BUSINESS | 01 SPORT | 08

Al Kuwari highlights QSL: Al Duhail significance go top with of Qatar-Turkey crushing win trade relations over Al Sadd

Sunday 3 November 2019 | 6 Rabia I 1441 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 24 | Number 8064 | 2 Riyals

New phase of ‘Better Connections’ launched

THE PENINSULA Prime Minister and programme aims to create 1,000 DOHA Interior Minister H E new electronic content to be made available through Prime Minister and Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Hukoomi website for workers in Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al the five most widely used lan- Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani has Thani has inaugurated guages among workers in Qatar, inaugurated the sustainability and the new phase of the suitable with the needs of expa- development phase of the “Better triate labour and the devel- Connections” programme, which “Better Connections” opment of the country. aims to employ expatriates and programme, which The Better Connections, enables them to use ICT devices aims to employ launched as a pilot project in 2013 to ensure their digital inclusion expatriates and and officially launched in 2015, is and improve their lifestyle. a national initiative launched by The launch took place on the enables them to use the Ministry of Transport and Com- sidelines of the Qatar Infor- ICT devices to ensure munications in collaboration with mation Technology and Commu- their digital inclusion. the Ministry of Administrative nication Conference and Exhi- Development, Labour and Social bition (QITCOM 2019), which Affairs, aiming to achieve digital concluded on Friday. The new phase of the program inclusion of expatriate workers in During the inauguration, which comes for a period of three years, Qatar by giving them free access Foreign Minister meets US Treasury Secretary was attended by Minister of during which technical support is to the network. Internet, com- The Deputy Prime Minister Transport and Communications provided to the halls that were puters, some online services and and Minister of Foreign H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, and created in the previous phases. The training at their accommodation. Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohamed Minister of Administrative Devel- programme will also introduce a Each of the programme facil- bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, opment, Labour and Social Affairs new initiative to provide smart- ities is equipped with 10 Microsoft- met yesterday with US H E Yousef bin Mohamed Al phones for expatriate workers at certified Vodafone Wi-Fi computers Secretary of the Treasury, Othman Fakhro, it was announced discounted prices, to expand access and is equipped with furniture and Steven Mnuchin, who is Delighted to welcome @stevenmnuchin1 to #Doha. that 1,676 technological halls had to information technology devices, other equipment to facilitate currently visiting Doha. In our meeting today, we discussed #Qatar #USA been completed in the workers’ where 50,000 expatriate workers learning and communication. More During the meeting, they housing, which provides more than will be trained over the three years than 1.5 million workers have had strong strategic and economic bilateral relations discussed bilateral relations 16,000 computers with more than to pass on knowledge to their peers the opportunity to learn about and key topics of mutual & joint collaboration to combatting terrorism. 10 percent higher than the target to continue the education process. digital technology since the launch interest. number of 1,500 halls. In its new phase, the of the program.`P2 Al Khater affirms strength of Qatar-US strategic ties MoTC signs contracts for

QNA House and the Department of World Cup Qatar 2022 reflects the WASHINGTON State. She has also participated image of Arab world that reaches 11 projects for TASMU in the meeting of the Joint for life and celebrates joy. The Spokesperson for the Advisory Board of Georgetown For 50 years, the Arab people Smart Qatar Programme Ministry of Foreign Affairs University in Washington, DC in many countries have been Lolwah Al Khater (pictured) has and held a number of meetings deprived of their fundamental QNA innovation, create a compre- stressed the strength and devel- and interviews with represent- right to a dignified life, she said. DOHA hensive data repository housing opment of the strategic relations atives of the academic com- She pointed out to the role of all the data collected from its between the State of Qatar and munity and the media. joint efforts with American insti- The Ministry of Transport and attached projects, and build on the United States of America. During these meetings and tutions such as the branches of Communications (MoTC) has existing digitisation progress and During her visit to the US, interviews, she noted the legacy of American universities in Education signed contracts for 11 projects for Qatar’s evolving national digital H E Al Khater held meetings with the World Cup hosted by the State City in Qatar, in the scientific its TASMU Smart Qatar infrastructure. a number of officials in the White of Qatar, stressing that the FIFA openness in the region. Programme during QITCOM 2019. The highlights of the day also The TASMU Central Platform included the Operations of the contract was awarded to a Con- Smart Qatar Program Transfor- sortium where Ooredoo is the mation Office contract being Ashghal opens first Mesaimeer underpass main partner. Other partners of awarded to Deloitte. The con- the consortium included tract was signed by Muhannad THE PENINSULA bridge, including Eng. Yousef Abdulrahman Project Engineer Hassan Al Ghanim said Microsoft, as the global tech- Tayem, Lead Partner Deloitte DOHA Al Emadi, Projects Affairs Director at Ashghal; that the newly-opened underpass is the first nology enabler, PWC, as the ME Business Transformation Bader Darwish, Highway Project Department achievement at Mesaimeer Interchange as consulting firm, TATA, as the Portfolio. The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) opened Manager; Lieutenant Eng. Saoud Abdullah it is ready for use six months ahead of the system integrator, Malomatia, The Smart Sectors Transfor- yesterday a new underpass at the Mesaimeer Al Hamad, from Traffic Engineering and planned date with a completion of 65 percent as the IT service provider, Dell, mation Roadmap project was Interchange with a length of 220M to provide Safety Department, along with a number of of junction works. Cisco, Atos as the technology awarded to Oliver Wyman LLC a free exit for the E-Ring Road towards engineers from Ashghal and the contracting “The underpass connects traffic flow infrastructure enabler and Qatar. The contract was signed Rawdat Al Khail Street. company. from E Ring road towards Rawdhat Al Khail security partners, S Software, as by Dr Neil Reid, Managing On this occasion, a number of officials The new underpass is the first of nine Street. Road users coming from Al Thumama the business process man- Partner at Oliver Wyman. paid a visit to follow the latest progress of underpasses that make up the vital junction, and Old Airport have direct access to Rawdat agement, PayCare, as the digital Other projects awarded Mesaimeer Interchange and the new flyover with a capacity of 1,500 vehicles per hour. Al Khail Street without the need to use the payment enabler, amongst include, but not limited to, the old diversion”, Al Ghanim added. others. TASMU Digital Skills initiative that The three-level Mesaimeer Interchange Most importantly, these con- was awarded to Ronald Berger . is the first of its kind in Qatar, because it con- tracts will bring to life TASMUs Among the smart sectors wave-2 tains nine underpasses providing free flow mega-project, the TASMU smart solutions, Insightful traffic. The interchange contains two main Central Platform, which will Customs Rating, Digital Farmer bridges connecting Rawdat Al khail street and form the principal foundation Community and Virtual Consul- the Industrial Area Road in both directions, of Qatar’s transformation into a tation were awarded to Malo- in addition to connecting the E Ring road with smart country and will empower matia, the TASMU Six Policies and the southern part of Doha Expressway in one cross-sector collaboration, as Standards Development was direction, which will achieve a great flow of well as data sharing, to awarded to PA Consulting Group. traffic in all directions. encourage innovation and The TASMU Smart Qatar ini- The project is of 6.1km length of con- digital enablement across the tiative is the MoTCs flagship struction works, with three to four lanes in country and its growing digital national digitization program, each direction to accommodate about 20,000 landscape. designed to underpin, transform vehicles per hour in both directions. The Central Platform will be and accelerate the achievement The new interchange, completed in the the main foundation of the of all the foundation pillars of the second quarter of 2020, will significantly TASMU Smart Qatar Program, Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030. improve traffic, reducing travel time by more connecting all projects and The contracts signed by than 60 percent. sectors, to activate integrated MoTC will support the This interchange is designed in a dis- smart solutions. As the backbone advancement of these smart tinctive pentagonal shape where it connects of the TASMU programme, the technologies, which are spread five main roads in Doha like: E Ring Road, central platform will cater to all over 100 projects that are Doha Expressway, Sabah Al Ahmad corridor, sectors requirements and designed to address national Industrial Area road and Rawdat Alkhail standards. It will empower alli- challenges across the five pri- A vehicle passing through the newly-opened 220M underpass at Mesaimeer Interchange. Street. `P3 ances and data sharing to spur ority sectors. `P3 02 HOME SUNDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2019

‘CONNECTED’ earns ‘Theqa’ e-commerce trust mark New phase of ‘Better Connections’ launched

THE PENINSULA/DOHA FROM PAGE 1 Training programmes are provided over the CONNECTED, Qatar Post’s international e-commerce weekend, and surveys are conducted before and parcel forwarding service, has earned the “Theqa” after six months of the programme to measure the trust mark by Qatar’s Ministry of Transport and impact they have had on their lives. Participants Communications (MoTC). include the expatriate workers and supervisors rep- CONNECTED’s latest seal of e-commerce excel- resenting the companies participating in the pro- lence was announced during QITCOM 2019, Qatar’s gramme, and more than 1000 volunteer trainers largest information technology conference and exhi- from the Ministry of Transport and Communica- bition organised by the MoTC. The trust mark pro- tions and Reach Out to Asia (ROTA), where at the gramme of MoTC was unveiled during the four-day end of the exercise, 20,000 digital heroes (workers event. The government-owned not-for-profit Theqa who have demonstrated the highest level of under- programme was established and designed to support standing of the program) will be selected to pass on and stimulate Qatar’s e-commerce sector by instilling the knowledge they have acquired to their peers. trust, confidence and credibility among consumers The Better Connections is supported by several and businesses in the space. A Theqa trust mark is partners including Vodafone, Microsoft, ROTA, the a MoTC-certified stamp of stringent safety and Socio-Economic Survey Institute, the Life for Envi- security standards for domestic e-commerce mer- ronment and Engineering Initiative and others. As chants. “We are proud to have earned this stamp of part of the expansion of Better Connections, the Min- Minister of Transport and Communications H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti; Minister of Administrative approval from the highest governing body for Qatar’s istry of Transport and Communications has signed Development, Labour and Social Affairs H E Yousuf bin Mohamed Al Othman Fakhro; Akbar Al Baker, fast-growing e-commerce space,” commented Faleh two Memoranda of Understanding with two of its Al Naemi, Chairman and Managing Director of Qatar new partners, Qatar Foundation and Wasif Asset Group Chief Executive, Qatar Airways, and Reem Al Mansoori, Assistant Undersecretary of Digital Post. Management. Society Development, at Ministry of Transport and Communications during QITCOM 2019. Event highlights healthcare needs of older adults

THE PENINSULA ‘healthy ageing’,” added Dr. Al dignity, dementia, frailty and co- DOHA Kuwari. morbidities, early rehabilitation The Ministry of Public and preventing de-conditioning, Qatar has demonstrated its Health, Hamad Medical Corpo- and promoting wellbeing.” commitment to enhancing the ration (HMC) and the British Ger- The Center for Elderly medical care and other holistic iatrics Society (BGS) jointly Empowerment & Care (Ehsan), healthcare needs of the elderly hosted the event, which saw over a non-governmental organi- with the first Qatar International 600 attendees over three days. sation under the umbrella of Geriatric and Gerontology The conference chairperson is Qatar Foundation for Social Conference, recently. Dr. Hanadi Khamis Al Hamad, Work (QFSW), was a strategic The Minister of Public Medical Director of Rumailah sponsor of the event. Amal Al Health, H E Dr. Hanan Mohamed Hospital and the Qatar Rehabil- Mannai, CEO of QFSW, remarked Al Kuwari, and other ministerial itation Institute and FACP Chair- during the opening ceremony dignitaries, who attended the person of Geriatrics and Long about the importance of partner- opening ceremony, reaffirmed Term Care Department at HMC; ships to support the integrated their commitment to support the she is also the NHS-2 National care approach for older persons. goals for ‘Healthy Ageing’ set out Lead for Healthy Ageing for the “Our vision is to empower in the National Health Strategy Qatar Ministry of Public Health our older population and help 2018 - 2022. and the focal point for the elderly them enjoy a safe and productive “Older adults aged 60 and in Qatar. life, which aligns with Qatar above contribute to the rich “This conference is the cul- Foundation for Social Work’s fabric of our society and it is The Minister of Public Health, H E Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, during a chat at the first Qatar mination of concerted efforts goals to provide them with incumbent on all of us to rec- International Geriatric and Gerontology Conference, recently. from many teams, and was made proper services while encour- ognise them as a valuable possible through support from aging their full integration and resource. We also need to be and well-being needs,” said Dr embraces protecting the dignity to embrace different approaches the Ministry of Public Health and active participation in society,” aware of their changing health Al Kuwari. “Our culture of our older population; we need to support their independence many other stakeholders in said Al Mannai. and harness their contributions Qatar. I am also delighted that The British Geriatrics Society to society. This inter-professional the British Geriatrics Society tries to promote developments conference is an important com- have collaborated with us and in Geriatric Medicine across the ponent in enhancing the have shared their wealth of globe and has had established knowledge and skills of our pro- experience and knowledge in the ties to HMC, collaborating in fessional workforce and it com- care and treatment of older pop- areas of education and training. plements the many other activ- ulations,” said Dr Al Hamad. “We Professor Tahir Masud, President ities that our teams engage in have 42 local and international of the British Geriatrics Society, across the public and private presenters sharing their explained the fact that people are sectors to foster a greater under- expertise on topics including living longer is something to be standing of the meaning of advanced care plan and patient celebrated. Commercial Bank and Qatar Cancer Society raise breast cancer awareness

THE PENINSULA DOHA

With the community’s wellbeing at the heart of its mission, Commercial Bank, Qatar’s first private bank, has partnered with Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) as a Gold Sponsor for their ‘Walk to Support’ campaign. The Bank has conducted a variety of joint exciting awareness-raising activities and workshops in October to support the society within its mission to raise awareness on breast cancer. Emphasising on the impor- tance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Commercial Bank has launched the remarkable ‘One Image’ cam- paign exclusively for its employees. The bank’s An expert sharing views on breast cancer during the event organised employees got the opportunity by Commercial Bank and QCS to raise awareness on the topic. to attend the informative “Breast Cancer Awareness Ses- sions” and enjoy exciting activ- campaign, Commercial Bank Communications and CSR at ities held on the side. They employees also took part in the Commercial Bank, commented: attended an awareness lecture, recent “Walk to Support” initi- “We are committed to lend our and a preparation of a healthy ative to help raise awareness, support to spread awareness meal in the pink kitchen. After- express encouragement and about the disease and send out wards, certificates of attendance compassion for those living with important health messages. The were presented to participants. breast cancer. activities we did were all in As part of the “One Image” cam- Not only did employees take coordination with Qatar Cancer paign, Commercial Bank’s part of a memorable walk, but Society. The awareness session female employees attended a they also had the opportunity in our head-office aimed at workshop entitled “Our Passion to obtain a breast cancer early encouraging female staff in our Health,” which was detection free consultation, members to do early check-ups delivered by specialists in the along with a chance to partic- along with a symbolic activity Health Education Department ipate in the exciting competi- that aims to promote how quick at the Qatar Cancer Society. The tions while kids enjoyed face the process is, we encouraged successful workshop was all painting and colorful balloons. staff to take a photo and post it about fun and useful activities. Abeer Marwan AlKalla, on our vibrant ‘One Image’ cam- To conclude its awareness Head of Corporate paign backdrop.” SUNDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2019 HOME 03

Ashghal opens first Mesaimeer underpass OFFICIAL NEWS

FROM PAGE 1 The interchange emergency traffic system. This Amir sends system will provide important condolences to The interchange also links also serves facilities and control for traffic traffic between the south, centre, many important in Qatar. President of Korea and north of the country, linking educational, health The newly constructed DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh traffic from the south through and commercial Mesaimeer Interchange inte- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani the southern part of the Doha grates with Sabah Al Ahmad Cor- and Deputy Amir H H Expressway to the Doha facilities such as the ridor through its connection to Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Expressway and Al Shamal Road. medical Commission, Al Wattiyyat Interchange which Al Thani sent yesterday It also links traffic between as well as many is a strategic link between the cables of condolences to Industrial Area Road and the different schools, southern part of Doha the President of the Repub- heart of Doha through a con- Expressway with Doha’s main lic of Korea, Moon Jae-in, on nection to Rawdat Al Khail health centre and highway to provide a free flow the demise of his mother. Street, which intersects with D nearby shopping of traffic between the north of QNA Ring and C Ring Road, as well as malls. Doha with its south. between the busy areas of The project is an important/ Qatar strongly Nuaija, Al Thumama, Bu vital crossroad in the country, condemns attack Hamour, Al Maamoura, The interchange also serves with two levels comprising of in northern Mali Mesaimeer, providing an easy many important educational, three bridges and four vehicle access to Al Wakrah, Al Wukair health and commercial facilities underpasses to provide an easy DOHA: The State of Qatar and the Industrial Area. such as the medical Commission, access to the nearby residential expressed its strong denun- It is located in a vital area as well as many different areas such as: Al Thumama, A -G meets French Senator ciation and condemnation that has many different facilities, schools, health centre and Mesaimeer, Bu Hamour, Nuaija, of the armed attack on a including Al Thumama Stadium, nearby shopping malls. and Al Wakrah and a free traffic Attorney-General, H E Dr. Ali bin Fetais Al Marri, has met with military site in northern one of the World Cup stadiums, It will include a sophisticated flow for road users towards Jacqueline D, Senator of the French Republic, representing the Mali, which left dozens of especially that the interchange intelligent transport system Hamad International Airport, French abroad. The two sides reviewed aspects of cooperation soldiers killed and several will include three pedestrian where surveillance cameras and southern areas, Doha, and then on topics of mutual interest. wounded. In a statement bridges that provides access to a vehicle number monitor will to the northern areas of the issued yesterday, the Min- the stadium. be installed, as well as an country istry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Qatar’s firm Ooredoo partners with MADA stance rejecting violence and terrorism regardless of to digitally enhance lives their motives and reasons. The statement expressed of persons with disabilities condolences of the State of Qatar to the families of vic- THE PENINSULA/DOHA MADA to showcase best practices tims, and the government in providing digital accessibility and people of Mali, wishing Ooredoo, the region’s leading for persons with disabilities.” the injured a speedy recov- enabler of digital business inno- MADA is a private institution ery. QNA vation, has announced a part- for public benefit. Founded in nership with MADA, the Assistive 2010, MADA is an initiative that Qatar condemns Technology Centre Qatar, to aims at promoting digital explosions in leverage the latest technologies inclusion and building a tech- northern Afghanistan to digitally enhance the lives of nology-based community that persons with disabilities. meets the needs of persons with DOHA: The State of Qatar As part of Ooredoo’s com- functional limitations, persons has strongly condemned mitment to giving back to the with disabilities, and the elderly two explosions that occurred Qatar community, Ooredoo will in Qatar. in the provinces of Takhar enhance its products and services MADA builds the capabilities province and Baghlan, north- The officials of Ashghal during the opening yesterday of the new underpass at Mesaimeer Interchange. portfolio for persons with of digital access specialists, pro- ern Afghanistan killing and disabilities. vides digital accessibility con- injuring a number of school- Yousuf Abdulla Al Kubaisi, sulting services and accredi- children .In a statement Chief Operating Officer, Ooredoo tation, and advisory services. issued yesterday, the Ministry Qatar, said: “At Ooredoo, we Business customers can leverage of Foreign affairs reiter- believe that technology is a key the Ooredoo Advantage, making ated the State of Qatar’s firm enabler for empowering the Ooredoo “Best for Business”, position rejecting violence people of Qatar and supporting thanks to its breadth and depth and terrorism, whatever the societal transformation goals of talent, best fixed and mobile the motives and causes. of Qatar National Vision 2030. networks, broadest portfolio of The statement expressed QITCOM is an ideal platform to ICT services and solutions, and the State of Qatar’s condo- announce our partnership with trusted partner for 60 years. lences to the victims’ families, the Government and peo- ple of Afghanistan, wishing the injured a speedy recov- ery. QNA

MoTC signs contract for 11 projects for Qatar International Art Festival 2019 opens TASMU Smart Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara Cultural Village, led the opening of Qatar Qatar Programme International Art Festival 2019, at Katara. More than 200 artists from 65 countries are in Doha to FROM PAGE 1 Yousuf Abdulla Al Kubaisi, Chief Operating Officer, Ooredoo Qatar, participate in the biggest-of-its-kind festival in Qatar organised by MAPS International in cooperation Reem Al Mansoori, Assistant and Maha Al Mansouri, CEO of MADA, signing the agreement. with Katara. PIC: BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA Undersecretary of Digital Society Development, at Min- istry of Transport and Commu- nications, said: “We are delighted with the signing of the Huawei looking for alternative sources of contracts during QITCOM 2019 and are excited about the progress it will bring to our supply to mitigate impact of US sanctions flagship TASMU Smart Qatar initiative. These contracts will play a big role in carrying our SANAULLAH ATAULLAH of sanctions,” said Purdy. trust of customers. assurance and transparency to country to the future it THE PENINSULA He said that the company is He said that the company win the trust of governments. deserves.” optimistic to do business glo- has mechanisms in place to “In the overall approach She added: “We are The ICT giant Huawei is looking bally without American sup- provide assurance and trans- from the last seven to eight working on eliminating tem- for alternative sources of supply pliers. “We prefer to buy from parency. “According to the years, we have created a global porary and permanent to mitigate the impact of sanc- American suppliers. We spend Cyber security experts, it is assurance programme for Cyber insurance bonds for startups, tions imposed by the US. The about an average of $11bn on important to have an objective security privacy, working to help them take part in gov- company is optimistic that it can American suppliers which and transparent basis for trust closely with the customers, sup- ernmental tenders. We hope do robust business even without translated into creating about and we are promoting global pliers, the European Union, & that by being open about such US suppliers. 40,000 jobs in a year,” he uniform standard and best prac- governments around the world information, we can showcase “We have been pursuing added. tices to confirmation pro- to understand what are the the Ministrys transparency and alternative supplies. A part of He said that the sanctions grammes and independent exact requirements,” said Purdy. dedication to support the local our 5G products are now made might impact on growth in testings for a trust and verifi- Andy Purdy is the Chief economy.” with no US components. We revenue of Huawei. Although cation mechanism,” said Purdy. Security Officer for Huawei TASMU is committed to shipped 40,000 5G base sta- the dent on revenue growth due He said that such kinds of Technologies USA (since July enhancing the quality of life for tions with no US components,” to sanctions is likely to be less Andy Purdy, Chief Security Officer, measures are being taken to 2012). Andy oversees Huawei the people of Qatar by said Chief Security Officer, than previous expectation. Huawei Technologies US. avoid the influence of any gov- USA’s cyber security assurance addressing real world and rel- Huawei Technologies US, Andy “Despite challenges posed ernment. “Given specifications strategy and system, and sup- evant use cases focused on user Purdy, while speaking to The by the sanctions, it seems that of nations states and vulnera- ports Huawei’s global security journeys through its five pri- Peninsula recently at the company is still doing very well vulnerability of the products bility, we recommend this kind assurance program. Andy is the ority sectors. The initiative pavilion of Huawei at Qatar IT and the potential figure of a and fix problems and to build a of approach for all telecom Huawei global lead for the East- brings together government Conference and Exhibition $30bn reduction in revenue new technology to provide operators and all equipment West Institute Global Cooper- entities, local SMEs, large mul- (QITCOM 2019). growth might fall to $10bn, or greater assurance.” vendors because the bad guys ation in Cyberspace Initiative tinational companies, research He said that the sanctions may even be less than that,” said For example he said that can hack through the and serves on the Steering Com- and academic institutes, have affected both parties as the Purdy. in 5G, the company provides equipment,” said Purdy. mittee of the Open Group startups, and NGOs to create company was selling and buying Speaking about the achieve- a third party solution which He said that with global Trusted Technology Forum, tangible real-life applications the products from US suppliers. ments of Huawei in the cyber enables to monitor security supply chains, major companies which developed the Open that are contextual and relevant “About 130 US companies want security field, Purdy said: “We gateways, security mech- with connections to China and Group Trusted Technology Pro- to Qatars current and future to sell Huawei products which have opened independent Cyber anism and tools to make sure other parts of the world, require vider Standard (O-TTPS), rec- challenges, aspirations and shows the double-sided impact security labs to test the the risk is managed to win the measures in place to provide ognised by ISO as 20243. needs. 04 HOME SUNDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2019 Three Stars of Science innovators head to finals THE PENINSULA design, the last step before deeming Eyelid Sticker — designed to stim- DOHA them viable for the market. ulate the eyelid in patients with “User testing is arguably the afflicted facial muscles —would The stakes were high in the penul- most important piece of the reap successful results by the timate episode of Stars of Science puzzle,” said Dr Khalid Al Ali, Stars Grand Finals. Accepting the jury’s Season 11, as the final four of Science jury member. “Our con- feedback, Abdulrahman stated contestants in Qatar Foundation’s testants may have spent weeks that constructive criticism is edutainment TV show were deter- pushing their technical expertise exactly what he needed in order mined to earn top marks from the to the limit when designing, con- to properly develop his Interactive jury in the last elimination round structing, and building their pro- Educational Prayer Carpet for the and secure their place in the Grand totypes, but all of this work will consumer market. Meanwhile, Finals. count for nothing if consumers Youssef emphasised that his Flow The Stars of Science Season 11 top three finalists during the last elimination round. In this week’s Prototype Testing aren’t able to actually use the Modulator Stent would eliminate episode, there was no margin for product.” maintainance costs of current Hussam. “I encourage all Arab times throughout their evaluations, Voters will play a huge role, as error for Nuha Abu Yousef, Abdul- “We want to make sure that treatments, and save congestive innovators to not forget the child sympathising with them as a they will help determine the rahman Salah Khamis, Youssef El the amazing ideas we see on Stars heart failure patients thousands within them and pursue their former contestant. winner of Stars of Science Season Azouzi, and Husam Sameer as the of Science are not only realised, of dollars in the long-term. dreams with optimism.” Nuha, Abdulrahman, and 11 in the next and concluding jury demanded that they met higher but also have the potential for In the end, viewers bid farewell Walid Albanna, winner of Stars Youssef will proceed to the live episode — and shape the future of standards than ever before. Their worldwide impact.” to Husam and his Efficient Comfort of Science Season 10, co-hosted Grand Final, where they will innovation in the region. Online products underwent vital user Nuha confidently assured the Concrete Panel. the episode alongside longtime finalise their products for the voting is now open on www.star- testing to demonstrate that they had jury that the customisation app “For the finalists, I wish them host Khalid Al Jumaily and leaped market and determine their final sofscience.com and ends on addressed consumer needs in their connected to her Active Lazy all the best in the Grand Final,” said to the defence of the innovators at share of the $600,000 seed fund. November 6 at 3pm QAT. QLC program participants study Singapore model of self-sufficiency

THE PENINSULA/DOHA to Singapore, the QLC delegation met with Tina Tan, Director of Civil can build social cohesion and visited leading academic and Service College International, who national identity while also sup- Qatar Leadership Centre’s (QLC) research institutions and gov- discussed the Fourth Industrial porting economic development. Government Leaders Program ernment entities to explore the Revolution and challenges posed The Institute briefed participants participants recently completed pivotal role of government lead- by emerging technologies, such as on their holistic strategy to combat the 2019 Learning Journey in ership in driving a strong artificial intelligence and virtual potential external threats, based Singapore. Leading experts in economy. reality, in public service delivery. on six pillars – military, social, Singapore from a range of institu- The Government Leaders Dr Toh Boon Kwan, Senior civil, economic, psychological, and tions shared insights on the policy Program is one of three National Research Fellow at the Institute digital. Speakers emphasised the and practice behind the successful Leadership Programs at QLC. Its for Governance and Policy, ana- importance of self-sufficiency national model, with a focus on focus is on supporting the con- lysed the role of leaders in shaping gained through long-term industrial innovation, economic tinued development of Qatar’s governance and policy-making planning, highlighting food development, and education and public sector, reflecting global best and shared advice on building col- security and how Singapore both health policy. QLC’s Government Leaders Program participants during the practice and the goals of Qatar laborative partnerships. He also diversified sources of food imports Sheikh Dr Abdulla bin Ali Al Learning Journey, in Singapore. National Vision 2030. outlined Singapore’s strategy on and bolstered local food Thani, Managing Director and Participants from QLC’s economic development and its production. Member of the Board of Directors Dr Abdulla highlighted the sig- QLC’s partner for the Learning National Leadership Programs approach to strengthening its At the end of the Learning of QLC, said that Singapore’s nificance of Learning Journeys as Journey, the Civil Service College travel each year to key countries manufacturing sector, critical Journey, the Public Utilities Board model of self-sufficiency is directly “an integral part of the National Singapore, is the center of learning to learn about social and economic factors in national development. hosted the participants at Marina relevant for QLC participants, who Leadership Program, with a critical for government employees; it is policy through a range of activ- During their visit to the Dam to illustrate strategies can apply its lessons in their work role in strengthening participants’ part of the Public Service Division, ities, including field visits, work- Institute of Technical Education designed to achieve self-suffi- with Qatari companies and gov- capabilities by providing valuable, located within the Prime Minis- shops, meetings and lectures. in Singapore, participants learned ciency and sustainability in water ernment institutions. first-hand learning experiences.” ter’s Office. During their study trip In Singapore, QLC participants how national educational policies management policies. Oppo launches first retail store in Qatar

THE PENINSULA DOHA

Oppo in association with its exclusive distributor in Qatar, Prime Distribution and Trading Company (PDTC), ceremoni- The officials during the inauguration of Oppo retail store. ously launched the first Oppo retail store in Qatar on October 31. It is also the first Oppo Brand Store in the Middle East. Oppo, a leading global smartphone brand, is acceler- ating the expansion of its retail network in the Middle East. Present at the inauguration ceremony was the General Manager of PDTC, Mohammad Imran; Vikas Pachnanda,Sales Director Oppo Middle East and Yuan Meng, Oppo Qatar country Manager. Speaking about the new venture Imran said: “Our asso- ciation with Oppo is not new and we are glad to partner with them in launching their first store in Qatar. The brand is per- forming exceptionally well and is one of the top players in the region.” The new Oppo Retail Store has the full brand line-up of mobile phones and accessories and has been designed to engage customers while encouraging them to explore and appreciate the crafts- manship and technological fea- tures of Oppo’s product range. Also, the store has an after-sales station that can provide customer support and assistance, including walk-in repair for Oppo mobile devices. Oppo is planning to open more stores in the coming year in Qatar so that it can directly connect with customers to provide even better tech support and customer service. The store is located at Plaza Mall, Building No. 355, Zone 56, Street 100, Asian Town, Doha. SUNDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2019 HOME 05 MoTC, Education Ministry launch Hour of Code programme at QITCOM

Tasmu Coders is Abdulrahman Mohammed Hour of Code seeks to create primarily about from Saad bin Moath Boys opportunities for the young encouraging young School emerged winner in the people in Qatar to explore their people to engage Primary School category while interest and develop their skills Khaled Waleed School from in coding. Schools that volunteer in coding and the Alzubair Bin Alawam Boys to take part will be offered the initiative includes School and Yosra Sultan from opportunity to host a 2-hour Hour of Code, Alkhansa Primary school for event at their school in the Girls School were the first and presence of local media. Codefest and Girls second runners-up Children will undertake one Can Innovate. respectively. hour of coding as a staged event For the Preparatory School alongside others who will be category, Alzubair Nashwan part of the program e.g. the THE PENINSULA from Abu Bakir Alsidek School school principle, a VIP Ambas- DOHA came out tops while Abdullah sador, a young Qatari Role Model Sherif also from Abu Bakir and school teachers. The Tasmu Coders’ Hour of Code Alsidek School and Yamen Reem Al Mansoori, said: “The programme, an initiative of the Assem from Hamza Preparatory Ministry is delighted with the Ministry of Transport and School emerged second and success of the first edition of the Communications (MoTC) in part- third respectively. Mazen Codefest competition as well as nership with the Ministry of Alsayed from Tareq Bin Zeyad the increasing interest in the Education and Higher Education, School won the Secondary Hour of Code initiative. It is grat- has been launched. School category while Ahmed ifying to see our young pro- The officials of MoTC and Ministry of Education and Higher Education during the launch of Hour of It was launched by Reem Al Yousef from Ali bin Jassim grammers displaying their skills Code programme at QITCOM. Mansoori, Assistant Undersec- emerged second and Ahmed at this competition which is in retary for the Digital Society Essam Aldin also from Ali Bin line with the Qatar National Development Sector at the Min- presentation of prizes and cer- Preparatory schools’ categories tested for speed and efficiency Jassim School came third. Each Vision 2030 of building a diver- istry of Transport and Commu- tificates by Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh while 28 students contested in in the Scratch programming lan- of the winners were rewarded sified knowledge-based nications, and Dr Ibrahim bin Al Nuaimi, to the winners of the the secondary school category. guage while the preparatory with trophies, certificates and economy that is predicated on Saleh bin Khalifa al Nuaimi, Tasmu Coders’ inaugural Tasmu Coders is primarily school category competitors prize money. developing the skills of the Undersecretary of the Ministry Codefest competition held for about encouraging young people tested their skills in Lego Mind- Codefest, proposed to be an people. We believe that this of Education and Higher Edu- primary, preparatory and sec- to engage in coding and the ini- Storm Robotics kit. The sec- annual event, is a national com- competition will aid in gener- cation, on the sidelines of ondary schools’ students in tiative includes Hour of Code, ondary school category students, petition designed to create a ating more interest in coding QITCOM 2019 which ended on Qatar on October 30 and 31. A Codefest and Girls Can Innovate. however, were tested for their platform for young minds to tap activities among our young ones November 1. total of 20 contestants each, Participants in the primary dexterity with the Python pro- into their ICT knowledge and as well as helping them in taking The event also witnessed the competed in the Primary and school category of Codefest were gramming language. skills. up IT as a career choice.” UDC organises The Pearl-Qatar’s seabed clean-up campaign

THE PENINSULA World Water Monitoring Day, eco-friendly practices in line DOHA was launched by UDC in collab- with UDC’s commitment to oration with Qatar Red Crescent raising environmental Professional divers, volunteers, Society (QRCS) and other awareness. visitors and residents of The partners. This event is part of UDC’s Pearl-Qatar gathered yesterday The event kicked off with the multifaceted waste man- for the launch of the “The Pearl- deployment of the marina agement and recycling Qatar Environment Awareness seabed cleaning teams and was strategy and environmental Day” – Marina Seabed Cleaning followed by the launch of UDC’s initiatives. Campaign. community environment and Through these initiatives, The event, which coincided recycling awareness initiative. UDC aims to preserve The Pearl- with World Cleanup Day, It also featured family-oriented Qatar’s biodiversity and marine The participants gesture during the seabed clean-up drive organised by UDC. National Cleanup Day, and activities to promote environment. Sealine Beach, a Murwab QC showcases technologies at QITCOM 2019 Resort wins ‘Luxury Ocean THE PENINSULA transparent information and DOHA details on Qatar Charity’s projects View Resort Global Award’ and other charitable and human- Qatar Charity (QC) took part in the itarian activities around the world. THE PENINSULA Qatar. I would like to express fifth edition of the Qatar Infor- Qatar Charity’s pavilion at the DOHA my heartfelt appreciation to mation Technology Conference & exhibition introduced Taqat, one our management, partners and Exhibition (QITCOM 2019) of the most important technology- Qatar’s first leisure destination, staff for their unwavering com- organised by the Ministry of based initiatives and an online Sealine Beach, a Murwab mitment to excellence, as well Transport and Communication platform that provides job oppor- Resort, luxury property, as to our esteemed guests and through a distinctive pavilion at tunities for skilled youths. It also announced that it has recently habitués for choosing our the exhibition. provided information on works added another feather on its Sealine Beach Resort and Qatar Charity’s pavilion pre- that can be done through this cap by receiving ‘Luxury Ocean helping to make it as Qatar’s sented many digital means and platform, namely creating a View Resort - Global Winner’ most favorite leisure desti- tools, high-tech devices, and elec- website, a mobile app, and artistic at the World Luxury Hotel nation for tourists and tronic services provided for those Qatar Charity’s pavilion at QITCOM 2019. designs. Taqat grabbed the Awards 2019 that was held in families.” interested in making donations attention of visitors and received Finland this October. The World Luxury Hotel within and outside Qatar as well in the QITCOM 2019 aimed at public and beneficiaries great praise from them and a Offering a perfect con- Award is the pinnacle of as for those benefiting from Qatar introducing its various tech- worldwide. group of those interested in its coction of culture & heritage, achievement in the luxury Charity’s projects and services nology-based initiatives and its Since 2012, Qatar Charity has services was registered. Sealine Beach, a Murwab hotel industry, offering inter- worldwide. It also included a digital approach that contributes witnessed a remarkable devel- The stand also included a self- Resort has been a poised national recognition, as voted booklet named ‘High-Tech for to reducing costs, increasing rev- opment and digital transformation service machine (kiosks) that helps location for guests who look for by guests, travelers and Humanitarian Action’ and enues and improving the effi- in its fields of work, whether in people do good wherever in Qatar contemporary, yet traditional industry players alike. exhibited a self-service machine ciency of charitable and human- collecting donations through Apps, and make a donation using a bank charm and this coveted win Located in the southern that facilities donation across itarian work. Qatar Charity uses websites and self-service card. It is highly secure, easy to corroborates its stronger posi- part of Qatar, a mere Qatar. technologies to facilitate donations machines available across the use, and available across the tioning in the hospitality 45-minute drive from Doha’s Qatar Charity’s participation and enhance connection with country, or providing all the country. industry of Qatar. city center, Sealine Beach, A Commenting on winning Murwab Resort’s unique the prestigious awards,Tarek location is complimented by a Nour, the General Manager of diverse array of world-class Shine Gold & Diamonds Sealine Beach, a Murwab entertainment facilities on the Resort, said:“We are honoured backdrop of scenic views of the announces winter to be recognized for the third Arabian Desert’s pristine consecutive year that repre- beaches, building up to the sents the culmination of our resort’s status as Qatar’s shopping promotion distinguished efforts and inno- premier leisure destination for vation throughout the year to travelers and local vacationers THE PENINSULA President of ICC, Susmita Pattnaik, redefine five-star resort in alike. DOHA President of IWA and Priya Bhedi, Vice-President IWA. As the temperatures come down Shine Gold & Diamonds sell this winter, Shine Gold & varieties of Jewelries in Gold, Diamonds is offering varieties of Diamond, Platinum, precious prizes worth QR2m and three stones, birth stones and silver. David Des T Dicag, Labor Attaché, Philippine Overseas Labor Office, Renault Duster cars as part of their “During the promotion period, we inaugurating the Winter Shopping offer at Shine outlet. Also seen winter shopping promotion. want to delight our shoppers with are Manikantan, ICC President; Susmita Pattnaik, IWA President; This fine jewellery retailer will guaranteed exciting prizes for Mohammed Abdul Rahman, Chairman Shine Gold & Diamonds, be hosting a three month long fes- every purchase they make, every and Salamuddin, Director. tival to help shoppers on their shopper would be a winner. search for the perfect jewellery Besides we are gifting a Renault matching their budget and fashion. Duster car every month through will be issued a scratch card which Shine Gold & Diamonds has The shopping promotion would run raffle draw. In total we are gifting would feature a gift from the vari- its operation spread across GCC from November 1 to January 31. 3 SUV cars”, Said Sarafudheen, eties of gifts we are offering like countries with 9 outlets in Qatar. The shopping promotion was CEO of Shine Gold & Diamonds. diamond and sapphire jewellery, The shopping festival is exclu- inaugurated by David Des T Dicag, “The guaranteed prize for all gold coins, smart TVs, mobile sively for its Qatar outlets at Souq Labor Attaché – Philippine the shoppers will be in the form phones, tabs”, added Sameer Al Najada near Souq Waqif, Gold Overseas Labor Office in Qatar, in of scratch cards. For every pur- Adam, Marketing Head – Gulf Souq, Safari mall Abu Hamor and Sealine Beach Resort Al Odaid Restaurant. the presence of Manikantan, chase made by the shopper, they Region, Shine Gold & Diamonds Lulu Hypermarket Gharrafa. 06 SUNDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2019

3 TO 5, NOVEMBER 2019 Silk Road Exhibition and Conference begins today THE PENINSULA/DOHA conclude on November 5 is set to attract Sponsor; and General Authority of Exhibition under the title ‘Belt and Road’ investments and specialized modern tech- Customs along with Qterminals taking part will address topics by group of specialists nder the patronage of Minister nology to the state of Qatar, and provide in the Exhibition as Silver Sponsors. from inside and outside Qatar that will of Transport and Communica- opportunities for building agreements and “The exhibition is being held for its run for two days and will be discussing tions, H E Jassim bin Saif Al mutual cooperation between Qatar and first edition with an aim of attracting topics such as ‘Maritime Logistics’ and USulaiti, three-day Silk Road Exhi- the Silk Road States in various fields. investments and exchanging expertise in ‘Security & Safety in Supply Chain & bition and Conference is set to begin today Dar Al Sharq Group, represented by the fields of transport, shipping, logistics Logistics’. at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. Al Sharq Media Management, strive to and customs services,” said Eizeldin Also, it will bring together experts and The Exhibition aims at presenting the promote Qatar’s projects and vision by Abdelrahman (pictured), Executive workers specialized in the exhibition and state-of-the-art technologies of all types organizing exhibitions and conferences Director of Al Sharq Media Management conference during the period of November which are part of shipping services, that attract mutual investments between and Executive Director of the Silk Road 3 to 5 from 10am to 5pm. transport and port management in the Qatar and the world. Exhibition. The Silk Road is one of the oldest com- participating countries. It also provides Several local and international firms Companies participating in the exhi- mercial road networks that have played an opportunity for direct meetings from public and private sectors are par- bition are representing both public and a central role in cultural interaction. It has between exhibitors and many decision- ticipating in the exhibition, which is spon- private sectors from Qatar and outside contributed greatly to the exchange of makers from public and private sectors sored by Mwani Qatar, the Main Sponsor; Qatar such as Italy, Pakistan, Iran, Syria, political, economic and cultural experi- participating in the event. Qatar Airways, as Official Carrier & Gold Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan and Poland. ences between China, Central Asia, The three-day Exhibition which will Sponsor; Milaha and Qatar Rail as Gold The conference associated with the Western Asia, India and Europe. Exhibition set to open new vistas Silk Road: Centuries of multi-national cooperation atar considered today Conference will be held today until witnessing. Provide distinguished old trade route one of the most November 5, 2019 at Doha Exhi- highly-efficient mass transpor- important countries for bition & Convention Center with tation facilities across the state and investment in the an area of 5,000 square meters. provide high quality service to cit- he Silk Road is one of the oldest commercial Road extends from commercial centers in Qregion and the impor- Thousands of big buyers, decision- izens and residents. Raising road networks that have played a central northern China, divided into two northern and tance of idea of organizing the Silk makers and front runners will awareness of the importance of Trole in cultural interaction. It has con- southern branches. The northern branch passes Road Exhibition and Conference gather at the Silk Road 2019 to ICT and how to use it safely to tributed greatly to the exchange of political, eco- through Eastern Europe and the Crimea to the came in this regard in order to network, share expertise, meet improve peoples’ lives and nomic and cultural experiences between China, Black Sea and down to Venice. The southern attract government, semi-govern- new clients, identify potential upgrading society. Achieve Central Asia, Western Asia, India and Europe. branch passes through Iraq and Turkey to the mental and private sectors prospects and grab their share of regional leadership in transport, The Silk Road is defined as a 12,000-kil- Mediterranean Sea or through Syria to Egypt and working in the field of transport, the fast-growing trading develop- encourage investment and create ometer road and land route linking Asia, the North Africa. shipping and logistics to meet ments in Qatar. job opportunities in this sector. Middle East and Europe for hundreds of years The Silk Road ceased to operate as a navi- under one roof in order to The event is being held under Objectives also include: with trade, cultural, religious and philosophical gational line of silk with Ottoman rule in Con- exchange experiences and open the patronage of Minister of Develop the Qatar Land and Mar- links through which there has been exchange of stantinople. But in the early 1990s, attempts were new horizons for the exchange of Transport and Communications, itime Transport Sector, and ICT goods and products such as silk, perfumes, made to construct the new Silk Road, including investments between the partici- H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti. sector, and develop the integrated incense, spices, as well as exchange of cultures the so-called European-Asian land bridge, which pating countries. The Exhibition will showcase strategy and legislations that are and sciences. connects China, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Russia The Ministry of Transport and industry leading product portfolios required in accordance with Amiri The name of the ‘Silk Road’ dates back to the and reaches Germany by rail. Communications is committed to and technologies for great oppor- Decree No. (4)/ 2016. mid-19th century when German geologist, Fer- In September 2013, as part of a visit to Kaza- provide safe, effective and envi- tunity to highlight the modern Silk Secure and enhance the effi- dinand von Richthofen, named the trade and khstan, the President of China announced a plan ronment-friendly transport system Road from the perspective of ciency of ICT infrastructure and transportation network ‘de Seidenstrasse’ to establish a new silk road linking China to and develop the ICT sector in a way ancient traditional services and develop the next ICT generation. (German for ‘the Silk Road’) because Chinese silk Europe known as the ‘One Belt, One Road’, which that supports the Qatar economic international trade services not Develop the ports sector, maintain represented the largest proportion of trade reaches 60 countries with projected investments growth, quality of life and long- only by land but also by sea and its infrastructure, and broaden the through it. of between $4 and $8 trillion. The project aims term suitability to meet the national air and an international forum logistics sector within, as well as The Silk Road had a great influence on the at promoting trade between Asia, Europe and development requirements. bringing together investors, imple- the best use of existing ports and prosperity of many ancient civilizations, such as Africa, as well as focusing on global peace and The Silk Road Exhibition will menters and decision-makers completing the Hamad Port Chinese, Egyptian, Indian and Roman. The Silk cultural prosperity. be an international forum that under one roof. project. Develop aviation infra- brings together investors, planners structure, maintain its gains and The Silk Road is defined as a 12,000-kilometer and decision-makers under one activate the supervisory role in road and land route linking Asia, the Middle East roof. Through this exhibition, par- Exhibition’s accordance with Qatari and inter- ticipants can learn about the national regulations. Provide high and Europe for hundreds of years with trade, products and exports of the route Objectives quality navigation services to cultural, religious and philosophical links through countries, and businessmen can The Silk Road Exhibition has achieve leadership in aviation. which there has been exchange of goods and meet with their counterparts and many objectives: Develop land Develop and supervise the ICT products such as silk, perfumes, incense, spices, seize business opportunities for transport and navigation sector to sector, encourage investment in their companies and institutions. match Qatar strategic location and the sector and foster a competitive as well as exchange of cultures and sciences. The Silk Road Exhibition & the renaissance that it is environment.

The Exhibition will showcase industry leading product portfolios and technologies for great opportunity to highlight the modern Silk Road from the perspective of ancient traditional services and international trade services DOHA EXHIBITION & CONVENTION CENTER SUNDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2019 07

Main Supporters to shine at Silk Road Exhibition and Conference

Mwani Qatar’s support to the Silk Road Silk Road Initiative supports Qatar’s direction Exhibition reflects its commitment to develop to become an important strategic and economic Qatar’s maritime and logistics sector and center in the region and around the world. It build a world-class sector that able to achieve aims to play a crucial role in international trade, Qatar National Vision 2030.” and a conduit for the passage of the trade traffic Hamad Ali Al Ansari from China to various countries of the globe. Jaber Al Hajer

positioned to develop a regional established by Mwani Qatar (51 shipping hub in the region, but percent shareholding) and Mwani Qatar also to play a major role in QTerminals Milaha (49 percent share- diversifying the Qatari economy holding) to provide container, ready for a post-hydrocarbon general cargo, RORO (roll-on/ wani Qatar’s logistical hub in the region, Mwani future. aber Al Hajeri, Head of as a result of Qatar’s significant roll-off), livestock and offshore support to the Qatar endeavors to reinforce the Alongside its oversight of the Public Relations of QTer- economic relations with many supply services in Phase 1 of Silk Road Exhi- country’s logistics capabilities and country’s quays, dry ports, and minals said that the Belt and countries, he added. QTermi- Hamad Port, which is Qatar’s “Mbition reflects boost its regional and global com- container terminals, Mwani Qatar Road Initiative (Silk Road) nal’s sponsorship of the Silk gateway to world trade. its commitment to develop Qatar’s petitiveness in the maritime also provides navigation Jsupports Qatar’s direction Road Exhibition is in line with QTerminals is responsible maritime and logistics sector and transport sector by ensuring assistance and pilotage, towage, to become an important stra- company’s objectives since it for enabling Qatar’s imports build a world-class sector that optimal operation at its ports and and Aids to Navigation as well tegic and economic center in the will bring together international and exports, its maritime trade able to achieve Qatar National developing Qatar’s foreign trade,” as loading, unloading, cargo han- region and around the world. It companies working in the field flows and stimulating eco- Vision 2030,” said Hamad Ali Al he added. dling, and storage. aims to play a crucial role in of ports and shipping. Addi- nomic growth locally and Ansari, Marketing and PR Mwani Qatar is responsible Mwani Qatar is responsible international trade, and a tionally, the exhibition will regionally. Manager at Mwani Qatar, com- for managing the nation’s sea- for Hamad Port and Al Ruwais conduit for the passage of the showcase the latest advance With a focus on employing menting about the participation ports and shipping terminals, but Port which are commercial ports, trade traffic from China to technology in the field of trans- and retaining the brightest in the exhibition. the integrated port and logistics as well as the development of various countries of the globe. portation, which provides an talents, QTerminals aims to be In line with the Ministry of services provider is also playing Doha Port into a cruise port. Qatar has a developed opportunity to exchange the best terminal operator in the Transport and Communication’s a more pivotal role. By substan- Hamad Port is a long-term, global infrastructure in the field experiences. region in terms of overall strategic plan, aimed to transform tially developing Hamad Port, the physical manifestation of the of ports in addition to the devel- QTerminals is a terminal quality of service and client Qatar into a vital commercial and company is not only strongly Qatar National Vision 2030. opment, maneuver and storage operating company jointly satisfaction.

atar Airways is the destinations on board a modern “Skytrax Airline of the Year” title, national air carrier of fleet of more than 250 aircraft. which is recognised as the pinnacle Qatar Airways Qatar and one of the Qatar Airways has one of the of excellence in the airline industry, aviation industry’s big industry’s youngest fleets with an five times. Qsuccess stories. Its oper- average aircraft age of five years. The airline’s hub, Hamad Inter- ations began in 1994 when the A multiple award-winning national Airport, is the home of the airline was a small regional carrier airline, Qatar Airways was named airline’s passenger and cargo oper- serving a handful of routes. Since ‘World’s Best Airline’ by the 2019 ations with 80 per cent of the being re-launched in 1997, Qatar World Airline Awards, managed world’s population within a six- Airways has become one of the by international air transport rating hour flight from this global fastest growing carriers in the organisation Skytrax. It was also gateway. history of aviation with unprece- named ‘Best Airline in the Middle Qatar Airways was the first dented expansion averaging East’, ‘World’s Best Business Class’ Gulf carrier to join global airline double-digit growth year on year. and ‘Best Business Class Seat’, in alliance oneworld, enabling its Qatar Airways is celebrating recognition of its ground-breaking passengers to benefit from more more than 20 years of Going Places Business Class experience, Qsuite. than 1,000 airports in more than Together with travellers across its Qatar Airways is the only airline to 160 countries, with 14,250 daily more than 160 business and leisure have been awarded the coveted departures.

The objectives of the Qatar Silk Road Exhibition Authority’s participation in this strongly align with Milaha’s efforts to ensure exhibition comes through presenting investors and businessmen have access to the services and facilities that benefit integrated transport, logistics and supply chain traders, companies and investors. solutions in Qatar and beyond. Abdullah Al Mahmoud Abdulrahman Essa Al Mannai

of our success over the years with each of five strategic business Milaha pillars working together harmoni- The General Authority of Customs ously to ensure every requirement tional trade hub,” said Al Mannai. of clients and partners is satisfied, ead of Public Relations The General Authority of excellent services for importers resident and CEO of Milaha, Milaha is one of the largest and and every expectation is exceeded. Department, General Customs plays a prominent role in and exporters, to facilitate trade Abdulrahman Essa Al Mannai most diversified maritime and As one brand with many capa- HAuthority of Customs the security and economic levels exchange, to encourage Pcommented that the objec- logistics companies in the Middle bilities and a deep commitment to Abdullah Al Mahmoud com- for the State of Qatar by applying investment, and to assist in tives of the Qatar Silk Road Exhi- East with a focus on providing inte- shared values and business objec- mented that the General Authority best practices to improve customs strengthening the capacity of bition strongly align with Milaha’s grated transport and supply chain tives, Milaha aims to bring synchro- of Customs is considered one of work, implementing systems and national industry to compete in a efforts to ensure investors and busi- solutions. nised solutions to mobilise business. the most important economic and procedures to reach the desired free global economy. nessmen have access to integrated Milaha has a rich history, Milaha is a Qatari Public Share- security authorities in Qatar. level of operations to place Qatar The Authority worked to transport, logistics and supply chain starting as a shipping agent in 1957, holding Company with the diversity To highlight its important role, on the world economic map as an develop a strategic plan com- solutions in Qatar and beyond. “The and strategically building a strong to deliver seamlessly integrated the Authority’s participation in this active partner in facilitating the patible with Qatar Vision 2030, exhibition offers an excellent regional foothold in transportation transport and supply chain solu- exhibition comes through pre- movement of world trade, and and continues to work to develop platform for Milaha to discuss and logistics through a growing tions. Today, with an expanding senting the services and facilities provide a fully transparent customs work to facilitate trade future opportunities with policy and fleet, state-of-the art equipment, fleet, state-of-the art equipment, that benefit traders, companies customs environment. according to best international decision markers, industry experts dedicated staff and world-class well-trained manpower and world- and investors, and through pre- To do so, the General practices, strengthening customs’ and government officials as well as partners. class partners, the company is com- senting the advanced agreements Authority of Customs does its best relations with international and to familiarize clients with our full In a world of increasingly peting to become a globally recog- and programs made by the to protect Qatari society and regional organizations to achieve range of services and boost Qatar’s complex supply chains, unlocking nised player in maritime and Authority to provide and facilitate support the national economy, objectives of economic position as a regional and interna- synergies has been the key driver logistics services. customs procedures. and is dedicated to provide development.

Dar Al Sharq Group, organiser of the event

ar Al Sharq Group, repre- deemed as an important part of Dar various events. sented by Al Sharq Media Al-Sharq as it represents an inno- Al Sharq Media Management is Management, strives to vative and unique marketing specialized in organizing and Dpromote Qatar’s projects strategy. holding many prominent events and vision by organizing exhibitions Al Sharq Media Management including exhibitions, conferences, and conferences that attract mutual works in the field of media, ofering seminars, workshops, celebrations, investments between Qatar and the a wide range of services in various opening ceremonies, media activ- world. fields including design, printing, ities and public events related to the Al Sharq Media Management is publishing, planning and organizing field.

PIC: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH/THE PENINSULA 08 VIEWS SUNDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2019 Qatar renews commitment to continue ESTABLISHED IN 1996 promoting, protecting human rights

QNA CHAIRMAN NEW YORK SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI he State of Qatar renewed its commitment to continue its EDITOR-IN-CHIEF efforts to promote and protect DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI Thuman rights, affirming its [email protected] continued commitment to actively contribute to the efforts of the Human Rights Council to improve standards of ACTING MANAGING EDITOR respect for human rights, and to MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED address and respond promptly to [email protected] cases of human rights violations, espe- cially with regard to strengthening accountability for human rights viola- DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR tions and putting an end to impunity. It MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI expressed its determination to con- [email protected] tinue to honour its commitments towards the promotion and protection of human rights at the national, regional and international levels. The Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Ambassador That came in Qatar’s statement delivered by Permanent Representative H E Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani speaking at the United Nations General of the State of Qatar to the United Assembly on the report of the Human Rights Council. EDITORIAL Nations Ambassador H E Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani before the achievements at the national level in Region which has made many United Nations General Assembly on promoting social justice and enhancing achievements this year in terms of the report of the Human Rights Council decent work were recently welcomed developing activities aimed at youth, New vistas of cooperation presented to its seventy-fourth session. by the International Labor Organi- expanding its activities in the region, Despite the negative effects of the zation (ILO). And they included a series offering capacity-building programs in ilk Road is one of the oldest commercial land route unjust blockade imposed on the State of legislative and executive measures to the areas of freedom of opinion and networks with length of 12,000 kms, linking Asia with of Qatar since promote and protect the rights of expa- expression, combating hate speech Sthe Middle East and Europe for hundreds of years. This June 2017, the triate workers, including the abolition and incitement to discrimination, and commercial network played key role in cultural interaction State of Qatar, of the sponsorship system. preventing violent extremism. and political relations between the States due to its great Her Excellency H E the Permanent Representative Her Excellency reviewed some of influential role in the prosperity of many nations taking part said, con- of the State of Qatar to the United what was mentioned in the report of in trade exchange. tinued to work Nations stressed that this endorsement the Human Rights Council, especially China as one of the countries played key role in Silk Road H E Qatar’s to protect and by the specialized international organ- the unfortunate reality of the viola- network through centuries took the initiative of reviving Permanent promote ization confirms the success of the tions of the rights of the Palestinian this historical and trans border commercial network when Representative to human rights government in implementing the rat- people in the Occupied Palestinian its President announced in September 2013 during his visit the United Nations and ensure ified agreements. The State of Qatar Territory and the international con- to Kazakhstan the plan to establish a new Silk Road linking that the rights has become a leader in the region in sensus to support the enjoyment of the China to Europe known as the “One Belt, One Road,” which Ambassador of citizens and improving wage payments, strength- inalienable rights of the Palestinian reaches 60 countries with projected investments of between Sheikha Alya Ahmed residents on its ening labor inspection, occupational people guaranteed by international $ 4 and $8 trillion. bin Saif Al Thani territory are safety and health systems, improving and human rights law. The project aims at promoting trade between East and reiterated Qatar’s not compro- labor recruitment procedures, With regard to Syria, she said that central Asia with Middle East and, Europe, and Africa. Of mised. She enhancing prevention, protection and the report pointed to a wide range of course, the revival of the ancient trade Silk Road will also commitment to noted that the prosecution, supporting a voice for human rights violations and breaches revive and enhance global peace and cultural exchanges; continue its efforts State of Qatar workers, and issuing a law estab- of international human rights law that create chances for nations to achieve prosperity and improve to promote and has main- lishing a fund to support and secure continue systematically for the eighth living conditions of people in many parts of the world. tained its migrant workers. consecutive year, contributing to the The Silk Road Exhibition and protect human advanced She pointed to the success of the continuation of the crisis. Her Excel- Conference is an event to high- rights in a way position in State of Qatar in developing the insti- lency added that accountability for light the path of the new road that contributes human devel- tutional framework that guarantees these crimes is of great importance in and the countries through which to justice, security opment indi- the protection and promotion of order to end impunity and prevent it deals. It will be an interna- cators at the human rights, and the exchange of their recurrence. The only way to end Qatar strongly tional forum that brings together and peace for all regional and experiences and cooperation with all violations is to reach a political believes that its investors, implementers and peoples. international other countries and United Nations solution in accordance with Security huge investments decision-makers under one roof. levels, human rights mechanisms, through Council resolution 2204, she said. in shipping and Through this exhibition, partic- stressing the the policy of open door to receive the Concluding, H E Qatar’s Permanent ipants can learn about the State of Qatar’s continued active partic- mandate holders of special procedures Representative to the United Nations sea, air and products and exports of the ipation in the field of development and and cooperate with them. Ambassador Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin land transports route countries, and busi- humanitarian cooperation and in At the regional level, H E Sheikha Saif Al Thani reiterated Qatar’s com- represent great nessmen can meet with their efforts to achieve peace and stability Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani referred mitment to continue its efforts to opportunities counterparts and seize business globally. to Doha-based UN Human Rights promote and protect human rights in a opportunities for their com- Her Excellency underscored that Training and Documentation Centre way that contributes to justice, security for investors and panies and institutions. the State of Qatar’s pioneering for South-West Asia and the Arab and peace for all peoples. Qatari market Qatar strongly believes that when the country its huge investments in shipping and sea, air and land transports takes part in represent great opportunities for implementation investors and Qatari market How the Internet lost its soul of this initiative when the country takes part in along many other implementation of this initiative JANET ABBATE United States to connect 15 research sites network to connect citizens and con- along many other countries. THE WASHINGTON POST encompassing a diverse array of sumers. In the early 1980s, the general countries. Therefore Qatar is organ- computers. public, though not yet allowed on the izing a three-day Exhibition and his week, we celebrate what “Almost every conceivable item of Internet, had begun using commercial Conference kicking off today at Doha Exhibition and Con- many consider the 50th birthday computer hardware and software will be dial-up services such as CompuServe vention Center under the patronage of Minister of Transport of the Internet. The underpin- in the network,” project leader Larry and AOL to access servers offering chat and Communications, H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti. nings of the World Wide Web Roberts pointed out. “This is the greatest rooms, games and email. In 1986, Con- T gress, prompted by Sen. Al Gore, began The exhibition aims to enables participating countries originated in an American communica- challenge of the system, as well as its to learn about trade and industrial potentials, logistics, tions network built for national defense greatest ultimate value.” As a leading debating whether the nation needed an exchange of experiences and investments. It also aims at and the pursuit of knowledge: ARPANET. funder of computer science research, “information superhighway” to connect presenting the state-of-the-art technologies of all types Funded by the Defense Department’s ARPA was able to mobilize a talented K-12 schools and libraries for all citizens. which are part of shipping services, transport and port man- Advanced Research Projects Agency, the group of faculty and graduate students to Congress included funding for a National agement in the participating countries. network was designed so that scientists design, build and debug the network, Research and Education Network (NREN) Several local and international firms from public and could share computer hardware, sending the first message on Oct. 29, 1969. in its High-Performance Computing Act private sectors are participating in the exhibition, which is software and data. Like many academic environments, of 1991. sponsored by Mwani Qatar, the Main Sponsor; Qatar Airways, It worked. In the ensuing decades, the ARPANET community was open and Had this plan come to fruition, the as Official Carrier & Gold Sponsor; Milaha and Qatar Rail the ARPANET, and after the 1980s, the informal, and security was lax; in the Internet would have remained under as Gold Sponsor; and General Authority of Customs along National Science Foundation Network early 1970s, students were rumored to federal control until the late 1990s, with Qterminals taking part in the Exhibition as Silver (NSFNET), did indeed allow scientists to have used the network to conduct trans- potentially allowing time to upgrade Sponsors. collaboratively build knowledge around continental drug deals alongside their security or create regulations to protect networked tools and information. But official research. But the relatively closed users. But before the NREN could get expanding access to the Internet, com- world of networked computing was underway, the industry contractors pro- bined with looser government regula- opened up with the introduction of per- viding the NSFNET infrastructure rushed tions, ultimately produced a situation no sonal computers in the 1970s. The ahead with plans to offer commercial one foresaw or intended. On today’s Defense Department soon found “unau- network services, ultimately causing QUOTE OF THE DAY Internet, conspiracy theories run thorized penetrations” of the ARPANET Congress to abandon the NREN. rampant, identities can be faked and our by hackers, complaining that “the availa- The result was the de facto privati- There is an addiction real-life elections are vulnerable to bility of inexpensive computers and zation of the Internet. The nonprofit manipulation. A network designed for modems have made the network fair organizations that had operated the NSF- to coal that we (Asian spreading truth became a profit-driven game for countless computer hobbyists.” NET’s backbone and regional networks countries) need to industry, a public sphere that threatens By 1983, security concerns were so reinvented themselves as the first com- overcome because to undermine the public good. acute that Defense split off military users mercial Internet service providers, The original ARPANET was designed into their own network, ceding the rest of serving both the NSF and private cus- it remains a major for a relatively small community of the ARPANET to academic researchers. In tomers. The NSF now had the option to threat in relation to people united by a technical challenge. At 1990, the ARPANET was absorbed into a outsource its networking needs to these climate change. the time, computers from different man- new network built by the National Science commercial providers, which it did as it ufacturers ran incompatible software, Foundation that consisted of several retired the old NSFNET in 1995. While and long-distance data communications regional networks connected by a high- this removed an administrative burden Antonio Guterres links were costly and unreliable. Net- speed backbone. As a nationwide civilian from the NSF, the hasty transition left UN Secretary-General works connected only a few identical network, NSFNET rapidly increased the little time to consider the policy implica- computers within a small region. size and visibility of the Internet. tions. So a commercialized network But ARPANET had an audacious pro- Politicians and businesses wanted to developed without public oversight of posal: It would span the continental capitalize on the potential of a national the Internet’s operation. SUNDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2019 OPINION 09 Asean meeting grapples with trade war, territorial disputes

JIM GOMEZ & outheast Asia should use the Donald Trump’s “America first” stance Mahathir, who is 94 and known After weeks of wrangling, ELAINE KURTENBACH /AP sway of its shared market of have many countries sharing a for not mincing his words, had some senior diplomats reached a com- 650 million people and speak common goal of protecting their harsh things to say about the US promise on expressing concern with “one voice” to ensure it is access to wealthy Western markets. leader and his policies, describing over “serious incidents in the area, S Trump as “not a very nice man.” treated fairly in an age of protec- “Asean is quite a big market for which have eroded trust and confi- tionism, Malaysian Prime Minister the whole world. We don’t want to go Arin Jira, who chaired the meeting dence, increased tensions and may Mahathir Mohamad said yesterday as into a trade war,” Mahathir said. He as head of Asean’s Business Advisory undermine peace, security and sta- leaders gathered for a regional described campaigns against exports Council, said the gathering should call bility in the region,” one of the dip- summit. of palm oil from Malaysia and Indo- for “world economic peace” against lomats said. The image of unity the Association nesia over concerns regarding labor trade wars that are causing havoc. The phrase would not name of Southeast Asian Nations strives to and environmental issues as “The result of war is only China or mention other details, the project has been clouded by wran- “sabotage.” destruction,” he said. diplomat said. Both officials spoke gling over a long-delayed agreement “If they do things that are not nice Philippine Trade Secretary Ramon on condition of anonymity for lack on a free trade bloc. Asean’s 10 to us, we have to be not nice to them,” Lopez told reporters that Asean trade of authority to discuss the issue members are also divided over the he said. “If you cut back some imports ministers and counterparts from publicly. “Asean is quite a big handling of territorial disputes with of palm oil from Malaysia, we can cut wealthier Asian countries expect to China and its Asean allies have market for the whole China. back our imports from them.” report to their leaders on Monday that steadfastly refused attempts to use There were signs of progress, with “We should have one voice,” seven years of negotiations on RCEP the annual summits as an arena to world. We don’t want officials saying they hope to present a Mahathir said. “If you go it alone, you are “nearing conclusion.” rebuke Beijing for its actions, which to go into a trade war,” preliminary agreement on the pro- will be bullied.” Regional leaders asked their include building seven islands on Mahathir said. He posed Regional Comprehensive Eco- Trump opted not to attend the trade ministers last year to conclude disputed reefs that US officials say described campaigns nomic Partnership aimed at creating a Asean and other regional meetings the negotiations this year. “We could serve as military platforms to 16-member trading bloc including outside Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, cannot go there you know (and say) intimidate rival claimants. against exports of Asean and six other major economies, that began yesterday and run through ‘It’s not yet concluded, we’re far from China claims virtually the entire palm oil from Malaysia led by China. Monday. Many other regional leaders it.’ We’ll really look silly. That’s the South China Sea, a vital waterway and Indonesia Mahathir told business leaders are attending, including Chinese reason why there is this hard, strong for global commerce. It opposes over concerns attending Asean meetings that they Premier Li Keqiang, Japanese Prime effort to reach a conclusion,” Lopez naval and aerial patrols by the US should unite in fighting back if coun- Minister Shinzo Abe and Indian Prime said. and its allies as American inter- regarding labour and tries try to shut them out of their Minister Narendra Modi. Trump and China is among those leading the ference in an Asian problem. environmental issues markets. Vice President Mike Pence are said to negotiations along with Asean Beijing also regards the US concept as “sabotage”. The trade war between Beijing be busy with campaigning on behalf members and their dialogue partners of a free and open Indo-Pacific and Washington and President of fellow Republicans. Japan, South Korea, Australia, India region as a strategy to contain and New Zealand. China. But some countries such as India Much of Asia looks to the US to have expressed concern that the deal help counter China’s growing reach could flood their markets with cheap and power. Trump’s absence is a Chinese goods and undermine local disappointment to some in the manufacturers. region and may undermine the US Asked if India’s worries were a assertion that it puts a high priority sticking point, Lopez said, “I didn’t say on trade and other ties with the India.” region. RCEP will be one of the world’s Asean members include Brunei, biggest regional trade blocs if all 16 Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, nations join, covering some 45% of the Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philip- global population and about a third of pines, Singapore, Thailand and GDP, with projected trade of more Vietnam. than $10.3 trillion, or nearly 30% of the world total. Asean also struggles over how to address tensions over China’s encroachment into the disputed waters of the South China Sea. Vietnam wanted Asean leaders to D-RING ROAD issue a communique that would POST BOX: 3488 mention Chinese movements into DOHA - QATAR waters where its southern neighbor [email protected] has exclusive rights to exploit energy resources, and other recent, aggressive acts off the Philippines and EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE Malaysia. TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 China, through its Asean ally Cam- FAX: +974 4455 7758 bodia, has opposed any such move, The Foreign Ministers of Asean countries and delegates during 20th Asean Political-Security Community Council two Southeast Asian diplomats told MANAGING EDITOR Meeting at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi, Thailand, yesterday. The Associated Press. TEL: 4462 7505

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR n October 18, France stood state, especially a former colonial belonged to it. This expectation was TEL: 4455 7769 alone in opposing the power which still enjoys some post- spontaneous, and it felt, indeed, accession of North Mace- colonial perks. All former communist “natural”. LOCAL NEWS SECTION TEL: 4455 7743 donia and Albania to the countries on the continent are So it felt like a slap in the face O when in the 1990s the EU asked us to European Union. High-ranking offi- expected to emulate this model BUSINESS NEWS SECTION cials and leaders of the EU such as through the process of so-called inte- undergo “Europeanisation” before we TEL: 4462 7535 Donald Tusk, Jean-Claude Junker and gration, adopting “measures”, “instru- could become “European” on paper. KATERINA KOLOZOVA Commissioner Johannes Hahn ments”, “reforms” dictated by We felt humiliated but had to accept SPORT NEWS SECTION AL JAZEERA expressed dismay at the French Western technocrats. this “slap” from our more “sophisti- TEL: 4455 7745 The premise of this process cated”, developed and wealthier betrays a hidden assumption about European brothers and sisters. ONLINE SECTION tendencies towards anomie and cor- We started looking up to their TEL: 4462 7501 ruption in Eastern European coun- “advanced democracy” uncritically as [email protected] tries, and especially in the Balkans. As if it were the best and only model for How the EU balkanised Bulgarian historian Maria Todorova development and wellbeing (which PUBLIC RELATIONS has pointed out in her book “Imag- lately has proven to be much more TEL: 4455 7613 ining the Balkans”, Western Europe vulnerable, unstable and susceptible [email protected] the Balkans balkanised the Balkans the same way to far-right sways than we were made it orientalised the Orient (as per to believe). Put under the spotlight of ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT the Western balkanising gaze, we Edward Said). TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 were led to believe in our innate In this line of thought, some FAX: 4455 7870 inferiority. Western Europeans may perceive me [email protected] decision. Various pundits and as writing from the position of a So, we embarked on a colossal observers described French President potential “immigrant”; I assert, transformation: we dismantled our CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT Emmanuel Macron’s veto as a major however, that I’m writing as a socialist system, we privatised all our TEL: 4455 7857 “mistake”. European citizen. industries, we cut budgets for basic [email protected] Justifying his historic “no” to At the same time, being left-wing, services like education and opening accession negotiation with my admission of being a Europhile healthcare, we relearned how to be SUBSCRIPTION & the two countries, Macon said he might sound like a betrayal of the conservative, abandoning the gender DISTRIBUTION could not assure his people that “eve- ideals of the left, which is habitually equity ideals and strong secularism TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 rything’s going so well that we’re Euro-sceptic. However, it is not a we had inherited from half a century FAX: 44557819 going to open negotiations” if there betrayal of any sort. I grew up in of socialism. [email protected] It felt like a slap in are “thousands and thousands and socialist Yugoslavia, where our edu- Upon the ruins of a different yet the face when in the thousands” of Albanians applying for cation, our entire world view, in spite fully developed system and in the 1990s the EU asked asylum in France. (or precisely because) of its ideo- midst of the anomie that led to years us to undergo This fear of immigration from logical framing, was European in of conflict, we were expected to build within Europe betrays a gaze that terms of tradition and vision of the a fully developed western liberal All thoughts and views “Europeanisation” does not see all Europeans as equal - future. democracy from scratch, while expressed in these columns before we could ie some Europeans are apparently Let us not forget that socialism as dragging behind us the burden of are those of the writers, become “European” more European than others. No an idea is based on European mod- deepening poverty and trauma. not of the newspaper. on paper. We felt wonder then that different instru- ernism. What is more, while growing Our society was left in shambles ments and initiatives that have been its own brand of the socialist regime, and we were expected to quickly humiliated but had part of the European integration the Yugoslav federation was quite build a new one, establish new insti- All correspondence to accept this “slap” process are called “Europeanisation”. open to Western Europe and offered tutions and shape a new mentality - regarding Views and from our more Belonging to a single continent, its citizens free movement to the as if there was something profoundly Opinion pages should be sharing similar cultural heritage and West. wrong or “un-European” about our sent to editor-in-chief “sophisticated”, different yet intersecting histories After its dissolution, we all naively previous mentality. developed and apparently is not what “Europe- thought we would enter the EU This excruciating process of office or mailed to the wealthier European anness” is. Rather, the measure for immediately because, after all, we destroying and building anew a whole [email protected] brothers and sisters. being truly European appears to be were European, we were from Europe system was euphemistically called being from a rich, capitalist neoliberal and we thought we always had “transition”. 10 GULF / MIDDLE EAST SUNDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2019 13 dead in car bomb in Syrian border town A bomb-laden vehicle targeted a Turkey condemns attack busy marketplace in Tal Abyad’s district ANKARA: Turkey strongly condemned the YPG/PKK terror attack in Tal Abyad, Syria, yesterday. “We strongly condemn the centre, according to inhumane attack of the bloody PKK/YPG terrorists who carried initial reports. out a bomb attack against the innocent civilians of Tal Abyad who could return to their homes and lands as a result of the Operation Peace Spring and we call on all countries to take a stand against ANATOLIA this brutal terror group,” the National Defense Ministry said in a TAL ABYAD, SYRIA written statement. The statement wished Allah’s mercy upon the dead and speedy recovery for the injured. At least 13 civilians, including children, were killed and many other injured yesterday in a PKK terrorists continue attacks the PKK. terrorist bomb attack in northern in Tal Abyad and Ras Al Ayn dis- The UN Special Envoy for Syria, according to a corre- tricts despite pulling out of the Syria Geir Pedersen said on spondent on the ground. area under a deal reached by Friday the first round of talks by A bomb-laden vehicle tar- Turkey and the US on October the Syrian Constitutional Com- geted a busy marketplace in Tal 17. mittee was “successful” and the Abyad’s district centre, according Turkey launched an anti- next round, with a whittled down to initial reports. terror operation, Operation group of 45, will start Monday. As the wounded are referred Peace Spring, on October 9 to “The last two days have been to the nearby hospitals in Tur- eliminate terrorists from very good,” said Pedersen, key’s border city of Sanliurfa, the northern Syria in order to secure addressing journalists in the death toll is feared to rise. Turkey’s borders, aid in the safe evening after chairing two days Turkey-backed Syrian fighters inspect the site of a car bomb explosion in the northern Syrian Kurdish Turkey-backed Syrian return of Syrian refugees and of talks with the 150-strong com- town of Tal Abyad, on the border with Turkey, yesterday. National Army (SNA) rebels, who ensure Syria’s territorial mittee launched on Wednesday. rushed to the scene, are evalu- integrity. Pedersen said the committee ating the possibility of YPG/PKK In its more than 30-year also agreed on the 45 members of conflict, there are deep differ- of talks Friday at the United ceremony Wednesday. The Con- terror group’s role in the attack. terror campaign against Turkey, that will work in the so-called ences, a lot of suspicions, a lack Nations in Geneva with more stitutional Committee is man- The YPG/PKK terror group is the PKK — listed as a terrorist “drafting body” to meet on of trust. But the fact that 150 discussions on a constitutional dated within the context of a targeting settlement areas under organisation by Turkey, the US Monday, made up of 15 members Syrians have been sitting roadmap. Pedersen had UN-facilitated Geneva process control of the Syrian National and the European Union — has of the Syrian regime, 15 oppo- together respecting each other, launched the Constitutional to prepare and draft constitu- Army (SNA) that has fought been responsible for the deaths sition members and 15 members talking to each other…I think was Committee with co-chairs tional reforms paving the way alongside the Turkish forces in of 40,000 people, including of civil society. quite impressive.” Ahmad Kuzbari from the Syrian for a political settlement in Turkey-led anti-terror opera- women, children, and infants. “We also know, of course, The Syrian Constitutional regime and Hadi Albahra from Syria, to be held to popular tions in northern Syria. The YPG/ The YPG is the Syrian offshoot of that after eight and a half years Committee began the third day the opposition in an opening approval. US military enters Kurdish-held area in northeastern Syria Kuwait urges Kosovo and AFP the Kurdish-led Syrian Demo- US-led coalition has for years the source said. The coalition along the border. QAMISHLI, SYRIA cratic Forces outside the city of backed the SDF in fighting the declined to comment specifically Under a ceasefire deal signed Serbia to reach Qamishli. They also passed by Islamic State group, but the on Saturday’s visit, but said the last week, joint Turkish-Russian US military vehicles yesterday the People’s Protection Units announcement of an American alliance continued to withdraw patrols started on Friday in the peaceful entered a Kurdish-held area in (YPG) who have spearheaded the withdrawal triggered a Turkish forces from northern Syria. area. Syrian regime forces have northeastern Syria and met with SDF, and Kurdish security forces operation against the Kurds on It would relocate some also made a major comeback in consensus officials, a local source said, in in the area. Two days earlier, a October 9. troops to oil-rich eastern Syria the northeast for the first time in the second such visit since an similar US convoy was seen A source who took part in to held stamp out remaining IS years, after they were called in KUNA announced US pullout from the further east along the border, one of the Kurdish-US meetings fighters. The Syrian Observatory by the Kurds to fill the void left NEW YORK Turkish border area. outside the town of Qahtaniyah, yesterday said the Americans for Human Rights, a Britain- by US troops. Syria’s war has spi- Beige-coloured armoured in an area they used to operate wanted to return to Qamishli. based monitor, says Washington ralled into a complex conflict Kuwait urged Kosovo and vehicles flying the American flag in before Washington announced “They’re coming to set up a also still has forces in a base near involving word powers since it Serbia to overcome their differ- pulled up at the headquarters of a military pullout last month. A major military post in Qamishli,” Rmeilan, a town further east started in 2011. ences and reach fair and sustainable solutions that are acceptable to both sides, adding this would contribute to laying Israeli strikes leave the foundations for peace, security and stability in the region. one dead in Gaza At a Security Council session on Kosovo, Kuwait’s UN mission First Secretary Jarrah- AFP Hundreds of Palestinians Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah JERUSALEM attended Shehri’s funeral yes- applauded October 6 parlia- terday in the southern Gaza Strip, mentary elections held there. Israel carried out retaliatory a correspondent said. The sound He said the occasion pro- strikes on Gaza yesterday killing of explosions had been heard vided an opportunity for the a Palestinian and wounding two across the tiny but densely pop- parties in Kosovo to exercise others, following two nights of ulated territory, a corre- democracy and encourage rocket attacks that were the first spondents said. public debate and dialogue. since September. After daybreak, curious This chance needs to be Hamas, the Islamist rulers of onlookers gathered around a seized upon to address social Gaza, denounced a “serious large crater scooped out of the and economic priorities, and escalation” and said Israel will sandy soil by the force of one of strengthen the rule of law, be held “responsible for the con- the blasts. A Hamas source said through good governance, sequences” of the raids. it had fired at the Israeli aircraft justice and accountability. Dozens of pre-dawn strikes carrying out the raids and the targeted Hamas bases and those Israeli military confirmed fresh of allied militant groups, a Gaza “incoming fire”. One dead, security source said. “The Zionist enemy bears full Relatives of Palestinian Ahmed Al Shehri mourn during his funeral at Khan Younis in the southern The Israeli army said the responsibility for the conse- 91 wounded Gaza Strip, yesterday. strikes targeted “a wide range of quences,” of the pre-dawn air Hamas targets”, including a raids, Hamas spokesman Fawzi in Baghdad naval base, a military compound Barhoum said in a statement. another prominent militant the army said, posting a picture raised fears of an escalation as a and a weapons manufacturing He said the strikes targeted group operating in the coastal of damage to a building on general election approached in protests plant. “innocent civilians” and repre- enclave, were also hit. Twitter. It was the second con- Israel. Those polls — Israel’s The Hamas-run health min- sented a “serious escalation”. The Israeli military said eight secutive evening that the army second general election this year REUTERS istry identified the person killed The strikes came after at of the rockets were intercepted reported rocket fire from Gaza, — took place on September 17, BAGHDAD as Ahmed Al Shehri, 27. It did not least 10 rockets were fired from by air defences. Air raid sirens shattering a calm that had lasted but have yet to yield a new gov- say whether he was affiliated Gaza at southern Israel late on sounded in Israeli communities since September 12. ernment. Sworn enemies Israel Security forces killed a with any armed group. Two Friday causing damage but no near the border. In August, a spate of rocket and Hamas have fought three protester and wounded 91 other Palestinians were seriously casualties. Local officials in Gaza One family’s house was hit, attacks, retaliatory air strikes and wars in the Palestinian enclave others in Baghdad yesterday, wounded, the ministry said. said installations of Islamic Jihad, without causing any casualties, clashes along the border had since 2008. security and medical sources said, as thousands of Iraqis continued to gather in mass anti-government protests. Iran unveils new anti-US murals at former embassy Tens of thousands have been gathering in the capital’s AFP painted in white, red and blue, down by Iran in June over the have used nuclear weapons, shah, students overran the central Tahrir Square this week, TEHRAN the colours of the US flag — were Strait of Hormuz, with bats flying twice in Japan in 1945, and yet of complex to demand the United demanding the downfall of the unveiled by Major General out of it. blocking other countries, espe- States hand over the ousted ruler political elite in the biggest Iran yesterday unveiled new Hossein Salami, the head of Next to it another work cially Iran, from benefitting from after he was admitted to a US wave of mass demonstrations anti-American murals on the Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, at showed an Iran Air plane that a civil nuclear programme. hospital. since the fall of Saddam walls of the former US embassy the former mission turned was shot down by an American He also charged that Wash- It took a full 444 days for the Hussein. as Tehran prepares to celebrate museum. One of them showed a warship over the Gulf on July 3, ington is lying when it claims to crisis to end with the release of Protests have accelerated the 40th anniversary of the crumbling Statue of Liberty, its 1988, with white doves flying out support human rights and 52 Americans, but the US broke dramatically in recent days, storming of what it labels the right torch-bearing arm having of it. 290 people were killed in democracy, arguing that it backs off diplomatic relations with Iran drawing huge crowds from “den of spies”. broken off. the tragedy which Washington nearly “all dictators” on Earth. in 1980 and ties have been frozen across Iraq’s sectarian and The accusatory message of Another depicted the triangle has called a “mistake” and for Tehran is preparing to mark ever since. ethnic divides. They have been the paintings was one of a violent of the Eye of Providence, the which Iran has for years tomorrow the 40th anniversary Tensions have escalated comparatively peaceful by day, US that is thirsty for war and bent symbol used on the back of the demanded an apology. of the hostage crisis, an act that again between the two countries becoming more violent after on tightening its grip on the US dollar bill, in a sea of blood in During his speech, General continues to poison Iran-US rela- ever since US President Donald dark as police use tear gas and world, yet weakening despite its which skulls are floating. Salami reiterated Iran’s griev- tions. On November 4, 1979, less Trump withdrew from the 2015 rubber bullets to battle self- military might. A third showed the American ances against the US. He accused than nine months after the top- Iran nuclear deal last year and proclaimed “revolutionary” The new murals — mainly Global Hawk drone that was shot it of being the only country to pling of Iran’s American-backed reimposed unilateral sanctions. youths. SUNDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2019 AFRICA 11

Attackers shoot 49 soldiers dead dead three in in attack on Mali Burundi city REUTERS NAIROBI

military post Gunmen wearing police and army uniforms killed three AFP The attack comes people and injured three others BAMAKO a month after two at a hotel in a heavily guarded militants assaults neighbourhood of Burundi’s A “terrorist attack” on a biggest city Bujumbura late on military post in strife-torn killed 40 soldiers Friday, police and residents northeastern Mali has left 49 near the border said. soldiers dead, the army said with Burkina Faso. The attack took place in the yesterday, revising downward Rohero district, where violence an earlier death toll. However several is rare and officials often have The assault on Friday at sources said the the protection of their own Indelimane, in the Menaka death toll had been security personnel. region, close to the border with underestimated. “Unidentified evildoers Niger, was one of the deadliest armed with AK 47s attacked strikes against Mali’s military peaceful people at a hotel, in a region wracked by Islamist Mali’s army has been strug- leaving three deaths and three violence. gling in the face of a militants injured people,” Moïse Nku- The Malian Armed Forces revolt that has spread from the runziza, Deputy Police (FAMa) “have recorded 49 arid north to its centre, an eth- spokesman, said, adding the dead, three wounded and nically mixed and volatile Musical performance attackers also detonated a material damage, and some 20 region. grenade. Tunisian artiste Sami Al Lajmi’s “ez-Ziare” musical is performed during a festival in Naftah, Tunisia, survivors have been The recent assaults are also A soldier assigned to work yesterday. recovered,” it said on its a humiliation for the so-called in Rohero as a security guard Facebook page yesterday. G5 Sahel force — a much- for a senior official near the “The situation is under trumpeted initiative under scene of the attack said police FAMa control.” The gov- which five countries created a carried out a search operation ernment had said earlier that joint 5,000-man anti-terror Morocco, Italy sign multidimensional early yesterday but made no 53 people died in what it force — and for France, which arrests. described as a “terrorist is committed to shoring up the Burundi moved its capital attack.” No group immediately fragile region. Northern Mali strategic partnership declaration from Bujumbura, a port on Lake claimed responsibility. came under the control of Al Tanganyika, to the much An army officer said troops Qaeda linked militants after QNA peace. The declaration was with the Libyan issue - and smaller central city of Gitega arrived at the outpost around Mali’s army failed to quash a RABAT signed by Moroccan Minister of strengthen the privileged rela- last year. 5pm on Friday and “took back rebellion there in 2012. Foreign Affairs African Coop- tionship between Morocco and In September, the United control of our positions. A French-led military cam- Morocco and Italy signed in eration and Moroccan Expa- the EU and give it an increas- Nations said that Burundi was “The terrorists carried out paign was launched against the Rabat, a declaration of multidi- triates Nasser Bourita and ingly ambitious content”. at risk of a new wave of vio- a surprise attack at lunchtime. militants, pushing them back mensional strategic partnership Italian Minister of Foreign “This new cooperation lence as it approaches an Army vehicles were destroyed, a year later. built on the common awareness Affairs and International Coop- instrument is also meant to election next year with an unre- others taken away,” he said. But the militants have that “the two parties are key eration Luigi di Maio. deepen dialogue and cooper- solved political crisis and Pres- The army and the gov- regrouped and widened their partners for each other in According to Moroccan MAP ation in the fight against ter- ident Pierre Nkurunziza ernment announced Friday hit-and-run raids and managing regional and inter- news agency, the strategic part- rorism and international crime, increasingly portrayed as a that reinforcements were sent landmine attacks to central and national challenges”. nership between Morocco and as well as in the field of justice, “divine” ruler. The government to the area. The attack comes southern Mali. In this declaration, Italy and Italy aims to “maintain a per- and to strengthen collaboration said that report did not reflect a month after two militants The violence has also Morocco express their determi- manent and in-depth dialogue in the field of migration, partic- reality. assaults killed 40 soldiers near spilled over into Burkina Faso nation to undertake to give new on all sectors of common ularly through the implemen- Hundreds of Burundians the border with Burkina Faso. and Niger where extremists impetus to political dialogue in interest, ensure coordination on tation of the agreement on the have been killed in clashes with However several sources said have exploited existing inter- all its dimensions in order to international and regional deportation of nationals and on security forces since 2015, when the death toll had been communal strife, leaving hun- meet the needs for regional and issues related to Africa and the transit for expulsion (done at Nkurunziza ran for a third, dis- underestimated. dreds dead. international stability and wider Mediterranean - starting Rabat on 27 July 1998)”. puted term in office. New Ebola vaccine arrives in DR Congo Mining truck overturns AFP manufactured by Johnson & Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri and Kinshasa for months to approve in Congo, 22 dead GOMA, DR CONGO Johnson had arrived on Friday. left 2,183 people dead, according the use of the J&J vaccine — an In all, a shipment of a total to the latest official figures. experimental product — to QNA He said the truck from the The Congolese medical author- 50,000 doses is being sent to the Since the start of the vacci- protect those living outside of GOMA Mining Mineral Resources ities said yesterday they had Democratic Republic of Congo nation campaign on August 8, direct transmission zones. (MMR) company was carrying a received the first shipment of a to help fight an outbreak that has 2018, a total 245,999 people have The J&J vaccine had been Twenty-two people have died load of the tin ore cassiterite up new Ebola vaccine as the central killed more than 2,100 people been vaccinated. rejected by DRC’s former health and at least 10 were injured a hill, near the village of African country battles its second since August 2018. Until now, the Ebola fighters have been hin- minister Oly Ilunga, who cited when a mining truck overturned Mutetenya in Tanganyika deadliest outbreak of the virus only vaccine against the disease dered by chronic insecurity in the risks of introducing a new in the eastern part of Democratic province when it overturned. this decade. was one manufactured by US the affected provinces of eastern product in communities where Republic of Congo, a minister It was not immediately clear The health ministry for the firm, Merck Sharpe and Dohme. DRC, but much of the contro- mistrust of Ebola responders is confirmed. whether those killed and hurt eastern province of North Kivu The DRC’s deadliest Ebola versy surrounding the response already high. “We counted 22 dead and were passengers or bystanders. said that a preliminary batch of outbreak since the West Africa has centred on the use of vac- But Ilunga’s resignation in almost a dozen injured so far,” Kamona said that the cause 11,000 doses of the new Ad26- pandemic in 2014-2016 has cines. The World Health Organ- July appeared to have paved the provincial Interior Minister of the accident was likely ZEBOV-GP vaccine affected the provinces of North ization had been pushing way for the second vaccine. Dieudonne Kamona, said. speeding. Nigerian contemporary art booms and prices soar

AFP Now” beginning in 2007, auc- One have opened in recent years. African oil giant and largest LAGOS tioning African art as a stand- And the auction house Art economy on the continent has a alone sale. House Contemporary Limited, growing middle class of rich First there was Tutu, the “African In the vibrant commercial whose turnover is more modest bankers and industrialists, with Mona Lisa” sold last year for capital of Lagos, with 20 million than that of its European peers, a burgeoning appetite for pur- $1.5m. Then a second portrait by people, its cultural season, awash regularly exhibits the most chasing contemporary art. revered Nigerian painter Ben with literary fashion and art fes- notable artists in the region: The biggest bids still take Enwonwu, called Christine, sold tivals, culminates this weekend Enwonwu, Yusuf Grillo, El place in Europe, where the in mid-October, for $1.4m. with the international fair “ART Anatsui or Peju Alatise. market is better structured, and Both record sales of famous X”. This year, some twenty gal- better protected against fake works by the late “father of Three years after it began, leries and more than 90 artists works. African modernism”, captured the fair has emerged as one of will be represented at ART X, Yet collectors increasingly fly the emergence of Nigeria’s art the premier art events on the with representatives from Tate to buy works in London or New market. continent, exhibiting the rich Modern (London) and Smith- York and then bring them back A decade ago, major African array of African modern and sonian (Washington) expected to Africa, says Jess Castellote, artists were largely absent from contemporary art. to attend. director of the Yemisi Shyllon international auctions. But the The famous Tutu, “lost” for Creative audio installations Museum of Art, a private continent is now a major almost 40 years and spectacu- by renowned artist, Emeka museum that will open next year attraction in contemporary and larly found in 2018, almost by Ogboh, based between Berlin in the suburbs of Lagos. modern art. chance, in a London apartment, and Lagos, will grace the back- “There are collectors, art Since his death in 1994, was the surprise attraction of the ground of the anticipated fouth lovers who want to reconnect Enwonwu’s star has only risen, last edition, drawing several edition of the fair. with their culture, their legacy,” epitomising the growing industry thousand attendees. If the appetite for contem- he says, explaining that as well and value for art. A show-reel of Nollywood’s porary African art continues to as art enthusiasts, serious His two masterpieces, were actresses, traditional leaders, grow, apart from outliers that investors have taken interest in sold by two of London’s most wealthy collectors and artists exceed one million dollars, the art. prestigious auction houses, trooped to the painting of the majority of works are still sold In Nigeria, as in South Africa, Bonhams and Sotheby’s. mysterious Yoruba princess. at “reasonable” prices in com- multi-million dollar investment “Africa is one of the fastest At the end of the year, parison with the rest of the funds have sprung up to acquire growing markets in the art world Nigeria’s economic-hub becomes world: “between $10,000 and works and resell them as dearly An employee posing with a work of art by Nigerian painter and today, and Nigeria is equal on the awash with glamour and arts. $60,000,” Peppiatt says. as possible, again betting on a sculptor Ben Enwonwu entitled ‘Tutu’ at auction in Bonhams top with South Africa,” Giles Pep- Thousands of visitors rush “Events like Art X are rising demand for art. piatt, Director of African Art at from one exhibition to another, auction house, London. changing the game, they enable “Rich Nigerians who used to Bonhams, said. from ART X to the Lagos Biennale cities like Lagos to shine and spend 250,000 pounds on a His auction house was one- of contemporary art, Lagos October and November. amongst investors and attract many enthusiastic col- watch or a luxury car now prefer of-the-first in Europe to bet big fashion week and LagosPhoto, But alongside the art, is an collectors. lectors,” he explains. “This is a to invest in a painting or a on the continent with “Africa all of which take place between increasing market and appetite New galleries like Art Twenty very exciting moment.” The West sculpture,” Castellote says. 12 ASIA SUNDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2019 Merkel urges Delhi to adopt green transport to clean up toxic air

AFP “These diesel buses Delhi yesterday would find very NEW DELHI good arguments for replacing are to be replaced even more of these buses,” Germany’s Chancellor Angela by electric buses and Merkel said in the widely Merkel urged greater efforts to anyone who saw the reported speech. clean up New Delhi’s toxic air as pollution in Delhi Much of the new peak in the she pledged one billion euros to most dangerous PM2.5 pol- help Indian cities switch to green yesterday would find lutants — particulates smaller transport. very good arguments than 2.5 microns that get into the Merkel became a rare foreign for replacing even lungs and bloodstream — has leader to speak out on India’s more of these buses,” been blamed on fires lit by smog crisis after being exposed farmers to burn off wheat crop to the capital’s air on Friday, Merkel said in the residues outside of the capital. when authorities said the pol- widely reported Higher winds improved air lution had reached “emergency” speech. quality yeserday but pollution levels. remained “severe”, according to Schools were ordered closed government monitors. German Chancellor Angela Merkel (left) visiting Delhi Metro Rail Corporation’s first roof top solar power until Tuesday and all con- residents to stay indoors to avoid The city will be under a new plant installed in 2014 at Dwarka Sector, 21 metro station, in New Delhi, yesterday. struction halted, while Delhi the haze. spotlight today when India play authorities started distributing Merkel said that Germany Bangladesh in a cricket Twenty20 match is to be played. had spoken about the pollution Delhi has faced a mounting pol- millions of anti-pollution masks would spend one billion euros international. Authorities have ordered dangers but there was little they lution crisis over the past decade. to children. on “green” urban transport The two teams have insisted trees in and around the stadium could do. Fourteen Indian cities The same day, Merkel went projects in India over the next they will go ahead with the to be sprayed with water to “When we came here there including the capital are among on a ceremonial parade in the five years, including 200 million match despite the pollution collect dust. was smog, we all know, but the the world’s top 15 most polluted city with Prime Minister euros to replace diesel buses in threat. They have also set up special players have practiced for last cities, according to the United Narendra Modi on Friday as the Tamil Nadu state. Some Bangladesh players patrols to stop construction work three days, trying to adapt to the Nations. smog intensified. “These diesel buses are to be and bowling coach Daniel Vettori and garbage burning. conditions.” he said. According to one study, smog Neither leader wore masks replaced by electric buses and trained in masks at the Arun Bangladesh captain Mah- “It’s not within our control, kills a million Indians prema- despite authorities telling anyone who saw the pollution in Jaitley stadium, where the mudullah Riyad said the team we have to focus on our cricket.” turely every year. Sena raps BJP for threat to impose President’s rule SCO should come IANS Hitting out at senior BJP the BJP “till the last moment”, he Maharashtra if it’s not able to MUMBAI leader Sudhir Mungantiwar for added. form the government here.” The together to deal with his warning on Saturday that the Earlier, in an edit in the party remark clearly showed the lack The Shiva Sena here yesterday President’s rule could be mouthpieces Saamana and of knowledge of the Constitution said the President was the imposed if the state didn’t get a Dopahar Ka Saamana, the Sena and rule of law, it added. terrorism: Rajnath constitutional head of the government by November 7, stated: “What the common Stunned by the Sena country and any attempts by the Raut said dragging the Presi- people will make out of this backlash, the BJP rushed to IANS 2019’ in Orenburg aimed at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to dent’s office into the state threat by Mungantiwar? Does it defend Mungantiwar saying TASHKENT evolving drills of the partici- misuse the office of the President political crisis in this manner was mean that the President of India there was nothing wrong in his pating armies in the fight against or the Governor was “a threat to “unwarranted, improper”. is in the (BJP’s) pocket or that the statement. “What Mungantiwar In a strong statement against international terrorism. the country”. The Marathi ‘manoos’ would seal of the President is lying in said was the constitutional terrorism with Pakistan present He said the process of glo- “The President is the consti- not be cowed down by such the office of the BJP in Mahar- process. It’s a process in a at the same table, India balisation has opened up tutional head. He’s not in any- threats nor attached any impor- ashtra?.” Terming the remark democracy. If the government is yesterday asked the Shanghai immense opportunities for the body’s pocket. Issuing such a tance to (Mungantiwar’s) state- “undemocratic and unconstitu- not formed in time, the Presi- Cooperation Organisation growth of SCO members, and threat is an insult to the public ments, the Sena MP said. tional”, it said: “Are they trying dent’s rule comes in force,” member countries to strengthen also brought to the fore multi- mandate and people of Mahar- The Sena would honour the to convey that the BJP could senior BJP leader Ram Kadam the existing international laws dimensional, complex and tran- ashtra,” Sena MP Sanjay Raut said. commitments of its alliance with impose the President’s rule in said. to combat terrorism “without snational threats affecting exceptions or double standards”. developing countries. He urged Defence Minister Rajnath the SCO to work together in Police, lawyers Singh, addressing the SCO summit defeating challenges like ter- in Tashkent, said: “Terrorism con- rorism, climate change, endemic clash in Tis tinues to disrupt societies and poverty, under development, undermine developmental pandemics and inequality, a Hazari court; endeavours. The only way to fight statement said. this scourge is to strengthen and He also voiced the Govern- advocate hurt implement, without exceptions ment’s resolve of providing an or double standards, all existing enabling economic ecosystem IANS international laws and mecha- for partner countries to invest NEW DELHI nisms to combat terrorists and and do business in India. their enablers.” Highlighting the ‘Make in A minor altercation between Addressing the 18th meeting India’ programme, Singh invited some Delhi Police personnel of Council of Heads of Gov- SCO countries to enter into col- and advocates in Tis Hazari ernment (CHG) as the Special laborative joint ventures in court premises escalated into a Envoy of Prime Minister India, saying that significant big clash yesterday, resulting in Narendra Modi, the Defence Min- work has already been under- arson that left one lawyer ister highlighted the significance taken towards improving ‘Ease injured with a bullet injury. of the eight-member organi- of Doing Business’ in the The lawyers announced an sation in effectively addressing country. indefinite strike starting this the challenges facing the region. “We strongly support the Monday in all district courts, “Terrorism continues to initiative to facilitate cooper- demanding an action against disrupt our societies and ation among small and medium- the policemen involved in the undermine our developmental sized enterprises within the SCO. firing incident. endeavors. It is important for Food industry is another According to an advocate, SCO countries to come together potential area of collaboration. the scuffle started after a lawyer to deal with this menace,” he SCO members can work parked his vehicle outside a Religious festival said. together for technology and lock-up used to keep He congratulated Russia for investment support to food criminals. Devotees carrying offerings pray during the Chhath Puja Festival at Mahananda river in Siliguri, successfully holding the SCO processing and put in a sup- He was “rudely” told by yesterday. The festival is observed in parts of India and Nepal. joint military exercise ‘CENTER porting logistics chain,” he said. some police constables to remove it but he insisted on parking his car there as he had an “important hearing,” the Two Kerala CPI-M activists remanded under UAPA advocate said. Some other advocates, who IANS Both of they were taken into under UAPA as documents were Condemning the police MABaby said that it is in no way were eyewitness to incident, KOZHIKODE custody by the police and after seized from them,” said Yadav. action in a very strong manner acceptable the way the police has said that the policemen then lengthy questioning the police Meanwhile, the mother of was the State secretary of the handled this case and charged took the advocate to the police Two youth, both members of the registered a case under UAPA. Shuaib, Sabitha Madathil, after CPI, Kanam Rajendran who said them under UAPA. lock-up. ruling CPI-M, were sent to 14 Late in the evening the two meeting Chief Minister Pinarayi the whole arrest and the way The Kozhikode unit of the This escalated the situation days remand by a court here were produced before a court Vijayan, who was in the city, said things are going does not augur CPI-M also condemned the way as other advocates objected to yesterday, after the police here, which remanded them to that he has assured that things well for democracy and also the UAPA charges was put on the this and ended up damaging arrested them under the UAPA 14 days judicial custody. will be looked into. Left government. youths. police vehicles present at the (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) While being taken to the “My son is innocent and has “It appears there is some Leader of opposition Ramesh spot. Act). The charges were denied court, the two youths told the done no wrong. Just one notice conspiracy, as the arrest took Chennithala said the arrests of “How can you put an by the duo and the arrests were waiting media that they were was recovered from him, but he place the very same day that the CPI-M workers and charged advocate in lock-up. We are widely condemned by political taken into custody after they has absolutely no links with the Vijayan was in the city. The Left with UAPA, when the Left rules lawyers not criminals,” an agi- leaders. were seen smoking. Maoists,” said Madathil. does not support detention under the state is baffling. tated advocate said. The two students of law and “We have done no wrong The mother of Fazil said if UAPA, as this is a draconian Act. “It’s strange that UAPA Eyewitnesses say that journalism, Allen Shuaib and and nothing was recovered from this is the way things are going, The police have to act according charges are being levelled seeing the situation going out Thaha Fazil both full time CPI-M us,” shouted the two when they then anyone can be taken into to the policies of the Left and if against those who have of control, police decided to fire workers, were arrested after the were taken to the court. custody by the police and false it does not happen, then appro- expressed ideological issues. At in the air to disperse the agi- police recovered leaflets that But IG of Police Ashok Yadav cases can be thrust upon anyone. priate action has to come,” said the same time the stoic silence tating advocates but a bullet hit supported the Maoists movement told the media that they have “He was forced to shout pro- Rajendran whose party is the of the CPI-M on the recent fake the advocate who was kept in besides condemning the Union been taken into custody after Maoist slogans by the police when second biggest ally of the Vijayan encounter when the police the lock-up, turning the situ- government’s action in Jammu recovery of strong evidence. he was being taken away in the government. gunned down four Maoists is sur- ation ugly. and Kashmir, from them. “Yes, they have been charged police jeep,” said Fazil’s mother. CPI-M politburo member prising,” said Chennithala. SUNDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2019 ASIA 13 Thousands remain in protest camps; want Imran to resign AP Imran Khan made received 155. ISLAMABAD Rehman, without naming the clear he would army, said on Friday that: “If it Tens of thousands of Islamists not resign or hold is felt that state institutions were remained in a protest camp in early elections, behind the rigged elections and the heart of Pakistan’s capital after discussing the protecting these incompetent yesterday amid tight security, as and illegitimate rulers, we won’t authorities deployed additional situation with Cabinet be able to stop ourselves from shipping containers and riot members and party forming an opinion about these police to block access to key leaders yesterday, institutions.” government buildings. said Defence Minister Khan made clear he would The protest caravan rolled not resign or hold early elections, into Islamabad on Thursday led Pervez Khattak. after discussing the situation by firebrand cleric Maulana with Cabinet members and party A supporter of Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazal (JUI-F) holds a flag with others as they listen to the speeches Fazlur Rehman, who heads the leaders yesterday, said Defence of their leaders during what participants call Azadi March (Freedom March) in Islamabad, yesterday. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party. Rehman had initially denied Minister Pervez Khattak. He’s given Prime Minister Imran female journalists access to his The minister, who heads the Khan until tonight to resign over all-male encampment, which government committee that’s the country’s economic stretches over a kilometre along negotiating with Rehman’s pro- Pakistan army says supports elected hardships. a highway and into an open area testers, said they can continue Khan says he won’t succumb allocated by the government. His to assemble as long as they want. to pressure. ban caused a storm on social But he warned them not to government amid major protest Rehman has hinted he may media, and women reporters violate a deal signed before the try to force Khan to step down were eventually allowed into the protest caravan set off for the REUTERS/INTERNEWS Fazl-ur-Rehman, told a rally of categorical terms that they would by staging a mass march on the camp. capital, in which the demon- ISLAMABAD tens of thousands of supporters only attend the public meeting and “Red Zone,” where Parliament, The hard-line cleric has strators agreed to stay in the des- that he did not want a “collision would not support any sit-in. the prime minister’s residence, campaigned for regressive leg- ignated area while the gov- Pakistan’s powerful military said it with institutions”, a thinly veiled They said they had not issued government offices and foreign islation targeting women, and ernment promised not to hinder supported the country’s elected reference to the military, and any specific directives to their embassies are located. opposed legislation to eliminate their protests. government and the constitution, called on them to be impartial. workers and activists regarding Authorities in Islamabad of violence against women. He Khan had told a gathering on as tens of thousands of opposition Ghafoor said Rehman should participation in the sit-in. “We came were seen early yesterday has also refused to allow Friday in the northern city of protesters gathered in the capital know the military was impartial only for one day,” said PML-N sec- moving more rows of massive women members of his party Gilgit that he “will continue to demanding that Prime Minister and it should not be dragged into retary general Ahsan Iqbal. shipping containers onto roads to participate in the hold the corrupt accountable,” Imran Khan’s government quits. politics. Army chief General Iqbal, who also addressed the leading to the Red Zone. Para- demonstration. and that he’s not afraid of Reh- “We believe in the law and Qamar Javed Bajwa on Friday Azadi march participants with military forces were also Rehman has been accusing man’s threats to his the constitution and our support urged the government to handle PML-N president Shahbaz Sharif, deployed. the military of influencing the government. is with the democratically elected the protest peacefully. said even Nawaz Sharif had asked “This mammoth crowd has 2018 parliamentary elections The mass rally comes after government, not with any party,” Meanwhile, the country’s two them to participate in the Azadi the capacity to arrest the prime that saw Khan’s Pakistan’s Pakistani businesses observed a military spokesman Major major opposition parties — the march for one day only. minister themselves from the Tehreek-e-Insaf party come into nationwide strike earlier this General Asif Ghafoor said in com- Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Iqbal, who was preparing to prime minister’s house if he has power. Rehman’s seven-party week against recently enacted ments to a television news (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party go to the residence of Rehman not resigned within two days,” political alliance, Muttahida taxes, which the opposition says channel late on Friday. (PPP) — announced they would not for a meeting of the heads of the Rehman said on Friday night, Majlis-e-Amal, could secure only were imposed as part of the The military denies meddling become a part of the sit-in. opposition parties, said the while asking Pakistan’s pow- 16 seats in the 342-member International Monetary Fund’s in politics and Khan has dis- The leaders and office-bearers PML-N workers had participated erful military not to side with National Assembly, the lower $6 billion bailout package for missed the calls to step down. of the two parties said they had in the Azadi march and the public Khan. house of parliament. Khan Pakistan. The leader of the protest, already told the Rehman in meeting with full enthusiasm.

Landmine blast in Afghanistan Benazir murder case: Musharraf’s assets to be attached INTERNEWS murder case of the former prime affiliated with the banned Subsequently, a Joint Investi- initiated similar proceeding leaves nine RAWALPINDI minister and then chairperson of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. Both gation Team (JIT) of the Federal because of absconding of the ex- the Pakistan Peoples Party. police officers later filed an appeal Investigation Agency (FIA) impli- dictator in the high treason case. children dead An anti-terrorism court (ATC) of According to the prosecution, in the Lahore High Court, which cated the ex-military ruler Mush- In the high treason case, the Pakistan has ordered attachment Musharraf has eight bank accounts, suspended their sentences. arraf, then city police officer Aziz properties could not be attached AFP of the properties owned by besides immovable properties in As Musharraf had been and SSP Shehzad as accused. because the spouse, daughter KUNDUZ former military ruler Pervez Islamabad and Gwadar. He was declared a proclaimed offender, The prosecution submitted and a close relative of Musharraf Musharraf for being a fugitive in declared an absconder in the PPP the ATC then initiated a process eight challans to the ATC that claimed the ownership of the A landmine explosion killed the Benazir Bhutto murder case. chairperson’s murder case after he for attachment of his movable separated Musharraf’s trial after properties in question. nine children in northeastern Judge Shaukat Kamal Dar of left the country in 2016. and immovable properties. he left the country in March 2016. According to the documents Afghanistan yesterday, an the Rawalpindi ATC issued the In the August 31, 2017, verdict, The trial of the Benazir While the Rawalpindi ATC submitted by the interior min- official said, amid an increase order after the prosecution com- the ATC convicted CPO Saud Aziz murder suspects had commenced has ordered attachment of his istry in the special court, the in civilian casualties in the long- pleted the process required to and SSP Khurram Shehzad for in January 2008. However, the properties for being fugitive in former military dictator owned running and brutal war. declare the former military dictator criminal negligence and acquitted government in 2009 ordered a the Benazir Bhutto murder case, seven immovable properties and The blast happened in vol- ‘fugitive’ and ‘absconder’ in the five others suspected to be fresh probe into the assassination. a special court had earlier also nine bank accounts. atile Darqad district of Takhar province, when the children stepped on a mine that had been planted on a road in a Tal- Justice Isa’s verdict iban-controlled village. “At 8:30am (0400 GMT) this morning, tragically, nine now favours Imran schoolchildren were martyred in a landmine blast planted by INTERNEWS The Pakistan Bar Council the Taliban,” Jawad Hejri, a ISLAMABAD Vice-Chairman Syed Amjad spokesman for the Takhar pro- Shah said the bar supports vincial governor, said. He said The government of Pakistan has protest within preview of the the children — all boys — were filed a reference against the Constitution but the lawyers will aged from seven to 11. Supreme Court judge Qazi Faez oppose anything against law. No group claimed responsi- Isa. However, his February 2019 Saiful Malook advocate said bility for the blast, and the Taliban verdict with regard to the 2017 Fazl has threatened to arrest the did not immediately respond to Faizabad sit-in favours the elected prime minister, which is a request for comment. government in the present an offence under Article 6 of the Last month, the United scenario when an opposition Constitution. “I am seriously Nations released a report saying parties’ rally demands the prime planning to move high court for an “unprecedented” number of minister’s resignation. registration of high treason case civilians were killed or In the 43-page verdict that against Fazlur Rehman over wounded in Afghanistan from was announced on February 6, these comments,” he said. July to September this year.a Justice Isa declared that the right The SC’s judgement in The figures — 1,174 deaths of assembly cannot be used to Faizabad sit-in said every citizen and 3,139 injured from July 1 Suu Kyi at ASEAN forum overthrow a ‘lawful and political party has the right to until September 30 — represent government’. assemble and protest provided a 42 percent increase compared Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi attends a business forum on the sidelines of the 35th “The right of assembly is such assembly and protest is to the same period last year. Association of Southeast Asian Nation summit in Bangkok, yesterday. recognized as a right to preserve peaceful and complies with the The UN laid most of the the democratic order, but it law imposing reasonable restric- blame at the feet of “anti-gov- cannot be used to overthrow a tions in the interest of public order. ernment elements” such as the lawful government. Nor can the The right to assemble and Taliban, who have been carrying Abbasi undergoes medical check-up right of assembly be used to protest is circumscribed only to out an insurgency in Afghanistan bring about a revolution or the extent that it infringes on the for more than 18 years. INTERNEWS/ISLAMABAD A corruption reference medical board had suggested he insurrection,” he noted. fundamental rights of others, In May, a landmine killed against Abbasi is yet to be filed, get surgery for which the court However, when the verdict including the right to free seven children and wounded Incarcerated former Pakistani while his remand has been should allow him permission to was announced, the ruling party movement and to hold and enjoy two more in the southern prime minister Shahid Khaqan extended several times. get the surgery at Shifa Interna- — Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf property. province of Ghazni. Abbasi was yesterday shifted to Pakistan Institute for Medical tional Hospital. (PTI) — and the security estab- The court said protestors A month earlier, seven a hospital for an urgent check-up Sciences Spokesperson Dr The former prime minister lishment had expressed reser- who obstruct people’s right to children were killed and 10 after his health deteriorated. Wasim Ahmed said Abbasi also requested the court that his vations over it. A number of use roads and damage or more wounded in the eastern The National Accountability underwent check-up for hernia, case be broadcast on media so review petitions were filed destroy property must be pro- province of Laghman when a Bureau (NAB) had arrested the heart and lungs. that the whole Pakistan can see against the judgment. These ceeded against in accordance mortar shell exploded while Pakistan Muslim League-N On October 28, Abbasi told how their elected officials are review petitions are still with the law and be held they were playing with it. leader on July 18 in the LNG case. an accountability court that a treated. pending. accountable. 14 ASIA SUNDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2019

Three bodies found Asian nations must quit after South Korean helicopter crash ‘coal addiction’: UN chief AFP/SEOUL South Korean rescuers located AFP New research this week three bodies believed to be BANGKOK showed that at least 300 million among seven who went missing people worldwide are living in after their chopper crashed into The UN chief yesterday warned Antonio Guterres said places at risk of inundation by the sea shortly after taking off Asian nations to quit its 2050, a much bleaker picture from islets disputed with Japan, “addiction” to coal, as climate Asian countries need than previous data predicted. officials said yesterday. change threatens hundreds of to cut reliance on coal Destructive storm surges The helicopter had just millions of people vulnerable to to tackle the climate fuelled by increasingly powerful picked an injured fisherman up rising sea levels across the crisis, which he called cyclones and rising seas will hit from Dokdo, which is known region. Asia hardest, according to the as Takeshima in Japan, when it The warning follows fresh the “defining issue of study in the journal Nature went down on Thursday night. research this week predicting our time”. Communications. One body was found inside that several Asian megacities, The UN chief also spoke on the chopper located at a depth including Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh Myanmar’s persecuted Rohingya of 72 metres, 600 metres south City and Mumbai, are at risk of “We are lagging behind,” Muslims, nearly three-quarters of the islets, while the other two extreme flooding linked to global Guterres said, adding that the of a million of whom were driven were found in the water nearby, warming. rollback of coal could help curb into Bangladesh in 2017. a Coast Guard representative Antonio Guterres said Asian rising global temperatures. He urged Myanmar’s gov- told reporters. countries need to cut reliance on Coal remains a major source ernment to “address the root The crashed chopper sat coal to tackle the climate crisis, of power across Southeast Asia, causes of displacement and upside down on the seabed, he which he called the “defining where breakneck economic allowing of the return, voluntary said, adding its tail had broken issue of our time”. development has spurred and in safety and dignity” to off and had been found 110 “There is an addiction to coal soaring energy demands — but Myanmar. metres away. that we need to overcome at a cost to the environment. “Some steps have been done It was not yet possible to because it remains a major threat About one-third of Vietnam’s but they are too small. We need identify the three bodies, he in relation to climate change,” energy comes from coal power to do much more,” he said. said, adding that a search oper- he told reporters ahead of a with a slew of new plants set to Myanmar’s de facto leader ation was underway to retrieve meeting of the Association of come online by 2050, while Aung San Suu Kyi is also in them and find the other four Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Thailand is investing in fossil Bangkok for the summit and is still missing. The bodies were in Bangkok yesterday. fuels. likely to face pressure over her UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (right) visits Chulalongkorn found by an unmanned sub- He added that countries in Coastal areas across country’s treatment of the University Centenary Park ahead of the 35th Association of Southeast marine, although divers would the region need to be on “the Southeast Asia have already seen Rohingya, particularly from Asian Nations (Asean) summit, in Bangkok, yesterday. attempt to retrieve them man- front line” of the fight by intro- major floods and seawater Muslim-majority Malaysia and ually for fear using the subma- ducing carbon pricing and incursion linked to climate Indonesia. international pressure so far have returned to Myanmar, due rine’s “robot-arm” could reforming energy policies. change. Myanmar has rebuffed all while only hundreds of Rohingya to fear of further repression. damage the remains. Police rule out Vietnam ‘strongly condemns’ human trafficking after 39 deaths arson in Japan’s AFP The extreme risks of the woman Le Thi Thu Hang. “I think my son could be manslaughter, money laundering Shuri Castle fire HANOI journeys were laid bare after She called the incident a among the 39 dead,” Nguyen and conspiracy to assist unlawful eight women and 31 men were “serious humanitarian tragedy”, Dinh Gia said yesterday from Ha immigration. REUTERS Vietnam said yesterday that it found dead in a refrigerated con- urging help to tackle the scourge Tinh province where he has been In Dublin, another Northern TOKYO “strongly condemns” human tainer in Essex, east of London, of trafficking. anxiously waiting for news about Irishman appeared at Ireland’s trafficking, after British police on October 23. “Vietnam calls upon coun- his child Nguyen Dinh Luong. High Court for the start of extra- Police believe a fire that tore confirmed 39 people found dead Two people were arrested in tries in the region and around the The grim case has shocked dition proceedings to bring him through World Heritage-listed in a truck last week are believed central Ha Tinh province for world to step up cooperation in Britain and plunged families in to Britain in connection with the Shuri Castle in Japan’s to be Vietnamese. human trafficking on Friday, as combating human trafficking in remote Vietnamese villages into incident. southern-most island of Most of the victims are British police sought more order to prevent the recurrence grief. It has also cast a light on British police have also said Okinawa this week was not thought to come from central suspects. of such tragedy,” she added. sophisticated transnational traf- they want to speak to Ronan and likely to have been caused by Vietnam, where easy-to-find Vietnam said yesterday it Officials are now working to ficking networks helping to Christopher Hughes, two arson, Kyodo news agency brokers help to arrange trips to “strongly condemns human traf- identify the victims after DNA smuggle migrants into Britain. brothers in the haulage business reported, citing sources. Europe — often via Russia — for ficking and considers it a serious samples were collected from The 25-year-old Northern from Northern Ireland. Three In analysing the evidence, migrants hoping to earn money crime,” according to a statement families in Ha Tinh and Nghe An Irish driver of the refrigerated other people have been arrested such as surveillance footage at overseas. from foreign ministry spokes- provinces in central Vietnam. lorry has been charged with and released on police bail. the destroyed castle, local police have found no traces of intrusion into the castle before the fire breaking out, Kyodo Tear gas as protesters reported, citing unnamed investigators. The blaze was believed to defy Hong Kong ban have started in the main hall early on Thursday morning, AFP Some hardcore protesters public broadcaster NHK said. HONG KONG hurled bricks and petrol bombs The fire was put out nearly 12 at police as well as towards the hours later, but by then most of Hong Kong police fired tear gas entrances to subway stations. the wooden castle’s major and water cannon yesterday as Police made multiple arrests buildings had been reduced to thousands of democracy throughout the day. A reporter charred skeletons. protesters hit the streets, defying saw around 100 people being A spokesman at the main authorities with another unsanc- taken away in three coaches police station at Naha, the tioned march after Beijing vowed after they were detained. capital city of Okinawa pre- to tighten control over the Among those caught up in fecture, said investigations are unrest-plagued city. the tear gas clouds were rugby still going on and the police Crowds of black-clad pro- fans who had gathered in bars have not excluded any testers, many wearing face in Wanchai district to watch the possibilities. masks despite a recent ban, filled World Cup final. “As we are still in the the popular shopping district of The latest clashes came after middle of the investigation, we Causeway Bay and clashes soon China warned on Friday that it can’t say anything further,” he erupted as riot police tried to would not tolerate any challenge said. scatter them. to Hong Kong’s governing system Shuri Castle, once a palace Sustained volleys of tear gas and planned to boost patriotic and cultural heart of the were fired during hours of education in the city, which has Damaged entrance of China’s official Xinhua news agency seen during anti-government protest in Ryukyu Kingdom which flour- running battles on the main seen 22 consecutive weekends Hong Kong, yesterday. ished from the 15th to 19th island while a water cannon of youth-led protests. century, was designated a truck chased groups of activists Hong Kong has been city into recession. sign of leaving the streets. of arrest and jail for taking part Unesco World Heritage site in as they blocked roads, built bar- upended by the huge, often Beijing has shown no will- Police had rejected an appli- in an illegal assembly. 2000 and was also a ricades and vandalised some violent, pro-democracy pro- ingness to meet protester cation for an afternoon march, An evening rally had been scheduled stop on the 2020 businesses — including smashing tests which have battered the demands for greater democratic citing safety fears. But as so often granted permission by police but Tokyo Olympic torch relay the office windows of China’s financial hub’s reputation for freedoms and police accounta- in the past, protesters simply this was later withdrawn as route. state-run Xinhua news agency. stability and helped plunge the bility — and activists show no defied the ban, despite the risk clashes raged across the city. Two koalas rescued in Australia bushfire, fate of others unknown AFP ball, basically not moving,” Sue the outskirts of the fire, the hos- reduced genetic diversity of the PORT MACQUARIE Ashton, the hospital’s president, pital said. marsupial. said. Hundreds of the creatures More than 60 fires were Two koalas were rescued from The juvenile marsupial, are feared to have died in the burning yesterday afternoon a fire-ravaged area of Australia’s weighing just five kilograms, is fires, and as the days go by a lack across the state of New South east coast yesterday but the fate now doing “really well”, Ashton of water is further hampering Wales, which has been battling of hundreds more remains added and was joined later by a their chances of survival. severe drought. uncertain with blazes still raging female koala called Anwin who “That is our concern, not A water-bombing plane in their bush habitat. is also being treated for only that they are burnt, but that accompanied by water- The first koala, named “Cor- dehydration. they are now dehydrated,” dropping helicopters continued duroy Paul”, was found dehy- Bushfires blazing in the area Ashton said. “They are going to battle the fires near Port Mac- drated amid the devastation have destroyed thousands of days without water, or leaf — quarie yesterday. some 400 km north of Sydney, hectares over the past week, which gives them 65 percent of The fire “has just gone and was taken to the Port Mac- including a densely populated their water.” straight through (the koala quarie Koala Hospital early habitat of “very rare” koalas. Land clearing and devel- habitat) and very little would A dehydrated and injured Koala receives treatment after its rescue yesterday. A further four more koalas opment has devastated the tree- actually survive in there from a bushfire that has ravaged an area of over 2,000 hectares, at “He was picked up off the are to be picked up today after dwelling koalas’ habitat, leading unscathed,” firefighter Terry Hill the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, in Australia, yesterday. ground and curled up in a little being spotted in the bushland on to increased inbreeding and said. SUNDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2019 EUROPE 15 US cautions Serbia against buying Russian missile systems

AFP significant Russian military according to the Russian defence us. Otherwise we do not have the “We think it is more signif- SKOPJE systems,” US special envoy ministry. means to procure them.” icant than anything the Russians Matthew Palmer told the Elsat They have been used in Syria Palmer, US special repre- do with Belgrade,” the US envoy A US envoy has expressed television channel, in an and Turkey has purchased the sentative for the Western added. US special envoy concern about Serbian interest interview. S-400 system despite strong Balkans, told the Elsat: “We hope Serbia nonetheless has his- Matthew Palmer in Russian air defence systems, Palmer was referring to the opposition from Nato partners. our Serbian partners will be torically close ties with Russia, warning Belgrade to be “careful deployment last week of a The two weapons provide a careful and cautious about any which has provided backing over argued that US and cautious” about buying Russian S-400 missile system multi-layered air defence such transactions.” the delicate question of Kosovo, military ties with them, in comments to North and a Pantsir anti-aircraft gun network considered by many to US military ties with Serbia a former Serb province. Serbia were more Macedonia television. and missile system to Serbia for be among the best in the world. were more significant than Russia- Moscow was not pleased “We do of course have con- the Slavic Shield-2019 defence Serbian President Ale- Serbian relations, he argued. when Montenegro, which like significant than cerns not just about deployment exercises. ksandar Vucic said his country “We have a strong military Serbia is a former Yugoslav Russia-Serbian of Russian military equipment It was the first time the two would like to acquire the partnership with Serbia, I think republic, joined Nato in 2017, and relations. on the territory of Serbia, but the weapons systems had taken part weapons, but that “the only way in fact, arguably Serbia’s best is keen to maintain influence in possibility of Serbia acquiring in military drills outside Russia, would be if Russia left them with military partner is the US. the region. Johnson rejects calls Three detained over explosion for ‘no-deal Brexit’ in Sweden

REUTERS since the 2016 referendum vote AP LONDON to leave the EU, businesses and HELSINKI economists have cautioned that British Prime Minister Boris leaving the bloc without a deal Swedish police said they have Johnson sparked an angry to smooth the transition would detained three people in backlash from Brexit Party deliver a big blow to the British connection with an explosion leader Nigel Farage yesterday economy. in an apartment building in the after he rejected calls to drop his Proponents of a no-deal southern city of Malmo. Brexit deal and embrace a clean Brexit say it provides a clean No-one was injured in the break from the European Union, break from EU rules and blast, which broke the build- potentially splitting the euro- regulations. ing’s main door, blew out sceptic vote. “If The Times are right and windows and substantially Johnson had previously Boris Johnson will abandon a damaged the entrance level in pledged to take Britain out of the clean break Brexit, and he wins a southern district of Sweden’s EU with or without a deal on an election on this, we will never third largest city yesterday. October 31, before lawmakers be free of EU rules,” Brexit Party Police spokesman Peter voted to force him to seek an Leader Nigel Farage said in a Martin said that initial infor- extension until January 31. tweet. “The deal is simply not mation suggests the explosion But he has abandoned the Brexit and does not get Brexit has no connection to a blast on threat of a no-deal Brexit in his done.” Friday in another Malmo dis- Conservative Party’s manifesto Farage on Thursday inter- trict where a parked car and a Demonstrators taking part in a pro-Scottish Independence rally, in Glasgow, Scotland, yesterday. for the December 12 election, the viewed US President Donald nearby building were damaged. Times newspaper reported yes- Trump, who said that Jeremy Later yesterday, a police terday. It added that the focus Corbyn, leader of Britain’s oppo- bomb squad was alerted to a would be on getting his Brexit sition Labour party, would be Thousands march for Scottish independence central Malmo park to examine deal approved. “so bad” for Britain. AFP campaign, with a crucial “We must seize that prize,” an unidentified suspicious On Friday, Johnson rejected Yesterday, Corbyn said that GLASGOW general election looming next she urged. object. The report said the a call from the Brexit Party to Trump was entitled to his month. Sturgeon is expected, before national bomb squad has been drop the deal he negotiated with opinion but again warned of Thousands rallied in Glasgow “Make no mistake, the Christmas, to formally ask called out to examine suspected the European Union last month the dangers of a trade deal with yesterday calling for Scotland to general election we face now on Johnson for a Section 30 order, bombs nationwide 30 times in in order to form a new electoral the United States, saying it become an independent country, December 12 is the most which would give Scotland’s the past two months and 100 pact, saying that he could put his threatened Britain’s public with First Minister Nicola important election for Scotland devolved government per- times this year. deal through parliament after National Health Service, a Sturgeon telling the crowds that in our lifetimes,” she told the mission to stage a referendum. any election win. claim Johnson and Trump both their goal was “within touching crowds. “The future of our Supporters waved the St “What we’ve got is a fan- deny. distance”. country is on the line. Andrews cross emblazoned with Two injured as tastic deal that nobody thought “We will not go down that The Scottish National Party “We must come out in our the word “Yes” and Catalan flags we could get,” Johnson said. “As path under any circumstances. (SNP) leader was the headline numbers and vote in this in solidarity with the fellow car crashes in soon as we get back in the Our public services, our national speaker at the event in George election,” she added, insisting independence campaign. North Macedonia middle of December, we can put health service is not for sale, to Square, the first time she has that the “prize” of independence Scotland voted against inde- that deal through.” Donald Trump or anybody else,” addressed an independence was “within touching pendence in a 2014 referendum AP In Britain’s tortuous journey Corbyn added. rally since the 2014 referendum distance.” by 55 percent. LJUBLJANA

Police in North Macedonia said that two people have been British government halts fracking ahead of election injured after a smuggling car crammed with 14 migrants AP earthquakes linked to fracking “For this reason, I have con- some called for a permanent ban always been our goal and our collided with a truck on a LONDON operations. cluded that we should put a mor- on the practice, not just a halt in reasons are now being taken highway in the south of the The decision to announce a atorium on fracking in England the approval process.. seriously.” country on Friday. The British government moratorium on fracking means with immediate effect,” Leadsom Activist Maureen Mills from But politicians from the The car driver ran away announced yesterday that it will the government will no longer said. the Halsall Against Fracking opposition Labour Party and the after the accident, and the no longer allow fracking because support the use of fracking for The government’s new group, said the decision was Liberal Democrats warned that trucker, who was not hurt, of new scientific analysis that shale gas extraction and fracking position was announced at the welcome because fracking had the government’s reversal on called police who found and casts doubts on the safety of the planning proposals will not be start of what is expected to be a taken an “immeasurable” toll on fracking may be a temporary detained the migrants. controversial practice, but some moved forward. hard-fought campaign ahead of her region of northwestern ploy to garner votes during the The two injured migrants critics called the an election stunt Business and Energy Sec- a December 12 national election. England. upcoming national vote. were taken to hospital. and demanded a permanent ban. retary Andrea Leadsom said the There have been considerable “Our communities are left Labour Party housing adviser The accident occurred near The government said the new scientific report makes clear protests against fracking in physically and mentally drained John Healey said the ban the town of Demir Kapija, some decision was based on a finding that the government cannot rule recent years. and devastated. For what? Years “appears to be temporary” and 40km north of the border with by the Oil and Gas Authority that out future “unacceptable The announcement drew of anguish, research, protest, may be reversed later if Prime Greece — from which the it is not possible to clearly predict impacts” on local communities praise from local activists and tears and fears,” she said. Minister Boris Johnson remains migrants are believed to have the likelihood or severity of where fracking is allowed. environmental groups although “Stopping this industry has in power after the vote. entered illegally. Over 30 Pakistan Greek tanker not to blame migrants found in French lorry for Brazil oil spill: Operators AFP AFP And as reported in an initial NICE ATHENS statement on Friday, the vessel — which the company named as More than 30 migrants from The operators of a Greek-flagged “Bouboulina” — “sailed from Pakistan have been found tanker considered the “prime Venezuela in laden condition on hidden in a lorry in southern suspect” for a series of oil spills July 19, 2019, heading directly, France, prosecutors said along the Brazilian coast in the with no stops at other ports, for yesterday, adding that the past two months denied Melaka, Malaysia, where she dis- driver, who was also from yesterday that the vessel was to charged her entire cargo without Pakistan, was detained. blame. any shortage”. The group of 31 Pakistani “There is no proof of the Earlier, the Greek authorities migrants was discovered during vessel having stopped, con- had said that a Greek ship was a routine check on a motorway ducted any kind of STS operation one of five vessels suspected in near the Italian border on (Ship to Ship), leaked, slowed oil spills that began appearing Friday, French prosecutors said. down or veered off course, on its along 2,000km of Brazil’s north- The migrants, who included passage from Venezuela to estern Atlantic coast in early three teenagers, were handed Melaka, Malaysia,” the company September. A view of Delta Tankers LTD’s headquarters in Athens, one of the companies suspected of being over to the Italian authorities Delta Tankers Ltd said in a A spokeswoman for the responsible for the oil spill in Brazil in early September 2019. in accordance with immigration statement. Greek coastguard, which procedures. The Athens-based company answers to the merchant navy give the names of the vessels, those vessels arrive in a Greek ship as the “prime suspect”. “We will try and establish said that it had conducted “a full ministry, said that “the investi- which had now left Brazil to port”. The defence ministry said a if we can trace it back to a search of the material from the gation conducted in Brazil unknown destinations, or their Investigators in Brazil search warrant for the unnamed network and backers as we cameras and sensors that all showed that five ships from dif- owners. studied 1,100 ships navigating ship had been issued, as the always do in this type of case,” (our) vessels carry as part of (our) ferent countries are suspects, But she said that “detailed through the area, narrowed attorney general’s office said the the prosecutors’ office in the safety and environmental including a Greek one”. controls will be carried out by down the potential culprits to 30, damage to Brazil’s coasts was southeastern city of Nice said. policies”. The spokeswoman did not the Greek authorities should then settled on the Greek-flagged “immeasurable”. 16 EUROPE SUNDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2019 We are not facing migrant invasion: Italian Minister AFP Luciana Lamorgese invasion,” said Lamorgese, who -- the former government agreement between Italy and ROME highlighted the arrival took up her role in September between Salvini’s far-right Libya to block migrants leaving in Sicily this week of after the formation of the new League and M5S, had agreed that the coast of the North African Italy’s new Interior Minister about 100 migrants coalition government between more than 2,300 migrants be country, Lamorgese said the deal Luciana Lamorgese (pictured) the Five Star Movement (M5S) repatriated to Italy. could be improved. said in an interview that there rescued in the and the centre-left Democratic She said for this year, 1,351 She said Rome’s plan was to was no migrant “invasion”, coun- Mediterranean after Party (PD). “Dubliners” would be sent back “further support assisted vol- tering statements by her hardline France and Germany She said the only increase in to Italy. untary repatriations” led by the anti-immigration predecessor agreed to host many arrivals occurred in September. Lamorgese highlighted the UN refugee agency and the Inter- Matteo Salvini. Lamorgese also dismissed arrival in Sicily this week of national Office for Migration. Lamorgese told the Repub- of them. Salvini’s comments that Rome about 100 migrants rescued in The process has allowed blica newspaper that this year would authorise the return to the Mediterranean after France 25,000 migrants to return to 9,600 migrants and asylum- “Germany and France will Italy of migrants in Germany on and Germany agreed to host their countries, Lamorgese said, seekers had arrived in Italy, welcome 60, Portugal 5 and chartered flights. many of them. adding that it was necessary to compared with 22,000 in 2018. Ireland two”. former civil servant who has no “Nothing has been decided,” France, Germany, Italy and “empty” Libya’s detention Her comments were fol- They would be allowed to political affiliation — after Salvini she said. Malta reached a deal in Sep- centres, which have been criti- lowed later Friday by an Interior disembark in the port of Taranto spoke of a “tripling” of migrant Under the EU’s Dublin Reg- tember to try to avoid ships car- cised for abuses. Ministry announcement that of in Puglia in southern Italy, the landings in Italy and called for ulation -- which states that rying migrants being held up for She said Italy has also sped 88 migrants rescued by the ministry added. the “invasion” to stop. migrants should be sent back to weeks while countries decided up the repatriation process for German charity Sea-Eye’s Alan Repubblica questioned “I do not have such infor- the country they first arrived in their fate on a case-by-case basis. migrants who are not entitled to Kurdi ship on October 26, Lamorgese — a 66-year-old mation. We are not facing any if their asylum request is denied On the controversial 2017 asylum. German minister appeals for EU unity amid challenges

AP communist regime, but also to first country to ever leave the BERLIN democracy activists in other bloc — and as “saving the euro Eastern bloc countries like and the endless dispute about Germany’s foreign minister Poland, Czechoslovakia and taking in and distributing ref- appealed yesterday for European Hungary, and leaders on both ugees have opened up new rifts” countries to unite in the face of sides of the ideological divide among EU nations. global challenges such as climate who paved the way to German At the same time, Maas said, change and migration, arguing re-unification. more people are turning to pop- that unilateral national action is “German unity was also a gift ulist parties with nationalist not enough. from Europe to Germany - at the agendas, who “believe less In an op-ed published in 26 end of a century in which Europe is better for us.” EU countries as Germany heads Germans had brought unimag- He urged greater cooper- into a week of commemorations inable suffering to this con- ation instead, saying “none of us marking the anniversary of the tinent,” he wrote. can cope with the four major fall of the Berlin Wall on “This gives rise to an obli- worldwide challenges - globali- November 9, 1989, Heiko Maas gation for us, namely to com- zation, climate change, the said that the events 30 years ago plete the project that is the uni- digital transformation and spelled the end of Germany’s fication of Europe — building a migration — by ourselves.” decades-long division during the Europe that lives up to the values “Exhortations from indi- Cold War. and dreams of those who took vidual European capitals fall on But he said the wall’s fall to the streets in 1989 to fight for deaf ears in Moscow, Beijing and, didn’t occur in a vacuum and freedom and democracy.” unfortunately, to an increasing Prince Harry in Japan Germany owed thanks not only He noted that Germany extent also in Washington, DC,” Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, speaks with wheelchair rugby athletes as he visits the Nippon to the hundreds of thousands of assumes the rotating European Maas said. “It is only Europe’s Foundation Para Arena, in Tokyo, yesterday. East Germans who protested Union presidency next year as voice that carries decisive peacefully against the Britain prepares to leave — the weight.”

French soldier Italy arrests 19 people in international drug raid dead in Mali AP in Poland, directed heroin ship- cocaine worth $4.7m was seized, the suspects, from Ivory Coast, elsewhere northern Europe ROME ments from Asia to Italy for street including two busts at Paris air- rented a villa owned by a where, after various handoffs, bombing: Elysee sales. Several other suspects are ports in 2015, one at Rome’s Casalesi mobster, the Carabinieri they arrived in Italy. Police in Italy arrested 19 people, from Burundi, Carabinieri par- main airport in 2013, and others said. Before 2013, police said, the AFP most from Tanzania, when amilitary police said in a in Santorini, Greece, in 2015 and Initially using Africans, traf- delivery route was less circu- PARIS dismantling a heroin ring statement. another at Austria’s border with fickers later employed Italians, itous, with couriers departing involving more than 150 suspects Authorities said the drug Italy in 2013, where heroin was Greeks, Spaniards, Bulgarians directly from the places where A French soldier was killed in in Africa, Asia and Europe, traffickers kept a low profile, found inside a fire extinguisher and Hungarians as drug couriers, the drugs were produced - Mali yesterday after his authorities said yesterday. living in modest homes and in a Turkish truck that had set police said. heroin from Asia and cocaine armoured vehicle was struck The arrests stemmed from a working as barbers, merchants out by ferry from Greece to The couriers reached Italy from Latin America. by a roadside bomb, France’s probe begun in 2012 with a and other legitimate Trieste, Italy. using cargo boats, planes, trains, Those skilled at creating false presidency said in a statement. heroin seizure in Perugia, a uni- professions. Some of the intermediaries buses and taxis. bottoms in suitcases and back- Corporal Ronan Pointeau versity town in central Italy. Since the probe began, 144 were based in Italy’s Caserta Drugs were stockpiled in packs, or cotton bags woven into died near Menaka in eastern Investigators in Perugia told drug couriers have been area, where the Casalesi clan of Turkey, Tanzania, South Africa, underwear, were paid $1,000 Mali following “the detonation reporters that one ringleader is arrested. the Camorra crime syndicate Brazil, Peru and Bolivia, then per item, investigators said of an improvised explosive a Tanzanian who, from his base Overall, heroin worth largely holds sway, and one of transported to Poland and yesterday. device as his armoured vehicle drove by,” the statement said. President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Poin- Smoking ban takes effect in teau’s “sacrifice” and said his thoughts were with the soldier’s Austrian clubs, restaurants colleagues and “his Sahelian brothers in arms, who are AFP paying a heavy price in the fight VIENNA against terrorism.” Pointeau’s death follows an A ban on smoking in Austrian clubs and restaurants took effect on attack on Friday in the same Friday, making it one of the last European countries to stub out the region that left 49 Malian sol- habit in indoor public places after years of protracted debate and diers dead. protests. Parliamentarians approved the ban in July in a bid to rid Austria of its status as the “ashtray of Europe”. Only members from the far- Norway arrests US right Freedom Party (FPOe) opposed the measure. A quarter of the country’s 8.8 million inhabitants smoke, far-right activist, exceeding the European average of 18 percent, but calls for bans seeks deportation dated back more than a decade. The FPOe — formerly led by a keen smoker — had stymied a AP/HELSINKI previous attempt to ban smoking in pubs and restaurants when it entered the government in December 2017. Norwegian authorities have That prompted a backlash from large sections of the public and arrested a high-profile US white the Austrian medical association, which organised a petition in supremacist scheduled to speak favour of the ban signed by almost 900,000 people, or around 14 at an international far-right percent of voters. conference in Oslo and say they However, in May the FPOe left government under the shadow will seek his deportation. of a corruption scandal, paving the way for the proposal to be voted Spokesman Martin Bernsen again in parliament. from Norway’s domestic Up until now, smoking has been legal in clubs and restaurants security agency PST said that a larger than 50 sq metres as long as it was done in a separate area US citizen was arrested yes- — although this rule was not always rigidly implemented. terday “on the basis of the No separate area was necessary in smaller establishments if the Immigration Act section 106” owner was happy to allow smoking on the premises. including a suspicion that “he However, a growing number of restaurants and cafes had already may play an obvious role in banned smoking of their own accord. Interactive museum radicalisation.” Currently, 17 UE countries have comprehensive smoke-free Manfred Dederl (right) is being photographed at the “Supercandy Pop-Up Museum Vol. 2” in Cologne, PST didn’t give the person’s laws. Ireland, the UK, Greece, Bulgaria, Malta, Spain and Hungary western Germany, yesterday. It is an interactive museum and offers the perfect photo backdrop for name, but he was identified by have the strictest laws with bans on smoking in all enclosed public social media at 25 stations. Norwegian media as Greg spaces, on public transport and in workplaces. Johnson. SUNDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2019 AMERICAS 17

Trump announces Defiant US President says new acting US homeland impeachment delivers security chief AFP him an ‘angry majority’ WASHINGTON US President Donald Trump AFP A new Washington will fail to remove him from office. announced that a senior TUPELO Post/ABC poll found And Trump thinks he has that department official, Chad Wolf, that Americans remain support locked up. “The Repub- would become the nation’s new A combative US President Donald almost evenly split licans have been amazing,” he said acting homeland security chief, Trump told supporters in his elec- earlier in Washington. a role at the center of his toral stronghold of Mississippi on the crisis, with 49 Trump is also putting more crackdown on undocumented that a push to impeach him is percent saying he effort into highlighting the immigration. driving an “angry” Republican should be impeached economy, a point that Republicans Asked to confirm rumors surge ahead of 2020. and removed from might wish he stuck to more often, that Wolf, a department under- “We’ve never had greater rather than his frequent diversions secretary, would assume the support than we have right now,” office while 47 percent into controversial territory. Trump role, Trump told reporters: Trump claimed in front of thou- say he should not. got a boost on that score with “Well he’s right now acting and sands of cheering supporters in a figures that showed employment we’ll see what happens. We packed arena in Tupelo. The latest probe on a formal track. growing at a steady pace. If a Dem- have great people in there.” average of polls shows only 40.9 That vote on Thursday set in ocrat wins the presidency, Trump Trump announced the resig- percent of Americans approve of motion a likely unstoppable drive told the rally, prosperity will end. nation of his current acting sec- Trump, but the fired-up President toward Trump becoming only the But House committees have retary, Kevin McAleenan, three clearly sees his core base as third American president to be heard from a stream of witnesses weeks ago, marking the latest essential to his political survival — impeached. He is accused of saying they were concerned by the departure in a long list of top offi- and reelection next year. abusing his office by withholding way Trump dealt with Ukraine, cials to leave his administration. He called impeachment pro- military aid to pressure Ukraine bolstering the Democrats’ case that “As the president has said, ceedings against him in the Dem- into opening a corruption probe he abused his office. Kevin McAleenan has done a ocratic-led House of Represent- against one of his 2020 election A new Washington Post/ABC tremendous job. He’ll be leaving atives “an attack on democracy rivals, Joe Biden. poll found that Americans remain after Veterans Day and after he itself”. “But I tell you the Repub- But while Democrats advance almost evenly split on the crisis, departs, Chad Wolf will serve licans are really strong,” he said, against the president, Trump is with 49 percent saying he should as acting secretary in the touting the emergence of “an focusing on a strategy that relies be impeached and removed from interim,” White House angry majority”. The rally in on party loyalty and flat out denial office while 47 percent say he spokesman Hogan Gidley said. Tupelo was Trump’s first since the that his pressure on Ukraine was should not. Even more telling, McAleenan served in the House voted overwhelmingly — illegal. As long as the Republican Democrats are 82 percent in role for six months, replacing but along sharply divided party majority in the Senate sticks by favor of Trump’s removal and Kirstjen Nielsen, who sat at the lines — to put the impeachment him, the lower house impeachment Republicans 82 percent opposed. helm of the powerful agency for 18 months. Homeland Security is the third-largest department in the US government, over- US energy chief Perry spurns invitation to testify seeing a number of agencies including the Coast Guard, REUTERS Perry was resigning from his contender for the Democratic is forbidden to be present,” subpoenaed by Democrats in the Secret Service and FEMA. In WASHINGTON Cabinet post and would step nomination to face him in the spokeswoman Shaylyn Hynes said probe, arguing at the time that addition, it is in charge of immi- down by the end of the year. 2020 election, and his son Hunter, in a statement, referring to Perry. the impeachment inquiry had gration-related agencies such as US Energy Secretary Rick Perry, Perry, White House budget who had served as a director for “If the committee is inter- not been properly authorized. Customs and Border Protection, a member of President Donald office acting director Russell a Ukrainian energy company. ested in conducting a serious In the first formal test of support Immigration and Customs Trump’s Cabinet who has played Vought and two other officials Democrats have accused proceeding they are welcome to for the impeachment investigation, Enforcement and Citizenship a pivotal role in the Ukraine con- were asked to testify on Trump of abusing his power and send for the Secretary’s consid- the Democratic-controlled House and Immigration Services. troversy, will refuse to testify as Wednesday next week in a trying to pressure a vulnerable US eration an invitation to partic- on Thursday voted almost entirely Wolf, who is the undersec- requested next week in the Dem- closed session before the three ally to interfere in an American ipate in an open hearing where along party lines — 232 to 196 — to retary for the department’s ocratic-led impeachment inquiry House committees leading the election for his own political the Department’s counsel can be move forward with the probe, Office of Strategy, Policy and against Trump, an Energy inquiry, an official working on benefit. State Department coun- present and the American people including public hearings. Perry Plans, has “made significant Department spokeswoman said. the probe said. selor Ulrich Brechbuhl and Under can witness,” Hynes said. was one of three officials — along progress to strengthen US Perry’s refusal represented The inquiry focuses on a July Secretary of State for Political Perry’s refusal to testify with Gordon Sondland and Kurt border security, address the the latest instance of Trump’s 25 telephone call in which Trump Affairs David Hale also were asked marked his latest act of defiance Volker — assigned to take the lead humanitarian crisis on the US administration refusing to coop- asked Ukrainian President Volo- to testify on Wednesday. in the impeachment effort. The on American policy toward Southwest Border, and improve erate in the fast-moving inquiry dymyr Zelenskiy to investigate “The Secretary will not Energy Department said on Ukraine after Trump abruptly the integrity of the US immi- in the House of Representatives. political rival Joe Biden, a former partake in a secret star chamber October 18 that Perry would not removed the US ambassador in gration system” a biography on Trump said on October 17 that U.S. vice president and a leading inquisition where agency counsel turn over documents Kiev, Marie Yovanovitch, in May. the DHS website says. Democrat Beto O’Rourke quits White House race

AFP communications director Rob WASHINGTON Friedlander said. O’Rourke has been a fierce critic of President Democrat Beto O’Rourke Donald Trump, openly branding announced late on Friday that he him a “racist” who is motivated is dropping out of the crowded by white supremacist views. race for the 2020 US presidential O’Rourke had expressed nomination, after months of particular anger towards Trump stagnant polling numbers and after a horrific shooting in his dwindling finances. Texas hometown of El Paso in “Though it is difficult to early August, saying the mas- accept, it is clear to me now that sacre was a “consequence” of this campaign does not have the Trump’s hostile rhetoric towards means to move forward success- immigrants. fully,” the former congressman Meanwhile, Biden’s standing in A combination of pictures show a woman walking past Trump Tower in New York (left), and the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida. said in a statement. “My service the Democratic presidential nom- to the country will not be as a can- ination battle has slipped in Iowa didate or as the nominee.” against top rivals including Eliz- Trump may face fight over planned Florida move The charismatic 47-year-old abeth Warren, the frontrunner in Texan entered the contest with the early-voting state, who AP if you go to Florida and fill out family photos and his most val- the city and state that adds up to considerable buzz after nar- answered critics over how she will NEW YORK an affidavit, you register to vote uable artwork, even where he 12.7 percent. And because of rowly losing a US Senate bid to pay for her progressive policies. and you get a driver’s license, gets his teeth cleaned. Trump’s own tax overhaul two Republican incumbent Ted Cruz Warren, who had been Donald Trump a Florida man? that is all it takes.” In announcing his move on years ago, he can no longer in 2018, a race that saw him under fire for not explaining Not so fast. Even though it appears Thursday, Trump said New York deduct most of those state and raise staggering amounts of how she would pay for her uni- Despite a stinging “good rid- Trump has a strong case — he’s City “will always have a special local taxes on his federal return. campaign donations. versal health care proposal, took dance” tweet from New York’s only spent a few nights at his place in my heart!” But despite In Florida, Trump would pay When he launched his pres- the risky political gamble of governor, the president’s home Trump Tower penthouse over- paying “millions of dollars in city, zero income taxes and zero idential bid in March, O’Rourke unveiling a $20.5 trillion state may not let him go to looking Fifth Avenue since he state and local taxes each year,” estate taxes. Trump is following was viewed as one of the 2020 Medicare for All plan. How to Florida without a fight. became president — tax experts he complained, he had been a well-trod path of many other frontrunners, but on the national pay for expanding and Trump’s plan to shift his say it’s not a matter of if he will “treated very badly by the political septuagenarian New Yorkers stage he failed to re-ignite the improving health care has permanent residence to Palm be audited but when. “It’s 100 leaders of both the city and state.” who have been drawn to Flor- enthusiasm that had propelled become a flashpoint of the Dem- Beach will likely be heavily percent he’ll get audited,” pre- New York Governor Andrew ida’s year-round warmth, sun- him to rockstar status in his ocratic race, with Warren and scrutinised by New York state dicted Barry Horowitz, a tax Cuomo quickly tweeted: “Good shine and low taxes. Last year Senate race in Texas. her fellow progressive Senator officials, who are notorious for accountant. “They’ll be a fight.” riddance. It’s not like @realDon- alone, 63,000 New Yorkers Polling at about two percent Bernie Sanders pushing a auditing wealthy residents The general rule for avoiding aldTrump paid taxes here became Florida residents. in recent months — far behind sweeping transition to universal seeking to flee to lower-tax New York taxes is to spend less anyway...” And then New York “If people could escape New frontrunners Joe Biden, Elizabeth health care and the centrist states to make sure such moves than 184 days of the year in the City Mayor Bill de Blasio chimed York charges simply by moving Warren and Bernie Sanders — his Biden seeking to build on the are real and not just on paper. state, but that’s just the in, tweeting, “Don’t let the door to Florida, there would be a lot performance rarely moved the existing Obamacare system. Those cases can go on for years. beginning. Auditors and judges hit you on the way out” and of criminals walking around needle. O’Rourke’s campaign Biden, the former vice-pres- Mark Klein, a tax lawyer who could look at where his business “Deepest condolences to the Miami Beach right now,” said team ruled out another Senate ident and longtime frontrunner in has handled hundreds of tax- is headquartered (also in Trump good people of Florida.” Duncan Levin, a New York City run, at least for now. the national race, led for months in residency audits, said: “People Tower), the size of his various In New York, Trump is lawyer specialising in money “Beto will not be a candidate Iowa but that commanding lead has have this misunderstanding that homes, where he displays his paying a top marginal tax rate to laundering and fraud cases. for US Senate in Texas in 2020,” eroded since September. 18 AMERICAS SUNDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2019

US fentanyl Evacuations mount in crackdown ‘led to botched Southern California arrest of El Chapo’s son’ as wildfire spreads REUTERS MEXICO CITY

BLOOMBERG The new outbreak up to 56km per hour on Friday, Mexico’s security minister said NEW YORK underscores that according to the National Weather that US efforts to curb the wildfire season — Service. No rain is forecast for a opioid fentanyl were behind the A wildfire that erupted near Los which runs through week, and the chance of blazes brief arrest of a son of Angeles has forced up to 8,000 remains high. “It is winding down imprisoned kingpin Joaquin “El people to flee as the tail end of December — still poses out there, but there continues to Chapo” Guzman last month in a powerful windstorm takes its a dire threat. be very dry conditions,” said Paul Sinaloa, home turf for the noto- its final swing at Southern Walker, a meteorologist with rious Sinaloa Cartel. California. and drove flames across hillsides AccuWeather Inc. “Unfortunately After the United States The blaze in Ventura County and vineyards. it remains very dry, so they are not requested his extradition, has ripped through almost 9,000 Southern California Edison getting a break as far as that goes.” Ovidio Guzman was briefly acres and threatens 2,300 struc- said it had re-energized a power The state’s largest utility, arrested, then freed by outnum- tures, according to local author- line shortly before the start of the PG&E Corp, staged four massive bered officials who feared a ities. Edison International has cut Maria fire. The utility had shut blackouts in October to prevent bloody confrontation with power to 625 nearby homes and power in the area before that due wildfires. It has restored service cartel henchmen. businesses to prevent live wires to high winds. It has filed a report to almost all of the 1.1 million Mexican Security Minister from toppling and sparking more related to the fire with the Cali- customers impacted in its most Alfonso Durazo said Guzman was infernos. “We are in the middle of fornia Public Utilities Com- recent outage. PG&E’s equipment wanted on allegations of smug- a big fight,” Ventura County Fire mission on Thursday, which it is sparked wildfires in Northern gling fentanyl, the potent opioid Department Chief Mark Lorenzen required to do if its equipment California in 2017 and 2018, sad- responsible for an overdose epi- said during a news conference. may be involved with certain dling it with an estimated $30b demic in the United States. “The end is not yet in sight.” events, spokeswoman Susan Cox in liabilities and eventually Guzman’s role has grown The Maria fire, in the hills said in a telephone interview. forcing it into bankruptcy. since his father Joaquin above Camarillo, comes as Cal- The exact origin of the fire is Traditionally, the wildfire Guzman was extradited in 2017 ifornia recovers from a wildfire unknown, Cox said. season doesn’t end until storms to face drug charges. Joaquin season that’s upended much of The new outbreak under- coming off the Pacific Ocean Guzman is now serving a life the state. Utilities have cut elec- scores that wildfire season — drench California’s lowlands sentence in a US prison. tricity to millions of people from which runs through December — with rains and its mountains with “One of the very reasons for Sacramento to San Diego, in still poses a dire threat. While the snow. The Kincade fire north of the U.S. interest, and the basis some cases for days at a clip, as fierce winds have ebbed in most San Francisco that burned nearly for the extradition order, is in A helicopter drops water to help fighting the Maria fire, in Santa some of the strongest winds in a of the state, gusts in Los Angeles 78,000 acres was 68% contained fact the suspected link between Paula, Ventura County, in California. decade ripped over power lines and Ventura counties were raging on Friday. this alleged criminal and intro- ducing fentanyl into the United States,” Durazo told reporters. A US district court indictment Bolivia election audit chief resigns, uncertainty looms against Ovidio Guzman, issued in February, charged him with AFP have informed the OAS about Opposition candidate Carlos administrative capital La Paz, The president said on Friday conspiring to traffic cocaine, LA PAZ previous public statements (dec- Mesa criticised the TSE’s latest where roads were cut off and riot that Bolivians should wait for the methamphetamine and mari- larations) about the electoral result calculations, saying that police guarded vital crossings. OAS audit report, which should juana, but did not mention fen- The head of an international process in Bolivia,” he wrote in they show Morales committed a The extended clashes have be ready in two weeks. Bolivia’s tanyl. US President Donald body auditing Bolivia’s disputed a tweet. An OAS spokeswoman “fraud” and “an aggression seen 191 people detained and 60 first indigenous president, Trump in August said Mexico election results resigned unex- later confirmed his resignation. against the good faith of the police officers injured, said Morales has been in power since needed to do more to halt fen- pectedly late on Friday, casting Espinosa wrote two articles international community.” police chief Julio Cordero said. 2006. Already Latin America’s tanyl production and smuggling further uncertainty over a vote related to Bolivia’s elections for The 66 year-old former pres- But some opposition groups pro- longest-serving leader, Morales across the US-Mexico border. that sparked deadly riots and a Mexican news website in the ident has also refused to take testing the election now support is looking to remain in power The Sinaloa Cartel is likely delivered President Evo Morales past two weeks, including one — part in the OAS audit, calling neither Morales nor Mesa. until 2025 with a fourth term. one of Mexico’s top fentanyl a fourth term. published after the election — instead for the results given by Popular assemblies or The country’s constitution traffickers to the US. More The chief of the technical which raised doubts over the the electoral court (TSE) to be “Cabildos” held on Thursday in limits a president to two suc- recently, the cartel appears to mission from the Organisation of poll’s transparency. annulled as a precondition of his La Paz and the eastern city of cessive terms, and a 2016 refer- have moved into production of American States (OAS), Mexican The October 20 election result, co-operation. Santa Cruz have rejected the OAS endum rejected a bid by Morales the drug. The National Institute Arturo Espinosa, announced he is ratified on Friday by Bolivia’s own Riots broke out almost as audit and demanded new elec- to remove term limits. But of Drug Abuse reported earlier stepping down from the role just Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), soon as the election ended and tions. The council of La Paz has Bolivia’s constitutional court this year that 130 people die a day after beginning the review saw Morales narrowly secure the Espinosa’s resignation now even proclaimed “Neither Mesa, authorized him to stand for a every day in the United States of the controversial poll. 10-point gap needed to win out- threatens to heighten tensions. nor Evo Morales!”, in favour of fourth mandate. The court, like after overdosing on opioids, “I have decided to withdraw right — but only after an abrupt Protests erupted in various holding new elections without the election tribunal, is made up which include prescription pain from the audit so as not to com- and unexplained shift in the vote cities in Bolivia on Friday, espe- either of the two main candi- of members appointed by relievers, heroin and synthetic promise its impartiality. I should count in his favor. cially in the south of the dates who stood on 20 October. Morales’s Movement for Socialism. drugs like fentanyl.

US opens national security probe Brazil caught in a ‘civil of TikTok app war’ of crime and AFP WASHINGTON violence, says official

The US government has opened AFP sentences for criminals and a national security investigation BRASÍLIA more muscular police opera- into the Chinese-owned video tions will bring down the death app TikTok, the New York Brazil is caught in a “civil war” toll in one of the most violent Times reported. of crime and violence, the head countries in the world. The report, citing anon- of Congress’ pro-gun faction And he believes simply ymous sources, said the review says, warning that ordinary Bra- talking tough has already by an intergovernmental panel zilians need to be armed and slashed crime numbers. “With may be looking into whether the ready to fight back. nothing but our rhetoric we app, popular for its music videos, Wearing an electric blue suit managed to cut the crime rate was sending data to China. with matching glasses, and a by 22 percent,” he says. “Why The investigation is led by heavy gold ring with the seal of that drop? The only significant the Committee on Foreign Congress on his finger, Jose factor was the election of a gov- Investment in the United States, Augusto Rosa is both a high- ernment that is ready to toughen a government panel that profile lawmaker and a reserve up the penal code,” he says. reviews acquisitions in the captain in Sao Paulo’s gen- Augusto is the head of a con- United States by foreign com- darme-style military police. gressional committee that is An aerial view of security forces spraying water as people take part in the so-called ‘Mourning March’ panies, the report said. Capitao Augusto, as he is backing a controversial “anti- in Santiago, to protest against the death of 23 people after more than ten days of civil unrest. The news comes after law- universally known, heads the crime package,” submitted in makers called for a review of so-called “Bullet Caucus,” the February by Justice Minister the national security risks of assembly’s pro-gun faction Sergio Moro and which has been TikTok, warning it could be Protesters step up pressure on Chile govt whose ranks swelled from 36 languishing there ever since. used for spying by Beijing. deputies to around 100 with the He hopes the bill will be A review could look into the AFP protest in the city drew about coincided with the Christian populist wave that brought far- approved this month despite acquisition in 2017 of TikTok, SANTIAGO 20,000 demonstrators, including holiday of All Saints Day, stood right President Jair Bolsonaro to lively criticism from the left and which at the time was known many young people and families. in silence holding one fist aloft power in 2018. from NGOs. The bill toughens as Musical.ly, by Beijing-based Dressed in black, marching Isolated clashes broke out after in front of impassive police “Isn’t this war?” asks the prison sentences and broadens ByteDance. The deal gave the silently and raising one fist, security forces tried to disperse guarding the presidential palace. 53-year-old during an interview, the definition of self-defense both Chinese company the app, around a thousand women protesters with tear gas and “We’re not going to back referring to the 57,000 homicides for law enforcement officers and which has been popular with demanded justice for those killed water cannon. “Justice, truth, no down until the government every year in a country whose for the population at large. “With youth for homemade karaoke and injured during the last two to impunity,” chanted the women answers us about the deaths. We population is roughly 209 million. this bill, we will reduce crime videos and which now has an weeks of social unrest in Chile. marchers in front of the presi- feel betrayed by this government,” “We are in a civil war. We have to and the population of over- estimated 500 million users Their march on Friday dential palace in central Santiago, Marco, a student, said. fight back against this violence, and crowded prisons,” he says. worldwide. started off a day of demonstra- as their silent protest burst to life. Protesters in this country of that unfortunately doesn’t mean The state of Rio de Janeiro Senate Democratic leader tions on a long weekend in the They held up signs paying 18 million people are angry sending flowers” to criminals, said has become the testing ground Chuck Schumer and Republican country, expanding later as tens tribute to the 20 people killed and about low salaries and pensions, Augusto, a member of Brazil’s for this new security policy, Senator Tom Cotton last week of thousands answered social more than 1,300 injured during poor public health care and edu- center-right Liberal Party who says under the zealous stewardship suggested that TikTok’s owner media calls to match last Friday’s the protests, according to statistics cation, and a yawning gap he owns a revolver and a pistol. of its governor Wilson Witzel. In ByteDance could be forced to huge protest that attracted more provided by the National Human between rich and poor in Latin For the captain, there is no July, the number of people killed share user information with than a million people. Rights Institute (INDH). America’s wealthiest country on doubt — more weapons in the in police raids in a single month Chinese intelligence. Santiago authorities said the Protesters, whose rally a per capita basis. hands of “good people,” tougher hit an all-time high of 194. SUNDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2019 HOME 19

QU ExxonMobil Teachers Academy trains 380 teachers

THE PENINSULA DOHA

The 8th annual Qatar University ExxonMobil Teachers Academy concluded in Doha last week with a luncheon hosted by education partners ExxonMobil Qatar and Qatar University (QU). Several senior representatives from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, QU, and Teach For Qatar (TFQ) attended the event held at the Mondrian Hotel near the Pearl. The academy was first estab- lished in 2012 by ExxonMobil Qatar and QU’s National Center for Edu- cation Development, in collabo- Teachers pose for a group photo after the 8th annual Qatar University ExxonMobil Teachers Academy ration with the Ministry of Edu- training. cation and Higher Education, for math and science teachers from from Qatar’s government schools, Qatar’s education system. Director, National Center for Edu- Qatar’s government schools. TFQ fellows and education spe- Alistair Routledge, President cational Development - NCED at Over the course of five days, cialists from the Ministry of Edu- and General Manager for Exxon- Qatar University said “The Qatar teachers undergo an intensive pro- cation and Higher Education par- Mobil Qatar said: “It is the suc- University ExxonMobil Teachers fessional development program to ticipated in the 8th academy. The cessful outcome of a vision we Academy is a unique program that enhance their teaching skills and luncheon recognised and hon- share with our partners Qatar is striving to prepare students for introduce them to strategies and oured their work and the efforts University and the Ministry of success in tomorrow’s world by activities that help young people of the faculty who participated in Education and Higher Education investing in their teachers.” develop an enjoyment of STEM this year’s program. that by working together, we can Hissa Al Aali, Director of subjects. A total of 380 teachers have help every child in Qatar’s school Training and Educational Devel- Six Doha-based educators and taken part in the eight academies system learn critical skills and opment Center at the Ministry of three instructors from the United ExxonMobil Qatar and QU have every school succeed.” Education and Higher Education States worked with this year’s organised since 2012. Experts Routledge said that the academy said: “By nurturing high quality teachers to develop the skills nec- from the academy, QU and the is contributing to developing a talent teachers who can help establish a essary to integrate STEM success- ministry have calculated that pipeline for a 21st century economy long term passion for STEM in their fully into their lessons and enhance these teachers are expected to – one that can create a sustainable students, the academy is helping us learning among students. reach over 18,000 students, gen- future for Qatar. build Qatar’s sustainable future Third to sixth grade teachers erating substantial waves in Dr. Abdullah Abu Tineh, through our nation’s STEM. QFBA celebrates Pink October with Qatar Cancer Society THE PENINSULA/DOHA International Court and Dispute critical importance of early as that of its members. Resolution Centre (QICDRC), along detection and mammograms. Through its CSR program, QFBA Qatar Finance and Business with students, faculty from QFBA- The information session held is committed to maintaining its Academy (QFBA) joined Qatar Northumbria University attended was a part of the QFBA’s Corporate social and ethical responsibilities Cancer Society to participate in to learn about early detection and Social Responsibility (CSR) program towards the community. With a Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a common misconceptions. which focuses on community- continued aim to develop the global campaign celebrated around Breast Cancer Awareness is cel- based initiatives, particularly on nation’s human capital through the world to mark Pink October and ebrated globally during the month breast cancer and the importance educating the youth on leading raise awareness on the importance of October, to raise awareness and of early detection. The initiative also issues concerning society, QFBA of early detection. Specialists from educate the public on the leading reaffirmed the Academy’s interest intends to facilitate in the devel- Qatar Cancer Society led an infor- causes of breast cancer, most vul- in supporting the community in opment of a new generation of mation session where staff of QFBA, nerable groups susceptible, pre- which it operates by positively socially aware youth aligning with Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), Qatar ventative mechanisms, and the impacting its development as well the Qatar National Vision 2030.

CROSSWORD MALL ROYAL PLAZA

The Addams Family (2D/Comedy) 2:00, 3:30 & 5:15pm; Edakkad Battalion 06 (2D/Malayalam) 2:30pm; Bigil (2D/Tamil) 2:00 & 11:15pm; Edakkad Battalion 06 Kaithi (2D/Tamil) 2:15 & 11:30pm; Bigil (2D/Tamil) 3:00 & 11:00pm; (2D/Malayalam) 2:00pm; Joker (2D/Crime) 6:15pm; The Addams Family (2D/Comedy) 4:30pm; Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil (2D/Adventure) Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil (2D/Adventure) 5:00pm; 5:00&7:00pm; Ujda Chaman (2D/Hindi) 4:00pm; Terminator: Dark Fate (2D/Horror) 6:15 & 8:30pm; Terminator: Dark Fate (2D/Horror) 7:00 & 9:15pm; Housefull 4 (2D/Hindi) 6:30 & 11:15pm; Unforgettable (2D/Tagalog) 7:15pm; Kaithi (2D/Tamil) Unforgettable (2D/Tagalog) 7:15pm; 8:30 & 11:30pm; Motherless Brooklyn 11:30pm; Isa Pa, With Feelings (2D/Tagalog) 9:00pm Housefull 4 (2D/Hindi) 9:00pm Ujda Chaman (2D/Hindi) 9:15pm LANDMARK

Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil (2D/Adventure) 5:00 & 7:15pm; Housefull 4 (2D/Hindi) 6:00 & 11:15pm; The FLIK Mirqab Mall Addams Family (2D/Comedy) 2:30 & 4:15pm; Edakkad Abominable (2D/Animation) 10:20am & 12:20pm Battalion 06 (2D/Malayalam) 3:00 & 11:30pm; Joker Bigil (2D/Tamil) 10;20pm; (2D/Crime) 6:00pm; Kaithi (2D/Tamil) 8:30 & 11:30pm; Countdown (2D/Horror) 11:20pm; Bigil (2D/Tamil) 2:30 & 8:15pm; Terminator: Dark Fate Edakkad Battalion 06 (2D/Malayalam) 4:10 & 11:55pm; (2D/Horror) 9:15pm Isa Pa, With Feelings (2D/Tagalog) 1:15 & 5:10pm; Joker (2D/Crime) 6:40, 9:10 & 11:35pm; AL KHOR Kaithi (2D/Tamil) 6:30pm; Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil (2D/Adventure) 10:40am, 11:40am, , 1:00, Kaithi (2D/Tamil) 12:00, 3:00, 6:00, 9:00pm & 12:00 2:00, 3:20, 4:20, 8:00, 7:40, 9:00, 10:10pm & 0:30am: midnight (3D) 5:40pm; Bigil (2D/Tamil) 10:30am, 1:45, 5:00, 8:15 & 11:30pm Motherless Brooklyn (2D/Crime) 5:30, 8:20 & 11:10pm; Terminator: Dark Fate (2D/Horror) 12:30, 3:15, 6:00, Poms (2D/Comedy) 12:20, 2:10, 4:00 & 5:20pm; 8:45 & 11:30pm Terminator: Dark Fate (2D/Horror) 10;25am, 12:00, 1:00, 2:30, 3:30, 5:00, 6:00, 7:30, 8;30, 10:00, 11:00pm & 0:30am; ROXY The Addams Family (2D/Comedy) 10:30am, 12:00, 2:00, 1:50 & 3:40pm Unforgettable (2D/Tagalog) 11:25am, 3:15 & 7:10pm Bigil (2D/Tamil) 11:00am, 12:30, 10:00 & 11:30pm Edakkad Battalion 06 (2D/Malayalam) 2:30, 4:00, 5:00, 6:30, 7:30 & 9:00pm Kaithi (2D/Tamil) 11:00am, 12:30, 1:45, 3:15, 4:30, 6:00, ASIAN TOWN 7;15, 8:45, 10:00, & 11:30pm Edakkad Battalion 06 (2D/Malayalam) 8:45 & 11:00pm; Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil (2D/Adventure) 11:00, 12:30, Kaithi (2D/Tamil) 6:00, 8:45 & 11:30pm; 2:30, 4:00, 5:00, 8:30,9:10 & 11:00pm Housefull 4 (2D/Hindi) 6:00pm; Terminator: Dark Fate (2D/Horror) 1:20, 11:40, 7:40, Bigil (2D/Tamil) 7:00 & 10:15pm 10;30, 3:00, 3:30, 5:40, 6:10, 6:30 8:50, 8:20, 11:00 & 11:30pm The Addams Family (2D/Comedy) 11:00am,12:50, 12:30, 2:30, 2:40,4:30 & 6:30pm Ujda Chaman (2D/Hindi) 10:30am, 12:30 & 1:00pm

MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN Set against the backdrop of 1950s New York, Motherless Brooklyn follows Lionel Essrog, a lonely private detective afflicted with Tourette’s Syndrome, as he ventures to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend, Frank Minna. 20 MORNING BREAK SUNDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2019

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 04. 25 AM As ‘streaming wars’ rage, social SHOROOK 05. 43 AM ZUHR 11. 17 AM MAGHRIB 04. 54 PM networks create own TV series ASR 02.28 PM ISHA 06. 24 PM AFP NEW YORK support for users seeking help. WEATHER TODAY Both dramas are dark in tone and Even as Disney, HBO and Apple lavish intended for older audiences, reflecting billions on content to gatecrash TV Facebook’s demographic compared to streaming wars, social networks like younger platforms, such as Snapchat Facebook, YouTube and Snapchat are and TikTok. creating their own original shows to While Snapchat also produces fic- get their piece of the advertising pie. tional programming to increase user Historically, these three social net- interactions and time spent on its works are better known for hosting platform, it does so in its own dis- user-generated content. tinctive way. But in recent years, each has Episodes are typically only a few invested in scripted programming which minutes long, shot at a frantic pace with is free to view — unlike the streaming flashy visual effects, and are filmed ver- giants, who charge subscriptions. tically to suit smartphone viewing. At one stage, YouTube planned to And unlike YouTube and Facebook, charge for shows such as “Karate Kid” Snapchat is not skimping on quantity. spinoff “Cobra Kai” and Generation Z In April, it announced six brand comedy “Liza on Demand” using its respond to traditional advertising.” But the show helps drive its Facebook new scripted shows, followed by a premium service. But it backtracked they may be more receptive to Watch video platform. further three in September, on top of this year. branding tied to original content on Both “Limetown” and Elizabeth those already available including Free access “gives advertisers more platforms such as YouTube, he said. Olsen-starring flagship show “Sorry for sorority hacking comedy “Kappa opportunities to engage with a broader Still, after its ambitious burst of Your Loss” benefit from and drive Crypto” and supernatural mystery “The audience... and align with top Hol- content, YouTube has slowed down its interaction among Facebook’s nearly Dead Girls Detective Agency.” Though lywood talent and YouTube creators,” original production, scrapping multiple 2.5 billion monthly users. a long way from the $15m per episode the company said in May. new and existing programs to focus on “That, to me, is the most exciting Apple TV+ is throwing at flagship series For YouTube, which has at times a few successful shows. part,” Michelle Purple, co-producer of “The Morning Show,” parent company o o been condemned for the questionable Quality not quantity also appears “Limetown,” said at the Toronto film Snap is still happy to spend up to 26 C 33 C content posted by users, offering high- to be Facebook’s strategy on scripted festival in September. $50,000 per episode, according to Minimum Maximum quality series with production values shows. “From week to week, audiences media website Digiday. matching conventional television also In mid-October, it released can have their water cooler moment “Mobile is now the dominant burnishes its reputation. “Limetown,” a web drama starring together and talk about what hap- medium for telling stories and con- Relatively hot daytime with slight dust at places at times and some clouds. Mark Beal, a Rutgers professor who Jessica Biel based on a popular podcast pened, and what they think is going to suming content,” said Snapchat original wrote a book (“Decoding Gen Z”) on of the same name. happen.” “Sorry for Your Loss” tackles content head Sean Mills at a summit in

the generation born since the mid- In addition to boosting the social themes of grief, and moderators are on April. “This transformation is creating

HIGH TIDE 09:11 – 19:42 LOW TIDE 02:20 – 17:41 1990s, said young people “do not network’s image with prestige content, hand to offer online psychological massive new opportunities.” Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department Thai cave reopens for visitors after Wild Boars rescue AFP the grotto’s waterlogged corridors. Guests are not allowed beyond Photos from the opening on BANGKOK But the world-famous cave in the entrance for now, where they Friday showed tourists at the site’s northern Chiang Rai province was can peer into the cave opening, but entry, where last year the boys’ Thailand has reopened the cave re-opened on Friday, drawing some officials said they were considering bikes and backpacks were found where 12 young footballers and 2,000 tourists in a single day, a allowing people deeper inside after — alerting local police they were their coach were trapped last year local conservation official said. surveying the safety of the route. likely inside. in a saga that captivated the world. “We have allowed visitors to see Some of the rescue equipment The Wild Boars went into Tham The Tham Luang cave has been the mouth of the cave,” said left behind — including telephone Luang in June 2018 for a routine closed to visitors since the Wild Kamolchai Kotcha, director of the wires, hoses and zip lines — could be hike after a football practice, but Boars football team were rescued local conservation office that exhibited inside the cave for visitors became trapped after heavy rains alive after nearly three weeks inside overseas the cave. to view in the future, Kotcha said. blocked the only route out.