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Wednesday 15 February 2017 | 18 Jumada I 1438 Volume 21 | Number 7073 | 2 Riyals

Emir leads nation on sport day

Huda N V The Peninsula

cattered rains and an overcast sky added fun to sporting activities as Qatar marked its sixth National Sport Day S(NSD) yesterday in a big way. Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, along with ministers and other senior government officials joined the public in NSD activities at different venues. The Emir visited the Nomas Center to meet children with autism, who were participating in a horse-riding event. The event was organised as part of an experiment , first of its kind Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani along with H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of in the Middle East, to create a QF, attending the sixth National Sport Day activities yesterday. → See also page 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 20 bond between the autistic chil- dren and horses. The Emir then joined the children in the indoor stud and then watched an Ara- Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad ing place around Qatar. various locations including Katara, facility to take part in the differ- bian horse show. H H Sheikha Thani, Vice-Chairperson and Al Thani, President of the Qatar NSD, this year, saw a total of Aspire Zone, Qatar Foundation, ent sport activities such as Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson CEO of Qatar Foundation, par- Olympic Committee and QOC 151 events organised by some 135 Asian Town, the Museum of running, archery and football. of Qatar Foundation for Educa- ticipated in QF's National Sport Secretary General, Dr Thani different institutions. A plethora Islamic Art Park, Asian Town and The Father Emir joined a tion, Science and Community Day activities at Al Shaqab's Abdulrahman Al Kuwari toured of sports and health and fitness The Pearl-Qatar, among others. walking exercise in Al Shaqab Development (QF), and H E Indoor Arena, Education City. and joined in NSD activities tak- activities were held across → Continued on page 3

Erdogan arrives Unstable weather to continue until Friday The Peninsula low visibility that can become less than 2km at times at places. ost parts of the country Wind speed could go up to 25 received intermittent knots and wave heights could Mrains yesterday. The reach 10 feet during Meteorology Department has thunderstorm. forecast more rains today as the The temperature in Doha unstable weather conditions will range between 22 and 19 are expected to continue until degrees Celsius, while in Al Friday. Wakrah and Messaeed, the From Saturday, a Siberian temperature will be between high pressure would bring 23 and 17 degrees Celsius. about a noticeable drop in Ruwais, Dukhan and Abu temperatures. Samrah will have a maximum The unstable weather con- temperature of 20 degrees Cel- ditions are expected to intensify sius, while the minimum from tomorrow evening until temperature in Dukhan and Friday, with rains becoming Abu Samrah will be 16 degrees moderate to heavy accompa- People enjoying the rain at Katara yesterday. Celsius and in Ruwais the min- President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, nied by thunder over most Pic: Kammutty VP / The Peninsula imum temperature is expected arrived yesterday in Doha for an official visit. Erdogan and areas. Wind would be north- to be 17 degrees Celsius. the accompanying delegation were welcomed at Hamad easterly to southerly of varied north-westerly winds over ing to the weather bureau. Yesterday, the country saw International Airport by Minister of Energy and Industry speed. most areas, until Monday. Today the weather will be intermittent rains of varied H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, Qatar's Ambassador From Saturday dawn, the There would be a noticeable hazy to misty, with scattered intensity. Ras Laffan received to Turkey Salem Mubarak Al-Shafi and the Turkish Siberian High pressure system drop in temperatures especially rain at times accompanied by the highest rain with 21.3 mm Ambassador to Qatar Ahmet Demirok. is expected to affect the coun- at night and early morning, thunder at times at places. The recorded until 8:40pm. try. This will result in along with high waves, accord- weather bureau has warned of → Continued on page 4 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2017

Emir and Father Emir participate in Sport Day events WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2017 HOME 03 QF holds several NSD events to inspire community

Fazeena Saleem inflatable structure set by the The Peninsula Annual walkathon Qatar International Golf Club. A series of activities Vodafone’s digital sporting H Sheikha Moza bint held at Al Shaqab’s activities was another prominent Nasser, Chairperson Indoor Arena to feature of QF activities held at of Qatar Foundation inspire people to the Al Shaqab’s Indoor Arena. (QF), and H E Sheikha make long-lasting Participants enjoyed trying a Hind bint Hamad Al lifestyle changes. bike simulator that replicates a HThani, Vice-Chairperson and CEO real outdoor biking experience of QF, joined hundreds of sports with options for group rides and enthusiasts to celebrate National Events at Al Shaqab’s races. Playing football and bas- Sport Day (NSD) at the Education Indoor Arena began ketball via virtual reality using City yesterday. A series of activi- with the QF annual Vodafone’s 4G network was also ties were held by QF at Al Shaqab’s walkathon led by H E popular among the visitors. Indoor Arena to inspire the com- Sheikha Hind. Separately, a 40km cycling munity to make long-lasting event started at the Education lifestyle changes. City which required participants Sheikha Moza and Sheikha shake and rattle, shoot the hula complete the assigned distance Hind toured the events, spoke hoop and pony rides were within the day. with some of the participants and designed especially for children. Additional QF Sport Day watched them enjoy activities. QF’s innovative National Read- activities included ladies-only Events at Al Shaqab’s Indoor ing Campaign was also present fitness classes held at Hamad bin Arena began with the QF annual at Al Shaqab’s Indoor Arena, with Khalifa University’s (HBKU) Stu- walkathon led by Sheikha Hind. games such as Word Stomp for dent Center, and QF’s It was followed by other activi- children at the campaign’s read- Pre-University Education (PUE) ties including volleyball, football, ing van, which also operates as schools marked with range of H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser took part in QF's National Sport Day activities at Education City. pony riding, tug-of-war and a mobile library. exciting Sport Day events, rang- H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani was also present. cycling exercises. While, many children and ing from football to traditional Pics: Aisha Al Musallam & AR Al-Baker / HHOPL The events reflected QF’s adults enjoyed playing golf on a games. commitment to creating and shaping a healthy and physically active society. “Our National Sport Day pro- gramme is part of a wider, year-round campaign that aims to promote healthy living as an integral part of the day-to-day lives of all Qatar’s residents. Other examples include ‘Sahtak Awalan – Your Health First’, a joint initia- tive with Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar; and also the ‘Diabetes Prevention Camp’ run by Qatar Diabetes Association,” said Mach- aille Al Naimi, President of Community Development, QF. Among the attractions to promote healthy living was QF’s Nutrition Clinic providing nutri- tional advice to visitors, alongside a number of health food vendors. An array of stimulating activ- ities such as giant puzzle cubes, Clubs & playgrounds kept open for public

Continued from Page 1 in the day’s events. walkathon and a 40km cycling. The Ministry of Culture and Katara hosted a number of Additional QF Sport Day activ- Sports had opened all clubs, activities at its esplanade with the ities included ladies-only fitness playgrounds and sports halls to participation of over 70 associa- classes at Hamad bin Khalifa the public for exercise and to tions, federations, and institutes. University's (HBKU) Student promote awareness about Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) Center, and QF's Pre-University healthy lifestyle. and its affiliated member organ- Education (PUE) schools cele- NSD activities formally isations had one of the biggest brated with range of exciting began with marches organised NSD celebrations in the country Sport Day events, ranging from at the Corniche for men, for offering unique sporting activi- football to traditional games. women at Aspire Park and also ties, available in Qatar for the first Blue collar workers in Qatar in other places outside the city time such as innovative Eastern were also involved with a under the supervision of clubs and European sports. number of activities such as vol- and municipalities so as to facil- Qatar Foundation’s events leyball tournament, tug-of-war itate all the people to participate at Al Shaqab included a and basketball, at Asian Town.

National Sport Day events held at Museum of Islamic Art park and (Below) Aspire Park. Pics: Qassim Rahmatullah & Baher Amin / The Peninsula. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2017 PM plays football; Lekhwiya opens multipurpose hall

MoI celebrations The Prime Minister and commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) also The event, which is annually attended celebrations organised by Lekhwiya held at Suheim Bin Hamad at its headquarters. Stadium, was attended by On the sidelines of the celebrations, department managers, and Lekhwiya inaugurated a 2,500 square metre more than 2,000 employees of multipurpose sports hall as an addition to the Ministry. qualify Lekhwiya's employees. On the first National Sport Day in 2012, Lekhwiya inau- gurated the biggest sports hall, a sports arena Minister of Municipality and in the 2013 celebrations and a fitness hall in Environment H E Mohamed bin the 2014 celebrations. Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani participating in Abdullah Al Rumaihi also Many other employees from General National Sport Day events yesterday. participated in National Sport Directorate of Civil Defense, Police Training Day events. Institute and General Directorate of Coasts and Borders Security also participated in games. The Peninsula “Qatar has marked a special day for sports to promote healthy lifestyle habits. rime Minister and Interior Minis- Medical specialists and doctors say that sports ter H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser combat many diseases and all people must bin Khalifa Al Thani took part yes- join sports especially here because Qatar is terday in the National Sport Day offering all sports equipment which enable celebrations organised by the Min- residents to practice in public places, clubs Pistry of Interior's (MoI) Qatar Police Sports and public parks”, said Brigadier Moham- Federation. med Saad Al Khargi, Director of Traffic The event, which is annually held at Department. Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium, was attended Minister of Municipality and Environment by department managers, and more than H E Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi yes- 2,000 employees of the Ministry. terday participated along with Ministry The event was also attended by a large officials in the activities of National Sport number of persons with special needs from Day. The activities included walkathon from the Gulf Disability Society, Aamal Center for the Museum of Islamic Art Park to Sheraton Special Needs, Al Tamakon School, Rumailah Park, in addition to many others activities Hospital, and Doha International Center for hold at Katara and in every municipality. Special Needs. “More sports equipment will be added in pub- The programme included a football lic parks to encourage people to take part in match in which the Prime Minister, the Direc- sporting activities," Al Rumaihi said in a press tor General of Public Security and a number statement. of department managers participated. In “Qatar is giving attention to sport and it addition, the employees of the Ministry par- has built a number of sports facilities which ticipated in different sports such as track and have made the country a sport capital in the field, tug of war, basketball, tennis and so on. Middle East," he added.

Over 3 million gallons of rain water drained Continued from page 1 Al Jamiliyah received 19.5mm of rainfall, followed by Al Guwayriyah (16.3mm), Al Khor (15mm), Qatar University (14.3mm), Al She- haimiya (14mm) Dukhan (13.5mm), Abu Hamour (12.2mm), and Hamad International Airport and Doha International Airport receiving 10.6mm rainfall. The rain emergency preparedness team drained more than 3 million gallons of rain water, equivalent to 733 tanker loads, logged in various parts of the country since yesterday morning until noon. Much of this was drained from highways and roads to ease the traffic flow, according to the authorities. Work is in full swing to remove remaining water obstructing the interior roads in residen- tial areas. Some 374 workers, 151 tankers and 45 pumps have been stationed to clear water logging. WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2017 HOME 05

Deputy PM joins National Sport Day celebrations Foreign Ministry holds social & cultural events

QNA and their families. The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs gave atar's Ministry of Foreign a speech to mark the occasion Affairs participated yes- and said that the policy of Emir Qterday in National Sport H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Day at the Diplomatic Club, Al Thani adopted sports as one under the auspices of Foreign of the tools of foreign policy and Minister H E Sheikh Mohamed a pillar of diplomacy that brings bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Qatari people closer to differ- Minister of State for Foreign ent people across the globe. Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al He added that recognising Muraikhi, Secretary-General of this day as a Sports Day came the Foreign Ministry, Dr Ahmed to complement Qatar National bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Direc- Vision 2030, which seeks to tors of the Ministry's different have a mentally and physically- authorities, and members of healthy society capable of diplomatic missions in Qatar contributing to sustainable took part in the event. development. Yesterday's programme H E Al Muraikhi said that The Qatar Cabinet's General-Secretariat participated yesterday in the National Sport Day, with Deputy Prime Minister and saw a host of sporting, social they want citizens to be healthy Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud taking part. and cultural events that were and that's why the ministry cel- popular among the participants ebrates sports day every year. UDC organises walkathon at The Pearl-Qatar

Chairman of Civil Aviation Authority National Sport Day along with Hussain Akbar Al Baker, The event featured a Director of Marketing and Communi- walkathon along Porto cations Department at United Arabia Boardwalk and Development Company, participated in the day-long celebrations, in associa- several sporting and fitness tion with the entities involved and their training activities in families and staff to commemorate addition to a dedicated National Sport Day events. kids play area, all held in The event featured a walkathon Porto Arabia, between 29 along Porto Arabia Boardwalk and sev- and 30 La Croisette. eral sporting and fitness training activities in addition to a dedicated kids Also in Porto Arabia play area, all held in Porto Arabia, between 1 and 2 La between 29 and 30 La Croisette. Also in Porto Arabia between 1 and Croisette, Qatar Charity 2 La Croisette, Qatar Charity hosted hosted another walkathon another walkathon and kids activities and kids activities for their for their employees, beneficiaries and employees, beneficiaries collaborators. and collaborators. National Sport Day translates the nation’s belief in the importance of sports, its amenities, The Pearl-Qatar contin- by focusing on promoting an active and ues to be a preferred location for indoor The Peninsula healthy lifestyle and on improving sports and outdoor sporting activities; thus pro- for better bodies and more active minds. moting an active community in and nited Development Com- These values further fulfil the objectives around The Pearl. pany (UDC), one of the set by Qatar National Vision’s human leading Qatari sharehold- development pillar. Ibrahim Jassim Al Othman, UDC ing companies, celebrated The Pearl-Qatar’s residents and vis- President & CEO; Akbar Al Baker, Qatar National Sport Day in itors were also treated to exciting Chief Executive of Qatar Airways Ucollaboration with the Ministry of Trans- incentives by the island’s retailers, to Group; Abdullah bin Nasser Turki Al port & Communications, through a series help them get active on National Sports Subaey, Chairman of Civil Aviation of activities held yesterday at UDC’s flag- Day. Niya Yoga in Qanat Quartier offered Authority along with Hussain Akbar ship project, The Pearl-Qatar. free yoga sessions with Gymmito and Al Baker, Director of Marketing and Ibrahim Jassim Al Othman, UDC Strongbox also extending complimen- Communications Department at President & CEO, Akbar Al Baker, Chief tary fitness classes and tryouts on the UDC, participating in the day-long Executive, Qatar Airways Group; Abdul- day. With its vast open spaces, lush celebrations. lah bin Nasser Turki Al Subaey, green areas, beachfront, in addition to Expat workers brave rain at Asian Town

Sanaullah Ataullah The Peninsula

raving rain and windy weather, hundreds of work- Bers ventured out to participate in National Sport Day activities at Asian Town yesterday. Over 1,000 workers from dif- ferent nationalities participated in various sport events organised by Ibn Ajyan, the management of Asian Town and Labour City Projects in collaboration with Indian and Filipino communities. Women also took part in the activities which included a volley- ball match. The winning teams and players were given trophies and attractive gifts. Indian Ambassa- Workers participate in the tug-of-war at Asian Town yesterday. dor P Kumaran was present to watch an exciting tug-of-war con- activities took place smoothly,” pm. There was a big crowd of prominent Indian community test. At the end of the match, he said the official. spectators at all the matches. leader told The Peninsula. “The handed over trophies and gifts to The tug-of-war contest was The tea stall also pulled huge most important thing is motiva- the winning teams and players. organised by Ibn Ajyan in collab- crowds. tion and direction towards sports “The National Sport Day activ- oration with Indian Cultural Hamad Medical Corporation and enthusiasm in the people for ities began with fun-run at Asian Center (ICC). QIA emerged win- (HMC) set up a blood donation sports. That is our purpose to bring Town by 8:30am,” an official from ners in the tug-of-war and Mr GYM camp near the venue. Seventy-two as much number of people as pos- Ibn Ajyan told The Peninsula. was the runners up. workers donated blood in the sible from the Indian community “More than 1,000 people includ- Filipino community partici- camp that was open from 10am to to participate in such events" he ing workers, players, women and pated in the volleyball and 3pm yesterday. added. children participated the fun-race. basketball matches. Eight teams A painting competition for kids “We are happy to have Zafar The activities were delayed about played basketball match. was also held. Iqbal, a former Indian field hockey Filipinos participate in a basketball match at Asian Town an hour in the morning due to rain. Four women's teams partici- “There is big crowd, people are player and sport celebrity to be yesterday. Only the cricket match was can- pated in the volleyball match. participating with great energy part of National Sport Day events” Pic: Abdul Basit / The Peninsula celled due to rain. All other The matches concluded by 3 and enthusiasm," M S Bukhari, a said Bukhari. 06 HOME WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2017

Minister of Energy and Industry H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada during National Sport Day celebrations at Katara yesterday. RIGHT: Different sporting activities kept people busy at Katara on National Sport Day. Pics: Kammutty VP/ The Peninsula Katara comes alive with sporting activities

Myriad activities Competitions in basketball, football, beach handball, chess, tennis and cycling were held at Katara.

An important attraction at Katara was ‘flower show’ in which 40,000 colourful flowers amused visitors.

Irfan Bukhari The Peninsula

ike the heavy turnout at dozens of other venues hosting fun-filled sport- ing activities across the A large number of people participated in various games at Katara to celebrate National Sport Day. Pics: Kammutty VP / The Peninsula country to mark National LSport Day (NSD) despite scattered volleyball, paragliding and providing information on healthy Themed “Sports Unite Us”, the rains and cool weather, Katara rowing. lifestyle and offering free tests to activities were organised in col- Cultural Village was also thronged An important attraction at visitors. laboration with the Ministry of with people who kept on enjoying Katara was ‘flower show’ in which With the theme “Show the Municipality and Environment, various games through the day. 40,000 colourful flowers amused game skills”, NSD celebrations in Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), Competitions in basketball, the visitors. Beach Touch Rugby Katara also included activities Community College of Qatar football, beach handball, chess, challenge of Qatar Rugby Feder- from water games to sand and (CCQ), and Katara, the official host. tennis and cycling were held at ation (QRF) was also held on the court sports and other outdoor At Katara, the activities included Katara in which a large number National Sport Day (NSD) in asso- activities. a walking march for kids and citizens and expatriates ciation with Woqod and Katara. Through the Sports Activities adults around the area, a parag- participated. Some Qatari nationals also Department, QU conducted a liding show performed by a team Minister of Energy and Indus- brought their ponies which turned series of sporting and fitness from QU Air Sports Club, cultural try H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh a source of amusement for many events on its campus and at Katara and traditional games, and beach Al Sada also participated in activ- visitors. Cultural Village (Katara) as part of activities such as volleyball and ities at Katara. Apart from the Along sporting activities, there its contribution towards the football, as well as sports activi- usual games and sporting events, were light entertainment for fam- national effort to promote sports ties for adults and kids. QU Katara was the venue to many ilies and kids, DJ music, beach and healthy lifestyles throughout Vice-President for Administra- activities such as wrestling, beach prizes, and medical stalls the community. tion and Finance Dr Khalid Al

Khater said: “The National awareness on the importance Sports Day aims to promote of exercise for a healthy life- the culture of sports within style. In sharing these activities the community and to high- on this special day, QU is con- light the health benefits of tributing to highlighting the sports. It also aims to moti- health benefits of sports and vate and encourage the fitness in line with the National community members to Health Strategy and Qatar exercise and practice sports Vision 2030.” in their daily life.” A special section of Qatar QU Student Services and Red Crescent (QRCS) was also Activities Director Abdulla Al set up at Katara Cultural Vil- Yafei said: “We are proud to be lage to hold diverse sports, part of this national event recreational, and informative which demonstrates QU’s activities as well as offer commitment to strengthening medical services for free for strong links with the society the visitors of different ages and to raising the community and walks of life. WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2017 HOME / GULF 07 Govt and private sector mark NSD

The Peninsula organised diverse sports, recre- intervene in emergencies. ational and informative activities Ooredoo arious organisations apart from offering medical serv- Ooredoo marked a success- celebrated National ices for free for the visitors of ful Qatar National Sport Day, Sport Day yesterday different ages and walks of life, with visitors arriving at the with a number of at Katara Cultural Village. Many Museum of Islamic Art Park events designed to QRCS officials, staff, and volun- (MIA) braving the rains, in the fosterV a culture of sports and pro- teers took part in the events, hope of enjoying a range of free mote a healthy lifestyle. including the Secretary-General, sports and healthy activities. A Ali Hassan Al Hammadi. QRCS' host of Ooredoo senior execu- Ashghal section saw many activities, tives also attended the annual The Public Works Authority, including information for the vis- event, which provided free Ashghal, marked the National itors about QRCS' humanitarian access to sports for Qatar’s com- Sports Day at a sports hall in mission and the value of volun- munities. This year’s activities Aspire Zone. H E Mohamed bin teerism, as well as sports were designed to suit every fit- Abdullah Al Rumaihi, Minister of activities for adults and children ness level and age. Highlights of Municipality and Environment, such as exercising, football, vol- the activities included a penalty Minister of Municipality and Environment H E Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi participating Dr Eng Saad bin Ahmad Al leyball, tennis, running, and shootout, tug of war, karate, in National Sport Day yesterday. Mohannadi, President of Ash- other games. aerobics, handball, human chess, ghal, and a galaxy of senior and As usual, in all events inside basketball and more. junior officials and employees Qatar, QRCS' medical services together this Sports Day with the and their families participated actively participated in the cel- Vodafone Vodafone supported “Be fit with in the activities, including foot- ebrations. At both Katara and the Vodafone marked the day by Kulinarya Qatar” health and fit- ball, volleyball, basketball, Diplomatic Club, QRCS medical engaging both its staff and hun- ness Bazaar that featured a physical exercises, contests and officers received visitors, distrib- dreds of people across the variety of fitness activities, various activities for the uted health awareness country with various community healthy food and even an oppor- children. publications, trained them about activities. At Al Shaqab indoor tunity to take medical first aid and CPR, performed arena, visitors were able to enjoy check-ups. Ministry of Economy and blood sugar/pressure tests for the Vodafone digital sporting Commerce free, and medically covered the activities. Supported by Voda- Qatar University MEC held a series of sport- areas with ambulance vehicles fone’s state of the art mobile QU staff, faculty, students ing events for its employees and and bicycles. network, young and old had fun and their families joined people their families at the Katara Cul- Also, QRCS' Al-Khor branch trying a bike simulator that rep- all over Qatar yesterday in cel- tural Village. The activities began held several health and sports licates a real outdoor biking ebrating National Sport Day. with warm-up exercises fol- activities at Al-Khor Sports Club, experience with options for Through the Sports Activities lowed by beach soccer and in cooperation with Qatar Guest group rides and races. Playing Department, QU conducted a volleyball matches between staff Center. football and basketball via vir- series of sporting and fitness members of different A QRCS fleet of 40 ambu- tual reality using Vodafone’s 4G events on its campus and at departments. lances, 130 paramedics, and 15 network also proved to be a huge Katara. Themed “Sports Unite doctors were positioned around hit with visitors. Us”, the activities were organ- QRCS the different locations yesterday Meanwhile, the Filipino com- ized in collaboration with the Qatar Red Crescent (QRCS) to take care of the public and munity was also brought closer Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), Community College of Qatar (CCQ), and Ashghal staff mark National Sport Day at a sports hall in Aspire Katara, the official host. Zone. At QU Female Sports Hall, QU female students and staff partic- QIIB active and healthy lifestyle. Par- ipated in a friendly football match Despite the rains a large ticipants were able to test their with their colleagues from CCQ. number of QIIB employees par- fitness and physical abilities The programme also included a ticipated in the ‘Walkathon’ through a series of sport activi- march past, fitness, aerobics, organised by the Qatar Central ties conducted by experienced Zumba and yoga sessions, and Bank at Doha Corniche. QIIB professionals. children were catered with games CEO Abdulbasit Ahmad Al and sport-related activities. Also Shaibei and senior bank execu- Nakilat on the programme was an exhi- tives were among the Nakilat celebrated the day bition featuring healthy nutrition participants. The participants with a series of sporting activi- booths, and health awareness and gathered early in the morning in ties for its employees. Hundreds medical and nutrition awareness front of QIIB’s headquarters at of Nakilat’s employees and their corners. the Grand Hamad Street before families turned up to the event At Katara, the activities heading together to the mara- at the New Onaiza Park and took included a walking march for thon’s start point on the Doha part in sporting activities such as kids and adults, a paragliding Corniche. football, volleyball, basketball, show performed by a team from table tennis and badminton. QU Air Sports Club, cultural and QIB Activities were also organised at traditional games, and beach Qatar Islamic Bank held a the venue to engage and enter- activities such as volleyball and series of activities for QIB tain staff members and their football, as well as sports activ- employees and their families to families in addition to promot- Qatar Islamic Bank employees and their families enjoy games during NSD celebrations. ities for adults and kids. emphasise the importance of an ing sports.

Erdogan meets King 12 Saudi soldiers martyred recently Salman in Riyadh near border Riyadh Party lawmakers in Ankara that Al-Bab Riyadh AFP in northern Syria was "largely" under AFP the control of Turkish-backed Syrian urkey's President Recep Tayyip rebels after months of clashes with t least 12 Saudi soldiers have died Erdogan met Saudi Arabia's top jihadists. on the southern border since early Tleadership yesterday during a Al-Bab was the Islamic State February, according to an unusual visit to further strengthen ties as part group's last stronghold in Aleppo series of official reports released of a Gulf tour ahead of Syria peace province. as the country fights Yemeni rebels. talks. Ankara has taken on an increas- AIn separate dispatches since February 5, Custodian of the Two Holy ingly important role with Moscow and the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) has carried pho- Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Iran as a powerbroker in the Syria tographs of funerals for the "martyrs" it said Al Saud of Saudi Arabia hosted a conflict. died "defending the southern borders." luncheon banquet for Erdogan, who In January, Turkey, along with The most recent report, published late on arrived in Riyadh late Monday, the Assad allies Russia and Iran, spon- Monday, named Jaber Haroubi as the latest official Saudi Press Agency said. sored talks in Kazakhstan between soldier to be killed. It gave no details of their discus- Syrian rebels and government SPA also quoted the father of another mil- sions, but said Erdogan also met officials. itary casualty, Mohammed Al Manjahi, as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, There was no breakthrough, but saying he was proud of his son. the interior minister, and Deputy another round is expected in Astana A Saudi-led coalition began air strikes over Crown Prince Mohammed bin Sal- today and tomorrow, before United Yemen in March 2015 to support the interna- man, who is defence minister. Nations-sponsored peace talks tionally recognised government of President The two Sunni powers have resume in Geneva on February 23. Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi in the fight against become increasingly close over the On Monday in Bahrain, Erdogan Iran-backed Houthi rebels. past year, sharing in particular a called for a "safe zone" in northern The Houthis, allied with former members backing for the opposition in Syria's Syria for people displaced by the war. of the security forces loyal to ex-president Ali war. The positions of Saudi Arabia and Abdullah Saleh, have carried out retaliatory As Erdogan held talks in Riyadh, Turkey are "absolutely identical" on rocket strikes and engaged in firefights along his Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told Syria, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al the border. his ruling Justice and Development Jubeir said last week in Ankara. 08 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2017

Jordan's King welcomes Aoun Syria talks in UN warns of Astana 'to be held behind catastrophe in closed doors'

Astana 4 Syria towns AFP azakhstan said yester- Damascus Under siege day that a new round AFP Kof Astana talks on the Zabadani & Madaya, Syria conflict led by Russia, he top UN official in in Damascus Turkey and Iran will take Damascus has province, are place behind closed doors, as warned of a "loom- besieged by the make-up of any rebel del- ing humanitarian egation remained unclear. government troops catastrophe" in four The "closed format" nego- and their allies, while Tbesieged towns in Syria, calling tiations are set to start today for immediate access to deliver Fua and Kafraya are in the Kazakh capital some aid to some 60,000 residents. under siege by rebels. three weeks after represent- In a statement, the UN Jordan's King Abdullah II drives Lebanese President Michel Aoun following an official atives from Damascus and the humanitarian coordinator for prevented medical cases from welcome ceremony at Marka airport in Amman, yesterday. armed opposition failed to Syria, Ali Al Za'atari, warned of receiving proper treatment and make a breakthrough at indi- dire conditions in the towns of evacuation. People are in need, rect talks in the city. Zabadani, Madaya, Fua and and they cannot wait any The meeting — pushed by Kafraya. longer. We need to act now." key regime supporter Mos- Zabadani and Madaya, in The UN's last humanitarian cow — is viewed as a Damascus province, are access to the four towns was in Al Bab largely under control warm-up for UN-led negoti- besieged by government troops November, the statement said, ations on the protracted war and their allies, while Fua and without directing blame for the that are due to begin in Kafraya are under siege by the lack of access at one side or the Geneva on February 23. rebels. "Sixty thousand innocent other. of Turkey-backed forces While Kazakh officials people are trapped there in a Earlier this month, the UN said they invited both the Syr- cycle of daily violence and dep- said it had been able to deliver ian government and rebels for rivation, where malnutrition aid to just 40,000 people in Ankara taken under control. Our aim is The Turkey-backed rebels the new talks, several of the and lack of proper medical care besieged and hard-to-reach Reuters to prevent the opening of corri- have been pressing a major regime opponents who took prevail," the statement said. areas in January, despite dors from territories controlled offensive on Al Bab, 30km south part in the previous Astana "The situation is a looming requesting access to more than urkey-backed rebel forces by terrorist organisations to Tur- of the Turkish border, since talks told AFP that they have humanitarian catastrophe. The 900,000 people. have largely taken control key," Yildirim said in a speech November. The advance risks not received invitations. principle of free access to peo- That made January the Tof Syria's Al Bab from to lawmakers from his ruling AK putting them in direct conflict Damascus has confirmed ple in need must be worst month for humanitarian Islamic State militants, Turkish Party in parliament. with Syrian government forces it will be represented again implemented now and without deliveries in nearly a year, with Prime Minister Binali Yildirim However, the Britain-based who are closing in on the city by its ambassador to the UN, repeated requests," it added. approval received for just one said yesterday, but a war mon- Syrian Observatory for Human from the south. President Tayyip Bashar Al Jaafari. Za'atari said the situation of 21 humanitarian convoys itoring group said the militants Rights said the militants Erdogan and other Turkish lead- Russia is sending presi- was complicated by the "tit-for- proposed by the UN, the Inter- still controlled most of the town. remained in control of the ers have been saying for weeks dential envoy Alexander tat arrangement" between the national Committee of the Red Syrian rebels, backed by northern Syrian town. that the Al Bab offensive was Lavrentiev while Iran said it towns, whereby no aid can be Cross and the Syrian Arab Red Turkish special forces, tanks and "Battles continue on the out- nearing an end. is dispatching deputy foreign provided to Madaya and Crescent. warplanes, swept into northern skirts and entry points...of Al Bab Further east along the bor- minister Hossein Jaberi Zabadani without similar access The UN says 4.72 million Syria in August in an operation, between Islamic State (IS) and der, Turkey's security forces Ansari. to Fua and Kafraya, and vice Syrians are in so-called hard- dubbed "Euphrates Shield" by the Turkish forces and the killed a member of the Syrian UN envoy on Syria Staffan versa. The linkage "makes to-reach areas, including Ankara, to push Islamic State Euphrates Shield factions, amid Kurdish YPG militia on Monday de Mistura said he would not humanitarian access prone to 600,000 people under siege, from Turkey's border and stop advances by the latter in the when they returned fire from participate personally in the painstaking negotiations that mostly by the Syrian army, but the advance of Kurdish area," the Observatory said. "The Nusaybin into Syrian territory latest Astana meeting but that are not based on humanitarian also by rebel groups or the fighters. organisation (IS) still controls controlled by the group, the his office would be repre- principles," he said. "This has Islamic State group. "Al Bab has been largely most of Al Bab," it added. Turkish army said. sented by a "technical team".

Umbrellas of protest Head of Libya's unity govt NEWS BYTES 101 dead as troops & militia clash in Congo to meet rival army chief GENEVA: The UN human rights office is citing reports that at least 101 people have been killed in clashes between soldiers Tripoli parliament based in the far east of the in Congo and a local militia, the latest spasm of violence in AFP country that has refused to recognise the Central African country wracked by years of instability. the unity government. Rights office spokeswoman Liz Throssell said that the vio- he head of Libya's unity govern- Sarraj met Haftar in January last lence in the Dibaya area of Kasai-Central province allegedly ment and a rival army chief were year in the eastern city of Al Marj involved troops who "opened fire indiscriminately" when they Tto meet in Cairo yesterday to find shortly after he was named GNA head. spotted militia members mainly wielding machetes and spears a solution to turmoil in the country, a The UN-brokered agreement that between Thursday and Monday. Some 39 women were among government official said. created the unity government did not those killed, Throssell says, citing information from local col- The UN-backed Government of give Haftar a role in the new adminis- leagues and unspecified "sources" in the region. National Accord has struggled to assert tration, but the Egypt-backed its authority across the North African strongman made clear he was a key Ethiopia dam causes Kenya water shortage country since starting work in Tripoli player when he seized control of major Traders cover their wares with umbrellas nearly a year ago. oil terminals in the country's east in ADDIS ABABA: A huge newly-built Ethiopian dam is cutting in Port Harcourt city yesterday. Black GNA head Fayez Al Sarraj and Mar- September. off the supply of water to Lake Turkana in northern Kenya, soot has been falling from the sky in the shal Khalifa Haftar were due to meet UN envoy Martin Kobler last week rights group Human Rights Watch said yesterday. The Gibe III Nigerian city, angering residents who without providing further details on said talks had made progress on "pos- dam, along with a network of sugar plantations, has caused claim nothing is being done to protect the agenda. sible amendments" to the political the depth of Lake Turkana to drop by 1.5 metres from its pre- their health. Haftar, whose forces control much agreement, and notably on Haftar's vious levels since the dam's reservoir began filling in 2015, of Libya's east, is backed by a future role. according to a HRW report. In one part of Turkana, the world's largest desert lake, the shore has receded by nearly two kil- ometres, threatening the livelihoods of fishing communities. Built at a cost of $1.6bn, Gibe III is the third-most powerful dam in Africa and the highest, at 800 feet in height. Libya repatriates nearly 200 migrants Gambia to remain in ICC; notifies UN Tripoli BANJUL: The Gambia's new government has asked the United AFP Nations to halt the process of withdrawal from the Interna- tional Criminal Court (ICC) begun by the regime of former ibya repatriated nearly 200 illegal migrants from Niger leader Yahya Jammeh. The Hague-based court, set up in 2002, who had been held in detention centres in the capital. is often accused of bias against African nations, leading The LThey were flown home from Mitiga airport east of Tripoli, Gambia, Burundi and South Africa to send notice last year they in coordination with the International Organization for Migra- would no longer recognise the ICC's jurisdiction. New Gambian tion (IOM). President Adama Barrow had promised during his December Hosni Abu Ayana, a spokesman for Libya's office that deals election campaign to rejoin the ICC and the Commonwealth with illegal migrants, said the repatriated group included 50 group of nations, reversing Jammeh's more insular foreign policy. women and four children. He added that more than 900 other detained migrants will be repatriated in the coming weeks. Mozambique & S Africa brace for cyclone The IOM website said that in 2016, the organisation "sup- ported 1,589 migrants to voluntarily return to their countries JOHANNESBURG: A tropical storm heading for the coast of of origin" from Libya, giving priority to "the most southern Mozambique is expected to develop into a cyclone vulnerable". with winds of up to 118 to 165km per hour, the South African People smugglers have taken advantage of the chaos grip- Weather Service said yesterday. Mozambique, one of the world's ping Libya since the 2011 revolution to greatly boost their poorest countries which is in the throes of a debt and financial lucrative trade. Most departures take place from the west of crisis, is prone to flooding and is especially vulnerable after the North African country, usually heading for Italy 300 kil- a scorching drought last year. Heavy rains could also impact ometres (190 miles) away across the Mediterranean. subsistence maize farmers at a time when Mozambique is one Europeans are considering measures aimed at blocking of several countries battling an infestation of crop-damag- African migrants carry their children as they wait to be deported at the arrival of thousands of migrants, alarming NGOs which ing fall armyworms, an invasive species with a taste for corn. fear those stranded in Libya may suffer mistreatment. Mitiga International Airport, east of Tripoli, yesterday. WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2017 ASIA 09 N Korea: Missile launch self-defence exercise

Geneva ally, said the missile launch vio- Reuters UNSC angry lated Security Council The UN Security resolutions but called on all par- orth Korea yester- Council denounced ties to “exercise restraint”. day said its missile the launch, urging The way to defuse the situ- launches were members to redouble ation was through dialogue, “self-defence China said, calling for a return efforts to enforce measures”, reject- to talks. sanctions against the Ning UN Security Council US, Japanese and South criticism of its weekend test, but reclusive state, but Korean military officials held a the United States demanded gave no indications teleconference on Monday in international action against of any action it might which they condemned the Pyongyang’s weapons take. launch as “a clear violation” of programmes. multiple Security Council North Korea’s ballistic mis- Han Tae Song, the resolutions. sile firing on Sunday was its first new Ambassador of Similarly, the United States direct challenge to the interna- the Democratic “reaffirmed its iron-clad secu- tional community since US People’s Republic of rity commitments” to South President Donald Trump took Korea said the test Korea and Japan, the Pentagon office on January 20. fires for building up said. The missile had a range of self-defence Han said the divided Korean more than 2,000kms, accord- capabilities are, with peninsula “remains the world’s ing to South Korea’s intelligence biggest hotspot with a constant no exception, self- agency. It reached an altitude of danger of war”. He condemned defence measures to about 550 km and flew about joint military exercises carried 500 km towards Japan before protect national out annually by South Korea and splashing into the sea east of the sovereignty and the United States, as well as Korean peninsula. safety of the people what he called “nuclear threats” The UN Security Council against direct threats and blackmail towards his denounced the launch, urging by hostile forces. country. members to “redouble efforts” “It is the legitimate self- to enforce sanctions against the defence right of the sovereign reclusive state, but gave no indi- 61-member-state forum. state to possess strong deter- cations of any action it might “My delegation strongly rence to cope up with such take. rejects the latest statement of threat by hostile forces aimed Pentagon condemns missile test Han Tae Song, the new the UN Security Council and all at overthrowing the state and Ambassador of the Democratic United Nations. resolutions the socialist system,” he said. Washington “We are capable of defend- from a mobile launcher. People’s Republic of Korea against my country,” Han Tae South Korea’s Ambassador Reuters ing against a North Korean “This is one of the concerns (DPRK) to the United Nations in Song said. Choi Kyong-lim said the missile ballistic missile attack and will we’ve had, as they have devel- Geneva, addressed the UN- US Ambassador Robert test by DPRK showed “the he Pentagon yesterday take all necessary measures to oped their capability in the backed Conference on Wood said: “All efforts to unreasonable nature of the strongly condemned North deter and defeat threats to our missiles themselves, they have Disarmament a day after taking advance North Korea’s nuclear DPRK and their fanatical obses- TKorea’s latest missile test, and our allies’ territories and cit- also given them a road mobile up his post. weapons and ballistic missile sion with the pursuit of nuclear adding that the United States’ izens,” Davis added. capability." “The various test fires con- capabilities must cease,” add- weapons and ballistic commitment to protect the home- Davis said it appeared that the "Road mobile allows it to ducted by DPRK for building up ing: “If ever there were a missiles”. land and allies such as Japan and missile was an intermediate- hide, to evade detection and to self-defence capabilities are, situation that called for interna- Japan’s disarmament South Korea was “ironclad.” range ballistic missile, the be able to launch with little with no exception, self-defence tional collective action to ensure Ambassador Nobushige Taka- Pentagon spokesman Captain land-based variant of what North notice,” Davis said. measures to protect national our mutual security, it is this.” mizawa urged Pyongyang not Jeff Davis told reporters that North Korea has launched from subma- On Monday, US President sovereignty and the safety of the to take further “provocative Korea’s “unlawful weapons pro- rines in the past. Donald Trump said he would deal people against direct threats by China calls for restraint actions” that undermine peace grammes” were a clear and grave He added it appeared to be with North Korea “very strongly,” hostile forces,” Han told the China, North Korea’s main and security in the region. threat to national security. propelled by solid fuel and fired but did not give any details. HK cops guilty over attack on protester Relatives mourn victims

Hong Kong “The court was not satisfied of Taiwan bus crash AFP these injuries amounted to griev- ous bodily harm but was satisfied Taipei the popular scenic area of Wul- even Hong Kong police they amounted to actual bodily AFP ing. Passengers were asleep at officers were yesterday harm,” the press statement said. the time of the crash. One survi- Sfound guilty of assaulting a The charge carries a maxi- istraught relatives in Tai- vor described it as “hell.” protester during pro-democracy mum sentence of three years. wan gathered to mourn “The bus was lopsided rallies in 2014, in an attack that One of the officers who kicked Dloved ones on Tuesday when it was passing the turn was captured on film and Tsang was also found guilty of after a bus carrying elderly local and people were waking up and beamed around the world. common assault for slapping him tourists flipped on its side and screaming,” 54-year-old Hsiao All seven were convicted of in face twice after he was taken left 33 dead. Shiu-hua told the China Times. assault causing actual bodily to a police station. The latest victim died yes- Relatives returned to scene harm to Civic Party activist Ken Following the verdict, a law- terday morning after suffering of the accident yesterday to per- Tsang, but were acquitted of a yer for defence said in mitigation multiple injuries and internal form a religious ritual for the more serious charge of grievous that the protests had dented bleeding, Wanfang Hospital dead. They threw banknotes bodily harm with intent. police morale, with a number of said, bringing the toll to 33. towards the slope where the bus Video footage of the attack, officers injured. “Human frailty Police are investigating crashed and chanted prayers. filmed by a local network, Police officers, charged in connection with the beating of a resulted in the transgression of whether the bus was speeding Family members, some in shocked residents and dented seven devoted police officers,” at the time. tears, also gathered at a Taipei protester, arrive at a court in Hong Kong, yesterday. their faith in the usually trusted Lawrence Lok told the court. The bus driver’s daughter funeral parlour where some police fore. during the 79 days of rallies and Four other officers kicked He said defendant Wong identified as Kang Yi-jen bodies are being stored. One It showed a group of men street blockades that brought him while two other officers did Cho-shing, one of those who described her father as over- said the agency that organised hauling a handcuffed Tsang to a parts of the city to a standstill. not participate but watched. watched the attack, had worked worked. “I think he was the trip should “take responsi- dark corner in a public park, The demonstrators were “Every police officer has a long hours during the protests fatigued while driving... my bility” for the disaster. where he was beaten. One man seeking fully free elections for duty to prevent commission of a and faced physical and verbal father worked very hard to pay Dozens of Buddhist volun- stood over him inflicting blows Hong Kong’s future leaders. crime, even by fellow police offic- abuse from demonstrators. our mortgage and tuition but teers flanked the entrance to while others were seen repeat- Hong Kong’s district court ers,” judge David Dufton said in a Mitigation continued yester- they are trying to lay the blame the hall, praying for the dead. edly kicking him. found one officer had stamped press summary of the verdict. day afternoon and a sentencing on him,” she told reporters. Ente Li was at the parlour Police have been criticised on 41-year-old Tsang and hit It added that Tsang suffered hearing was set for Friday. The Some reports said the driver with his 37-year-old cousin, for their sometimes heavy- him with a baton, causing circu- injuries to his face, neck and officers will be remanded in cus- had been working for 14 hours whose sister and parents were handed treatment of protesters lar reddish bruises. body during the assault. tody in the meantime. straight. But Ringo Lee of Travel killed. President Tsai Ing-wen Agent Association of Taiwan said visited the funeral parlour yes- the driver had had “sufficient terda and spoke briefly to Prosecution again seeks arrest of Samsung chief rest” before taking the group to relatives. Seoul said in a statement, referring to the 48-year- saying it would give a briefing on the details Reuters old Samsung Group chief by his Korean name. on today. Lee and the Samsung Group have Last month, the Seoul Central District denied wrongdoing. outh Korea’s special prosecutor’s office Court rejected the prosecution’s first request The Samsung Group yesterday declined said yesterday it would again seek a for a warrant to arrest the Samsung chief. to make either executive available but issued Swarrant to arrest Samsung Group chief If Lee is arrested it would deal a serious a statement denying bribery. Jay Y Lee, a suspect in a graft investigation blow to Samsung, the world’s biggest maker “Samsung has absolutely never bribed that may topple President Park Geun-hye. of smartphones, memory chips and flat- the president seeking something in return Lee, the third-generation leader of the screen televisions, hampering strategic or sought illicit favours,” Samsung Group country’s top conglomerate, was questioned decision-making. said in a statement. “We will do our best for for more than 15 hours by the special pros- The prosecution office said the charges the truth to be revealed in court.” ecutor’s office on Monday. The prosecutor the two executives would face included brib- The Seoul court said it would hold a hear- is also seeking the arrest of Samsung Elec- ery, embezzlement and hiding assets ing on the arrest warrants at 0130 GMT tronics Co Ltd executive Park Sang-jin. overseas. The prosecution also said it would tomorrow. Head of corporate analysis firm “We have filed for an arrest warrant for also bring an additional charge of perjury CEO Score, Park Ju-gun, said if Lee was Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong and President against for Lee in the latest arrest warrant arrested it would affect some long-term oper- Park Sang-jin today,” the prosecution office request. The office declined to elaborate, ating decisions. The memorial service set up for victims of a bus crash. 10 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2017

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

EDITORIAL Syrians under siege

s a new round of talks on the Syria conflict led by Russia, Turkey and Iran start in Astana today, a United National official has warned of a ‘looming humanitarian catastrophe’ in four besieged A towns in Syria and called for immediate access to deliver aid to some 60,000 residents. The Baghdad’s bloody protests mark UN warning is a stark reminder that fighting in the country still continues despite the talks and the defeat of the opposition. The Bashar Al Assad resumption of power struggle regime is following a policy of double standards – participate in the talks for a permanent ceasefire would violate a UN Security Council Fourteen years after the US-led inva- and finally to find a solution to the crisis, and at the which enshrined a deal which curbed sion that toppled Saddam Hussein, the same time continue its military operation to Maher Chmaytelli Reuters Iran’s nuclear programme in return for country still suffers a shortage of elec- eliminate the rebels. The rebels are fighting to hold an easing of international sanctions. Iran tricity, water, schools and hospitals, on to the territory they have, even realizing that the says its missile launches do not breach while existing facilities and infrastruc- government forces will finally eject them. The UN the deal. ture suffer widespread neglect. official is talking of dire conditions existing in the The escalation, and the Trump Street mobilisation is important for towns of Zabadani, Madaya, Fua and Kafraya. Of loody protests in Baghdad over the administration’s halt to immigrants from Sadr as he cannot rely on a regional these, Zabadani and Madaya, in the Damascus weekend by followers of influential seven mainly Muslim nations, placed backer to sustain his popularity. province, are besieged by government troops and cleric Muqtada Al Sadr signal the Abadi in a dilema. He resisted calls from Reacting to the killing of his follow- their allies, while Fua and Kafraya are under siege resumption of a power struggle influential pro-Iranian Shia politicians to ers on Saturday evening, Sadr said he by the rebels. Both sides are stuck in a tit-for-tat between Iraq’s Shia leaders which retaliate against the ban, citing Iraq’s was suspending protests for the time competition. No aid can be delivered to rebel-held Bhad been put on hold to focus on the war need for US military support. Comment- being, but added: “Their blood won’t areas without similar access to the other areas. against Islamic State (IS). ing on his phone call on Thursday with have been shed in vain.” The meeting in Astana must first give priority to With Iraqi forces all but certain to defeat Trump, he said Baghdad will steer clear Hashimi said Saturday’s violence delivering aid to the besieged people. Aid groups IS in Mosul this year, Sadr has begun mobilis- of US-Iran tension. Sadr’s followers held was unlikely to herald a dramatic shift in ing his supporters ahead of two elections, for several demonstrations last year to press the balance of power, but the protesters are saying delivery of provincial councils in September and the cru- for anti-corruption reforms, and had served notice that Sadr cannot be relief materials to cial parliamentary vote, by April 2018. stormed the Green Zone, a heavily pro- ignored. The protests enabled him “to affected areas has His main rival is former Prime Minister tected cluster of government and foreign mobilise his base under patriotic slogans As talks go on, become increasingly Nouri Al Maliki, a pro-Iranian politician who diplomatic buildings, after clashes with and reassert his leadership,” he said. difficult as intense the Syrian regime started positioning himself last year as a pos- security forces. Sadr is the heir to a clerical dynasty fighting continues in sible kingmaker or even for a return to the Oil-rich Iraq ranks which suffered under Saddam Hussein. and rebels must several areas. The UN premiership itself. The political tussle played 161st out of 168 nations While the Sadr family remained in Iraq, agree on averting says it was able to out on the streets of central Baghdad on Sat- in Transparency Inter- his main Shia rivals, including Maliki, a humanitarian deliver aid to just urday when five demonstrators and a national’s Corruption fled Saddam’s persecution and returned catastrophe in 40,000 people in the policeman were killed in clashes between Index. to Iraq only after the invasion. month of January, security forces and Sadr followers demanding Iran has trained and armed Shia areas under siege. despite requesting an overhaul of the state election commission, militias collectively known as Popular access to more than which the cleric believes favours Maliki. Mobilisation forces to counter IS. Most 900,000 people. This A return to power for Maliki would bolster With Iraqi forces all but of their leaders have close links with makes January the Iranian influence in Baghdad, giving Tehran Maliki. Maliki’s Dawa party accuses Sadr leverage in any conflict with US President certain to defeat IS in of obstructing the war on IS, saying his worst month for humanitarian deliveries in nearly Donald Trump’s administration, which put Mosul this year, Sadr has street protests increase the burden on a year. This is just a tip of the iceberg. Millions of new sanctions on the Islamic Republic follow- the armed forces at the time when they Syrians are still in desperate need of aid and begun mobilising his ing its missile test last month. supporters ahead of two are about to dislodge the militants from humanitarian organisations are unable to reach Although Sadr is openly hostile to Wash- Mosul, their last city stronghold in Iraq. them due to lack of security and the reluctance of ington’s policies in the Middle East and has elections, for provincial A lawmaker close to Maliki, Ahmed the regime to provide security. According to UN, spent considerable time in Iran, he would be a councils in September and Al Badri, also accuses the Sadrists of 4.72 million Syrians are in hard-to-reach areas, less dependable ally for Tehran in Baghdad. the crucial parliamentary “being part of the corruption problem”. including 600,000 people under siege. Most of the He has a troubled relationship with Iraqi vote, by April 2018. His “The elections are around the corner people under siege are actually captives of the political groups allied with Iran, and portrays and everybody wants to win the street, Syrian army, which is denying access to these areas himself as an Iraqi nationalist. main rival is former Prime and everybody, including the Sadrists, for aid groups as a punishment for supporting Maliki’s eight-year rule ended in 2014, Minister Nouri Al Maliki, a are part of the corruption problem rebels. when the Iraqi army collapsed in the face of pro-Iranian politician who through their participation in different an IS offensive, forcing him to hand over governments,” he said. All eyes are on the talks in Astana. The previous started positioning himself round ended without any progress, and there are power to current Prime Minister Haider Al Sadr’s followers reject the accusa- Abadi. Both men are members of the Shia last year as a possible tions of obstructing the war effort. “It’s efforts to break the deadlock this time, though it Dawa party. He now holds the ceremonial their corruption that facilitate the entry will be extremely tough. Any so-called solution that kingmaker or even for a position of vice-president but still wields con- return to the premiership of Daesh,” said Ali Abu Mahdi, a 42 year- doesn’t lead to the removal of Assad will not bring siderable influence, chairing the Dawa party old state employee who marched in peace to Syria. But as talks go on, all sides must which controls the largest bloc in parliament. itself. Saturday’s demonstration. “Both are in agree on averting a humanitarian catastrophe in Abadi, a moderate politician, was better the same bag.” besieged areas. able to work with the Americans who helped rebuild the army and provided critical air and ground support to troops battling the Sunni jihadists after they seized a third of Iraq in 2014. Iraqi forces have completed the first phase of the campaign to retake Mosul, the QUOTE OF THE DAY biggest city under IS control, removing the militants from the eastern side of the city. Abadi has overseen the two-year fight- back, but lacks a political powerbase to match If we reduce defence Sadr or Maliki. “Abadi came as a compromise between the Americans and the Iranians,” spending in times when said Wathiq Al Hashimi, chairman of the tensions are going Baghdad-based Iraqi Group for Strategic down, we have to be Studies think tank. able to increase defence “Given the escalation with the Trump administration, Iran would for sure seek to spending when tensions have a strong, loyal ally in Baghdad” to take are going up, as they are over after the parliamentary elections next now. year, he said. The new American president says he has put Iran “on notice” after it test- fired a medium-range ballistic missile in Jens Stoltenberg January. Some Western powers say that any Supporters of Shia cleric Muqtada Al Sadr taking part in a symbolic funeral for the Nato Secretary-General launch of nuclear-capable ballistic missiles protesters who were killed in Saturday’s demonstrations in Baghdad, yesterday. WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2017 OPINION 11 Thailand’s new King shows his strength

panel is to listen to different politi- Matthew Tostevin cal factions, to establish some Reuters common ground between them and then come up with an agree- ment all would sign to ensure a peaceful transition to civilian-led democracy. rom requiring constitutional changes to One name above all polarises pushing for unity in the divided country and Thais: Thaksin Shinawatra. reshaping the royal household, Thailand’s The former “CEO prime minis- new king is putting an assertive stamp on ter” was a hero for poorer Thais his rule. King Maha Vajiralongkorn has loyal to his populist movement. Fmade it clear to the generals running the country that Overthrown in 2006, he lives in he will not just sit in the background as a constitu- Dubai to avoid a jail sentence for tional figurehead since taking the throne in corruption. His sister, Yingluck December from a father treated by Thais as Shinawatra, was prime minister semi-divine. from 2011 until just before the 2014 That matters in Thailand, where relationships coup. between monarchy, army and politicians have long Thaksin, a self-made billion- determined the stability of Southeast Asia’s second- aire, is reviled by a Bangkok-based, biggest economy and America’s oldest regional ally. royalist and pro-army elite. Con- Predictions by some pundits of a troubled royal servative politicians voice fears in transition have proven wrong - at least for now. private of any unity deal that would “His majesty has proven himself to be very adept allow Thaksin to return. at managing the junta and the military,” said aca- Both Shinawatras have been demic Paul Chambers at the Institute of Southeast ahead of many other Thai politi- Asian Affairs in Chiang Mai. None of more than two cians in adopting gold framed dozen serving or former officials, military officers, pictures of King Vajiralongkorn as parliamentarians, diplomats or analysts that Reuters the banners on their Twitter feeds. spoke to for this story saw any immediate threat to Nobody from their political camp that balance of power. would comment about the With jail facing anyone found guilty of insulting monarchy. Soldiers from different Asia-Pacific countries attending the opening ceremony of the multilateral military the monarchy under the nation’s “lese majeste” laws, “There is a palpable sense of few Thais comment openly on royal matters. exercise known as Cobra Gold, at Sattahip Royal Thai Marine Corps Base in Chonburi, Thailand, yesterday. urgency with regard to reconcilia- Asked for a response for this story, a palace offi- tion that some politicians say stems cial said it did not comment to the media. A Building alliances, he quietly re-established the The head of the influential Privy Council, from the new king’s call for peace government spokesman declined comment. royal aura and authority - becoming ultimate arbiter 96-year-old Prem Tinsulanonda, remains in place, and unity,” said Michael Vatikiotis, King Vajiralongkorn started from a very different during coups and spells of chaos as Thailand but half the other members are new. regional director of the Centre for place to his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who changed from rural backwater to middle-income The six new appointments have increased repre- Humanitarian Dialogue, which has died on October 13. When the teenage Bhumibol country. King Vajiralongkorn, 64, has spent years sentation of those with a background in the army’s been involved in reconciliation took the throne in the late 1940s, the future of the abroad, his private life complicated by three mar- Wongthewan faction or King’s Guard, where the king efforts. monarchy itself looked in doubt. riages, and he has yet to win the public adoration served. “The military government is received by his father. Among other notable military promotions was under some pressure to deliver on But the king’s background puts him on different Suthida Vajiralongkorn na Ayudhya within the King’s the king’s request, which may even terms with the generals: He went through military Own Bodyguard. Often seen at the king’s side, though speed up the transition back to Behind the palace walls, academies; he saw combat against insurgents in the not publicly designated as his consort, she became a civilian government.” the royal household is 1970s; he can fly a fighter jet. In line with protocol, general on the day he took the throne. junta members prostrate themselves before the new Last week, the king appointed a new Buddhist being reshaped. Over king at audiences, as palace photos show. supreme patriarch, ending more than a year of tus- 20 appointments and “The relationship is at least one of obedience,” sling over the position. Parliament restored the king’s promotions have been said Eugenie Mérieau, a lecturer and researcher at authority to do so after 25 years of having a council made by the new king and Sciences Po in Paris. of monks make the decision. The junta was quick to obey when the palace The new patriarch is from a fraternity closely tied published in the Royal D-RING ROAD asked for constitutional changes - the first such to the monarchy rather than the one the religious POST BOX: 3488 Gazette. This includes request in decades. Changes relating to current royal council had first proposed. The big question is what reshuffling senior members powers were pushed through within days. So was the happens when there is a resumption of political com- DOHA - QATAR [email protected] of the household, many ability to make further changes to a new constitution petition, suspended after the last military coup in that is in the works. Behind the palace walls, the 2014. The king has stressed unity within the divided of whom had held posts royal household is being reshaped. Over 20 appoint- country, both in his New Year address and at a late for decades under King ments and promotions have been made by the new night meeting with the country’s leadership in Janu- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE Bhumibol, and promoting king and published in the Royal Gazette. ary to push for more help for flood victims, Prime TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 military officials with ties to This includes reshuffling senior members of the Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said. FAX: +974 4455 7758 household, many of whom had held posts for dec- That meeting also coincided with the govern- the new king. ades under King Bhumibol, and promoting military ment’s moves to set up a reconciliation committee MANAGING EDITOR officials with ties to the new king. ahead of elections expected next year. The aim of the TEL: 4462 7505

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4455 7769

Why can’t Muslims talk about Muslim ban on US TV? LOCAL NEWS SECTION TEL: 4455 7743 featured to discuss the order were Muslims. Suggesting that liberal media outlets feature a critical BUSINESS NEWS SECTION Khaled A Beydoun MSNBC, widely perceived to be the most pro- mass of Muslim voices, to address a policy that exclusively gressive of the three primary cable news networks, impacts Muslims, seems a logical request. TEL: 4462 7535 Al Jazeera only had two Muslims out of 28 during that period. Yet, the exclusion of Muslims illustrates just how deeply Fox News, on the other hand, had the highest entrenched Orientalism within liberal news media networks, SPORT NEWS SECTION percentage of Muslims on air discussing the order driven by the belief that Islam itself is an area of intellectual TEL: 4455 7745 during that stretch, with five out of the 58 contribu- or professional expertise that non-Muslim white men are In his landmark work, Orientalism, tors identifying as Muslims. more adept to speak on than Muslims themselves. ONLINE SECTION Edward Said theorised that Muslims These figures offer a snapshot into the long- While conservative media outlets are wed to featuring TEL: 4462 7501 are fundamentally subjects of study standing exclusion of Muslims in a space where specific Muslim personalities to propagate a caricature, carry [email protected] and scrutiny for Western outsiders, news coverage of Islam and Muslims is robust, forward a stereotype, or showcase a native informant bent systematically excluded from the recurring, and big business. on slandering the faith, liberal media outlets call on a small PUBLIC RELATIONS Ienterprise of contributing and comment- Media attention on Islam has naturally handful of Muslim voices to meet what seems to be a mini- ing on their very existence. increased during the rise of Donald Trump, and for mal quota while relying on white males to carry the TEL: 4455 7613 While the modern media discourse is Muslims, the stakes of exclusion and the importance intellectual and analytical load. [email protected] preoccupied with Islamophobia, Oriental- of inclusion are much higher. In fact, an all-white-male panel discussing a matter that ism remains front and centre - in the form This is particularly true on liberal (or moderate) directly impacts Muslims is a common sight on liberal news ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT of an alarming absence of Muslim experts media outlets, where the analysis of the Trump media outlets. This sight is particularly concerning in the TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 and analysts on mainstream news media administration’s rhetoric and policies is compara- Trump era, where an endless pool of effective Muslim com- FAX: 4455 7870 examining issues that implicate and tively more even-handed and critical. mentators are lending insight on mainstream print media [email protected] impact their lives. An all-white-male panel discussing a matter and social media, and are within easy reach for cable news This is particularly troubling in the that directly impacts Muslims is a common sight on outlets and their bookers. CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT Trump era, and more specifically, the pro- liberal news media outlets. However, the exclusion of Muslim voices seems to be TEL: 4455 7857 lific media attention given to the Liberal news media remain forums where lib- heightening at a moment when regular inclusion of Muslim [email protected] immigration executive order, commonly eral Orientalism thrives - treating Muslims as voices has never been more important. dubbed the “Muslim Ban”. subjects worthy of sympathy and pity, but ulti- Participating in the exclusion of Muslim voices feeds into SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION Recent coverage of the immigration mately, individuals unfit to add expertise on laws the process of dehumanising Muslims and rendering them TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 order featured predominantly white men that directly impact their lives, offer direct testi- incapable of speaking for themselves. It also deepens widely FAX: 44557819 weighing in on an issue that targets Mus- mony, and ultimately, cast them as outsiders in held stereotypes about Muslims as foreign, violent and sub- lims, with Muslims again watching from stories that are entirely about them and their com- versive - tropes that saturate the immigration order enacted [email protected] the sidelines. munity. Prominent liberal news personalities often by Trump, and those still to come. Aligning with the spirit of the immigra- point to featuring one Muslim to discuss the Muslim While Bill Maher’s routine slander of Islam, and his recent tion order, mainstream news media Ban. Or brush the alarming shortage of Muslim attack on prominent Muslim American civil rights activist All thoughts and views effectively excluded Muslims from the air- voices (at the height of the media’s coverage of the Linda Sarsour, illustrates that Islamophobia is also pervasive expressed in these columns waves. This was not exclusive to Muslim Ban) aside by responding that, “cable news among progressives, the exclusion of Muslim voices from lib- “conservative” media outlets like Fox media should do more”. eral news media outlets symbolises that Orientalism is are those of the writers, not News, but even more extreme on outlets But rather, liberal news networks should likewise firmly steeped within the left. of the newspaper. commonly perceived as liberal mediums. actively reach out to the extensive and emerging Orientalism and Islamophobia are deeply interlinked sys- According to research by Media Mat- pool of Muslim American scholars, lawyers, advo- tems that dehumanise Muslims. Therefore, fending off the All correspondence ters for America, a progressive research cates, organisational and community leaders hateful policies unleashed by Trump must be accompanied regarding Views and and information centre, during a five-day volunteering to assist detained individuals at air- by an institutional commitment by liberal news media to Opinion pages should be period (January 30 to February 3) after the ports, educating and mobilising their communities, prominently feature Muslim commentators when discussing immigration order was signed into law, teaching at colleges and universities, and fighting Muslim issues, and grant them the basic dignity to contribute mailed to the only seven of the 90 commentators CNN the Muslim Ban in the trenches. to the very stories that directly impact their lives. [email protected] 12 ASIA WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2017 Half-brother US stresses democracy in Thailand of N Korean Chonburi, Thailand Stronger Thailand Reuters leader slain We look forward to he most senior US Thailand’s in Malaysia officer to visit Thai- re-emergence as a land since a 2014 coup flourishing Seoul emphasised the democracy because AFP importance of restor- we need Thailand to Ting democracy yesterday as he THE half-brother of North be a strong and launched the annual Cobra Gold Korean leader Kim Jong-Un stable partner, said military exercise. has been assassinated in Harry Harris, head of The United States scaled Malaysia, South Korean down its presence at Asia’s larg- US Pacific Command. media reported yesterday, est annual multinational military with one TV station saying he exercise as one of the former US was attacked at the main air- administration’s steps to pres- Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha in port with poisoned needles. sure the junta. Bangkok. Officials in Seoul could With ties improving even Speaking after the weekly not be reached for comment before President Donald Trump cabinet meeting, the junta leader on reported death of Kim took office, activists had voiced said the United States accepted Jong-Nam. Malaysian police concern that Washington would Thailand’s strategic plans and said an unidentified Korean put less focus on democratic just wanted to see fair and hon- had been taken sick at Kuala change in a region where it faces est elections. Lumpur International Airport an increasingly forceful China. “Our politics is our business, and since died. “We look forward to Thai- and we must proceed towards If confirmed, Kim’s case land’s re-emergence as a our democracy. Today we’re would be the highest-profile flourishing democracy because marching towards reconcilia- death under Kim Jong-Un we need Thailand to be a strong tion,” Prayuth told reporters, Admiral Harry Harris (centre) and Thailand Chief of Defence Forces General Surapong Suwana- regime since execution of the and stable partner,” said Admi- referring to Thai political rivalry. Adth review troops during the opening ceremony of Asia-Pacific multilateral military exercise, leader’s uncle Jang Song- ral Harry Harris, head of US Harris’s attendance at Cobra at Sattahip Royal Thai Marine Corps Base in Chonburi, yesterday. Thaek in December 2013. Pacific Command, which covers Gold was planned before the South Korea’s national about half the earth’s surface. inauguration of Trump, whose measures to push for democracy, a worrisome shift given the mil- Gold as a way to reboot US mil- news agency Yonhap quoted “We need Thailand to get policy moves on Asia are closely Thailand has strengthened mil- itary’s grip on power and the itary engagement with their Thai a Seoul government source back to being the regional and watched after signals of poten- itary cooperation with China. arrests of activists and oppo- counterparts,” wrote John Sifton as saying Kim Jong-Nam was global leader that it always has tial confrontation with China New York-based Human nents of army rule. of the advocacy group in an killed on Monday. been.” over trade and territory. Rights Watch said the change in “It appears Pentagon policy- opinion piece that first appeared The 45-year-old was poi- Harris later met Prime In the face of the US relations with Thailand marked makers are intent on using Cobra in the Washington Post. soned by two unidentified female agents using poisoned needles at an airport in Kuala Lumpur, according to South Korean broadcaster TV Cho- Expressing anger Philippines cancels 75 sun. The report, citing what it called multiple government sources, said the two women more mining contracts hailed a cab and fled imme- diately afterwards. In Malaysia, the police Manila watersheds and for siltation of chief in charge of Kuala Reuters coastal waters and farmlands. Lumpur International Airport, Another five mines were sus- Assistant Commissioner he Philippines’ environ- pended, causing an outcry from Abdul Aziz Ali, told reporters ment minister yesterday the industry. The contracts that a Korean in his forties Tordered cancellation of 75 ordered canceled yesterday, was found sick at the airport mining contracts, stepping up a known as mineral production on Monday. campaign to stop extraction of sharing agreements, include Airport authorities rushed resources in sensitive areas after $5.9bn Tampakan copper-gold him to the hospital and he earlier shutting more than half project in South Cotabato prov- died on the way, the police of the country’s operating mines. ince in Mindanao island. chief said. The contracts are all in Tampakan failed to take off “We do not have any watershed zones, with many in after the province where it is other details of this Korean exploration stage. They cover located banned open-pit min- man. We do not know his projects not yet in production ing in 2010, prompting identity,” Abdul said. and the latest action by Envi- commodities giant Glencore Plc Kim Jong-Nam was once ronment and Natural Resources to quit the project in 2015. considered heir apparent but Secretary Regina Lopez sug- “We’re canceling this as a fell out of favour with his gests she will not allow them to gift of love to the people of father Kim Jong-Il following be developed further. “You kill Cotabato,” Lopez said. an embarrassing botched watershed, you kill life,” Lopez Some miners facing a shut- attempt in 2001 to enter told a media briefing. down of their operations have Japan on a forged passport A long-time environmen- threatened legal action, with and visit Disneyland. Muslim students shout slogans during a protest against Valentine’s Day celebrations in talist, Lopez ordered closure of some saying yesterday they have He has since lived in vir- Surabaya, Indonesia, yesterday. 23 of the Philippines’ 41 mines received a formal closure order tual exile, mainly in the Chinese on February 2 for damaging from the environment agency. territory of Macau.

Imelda Marcos loses bid to Fears of exploding whales as NZ clears carcasses Wellington moved, conservation workers in reclaim jewels AFP bio-hazard suits punctured the carcasses in an attempt to stop he grim task of clearing them ballooning up with gas then Manila hundreds of washed-up popping. AFP Twhale carcasses was under “I’ve seen exploding whales, way in New Zealand yesterday, it’s not a pretty sight,” said FORMER Philippine first lady with the beach closed over fears Christophers. Imelda Marcos has lost a long the bodies will fill with gas and Departmental ranger fight to reclaim jewels con- explode as they decompose. Amanda Harvey said many of the fiscated when her dictator The sands at Farewell Spit dead no longer resembled husband was ousted, with the where the nearly 700 pilot whales. Supreme Court ruling she whales beached in one of the “Unfortunately, when a acquired them illegally. largest mass strandings ever in whale heats up, a lot of pressure The items worth $150,000 New Zealand were closed to the builds up in their body and the are now property of the state, public after authorities declared only option is for them to the court ruled, paving the way the rotting bodies a health risk. explode,” she told TVNZ. for possible sale of a much The Department of Conser- In total, an estimated 666 larger collection of Marcos vation said the carcasses of more whales were stranded in two jewellery that could net the than 300 whales were being pods on Friday and Saturday at government millions. trucked to an inaccessible loca- Farewell Spit, on the northern “Petitioners failed to sat- tion where nature would be tip of the South Island. isfactorily show that the allowed to take its course. About three-quarters of the properties were lawfully Conservation spokesman first pod of 416 died, while the acquired,” said the court rul- Herb Christophers said dealing survivors and the second pod of ing, which was made public with so many dead pilot whales— about 250 were successfully only this week. each of which can be 20 feet re-floated. The law provides that long—was a logistical challenge. Christophers said no freshly property acquired by a gov- “They’re being moved but beached whales had been found ernment official at a cost they haven’t been cleared out yesterday, although wildlife Volunteers look after a pod of stranded pilot whales as they prepare to refloat them after “manifestly out of proportion yet, not by a long chalk,” he told officers remained on high alert one of the country's largest recorded mass whale strandings, in Golden Bay, at the top of to his salary” or other lawful reporters yesterday. because of the mammals’ ten- New Zealand's South Island. income was sufficient “pre- “It’s going to be a few days’ dency to re-strand themselves. sumption that they were work just getting them off the Farewell Spit, about 150km pilot whale strandings in the past The 26-km hook of sand that believed to interfere with the unlawfully acquired”, it beach.” west of the tourist town of Nel- decade, although the latest was protrudes out into the sea cre- whales’ sonar navigation added. Before the whales were son, has witnessed at least nine by far the largest. ates a shallow seabed that is systems. WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2017 ASIA 13 Pakistan mourns victims of Lahore bombing

Lahore Act of terrorism improved in 2015 and 2016. AFP Homegrown groups like the At least 13 people umbrella Tehreek-i-Taliban akistanis yesterday were killed, Pakistan (TTP) retain the ability mourned the victims emergency official to carry out spectacular assaults, of a Taliban-claimed Ahmad Raza said, despite a military-led crackdown suicide bomb in including six police on extremism. Lahore residents Lahore which killed officers, while more vented their fury at the blast site Pmore than a dozen people as the than 80 were early yesterday. city's residents railed at the gov- injured. "They (the militants) have no ernment for failing to protect link with Islam nor do they them. believe in any religion, the only The chief minister of Punjab The Pakistani Taliban thing they know is killing people, province Shahbaz Sharif declared faction Jamaat-ul- this is utterly an act of terrorism," a day of mourning after Monday's Ahrar, which has Tariq Saleem said. blast, believed to be targeting vowed to attack Nadeem Akhter called on the police managing a busy protest government government to do more to bring at rush hour on Mall Road, one of installations around the situation under control. "Our Lahore's main arteries. the country, claimed children and people are being At least 13 people were killed, responsibility for the killed in these attacks," he said. emergency official Ahmad Raza assault. Both the UK and the US told AFP, including six police branded the attack "cowardly" in officers, while more than 80 were separate statements, while the EU Security officials guarding the site of suicide bombing in Lahore, yesterday. injured. Earlier yesterday he had said it was "shocked and sad- put the death toll at 15, but said The Pakistani Taliban faction dened" by the incident. later that was a clerical error. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, which has Lahore, the country's cultural to voice fears that Monday's Twenty20 tournament is ongo- of suspicion and fear in their The toll could have been vowed to attack government capital, suffered one of Pakistan's explosion could derail plans to ing in the United Arab Emirates. minds," a frustrated PSL chair- higher, Raza said, but for two installations around the country, deadliest attacks in 2016 — a hold the highly anticipated final Officials had already reas- man Najam Sethi said on private vehicles — a TV news van and a claimed responsibility for the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar suicide bomb in of the Pakistan Super League in sured international players they TV channel Geo after the attack. minivan belonging to the protest- assault. a park last Easter that killed more Lahore. would receive "head of state" But he insisted Pakistanis ers — which absorbed much of The attack underscored the than 70 including many children. Pakistan's international tour- level protection in Lahore, with show they are not afraid. "We will the impact of the blast. challenges faced by Pakistan in But such incidents have been rare naments have been held abroad thousands of police deployed and stand firm, we will fight... we will Funerals were held yesterday its push to stamp out militancy, in the city in recent years. for years out of security fears, and bullet-proof buses. show you by having the final in for some of the victims. even though security dramatically Cricket fans had been quick the second year of the popular "Now... there will be a wave Lahore." Pakistan to attend Afghan President renews Taliban peace call

Kabul the spirit for Islam and Afghan- during the final days of her inva- with the agreements the govern- Moscow conclave Anatolia istan, I call upon them that sion,” the group said. ment has signed with related Afghanistan is joint home to all Just like the Taliban, Hezb- countries, but the Hezb-e-Islami fghan President Moham- Afghans; come and live with e-Islami — led by former demanded a reasonable time on Afghan issue mad Ashraf Ghani pride with your countrymen and Mujahedeen leader Gulbudin table, hence to settle the dispute Ayesterday renewed calls take part in its development, not Hekmatyar — also insisted for this Article has been shaped in Islamabad two countries to overcome. for peace with the Taliban. [its] destruction," he said. years upon the withdrawal of this way.” Internews Both Islamabad and New Delhi Marking the 28th anniversary of The Taliban also issued a foreign troops from Afghanistan The Taliban, however, are accuse each other for using the the withdrawal of the Red Army statement in connection with the who have been based in the sticking to this demand as pre- akistan will join other Afghan soil to further their stra- from Afghanistan, Ghani vowed 28th anniversary of the Red country since toppling the Tali- condition for any talks, despite regional countries, tegic interests. India’s the country would repeat his- Army's withdrawal from ban regime in late 2001. some back channel contacts with Pincluding arch-rival India, participation is also significant tory by defeating terrorism just Afghanistan. However, with the peace the Afghan government in the this week in Moscow to discuss given that it is strongly opposed as it defeated communism. “Before the invasion of accord signed in September last past, mediated by third parties. Afghanistan’s current situation to recognising the Afghan Tal- The former World Bank Afghanistan, the Soviet Union year, Hekmatyar has smartly Ashiqullay Yaqub, an Afghan with a focus on efforts seeking iban as legitimate player. economist-turned-politician was considered the most power- acknowledged their stay with- writer and political analyst, told revival of the moribund peace However, diplomatic hailed a landmark peace deal ful country on the face of the out endorsing it. Anadolu Agency the consistency process in the war-torn coun- sources suggest India has to signed with the former rebel planet, feared by the entire world Article 4 of the 26-point in Ghani’s calls for peace with try. Initially, there was show flexibility on its stance party Hezb-e-Islami last year, including America and Nato. peace deal between the Afghan the Taliban and the successful uncertainty whether Islamabad considering that other big play- and called upon the Taliban to “If we look at the current sit- government and Hezb-e-Islami deal inked with Hekmatyar would attend the unprece- ers, such Russia, China and follow suit. uation, the state of America in states: “In Article 4, the govern- demonstrate the Kabul govern- dented meeting when Russia’s even Iran, are now backing "Those Taliban who can Afghanistan is exactly the same ment has proposed the exit of ment’s determination to find a foreign minister first Pakistan’s position on seeking think independently and have as that of the Soviet Union foreign forces should be in line settlement. announced it last week during direct talks between the Afghan the visit of Afghanistan’s for- government and the Taliban. eign minister to Moscow. Russia, China and Iran are However, a senior Foreign supportive of Pakistan’s posi- Indian films Office official said yesterday tion due to the fact that Islamic Aman-17 closing ceremony that Pakistan will attend the Feb State terrorist organisation is 15 conclave. Ambassador Man- fast gaining foothold in Afghan- allowed on soor Ali Khan, the director istan in the absence of all general for Afghanistan, Iran inclusive peace deal with the TV channels and Turkey at the Foreign Afghan Taliban. Office, will represent Islama- Russia and Iran, which in in Pakistan bad. It is not clear, however, as the past were staunch oppo- to who will represent other nents of the Taliban, have in Lahore countries, including host Rus- recent months established con- Internews sia, Afghanistan, India, China tacts with the insurgent group and Iran. The Russian foreign in an effort to use them as he Lahore High Court minister hoped all the countries hedge against the more hard- chief justice has allowed would send their high-level line Islamic State. Tprivate television chan- delegations. Meanwhile, the United nels, having valid licences, to But Pakistan’s participation States, a major stakeholder, has show Indian movies as per suggested the Moscow meeting not been invited to the six- terms of their agreements would be at the official level. nation talks since the with Pakistan Electronic The meeting has attracted administration of President Media Regulatory Authority unprecedented attention since Donald Trump has yet to (Pemra). Pakistan and India would also announce its policy on Afghan- Chief Justice Syed Man- join the talks at a time when istan. Last Thursday, the top US soor Ali Shah granted the their ties are at the lowest ebb. commander in Afghanistan said Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, along with senior military officials, waving to a permission in the light of Besides bilateral disputes, that there was a need for a ship during the closing ceremony of the Pakistan Navy’s Multinational Exercise Aman-17, Pemra’s report that states that Afghanistan has been one of the ‘holistic review’ of the relation- in the North Arabian Sea, yesterday. television channels were major stumbling blocks for the ship with Pakistan. allowed to air Indian films as per clause 7.2 (ii) of Licence to Establish and Operate Sat- ellite TV Broadcast Channel Station. The chief justice Myanmar imposes death penalty on border post attacker issued a written order of a last week hearing on a petition of M/s Leo Communication and Yangon, Myanmar for the Oct. 9 attack on an out- denies the allegations, but has border outpost, where two other arrested. others challenging the ban on AP post on Rakhine state's border instituted an official investiga- officers were wounded. Myanmar has the death pen- the broadcast of Indian con- with Bangladesh that killed one tion in the wake of a detailed A security official in Sittwe, alty for murder, terrorism and tent on the televisions. court in western Myanmar officer. report from the U.N.'s human speaking on condition of ano- treason, but rarely carries out the The authority’s counsel has sentenced to death a Attacks on two other out- rights agency alleging serious nymity, said the convicted man punishment. In 2014, then-Pres- had contended that the per- Aman arrested for his part posts that same night killed eight abuses by the security forces. was 23 years old and also known ident Thein Sein commuted all mission would be subject to in an attack on a border guard other guards and resulted in the The newspaper story said as Mohammad Ullah, and was death sentences to life impris- terms and conditions of the post that triggered a crackdown attackers seizing a cache of war Uruma — also known as Mam- the first suspect arrested for the onment on humanitarian licence under the Pemra by security forces on the coun- weapons. The government mud Nu and Ular — was border guard attacks. grounds. Ordinance, 2002. The coun- try's Muslim ethnic Rohingya responded with counterinsur- convicted of murder committed Nyan Win Oo, a police officer The 1.1 million Rohingya are sel for the petitioners had minority. gency operations in northern during the commission of in Rakhine's Maungdaw town- loathed by many from the Bud- argued the channels should The state-owned Global New Rakhine that human rights another crime and was given an ship, said the sentencing took dhist majority, who insist they also be allowed to broadcast Light of Myanmar newspaper groups charge has involved additional sentence of a five- place last Friday. He said the are illegal immigrants from Indian plays as they also fell reported yesterday that the Sit- rapes, the burning of homes and year jail term with hard labor. It arrest took place more than Bangladesh even though many within the definition of twe District Court sentenced a the killings of possibly hundreds said he was one of about 20 peo- three months ago, and that 13 have lived in the country for “entertainment” under the man named Uruma for murder of civilians. The government ple who raided the Kotankauk other suspects were also generations. licence agreement. 14 ASIA WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2017

Cheap solar India's top court ambulances orders Jail for to hit roads of Bangladesh

V K Sasikala Dhaka Reuters New Delhi AFP Apex Court verdict n inexpensive, solar- VK Sasikala was powered ambulance ndia's Supreme Court ordered to surrender Athat can fit down nar- jailed the anointed next to prison authorities row laneways is set to hit the leader of Tamil Nadu for road in rural Bangladesh this four years for corruption after judges year, its manufacturers say. yesterday, heightening the quashed her The three-wheeled van, Iturmoil in a state still reeling acquittal in a $10m as well-equipped as ambu- from the death of its long-time "disproportionate lances used in Bangladesh's matriarch. V K Sasikala was assets". cities, runs entirely on solar ordered to surrender to prison power - including solar bat- authorities after judges quashed The ruling also said tery power at night - and can her acquittal in a $10 million there was be used in rural areas with no "disproportionate assets" case "incriminating grid electricity, according to also involving her mentor, the evidence" against the developers. late chief minister Jayalalithaa Skycat Wingwalkers from the Scandinavian Airshow perform during the inauguration of Aero A Bangladeshi university, Jayalalithaa, who Jayaram. India show at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, yesterday. a government organisation There was no immediate died last December and a local vehicle manufac- reaction from Sasikala who was after three stints as turer who are collaborating not present at the apex court in chief minister. India & Russia close in on chopper deal on the vehicle say it should for New Delhi and has been holed the first time bring ambulance up in a resort close to Tamil Bangalore But India has increasingly for registration with the relevant service to rural areas without Nadu's capital Chennai since last against Jayalalithaa, a former AFP turned to the United States and government bodies." it. week. But the verdict brought film star who died last Decem- France, rather than traditional The helicopters will replace The vehicle is in the field a juddering halt to the 59-year- ber after three stints as chief ussia is close to finalising ally Russia, for its military hard- India's ageing fleet of Cheetah testing stage and there are old's meteoric rise as she was on minister. Sasikala had been a deal to build helicopters ware in recent years. and Chetak helicopters. plans to launch it by the end the cusp of becoming the leader anointed as Jayalalithaa's suc- Rin India, an executive said Two Russian firms -- Rus- President Vladimir Putin has of 2017. of one of India's states. cessor by the state's dominant yesterday, a move that would sian Helicopters and been seeking to seal deals with In many rural areas, The court ordered she All India Anna Dravida Munne- boost Narendra Modi's ambi- state-owned arms exporter India to help revive Russia's emergency patients are often immediately hand herself in to tra Kazhagam and was likely to tions to manufacture defence Rosoboronexport -- are on the recession-hit economy, follow- taken to hospital in hand- begin serving her sentence, be sworn in later this week. hardware locally. brink of finalising a joint ven- ing sliding oil prices and pulled rickshaw vans. But the which automatically bars her But she has been involved India is the world's top ture with India's state-run Western sanctions over the new, small three-wheeler from holding public office for a in a bitter battle with acting defence importer and is seek- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Ukraine crisis. ambulance will fit along nar- decade, as well as fining her chief minister, O Panneersel- ing to revamp its Soviet-era according to reports. Kladov said he hoped the row roads in rural areas Rs100m. The panel of judges vam, who has been trying to military equipment against an Viktor Kladov from Rostec, Kamov choppers would even- where it is difficult for larger also sentenced her nephew and block her ascent. Although increasingly assertive China. the parent company of Rosobo- tually be exported to India's ambulances to run. niece to four years after the there was no immediate Prime Minister Modi has ronexport, said the joint venture neighbours once the production Zahidul Islam, a farmer in Karnataka High Court acquit- response to yesterday's verdict been encouraging foreign firms would be completed in "one to line was up and running. Saturia in Manikgonj district, ted all of them in 2015 of any from Sasikala herself, her party to work with local contractors two months". "These helicopters are ver- said that when his first child wrongdoing. issued a statement saying Pan- under a "Make in India" cam- "We have conducted multi- satile and modular, so they can was born his wife had a diffi- "The magnitude of the neerselvam had been sacked. paign, to reduce India's reliance ple negotiations, most recently be used in military, search and cult delivery and was taken nefarious gains as dem- Edappady Palaniswamy, a on costly imports. in January this year," Kladov rescue, medical and transport to the nearby clinic in a hand- onstrated by the revelations in Sasikala loyalist, was appointed Russia and India first flagged was quoted as saying by the tasks," he said. pulled rickshaw - a trip that the case are, to say the least, AIADMK leader in place of plans for a joint partnership to Press Trust of India news "It is possible that the took too much time. startling," Justice PC Ghosh and Sasikala but Panneerselvam is build Kamov helicopters -- a agency. regional market, the neighbour- "If I had taken her to hos- Justice A Roy wrote in their ver- likely to stay on as chief minis- twin-engine chopper used for "The document work for the ing countries may be interested pital a little earlier, she would dict. The ruling also said there ter while the infighting military and civilian purposes joint venture has been com- and the choppers can become have had fewer complica- was "incriminating evidence" continues. -- in 2015. pleted and they have been sent export products on their own." tions," he said.

Kashmir unrest Bangladeshi fugitive NEWS BYTES commander shot dead Toxic air causes 1.1 million Dhaka AFP premature deaths in India

angladesh police yesterday shot dead an NEW DELHI: India's air now rivals China's as the world's alleged commander of a banned Islamist deadliest, according to a new study published yesterday Boutfit blamed for last year's deadly cafe amid warnings that efforts to curb pollution from coal will attack in the capital, an official said. not yield results any time soon. India's notoriously poor air Police said Abu Jar was a close associate of quality causes nearly 1.1 million premature deaths every Jahangir Alam, who was arrested last month year, almost on a par with China, concluded a joint report after he allegedly led a campaign of targeted by two US-based health research institutes. But whereas killings of religious minorities in the northern deaths linked to air pollution in China have steadied in recent region. years, the rate has soared in India where smog readings in Acting on a tip-off police raided a town out- major cities routinely eclipse safe exposure levels. India side the northern city of Bogra where Jar was has recorded a nearly 50 percent increase in early deaths killed in a gunfight, Bogra police chief Asaduz linked to fine airborne particles known as PM2.5 between Zaman told AFP. 1990 and 2015, the report found. "We fired back after they opened fire at our officers," Zaman said, adding Jar was wanted in connection with several murder cases. Amnesty urges probe over torture "Jar was the northwestern commander of the new Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh NEW DELHI: Amnesty International called yesterday for an (JMB) and a close associate of the group's top Indian cabinet minister to be investigated for human rights extremist Jahangir Alam," he added. abuses after she claimed to have ordered police to torture rape Police said Alam was one of the master- suspects. Water resources minister Uma Bharti caused a storm minds of the siege of Dhaka's Holey Artisan last week when she told supporters that she used to order rape Bakery cafe where 22 hostages, mostly foreign- suspects to be beaten in front of their victims and then have ers, were killed by suspected gunmen of a salt and chillies rubbed into their wounds while she was chief "new-JMB". minister of Madhya Pradesh state. "I told the police to hang Rights groups have raised questions about the men upside down and beat them so much that when their Indian paramilitary soldiers travelling in a vehicle after a gun battle in these gunfights saying many of these encoun- screams were heard by the women, then the women would get Hajin, Srinagar, yesterday. Four soldiers and four militants were killed ters were staged by officers to kill extremists. closure," Bharti said at an election rally in the Taj Mahal city of in gun battles. Several of them were allegedly found to be Agra. Bharti also told supporters of Prime Minister Narendra handcuffed when they were shot dead. Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that she had no compassion for the "inhuman rapists" and that they deserve "no mercy". Over 700,000 people affected by drought in Sri Lanka Nepal prints banknotes in China KATHMANDU: Chinese technology company Coolpad yes- Colombo The drought has resulted in agricultural season in the last 40 assistance to the international terday launched Cool 1 smartphone in Nepal. Priced at Nepali IANS farmers suffering without ade- years. The Ministry of Disaster community. Rs 30,996, the smartphone has dual rear 13MP camera, dual- quate water and some villages Management and the External The report submitted to a tone LED flash and 5.5-inch full-HD display. "We aim to sell bout 709,400 people have not even having drinking water. Resources Department of the sub-cabinet ministers meeting around 5,00,000 units of Coolpad smartphone and be one of been affected by severe The World Food Programme Ministry of National Policies and on January 3 was pivotal in alert- the top five players in 2017 in Nepal," said James Du, Global Adrought in Sri Lanka, the (WFP) earlier said Sri Lanka was Economic Affairs have requested ing government and other CEO, Coolpad, in a statement. Cool 1 is powered with 1.8GHz Disaster Management Centre preparing for serious difficulties drought-related support from stakeholders to the severity of octa-core processor and comes with two different RAM var- (DMC) said yesterday. this year in terms of food and WFP, in particular cash for work/ the drought. WFP and the gov- iants -- 3GB and 4GB -- with an internal storage of 32GB. The towns of Gampaha, nutrition insecurity until the food assistance for asset ernment will lead a joint The device sports 8MP front camera and houses 4,000mAh Monaragala, Kalutara and Trin- main harvest in March/April creation. emergency assessment this battery with fast charging support. The company also show- comalee are among the worst 2018. The expected failure of the WFP is deciding on response month to assess the impact of the cased three other models — Note 3S, Mega 3 and Mega 2.5D affected areas, Xinhua news main harvest season in March/ options while awaiting the gov- drought on household food — in the country. agency cited the DMC as saying. April 2017 could be the worst ernment's formal request for security and livelihood. WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2017 EUROPE 15

NEWS BYTES Fillon puts down rebellion Islamophobic attacks in Paris Scandal fallout lawmakers. “However, this period Solere said Fillon had received Reuters has expired, and there has yet to unanimous backing at the meet- During the meeting, be any clarification. As a result, we ing. His support among voters, Germany on the rise rancois Fillon faced Fillon stood his have a real concern that our polit- however, has been hurt. Opin- down a rebellion by ground, saying that ical family, The Republicans, will ion polls, which before the affair BERLIN: Germany’s Islamic Council, one of the largest lawmakers in his his withdrawal not be able to compete in this saw Fillon as favourite to win the umbrella organisations of Muslims in the country, has centre-right party presidential election in a calm and presidency, now show the expressed grave concern over record number of attacks tar- would lead to the yesterday, but the dignified way.” 62-year-old running a close geting mosques. Burhan Kesici, the head of the Islamic Council, Frevolt exposed a shaky confi- implosion of the Rebel legislators demanded third in the first round vote on said 91 attacks against mosques in 2016 was an indication of dence inside his camp as he party. a “crisis” meeting to discuss Fil- April 23. growing anti-Muslim sentiment in Germany, and urged gov- tries to draw a line under a lon’s fate. Later though, during An Opinionway survey yes- ernment and political leaders to take action and speak out. scandal that could derail his bid Opinion polls, which a weekly meeting between Fil- terday showed the National “If they tell people that Muslims are not a threat but a part of to win power. before the affair saw lon and conservative lawmakers, Front’s Le Pen winning 27 per- this society, if they tell people that mosques are places of With Fillon’s election cam- Fillon as favourite to Georges Fenech, who instigated cent of the vote in the first round worship, there will be less animosity towards Islam,” he told paign once again distracted by win the presidency, the letter, backed down on the ahead of Macron on 22 percent Anadolu Agency. Germany has witnessed growing Islamo- the fallout from allegations sur- now show the demand to convene the party’s and Fillon on 20 percent. phobia and anti-refugee sentiments last year, triggered by rounding taxpayer money he 62-year-old running political bureau. Both Macron and Fillon the propaganda of far-right and populist parties, which have paid his wife as a salary, opin- a close third in the During the meeting, Fillon would comfortably beat Le Pen exploited fears of the refugee crisis. In 2015, 75 such attacks ion polls show the former prime first round vote on stood his ground, saying that his in the May 7 second round, the were reported, and in 2014 there were nearly 60 attacks that minister’s difficulties paving the withdrawal would lead to the poll indicated. However, support targeted mosques. Despite growing number of attacks tar- April 23. way for a May 7 runoff between implosion of the party. “It is me for Fillon in a head-to-head geting mosques, the police often failed to identify the assailant. the far-right’s Marine Le Pen and that knows best that the cam- against Le Pen has dropped since Among the 91 attacks against mosques in 2016, police could centrist Emmanuel Macron. paign is difficult because it’s me the scandal broke. only identify suspects in 12 cases. Currently only one suspect Voter surveys have painted country’s financial prosecutor getting smacked in the face by Only 59 percent back him in is under arrest. With a population of 81.8 million, Germany the same picture for three was likely to take further legal it every moment,” he told his a contest against the far right has the second-largest Muslim population in Western Europe weeks, when the scandal steps into allegations of fake party lawmakers. candidate who would take after France. Among the four million Muslims in the coun- erupted, and there is disquiet work by his wife, Penelope. “I’m hounded by the national France out the euro currency, try, three million are of Turkish origin. within Fillon’s party over On Monday evening dissent- press. I’m hounded by the judi- compared to Macron’s 64 per- whether he can turn around his ing lawmakers publicly dined at ciary. I wouldn’t want to be cent, according to the Bike-promoting Belgian minister slump in popularity. Fillon has a central Paris restaurant to dis- hounded by lawmakers as well Opinionway poll. said he will only step down if he cuss whether their candidate was because that would make it dif- In an editorial published on finds own cycle stolen is put under formal best-suited to represent them. ficult ... I have established there Tuesday, Le Monde newspaper investigation. “On Feb. 1st ... you asked us to is no alternative better solution said Fillon’s troubles, divisions BRUSSELS: A Belgian minister arrived by bike to a news con- Fillon’s attempts to rally his hold on 15 more days on the basis and that the withdrawal of my on the left and Macron’s per- ference to promote cycling yesterday, only to find it had been party, The Republicans, was that the situation would be clar- candidacy today would create a ceived lack of a detailed stolen when he left half an hour later. Ben Weyts, minister of dealt a blow by a report at the ified favourably,” said an open major crisis.” programme were opening a mobility for the Dutch-speaking region of Flanders, unveiled weekend which suggested the letter agreed by some 40 His spokesman Thierry “boulevard” for Le Pen. a plan to invest €300m ($320m) in cycle lanes until 2019, as part of a wider programme to promote alternative modes of transport. “We left the bike in racks at the station and locked it,” a spokesman for the minister said. “When we got back Celebrities urge half an hour later, it was gone.” While Belgium is a country obsessed with cycling as a sport, cars are the main method UK to save lone of commuting to work, leading to some of the worst road congestion in Europe. The minister had to call his driver to child migrants pick him up from the station in Halle, just south of Brussels, the spokesman said, and hoped police would discover the scheme bicycle thief with the help of security camera footage. Serbia’s ruling party to back BRITISH celebrities including actress Keira Knightley, rock PM for presidential race band Coldplay and former England striker Gary Lineker, BELGRADE: Serbia’s ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) urged the UK government yes- has decided to nominate current Prime Minister Aleksandar terday to save a programme to Vucic as a candidate in the presidential vote this spring, Inte- take in vulnerable child rior Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic said yesterday. The migrants from Europe. presidential election is tentatively expected in April and will Under a change to immi- pit the SNS’s candidate against those from a fragmented and gration law known as the bickering opposition. It will be a key test for the popularity Dubs amendment, which of Vucic and his economic reforms, which have been backed was passed by parliament by the International Monetary Fund, as well as his bid to bring last year, Britain agreed to the country of 7.3 million closer to the European Union. “Unan- accept “vulnerable” child imously. It is Vucic,” Stefanovic, a key ally of the premier, migrants who had arrived in told reporters after a meeting of the SNS’s main board. The the European Union before party decided not to support the candidacy of incumbent Director of Engagement and Advice, Alex Dewdney, gives Queen Elizabeth a demonstration March 20, 2016. President Tomislav Nikolic, a former ultranationalist who on how an electricity supply could be subjected to cyber attack, at official opening of the But last week, the govern- started his five-year mandate in 2012. National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in London, yesterday. ment announced plans to scrap the scheme it said encouraged IS kickboxer jailed in Italy human trafficking. Queen unveils cyber security centre The decision sparked crit- MILAN: A Milan judge yesterday sentenced a Moroccan kick- icism from aid agencies, boxer and his wife to jail terms over their links to the Islamic London seeing are increasing in their threats. As part of its bid to opposition lawmakers and the State group and placed their two children in care. Abderra- AFP frequency, their severity, and tighten security, the government Archbishop of Canterbury. him Moutaharrik, a competitive kickboxer, was arrested in their sophistication,” Hammond is opening 100 posts at the new In an open letter to Brit- April on suspicion of IS links. He was given a six-year prison ueen Elizabeth II yester- said at the official opening. “In hub to be filled by private sec- ish Prime Minister Theresa term while his wife Salma Bencharki, was sentenced to five day inaugurated Britain’s the first three months of its tor employees on secondment May more than 200 actors, years, the AGI news agency reported. They were arrested in QNational Cyber Security existence the NCSC has already from their permanent jobs. musicians, authors and April after police wiretapped their conversations and con- Centre (NCSC), spearheading the mobilised to respond to attacks The Duke of Edinburgh broadcasters said the govern- cluded that they were about to decamp to Syria with their country’s efforts to combat a on 188 occasions.” joked to staff that it was impor- ment’s decision was shameful two children, then aged two and four. Moutaharrik was alleg- growing wave of cyber attacks The finance minister vowed tant “to hire more people who and embarrassing. edly recorded saying he would be willing to mount an attack notably from Russia. to “invest the necessary do not predate the internet,” “The country we know and on the Vatican, which IS propagandists have regularly threat- The 90-year-old monarch resources” and called for a according to an official NCSC love is bigger than this,” they ened to do. His lawyer said after the sentencing that he had formally opened the London hub “team effort” to counter the tweet. Part of Britain’s commu- wrote in a letter backed by never said that and that he intended to appeal his conviction. alongside her husband Prince attacks against businesses and nications spying agency, GCHQ, charities Citizens UK and Help Two other people, Abderrahmane Khachia and Wafa Kora- Philip, 95, and a host of govern- individuals. The centre is one the London hub is aimed at Refugees. “The government ichi, received a prison term of six years and three years, four ment ministers including finance element of a £1.9bn ($2.38bn) implementing preventative meas- must agree to extend the pro- months of house arrest, respectively, after also being con- minister Philip Hammond. government strategy unveiled ures such as better securing state gramme and re-consult with victed of links to international terrorism. “The cyber attacks we are in November to tackle cyber websites and email accounts. councils immediately.” King of university degrees is 70-year-old Italian

Velletri “Thanks to books, I feel degrees in sociology, literature, 30 years his junior, describes AFP free,,” he says. “After all, the law, political science and philos- Baietti affectionately as “a real words share the same root,” he ophy, most from Rome’s character” who is known offins eat your hearts out: says, referring to the Italian prestigious La Sapienza Univer- throughout their town. the world record holder for words libro (book) and libero sity, one of the oldest in the world. He got most of the qualifica- Bthe number of university (free). The certificates proving his Since then he’s added seven tions under his belt while also degrees is a cheery but truculent prowess hang on the walls of his others to his list, including one in doing his day job and volunteer- 70-year-old Italian. study, framing a portrait of the criminology, a distance-learning ing with Italy’s Red Cross. Luciano Baietti lives in the 19th century French essayist, one in military strategies from This ageing eternal student’s town of Velletri in the Alban Hills Louis-Francois Bertin, whom he Turin, and the latest in tourism first degree was in physical edu- near Rome and spends his days cites as an influence. from an online university in cation in 1972 — and he fell pottering around his small house “He was a man of culture Naples, which he was awarded at instantly in love with the aca- and garden. But at every morn- and knowledge,” said Baietti, a the start of this month. demic world. Baietti is back on ing at 3am he pulls out his former headmaster of a second- “Each time I set myself a new course, and already preparing to textbooks and starts studying. ary school, who made it into the challenge, to see how far my start the next degree, this time in He now holds 15 bachelors Guinness Book of Records in body and my brain can go,” says food science. Once again, he’ll or masters degrees from univer- 2002 with his eighth degree, that Baietti, who started life as a be pouring over his books by the Luciano Baietti poses with his first university degree 1976 (right) sities across Italy, and is already time in motor skills. sports teacher. light of his desk lamp as outside embarking on his 16th. At that point he already had His long-suffering wife, some the world sleeps on. and his last thesis (left) in his house in Velletri south of Rome. 16 EUROPE WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2017

UK unlikely to Nato chief seeks bigger defence budgets trigger Article 50 at March 9 Brussels Defence spending product. But apart from the United In 2014, Nato leaders committed controversial. GDPs fluctuate in AP States, only four other Nato mem- to halt the decline and move times of boom and bust, and just EU summit The United States is ber countries do so — Britain, within a decade to spend 2 per- because a country spends a cer- he Nato chief urged by far Nato’s most Estonia, Poland and debt-ridden cent of GDP. tain amount, it doesn’t mean that Stockholm allies yesterday to step powerful ally. It Greece, according to Nato figures. “We don’t expect all allies to the money is being spent wisely. Reuters up their defence spend- spends more on Low defence spending is not a meet the 2 percent immediately, Correct spending levels do not ing, a day ahead of the new problem for Nato but it has but we expect allies to stop the guarantee that adequate forces rexit minister David defence than all the first meeting between taken on greater prominence as cuts,” Stoltenberg said. Indeed 24 can be deployed into battle in a Davis said yesterday others combined; Tnew US Defence Secretary Jim allies struggle to fathom what of the 28 allies already have. timely way and sustained by effi- that the government 3.61 percent of GDP B Mattis and his 27 Nato counter- Trump might actually demand The United States is by far cient supply lines, Jan Techau was on course to meet its end- parts in Brussels. in 2016. from them and amid Russia’s Nato’s most powerful ally. It wrote in an analysis for the Carn- March deadline to launch the US President Donald Trump increasingly aggressive acts. spends more on defence than all egie Europe think-tank. formal divorce procedure suggested during his campaign Germany spent 1.19 After the end of the Cold War the others combined; 3.61 percent The German armed forces, for from the European Union but that he might not defend allies percent of its overall in 1990, European nations reined of GDP in 2016, according to Nato example, are unlikely to be able did not see Britain doing so at who refuse to contribute their fair budget on defence in their military budgets and the estimates, although US spending to absorb all the extra money effi- an EU summit next month. share. His comments have last year. 2008 economic crisis only forced too has tapered off in recent years. ciently, and the prospect of a EU officials are keen to alarmed European nations, par- further cuts. Still, concern about Germany spent 1.19 percent massive German army might not know when Prime Minister ticularly those near Russia’s the growing shortfall and the of its overall budget on defence be palatable for some of its Theresa May will trigger Arti- border, like Poland and the Baltic damage it was doing to defense last year. Ten countries spend neighbours. cle 50 of the EU’s Lisbon Treaty states of Estonia, Lithuania and increase defense spending when research and development was even less and seven — including Still, Trump’s warnings, Rus- and launch some of the most Latvia. tensions are going up, as they are already on Nato’s radar a decade Canada, Italy and Spain — would sia’s assertiveness and extremist complicated talks Britain has “Fair burden-sharing and now.” ago. Successive Nato chiefs have have to virtually double their attacks in European capitals have held since World War Two to increased defence spending While the Trump administra- warned of the dangers of not spending to reach the target. One, galvanized the allies, at least as far end its more than 40-year underpins the trans-Atlantic alli- tion is weighing its defense doing more. Luxembourg, would require a as political declarations go. membership of the bloc. ance,” Nato Secretary-General commitments to Europe, Nato But after Russia annexed four-fold increase to get close. Lithuania’s leader says her coun- In Stockholm, Davis was Jens Stoltenberg told reporters. “If leaders have already committed neighboring Ukraine’s Crimean While most have stopped the try, which borders Russia’s asked whether he expected we reduce defence spending in to halting spending cuts and rais- Peninsula in 2014, only years after decline and many are slowly Kaliningrad and has a large Rus- May to deliver the Article 50 times when tensions are going ing their military budgets to 2 invading neighboring Georgia in increasing their spending, the sian-speaking minority, will meet letter at an EU summit in down, we have to be able to percent of gross domestic 2008, the writing was on the wall. 2-percent figure remains the target by next year. Brussels on March 9 and 10 - a date some British media had said was under consideration to avoid any clash with a sum- mit of the other 27 states on Kremlin denies French Train collision March 25 to celebrate the bloc’s 60th anniversary. “The 9th or 10th is not a election meddling date I recognise in terms of our timetable. What we have said is by the end of March, Moscow/Paris question of cyber threats were sometime during March,” Reuters being taken seriously and Davis said alongside Ann would be the focus of a defence Linde, Sweden’s minister for he Kremlin denied yes- council meeting of national EU Affairs and Trade. terday that it was behind security chiefs under President “I’m confident that we’ll Tmedia and internet Francois Hollande. do it before our timetable but attacks on the campaign of The source gave no date for not necessarily before the one French presidential frontrun- this meeting though the satiri- you played out,” he added. ner Emmanuel Macron though cal weekly le Canard Enchaine Davis said he was confi- his camp renewed the charges said on Tuesday that it had been dent that legislation needed against Russian media and a fixed for late next week. for May to trigger Article 50 hackers’ group operating in Ferrand said Moscow would be passed by Britain’s Ukraine. looked favourably on the poli- upper house of parliament “in Kremlin spokesman Dmitry cies of far-right leader Marine good time before the end of Peskov, replying to a question Le Pen and centre-right candi- March”. on a daily conference call, said date Francois Fillon — both Earlier this month, the charges made by Macron’s election rivals of Macron — and lower house of parliament party chief, Richard Ferrand, both had been “mysteriously passed the bill and it has now were absurd. spared” from Russian media been handed over to the une- “We didn’t have, and do not criticism. lected House of Lords where A view of a passenger train after it collided with a freight train near Dudelange in have, any intention of interfer- Macron’s strong pro- some members say they will ing in the internal affairs of Europe stance was not to Luxembourg yesterday, killing one person. The passenger train from Thionville in northeast attach conditions to it that other countries, or in their elec- Russia’s liking however, he said. France hit the goods train at Bettembourg near the French border. could stretch the govern- toral processes in particular,” Le Pen, who heads the ment’s timetable. Peskov told reporters. National Front and is Macron’s “That there is a hysterical closest competitor in the race anti-(President Vladimir) Putin for the Elysee, wants to take campaign in certain countries France out of the European abroad is an obvious fact.” Union and supports Russian Flynn resignation ‘not our business’: Moscow Ferrand said on Monday policy on Ukraine. that the French centrist politi- On Tuesday Ferrand cian, who is now seen by renewed those charges saying Moscow “This is the internal business warned the White House that policy on Russia after ties plunged opinion polls as the favourite that the databases and e-mail AFP of the Americans, it is the inter- Flynn had misled senior admin- over Moscow’s meddling in to win election in May, had boxes of Macron’s En Marche! nal business of President istration officials about the Ukraine and allegations of inter- become a “fake news” target of (Onwards) party were under he Kremlin yesterday Trump’s administration. This is contents of his talks with Kislyak, ference in the US election. Russian media and that his attack. insisted that the resigna- not our business,” Kremlin and that it could make him vul- The Kremlin is hoping that campaign was facing thousands “If these attacks succeeded, Ttion of Donald Trump’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. nerable to Russian blackmail. Trump will follow through on his of internet attacks. the campaign of En Marche security adviser Michael Flynn Flynn admitted that he The Kremlin has previously pledge to improve relations with With the political air in would become extremely dif- over contacts with the Russian “inadvertently briefed” the now denied that Flynn and Kislyak Russia and may eventually wind France highly-charged in the ficult, if not impossible,” government was Washington’s Vice President Mike Pence with discussed the lifting of US sanc- back damaging sanctions that run-up to the May election, the Ferrand said in Le Monde internal affair. “incomplete information” about tions. The resignation of the top have battered its economy. French government has online. The White House late Mon- his calls with Kislyak. aide is a first stunning departure Russian lawmakers were declined to point the finger at He said about half of these day said Trump had accepted Pence had publicly defended from the president’s inner circle quick to throw their backing anyone despite high-level con- thousands of attacks came Flynn’s resignation amid allega- Flynn, saying he did not discuss less than a month after his behind Flynn after his exit— cerns of external meddling in mainly from Ukraine and had tions the retired three-star general sanctions, putting his own cred- inauguration. describing his departure as an campaigning. been organised and coordi- discussed US sanctions strategy ibility into question. Flynn — who has previously attack against attempts to An official French source nated by a “structured group” with Russia’s ambassador Sergey US media reported Monday met President Vladimir Putin — restore ties between Moscow said, however, that the and not by lone hackers. Kislyak before taking office. that the Justice Department had was a vocal supporter of a softer and Washington.

Royal visit Hollande seeks ‘justice’ in assault case Paris determined to “show that we are presidential elections in April and AFP capable of living together in a May, the alleged assault, which peaceful society, but where follows the death of a young black rench President Francois respect is the rule and where we man in police custody in another Hollande called for “justice” must be firm towards those who Paris suburb last year, has Fyesterday over the alleged diverge from this principle.” become a campaign issue. rape of a black youth with a police Theo’s treatment by four Far-right leader Marine Le baton, appealing for calm after officers during a stop-and- Pen on Monday launched a peti- more than a week of riots. search operation has sparked tion “to support the police” after “Justice must be served,” Hol- clashes with police and arson blaming “laxism in French soci- lande said during a visit to the attacks in a string of impover- ety” for the problems of the working-class suburb of Auber- ished, ethnically-mixed suburbs restive suburbs. The head of the villiers, situated in the tough around the French capital. anti-immigration National Front Seine-Saint-Denis region north- Dozens of people have been party called for a “major tight- east of Paris where Theo, a arrested, including 25 overnight ening of the screws” to boost 22-year-old youth worker, was Monday. Theo was hospitalised police capabilities. assaulted while being arrested. with severe anal injuries after one The remarks prompted But Hollande also con- of the officers allegedly sodo- Socialist presidential candidate demned the nightly violence mised him with a truncheon. The Benoit Hamon to say she was after the February 2 incident in officer in question has been “adding fuel to the fire.” “She Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, inspects a training plane during her visit to RAF Air a high-rise housing estate, call- charged with rape and his three encourages violence through Cadets at RAF Wittering in Stamford, Britain, yesterday. ing the rioting “unacceptable”. colleagues with assault. All four her hateful rhetoric,” Hamon He said France was have been suspended. With said. WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2017 EUROPE 17 Merkel pushes Tunisia PM on deportations

Berlin The question had already AFP Asylum seekers became a hot-button issue after The German leader New Year’s Eve 2015-16, when erman Chancellor mobs of North African men sex- Angela Merkel yes- has been battling to ually assaulted and robbed terday pushed get Tunis to take hundreds of women in the west- Tunisia’s prime back its citizens ern city of Cologne, sparking minister to speed since the assault on public outrage. Gup the returns of rejected asy- a Berlin market in Germany worries that with lum seekers, as Tunis rebuffed December. the advent of spring, the number criticism that it was blocking of migrants making the danger- repatriations. ous Mediterranean crossing will The German leader has been “Cooperation with rise again. Many are travelling battling to get Tunis to take back Germany works very via chaotic Libya, which has its citizens, with the issue taking well now” but threw lacked a functioning national on greater urgency since the the ball back in government since the 2011 over- deadly assault on a Berlin Christ- Berlin’s court, says throw of Muammar Gaddafi. mas market in December. Tunisian PM. But Berlin also hopes other The jihadist attack which regional countries can help deter claimed 12 lives has been blamed migrants from heading for the on Anis Amri, a Tunisian whose Berlin’s court. “We need from the EU. Merkel had voiced support asylum application had been German side clear evidence that for a proposal for Tunisia to set rejected half a year earlier, but we are really dealing with Tuni- up “holding facilities” for refu- could not be expelled because sians,” he said, estimating the gees rescued from the of Tunisian bureaucratic delays. number of his fellow citizens Mediterranean — an idea But ahead of the meeting in concerned by possible expulsions spurned by Chahed. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed shake hands Berlin, Tunisian Prime Minister from Germany at around 1,000. The Tunisian premier said Youssef Chahed threw out any “Illegal immigrants who use false after a press conference at the Chancellery in Berlin yesterday. the question on such facilities did criticism. “One thing that I must identity documents make it dif- not surface during the Berlin say very clearly: the Tunisian ficult and delay the process.” success rates for asylum requests “It works better if we can upper house of parliament in meeting. Rather, Merkel offered authorities have not made any Merkel has been under pres- was 3.5 percent for Moroccans, make (such returns) voluntary. Berlin over human rights more help to Tunis to “get more mistakes,” Chahed told Germa- sure to reduce the number of 2.7 percent for Algerians and just But we must also make it clear, concerns. job training, improve its domes- ny’s biggest selling daily Bild. asylum seekers in Germany, after 0.8 percent for Tunisians. that whoever does not return of Amnesty International this tic security, get more “Anis Amri was no terrorist the country took in over a mil- In a press conference follow- their own accord, they would week alleged that a rise in “bru- investments”, in a bid to per- when he left Tunisia in 2011, lion migrants and refugees since ing talks with Chahed, Merkel then be returned involuntarily,” tal tactics” by Tunisian security suade Tunisians to stay in their there were no signs that he had 2015. noted that only 116 Tunisians she said. forces, including torture and home country. been radicalised. “With regards While most refugees from were repatriated last year. “That Merkel has repeatedly arbitrary arrests, are threaten- This would be “a partner- to the identity documents, here war-torn Syria have qualified for is not fast enough and here we stressed that she wants Germany ing pro-democracy reforms. ship that helps people to no too, the Tunisian authorities temporary safe haven, applicants talked about how we can to list Tunisia, Algeria and Interior Minister Thomas de Mai- longer find themselves in a acted correctly,” he said. from Tunisia as well as Algeria improve this process,” she told Morocco as “safe countries of ziere last year visited all three position where they say ‘I must Chahed said “cooperation and Morocco generally have not, reporters, raising the prospect of origin”, raising the bar for asy- Maghreb countries to urge bet- try to find my fortune in with Germany works very well because their countries are con- incentives to make returning to lum requests further, but the ter cooperation on Europe’, rather, for them to see now” but threw the ball back in sidered stable. Last year the Tunisia more appealing. proposal has been held up in the repatriations. hope in Tunisia,” she said.

Spanish court Berlinale film festival Hitler doppelganger Row over blocks Catalan appeal clearing independence arrested in Austria Serbia of Vienna as “Harald Hitler” and insisted referendum AFP on being served “Austrian min- genocide eral water”. The suspect who Madrid ustrian police arrested an offered no resistance during his THE Serb chairman of Bosnia’s AFP Adolf Hitler lookalike arrest had moved to Braunau presidency warned yesterday Aafter he was spotted in mid-January, police said. a bid to ask a UN court to revise pain’s Constitutional wandering around the Nazi dic- The case once again puts a ruling clearing Serbia of Court quashed yesterday tator’s hometown sporting his the spotlight on Braunau, a blame for genocide would Sa resolution by Catalo- infamous moustache and side town of 17,000 on the German widen rifts between the ethnic nia’s regional parliament parting, a spokesman said. border which has repeatedly groups which fought the 1992- calling for a referendum on The 25-year-old Austrian made headlines because of its 95 war. independence this year, a rul- national was detained in his flat historical ties to Hitler. Muslim Bosniak leader ing that will further stoke in the quaint northern town of Most recently it drew atten- Bakir Izetbegovic said last tensions with Madrid. Braunau am Inn where the Fue- tion after the government in week he would request the The parliament of Spain’s hrer was born on April 20, 1889. December expropriated the revision of the 2007 judgment wealthy, northeastern region, The man, who reportedly dilapidated building where Hit- exonerating neighbouring which has a majority of sep- called himself “Harald Hitler”, ler came into the world. Serbia of direct responsibil- aratist lawmakers, had was arrested under a 1947 Aus- The move followed years of ity for the wave of killing, adopted the resolution in trian law which made it illegal bitter wrangling with owner rape and ethnic cleansing that October, pledging to hold a to promote Nazi ideology. Gerlinde Pommer who had ravaged Bosnia. vote in September 2017. Authorities became aware been renting the premises to the “This would mean that we But after suspending it in of his existence after photos interior ministry since the 1970s are entering a very serious December, the Constitutional emerged on social media of the and refused to sell or carry out crisis and I warn everyone to Court in Madrid said Tuesday man posing outside Hitler’s essential renovation works. reconsider their actions,” that it had cancelled it alto- actual birth house, a large yel- The government said the Mladen Ivanic said. gether, ruling it low corner house in the town’s seizure had been necessary to The 2007 judgement by “unconstitutional”. Separatists historic centre. stop the building from becom- the International Court of Jus- in Catalonia have for years Other snaps showed him ing a pilgrimage site for Nazi tice (ICJ) concluded that Finnish actor Janne Hyytiainen (left) and actor Simon tried to win approval from standing in a Braunau pub sympathisers. In response, genocide occurred only at Spain’s central government for Hussein Al Bazoon pose on the red carpet as they arrive dressed in traditional garb Pommer launched proceedings Srebrenica, where about an independence vote like for the premiere of the film "The Other Side of Hope" in including a loden jacket and against the expropriation last 8,000 Muslims were slaugh- Scotland’s 2014 referendum on competition at the 67th Berlinale film festival in Berlin lederhosen. According to local month, arguing it was uncon- tered by Bosnian Serb forces, independence from Britain, yesterday. media reports, the copycat stitutional. The court is yet to and not in other parts of which resulted in a “no” vote. introduced himself to patrons rule on the case. Bosnia. Catalonia’s former pres- ident Artur Mas tried to hold such a referendum, which was also banned by the court. He countered by calling a Dutch polls to test European waters for far-right symbolic, nonbinding inde- pendence vote, which was also stopped by the court. The Hague ideological allies in both France him has delighted in taking his increasingly want to vote for him Many observers believe it But in November 2014 he AFP and Germany, where elections message directly to voters via because they don’t see enough unlikely that Wilders will end up went ahead anyway, with are due later in the year. Twitter. change,” said Leiden University in government. “Nobody wants to more than 80 percent choos- utch voters go to the polls Wilders, who has vowed to He even got into hot water political expert Geerten Waling. govern with him and he will never ing independence—though next month in the first of take his country out of the EU, last week for “fake news” by Former harbour master Sijmen be able to get a majority,” said just 2.3 million people out of Da series of elections that has been riding high in the polls tweeting a photo-shopped pic- Kaper, 70, in the PVV eastern Waling. “So he will be a huge a total of 6.3 million eligible will be a litmus test of European for months, propelled both by ture of a political foe supposedly stronghold of Volendam, agreed. opposition party.” Rutte has voters took part. politics after Brexit and Donald Trump’s victory and the tensions surrounded by Islamist radicals. “The politicians aren’t listen- already vowed not to work with Mas’s move got him and Trump’s shock victory in the US. triggered by Europe’s worst ref- In recent weeks however, Rutte’s ing to the people. These people Wilders, repudiating his radical two others charged with All eyes are on the far-right, ugee crisis since World War II. Liberal VVD has narrowed the aren’t racists, they are people anti-Islam platform and denounc- serious civil disobedience anti-Islam Freedom Party (PVV) But some say the polls are gap, and the latest survey on who want things done differ- ing comments about Moroccans and misconduct, and they and its outspoken leader, MP unreliable, while others maintain Sunday predicted he would win ently,” he said. Even if the PVV which saw the MP convicted of stood trial last week. Pros- Geert Wilders. PVV supporters among the 12.6 about 24 seats to 30 for Wilders. emerges as the largest party in discrimination last year. ecutors want Mas and his If the opinion polls prove million eligible to vote are keep- “After Trump’s election, the parliament, it would fall far short Yet Rutte recently raised former associates banned right, Wilders is on track to ing their cards close to their chests. PVV got a boost. But the survey of the 76 seats needed to form a eyebrows when, in a not-so-sub- from holding public office deliver the country’s establish- Despite his blond, bouffant hair today shows that 25 percent of governing coalition in the 150- tle bid to drain support from for nine to 10 years. ment Liberal party of Prime and political similarities, Wilders PVV voters are reacting nega- seat parliament. Wilders, he shifted his tone more The court’s 2014 ban on Minister Mark Rutte and his dismisses the easy moniker of tively to the measures taken by That would herald weeks, or to the right demanding immi- holding a referendum is per- Labour coalition partner a being “the Dutch Donald Trump”. President Trump,” respected months, of bitter horse-trading, grants must adopt Dutch values manent, but the Catalan thumping on March 15. But he has made no secret of pollster Maurice de Hond said. and perhaps bestow a kingmaker or leave. Wilders himself insisted parliament had decided to What may prove Wilders’s his admiration for the new US Even though Wilders has role on smaller up-and-coming on Sunday that if his party wins give it another try last Octo- best polls showing ever could in president (he was a guest at the been a politician for at least two parties such as environmental- the most votes, then he cannot ber — ultimately failing. turn boost the chances of his Republican convention) and like decades, “I think people ists GroenLinks (GreenLeft). be ignored. 18 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2017

A helicopter carries a bag of rocks from an emergeny staging area near the Oroville Dam, yesterday. RIGHT: A building partially submerged in flowing water at Riverbend Park. Crew repairing California dam make progress

Oroville, California Ramirez, who has lived in Yuba City, population spillway that is now eroding. yesterday that he sent a letter to AP Work in full swing Oroville, a town of about 16,000 65,000, is the biggest city evac- “I’m not sure anything went the White House requesting people, for about five years. uated. The city has largest wrong,” Bill Croyle said. “This direct federal assistance in the Workers hoisted rew working around The Gold Rush town in the dried-fruit processing plant in was a new, never-having-hap- emergency, though some federal giant white bags the clock atop the Sierra Nevada foothills some 70 the world and one of largest pop- pened-before event.” agencies have been helping crippled Oroville Dam filled with rocks, and miles northeast of Sacramento ulations of Sikhs outside of India. Roberts-Lynch didn’t buy the already. have made progress two helicopters flew is nestled near the foot of the For now, it’s all at the mercy explanations. “I know that some- Brown has had harsh words repairing the dam- in rocks and released dam, which was completed in of the reservoir that usually sus- body did not pay attention to the for President Donald Trump, and Caged spillway, reducing the lake them into the eroded 1968 and at 770 feet is the tains it, and provides water for warning signs,” she said. “It was the state has vowed to resist level by at least eight feet over- area of the spillway. nation’s tallest. Houses and much of the state. their job to pay attention to what many of his administration’s night at a Northern California churches are perched on tree- “If anything, we would have was going on with the dam.” efforts. reservoir that has been central State Department of lined streets near the Feather thought that the dam would have Over the weekend, the swol- But the governor said at a to the life of the towns around it Water Resources River. Old, ornate Victorian been constructed better,” Rami- len lake spilled down the news conference that he’s “sure for a half century. officials hope to homes sit alongside smaller rez said. He said it was “extremely unpaved, emergency spillway, that California and Washington Workers hoisted giant white reduce the lake level bungalows. frustrating” when he heard reports which had never been used will work in a constructive way. bags filled with rocks, and two to 860 feet by “Everybody knows to go that emerged of complaints about before, for nearly 40 hours, leav- That’s my attitude. There will be helicopters flew in rocks and there for the Fourth of July,” potential danger that came from ing it badly eroded. different points of view, but tomorrow. released them into the eroded evacuee Crystal Roberts-Lynch environmentalists and govern- Officials defended the deci- we’re all one America.” area of the spillway yesterday. said of the lake. “Then there’s ment officials a dozen years ago. sion to suddenly call for mass The governor said he doesn’t Dump trucks full of boulders also Resources officials hope to festivals wrapped around the Those warnings described evacuations, just a few hours plan to go to Oroville and dis- were dumping cargo on the reduce the lake level to 860 feet salmon run.” The mother of the very scenario that was after saying the situation was tract from efforts, but he tried to damaged spillway. by tomorrow when storms will three, who has lived in Oroville threatening to unfold, though stable, forcing families to rush to reassure evacuees. Workers are rushing to bring more rain, spokesman for 10 years, was staying at a Red they were dismissed state and pack up and get out. “My message is that we’re repair the barrier at the nation’s Chris Orrock said. The level was Cross evacuation centre in Chico federal regulators who expressed “There was a lot of traffic. It doing everything we can to get tallest dam after authorities 884 feet yesterday. “The lake brings in an enor- confidence that the dam and its was chaos,” said Robert Brabant, this dam in shape and they can ordered the evacuation of nearly The lake that for five decades mous part of the economy for the spillways could withstand seri- an Oroville resident who evac- return and they can live safely 200,000 people for everyone has brought residents holiday town. It definitely is a people- ous storms. uated with his wife, son, dogs without fear,” Brown said. living below the lake amid con- fireworks and salmon festivals catcher,” said Ramirez. “We get The acting head of the state’s and cats. “It was a lot of acci- But evacuee Kelly Remocal cerns the spillway could fail and now could bring disaster. people from all over the coun- Department of Water Resources dents. It was like people weren’t said she believed the public offi- send water roaring downstream. “Never in our lives did we try.” Cities and towns farther said he was unaware of the 2005 paying attention to other cials working on the problem are Evacuations remain in place. think anything like this would down the Feather River also are report that recommended rein- people.” “downplaying everything so peo- State Department of Water have happened,” said Brannan in danger. forcing with concrete an earthen Governor Jerry Brown said ple don’t freak out.”

Taking charge Venezuelan VP calls US sanctions an ‘attack’

Caracas In a January 31 decree, AFP Maduro granted El Aissami expansive new powers to seize enezuelan Vice President property and approve ministers’ Tareck El Aissami (pic- budgets. Vtured) hit back yesterday Venezuela is lurching at the United States for labeling through an economic nightmare him a drug kingpin and slapping of food shortages and hyperin- sanctions on him, calling the flation brought on by low prices accusations a “vile attack.” for its key export, oil. “I take this miserable and Maduro, whose popularity vile attack as recognition of my has fallen to 20 percent, is fend- status as an anti-imperialist rev- ing off opposition attempts to olutionary,” El Aissami, the heir oust him. apparent to Socialist President “We must concentrate on He blames the economic cri- Bolivian President Evo Morales (right) swears-in General Abel Galo de la Barra as the new Nicolas Maduro, wrote on the revolutionary government’s sis on what he calls a capitalist Commander General of National Police, the first Afro-Bolivian ever in the post, in La Paz, Twitter. priorities: economic recovery conspiracy backed by Washing- yesterday. The US Treasury Depart- and growth and guaranteeing ton. Opponents blame the ment yesterday accused El PEACE and social happiness.” failure of an oil-dependent Aissami and an ally, business- He added a shout-out to late socialist economic model. man Samark Jose Lopez Bello, leftist firebrand Hugo Chavez, El Aissami is currently next of being major cocaine traffick- Maduro’s predecessor and the in line in the event Maduro is ers and froze their US assets. man who launched Venezuela forced to resign or removed in Over 680 arrested in immigration raids It said El Aissami protected on the path of socialist “revolu- a recall referendum. and oversaw large shipments of tion”—and a diplomatic collision The US Treasury said the Washington Enforcement, or ICE. orders of deportation, accord- drugs from Venezuela to Mex- course with the “imperialist” new sanctions were part of a Reuters Immigrant rights advocates ing to ICE, the agency ico and the United States while United States—in 1999. multi-year investigation and said the operations were not as responsible for immigrant serving as the country’s interior “Long live CHAVEZ!!” he unrelated to El Aissami’s recent S immigration officers usual, and were more sweeping arrests and deportations. minister and governor of Ara- wrote. promotion to vice president. last week arrested more than operations conducted dur- Obama was criticised for gua state. The US sanctions cast a dark “The message in this desig- Uthan 680 people in the ing the administration of former being the “deporter in chief” El Aissami was allegedly in shadow over El Aissami, 42, who nation is not a political one,” country illegally, homeland secu- Democratic President Barack after he deported over 400,000 pay of Venezuelan drug kingpin became the troubled South said a senior US administration rity chief said yesterday, in a Obama. people in 2012, more than any Walid Makled Garcia to protect American country’s vice presi- official in a briefing for journal- broad enforcement action that Kelly said in a statement that president in a single year. shipments, and coordinated dent on January 4. ists. “It is about international alarmed immigrant rights groups. 75 percent of the immigrants In 2014, Obama’s homeland them with Mexico’s violent Los El Aissami, who was born in narcotics trafficking.” US Homeland Security Sec- arrested have criminal records, security chief issued a memo Zetas cartel, the Treasury said. Merida state, served as a minis- Thirteen companies belong- retary John Kelly said the ranging from homicide to driving directing agents to focus on “Let’s not let these vile prov- ter under Chavez. He made a ing to Lopez Bello were also operations, conducted in at least under the influence of alcohol. deporting a narrow slice of ocations distract us. Our main name for himself in Venezuela listed for sanctions. a dozen states, were routine and He said the operation also immigrants, namely those who job is to accompany Nicolas by cracking down on drug The US called the business- consistent with regular opera- targeted people who have vio- had recently entered the coun- Maduro in (Venezuela’s) eco- gangs. But he has also helped man a “key frontman” and tions carried out by US lated immigration laws. try or committed serious nomic recovery,” El Aissami Maduro take action against the money launderer for El Immigration and Customs Some had ignored final felonies. tweeted. political opposition. Aissami. WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2017 AMERICAS 19 Trump aide Flynn quits over Russia contacts

Washington Guilt admitted Flynn’s resignation so early in said: “No, absolutely not. No way.” suggested that Flynn had the full AFP a US administration is unprece- A former head of defence support of the president. Michael Flynn dented, and comes after details of intelligence, Flynn’s encounters He was an early supporter of onald Trump’s admitted that he his calls with the Russian diplo- with Russian President Vladimir Trump’s improbable bid for the national security inadvertently briefed mat were made public—increasing Putin had already drawn criti- presidency and has encouraged adviser Michael Vice-President Mike pressure on Trump to take action. cism. US media reported tougher policies on Iran and a Flynn (pictured) Pence with Several US media outlets yesterday that the Justice Depart- softer policy on Russia. resigned amid con- “incomplete yesterday reported that top ment had warned the White House That was a sharp break with Dtroversy over his contacts with information” about Trump advisers were warned that Flynn had misled senior the Obama administration, the Russian government, a first his calls with Kislyak. about Flynn’s contacts with the administration officials about the which introduced sanctions over stunning departure from the Russians early this year. contents of his talks with Kislyak, Moscow’s annexation of president’s inner circle less than Questions will now be raised and that it could make him vul- Ukraine’s Crimea, support for a month after his inauguration. The White House about who knew about the calls, nerable to Russian blackmail. separatists in eastern Ukraine, The White House yesterday said Trump has and why Trump did not move The message was delivered and what US intelligence says said Trump had accepted Flynn’s named retired earlier to replace Flynn. in last days of Barack Obama’s were its attempts to sway the resignation amid allegations the lieutenant general Flynn’s resignation will also administration by then-acting 2016 election in Trump’s favor. retired three star general dis- Joseph Kellogg to be have sincerely apologised to the fuel calls for an independent attorney general Sally Yates— Washington and Moscow had cussed US sanctions strategy interim national President and the Vice President, investigation into Russia’s influ- who Trump sacked after she also clashed over alleged war with Russia’s ambassador Sergey and they have accepted my apol- ence during the 2016 US instructed Justice Department crimes in Syria, where Russia is security adviser. Kislyak before taking office. ogy,” read Flynn’s letter, a copy presidential election. lawyers not to defend his con- accused of aiding the bombing Flynn—who once headed US of which was released by the Earlier in the day White tested travel ban. of hospitals and other civilian military intelligence—insisted he White House. House spokesman Sean Spicer CNN said then director of targets. Despite this, Flynn had was honoured to have served the his calls with Kislyak. The White House said Trump insisted Trump was not con- national intelligence James Clap- argued for rapprochement. American people in such a “dis- Pence had publicly defended has named retired lieutenant sulted about Flynn discussing per and John Brennan, the CIA A few of Trump’s fellow tinguished” manner. Flynn, saying he did not discuss general Joseph Kellogg, a deco- sanctions, nor did he task Flynn chief at the time, agreed the Republicans had joined their But he admitted that he sanctions, putting his own cred- rated Vietnam war veteran who to do so. White House should be alerted Democratic foes in urging Flynn “inadvertently briefed” the now ibility into question. was serving as a director on the Asked if Trump was aware about the concerns. to resign over a situation that had Vice President Mike Pence with “Regarding my phone calls Joint Chiefs of Staff, to be interim Flynn would discuss sanctions In the hours before his res- become a major embarrassment “incomplete information” about with the Russian Ambassador. I national security adviser. with the Russian envoy, Spicer ignation, some Trump aides for the ruling party. Resignation will not affect Europe debut: Mattis Democrats seek special Brussels “2014 was a watershed year. Reuters It was a year when many of our probe on Russia links hopes for some kind of partner- S Defence Secretary ship with Russia were shown to James Mattis yesterday be unavailing,” Mattis said, extol- Washington Republican said. “I’m not going Uplayed down any impact ling Nato as “the most successful AP to prejudge any of the circum- that White House national secu- military alliance in history.” stances surrounding this until rity adviser Michael Flynn’s “We’ve got to adapt and emocrats yesterday we have all of the resignation might have on Mat- make certain the trans-Atlantic demanded a special information.” tis’ debut trip this week to bond remains strong,” he said. Dinvestigation into possi- At issue is whether Flynn Europe to meet Nato allies. In his January Senate confirma- ble links between President broke diplomatic protocol and “Frankly, this has no impact. tion hearing, Mattis accused Donald Trump’s administration potentially the law by discuss- Obviously, I haven’t changed Russia of trying to break the and Russia, including when ing US sanctions with Moscow what I’m heading there for. It Nato alliance. Trump learned that his national before Trump’s inauguration. doesn’t change my message at Flynn, in contrast, frequently security adviser, Michael Flynn, Republican Senator John all,” Mattis told reporters shortly raised eyebrows among Wash- had discussed US sanctions McCain, chairman of Senate before landing in Brussels, as he ington’s foreign policy with a Russian diplomat. Armed Services Committee, praised the Nato alliance but establishment for trying to per- “The American people said Flynn’s resignation “is a stressing its need to adapt to the suade Trump to warm up US deserve to know the full extent troubling indication of the dys- House Speaker Paul Ryan (centre), walks away from a news challenges posed by Russia. relations with Russia. of Russia’s financial, personal function of the current national “And who’s on the presi- conference in Washington, DC, yesterday. Ryan fielded One US official said Flynn’s and political grip on President security apparatus.” dent’s staff is who I will work questions on resignation of Michael Flynn. departure, coupled with Russia’s Trump and what that means for “General Flynn’s resigna- with,” he said. aggression in Ukraine and Syria our national security,” House tion also raises further Mattis has taken a dimmer where US and Russian interests challenges posed by Russia after and Republican congressional Democratic Leader Nancy questions about the Trump view of the prospects of partner- might align. 2014, when Russia’s annexation opposition to removing sanctions Pelosi said in a statement. administration’s intentions ship with Moscow than Flynn did Speaking to reporters yes- of Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula on Russia, removes Trump’s most Flynn’s resignation also toward Vladimir Putin’s Rus- during the presidential cam- terday, Mattis said the North upended the alliance’s assump- ardent advocate of taking a softer prompted Democrats to press sia, including statements by the paign or Trump has since taking Atlantic Treaty Organisation tions about cooperation with line toward Russian President again for a no-holds-barred president suggesting moral office, while not ruling out areas needed to adapt to the Moscow. Vladimir Putin. probe of Russia’s alleged inter- equivalence between the ference in the 2016 presidential United States and Russia election. despite its invasion of Ukraine, Republican leaders have annexation of Crimea, threats US Secret refused so far to establish a spe- to our Nato allies, and Puzder faces uncertainty cial bipartisan committee to attempted interference in examine Moscow’s meddling, American elections,” McCain Service director arguing that the existing con- said in a statement. Washington Pensions, which will tomorrow spokespeople, the four Repub- gressional committees are California Democratic Rep- to step down Reuters hold the first confirmation hear- lican senators indicated they capable of handling the inquir- resentative Adam Schiff, top ing for Puzder, President Donald have some outstanding ques- ies. But they’ll be under Democrat on the House Intel- Washington our US Republican sena- Trump’s pick to head the Labour tions for Puzder but stressed pressure to reverse course after ligence Committee, said he Reuters tors have not yet said Department. they had not made a final Flynn stepped down following wants to know whether Flynn Fwhether they will support Puzder, CEO of CKE Restau- decision. reports he misled Vice Presi- was acting on Trump’s behalf US Secret Service Director labour secretary nominee rants, which franchises If a committee majority dent Mike Pence about contacts or whether Trump or anyone Joseph Clancy plans to step Andrew Puzder, raising sus- restaurants, including Carl’s Jr. backs Puzder’s nomination, he with a Russian diplomat. in his administration approved down next month, the agency pense about whether he will and Hardee’s, has faced staunch will come up for a vote before House Speaker Paul Ryan his contacts with Russia. He said yesterday, two years survive an initial confirmation opposition from Democrats and the full, Republican-controlled said Flynn made the right deci- said Flynn’s resignation “does after he took charge of the hearing this week. protests from union-backed Senate, where his confirmation sion to step down but he not end questions over his con- agency following high-pro- The four senators — Susan groups about policies at CKE’s could only be derailed if at least sidestepped questions about tacts with the Russians.” file security lapses by the Collins of Maine, Lisa food chains. Along with now- three Republicans break with whether an inquiry is Pelosi said in a statement service responsible for pro- Murkowski of Alaska, Tim Scott confirmed Education Secretary their party. warranted. that Congress “must call for a tecting the president. of South Carolina and Johnny Betsy DeVos, he has been one Puzder’s committee hearing “You cannot have the bipartisan, independent, outside “Congratulations Dir Isakson of Georgia — all sit on of Trump’s most controversial has been postponed several national security adviser mis- commission to fully investigate Clancy on your retirement! the Senate Committee on Cabinet picks. times amid delays with his eth- leading the vice president and Russia’s influence on the admin- The men & women of the @ Health, Education, Labour and Through statements and ics paperwork. others,” the Wisconsin istration and the election.” SecretService are grateful for your 29 years of service & leadership,” the Secret Serv- ice said on Twitter. Clancy will leave on March 4, an Senate confirms Mnuchin as Treasury Secretary agency spokesman said. Clancy’s departure means President Donald Trump will Washington veteran in charge of the Treasury of finance ministers from the be able to select his own Reuters for the first time in eight years, Group of 20 major economies, security chief. The Secret after the financial crisis pushed top where he will face tough ques- Service has almost 7,000 he US Senate voted to con- US bankers out of favour. tions about Trump’s plans to employees and is charged firm former banker and Lawmakers, lobbyists and increase trade protections. with protecting the president THollywood financier Ste- business groups have been wait- “There is a real open question and his family as well as com- ven Mnuchin as Treasury ing for Mnuchin to fill in the as to whether thisadministration bating counterfeiting. Secretary yesterday, installing many blanks on how he will pur- is going to cut itself off from inter- Trump’s predecessor, the Trump administration’s sue tax reform and handle national monetary cooperation, Barack Obama, named Clancy point-man on tax reform, finan- delicate economic cooperation whether it’s exchange rate poli- head of Secret Service in Feb- cial de-regulation and economic efforts with China, Mexico and cies or attitudes towards ruary 2015 after he had served diplomacy efforts. other trading partners worried multilateral institutions or inter- as acting director for four The Senate voted 53-47 to about President Donald Trump’s national regulatory policy,” said months. He took over from confirm the Goldman Sachs vet- “America First” trade strategy. Edwin Truman, a former Treas- Director Julia Pierson, who eran’s nomination, with only one Mnuchin faces immediate ury and Federal Reserve official stepped down after an embar- Democrat, Senator Joe Manchin challenges with the March 15 now with the Peterson Institute rassing breach in which a man of West Virginia, voting in favour. expiration of a US debt ceiling for International Economics. Tru- US President Donald Trump (left) watches as Vice-President carrying a knife jumped White Mnuchin was sworn into suspension, ushering in the man said Mnuchin’s hardest job Mike Pence administers the oath of office to Treasury Secretary House fence and ran into the office in a brief White House cer- threat of a new default show- would be managing a sprawling executive mansion. emony, putting a Wall Street down, and a March 17 meeting tax reform effort with Congress. Steven Mnuchin. 20 HOME WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2017

PRAYER TIMINGS

FAJR 04.52 am SHOROOK 06.09 am

ZUHR 11.48 am MAGHRIB 05.29 pm Aspire Zone ASR 03.02 pm ISHA 06.59 pm Foundation has played an important WEATHER TODAY role in supporting the National Sport o o Day activities by 19 C 22 C increasing Minimum Maximum community participation and involvement in sport through its various activities.

Minister of Culture and Sports, H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali

Minister of Culture and Sports, H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, participating in the National Sport Day celebrations at Aspire Park, yesterday. Pictures: Baher Amin / The Peninsula Thousands flock to Aspire Park Expected thundery rain at places as- sociated with strong wind and low horizontal visibility. Hazy to misty/ Amna Pervaiz Rao Aspetar and Aspire Logistics. Together foggy at places and partly cloudy to The Peninsula they offered rich and varied pro- cloudy with scattered rain maybe thundery at places at times. grammes of activities for people of all housands of sports enthusi- ages. There were many highlights this HIGH TIDE 07:45 - 20:00 LOW TIDE 00:45 - 14:30 asts and families from across year, including Aspire Academy’s Foot- Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department Qatar yesterday turned out ball Performance and Science at the Aspire Park to take activities, Aspetar’s Nordic Walk and part in the country’s largest 5,000 Step Journey, as well as several TNational Sport Day celebrations. community programmes by Aspire The event marked the culmination Logistics.” of months of planning with a pro- “Aspire Zone staff did a great job gramme carefully designed to take full accommodating visitors’ needs on the advantage of Aspire’s world-class ven- day and made the most of the cooler ues and facilities and provide visitors weather in the morning. Our wide with a unique and unforgettable range of events reflect Aspire Zone experience. Foundation’s mission to promote A number of prominent officials and sporting activity and provide a range dignitaries attended the sporting events of activities for all members of the to show their support for the develop- community, in line with Qatar’s ment of sports and healthy lifestyle in National Vision 2030,” he further noted to take advantage of the world-class Aspire Zone. “It is a wonderful expe- the country. These included the Minis- The morning activities kicked off facilities and infrastructure available rience to participate in National Sport ter of Culture and Sports, H E Salah bin with the annual "Fun Run" event, at Aspire Zone. Day. Our first participation as a new Ghanem Al Ali, popular former Qatari where large numbers of people of all Ivan Bravo, Director General of clinic in Doha has been remarkable at athlete Captain Talal Mansour, and sev- ages, including some of Qatar’s national Aspire Academy, told The Peninsula: Aspire Zone. Since 7am the crowd did eral of Qatar’s most promising young Olympic athletes such as Abderrahman “Everyone in the country now looks not stop, more than 100 people visited Olympians. Samba, Mabrook Saleh, and Idris Mousa, forward to National Sport Day. People our booth for their vital check-up The Minister said: “Members of the took part. Visitors to Aspire were as want to come out, want to participate which includes blood glucose test and community in Qatar are becoming diverse as they have ever been, with all and want to be active and engaged. It blood pressure. We have five nurses increasingly aware of the importance sections of the community represented. has become a key date in the calendar at the booth. We are new in Doha and of sports and the advantage of regular Qatari nationals participated in a range and people want to be involved every will attend as many social events as exercise as highlighted by a number of activities alongside the country’s expat year. Even outside of Qatar, people are possible,” said Dr Islam Mohamed of recent studies that we have con- residents. talking about the fact that Qatar has a Zakaria, General Manager at Al- Mala- ducted with Qatar University. Through Around Aspire Park, health and National Sport Day.” kia Clinic. Zaki Shoheib, General Manager of Abdulaziz Al Raeesi, a Qatari at Gree Company which works under the Aspire Zone, said: “The activities here umbrella of Al Ta’adhod Construction at the Aspire Dome today are excel- and Trading, said at Aspire Zone: “We lent, and everything is very-well appreciate Aspire Zone for making us organised. The most interesting thing part of this celebration. It is our fifth for me has been the bike simulation year with Aspire Zone. This year as and the chance to use advanced tech- always we have come with our 600 nology to measure my strength. My workers to enjoy 18 different activities children also really enjoyed the ‘Beat which include yoga, kick boxing, tug- the Champion’ activity and the run- of-war and etc. In case of emergency ning speed test in particular.” we have Royal Medical Center ready Describing her experience with to help us.” Nordic Walk, Bama Manjonath said: Keshav Khatri and Jaime Osorio, “This is the first time that I have tried won six-month membership as first Nordic Walking and I’m very happy prize in rowing and skiing competi- that I tried it because I really enjoyed tion held at volley ball area in Aspire it. I decided to take part after reading Zone. Ragh Eed and Mahar, won three- about this activity in the local news- month membership as second prize in paper and being really encouraged by the same competition. Whereas El Has- the many benefits that it offers. Aspe- such initiatives as National Sport Day, wellness experts offered advice and san and Peter Longdill took away third tar’s coaches have helped introduce it is clear that Qatar is making good recommendations on leading a healthy prize of one-month membership at the sport in an easy and simple way.” progress in promoting physical activ- lifestyle at education stations staffed ity amongst all members of the by experts from the Namat physical community.” activity and health education He added: “Aspire Zone Founda- programme. tion has played an important role in Elsewhere in Aspire Dome, activ- supporting this success, by increasing ities included Beat the Champion, community participation and involve- Multi-sport skill development and ment in sport through its various Football Performance & Science. Peo- activities. The organisation is making ple of all ages and backgrounds took good progress in promoting active life- part in the events together, clearly styles and working closely with its enjoying the occasion. Large numbers partners to support the development of professionally trained coaches from of sport in the country.” Aspire Academy were on hand to offer Mohammad Khalifa Al Suwaidi, encouragement to all those taking part CEO of Aspire Zone Foundation, said: and cheer them on. “The celebrations this year lived up to The reaction across Aspire Zone expectations thanks to the collective was enormously positive. Many of the experience and expertise of Aspire people attending the day’s celebrations Zone Foundation and its member highlighted their determination to keep organisations – Aspire Academy, fit and active throughout the year, and