said. iron from the North in 2017. Sichuan province. plant blast in China, which killed whose facility was involved in arrest temporarily until police The Korea Coast Guard Immediate sanctions relief In April 2018, a man killed 78 people and left hundreds the blast, had “significant complete their investigations, identified the vessel as the was a key demand of the cash- nine middle school students as injured, local officials said responsibility” for the accident, according to an official 5,160-tonne “P Pioneer” and strapped North when leader Kim they were returning home in yesterday. according to a statement on the explanation. said it had twice transferred Jong Un met US President Donald one of the country’s deadliest The explosion last month in Yancheng government’s official Yancheng police declined to diesel “illicitly” in the East China Trump in Hanoi in February for knife attacks in recent years. Yancheng city, in eastern Jiangsu Twitter-like Weibo account. offer details on the case. Sea during September 2017. a second summit. THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2019 EUROPE 13 May holds ‘constructive’ Brexit talks Junior Minister Nigel Adams resigned in UK lawmakers okay first protest at her “grave stage of Brexit delay law error” in judgement. Fellow Junior Minister LONDON: British lawmakers voted yesterday to approve the first stage of legislation which would force Prime Minister Theresa Chris Heaton-Harris May to seek a delay to Brexit in order to prevent the risk of leaving also said he was without a deal on April 12. Lawmakers are seeking to pass the quitting his Brexit legislation through all of its stages in the House of Commons on department post Wednesday. They voted by 315 to 310 in favour of the first stage. Further votes on the legislation were expected later. because he thought Britain should have The premier said on Tuesday wish to see the split resolved by left on the original she would seek another “short” the time European Parliament deadline date of Brexit extension at an EU elections roll around at the end leaders’ summit in Brussels on of May. March 29. April 10. European Commission pres- She crucially added that she ident Jean-Claude Juncker was now willing to bend her delivered a nuanced address to AFP LONDON previous principles and listen to the European Parliament in proposals for much closer post- which he vowed to “personally Brexit trade relations with the do everything I can to prevent Prime Minister Theresa May bloc than most in her Conserv- a disorderly Brexit”. held “constructive” talks ative party were ready to accept. “If the United Kingdom is in Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May speaking during the weekly Prime Minister’s Questions session yesterday with Britain’s oppo- Both sides described yester- a position to approve the with- in the House of Commons in London, yesterday. sition leader in a bid to forge a day’s meeting as preliminary but drawal agreement with a sus- Brexit compromise that avoids constructive. tainable majority by 12 April, the a chaotic “no-deal” departure “Today’s talks were con- European Union should be pre- quitting his Brexit department “I would be very wary,” bring an approved deal with her from the EU in nine days. structive, with both sides pared to accept a delay until 22 post because he thought Britain Sturgeon said after her own to Brussels so that Britain can May tore up her steadfast showing flexibility and a com- May,” Juncker said. should have left on the original talks with May. May’s gov- leave the bloc the day before the strategy and sought Labour mitment to bring the current German Chancellor Angela deadline date of March 29. ernment has previously rejected first nations hold their European leader Jeremy Corbyn’s support Brexit uncertainty to a close,” a Merkel likewise vowed to “fight Yet the most prominent the customs union idea because Parliament votes on May 23. in a surprise last-minute gesture Downing Street spokesman said. until the last hour” to avoid a Brexit-backing ministers held it would keep Britain from The British pound has that could determine the fate of “We have agreed a pro- no-deal outcome. their fire as all eyes turned on a striking its own trade agree- moved higher on expectations the country and her gramme of work to ensure we But May’s decision to hear flurry of meetings between gov- ments with giant nations such of the sides managing to avoid government. deliver for the British people, out Corbyn’s demand to remain ernment and Labour leaders are as China and the United States. a messy breakup in the coming Her divorce deal with the protecting jobs and security.” A in a customs union with the bloc expected to hold over the Brexit Secretary Stephen days. other 27 EU nations has been Labour spokesman said the two enraged the staunchly pro- coming days. Barclay said failure by May and But the Bank of England’s rejected three times by par- held “constructive exploratory Brexit wing of her Conservative Scotland’s First Minister Corbyn to reach a compromise governor stressed that these liament and patience is wearing discussions about how to break party. Junior minister Nigel Nicolas Sturgeon — a pro-EU would prompt the two sides to risks remained “alarming high” thin in Brussels as an April 12 the Brexit deadlock”. Adams resigned in protest at her lawmakers who heads the much try to come up with mutually- in view of no-deal being the deadline to end Britain’s 46-year The British premier’s sudden “grave error” in judgement. smaller opposition SNP party — acceptable options that would default option that could membership nears with no change of tack was received Fellow junior minister Chris said she hoped “Labour doesn’t be put up for a binding parlia- “happen by accident” if the agreement in sight. with caution by EU leaders who Heaton-Harris also said he was sell out here for a bad deal”. mentary vote. May hopes to latest talks broke down. Russia opposes US Harry, Meghan break Instagram followers record AFP which so far has only one post announcements and the oppor- The record before him was plan for more Nato LONDON featuring a monogram symbol tunity to shine a light on key held by Pope Francis, who with their names, was launched issues,” the couple said in their reached the million mark in 12 Britain’s Prince Harry and his on Tuesday and now has 2.7 post. The couple are expecting hours after launching his channel wife Meghan broke a record by million followers. their first baby in the coming “franciscus” in 2016. ships in Black Sea reaching one million followers The post alone garnered weeks. Meghan, a former actress on their newly-launched more than 960,000 likes for the The royals beat a record pre- who starred in the hit US tele- AFP Ukraine that has so far claimed Instagram account in less than Duke and Duchess of Sussex. viously held by South Korean vision show “Suits”, deleted all MOSCOW some 13,000 lives. six hours, Guinness World “We look forward to sharing K-pop singer Kang Daniel, who her personal social media In November, Russia fired Records said yesterday. the work that drives us, the achieved one million followers accounts ahead of her wedding A US proposal to send more Nato on and seized three Ukrainian The “sussexroyal” account, causes we support, important in 11 hours, 36 minutes. to Harry in May 2018. ships to the Black Sea to ensure navy vessels, capturing two safe passage for Ukrainian dozen sailors near the Kerch vessels and deter Russia is Strait, as they tried to pass from Romania court lifts viewed “negatively” in Moscow, the Black Sea to the Azov Sea. Slovakia’s departing president the Kremlin said yesterday. It was the first open military travel ban on former Washington has been clash between Kiev and Moscow anti-graft chief working on a package to boost since 2014, when Russia plans to form new political party surveillance and deploy more annexed Crimea and a pro- AFP Nato vessels to the Black Sea Russian insurgency erupted in REUTERS minister. Fico’s ruling party, BUCHAREST after a naval confrontation eastern Ukraine. BRATISLAVA Smer, saw its support plunge between Moscow and Kiev last Putin has openly said that after Kuciak’s and Kusnirova’s Romania’s High Court year, the US ambassador to Nato Moscow’s decision to take over Slovakia’s outgoing president murders. yesterday revoked special said. Russian President Vladimir Crimea was partly motivated by said yesterday he would form a Political analysts said it was measures introduced against Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Nato’s expansion into Eastern new political party when his not clear whether Kiska, the magistrate Laura Codruta Peskov said the Kremlin viewed Europe. Peskov did not say yes- term expires in June, aiming to country’s most trusted politician, Kovesi, a hot favourite to such a proposal “negatively”. terday whether Russia would in unite the country’s liberal, pro- with an approval rating of 57 become EU’s first-ever top “We do not understand what fact allow Nato ships to pass European Union camps. percent, can unify the disparate prosecutor, who last week was they mean by this. The situation through the Azov Sea. Andrej Kiska (pictured) had opposition or will further indicted on corruption charges. with the Kerch Straight and nav- “A decision will be made not run for re-election but fragment the centrist pro-EU, “My appeal was admitted. igation there is well known,” he when there is such a request,” endorsed the eventual winner, anti-graft camp. I can now leave Romania”, told reporters. the Kremlin spokesman said. Zuzana Caputova. A civic cam- An AKO agency poll of 1,000 Kovesi told reporters after the Russian deputy foreign min- The West has accused paigner and anti-graft lawyer, people last month showed 9 court’s decision overturning ister Alexander Grushko told Moscow of illegally blocking her landslide victory last percent of voters would certainly special judicial measures, Russian news agencies the plan access to the Sea of Azov, used weekend encouraged the and 31 percent would probably including a ban on leaving the would only lead to “increased by both Russia and Ukraine. pro-EU liberals Kiska hopes to vote for his party if he set one country without prosecutors’ military risks” in the region. A Nato spokesman declined lead.“Slovakia wants change. We up. consent. “If additional military and to comment on the US ambas- won this election, now we have but Kiska made it an influential Its natural allies, Caputova’s The measures had been technical measures are needed sador’s remarks but pointed to to win the general election,” office. He sided with protesters Progressive Slovakia, which runs imposed for 60 days by a new from our side, we will adopt comments by Stoltenberg on Kiska said in a video posted on who mounted massive demon- on a joint slate with Spolu panel charged with investi- them,” Interfax news agency Monday when he outlined plans his official Facebook page. “I will strations after the killing last (Together) party, saw their joint gating magistrates, which last quoted Grushko as saying. to increase the alliance presence start a political party, and I want year of Jan Kuciak, a reporter support double since February week indicted Kovesi on counts Most alliance members in the Black Sea. Stoltenberg said to unite all decent and willing covering corruption, and his to 14.4 percent. Caputova will of bribery, abuse of office and share concerns about Russia Nato would step up port visits people and change our country fiancee, Martina Kusnirova. quit her party in the coming days false testimony. which backs separatists in a as well as exercises and training for the better.” The Slovakian The protests led to the res- in a nod to a tradition that the As well as the travel ban, smouldering conflict in eastern with Ukraine and Georgia. presidency is largely ceremonial, ignation of Robert Fico as prime president is non-partisan. during this time she would have been prevented from working in her current post at the General Prosecutor’s office. EU takes action against Poland over justice laws The travel restrictions would have prevented her from AP Commission Vice-President Polish Justice Minister made to the judiciary were to protect democracy, personal taking part in further stages of BRUSSELS Frans Timmermans said disci- Zbigniew Ziobro said the Disci- needed to eliminate corruption freedoms and the justice the application process for the plinary measures for judges plinary Chamber of the Supreme and inefficiency left over from systems of some EU member EU prosecutor post, if she were The European Union launched contained in a 2017 law on the Court established under the 2017 the country’s communist era. countries. required to attend in person. legal action against Poland Supreme Court of Poland seem law is necessary to ensure the Critics say the government has “There is a growing con- “There are some other yesterday that alleges recent designed “to systematically justice system applies in “equal used it to install ruling party loy- sensus that further action to prosecutors attacked on a daily justice laws undermine the subject judges to the political measure to all citizens,” alists in key positions. protect the rule of law into the basis. We’re all going through independence of the country’s control of the executive.” including judges accused of The EU’s move was the latest whole of the European Union is these campaigns because there judges and comes amid concern Timmermans said investi- wrongdoing. in a series of procedures needed,” he told reporters. are some who want to steal the rule of law is being increas- gations that were opened since As evidence of the problem launched against Poland that the Asked whether he is worried undisturbed and we are not ingly abused around the bloc. the rule change have “an the chamber is meant to commission insists is meant to about the rule of law in Italy, letting them”, Kovesi said on The EU’s executive com- obvious, chilling effect on the address, Ziobro cited a case in safeguard the rule of law there. Timmermans said: “I do not see Wednesday, before the decision mission sent a letter of formal activities of judges, and this is which the Supreme Court The commission has also at this stage a systemic on her appeal was announced. notice — the first step in legal incompatible with the require- acquitted a judge who had been launched similar action against problem.” But he did express “We have nothing to be action — to the nationalist gov- ments of judicial independence.” seen on CCTV appropriating a Hungary. concerns about possible back- afraid of. It will be proven that ernment in Warsaw and wants He said the letter gives Poland 50 zloty ($13) banknote. Timmermans said Brussels sliding on reform in Romania, all these accusations against us, a reply addressing its concerns a chance to explain or change Poland’s government argues believes it is time for a broader particularly in the fight against prosecutors and judges, are within two months. its mind about the laws. that the deep changes it has reflection on what can be done corruption. groundless”, she added. 14 AMERICAS THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2019 House judiciary panel approves subpoenas for Mueller report AP Congress. The Justice Department portions of the report that pertain to The Judiciary panel also voted outside the White House,” meaning the WASHINGTON ignored that deadline, with Barr telling ongoing investigations or that “would Wednesday to authorize subpoenas committee should have access to them committee chairmen in a letter last week unduly infringe on the personal privacy related to five of President Donald because they may not be covered by The House Judiciary Committee that a redacted version of the almost and reputational interests of peripheral Trump’s former top advisers, including executive privilege. approved subpoenas yesterday for 400-page report would be released by third parties.” strategist Steve Bannon, communica- The top Republican on the Judiciary special counsel Robert Mueller’s full mid-April, “if not sooner.” Democrats say they want access to tions director Hope Hicks, chief of staff panel, Georgia Rep. Doug Collins, said Russia report as Democrats pressure the The vote further escalates the Dem- all of that information, even if some of Reince Priebus, White House counsel at the vote that the five subpoenas are Justice Department to release the ocrats’ battle with the Justice it can’t be disclosed to the public. Nadler Donald McGahn and counsel Ann Don- misguided because two of the indi- document without redactions. Department over how much of the said he will give Barr time to change his aldson. Donaldson served as McGahn’s viduals have already provided 3,000 The committee voted 24-17 to give report they will be able to see, a fight mind on redactions, but if they cannot chief of staff before both left the documents to the committee and that Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler, that could eventually end up in court if reach an agreement they will issue the administration. the other three have indicated a will- D-NY, permission to issue subpoenas to the two sides can’t settle their differ- subpoenas “in very short order.” He also The five were key witnesses in Muel- ingness to cooperate. the Justice Department for the final ences through negotiation. Democrats said he is prepared to go to court to get ler’s probe of possible obstruction of Collins said the authorisation for report, its exhibits and any underlying have said they will not accept redac- the grand jury information. justice and were sent document requests subpoenas is “reckless” and that Dem- evidence or materials prepared for tions and want to see the evidence unfil- “This committee requires the full by the Judiciary panel last month, along ocrats shouldn’t be asking for docu- Mueller’s investigation. Nadler has not tered by Barr. report and the underlying materials with dozens of other people connected ments that the Justice Department can’t yet said if he’ll send the subpoenas. In the letter last week, Barr said he because it is our job, not the attorney to Trump. legally disclose to the public. The com- House Democrats had given is scrubbing the report to avoid dis- general’s, to determine whether or not Nadler said he is concerned about mittee rejected a GOP amendment that Attorney General William Barr until closing any grand jury information or President Trump has abused his office,” reports that documents relevant to would have blocked the subpoenas from Tuesday to provide the full report to classified material, in addition to Nadler said. Mueller’s investigation “were sent applying to grand jury information.

Trump signs Nato chief warns US of memorandum to stem counterfeit Russia threats, urges unity goods trafficking

REUTERS “We must overcome ovations, said they viewed his AP/WASHINGTON WASHINGTON our differences now address to the joint meeting of because we will the House of Representatives President Donald Trump signed The head of the North Atlantic and Senate as a chance to a presidential memorandum Treaty Organization warned the need our alliance reaffirm the American com- yesterday to rein in what the US Congress yesterday of the even more in the mitment to the Nato alliance. administration calls the “Wild threat posed by “a more future. We face Stoltenberg was the first West” of online trafficking in assertive Russia,” including a unprecedented leader of an international organ- counterfeit goods. massive military buildup, threats ization and the first Norwegian The memorandum is aimed to sovereign states, the use of challenges - to be accorded the rare honor of at stopping the sale of coun- nerve agents and cyberattacks. challenges no such an address. terfeit products on sites like “We must overcome our dif- one nation can “Nato has been good for Amazon, Ebay and China’s ferences now because we will Europe, but Nato has also been e-commerce leader, Alibaba. face alone,” Nato North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato) Secretary-General Jens need our alliance even more in good for the United States,” “This president has decided Stoltenberg addressing a joint meeting of the US Congress as US the future. We face unprece- Secretary-General Stoltenberg said. The invitation that it’s time to clean up this dented challenges - challenges Jens Stoltenberg said. to Stoltenberg to speak as the Vice-President Mike Pence and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi Wild West of counterfeiting and no one nation can face alone,” alliance celebrates its 70th anni- listen, at the Capitol in Washington, DC, yesterday. trafficking,” said Peter Navarro, Nato Secretary-General Jens the necessary steps to provide versary in Washington was director of the White House Stoltenberg said. credible and effective widely seen as a way to send a The Senate is due to vote Democrats to Brussels, where National Trade Council. Saying “time is running out,” deterrence.” message to Trump about strong later this year on whether North they sought to reassure European “The central core of the Stoltenberg also called on Russia Stoltenberg used his speech bipartisan support for Nato. Macedonia can become Nato’s allies that differences over problem is that right now, to return to compliance with the to give an impassioned defence “The strength of a nation is 30th member. Trump has ruffled Trump’s policies were mere third-party online market- Intermediate-range Nuclear of the 70-year-old Western not only measured by the size of feathers among European allies “family squabbles” and that places... have zero liability Forces Treaty, from which U.S. alliance, a partnership he called its economy or the number of its by repeatedly saying Nato transatlantic ties remained when it comes to trafficking in President Donald Trump plans “the most successful alliance in soldiers, but also by the number nations need to pay more for strong. Members of Congress these counterfeit goods. That to withdraw the United States history,” which has often been of its friends,” Stoltenberg added. their militaries and ease the have also introduced legislation simply has to stop. We are going this summer. derided by Trump since he took “And through Nato the United burden on the United States. expressing support for Nato or to attack that on numerous “Nato has no intention of office in 2017. States has more friends and Earlier this year, before seeking to keep any president fronts.” deploying land-based nuclear Members of Congress, who allies than any other power. This inviting Stoltenberg to Congress, from withdrawing from the But Navarro said discussion missiles in Europe,” Stoltenberg greeted Stoltenberg with has made the United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi led alliance without lawmakers’ of possible actions the admin- said. “But Nato will always take repeated cheers and standing stronger, safer and more secure.” a delegation of her fellow approval. istration will take to deter online trafficking in counterfeit merchandise is premature. He says the directive orders the Department of Homeland Venezuela’s Guaido stripped of immunity Security to work with other agencies on a report identifying AFP The court had been investi- the scope of the problem. The CARACAS US plans to send dollars to Venezuela if Maduro falls gating Guaido for usurping report also is to identify the Maduro’s powers by declaring origin of the fake goods and Venezuelan lawmakers loyal to WASHINGTON/BLOOMBERG himself interim president on recommend administrative, President Nicolas Maduro Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow said January 23 — a move which regulatory, legislative or policy stripped opposition leader Juan Wednesday at an event in Washington hosted by rapidly gained international changes to stem the problem. Guaido’s immunity—and The Trump administration is considering pumping the Christian Science Monitor. support. The Organization for Eco- authorised the high court to U.S. dollars into Venezuela through banks, smart- The US is planning to employ “banks, iPhones, “The people are determined nomic Cooperation and Devel- criminally prosecute him for phones and apps if the regime of Nicolas Maduro apps and many clever ways to get cash in there,” and nothing is going to stop us,” opment estimates that the value proclaiming himself the crisis- fails, President Donald Trump’s top economic Kudlow said. “And the cash will not be bolivars, said a defiant Guaido in response. of trade in counterfeit and hit country’s ruler. adviser said. it will be dollars. At least in the beginning so “There is no turning back in this pirated goods is about a half Guaido — whose claim is The US is already in talks with Juan Guaido there’s no demand for bolivars.” process.” trillion dollars a year, with recognised by over 50 countries — the Venezuelan opposition chief the U.S. has The US Treasury, the National Security Guaido recognises neither roughly 20% infringing on US — had earlier expressed fears of recognized as the nation’s leader — to develop Council, NEC and International Monetary Fund the court nor the Constituent intellectual property, according being abducted by government an economic rescue and restructuring plan for are all orking on the plan, he said, adding that the Assembly and insisted the to the directive. agents following a request by the the country that could begin immediately, should White House “will move rapidly” with if lead- decision was invalid. The US is engaged in a trade Supreme Court to the Con- Maduro step down or be deposed, National ership changes. The court ruling, issued on dispute with China after the stituent Assembly to lift his par- Monday, cited Guaido’s violation Trump administration made liamentary immunity. of a ban on his travel outside several complaints, including Critics of the controversial the opposition-controlled announced pro-Maduro law- also liable to be charged for Venezuela when he visited that China was stealing US trade two-year-old body say it was National Assembly. makers had unanimously breaching a January 29 gov- Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, secrets and was forcing com- created to rubber-stamp The Constituent Assembly’s authorized the Supreme Court ernment ban on leaving the Ecuador and Paraguay from late panies to give them technology Maduro’s decisions and sideline president, Diosdado Cabello, to prosecute Guaido, leaving him country. February to early March. to access its market. Trump again threatens Mexico border closure, seeks Congress action REUTERS took steps to stop illegal whether the border would be WASHINGTON migration. closed this week. The threat drew an outcry “Our resources are being President Donald Trump again from business leaders and stretched thin. The system is threatened yesterday to close the others, who said the move could overwhelmed,” she told US border with Mexico, this time disrupt legal crossings and bil- reporters at the White House. calling on Congress to take steps lions of dollars in trade. The US “We are seeing our border patrol immediately to deal with immi- Chamber of Commerce, the commissioner make it very clear gration and security loopholes largest US business lobbying that we are at a breaking point.” that he says are creating a group, said it contacted the Trump has made fighting national emergency. White House to discuss the neg- illegal immigration from Mexico “Congress must get together ative impact of a border closure. a key part of his agenda but and immediately eliminate the Trump took a step back on shutting down one of the world’s loopholes at the Border!” Trump Tuesday, saying action by most used borders might be a wrote in a Twitter post. “If no Mexico in recent days had eased step too far even for many of his action, Border, or large sections pressure on US ports of entry. fellow Republicans. of Border, will close. This is a But he revived the closure Senate Republican leader National Emergency!” warning yesterday in a bid to Mitch McConnell said on Trump has repeatedly pressure Congress to act. Tuesday that closing the border threatened to close the border White House adviser Mer- could have devastating eco- to stem what he calls a tide of cedes Schlapp said yesterday nomic consequences, and joined illegal immigration. On Friday, that progress is being made with his Democratic colleagues in Cars line up to cross to San Diego, US from Tijuana, Mexico at San Ysidro crossing port in Baja California he said he would close the Mexico on immigration issues warning Trump against such a state, Mexico, yesterday. border this week unless Mexico but she declined to comment on move. THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2019 HOME 15

HBKU lecture HMC, QU educate public explores ‘Green Chemistry’ on healthy food, lifestyle THE PENINSULA DOHA THE PENINSULA from HMC, along with nutrition DOHA students and staff from Qatar The College of Science and Engi- University’s Department of neering (CSE) at Hamad Bin Hamad Medical Corporation’s Human Nutrition, briefed the Khalifa University (HBKU) (HMC) Department of Dietetics Through this event, visitors to the hospital about the recently hosted a lecture titled and Nutrition recently we aimed to equip role good nutrition plays in ‘From Waste to Wealth Using organised a public awareness members of the public people’s overall health. Green Chemistry’. event in collaboration with the with the nutrition “Through this event, we Guest speaker, James Clark, Human Nutrition Department aimed to equip members of the a professor of chemistry and of Qatar University’s College of knowledge they need public with the nutrition director of the Green Chemistry Health Sciences to highlight the to feel confident in knowledge they need to feel Centre of Excellence at the Uni- importance of good nutrition making good dietary confident in making good versity of York, delivered the and making healthy lifestyle decisions. We provided dietary decisions. We provided lecture, highlighting the benefits choices. information on various diets, of combining “green chemistry” The event was held at the information on various the role and benefit of different with a circular economic model Hamad General Hospital under diets, the role and food groups, and guidelines to achieve a sustainable society. the theme ‘Together for a benefit of different food around recommended limits for “Green chemistry” enables Healthy Community in Qatar’ groups, and guidelines fats, sugars, and salt. chemical reactions to occur with ahead of the World Nutrition “We also provided advice non-hazardous substances using Day on May 28. around recommended on safe food handling, storage, minimal energy and producing Reem Al Saadi, Director of limits for fats, sugars, and preparation methods, with zero waste. It can be used to Dietetics and Nutrition at HMC, and salt.” a focus on preventing food- convert waste streams into val- said the event aimed to draw borne illnesses. Our teams pro- uable products including min- Clinical dietitians from Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and public attention to the link vided free nutrition assess- erals, bio-resources, and pure students from Qatar University’s Department of Human Nutrition, between healthy lifestyle an active lifestyle. We want to ments and tips on meal water. Clark placed emphasis on choices and good health and demonstrate what role the planning, calorie reduction, and briefed the public about the role good nutrition plays in people’s the need for a departure from a disease prevention. “The aim foods we eat, and the nutrients eating healthy on a budget,” overall health. linear economic model to a cir- of this event was to highlight they contain, play in influ- said Al Saadi. cular economic model where the importance of eating encing our health,” she said. As part of the one-day event, opportunity to receive basic nutrition counselling from nutri- resources are used in short cycles healthy foods and maintaining A team of clinical dietitians members of the public had the health checks and individualised tionists and dietitians. in an efficient and safe manner. VCUarts Qatar hosts talks by global designers Send your kids to the

THE PENINSULA DOHA Moon at Mall of Qatar

Internationally acclaimed THE PENINSULA landed from NASA and ESA designers and academics gave DOHA (European Space Agency) talks on fashion design and art transporting your kid’s imag- education at Virginia Common- Mall of Qatar has invited your inations straight to outer wealth University School of the little ones to discover Kids on space! Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) in the Moon, an out of this world For the first time in Qatar, Education City, recently. edutainment experience for the activity will be held at East The talks were held as part of kids from 5 to 10 years old. Gate 3 rotunda by Debenhams, a series of events at Qatar Foun- Let your budding astro- from 10am to 10pm daily from dation, and ahead of the inaugu- nauts travel into the world of April 7th to 27th. The activity ration of the National Museum of space discoveries through an is free of charge. Qatar. interactive exhibition in which “We are excited to provide Speakers included legendary they see, and even experience, families and especially young fashion designer Diane von some of the sensations of real ones with a truly unique and Furstenberg; fashion entre- astronauts. unforgettable experience at preneur Dame Natalie Massenet; Space shuttles, games, Kids on the Moon!” said Stuart David Linley, Earl of Snowdon; astronaut suits and more have Elder, Mall of Qatar’s CEO. Marta Kuzma, the first female Dean of Yale School of Art; Rosanne Somerson, President of Rhode Island School of Design; Former Chairman of the British Fashion Council, Dame Natalie Massenet (third left) during her visit and Shawn Brixey, Dean of Vir- to VCUarts Qatar. ginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Richmond. she was starting out. fashion portal Net-a-Porter, met by Kimberly Guthrie. World famous fashion “The most important rela- with VCUarts Qatar fashion Dame Natalie is the former designer Diane von Furstenberg, tionship in life is the one you have design students and faculty, and chairman of the British Fashion who created the iconic wrap with yourself” she told the answered their questions about Council. She is currently a non- dress, gave a talk at VCUarts audience at the Atrium, “and as the fashion industry. She was executive co-chairman at online Qatar’s Atrium as part of the long as you have that, and you given a tour of the university and luxury fashion retail platform #QatarCreates series of events to own it, you make a mistake, own met Dr Donald N Baker, the uni- Farfetch and is the co-founder celebrate the opening of the it, face it, deal with it. Your imper- versity’s Executive Dean. and co-Managing Partner of National Museum of Qatar. fections, all your imperfections, Dame Natalie, who was Venture Capital Fund Imaginary She also met with faculty and they become assets.” described by The Observer news- Ventures. Panel discussions were students from VCUarts Qatar’s The talk was moderated by paper as “fashion’s favourite self- also held as part of the fashion design program where VCUarts Qatar’s Interim Chair of made success story”, was visiting #QatarCreates series of events to she answered their questions and Fashion Design, Kimberly Qatar as part of Qatar Founda- celebrate the opening of the gave them advice about the Guthrie. tion’s Education City Speaker National Museum of Qatar, and fashion industry. She talked about Dame Natalie, the fashion Series, where she gave a talk at were moderated by Dr Jelena The edutainment activity for children will be held from 10am to what inspired her to create and entrepreneur and former jour- Carnegie Mellon University in Trkulja, Director of Education at 10pm daily from April 7 to 27. who her influences were when nalist who founded the designer Qatar. The talk was moderated Qatar Museums. Free driving courses with Alfardan Motorcycles’ latest offer THE PENINSULA inspired by youth culture, DOHA surfing culture, windsurfing and pop music. That’s why the The latest promotional offer by ‘Scrambler Sixty2’ is now con- Alfardan Motorcycles grants sidered the most sought after adventurous motorcycling model in the Ducati ‘Scrambler’ enthusiasts the opportunity to line. explore the world of motorcy- The Ducati ‘Monster 821’, a cling and live out a completely mid-range offering, comes unique experience. equipped with the latest features The offer, the first of its kind that are heavily influenced by and in collaboration with Al the luxurious 1200 model, which Khebra Driving Academy, grants was launched at the beginning Alfardan Motorcycles’ customers of 2017, which includes a newly the chance to enrol at Al Khebra modified rear range, fuel tank Driving Academy courses, and exhaust range, as well as allowing them to learn how to newly designed headlights. ride motorcycles, free of charge, The BMW ‘G310 GS’ is which in turn enables them to equipped with a 313cc single obtain a motorcycle riding cylinder engine which can be license after passing the nec- cooled off by water. essary riding tests. The BMW ‘G310 GS’ offers KTM 390 Duke (left) and ‘DU 2017-09-07 MONSTER 1502’ models are among the latest promotional offers by Alfardan Motorcycles. Ayad Al Siaidi, General excellent torque power with Manager Alfardan Motorcycles, maximum torque of 28 Newton expressed the importance of ride a motorcycle properly and motorcycling professionally. “Al Khebra Academy will ‘the Scrambler Sixty2’. The latest per minute and a 34hp engine. coming up with such promo- safely, and after passing the nec- Many customers want to explore provide our potential customers model in Ducati’s ‘Scrambler’ The design takes into account tional offers which in turn enrich essary riding tests, acquire a the unique world of motorcy- with premium quality training line is equipped with a the sense of strength for better motorcycling enthusiasts’ lives, motorcycle riding license.” cling, however some don’t have courses to go with every 400-cubic-foot, two-cylinder driving, both for day-to-day and help them live out their “Alfardan Motorcycles is the tools to do so, and so, this potential motorcycle purchase engine, and 41hp. driving conditions, as well as passions. keen on always paving the way unique opportunity that we’ve from our extensive roaster of It has a maximum torque of off-road conditions. “This promotional offer for thrill seekers and motorcy- created will allow them to actu- grade A motorcycles,” he added. 34Nm. All this weighs only about Al Fardan Motorcycles is the grants motorcycling enthusiasts cling enthusiasts to join the ranks alise their passions,” stated Ayad Ducati has expanded its 167kg. leading motorcycles provider in the opportunity to learn how to of those who practice Al Siaidi. ‘Scrambler’ line by introducing Ducati ‘Scrambler Sixty2’ is the state of Qatar. 16 MORNING BREAK THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2019

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 04. 06 AM ‘Artist in Residence’ SHOROOK 05. 23 AM

ZUHR 11. 37 AM MAGHRIB 05. 53 PM helps emerging and ASR 03. 06 PM ISHA 07. 23 PM

WEATHER TODAY established artists RAYNALD C RIVERA of the shapes. “I think it is one of the THE PENINSULA strongest programmes in the world, and I would like to thank Qatar Emerging and established artists taking Museums and the Fire Station which part in the ongoing ‘Artist in Residence have been a family for us for providing ‘programme’ at the Fire Station believe us a beautiful space and collaborating on the immense contribution of the with us whenever we need help,” said unique initiative in their artistic growth Qatari artist Faisal Al Hajri. by providing them space to experiment Al Hajri’s works, which vary from and giving them exposure. paintings to installations, are philo- “It has become a great hub of cre- sophical, at times political in nature. ativity, engaging with the community. One of the highlights of his works is It has been the mission of Qatar an installation called “Blockade related Museums to expand culture through to mental bondage.” contemporary art and certainly the Fire “What helped me in the pro- Station is a big proponent of that and the gramme is the fact that it’s a one-of- programme is a great way for the public a-kind in Qatar which provides us to get involved like tonight,” American studio spaces that we can use 24/7 and painter Michael Perrone, one of the res- it’s very helpful in terms of also ident artists, told media during the Open allowing us to talk with other artists Studio Night yesterday. so that we get the feedback that we Perrone, who is a teacher at Vir- need. We get exposure in Qatar and ginia Commonwealth University around the world which is very helpful. School of Arts in Qatar, said the pro- The studio gives me time to connect gramme has helped some of his stu- with my work and create different Qatari visual artist Faisal Al Hajri, one of the participants in the Artist in dents to continue their artistic growth experimentations,” Shaikha Jassim Al- o o Residence programme, with some of his works during the Open Studio Night as well as more established artists like Hardan, a Qatari artist who is a Graphic 21 C 29 C yesterday at the Fire Station. PIC: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH/THE PENINSULA him gain more exposure and develop Design graduate from VCUarts Qatar. Minimum Maximum creatively through meetings, men- Khalifa Al Obaidly, Director of the Partly cloudy to cloudy at times with torship and workshops. Fire Station said, “The Artist in Resi- can thrive. The Open Studio Night is exhibition in July. We are very excited chance of rain at some places maybe For his project, Perrone turns his dence programme is part of Qatar proving once again to be one of our to see what our talents will show us in thundery at times. old lecture notes into works of art con- Museums’ commitment to nurturing most popular events as it allows the a few months and I invite all members

HIGH TIDE 04:04 – 16:24 LOW TIDE 11:42 –23:07 verting them into shapes and painting emerging talent in the country and public to see how far our artists have of the community to visit us then to Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department on them as well as create sculptures providing platforms where creativity come ahead of the Artist in Residence see the final pieces.” Polluted air to shorten lives by 20 months, researchers say REUTERS 30 months, according to the much shorter life for anyone heart attack, diabetes, lung and industrial emissions, as well since 2010, the report found. LONDON annual State of Global Air report, born into highly polluted air,” cancer and chronic lung disease, as coal-burning power plants. Its conclusions illuminate published by the Health Effects said Dan Greenbaum, president the analysis found. About half of the total deaths what “we’re seeing more and The life expectancy of a child Institute, a US-based nonprofit of the Health Effects Institute. For household air pollution, in 2017 occurred in China and more of each year” in terms of born today could be reduced by research group. Of all risks to “In much of the world, just the research — co-produced by India together, it said. More than health impacts stemming from an average of 20 months due to health around the world, air pol- breathing in an average city is the Institute for Health Metrics 1.2 million early deaths were air pollution, said Alastair health damage caused by air lution is the fifth leading cause the health equivalent to being a and Evaluation at the University caused by air pollution in each Harper, head of advocacy at pollution, researchers said. of death, killing more people heavy smoker,” he added in a of Washington —determined the country that year. Unicef UK, the British arm of the In South Asia, where air pol- each year than road accidents statement. Long-term exposure main causes included the And while China had made UN children’s agency. lution levels are the highest, the and malaria, the report said. to indoor and outdoor pollution burning of smoky fuels such as progress in reducing air pol- The effects were particularly life expectancy for children born “A child’s health is critical to contributed to nearly 5 million wood or coal for cooking. lution, Pakistan, Bangladesh and severe for the most vulnerable in countries like Pakistan and the future of every society, and deaths globally in 2017, with Among the primary sources India experienced the largest groups including children, he Bangladesh falls by more than this newest evidence suggests a fatalities resulting from stroke, of outdoor pollution were vehicle increases in air pollution levels noted. BUSINESS Thursday 4 April 2019 PAGE | 02 PAGE | 04 Technology Amazon stock transformation key set up to double source for sustainable by 2021 to development of Qatar $3,000: Jefferies

QP takes part in LNG 2019, Shanghai BRIEFING Tesla to show self-driving car progress to investors SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla announced yesterday that it will give investors an up-close look at its self-driving car in a bid to bolster confidence in the progress of the nascent technology. Tesla co-founder and chief executive Elon Musk and other executives will take part in presentations to investors at the H E Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi (fifth left, sitting), the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, President and CEO of Qatar Petroleum, and other senior officials on the sidelines company’s Silicon of 19th International Conference & Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG 2019) in Shanghai, China. The conference and exhibition is considered as the premier event Valley headquarters for the world’s LNG industry, which features the largest number of high-level LNG industry leaders as plenary speakers. on April 19. “Tesla is making significant progress in the development of its Germany eyes autonomous driving software and closer economic Regency Group & Dell sign MoU hardware, including our FSD computer, ties with Turkey SATISH KANADY emphasizes on sound economic which is currently in THE PENINSULA development being an engine production and which ANATOLIA that drives progress by providing will enable full-self BERLIN Regency Group Holding, one of more opportunities and better driving via future over- Qatar’s leading business organi- way of life to the citizens. the-air software Germany and Turkey are sations, with entities in real Achieving this objective greatly updates,” the electric seeking closer economic ties estate, travel & tourism, hospi- hinges on Qatar’s ability to build carmaker said in a and have established five joint tality and technology industries, a sustainable business envi- release. AFP working groups to boost coop- signed a Memorandum of Under- ronment-one that can attract eration, a senior government standing (MoU) with Dell Tech- more investments, is innovation- Blackstone official said. nologies, yesterday. The MoU was backed and showcases a world- raises largest Oliver Wittke, Parlia- signed by Hassan Ibrahim Al class infrastructural backbone. mentary State Secretary at the Asmakh, Vice-President and CEO Keeping this objective in mind, buyout fund at Federal Ministry for Economic at Regency Group Holding; and Regency Group Holding wanted $22bn Affairs and Energy, told Ghassan Kosta, Country Manager, to empower their real estate and reporters Turkey remains an Dell Technologies, Qatar, in the retail customers with the right WASHINGTON: Black- important country for German presence of Margret Franco, technology solutions to help stone Group LP has firms and investors. Senior Vice-President- Europe, enrich and personalize customer raised more than “It is in Germany’s interest Middle East & Africa, Marketing experience. The MoU will help the $22bn for its flagship to see that Turkey’s economy at Dell Technologies. The signing Group leverage and offer the nec- buyout fund -- making Margret Franco (left), Senior Vice President - Europe, Middle East & is doing well, because we are ceremony was held on the side- essary technology expertise, it the largest in the Africa, Marketing at Dell Technologies; and Hassan Ibrahim Al Asmakh, the most important trade lines of the Dell Technologies industry knowledge coupled with firm’s history -- and partner of Turkey,” he said. “We Forum at St. Regis Hotel. Vice-President and CEO at Regency Group Holding, exchanging Internet of Things (IoY) and arti- it’s not finished raking can do more business with The collaboration aims at documents after the signing ceremony in Doha, yesterday. ficial intelligence (AI), he said. in cash. Turkey, if there will be good empowering the retail and real Ghassan Kosta commented: New York-based and positive economic devel- estate customers of Regency our capacity by relying less on However, in order to capitalize on “We believe that in this era of Blackstone completed opment in the country.” Group Holding with smart tech- human capital. Digitization and these opportunities, organizations digitization, IT is no longer just the first close for its Wittke said renewable nology solutions. automation is usually synon- in Qatar, big or small, need to a business function, but business eighth private equity energy, advanced technologies “This is a very pleasant ini- ymous with less reliance on adopt and adapt to advancements itself, thus digital transformation fund last month, and artificial intelligence are tiative that should really span the human capital…. Some of our in technology. “Therefore, as we is a clear imperative to power according to people areas which offer mutually ben- entire GCC and the transfor- companies are working on drone progress in our journey to mod- human progress… We are with knowledge of the eficial cooperation for both mation of security and building analytics. Some companies, in ernize our business, we wanted to pleased to collaborate with matter. countries. He said five joint management in the real estate the run up to FIFA 2022, are pre- empower our real estate and retail Regency Group Holding and help Fundraising in the working groups on industry, sector and how we manage the paring for the reduction on the customers with the right tech- their customers elevate the cus- private equity industry trade, infrastructure, tourism interconnected entities”, Ibrahim reliance on manpower by ena- nology that can help them harness tomer experience, and create has continued to gain and partnership projects in third Al Asmakh told The Peninsula, bling technology,” he said. the power of innovation. And, we competitive differentiation with momentum this year countries, have intensified their after the signing ceremony. Earlier, in a statement issued hope that our collaboration with our industry expertise and with Blackstone alone work in recent weeks, ahead of “Our tie-up with Dell is in to the media, Ibrahim Al Asmakh Dell Technologies reflects this leading solutions, which is seeking to bring in planned joint conferences on line with the Regency Group’s said digitization is unlocking new commitment.” critical to succeed in this data- $100bn. economy and trade this year. vision that how we can increase levels of socio-economic property. Qatar’s Vision 2030 heavily driven age”. BLOOMBERG QFC records strongest rise in new businesses since August 2018

THE PENINSULA strongest on record; with the in demand influenced com- respondents of new project output, lower stocks of pur- DOHA fastest input price inflation in panies’ expectations for total launches. Stronger inflows of chases and suppliers’ tighter a year. workloads, with the Future new work helped to boost delivery times (the latter index Qatar Financial Centre’s (QFC) Sheikha Alanoud bint Activity Index rising to the expectations regarding the is inverted for the PMI calcu- latest Purchasing Managers’ Hamad Al-Thani, Managing second-highest level since the 12-month outlook for growth lation). The overall rise in the Index (PMI) survey of Qatari Director of Business Devel- survey began in April 2017. of total business activity, with headline figure was slightly non-hydrocarbon private opment at QFC Authority, said, Over the first quarter of 2019 80 percent of surveyed com- tempered by a weaker contri- sector businesses highlighted “Intakes of new business Qatar’s PMI has trended higher panies expecting output at their bution from employment, a marked increase in the boosted Qatar’s non-hydro- compared with the final quarter units to rise by March 2020. As however, which had registered volume of new business. The carbon private sector in March, of 2018; a period during which a result, the Output Index reg- a record high earlier in the rate of expansion was the with this indicator from the PMI the global economy saw the istered a three-month high. quarter. As a whole, non-oil fastest since August 2018, and survey at a seven-month high. softest expansion in two years”. The uptick in business activity has resurged over the sharper than the trend pace Moreover, the month-on- Based on IHS Markit’s activity helped lift the headline first quarter of 2019 with the indicated since the survey month rise in the new business Global PMI data, overall confi- PMI figure for Qatar from Feb- PMI trending at 49.7, compared began in April 2017. The latest index, at 4.5 points, was the dence was the second-highest ruary’s 48.5 to 50.1 in March. to the lower average recorded findings also show output second-largest in nearly a year- on record, with concurring This improvement was over the second half of 2018 expectations were the second- and-a-half. This improvement reports from survey reflected in new orders, higher (49.3). `P2 02 BUSINESS THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2019 Qatar’s pavilion at Hannover MARKETWATCH Fair 2019 attracts large turnout QSE FTSE100 DOW BRENT 10,161.57 7,418.28 26,218.13 $62.49 THE PENINSULA -39.61 PTS +27.16 PTS +39.00 PTS -0.09 DOHA 0.39% 0.37% 0.15% Dow & Brent before going to press

Qatar’s pavilion at the Hannover Fair 2019 in Germany has attracted a large turnout as busi- nessmen, state officials, repre- Technology transformation sentatives of the industrial and trade sectors and media profes- key source for sustainable sionals, flocked to the 1000- square meter pavilion that the development of Qatar Ministry of Commerce and Industry hosted for the second consecutive year. THE PENINSULA speculation. Technology should The pavilion brought DOHA be an enabler and not a medium together representatives of the for exchange. If Cryptocur- Qatar Chamber, Qatar Financial The fourth industrial revolution rencies are measured and Centre, Manateq, Qatar Free that combines advanced tech- managed within a framework Zones Authority, the Supreme nologies in innovative ways, is then it is acceptable. Committee for Delivery & dramatically reshaping the way Technology from AI to 5G Legacy, Qatar Railways people live, work and relate to has the power to transform Company (Qatar Rail), Qatar one another. In the process, public safety, education, trans- Development Bank and Qatar various industries are getting portation, manufacturing and The visitors at Qatar Free Zones Authority’s pavilion at the Hannover Fair 2019 in Germany. Science and Technology Park. redefined and reimagined, Dr. energy. Digital solutions with the Participating private companies R Seetharaman (pictured), CEO potential to reduce emissions also included Qatar Industrial The Qatari pavilion Ministry of Commerce and country and are home to high- of Doha Bank, said yesterday. can be applied in sectors such Manufacturing Company (QIMC), brought together Industry, said: “Through Qatar’s quality infrastructure that enable Delivering the key note as agriculture, building, energy, Ebn Sina Medical, Qatar Alu- representatives of pavilion, the Ministry aims to investors to set up businesses address at The Dell Technologies manufacturing, and mobility, in minium (Qatalum), Doha Cables, showcase the key characteristics and companies in a growth-ori- Forum here, Dr Seetharaman addition to software and apps Bin Aman Plastic Industries and the Qatar Chamber, that position Qatar as an ented and prosperous noted the work space is under- to capture and quantify effi- Qatar Steel. Qatar Financial Centre, attractive economic envi- environment. going changes, robotics and arti- ciency gains. Technology trans- Participating entities show- Manateq, Qatar Free ronment for foreign investments Abdulla Al Naimi, Director of ficial intelligence are going to formation is the key source for cased the most prominent initi- Zones Authority, the as well as the incentives and leg- Corporate Government Relations play important roles and the sustainable development. atives undertaken by Qatar to islations endorsed by the state at the Qatar Science and Tech- customer will be more Referring to the potential of attract and stimulate invest- Supreme Committee to support the private sector, nology Park (Qatar Foundation) empowered in the digital envi- fintech, Dr. R. Seetharaman said ments in the industrial sector and for Delivery & Legacy, which would result in growing said QSTP has sought to become ronment. Banks need to manage financial institutions across the enhance its strategy of sup- Qatar Railways and foreign direct investment and a global hub for research, energy, the change by redefining their world, are realising that they porting the private sector and many others. attract an additional number of environment, technology and business models and to manage need to focus on a different sort offering incentives to attract German companies to the Qatari education since its establishment various stake holders such as of innovation, better technology, investors and foreign capital. market.” in 2009. customers, regulator and modern infrastructure and Participants also introduced to be part of the coveted event. For his part, Ali Sultan Al Since then, QSTP has shareholders. improve customer experience. Qatari industries in various The large number of represented Kuwari of QDB said the bank’s attracted a large number of com- “The question which comes The banking business models sectors and the latest techno- entities reflected Qatar’s participation in the fair falls in panies thanks to the incentives up is how to we regulate tech- are changing globally from being logical developments and advanced position as well as the line with its efforts to promote it offers including tax and nology companies. Customers old traditional branch business advanced equipment being used country’s promising investment local industries and provide customs exemptions as well as are information centric and not to highly advanced automated in the industrial sector, in opportunities and attractive clients access to international its advanced legislative location centric. To adopt to the customer centric experience for addition to the investment investment climate for local and markets, which will bolster framework, which streamline digital changes either you need performing day to day banking opportunities and incentives foreign companies, participants Qatari exports and contribute to services provided to govern- to be quick”, Doha Bank CEO activities. granted to investors, busi- noted. the accomplishment of the Qatar mental and non-governmental said. Fintech, internet of things, nessmen and entrepreneurs The fair provided a platform National Vision 2030. agencies, Al Naimi said. He said realignment of block chain and artificial intel- seeking to invest in various for Qatari companies to promote Manateq’s Director of Mohammed Al Mohannadi, resources will happen in the ligence are some of the major industries. These incentives their products, access new Business Development Adel Wali of Qatar Chamber, which is being light of technology develop- technological developments, promote domestic and foreign markets and export their high- said that Manateq, through its represented at Qatar’s pavilion ments. On cryptocurrencies, he Robotics, enabled by artificial investments and contribute to quality goods to global markets. participation in the fair, aims to for the second consecutive year, stated that currencies are a intelligence and machine the economic development of Abdulbasit Talib Al Ajji, promote investment opportu- said the Chamber is seeking to barometer of economy and learning, are proving to be a Qatar. Director of the Business Devel- nities in industrial, logistics and secure new partnerships and should not be tool for game changer, he said. Participants at Qatar’s opment and Investment Pro- economic zones. These areas are joint ventures. pavilion expressed their delight motion Department at the strategically located across the QFC records stronger rise in new businesses since August 2018

FROM BUSINESS PAGE 1 non-hydrocarbon GDP rising The latest survey indicated electricity and chemicals – as When inferring possible by 3.9 percent in real terms on an intensification of overall the indicator for wages and changes to economic projec- an annual basis. As a conse- cost pressures faced by non- salaries indicated a slower tions, readers should consider quence of substantially higher energy private sector firms. increase in March. Companies the short duration for which new business orders, there was Average input prices increased continued to cut their own both PMI and GDP data has evidence of rising pressure on at the fastest rate since March prices charged for goods and been collected. However, the business capacity with the 2018. This mainly reflected services, however. This trend PMI reading for Q1 2019 indicator for backlogs of work non-staff costs – including pointed to further pressure on is broadly consistent with at an eight-month high. shipping and customs charges, operating margins. 80% Mideast adults prefer app for Apicorp issues $300m airline flight update, says Cirium

THE PENINSULA polled online in the Middle East informed about a delay via a 5-year floating bond DOHA who had experienced a delayed phone call. or cancelled flight, did not find When asked, 34% of those THE PENINSULA supported Apicorp once again in A new online survey for Cirium it easy to change their travel polled online in the Middle East DOHA the Formosa market. The reveals the impact of flight plans. Airlines also had to bear said they would be most frus- issuance showcases the unique delays and cancelations and the the massive cost of disruption trated if their leisure trip was The Arab Petroleum Invest- nature of the credit by not only need for better management of with flight delays and cancela- affected and 30% if their flight ments Corporation (Apicorp), a achieving overwhelming flight disruption, with more tions costing the equivalent of was for business reasons. multilateral development bank, demand, but also securing communication via proactive US$7 for every departing pas- More than a third (37%) said rated Aa3 by Moody’s with a attractive terms.” flight updates for affected senger – slightly less than the they would be most under- positive outlook, successfully Faisal Qadri, Managing passengers. A staggering 80% of net profit per person per standing if a flight was delayed issued its third Formosa bond Director, Head of Debt Capital those surveyed online said they departing flight. or cancelled because of bad after accessing this market Markets and Structured Finance would be likely to use an app Jeremy Bowen, CEO of weather while almost a third earlier in 2016 and 2017. The at HSBC Saudi Arabia, added, which alerted their friends, Cirium, said, (27%) said if their aircraft expe- Aa3 rated $300m 5-year note “The strong investor appetite family or company about their “Flight delays and cancela- rienced a technical issue. which matures on April 01, Hesham Farid, Managing Director achieved in this transaction is a delay. tions are an unfortunate aspect However, only 10% would be 2024, offers investors a floating of Treasury & Capital Markets, reflection of investors’ confi- In 2018, approximately 3.9 of modern air travel and can most sympathetic with delays rate coupon. Apicorp dence in Apicorp’s unique credit million flights – or 10,700 a day have a big impact on travellers, or cancelations due to problems The transaction attracted profile and their ability to access – were delayed by over 30 whether flying for business or caused by air traffic control. robust investor demand with ownership structure and strong diversified funding sources. minutes or canceled globally, leisure. We recognize that the The response from Middle order book close to three times fundamentals.” HSBC is proud to have partnered affecting over 470 million pas- cost of disruption for airlines is East travellers was similar to oversubscribed, enabling Credit Agricole Corporate with Apicorp in this journey.” senger journeys around the also a significant problem. We those from the overall global Apicorp to price its Formosa well and Investment Bank, Taipei Salman Ansari, Managing world. Flight delays and cance- all want to travel stress free and opinion of those surveyed for within its secondary curve while Branch, HSBC Bank (Taiwan) Director, Head, Capital Markets, lations cost airlines in the get people to where they want Cirium as part of the poll in the also continuing to strengthen its Limited and Standard Chartered West, Standard Chartered Bank, Middle East and globally over to go, which is why at Cirium UAE, China, the US and the UK. investor access into Asia, Bank (Taiwan) Limited acted as also said, “Standard Chartered is US$30bn a year in lost revenue, we work closely with airlines Slightly more global than just innovate its funding profile and lead managers & book runners proud to be working with Apicorp in addition to costs borne by around the world on initiatives Middle Eastern travellers (31% access efficient and cost- on the trade, while Taishin Inter- yet again on another landmark their passengers. which reduce the impact of dis- compared to 27%) said they effective financing solutions. national Bank, President Secu- transaction. The resounding Airline flight delays and rupted flights.” wanted more information about Hesham Farid, Managing rities, Bank of Taiwan, KGI Secu- success of the Apicorp’s Formosa cancelations are caused by a The survey revealed well delayed and cancelled flights. Director of Treasury & Capital rities, Yuanta Securities and bond offering reflects the strong wide range of factors, such as over a third (41%) of those polled Fewer (35%) of those who had Markets, Apicorp, said, “We are Fubon Securities acted as co- confidence investors have placed technical issues with aircraft, online only found out about experienced a delayed or can- delighted with the successful managers for the transaction. in Apicorp’s credit and growth bad weather and medical diver- their flight delay or cancelation celled flight globally, did not issuance of Apicorp’s third Abrar Hussain, Head of DCM story. The transaction further sions. The YouGov study con- once they had reached the find it easy to change their Formosa bond which is a MENA, Crédit Agricole Corporate cements Apicorp’s strategy of ducted for Cirium showed well airport. When asked 38% said travel plans compared to Middle reflection of our impressive and Investment Bank, also said, becoming a regular issuer in the over a third of people (40%) they would prefer to be East travellers (40%). 40-year track record, unique “We are pleased to have global markets.” THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2019 BUSINESS 03 IMF: Nigeria’s economy growing too slowly BLOOMBERG The economy is Raising gasoline prices may LAGOS/ABUJA recovering from initially increase poverty levels, but that could be more than The International Monetary the 2014 crash in offset by using the money saved Fund said Nigeria’s economy crude prices and on social programs, Mati said. was growing too slowly to the IMF forecasts Nigeria spent 623 billion naira reduce poverty or joblessness ($1.7bn) keeping prices down last and urged the government to that growth will year, the IMF estimates. boost revenue and scrap its accelerate to 2.1 President Muhammadu system of multiple exchange percent this year Buhari opposes higher fuel rates. from 1.9 percent in prices or a devaluing the naira’s “Growth is not enough,” official exchange rate of 306 per Amine Mati, the IMF’s mission 2018. dollar, which is almost 20 chief for Nigeria, said in an percent stronger than the interview in Lagos yesterday as market-determined price of 360. the Washington-based lender ernment, according to Mati. While Nigeria has merged released its latest Article IV Nigeria should “urgently” most of its various exchange report for Africa’s biggest oil implement structural reforms to rates in the past two years, the Mercedes Benz’s factory opening producer. “Our number-one rec- diversify the economy from oil, continued existence of at least Russian President Vladimir Putin (second right), Mercedes-Benz Cars’ Member of the Divisional Board ommendation is to get the the IMF said. As well as boosting three rates and curbs on using Marcus Schaefer (right); German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier (third right); and Daimler CEO revenue ratio up.” revenue, these include easing hard currency to purchase The economy is recovering restrictions on businesses buying imports are deterring foreign Dieter Zetsche (fourth right) watch a video as they visit Mercedes Benz’s new factory on its opening from the 2014 crash in crude foreign exchange, increasing fuel direct investment, Mati said. day outside Moscow, yesterday. prices and the IMF forecasts that and electricity prices and making Most recent capital inflows came growth will accelerate to 2.1 state-owned companies more from fixed-income traders percent this year from 1.9 efficient, the IMF said. buying short-term debt and not percent in 2018. That would still “Under current policies, the investors taking a long-term Austria leave it as one of Africa’s least outlook remains muted,” the view, he said. buoyant economies and will be lender said in the report. “Over The central bank said last proposes taxing Greece clears hurdle for below the rate of population the medium term, absent strong week that there have been about growth, which is almost 3 reforms, growth would hover $6bn of inflows since the Feb- Internet giants debt-relief cash with percent. The jobless rate was 23 around 2.5 percent, implying no ruary election, mostly into percent in September. per-capita growth as the money markets. Rates on naira AFP EU Commission nod Part of the problem is the economy faces limited increases bonds average 14.4 percent, the VIENNA government’s small tax base, in oil production and insufficient fourth-highest among large BLOOMBERG In a report reviewing which hinders its ability to adjustment four years after the emerging markets, according to Austria yesterday proposed BRUSSELS bolster demand through oil-price shock.” data compiled by Bloomberg. taxing Internet giants such as Greece’s record spending. Its ratio of revenue to Nigeria caps gasoline at 145 The IMF also said the central Google and Facebook five Greece cleared a key hurdle in completing the gross domestic product is one of naira per liter ($0.40, or $1.51 a bank should stop its devel- percent of their digital adver- toward receiving around €1bn overhauls attached lowest in the world and will fall gallon), among the 10 cheapest opment-finance operations, tising revenue, a higher rate ($1.1bn) in cash for debt relief, to further aid, the to 7 percent in 2019 from 8 levels worldwide, according to which include lending to farmers than France and other EU coun- as the European Commission percent last year, the IMF said. GlobalPetrolPrices.com. Low and manufacturers at subsidized tries are seeking. said the country has fulfilled EU’s executive arm Increasing value-added tax power tariffs have long hindered interest rates, and focus more on Austrian Chancellor all reform conditions required paved the way for a from the current 5 percent could distribution companies and price stability and banking Sebastian Kurz said the tax in its latest post-bailout audit. final decision to be be a first step for the gov- cause regular blackouts. supervision. aimed to stop the “unfairness” In a report reviewing taken by euro-area of internet giants who have Greece’s record in completing until now routed their sales the overhauls attached to finance ministers through subsidiaries in low-tax further aid, the EU’s executive when they meet in EU members. arm paved the way for a final Bucharest, Romania, The government hopes that decision to be taken by euro- later this week. the new tax, which still has to area finance ministers when be approved by parliament, will they meet in Bucharest, bring in €200m ($225m) per Romania, later this week. year from 2020. The report comes after a authorities,” the commission It targets businesses with an prolonged spat over Greece’s said. “It also warrants par- annual worldwide revenue of household insolvency ticular attention from a at least 750m euros, of which framework, which creditors financial stability perspective, at least €25m is made in worried could harm the coun- as the available impact assess- Austria. In other plans try’s payment culture and ments indicate that larger debt announced on Wednesday, weigh on its troubled banks. write-offs will be required Austria will seek to make reg- Greek lenders have the compared to residential istration mandatory for online highest ratio of soured loans mortgage loans, and thus the booking platforms, including in Europe. estimated impact on banks’ home-sharing giant Airbnb. Greece finally voted for capital is comparatively high.” The current VAT exemption the controversial framework The Greek government for articles sold online for less in parliament last week has been waiting for the green than 22 euros will also be abol- addressing some of the cred- light from the currency bloc ished as part of the changes. itors’ concerns. While the before it can begin a pro- 5G mobile networks launch Early last month, France report said “some risks to cedure for the early An employee demonstrates 5G services on a smartphone during a press conference of South Korean introduced a bill for a three financial stability and repayment of some of its loans telecom operator KT in Seoul. South Korea launches the world’s first fully-fledged 5G mobile networks percent “GAFA tax” - using an payment discipline remain,” from the International Mon- tomorrow, a transformational leap that already has superpowers sparring for control of an innovation acronym for US giants Google, it suggested the new insol- etary Fund. Greece is also con- expected to dominate the day-to-day lives of billions of people. Apple, Facebook and Amazon vency regime was sufficient sidering another bond sale in - on digital advertising, web- for the euro area to take a the coming weeks or months sites and the resale of private decision to release the or a reopening of one of the data. Finance Minister Hartwig tranche. latest notes it has issued. Questions over expenses under Ghosn Loeger said Austria wanted a The report “could be used Yields on Greek five-year higher tax rate than that in by the Eurogroup to agree on bonds have fallen to a record AFP / PARIS The statement said that “RNBV’s internal order to make up for all the the release of a first tranche low showing that currently organisation suggests serious deficiencies in terms years that internet giants of policy-contingent debt there is an appetite for Greek French carmaker Renault said yesterday that a of financial transparency and expenditure control avoided taxes. measures,” it said. The risk. The disbursement of the joint Renault-Nissan audit of their Dutch subsidiary procedures.” Some of the additional reserved wording reflects tranche could boost investor RNBV had raised “serious questions” over millions The board had asked Renault’s management money flowing to government some concerns in the euro sentiment further, as a nascent of euros in expenses incurred by ousted CEO Carlos to work with Nissan “to jointly remedy these defi- coffers will be used to support area that the new insolvency economic recovery gains hold. Ghosn. ciencies as soon as possible,” it added. the digitalisation of Austrian framework could still end up Euro-area finance min- “Certain expenses which have yet to be pre- The statement came amid reports in Japan media, he said. In France, the being too generous. istry officials are expected to cisely quantified, but may amount to several that prosecutors there were considering bringing tax is to be applied retroactively “The extension of the hold a call later on Wednesday million euros since 2010, raise serious questions further charges against Ghosn, who spent more on revenue from January 1, perimeter to business loans to discuss the report and pos- as to their conformity with RNBV’s corporate than three months in custody on allegations of 2019, bringing in €400m to the raises particular concerns sible debt relief tranche ahead interest,” Renault’s board of directors said in a financial misconduct involving his pay and Nis- public purse this year, and 650 which have been communi- of the ministers’ meeting later statement. san’s accounts. million by 2022. cated to the Greek this week. South Africa could give troubled Eskom more financial support REUTERS decade of steep decline Africa’s energy regulator chairman of an Eskom task SASOLBURG, SOUTH AFRICA during which its costs awarded Eskom smaller team appointed by Pres- soared and electricity sales tariff hikes than it asked for. ident Cyril Ramaphosa, said The highest levels of South stagnated. “A variety of options his team was looking at Africa’s government are South Africa’s gov- are before us, and serious some kind of debt relief for considering a variety of ernment said in February consideration is being given the utility, which supplies additional financial support that it would give Eskom a to all of them at the highest more than 90 percent of the measures for struggling 69 billion rand ($4.9 billion) levels of government,” power in Africa’s most state power firm Eskom, bailout over the next three Gordhan told reporters at industrialised economy. Public Enterprises Minister years to help it service its Eskom’s Lethabo power Eberhard added: “Some Pravin Gordhan said 420 billion rand debt station. kind of new innovative yesterday. mountain. “Once we have finessed financing facility is some- Eskom, which has But energy experts say the package, we will let you thing that the team is FROM LEFT: Eskom’s Group Chief Executive, Phakamani Hadebe, South African Minister implemented some of the the bailout is insufficient to know either before the looking at, a blended of Enterprise Pravin Gordhan, and Eskom Board Chairman Jabu Mabuza give a joint most severe power cuts in make Eskom financially election (in May) or soon finance facility which could press conference to update on the current status of electricity supply during a visit several years this year, is sustainable in the long term, thereafter,” Gordhan added. involve a concessionary battling for survival after a especially since South Anton Eberhard, component.” at the Lethabo Power Station yesterday, in Sasolburg, South Africa. 04 BUSINESS THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2019 US will not send high-level officials to China’s Silk Road Summit

REUTERS President Xi WASHINGTON Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative has Amazon stock The United States will not send proven controversial high-level officials to attend set up to China’s second Belt and Road in many Western summit in Beijing this month, a capitals, particularly double by 2021 US State Department spokesman Washington, which Angola-Russia business forum to $3,000: said on Tuesday, citing concerns views it as a means about financing practices for the Angola’s President Joao Lourenco (centre) walks to attend an Angola-Russia business forum in initiative. to spread Chinese Moscow, yesterday. Jefferies China’s top diplomat, Yang influence abroad. Jiechi, said on Saturday that almost 40 foreign leaders BLOOMBERG would take part in the summit matter said Washington was NEW YORK due to be held in Beijing in late considering sending a lower- EU would deploy customs controls April. He rejected criticisms of level staffer from the US Even for a company as the plan as “prejudiced.” The embassy to observe and take large as Amazon.com first summit for Belt and Road, notes on the conference but not immediately after no-deal Brexit Inc., a double-digit which envisions rebuilding the to participate, though a final percentage gain in 2019 old Silk Road to connect China decision has not yet been REUTERS related to an increase in on animals and goods will need is nothing to a bull with Asia, Europe and beyond made. BRUSSELS customs checks, while travellers to take place on the land border expecting the stock to with massive infrastructure President Xi Jinping’s Belt and their luggage would also be between EU member Ireland almost double over the spending, was held in 2017 and and Road Initiative has proven The European Union’s main subject to more checks than at and the British province of next two years. attended by Matt Pottinger, the controversial in many Western economics and tax official said present. Northern Ireland. According to Jefferies’ senior White House official for capitals, particularly Wash- yesterday that the risk of a Moscovici said some EU But both London and the EU Brent Thill (pictured), Asia. ington, which views it as a ‘no-deal’ Brexit on April 12 was members estimated their want to avoid deploying elab- Amazon remains under- There are no such plans this means to spread Chinese increasing, as he explained the import/export customs formal- orate border infrastructure on valued and ‘many of its year. influence abroad and saddle bloc’s contingency plans for ities could grow by as much as the island, fearing that it could embedded growth “We will not send high-level countries with unsustainable customs checks. half in the event of an abrupt become the target of violence opportunities are under- officials from the United States,” debt through non-transparent “The EU customs code no-deal Brexit. He said and undermine peace in the appreciated.’ US State Department spokesman projects. would apply to all goods “complex calculations” of VAT province, which saw three The firm now models Robert Palladino said in answer On Saturday, Yang called arriving from the UK,” EU Eco- reimbursements were also to be decades of sectarian violence a road map for the stock to a question from Reuters. such criticisms “prejudiced,” nomic Affairs and Tax Commis- expected. at the end of the last century. to trade hands upward of “We will continue to raise saying China has never forced sioner Pierre Moscovici told a “This will have big impact “In a no-deal scenario, both $3,000 a share by 2021. concerns about opaque debt upon participants and the news conference. “We have to on cash flow of businesses,” he the EU and the UK would face Amazon shares rose as financing practices, poor gov- initiative was to promote joint ensure full application of the EU said. “Without an exit a challenge of protecting their much as 0.8 percent to ernance, and disregard for inter- development. customs code as soon as the UK agreement, the activity of thou- single markets... They would $1,828 a share yesterday, nationally accepted norms and On Saturday, he did not leaves.” “If there is a no-deal sands of European businesses need to carry out the necessary the highest intraday since standards, which undermine name the 40 leaders he said scenario, new customs controls and travellers would be dis- checks,” Moscovici said. Oct. 18. many of the standards and prin- would attend, but some of would have to be introduced... turbed by reintroduction of “We are working closely and A sum-of-the-parts ciples that we rely upon to China’s closest allies have con- That does not mean we would customs checks.” On the most intensively with Ireland to breakdown by Jefferies promote sustainable, inclusive firmed they will be there, systematically check every sensitive issue, that of the Irish organise these checks in the forecasts upside of development, and to maintain including Russian President single... lorry... We would be border, Moscovici carefully least disruptive way possible, approximately 65 stability and a rules-based order. Vladimir Putin, Pakistani Prime controlling (checking) goods on avoided giving any clear and as much as possible away percent as profitable seg- “We have repeatedly called Minister Imran Khan, Philip- the basis of risk analysis.” He answer. Since Britain has told from the border.” He added that ments - such as Amazon on China to address these con- pines President Rodrigo Duterte said EU companies trading with Brussels it wants to leave the the EU could give Ireland more Web Services, Adver- cerns,” Palladino added. and Cambodian Prime Minister the UK had to be ready for addi- EU’s customs union as it leaves money and other assistance to tising, and 3P Seller A person familiar with the Hun Sen. tional costs and bureaucracy the EU, the bloc says controls meet the challenge. Services - are all growing at rates faster than the core retail division. ‘Mul- tiples for these high- Japanese crypto recurring revenue, high- margin businesses to expand as investors rec- startup says it’s hit a ognize their embedded value,’ Thill said in a research note to clients. rare $1bn valuation Thill also mentions the forecast does not BLOOMBERG small amount for such a lofty include any upside from TOKYO valuation. Startup valuations are new businesses like viewed skeptically if the amount health care, ‘which could Liquid Group Inc, a Tokyo- of capital raised is less than 10 prove a break-out hit’ based crypto-currency trading percent. with Amazon expected to platform, put out a press release That’s not to take away from play a meaningful hand yesterday that it had raised Liquid’s progress in building its in medical prescriptions venture funds at a valuation in business, including securing a and over-the-counter excess of $1bn, making it one of coveted crypto-exchange drugs. the rare so-called unicorns in license from Japan’s financial Amazon shares have Japan. watchdog and handling more climbed about 35 percent The startup has secured than $50bn in cumulative since a bottom in late funding from investors trading volume. IDG is also a December, but Jefferies including venture fund IDG marquee investor, having still believes the stock Capital and crypto mining giant funded crypto startups such as has held back since last Citroen C5 AirCross SUV launch Bitmain Technologies Ltd., it Coinbase Inc and Bitmain. earnings given ‘investor said in the statement, but in a Crypto startups have a concerns about deceler- Linda Jackson (left), Chief Executive Officer, Citroen Brand, Groupe PSA Roland Bouchara (second left), somewhat unusual step didn’t history of pushing aggressive ating top line growth and Senior Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Citroen India, Carlos Tavares (second right), Chairman of disclose how much money it valuations. In June, Circle step up in investments.’ the Managing Board, Groupe PSA and Emmanuel Delay, Executive Vice- President & Head of India- had taken in. Liquid has com- Internet Financial Ltd raised The firm reiterated its Pacific, Groupe PSA pose during the launch of PSA Groupe first vehicle Citroen C5 AirCross SUV in mitments for about $50m, $110m, valuing the mobile pay- buy rating and 12-month Chennai, India, yesterday. according to a person familiar ments and crypto trading $2,300 price target. with the matter, a relatively platform at $3bn. Pound rises versus dollar on May’s Brexit gamble LONDON out saying Britain should have an inde- “This feels very much like the last slammed by Brexit turmoil and flat eco- as a report said China and the US were AFP pendent trade policy after Brexit. throw of the dice, with the argument nomic growth. closing in on a deal to end their long- “The announcement was win-win being that cross-party talks should Trading on Wall Street opened running trade row. The British pound rose against the for the pound,” Oanda analyst Craig have been the first throw of the dice,” higher on Wednesday, despite new Frankfurt’s DAX 30 index in par- dollar Wednesday after Prime Erlam told AFP. Hughes told AFP. data showing that hiring in the US ticular charged forward, up more than Minister Theresa May offered cross- “Not only did May re-affirm her “The deadlock, political infighting private sector slowed for the second 1.3 percent on the day in afternoon party talks with the leader of the opposition to no deal, she’s technically and MPs’ inability to make a decision month in a row in March -- hitting its trading after investor optimism was opposition Labour Party in a political opened the door to a softer Brexit. I say has led to both the process and the slowest pace in 18 months. given an extra boost by a report in the gamble aimed at resolving the Brexit technically because a lot now has to country to a certain degree becoming The monthly data from payrolls Financial Times saying Beijing and impasse. happen for that to be delivered, a laughing stock. firm ADP comes two days before a Washington were on course for a his- Sterling won a boost after Conserv- including the Conservatives and Labour “Continuous votes on outcomes more closely watched government toric agreement. ative leader May declared late yes- working together towards an unchar- that the majority know will be rejected report on employment. Expectations that the world’s top terday that she would look for another acteristic compromise.” by the EU anyway are wasting time, “Businesses are hiring cautiously two economies will eventually sign a Brexit delay and softened her position However, he added: “If this fails, I and it’s only now that we are taking as the economy is struggling with deal has been a key driver of a global to try and avert a messy no-deal struggle to see how she recovers; it very the prospect of no deal seriously fading fiscal stimulus, the trade uncer- equities rally this year, and the FT divorce from the European Union next much feels like a last-ditch, desperate enough.” tainty, and the lagged impact of Fed article adds to the general sense of week. gamble.” However, sterling’s gains were tightening,” said Mark Zandi, chief hope. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has AxiTrader analyst James Hughes capped Wednesday by a gloomy survey economist at Moody’s Analytics, which “Clearly, the stock market con- consistently called for Britain to remain meanwhile questioned why May had showing that Britain’s vital services jointly produces the report. tinues to look at those negotiations with in a customs union with the bloc, while waited this long to hold discussions sector shrank in March for the first time Meanwhile, European and Asian a glass-is-half-full mentality,” said the government has so far ruled this with Corbyn. in almost three years, with activity stock markets advanced Wednesday Briefing.com analyst Patrick O’Hare. THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2019 BUSINESS 05 UK headed for downturn as Brexit worries hammer services sector Britain’s economy has contractionary territory for the first outright contraction only because been sluggish since the time since July 2016, immediately firms bought more raw materials after Britons voted to leave the to prepare for a potentially disor- 2016 Brexit referendum European Union. derly Brexit. and saw its weakest “Amid all the noise in West- “A stalling of the economy in the expansion in six years minster, the latest Markit/CIPS PMI first quarter will ... likely turn into in 2018, even though makes it clear the economy is being a downturn in the second quarter hit hard,” ING economist James unless demand revives suddenly, unemployment fell to Smith (pictured) said in a note. which given the recent escalation its lowest in more than Britain’s economy has been of Brexit uncertainty, seems highly 40 years. sluggish since the 2016 Brexit ref- improbable,” IHS Markit said. erendum and saw its weakest But some economists cautioned expansion in six years in 2018, even that past PMIs had tended to be too REUTERS though unemployment fell to its projects,” IHS Markit said. downbeat when economic uncer- LONDON lowest in more than 40 years. Late on Tuesday, May said she tainty has been high. The slowdown in the global would seek another Brexit delay to “GDP growth probably is Britain’s economy looks likely to economy has also weighed on try to reach an agreement with holding up a little better than the shrink over the coming months, growth. But until now few surveys Jeremy Corbyn, the opposition PMIs imply,” said Samuel Tombs at after Brexit worries caused the have pointed to an outright con- Labour Party leader, a last-ditch Pantheon Macroeconomics. dominant services sector to contract traction in the world’s fifth-largest gambit to break an impasse over Unlike in 2016, when demand for the first time in nearly three economy. Britain’s departure that enraged rebounded rapidly after the initial years, a survey showed yesterday. Britain had been due to leave many in her party. shock of the referendum result, The IHS Markit/CIPS Purchasing the EU on March 29, but parliament Sterling dipped after the PMI British businesses have now Managers’ Index (PMI), a survey of repeatedly opposed the Brexit deal release, to $1.3156 compared with reported falling orders for the past services ranging from giant banks Prime Minister Theresa May had $1.3175 beforehand, but it quickly three months, the longest such run to high-street hairdressers, tumbled negotiated with Brussels. recouped losses as traders focused since the depths of a recession in to 48.9 in March from 51.3 in Feb- “There were widespread on the outcome of the talks between 2009. Last week, the head of the ruary, weaker than all forecasts in reports that domestic political May and Corbyn. British Chambers of Commerce said a Reuters poll of economists. uncertainty had constrained A broader PMI released this business was angry with politicians The PMI, a closely watched demand in March, with clients week, including manufacturing and for “chasing rainbows” rather than barometer of the economy’s health, hoping for clarity about Brexit out- construction data, also fell to its accepting that some Brexit goals is now below 50 and in comes before committing to new lowest since July 2016. It escaped were unrealistic. US firms post weakest job growth in 18 months: ADP

BLOOMBERG market is taking a breather amid headwinds lagged impact of Fed tightening.”Get More WASHINGTON from slowing global growth, an unresolved trade Goods-producing jobs shrank with a 6,000 battle, the waning effect of the tax cuts and a drop in construction, the steepest drop since US companies added the fewest workers in shrinking pool of job candidates. The figures 2012, and a 2,000 decline in manufacturing, March since late 2017 as construction and may fuel some pessimism for the monthly jobs the biggest decrease since 2016.Service pro- manufacturing cut jobs, according to a private report, though economists project that the data viders expanded by 135,000 -- the least in four report that signals potential weakness in will show payrolls bounced back from a weak months -- led by education and health services employment ahead of the monthly Labor reading to one more in line with recent and professional and business services.The Department data tomorrow. trends.”The job market is weakening, with report pointed to strains at the smallest busi- Private payrolls increased by 129,000, employment gains slowing significantly across nesses. Firms with fewer than 20 workers shed missing economist estimates, after an upwardly most industries and company sizes,” Mark almost 9,000 jobs for the first back-to-back revised 197,000 gain in February, according to Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics Inc., drop in eight years.Economists in Bloomberg’s data released yesterday by the ADP Research said in a statement. Moody’s produces the survey had forecast the main gauge easing to Institute. Goods-producing jobs shrank for the figures with ADP. “Businesses are hiring cau- 175,000.ADP’s payroll data represent about first time since December 2016. tiously as the economy is struggling with fading 411,000 firms employing nearly 24 million The downshift in hiring signals the labor fiscal stimulus, the trade uncertainty, and the workers in the US.

CROSSWORD MALL ROYAL PLAZA

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

Note: Programme is subject to change without prior notice.

ROMEO AKBAR WALTER The movie is based on Ravindra Kaushik. He was an Ex RAW agent. His spy mind benefitted India in 1971 war and many more secrets revealed by him. He went to major post in Pak Army and through their he was leaking the details and giving to India. 06 BUSINESS THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2019 AL ASMAKH LISTINGS CALL CENTER: 4448 5111 / 4041 0757 We also offer our RICS regulated International valuation service VALUATIONS & RESEARCH [email protected]

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Duration of Westbrook joins Wilt in NBA tennis matches shortened at history as Thunder beat Lakers Olympics AP lead the Golden State past OKLAHOMA CITY Denver in a matchup of the top Russell Westbrook #0 of AP teams in the conference. the Oklahoma City Thunder LONDON Russell Westbrook became just DeMarcus Cousins had a dribbles up court during a the second player in NBA history season-best 28 points, on 107-100 win over the Los The men’s tennis singles to have 20 points, 20 rebounds 12-for-17 shooting, 13 rebounds, Angeles Lakers at Staples final at the Olympics has and 20 assists in a game as the five assists and two blocks for the Center in Los Angeles, been shortened to a best- Oklahoma City Thunder defeated Warriors (53-24), who have a California. Westbrook of-three-sets match as part the Los Angeles Lakers 119-103 two-game lead and the tie- became only the second of format changes designed on Tuesday night. breaker on Denver (51-26) with player after Wilt Chamberlain to reduce the workload of Westbrook clinched the five games to go in the chase for to score a ‘20-20-20’ triple- players competing in mark with a rebound in the final the Western Conference’s top double on Tuesday. multiple events. minute, drawing a large ovation seed and home-court advantage It means all matches from the home crowd. He fin- throughout the playoffs. across the men’s and ished with 20 points, 20 rebound Stephen Curry added 17 women’s singles are now and 21 assists. points, five rebounds and five best of three sets with Wilt Chamberlain is the only assists. tiebreakers. other player to accomplish the Jamal Murray scored 17 In another alteration, feat. He had 22 points, 25 points, and Paul Millsap had 11 the men’s and women’s rebounds and 21 assists in a game points shooting 4 of 11 for doubles matches will have in 1968. Denver, which lost for the third a Champions Tiebreak to Westbrook had at least 15 time in four games and played 10 points when the score is points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists the first night of a tough back- 1-1 in sets, like in mixed for the eighth time in his career, to-back with San Antonio vis- doubles. tying Chamberlain for second- iting the Mile High City on The International most all-time. Oscar Robertson Wednesday. Tennis Federation had 14 such games in his career. SPURS 117, HAWKS 111 announced the changes Westbrook finished 8 of 23 DeMar DeRozan scored 29 yesterday, saying they from the field as Oklahoma City points and San Antonio beat “reduce concerns of won for the third time in its last Atlanta for the 21st straight time overplay for players who 10 games. at home. reach the latter stages of all Kentavious Caldwell-Pope San Antonio point guard three events - singles, led the Lakers with 23 points. Derrick White added 23 points fourth to avoid its second straight 3-pointers in a win over half-game ahead of idle Portland doubles and mixed WARRIORS 116, NUGGETS after scoring 12 total points in his loss at home. Sacramento. for third place in the Western doubles.” 99 previous two games. Kent Bazemore had 26 points Eric Gordon and Danuel Conference. It’s the fifth time in They will come into Kevin Durant emphatically The Spurs remain seventh in to lead the Hawks, and Alex Len House Jr. each scored 19 points, the six years that the Rockets effect for the 2020 Games showed who is still No. 1 in the the Western Conference at added 21. Kenneth Faried added 12 points have had at least 50 victories. in Tokyo. The multi-sport West, delivering a pair of jarring 45-33. ROCKETS 130, KINGS 105 and 11 rebounds, and P.J. Tucker Buddy Hield had 20 points event is scheduled to take dunks late in the first half and Atlanta led by as many as James Harden had 36 points scored 13. The Rockets have won and seven rebounds for Sacra- place from 24 July to 9 finishing with 21 points and six nine points in the second half, and 10 assists and Houston 17 of 20. mento. The Kings (38-40) have August in Tokyo. assists before being ejected to before San Antonio rallied in the matched its season high with 26 Houston (50-28) moved a lost four of six. Gallo’s hard 2-run grounder Stars clinch 1st play-off trip since 2016 pushes Rangers AP to get this thing going.” DALLAS The Stars were just a point past Astros 6-4 shy of the playoffs and could Jamie Benn gave a brief nod to have made it with an Arizona AP Tyler Seguin after sharing a big loss in a later game. ARLINGTON, smile with goalie Anton Instead, they left little Khudobin. doubt with four goals in the A trying season for the Dallas final 24 minutes, including a Slugger Joey Gallo has played captain will continue in the pair 10 seconds apart, to a key role late in all three wins playoffs. secure just their third Western by the Texas Rangers this The Stars clinched their first Conference playoff berth in 11 season, and with more than the trip to the postseason in three seasons. long ball. years, getting two goals and two Jason Dickinson, Esa Lindell, Gallo grounded a hard assists from Alexander Radulov Tyler Pitlick and Blake Comeau single through the right side of in a 6-2 victory over the Phila- also scored for the Stars, who the infield, a tiebreaking delphia Flyers on Tuesday night. hold the first wild-card spot with two-run hit in the seventh “The fun stuff’s going to 91 points and are unlikely to get inning that went between two begin next week,” Benn said. into the top three in the Central diving infielders as the Rangers “You just want a chance. Division. beat the Houston Astros 6-4 on We’re going to do that now and Dallas last made the playoffs Tuesday night. have a lot of fun with it and try in 2016, losing a Game 7 to St. “He’s putting himself in Louis in the second round. very good situations and The Stars missed the play- trusting his swing, controlling offs a year ago because of an the moment,” new manager eight-game losing streak late in Chris Woodward said. The fun stuff’s going the season, the first six of those “A lot of guys are, pretty on the road. much everybody in big spots. I to begin next week. This time, they moved to the after team CEO Jim Lites pro- describe the way both were “culture of mediocrity.” Mont- think that’s why we’re getting You just want a brink of the postseason by fanely ripped the play of Benn playing while saying the team gomery’s tone was decidedly it done late in games because chance. We’re going earning seven points on a four- and Seguin, the high-priced star was underachieving. more positive after the All- everybody’s kind of committed to do that now and game Canadian swing before forwards. First-year coach Jim Mont- Star break, when the Stars to this idea... and having a game coming home to face The Stars actually held the gomery, making the rare tran- won their first four as part of plan for those big moments.” have a lot of fun with Philadelphia. last playoff spot in the West in sition from college, joined the a five-game winning streak The Rangers (3-2) are it and try to get this It was a satisfying surge for late December when Lites used chorus not long after Lites’ and had another solid run in already over.500 for the second thing going: Benn a club that worked through a plenty of profanity along with strong words, saying he was March to set up the decisive time this season after not tumultuous midseason stretch “terrible” and “embarrassing” to trying to end the franchise’s Canadian trip. having a winning record at any point last year. In their first win Saturday night against the Chicago Cubs, Kucherov in the running for NHL’s MVP award Gallo hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the eighth inning. He finished that opening series AP front-runners this year. “After already been eliminated from top 130 points was Mario goals and part of a team that with a ninth-inning double, NEW YORK last year, I’m not commenting,” playoff contention, and McDavid Lemieux, who had 161 in became only the NHL’s third to then scored the game-ending McDavid said, chuckling. “I have and everyone else are being 1995-96. win 60 or more games. Kucherov run on a wild pitch. Connor McDavid knows better no idea who will win it at all.” overshadowed by the numbers “It’s not at all surprising. He has also led the points race since Asdrubal Cabrera, the new than to risk making end-of- McDavid, who won the Nikita Kucherov is putting up was unbelievable last year, and Dec. 28, and gone no more than Texas third baseman after season NHL award projections. Hart in 2017 after leading the with the President’s Trophy- seemed to get no recognition for two games without registering a Adrian Beltre retired, homered Through no fault of his own, Oilers to their first playoff clinching Tampa Bay Lightning. it,” McDavid said, noting how point this season. for the third time. Cabrera’s the Edmonton Oilers captain was berth in 11 years, isn’t likely With 125 points through 79 Kucherov finished third in the That’s not to say there aren’t two-run shot in the second tied not included among last year’s to be included among this games, Kucherov has already NHL with 100 points last season. others worthy of mention. the game at 2 against Justin three MVP candidates, causing year’s finalists even though he matched Joe Thornton’s league- “They’re a team that scores Calgary’s Johnny Gaudreau, Verlander, the Astros opening- a stir back home. entered the final week of the leading total in 2005-06. T a lot of goals. And he’s in on most with a career-best 97 points day starter who didn’t make it So McDavid understandably season second in the league he highest total after that is of them. It’s pretty impressive.” already, has played a key role in out of the fifth inning in his deferred when recently asked to with 115 points. Jaromir Jagr’s 127 points in Kucherov is tied for the Lightning helping the Flames clinch their second game. list his Hart Trophy Trouble is, the Oilers have 1998-99, and the last player to lead with seven game-winning first division title in 13 years. 08 SPORT THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2019

Dismal Fulham condemned to US chase maiden HK Sevens EPL relegation

AFP victory, Tokyo 2020 berth LONDON Fulham were relegated from AFP the Premier League as a 4-1 HONG KONG thrashing against Watford on Captains of teams competing in the annual Hong Kong Rugby Sevens Tuesday brought a fitting end pose with the winner’s trophy in front of a view of the skyline in Hong A surging United States are to their turbulent one-season “confident” of taking home their Kong yesterday, during a promotional event ahead of the tournament. stay in the top flight. maiden cup at this weekend’s Scott Parker’s side had to Hong Kong Sevens, with the avoid defeat at Vicarage Road unexpected series leaders eyeing to stave off their inevitable a guaranteed Tokyo 2020 berth demise for a few more days. for the top finishers at the But second-bottom Fulham, flagship tournament. 16 points from safety with five The Eagles have enjoyed a games remaining, slumped to stratospheric rise in this year’s a ninth successive loss that con- competition with victory in Las firmed their relegation to the Vegas and four other finals Championship. appearances in the six rounds Abdoulaye Doucoure put played so far. Watford ahead in the 23rd “We’ve had a good year so minute before Ryan Babel’s far and we’re looking to keep it equaliser 10 minutes later going,” captain Madison Hughes briefly gave Fulham hope. said. Fulham’s fate was sealed in “We’re confident. There’s a the second half when Will lot of good teams here, especially Hughes, Troy Deeney and Kiko a lot of the top ones that are Femenia all netted for Javi Gra- coming for us. We’re excited for cia’s men in the space of 12 that and we believe in ourselves minutes. and we’re going to give it every- On Saturday, bottom-of- thing we’ve got.” the-table Huddersfield became Coach Mike Friday said his only the second team after squad were still finding their feet Derby in 2008 to be relegated after vaulting ahead of the tra- from the Premier League in ditional rugby power houses. March with six games left. “We’re working hard, Three days later, Fulham keeping our heads down and followed Huddersfield through trying to be the best we can,” he everybody else but the next the Zealand, Australia and 2018 Olympic year is huge for eve- Fiji have won the Hong Kong the trapdoor in what ranks as told reporters yesterday. next man in is stepping up for finalists Kenya in the weekend’s rybody. I’ve certainly noticed an tournament a record 18 times the third earliest relegation in “We’ll take every oppor- us.” “group of death” pool. increasing intensity,” he said, and took home the cup for the the Premier League era. tunity in every game where it A favourable draw will see Fiji coach Gareth Baber said adding that the boost in funding past four years. Forty teams are Despite a close-season comes and see where it takes us. the Americans take on fifth- he expected an especially fierce for national rugby programmes competing in this year’s event, investment of over £100m on But we’re in a decent place at the ranked England in the round tournament with teams chasing since the debut of Sevens at the with more than 120,000 spec- new signings -- the most ever moment, we’re confident. We’ve robin, while reigning Hong Kong a top-four finish and a ticket to Rio Olympics had raised the tators forecast for the three-day spent by a promoted Premier got a few injury issues like champions Fiji first face New Tokyo next year. “Obviously an stakes in the world series. spectacle. League club -- the Cottagers went down with a whimper. Fulham have lost all five matches under caretaker Letting Larkham go was manager Parker, but they were already destined for relegation long before he took over as the club’s third boss this term. tough decision, says Cheika Slavisa Jokanovic was sacked in November as Fulham owner Shahid Khan tried to lift REUTERS of Cheika’s staff since 2015. He to get the best possible World Cup for sure. I think not his team out of their wretched SYDNEY took up a role with Rugby outcome come November just because of the teams and run. But his replacement Australia after leaving the 2019, sometimes you have got how they have performed up Claudio Ranieri fared even The decision to sack Australia team. to make those hard until here but also because it worse and was axed in Feb- attack coach Stephen The Wallabies endured decisions.” is here,” he said. ruary after Fulham fans turned Larkham (pictured) in their worst test campaign in With the World Cup only “I think it is going to be on the Italian following seven February was a tough one but 60 years in 2018, winning just five months away, Cheika said very different, different atmos- defeats in eight league games. it was a choice that had to be four of 13 tests and slumping he would finalise his coaching phere at the games and we are It was fitting that Fulham’s made if the Wallabies are to to sixth in the world rankings. staff after the Super Rugby so looking forward to it. futile stay in the Premier have a shot at winning this “It’s been very difficult, season has ended. “We have got a bit to do League ended on the road as year’s Rugby World Cup, head obviously,” Cheika said yes- Cheika also said the Sep- before then but the players - they have been historically bad coach Michael Cheika has terday at a Australia-Japan tember 20 to November 2 the lucky ones - can’t wait to in away fixtures. said. diplomacy event in Tokyo. World Cup would be a unique get on the plane.” They have lost their last Larkham, who won the “But looking at some of tournament and teams would Australia reached the final seven consecutive away 1999 World Cup and played the changes that I think we have to get used to playing in of the 2015 World Cup in matches and have not won more than 100 times for the needed to make, on and off Japan. England, where they lost to away in the league for almost national side, had been part the field, going into this year “It is going to be an open New Zealand 34-17. a year. Prize money in women’s golf nothing to complain about: Davies

REUTERS “And I don’t hole as many LONDON putts as I used to, and these young girls are phenomenal now Prize money in women’s golf so I’ve got my work cut out, but pales in comparison to the riches I’m still trying.” on offer for men, but Laura It is what keeps her on the Davies thinks the $70m up for LPGA Tour, when she could be grabs on the LPGA Tour this year well excused for choosing represents success by any instead to tend to her vegetable reasonable measure. garden at home in Surrey and Never mind that the PGA enjoying her career earnings of A Qatari player in action during the Asia-Oceania Final Qualifying Tour will distribute about $500 more than $9m. event for ITF World Junior Tennis Competition in Kuala Lumpur, Rachel Heck tees off on the 15th million to its players in 2019. “If I start shooting 77-plus Malaysia. hole during the first round of the Women’s professional golf is every round then obviously I’ll doing just fine, according to US Women’s Open golf tournament be gone,” she said. “But while I Davies. at Trump National Golf Club in can still shoot under par and feel Qatar down Chinese At 55, the Englishwoman, Bedminster, New Jersey, US in this like I’ve got a chance, if I wake who has more than 30 years on July 13, 2017 file picture. up on Thursday morning and feel the tour, remembers the days like I can win the event, I’ll keep Taipei in ITF World when only a couple of dozen elite going.” LPGA players made a decent It has been tough going so living, while the vast majority “At the US Women’s Open believes that she could win far this year with four missed Junior Tennis event scraped by with barely enough this year, we play for $900,000 again, which is why she plans to cuts in four starts, but at the QNA Nasser Al Yafei, Rashed Nawaf to cover their expenses. to the winner. Alright, the guys keep playing for as long as she 50-and-over senior level she is KUALA LUMPUR and Meshari Nawaf. It is a different story now. are getting two million, but who can.Davies still hits the ball in a class of her own. The event features the par- Last year 14 players had cares? further than many peers half her Last year she won the inau- The Qatari U14 tennis team ticipation of China, Japan, more than $1m in official LPGA “If you’d told me back in my age, flying it some 260-270 yards gural US Senior Women’s Open defeated Chinese Taipei 2-1 in Thailand, Australia, Korea, earnings, while 101 players day when I was a genuine chance with her driver and sometimes by 10 shots over Juli Inkster at the Asia-Oceania Final Quali- Chinese Taipei, Qatar, India, cracked six figures. That does not that if you win you’re going to not even using a tee when she Chicago Golf Club and will fying event for ITF World Junior Hong Kong, Indonesia, Syria, take into account off-course get $900,000, I wouldn’t have wants to hit a fade, but acknowl- defend her crown at Pine Tennis Competition. New Zealand, Uzbekistan and earnings from sponsors and believed you.” edges her short game often lets Needles from May 16-19. The Qatari team, which Sri Lanka. commercial endorsements. While Davies has 20 LPGA her down. And, no matter what, will be arrived in Kuala Lumpur, The four top teams will “I think we’re doing great,” victories, including four majors, “If my short game was better back again next year. Malaysia on Sunday will qualify to the ITF World Junior Davies told Reuters ahead of next she has not won since 2001, but I’d be really competitive,” she “I want to play 20 more finish their engagements on Tennis Competition to be staged month’s US Senior Open at Pine finished in a tie for second at the said. “But my chipping is not as (Senior Opens),” she said. April 7. in Czech Republic in August Needles in North Carolina. Founders Cup lat year and good. “I have no plans to retire.” Qatar is represented by 2019. THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2019 SPORT 09 Kohli in IPL crisis as RCB New Zealand name untested Blundell suffer fourth straight loss in World Cup squad

AFP AFP WELLINGTON NEW ZEALAND SQUAD JAIPUR Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli gestures during Kane Williamson (capt), Tom the 2019 Indian Premier League India’s superstar captain Virat New Zealand opted for experience Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de (IPL) Twenty20 cricket match Kohli admitted that Royal Chal- in a 15-man squad named yesterday Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, against Mumbai Indians at the M lengers Bangalore’s IPL fate for this year’s cricket World Cup, with Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore looks “really bad” after his side rookie Tom Blundell’s inclusion as Latham, Colin Munro, Jimmy in this on March 28, 2019, file photo. crashed to their fourth straight back-up wicketkeeper the only real Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell RCB have lost four games under defeat. surprise. Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, captain Kohli in this year’s IPL. England’s Jos Buttler made The Black Caps hope to shed Ross Taylor 59 and Rahul Tripathi hit the their tag as valiant losers and claim winning runs with a six from the the title after exiting in the semi- penultimate ball as Rajasthan finals six times and suffering a heavy displacing Colin Munro at the top of Royals made 164-3 to secure defeat to Australia in their only the order, although Munro will make their first win of the season by appearance in the final four years the trip as batting cover. Williamson seven wickets. ago. and Ross Taylor, in his fourth World While India top the Test New Zealand are currently third Cup campaign, complete a battle- rankings and Kohli is the leading in the one-day rankings, behind hardened batting line up. Wil- batsman, he has become England and India. liamson, Taylor and Guptill have col- increasingly frustrated at his Coach Gary Stead said the Kane lectively amassed 526 ODI appear- side’s Indian Premier League Williamson-led side had repeatedly ances between them. performances. excelled at the top level and he was Guptill and Taylor have not con- He has never won the IPL confident the consistency would firmed their post-tournament plans title and Bangalore are now rock shine through at the tournament in but will most likely be looking to exit bottom in the eight-team league England and Wales. cricket’s biggest stage on a high. -- the only outfit without a win. “We’ve gott a squad here of 15 TheThe Black Caps will open theirtheir Kohli bemoaned Bangalore’s players that wee think can give us a campaigncampaign againstagainst failure to set a more challenging to get an IPL title in what is now mental torture,” one Indian fan to a stunning win. Despite having really, really goodood chance ooff gogoinging SriSri Lanka in target against Rajasthan as well the tournament’s 12th season. said on Twitter. Kohli and talismanic South far into the tournament,”rnament,” he said. CardiffCardiff on as dropped catches in the field. Former India opener Bangalore have ended the African AB de Villiers in their “If we play closeclose to our potential, JuneJune 1. “If we make that many mis- Gautam Gambhir said the India last two editions in sixth and ranks, Bangalore’s batting has then hopefullyy we can do New takes then you are going to fall batting great was “very lucky” eighth spot despite having top failed twice in four matches. Zealand proud.”” on the losing side,” said Kohli to be retained as captain by his players like Kohli, South African They were all out for 70 in Wellington keeperkeeper BlundellBlundell was after the game. franchise. AB de Villiers and the big-hitting the IPL opener against Chennai selected after Timm Siefert, the reregulargular “In a tournament like the Former England captain Chris Gayle. and bundled out for 113 on back-up to first-choicest-choice gglovemanloveman IPL, when you have no Michael Vaughan ridiculed Ban- The side were undone by an Sunday against the Sunrisers, Tom Latham, bbrokeroke his finger in a momentum then these things galore’s tactics. umpiring error last week when losing by a huge margin of 118 domestic matchh llastast montmonth.h. can happen. “They look in shambles, the Mumbai Indians paceman Lasith runs. They fared better against While Blundell,ndell, wwhoho hhasas two “The team hasn’t got off to a strategy they had pre-tour- Malinga got away with a no-ball Rajasthan, scoring 158-4, but it Test caps, willill likelylikely makemake hhisis good start and these things look nament has all been ripped. They on the last delivery of the match still proved inadequate. one-day internationalational ddebutebut at tthehe really bad but we have to keep are just picking tactics out of the with Bangalore needing six to tie. “This tournament is not that tournament, hiss rolerole wiwillll bebe marginalmarginal believing that we can turn things hat as they go along,” Vaughan The giant screen on the long,” Kohli said. “You have to if Latham stays fit.fit. around.” told the Cricbuzz website. ground later showed Malinga be on the eight ball. You have to Mitchell Santnerntner will be the New Kohli acknowledged that the Vaughan said IPL front- overstepping the line and a think on your feet. You have to Zealanders’ primarymary spinner, witwithh injury-hit team may need runners like reigning champions fuming Kohli lashed out at the think of the best possible com- Ish Sodhi edgingng Todd Astle to changes as he said: “We will sit Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers “ridiculous call” that cost his bination going forward.” claim the secondnd slowslow bowlingbowling down and talk to see how we can Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight team a chance of victory. Kohli, who also skippers position. balance our team. Riders stick to winning But on Sunday they went India in all three formats, has his The pace attacattackk cocom-m- “Hopefully we will get fresh strategies. down by 118 runs to Sunrisers work cut out for him if he is to prises Tim Southee,uthee, TrentTrent guys in and they can give a Supporters have also been Hyderabad in what Kohli called lead Bangalore to a first IPL title Boult, Lockie Fergusonerguson andand match-winning performance,” disappointed with Kohli, who one of Bangalore’s “worst losses after losing their first four games. Matt Henry, whwhileile JimmyJimmy he said. has scored just 78 runs from four ever”. “We have 10 games to go. If Neesham and Colinolin de GranGrand-d- But Bangalore now need a innings. He made 23 against “We were outplayed in all we start turning things around homme add all-roundround optioptions.ons. radical improvement to reach Rajasthan. departments by a quality side,” pretty soon, then we can get on Henry Nichollsholls is set to the playoffs, and questions are “Please ban Virat Kohli from the Indian captain said after a roll as well. open the battingtting witwithh already being asked about IPL, please. Can’t see him going watching Jonny Bairstow hit 114 “We have to keep believing veteran Martin Guptill afterafter New Zealand captain Kohli’s leadership and the failure to the World Cup with such off 56 balls to guide Hyderabad as a side,” he said. Kane Williamson ‘Settled England favourites to win’

REUTERS LONDON

Former captain Alastair Cook believes England have an “outstanding chance” to lift the World Cup on home soil, having built a squad full of proven match winners. Eoin Morgan’s top-ranked side enter the tournament as the one of the most consistent teams in the format and their quest for a first 50-overs title begins against South Africa at The Oval on May 30. “England have an outstanding chance,” Cook, who retired last year from international cricket, told Sky Sports. “This is first time going into a World Cup England have such a settled squad. Every- thing looks great from the outside, they have every option covered.” Since the start of last year, England have come out on top in bilateral ODI series against World Cup holders Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and India. “They had that blip in the (2017) Champions Trophy, where they lost in the semi-final to Pakistan when they were favourites, but you need those lows to be able to grow as a side,” he added. Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey watches from behind the stumps “They are favourites. This is a great opportunity for Eoin (Morgan) and the guys to play some fantastic cricket. There are as Pakistani batsman Muhammad Rizwan plays a shot during the match winners throughout the squad, there are batsmen that can fourth one day international (ODI) between Pakistan and Australia at win games on their own, and over the last six or eight months the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai in this March 29, 2019, file photo. bowling has really come on. I think they are going to win it.” Punter taps Carey as stand-in skipper at World Cup

REUTERS Test skipper Tim Paine and the experi- strong leadership qualities as well. If stumps and at the crease. Carey has set on the park and we don’t have to worry MELBOURNE enced Matthew Wade as wicketkeeping anything happened to Finch through the his sights no higher than ensuring his about that one. options for the 50-over World Cup World Cup or leading into the World spot in the 15-man World Cup squad, “There might be some big names Australia assistant coach Ricky Ponting starting in May but Ponting feels Carey Cup, then I think he’s really well- expected to be announced next week. that might come back to the line-up; the has backed Alex Carey to be the team’s offers the “best package”. equipped to lead the side, even though “I’d like to be at the World Cup first,” [ones] in the side now are performing wicketkeeper at the World Cup and “He’s dangerous at the top of the he’s still relatively inexperienced and the South Australian said. really well,” he said. believes the former Australian Rules order or late in the innings because he never captained Australia before.” “We’ve got lots of leaders around “So, it’s totally healthy for Australian footballer could also step up to lead the does score 360 degrees, he’s a decep- Carey, who captained Australian this group. cricket that the guys that are in the side defending champions if required. tively hard hitter of the ball and for mine, Football League expansion side Greater “Usman Khawaja is playing some are playing well. The guys that have Carey was named a co-vice captain he’s just the right character, he’s the right Western Sydney before they joined the really good cricket and he’s taken his done well in the past will definitely put of the limited-overs sides captained by person that you want to have in your top flight in 2012, only made his inter- game and his leadership to the next their hands up for selection when they’re Aaron Finch during the home summer, team,” Ponting, an assistant to head national debut 14 months ago in a level. available. and has impressed with his glovework coach Justin Langer for the World Cup, one-day match against England. “(Fellow vice-captain) Pat Cummins “As a player in the Australian cricket during recent series against Pakistan and told Cricket Australia’s website (cricket. But the 27-year-old has played is another one who has lots of respect side, we’ve been working hard in the India. com.au) another 18 ODIs since and won acclaim around the group. We’ve got lots of guys. past 12-18 months and there are some Selector Trevor Hohns has named “I actually think he’s got really good for his calm demeanour behind the “Hopefully Finchy is fine and stays successes starting to come our away.” 10 SPORT THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2019 ‘You can reach 1,000 goals’, Pele tells Mbappe

AFP reach the 1,000-goal mark,” said the in history, he wanted to have fun, help PARIS 20-year-old Paris Saint-Germain his country and his club, which he did,” forward. he said. Football legend Pele told Kylian “We will try to get as close as we “What I want is to help PSG, the Mbappe on Tuesday that he believes can, but I think I’ll be a long way off it When Pele was playing, he France team and afterwards it will be the French World Cup winner can at the end of my career.” didn’t think he wanted to be other people who tell you that you are emulate his own achievement of Mbappe has scored 32 goals in all the best player in history, he the best. Everyone says that he is the scoring 1,000 career goals. competitions for PSG this season, wanted to have fun, help his best, but if you are (the best), there’s The 78-year-old Brazilian claims to including 27 from only 24 Ligue 1 country and his club, which no need to say it. It’s not a goal for me.” have netted over 1,000 goals in his appearances. he did. What I want is to help Pele spent the majority of his career, while Mbappe has so far Pele was only 21 when he won his PSG, the France team and career at Santos in his home country, managed 103 in total, with 92 of those second World Cup in 1962, adding a afterwards it will be other bar a spell in the United States with the coming at the top level. third eight years later. people who tell you that you New York Cosmos shortly before his “It’s possible, I scored exactly “There’s only one ‘King’ and he’s are the best: Mbappe retirement. 1,025, so 1,000 goals is possible for there,” said Mbappe. “I’m just Kylian, He told Mbappe that the key to him,” Pele said. I’m trying to do my best to help my smashing goalscoring records is playing Mbappe, who last year became team and my national side. the World Cup in Russia, where he in the very best teams. only the second teenager to score in a “The comparisons are flattering but scored four goals in total. “People tend to say that goals are World Cup final after Pele in France’s I know very well that I will never do But the former Monaco striker the most important thing -- I thank God 4-2 victory over Croatia, played down what he did.” insists that he is not focused on for having scored so many in my career Pele’s comments. It was not the first time that becoming the best player of modern -- but we must know that we need to “I think that even if we count the Mbappe has had to temper compar- times. be well-supported, you can’t score on Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and French national team goals on inter-city pitches and goals isons with Pele, after a rush to crown “When Pele was playing, he didn’t your own, you need good team-mates, forward Kylian Mbappe (right) and Brazilian football on the PlayStation, I won’t be able to him a future footballing great during think he wanted to be the best player that’s very important.” legend Pele during a meeting in Paris, on Tuesday.

Pele undergoes Messi, Suarez late show saves Barca treatment in REUTERS Barcelona’s Argentinian forward VILA-REAL, SPAIN Lionel Messi shoots to score Villa heaps praise during the Spanish League Paris hospital Barcelona’s Lionel Messi came off football match against Villarreal the bench in his side’s hour of CF at La Ceramica Stadium on former Barca AFP need to inspire the Liga leaders in Vila-real, on Tuesday. PARIS to battle back from 4-2 down in team-mate Messi stoppage time to snatch a Football legend Pele was taken to a Paris remarkable 4-4 draw at struggling REUTERS hospital as a precaution yesterday after Villarreal on Tuesday. KOBE suffering from an “infection” but is “doing The Catalans avoided a first well”, according to members of his league loss since November with Lionel Messi is the best player ever and Barcelona entourage. a thumping left-foot strike from owe their success to their evolution to a more The 78-year-old Brazilian three-time Luis Suarez deep into added time direct style from a possession-based passing World Cup winner was being treated for after captain and top scorer Messi game, the club’s former player David Villa has “a light fever” prior to the long flight back gave them hope with a deadly free said. to his home country, the sources told AFP, kick in the 90th minute. Barcelona currently have an eight-point lead confirming earlier reports by French radio The draw saw Barca’s lead in La Liga over Atletico Madrid ahead of Satur- station RMC. over Atletico Madrid, who earlier day’s showdown between the sides and also face The sources indicated that he was still won 2-0 at home to Girona, Manchester United in the Champions League in hospital last afternoon. trimmed to eight points ahead of quarter-final this month. Pele, who won the World Cup in Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash Messi has been central to Barcelona’s success, 1958, 1962 and 1970, was in Paris for a at the Nou Camp. Barcelona have scoring 42 goals across all competitions and promotional appearance for Hublot 70 points to Atletico’s 62 with proving the side’s talisman time and again. watches alongside France star Kylian eight games left. He will turn 32 in June but Villa, who played Mbappe. Even without Messi, Gerard alongside the Argentine forward at Barcelona The declining health of the player Pique and Ivan Rakitic in their for three years, does not see him slowing down. known as ‘O Rei’ has been a cause for starting lineup, the visitors still “It is difficult to be surprised with Leo,” Villa, concern in recent times, and the planned strolled into the lead through a who now plays for Vissel Kobe in Japan, said in meeting with Mbappe had already been Philippe Coutinho goal in the 12th an interview. postponed last November. minute, which Brazilian forward “He is the best. He has always shown eve- Previously, Pele had admitted to not Malcom soon doubled with a header. rybody in the world that he is the best... Every being up to the task of lighting the flame But Villarreal, who began the game that you can watch him is a pleasure.” at the opening ceremony of the 2016 Rio game one point above the rele- Villarreal’s Alvaro Gonzalez Villarreal got back into the For those who have seen Messi during his Olympics. gation zone, hauled themselves was then dismissed for a second game with the help of veteran 15-year career at Barcelona, there was no Before that, Pele spent time in into contention with a strike from booking with four minutes midfielder Santi Cazorla, who doubting hishis pplacelace inin thethe pan-pan- intensive care in Brazil in late 2014 fol- 19-year-old Samuel Chukwueze remaining, paving the way for picked out Chukwueze with an theon of footballing greats, lowing a kidney complaint. midway through the first half. South Americans Messi and incisive pass, and although the Villa said. On Tuesday, he spent the entirety of Cameroon striker Karl Toko Suarez to strike for Barcelona and Nigerian shot against the post, he “Obviouslyously (there(there were)were) his encounter with Mbappe sitting down, Ekambi took advantage of slack produce a remarkable finish to an calmly tucked the rebound into Pele, Maradona,adona, pplayerslayers llikeike but appeared on good form. positioning from Barca goal- enthralling contest. the net. (Johan) Cruyff. I didn’t Mbappe last year became only the keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen to Barca seized an early The hosts were galvanised have the opportuopportunitynity to second teenager to score in a World Cup equalise soon after the interval advantage when Brazilian Malcom and produced a bold and exciting watch themem like I watched final, following in Pele’s footsteps, in and Vicente Iborra completed the tore down the right wing and display of counter-attacking Messi everyvery day, every France’s 4-2 victory over Croatia when home side’s remarkable revival rolled the ball across the goal for football that made it easy to forget game... But,But, forfor me, Messi is he was still just 19. just after the hour mark. Coutinho to tap into an empty net. they have been struggling at the the best,”” said Villa.Villa. Pele achieved the feat as a 17-year- Barca’s Argentine talisman Malcom then scored his first foot of the table for most of the “He isis goodgood in old in 1958 and claims to have gone on to Messi was called from the bench goal in La Liga by heading home season. everythingh ing score over 1,000 goals in his career, to rescue the champions but a cross from Arturo Vidal, while But, spurred on by Messi, that he during which he starred at club level for instead Villarreal increased their Coutinho should have made it 3-0 Barca roared back to life, showing does,” Villaa Santos and the New York Cosmos. lead with a strike from their sub- but his attempted chip bounced why they enjoy such a generous said. David Villa stitute Carlos Bacca. off the far post. lead at the top of the league. Stubborn Wolverhampton halt United’s top-four bid

AFP United finally caved to Manchester United’s Chris were not so lucky after a poor WOLVERHAMPTON, UNITED Wolves’ pressure 20 minutes Smalling scores an own goal clearance from De Gea, and even KINGDOM later, when Raul Jimenez rose against Wolverhampton worse control by Fred, saw him above Phil Jones and headed a Wanderers during their lose the ball to Moutinho with Ashley Young’s needless Joao Moutinho cross Premier League match played Jimenez pouncing on it and dismissal and Chris Smalling’s goalwards. at the Molineux Stadium in playing in Jota. farcical own goal sent The awkward attempt saw Wolverhampton, Britain, on The Portuguese forward did Manchester United crashing to Smalling and goalkeeper David Tuesday. not need a second invitation to a damaging 2-1 defeat against de Gea become entangled, with advance and calmly beat De Gea Wolves on Tuesday. the former making the final for the equaliser. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side touch as the ball rolled over the United looked shaken and blew a chance to move into third line. an error by Luke Shaw, in mis- place in the Premier League as McTominay’s memorable directing a header, soon played they squandered the lead in a first ever goal in professional in Matt Doherty, who pulled disappointing display at football had come after just 13 the ball back for Leo Den- Molineux. minutes and a solid, controlled doncker to blaze over from the It was a frustrating night for start by Solskjaer’s team. corner of the six-yard area. Solskjaer, who saw United suffer A patient left-wing build-up United threatened after the a third defeat in their last four ended with Jesse Lingard playing restart, with a Lukaku cross games -- underlining how much the ball centrally to Fred, with flicked on by Paul Pogba for work the Norwegian still has in the Brazilian quickly moving it McTominay, who stooped low front of him following his sideways to Scotland interna- and saw his diving header well appointment as permanent tional McTominay. saved by the outstretched hand manager last week. The 22-year-old unleashed of Patricio. Scott McTominay’s first goal a brilliant, right-foot finish from forward directly from kick-off only for the Belgian to guide his them in the FA Cup just weeks But United’s task was hardly for United was negated by Diogo 25 yards that beat the diving Rui and unleashing the game’s first header directly at the keeper ago. made easier when Young col- Jota before the interval, but the Patricio and nestled in the far shot with just five seconds gone. from six yards. First, an unfortunate lected two yellow cards in the game’s turning point proved to left-hand corner. There was also a promising However, United succumbed rebound off Dalot allowed Willy space of five minutes for fouls be a second yellow card collected The goal lead was just attack which saw Fred spray the to the first period of pressure Boly to play through Jimenez on Jota, the second after a par- by Young with just 57 minutes reward for a strong start by ball wide to Diogo Dalot whose placed upon them by the home who hurried a 24th-minute shot. ticularly unpleasant high gone. United, with Lingard surging hanging cross found Lukaku, side, who had already beaten Just seconds later, United challenge. THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2019 SPORT 11

Six reigning world outdoor and Olympic champions, Diamond League: Global stars including IAAF Female Athlete of the Year Caterine Ibarguen from Colombia, have already confirmed their participation for the get ready for Doha challenge first stage of the 2019 IAAF Diamond League which THE PENINSULA Olympic Pole Vault world record-holder Kendra Harrison - takes place at the DOHA champion Thiago Braz 12.53 to 12.58. Khalifa International Harrison is absent this year but Stadium on May 3. Exactly one month remains before Doha McNeal, who is the fourth fastest sprint once again welcomes the world’s best hurdler of all-time with 12.26, will face a athletes - including IAAF Female Athlete typically competitive line-up including Aus- of the Year Caterine Ibarguen from tralia’s reigning world champion Sally Colombia - for the first stage of the 2019 Pearson and Jamaica’s Danielle Williams, IAAF Diamond League which takes place who preceded Pearson as the world at the state-of-the-art Khalifa International champion in Beijing in 2015. It gives us great pleasure Stadium on May 3. The field also features European to announce that some Ibarguen is one of six reigning world champion ElviraElvviirraa HHermHermanaan ffromromo BelBelarus,eellaarrus, of the leading names in outdoor and Olympic champions to be con- AfricanAfriA cann championcchampionon TobiToTobo i ththehe tracktrack and field world firmed across the first three events - long AmusanAmuAmusann fromfromm NigeriaNiN gegeriria wwiwillill bbee seen in action on jump, pole vault and 100m hurdles - with andndd SharShaSSharikaikaa NelvisNNeNellviss MMaMayay 3, 2019.2 Qatar feels more top names to be unveiled in the whoho wonwonn tththehhe USS weeks leading up to the one-day spec- indoorindoinddodoor 660m00mm prproproudoud toto host the names tacle which will be held under the lights hurdleshurdhuu dlesl s ttitleititle ththatt matterm in the track next month. in a world-wwowororlld- aandnd fifield world: Qatar Doha’s iconic stadium will launch the from the United States. Ibarguen is the reigningigningng globalgloggll babalb l outdoorououtdoorr champions:chahamampionpiopipionons:s leadingleaeaada iiningng AAthleticsth Federation outdoor season in earnest and will also reigning Olympic champion in the triple worldorlldchd chchampionampiampip ono SSamammK K Kendricksendricksi froffromom 7.85.77.8.8855. President and draw the curtain this year when the IAAF jump but the Colombian had the beating thee UnUnitUnitededd SStatesttateates anaandd OlOlympicympiym c SSecretary-Generale World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 of the long jump specialists at both the championhamammpionn ThiagoThhiiagoo BrazBrarazz fromfrom will be hosted at the same venue from IAAF Diamond League final in Brussels last Brazilrazr ili wwhoho rreturnedeturturnedne to fformormrmm of ttheh Qatar Olympic September 28 to October 6, the first time year and the IAAF Continental Cup in duringuriurring tthehee iindoorndooo r seseasonasonn wwitwithh Committee, the IAAF World Championships will be Ostrava. Ibarguen will be looking to begin a 5.55.80m88080m cleclearance.leaearanrancncce. Dr.Dr Thani Al Kuwari staged in the Middle East. the new season in the form she concluded KendricksKKenenddrickickks alalsoso ccompetedompetedd The Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF) her 2018 campaign. extensivelyxtxtetensivn ivelye y throthroughugh theth President and Secretary-General of the “I am thrilled to launch my season in indoordooror sseasoneason andanand fifin-n- Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Dr. Thani Qatar,” said Ibarguen. “It is a country ishedheh dtd totopop of theth worwworldld Al Kuwari said: “It gives us great pleasure where athletics is popular and I am con- indoordoooro l lististi witwiththh 5.955.93m3m to announce that some of the leading fident I can perform to the best of my abil- alongsideongside PoPoland’solandl ’s Jumping at Khalifa names in the track and field world will be ities at the start of the season.” worldorldsid silversilverr med-mmed- international stadium seen in action on May 3, 2019. Qatar feels Not since May 2012 has Ibarguen proud to host the names that matter in faced Bartoletta when the Colombian allistaallllii st is a great honour. the track and field world.” came out victorious for the third time in PioPiotPiotrr LisekLLiiseksseek It’s exciting to The QAF President said: “We welcome their three competitions but since then, wwhowho willi l laullaunchauunchnch compete in the all sports fans to come to Doha enjoy the the American has won three Olympic titles hish outdoutdoordoooror seseasseasona on inin venue hosting best of athletics in what will be a memo- - two in the 4x100m relay and one in the Doha.Doha. the World rable year for us. Qatar is the sports hub long jump - as well as the IAAF World In thethe first tratrackck eeventventvenen to bbee Championships of the region and we can’t wait for the Championships in Beijing in 2015. announced,nnnounced, reigningreigning OlympicOlymOlO ymmpipicc 100m100000mm action to begin at our special sports venue The line-up also features Great Brit- hurdlesurdrdrdlesleles championchamchc pion andd 201820201018Di8 DiamondDiamonammond this year. I know the world - the Khalifa International Stadium.” ain’s Shara Proctor, who won silver behind Leagueeague championchamphampmpionioionn BriannaBriBriaBr nna McNealMcMcNMcNNeeaall class field of jumpers will One of the standout clashes of the Bartoletta at the 2015 World Champion- fromomo theth UniUnUniteditetedtedd StatSStatestatatessws w willillllll bbee make it a sight not to miss meeting will be the long jump which fea- ships, and Australia’s Brooke Stratton who lookingooking to improimproveve oonn herher rurrunner-nnnnnerr- Australia’s reigning world champion Sally for the fans in Doha: tures two reigning Olympic champions: leads the 2019 world list with 6.74m. upp ffinishinish ffromrom ttwelvewelvlvve mmomonthsntnthnthsh agoag Pearson competes in the women’s 100 Pole vault world champion Caterine Ibarguen and Tianna Bartoletta The pole vault also features two whenhhen she finfinishedisheheed seseconds condnd tot metres hurdles final 2017 IAAF World Sam Kendricks Championships in this file photo. Al Ahli determined to spoil QSL CEO meets Iranian Football Federation delegation Al Sadd’s title celebrations

CHINTHANA WASALA THE PENINSULA

Al Ahli coach Ruben de la Barrera considers their QNB Stars League We will not focus on Al (QSL) Round 21 clash against title- hunters Al Sadd a great new chal- Sadd. Instead, we will lenge and hopes his team will focus on our team and bring their A-game to the pitch. our preparations for a Table-toppers Al Sadd are strong match. We will looking forward to seal the falcon not be easy opponents. shield by winning full points We will do our best. against Al Ahli in today’s fixture. Al Sadd missed out on their I certainly hope to title when they were held to a 2-2 repeat the surprise Qatar Stars League (QSL) CEO, Hani Taleb Ballan (centre) and QSL officials pose for a photograph with draw by hosts Al Duhail last when we beat Al Sadd Iranian Football Federation General-Secretary Dr. Ebrahim Shakouri and Competition Department week. in the first leg: Barrera The Wolves have accumu- Director Mr. Amir Hosein Fattahi during a meeting held at the Al Bidda Tower, yesterday. The meeting lated 51 points with 16 wins this was also attended by Ahmed Khellil Abbassi, Executive Director of Competition and Football Development (Acting), at the QSL. season and a victory today will Al Ahli coach Ruben de la Barrera during a press conference. see coach Jesualdo Ferreira’s men win the title for a record- extending 14th time as Xavi Her- Sadd in the first leg,” said nandez-led team will be Barrera. QATAR STARS LEAGUE crowned champions in front of Al Ahli have much at stake TODAY’S FIXTURES Qatar SC keen to avoid danger their home crowd. in the match as they are level on “The match against Al Sadd 33 points with fourth-placed Al Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Duhail THE PENINSULA of -20 (16 goals for and 36 is a great new challenge for me Rayyan. They have won 10 At Al Ahli Stadium - 6.10pm DOHA against). and my team. They are the team matches so far, and three draws Al Arabi, who lost 1-2 to Al closest to the title. It will be a and seven defeats against their Al Khor vs Al Gharafa Qatar SC coach Sergio Batista Ahli in the last round, are placed strong game and we will bring name. Their goal difference is -2 At Al Khor Stadium - 6.10pm yesterday said that his team is sixth with 27 points (nine wins out our best,” coach Ruben said (29 goals for and 31 against). aiming for full points against and 11 defeats). The Dream Team during a pre-match press con- Al Ahli are tied with fourth- Al Sadd vs Al Ahli Al Arabi in today’s QNB Stars have a goal difference of -12 (25 ference yesterday. placed Al Rayyan at 33 points, At Al Sadd Stadium - 6.10pm League clash to get themselves goals for and 37 against). “We will not focus on Al so they will be keen to collect away from the relegation Batista’s counterpart, Heimir Sadd. Instead, we will focus on points in their bid to finish in the Qatar SC vs Al Arabi threat. Hallgrimsson highlighted that his our team and our preparations top-four bracket. At Qatar SC Stadium - 6.10pm Qatar SC, positioned 11th players did not have enough for a strong match. We will not Meanwhile, Al Rayyan with 16 points, are in a must-win time to recover after their last Al Rayyan vs Al Sailiya be easy opponents. We will do Under-23 coach Gilson Souza situation to ward off danger, so Qatar SC coach Sergio Batista match, but will face Qatar SC our best,” he said. spoke to the media ahead of their At Al Ahli Stadium - 8.20pm they will throw everything into with great confidence. “Our players’ morale is high week 21 match against Al Sailiya. the game. “There has not been much following our victory over Al “We want to compensate for Umm Salal vs Al Shahania “My team will play to collect opponents will play without any time for the players to recover Arabi in the last round. We have our loss to Al Gharafa and our At Qatar SC Stadium - 8.20pm the three points in order to stay pressure as they are safe from after our last game and we did to take advantage of it. Even subsequent slip to the third place. away from the danger zone. We the danger zone. Al Arabi have not do much on the tactical front. though Al Sadd will be looking We lost to Al Gharafa even though know that we are going through some very good attackers. But we will play the game only to win, we have our chances we were not so bad. There are defending and attacking. When a difficult situation, but we are “Our players will do their against Qatar SC with great con- and we will try to put up a cred- certain things that contribute to we go on the offensive to get going to play the game to win best to win. We worked partic- fidence,” Al Arabi coach said. itable performance. winning and losing. If it’s not your victory, we expose ourselves in and nothing else. I have asked ularly during training how not “We have given many young Al Sadd drew three matches day on the pitch… the defence and the rivals the players to play with great to waste opportunities that we players opportunity to play. It is and lost only one. Incidentally, “Al Sailiya are a good team score. concentration and there will be get,” said Batista. difficult for us to end up the tour- their only defeat was against Al and Al Rayyan are also “The competition is intense some caution, so we can achieve Qatar SC, who lost 0-1 to nament with a top-four spot. We Ahli (1-4) in the first leg. So they improving after every game. We among the top-four teams. We the result we are looking for,” Umm Salal in Week 20, have are sticking to our project of pre- will be wary of The Brigadiers. will try to win back the third are directly vying with Al Sailiya coach Batista said during a press four wins, as many draws and paring a team for the future. “I certainly hope to repeat position. and the outcome will be conference yesterday. 12 defeats against their name. Qatar SC had beaten Al Arabi the surprise when we beat Al “Our team focuses on both important,” said Souza. “The difficulty is that the The Kings have a goal difference 1-0 in the first leg. SPORT Thursday 4 April 2019 PAGE | 07 PAGE | 09 Westbrook joins New Zealand name Wilt in NBA untested Blundell in history as Thunder Williamson-led beat Lakers World Cuppq squad

Record holders Barshim, Samba and Haroun set Chennai taste to dazzle home crowd at the 23rd Asian Athletics first defeat Championships which kicks off at Doha’s iconic IANS MUMBAI Khalifa International Stadium on April 21. Defending champions Chennai Super Kings tasted their first defeat in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 as they lost to Mumbai Indians by 33 runs yesterday. Chasing a target of 171, none of the Chennai batsmen were able to show resistance except Kedhar Jadhav, who played a fighting 58-run knock. For Mumbai, Lasith Malinga and Hardik Pandya rattled the Chennai batting line-up, scalping three wickets each. Chasing the target, Chennai started on a poor note, losing openers Ambati Rayudu and Shane Watson cheaply. While Lasith Malinga accounted for Watson (5), Jason Behrendorff sent back Rayudu on a duck. Chennai's most dependable batsman Suresh Raina also couldn't do much in the middle after managing just 16. Jadhav (58) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (12) then anchored Chennai's inning with a 54-run partnership. However, the skipper couldn't stay for much time in the middle as he fell to Hardik Pandya while trying to accel- erate the run-rate. Jadhav tried to keep one end in control but Malinga ended his laborious effort before Chennai lost Ravindra Jadeja (1) and Dwayne Bravo (8) in quick suc- The IAAF Athlete-of-the-Year in 2017, World Champion in high cession as the scorecard read 115/7 in the 18th over. jump, Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim With 56 needed of the last two overs, Chennai's lower middle order couldn't help their side cross the line as Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur could only contribute with 7 and 12 runs respectively. Earlier, despite a slow start, it was Hardik and Keiron Barshim to spearheadead Pollard's quick-fire play, which propelled Mumbai Indians to 170/5. Brief score Mumbai Indians: 170/5 (Suryakumar Yadav 59, Krunal Team Qatar at AACC Qatar’s 400 metre-specialist Pandya 42; Ravindra Jadeja 1/10) beat Chennai Super Abdalelah Haroun Kings: 133/8 (Kedhar Jadhav 58, Suresh Raina 16; Hardik Pandya 3/20) by 33 runs CHINTHANA WASALA Nearly 1,000 athletes Jamal Hairane, and Mohamed THE PENINSULA representing 45 Nasir Abbas in the one-lap contest. The World Champion in high countries will Samba, Haroun, Hamida, jump, Mutaz Essa Barshim will compete for top Haider, Hirane and Abbas will spearhead the home contin- honours during also make the 400m relay team. gent’s campaign at the 23rd Another Qatari star to keep Asian Athletics Championships the four-day an eye on, is Femi Ogunode, the which kicks off at Doha’s iconic Championships in current co-holder of the Asian Khalifa International Stadium the Qatari capital. 100m record. on April 21. At 9.91 seconds, Femi shares Barshim, the IAAF Athlete- the fastest time with China’s Su of-the-Year in 2017, is one of the Bingtian and the duel between most outstanding athletes Qatar Barshim also had four of the the two sprinters will be the one has ever produced. He will join five highest jumps recorded in to watch at the Khalifa Interna- a team of 29 in the four-day 2018. tional Stadium track this time. extravaganza, which will bring Among Barshim’s Qatari The four-time Asian Games together nearly 1,000 athletes team-mates will be Abder- gold medallist, Femi has won and up to 450 officials from 45 rahman Samba, the most suc- four golds, a silver and a bronze Asian countries. cessful track and field athlete last at the Asian Championships, with Despite not competing since year, being undefeated in nine his last two medals coming from July due to an injury, the gravity races. the 2017 edition held in Bhu- defying star who holds the Asian Ranked second best behind baneswar, India, two years ago. Record mark of 2.43m, is the 2018 Men’s Athlete-of the- Femi’s brother, Tosin, is also expected to start with a bang in Year Eliud Kipchoge, by Track & among the top starts who will be front of the home crowd. Field News magazine, Samba will in action in Doha. Before his season was cut short,short, be looking to continue hihis dom- Tosin clinched the silver thethe Rio OlympicsOlympics silversilver medallist,medallist, inanceinance in hhisis pet event, tthehe men’s medal in the 100m dash behind BarshimBarshim showedshowed thethe worldworld tthathat hhee 400 metres hhurdles.urdles. Bingtian at last year’s Asian isis tthehe one to beat,beat, clearingclearing a world-world- TheThe 23-year-o23-year-oldld bbecameeca the Games in Indonesia, clocking a leadingleading 2.40-metre mark twice.twice. secondsecond manman eeverver to brbreak 47 time of 10 secs. He will compete secondsecond barrierbarrier lastlast year,year and is in the 100m, 200m and the 100x the clear favourite to win tthe gold 4m with eye on a triple in front inin DoDohaha in anotheranother fewfew wweeks. of his home fans. Samba’sSamba’s 46.9846.98 in ParisPa last In hammer throw, Qatar will year,year, leaves him justjust 0.200.20 shy of be represented by the Asian thethe all-timeall-time best,best, heldheld by Kevin Champion Ashraf Elseify and his YoungYoung of the USA. brother Ahmed Amjad as well as TheThe 400 metrmetre-specialiste-sp Khalil Adel Badawi. AbdalelahAbdalelah HaHarounroun iiss also Moaz Mohammed Ibrahim expectedexpected to impress.impres The (Discus throw), Ahmed Saeed AsianAsian championchampi and Faraj (discus throw), Mohammed continentalcontinental record Al Amin Hamdi (high jump), hholder,older, HarounH Rashed Abdulla Al Suwaidi (High hashas a personalpe jump), Noah Abdulqader (high best of 44.07 jump), Jacob Saeed Al Hassani seconds,s eco (4x100m), Abdulaziz whwhichich makes Mohammed Salem (4x100m), himhim a ddefinite Mohamed Zakareya (4x100m), medalmedal pprospect Saeed Osman Absi (4x100m), forfor tthehe hhosts.o Mubarak Rabi Mahmoud AccordingAccord to (800m), Musab Adam Mahmoud tthehe QatariQatar con- (1500m), Hamza Droush tingent,tingent, revrevealede by (3000m, 5000m), Yasser Salem thethe Qatar AAthleticst (3000m, 5000m), Mohiuddin FederationFederation yyesterday,es Elmi, Jaber Hilal Al Mammari thethe worldworld 400m (100m, 200m, 4x100m) and bronzebronze mmedallistedal will Obab Barrow (100m, 110m bebe joinejoinedd bbyy SSamba, hurdles, 4x100m) are also Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba, the most MohammedMoham included in the Qatari con- successful track and field athlete last HHamida,amida Abu tingent for the four-day conti- year, being undefeated in nine races. BakrBakr Haider,H nental showpiece.