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Al Khalifa: Bale snaps Qatar key to goal drought QNB despite as Real edge global expansion past Huesca

Monday 10 December 2018 | 3 Rabia II 1440 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 23 | Number 7736 | 2 Riyals

Amir to patronise Doha Historical Dictionary of Arabic launch

QNA DOHA

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will patronise this morning the inauguration ceremony of the Doha Historical Dictionary of Arabic. The ceremony will be organised by the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies of the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. The Doha Historical Dic- tionary of Arabic, on which work commenced in May 2013, is the first dictionary that oversees the compilation of a historical lexicon of the Arabic language. Prime Minister attends Qatar Radio's Golden Jubilee celebrations The project has been under the guidance and support of H Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, attended yesterday the ceremony held yb Qatar Radio to mark its 50th anniversary H the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin of founding (Golden Jubilee) at the Westin Hotel. The ceremony was attended by Speaker of the Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, a number Hamad Al Thani since His of Their Excellencies Sheikhs and Ministers, a number of senior officials of the Qatar Media Corporation and employees of radiond a television channels affiliated to the Highness was the Heir corporation along with a number of the diplomatic corps accredited to the State. The Chairman of Qatar Media Corporation, H E Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani, said: Apparent within his vision of “Since its establishment, the radio has contributed to enriching awareness and culture in the society and it has witnessed important stages in the country’s history.” `P2 preserving the Arabic language and the identity of the nation.

Qatar considers respect for Qatar to achieve budgetary surplus in 2019 human rights a top MOHAMMAD SHOEB This ensures the stability and With the surplus The Minister said that Qatar’s creating favourable conditions to priority, says NHRC THE PENINSULA strength of Qatar’s financial sit- budget, Qatar will see stock market has fully recovered, support and promote an uation as well as offering a future with its performance rising among increasing role of the private The Minister of Finance H E Ali perspective that believes in the increase in budgetary the best stock markets since the sector across all sectors of the QNA Shareef Al Emadi said yesterday country’s capacity to continue to allocations for capital beginning of this year until now, local economy. DOHA that Qatar’s next general national grow and achieve a sustainable expenditure and which reflects investors’ confi- The government is also intro- budget for fiscal year 2019, development. spending in several dence in the Qatari economy. ducing laws allowing foreign The State of Qatar considers which is to be announced within The Minister, delivering his Highlighting the bold eco- nationals to invest and own busi- respect for human rights a top a few days, will have an esti- keynote address yesterday at the key sectors, Minister nomic reforms and business- nesses, properties in Qatar, and priority in accordance with mated surplus. opening of the 7th edition of of Finance H E Ali friendly legislations, he said that also offering permanent resi- international human rights With the surplus budget Qatar Euromoney Qatar Conference, Shareef Al Emadi said. Qatar has taken several strategic dency to expatriates who are standards, the National will see increase in budgetary noted that the key macroeco- decisions and measures to investing in the country. He also Human Rights Committee allocations for capital expend- nomic indicators such as GDP develop the business and stressed that government will (NHRC) said, adding Qatar is iture and spending in several key growth, trade surplus and inflation Qatar’s gross domestic product investment environment, to continue to work with the busi- working to strengthen them sectors, including infrastructure numbers prove that Qatar has long expanded by 5.9 percent in the first promote economic growth and nesses and investors to improve through continuous devel- and social sectors such as overcome the repercussions of the six months of this year compared sustainable development. business competitive and envi- opment of legislation, proce- healthcare, education and others. unjust blockade. to the same period last year. He also that government is ronment. `P2, Business O1 dures and practices on the ground. At the national level, Qatar has pioneering achievements in the promotion and Security of Gulf region QNB announces Neymar Jr protection of human rights and its advancement in many areas for citizens and resi- ‘vital for Europe, world’ dents and all those subject to as Global Brand Ambassador the jurisdiction of the State, QNA enhance independence and THE PENINSULA the NHRC pointed out. DOHA security,” he said. DOHA In its statement on the The Chairman of the MSC occasion of the International Chairman of the Munich Security called on Gulf states to reduce Human Rights Day today, the Conference (MSC) Wolfgang tensions, saying that a diplo- QNB Group, the largest financial Committee commended the Ischinger said that the security matic framework can be estab- institution in the Middle East and State of Qatar’s accession to of the Gulf region is important lished to ease tension, establish Africa, has announced the the International Covenants for Europe and the whole world, a model of joint cooperation, appointment of the Brazilian on Human Rights, the Inter- stressing the importance of a role and the GCC is a model for soccer star and Paris Saint national Covenant on Civil by the EU to contain crises in the regional cooperation. If it does Germain player, Neymar Jr, as and Political Rights and the Middle East. not succeed, it must be replaced the Group’s Global Brand Ambas- International Covenant on Ischinger was delivering a by another formula, he said, sador. Economic, Social and Cul- lecture at Qatar University yes- adding there are no ready solu- The exclusive partnership tural Rights, which would terday as part of the “Third tions for the problems of the was signed by Yousef Darwish, reflect positively on strat- Annual International Interdis- countries of the region, but General Manager of QNB Group egies, policies and legislation, ciplinary Conference: Gulf there are some lessons that can Communications, and Neymar the most prominent of which Crisis, Repercussions and be used. Silva Santos, Owner of NR Sport is its National Vision 2030. Future”. He said the future of Ischinger warned against & Marketing, during the signing The NHRC stressed that, the Gulf region and its security the return of the spirit of con- ceremony held recently at QNB under the wise leadership of is important for Europe, and flict on the world stage because branch in Paris. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin any kind of tension will inevi- of the competition of the major The agreement grants QNB Hamad Al Thani, Qatar has tably affect the Europeans. powers, calling for effective all exclusive marketing rights of taken a legislative approach “This region is the main pro- reforms in international insti- Neymar Jr as a Brand Ambassador in line with the principles of vider of energy we need,” tutions in order to tackle the of all the Group’s marketing cam- Yousef Darwish, General Manager of QNB Group Communications, preserving, respecting, pro- Ischinger added. new forms of conflict. paigns and advertising platforms meeting Neymar Jr. moting and protecting these “We have a large market of He argued that the conflicts in which he will appear across its rights in all fields, pointing 500 million people, and they of the 21st century are uncon- major businesses. out that it has been encour- need energy. The EU is moving ventional. Therefore, the The partnership with its global community of cus- visibility in support of its vision aging the State to continue towards diversifying energy current international mecha- Neymar Jr underpins the bank’s tomers around the world with to become a leading bank in the this development and sources and reducing nisms are unable to confront key values that reflect its com- the best banking products and Middle East, Africa, and reforms.`P2 dependence on one source to them, he said. `P2 mitment and passion to provide raise its $4.2bn valued brand’s Southeast Asia by 2020. `P3 02 HOME MONDAY 10 DECEMBER 2018

Amir condoles with President of Colombia DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent yester- day a cable of condolences to the President of the Republic of Colombia, Ivan Duque, on the death of the Former President of Colombia Belisario Betancur. Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani also sent cable of condolences to the President.

Amir greets President-elect of Swiss Federal Council

DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent yester- day a cable of congratulations to Ueli Maurer on the occasion of election as President of the Swiss Federal Council, wishing him success in his duties, and Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani with H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, Speaker of the Shura Council; H the relations between the two E Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Media Corporation, and other officials during the ceremony. Several long-term serving employees were honoured. friendly countries’ further devel- opment. Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani PM attends Qatar Radio Golden Jubilee celebrations and Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani also THE PENINSULA ministers, a number of senior His Excellency praised the leadership. through its career. sent cable of congratulations to DOHA officials of the Qatar Media role of the pioneering gener- He added that the radio During the ceremony, a Ueli Maurer. Corporation and employees of ation, who took over the project was the first media documentary film about Qatar H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser radios and television channels responsibility of the radio from seed in Qatar and sur- Radio was broadcast about the Amir greets bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime affiliated to the corporation the citizens and Arabs roundings countries. Today we history and origins of the radio Minister and Interior Minister, along a number of the diplo- nationals, who contributed to remember the first generation since 1968, through its stages President of Tanzania witnessed yesterday the matic corps accredited to the the establishment of the radio to give them their right to what of development and future ceremony held by Qatar Radio State. and its development over the they did in the march of the projects. DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim to mark its 50th anniversary of H E Sheikh Hamad bin past fifty years keeping pace development of Qatar radio H E Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al Thani sent yester- founding (Golden Jubilee) at the Thamer Al Thani, Chairman of with latest development in and the Qatari media. bin Hamad Al Thani, CEO of day a cable of congratulations Westin Hotel. Qatar Media Corporation, said: media sector in our country H E Sheikh Abdulrahman Qatar Media Foundation, hon- to the President of the United The ceremony was “Since its establishment, the and its professionalism in bin Hamad Al Thani, CEO of oured former directors, radio Republic of Tanzania, Dr John attended by H E Ahmed bin radio has contributed to keeping up with events and QMC, praised the efforts of the staff, artists and anyone with Pombe Joseph Magufuli, on Abdullah bin Zaid Al enriching awareness and excellence in performance first generation of the radio a footprint in the development the anniversary of his country’s Mahmoud, Speaker of the culture in the society and it has achievements which would who exerted their efforts to be of Qatar Radio, as well as a Independence Day. Deputy Amir Shura Council, a number of witnessed important stages in not have been reached without the cause of Qatar Radio in the number of organisations in the H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Their Excellencies sheikhs and the country’s history.” the support of the wise community and the region country. Al Thani also sent a cable of congratulations to the Presi- dent. Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani sent Qatar to achieve Al Muraikhi heads Qatar’s delegation at GCC Summit similar message to the Prime Minister of the United Republic QNA of Tanzania, Kassim Majaliwa. budgetary RIYADH surplus next year The State of Qatar participated in the 39th Summit of the Supreme Council FROM PAGE 1 of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia The government will amend legislation in Riyadh. Minister of State for Foreign Security of Gulf and simplify procedures in line with the Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi best international practices, which provides chaired the State of Qatar’s delegation. region vital for an opportunity to expand businesses across H E the Minister of State for Foreign all sectors for local and international Affairs was accompanied by an official Europe, world investors. delegation. FROM PAGE 1 He added that Qatar National Vision Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H 2030 in its various economic, social, human E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi at the and environmental pillars is the corner- He pointed out that cyber wars, stone of achieving sustainable development, 39th Summit of the Supreme Council energy weapon and currencies are which Qatar has been working on since the of the Gulf Cooperation Council in tools in the current war with less use implementation of the first National Devel- Riyadh. of conventional military equipment. opment Strategy 2011-2016. Regarding the declining European This year Qatar started the second role in the region, he said that the National Development Strategy 2018-2022, European Union does not have a which aims to promote the role of the unified vision towards the crises in private sector and to increase the contri- ‘Qatar considers respect for human rights a top priority’ the Middle East. The EU should have bution of non-oil sectors to the productive played an active role towards the FROM PAGE 1 GDP, Qatar is committed to exerting every while highlighting it made several efforts to mitigate the siege’s con- crises in the region, especially in effort in order to achieve Qatar National achievements, faced some chal- sequences on the citizens and res- Syria. Its retreat from this is unac- Vision 2030, which aims to position Qatar It also highlighted the impor- lenges and obtained full mem- idents of the State of Qatar, ceptable,” he said. as a developed country capable of achieving tance of concerted action and bership by the Accreditation Com- including nationals of the siege HE Ischinger stressed that the sustainable development and allowing its national, regional and global efforts mittee of the Global Alliance of countries. European Union must be firm on people a decent living. to promote and uphold the timeless National Human Rights Institutions. It pointed out that it has taken State terrorism and should not allow He pointed out that Qatar offers many principles set out in the Interna- It was awarded the ‘A Status’ in and will continue its efforts with violations of international law, as opportunities for investment and business tional Bill and other human rights 2010 for five years and was re- international human rights organ- such violations threaten global development through initiatives promoting conventions in the midst of the accredited in 2015 for the same izations and bodies regarding vio- security. the investment and business environment widespread crimes and abuses period, the NHRC said, indicating lations of the rights of citizens and and establishing free and economic zones throughout the world. It also under- its commitment to the Paris Prin- residents of the State of Qatar. that allow for full ownership by foreigners, pinned the need to put an end to ciples for the work of national In a statement yesterday, the Qualifying and Preparing a legal framework in line with the best prac- such abuses and to enable peoples human rights committees as well NHRC affirmed that it will continue tices in international financial centers, and to enjoy their full rights without as its full membership in the Asia to play its role to promote human Arbitrators programme a strong banking sector capable of providing discrimination. Pacific Forum of National Human rights in all fields in cooperation graduates new batch funds for various projects stemming from The NHRC noted that some of Rights Institutions at a time when and coordination with all govern- a belief to strongly support and encourage the most important problems facing it has always been working on mental and non-governmental THE PENINSULA the private sector to build companies and the international community at developing its working tools and bodies concerned in the State. DOHA joint projects with different countries in the present were military conflicts, con- cooperating with all internal and Through its current strategic plan world, thus enhancing bilateral relations flicts and crises affecting the international bodies. for 2017-2022, the NHRC seeks to Qatar University (QU) concluded the and benefiting everyone. enjoyment of human rights, the The NHRC said that in light of raise awareness on all human second phase of Qualification and The Minister of Finance also asserted absence of criminal justice to punish the unjust siege imposed on the rights, introduce international con- preparation of Arbitrators that the Conference has become an the perpetrators of violations, the State of Qatar, which affects the ventions and national legislations, programme, organised by Qatar important platform for addressing eco- protection of journalists and the peace and security in the region, focus on all issues of citizens and International Center for Conciliation nomic and financial issues in the Mena problem of refugees, calling on the affects the enjoyment of human residents, promote and protect and Arbitration (QICCA) of Qatar region, with the participation of selected United Nations and relevant inter- rights for the citizens of the Gulf these rights and adopt initiatives on Chamber, in cooperation with the senior officials, decision makers and experts national human rights bodies and Cooperation Council (GCC), and vio- the rights of persons with disabil- QU’s Center for Continuing Education. in the economy and finance sector, organizations to provide and lates the provisions of international ities, women, children and the The six-week long programme expressing the hope that the Conference activate the necessary mechanisms law and human rights instruments elderly, while ensuring remedy for trained 26 attendees and was super- will achieve the desired results, especially to protect them all and defend their and heavenly religions, it has all without discrimination. vised by QICCA board member, Dr. as the topics discussed are receiving lives and rights in accordance with worked continuously without inter- On the occasion of the day on Sheikh Thani bin Ali Al-Thani and attention to explore the prospects of the international humanitarian law in ruption since the first moment to which the UN General Assembly Director of the Centre of Continuing global economy and the latest develop- time of war or peace. receive those affected by the siege, adopted the Universal Declaration Education Dr. Rajab Al Ismail. ments in the global financial sector, as well Since its inception, the Com- and it has taken swift action inter- of Human Rights in 1948, the Com- QICCA said the next edition of the as the strategy and plans of Qatar to con- mittee has been working to fulfill nationally and coordinated with all mittee will hold numerous programme will be launched next tinue economic growth and achieve com- its role in the promotion and pro- the authorities concerned to lift the awareness and educational activ- January, in order to allow the largest prehensive development in the next phases. tection of human rights, it said, siege, and has exerted all possible ities and events. number of trainees to participate. MONDAY 10 DECEMBER 2018 HOME 03 Huge response as Doha International Book Fair ends

THE PENINSULA The ten-day fair, held on Thursday and Wednesday. DOHA under theme ‘Doha: The number of publishing houses participated in the event The 29th edition of Doha Inter- A City of Knowledge was 427, while this number was national Book Fair, organised by and Conscience’, only 355 in the previous edition. the Qatar Cultural and Heritage witnessed the launch The number of booked stalls at Events Centre of the Ministry of of an application the fair stood at 975, while there Culture and Sports, concluded were 760 stalls in the previous on Saturday. which is first of its edition. The fair also included The ten-day fair, held under kind in Qatar and it around 101, 992 titles, while the theme ‘Doha: A City of aims at converting number of foreign titles was Knowledge and Conscience’, wit- 17,261 in the previous edition. nessed the launch of an appli- printed books to other The exhibition was attended cation which is first of its kind in audiovisual works. by a number of ministries and Qatar and it aims at converting government institutions. The printed books to other audio- GCC pavilion also participated visual works. talents. in the event, and more than 272 The Minister of Culture and The exhibition witnessed cultural events was held on the Sports, H E Salah bin Ghanem Al signing of 180 publications for sidelines of the event. Ali, attended the conclusion cer- Qatari and Arab authors, hosted The exhibition also witnessed emony on Saturday in the by the Qatar Forum of Authors, the signing of several agree- presence of a number of repre- in addition to other publishing ments; the first of which was by The Minister of Culture and Sports, H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, with officials and other guests during sentatives of publishing houses. houses, which witnessed similar H E the Minister of Culture with the concluding ceremony of the 29th edition of Doha International Book Fair. The Minister honoured the signing ceremonies. The event Khalifa Jassim Al Kuwari, media, as well as the supporting was attended by some 427 pub- Director General of the Qatar entities and partners, and a lishers from 30 Arab and other Fund for Development, which is bright design of the pavilion was Russian culture. Besides, a Fair is considered as one of the number of accredited embassies countries. a memorandum of under- particularly noteworthy. It was number of panel discussions and largest international book fairs in the country, in addition to On Saturday (the last day of standing (MoU) between the inspired by Suprematism, the lectures were held at the Russian in the region, which is highly honouring a number of local, the Fair), the exhibition wit- ministry and the Fund on sup- style which had a significant stand. regarded due to the high demand Arab and international organi- nessed an overwhelming porting the cultural activities of effect on the history of visual art. For those who are interested from Arab and foreign countries. sations which participated in the response from the public, which refugee children and displaced The educational programme in Russian literature, there was The number of participating Book Fair. doubled compared to the pre- Syrian persons in Turkey. for the stand was curated in col- a discussion devoted to ‘Crime countries has been increasing During the closing ceremony, vious days of the exhibition espe- The presentation of Russian laboration with Qalam Hebr and and Punishment’ by Fyodor Dos- continuously since the estab- many activities were presented cially from the families and was pavilion in the fair was held in personally by Buthaina Al Janahi toevsky in the Book Club by lishment of its first edition in by Qatari students, reflecting extended by one hour due to the framework of the Qatar- to create the best possible rep- Rwaq. 1972 as the first book fair held in promising cultural and artistic overwhelming response received Russia Year of Culture 2018. The resentation of both, Qatari and The Doha International Book the Gulf.

Qatar participates in QNB announces Neymar Jr as Bali Democracy Forum Global Brand Ambassador FROM PAGE 1 QNA a total follower count across Facebook, JAKARTA Twitter and Instagram around 209 Neymar Jr’s selection as QNB’s latest million. Yousef Darwish, General Manager The State of Qatar participated in the 11th Bali Democracy Forum Global Brand Ambassador is a reflection of QNB Group Communications, said: “We (BDF) under the title “Democracy for Prosperity” in Indonesia. of the bank’s commitment to enriching are delighted to welcome Neymar to the The Foreign Minister of Indonesia, Retno Marsudi, touched on the lives of its customers through its QNB family; a man who shares many of building democracy, setting an effective basis for ruling Asia and growing network of international the same values with our brand and who the Pacific and the challenges facing it. In addition, she spoke about branches around the world and moti- is always looking for opportunities to researching options and future visions for building democracy. vating them to persevere and pursue their reach greatness. Named one of the 100 The Qatari delegation was chaired by the Ambassador of the dreams through the inspiring image of an most influential people in the world, State of Qatar to Indonesia, Ahmed bin Jassim Al Hamar. BDF was exceptional player. Neymar Jr is a true sport icon who inspires Ambassador of Qatar to Indonesia Ahmed bin Jassim established in 2008 to create a progressive democratic architecture Neymar Jr has an extraordinary fans worldwide to strive to reach the Al Hamar at the forum in Indonesia. in the Asia-Pacific region. social-media presence; where he boasts ultimate standards of excellence. 04 HOME MONDAY 10 DECEMBER 2018 Noted Qatari poets to take part in poetry night at QNL

THE PENINSULA DOHA

Celebrated Qatari poets will take part in a poetry night at Qatar National Library (QNL) on December 15, and recite verses in two common tradi- tions, Faseeh and Nabaţi. Mohamad Yasin, Zainab Almahmood, Nasser Al-Wobair and Hamad Al-Braidi will take part in the recital, which will be moderated by the creative culture and values through lis- contains a number of Nabaţi presenter, Saoud Al-Maadeed. tening to and reading local poems, which is a colloquial “Literature is an integral poetry.” form of Arabic poetry. Entitled Indonesian Embassy celebrates Independence Day part of Qatari heritage, and For those who wish to ‘For the Love of Qatar,’ the poems are known to have been further their interest in Qatari event is part of the Library’s Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs H E Dr Gaith bin Mubarak Al Kuwari; Ambassador of Indonesia written and recited across the poetry, the Heritage Library month-long celebration of to Qatar, Muhammad Basri Sidehabi; Secretary-General of the Foreign Ministry H E Dr. Ahmed wider region for centuries,” holds a collection of poems Qatar National Day, which bin Hassan Al Hammadi; Director of Department of Protocol, Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhroo; said Haya Al Sheeb, Infor- written by Sheikh Jassim, the highlights the nation’s proud Ambassador of the State of Eritrea to Qatar, Ali Ibrahim Ahmed, during a cake cutting ceremony to mation Services Librarian at founder of Qatar. The Library’s history, traditions and culture. mark the 73rd Anniversary of the Independence Day of Indonesia at Sheraton Grand Doha yesterday. Qatar National Library. “The visitors are welcome to see and The event will commence at PIC: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA event is an opportunity for vis- read his collection of poetry, 5:30 PM at the Library’s Special itors to know more about Qatari called a Diwan. The collection Events Area. QRCS marks International Volunteer Day Birla Public School Principal THE PENINSULA the welfare of others. thing ever. This way, we volun- DOHA She said that as a volun- teers are the best of people, by receives coveted award teering-oriented organisation, serving our society for years. We Qatar Red Crescent Society QRCS cherishes its volunteers as are committed to volunteerism THE PENINSULA (QRCS) marked yesterday the an invaluable asset that it seeks and benevolence, inspired by a DOHA International Volunteer Day to maintain and develop, max- strong sense of responsibility”. (IVD) at a ceremony held at the imise their productivity, unleash Dr. Jawhara Al Qahtani, a A.P. Sharma, Principal of Birla Sharq Village & Spa Doha. their potential, recruit promising resident doctor at Hamad Public School, Doha received IVD is observed annually on youths in different fields. General Hospital who volunteers one of the most coveted award December 5 by the United “Humanitarian action is too with QRCS’s foreign medical “Exemplary School Leadership Nations and 190 National Soci- huge to be undertaken effectively convoys, revealed a plan to Award” during “International eties worldwide. by one single organization or launch four medical convoys to Adolescent Summit” in Delhi. He Over the past week, several country. It requires concerted Bangladesh, Gaza, Somalia, and also released the souvenir of the events were organised by QRCS’s efforts and integrated resources Sudan, respectively, during the event with Pranab Mukherjee, volunteers, including a workshop of everyone who can contribute. celebrations of Qatar’s National former President of India and on building a flexible society, a We boast our 2,700 volunteers, Day 2018. Vineet Joshi former chairman lecture on volunteerism by Dr. who have made notable achieve- The convoys, she explained, CBSE, presently Director Ayoub Al Ayoub, and public visits ments both in Qatar and abroad. would vary in specialty – from General of “National Testing by QRCS’s Volunteers Bus, which Our biggest belief is that nations general to pediatric surgery, from Agency”. Pranab Mukherjee, former President of India, and AP Sharma, toured diverse locations across are built by the hands of their urology to anesthetics, and from Sharma’s contribution in Principal, Birla Public School, at the function. the country. human wealth, and even the cardiac to eye surgery. school leadership specially in During the ceremony, Noura slightest aid can save a life,” she The ceremony concluded the field of Adolescent edu- An exhibition on adoles- this subject as one of the most Rashid Al Dosari, General added. with the honouring of many sup- cation, parenting, career coun- cence issue was also inaugu- important SDG’s for the next Director of Volunteering and Hassan Al Abbasi, represent- porting institutions, companies, selling and academic innova- rated by Pranad Mukherjee decades. Local Development, QRCS, said, ative of volunteers, said, “Con- youth groups, social media celeb- tions for effective leadership and all the guests praised the UNICEF has put gender “ IVD is an opportunity to say tributing your time, effort, or rities, volunteering physicians, were applauded. He was the efforts of students gathered equality, good health and well- thank you to our volunteers, who thoughts to helping others in young and adult volunteers, and only one educator to receive this from India and abroad. United being as central “Sustainable dedicate their time and effort to return for nothing is the noblest the Happiness Fund initiative. award and honour. Nations and UNICEF has kept development goals”. QC gives digital Braille version of Quran in Turkey

THE PENINSULA protocol came in conjunction At the ceremony, which was attended DOHA with the International Day of by Omar Hassan Al Hill, second secretary Disabled Persons which falls on at the Embassy of Qatar in Turkey, Qatar Charity (QC) signed a coop- December 3. Mohammed Swash Bulat, director general eration protocol in Ankara with the This project comes as a part of of the Diyanet Foundation, thanked Turkiye Diyanet Foundation of the Qatar Charity’s efforts to promote Qatari donors and Qatar Charity for their Presidency of Religious Affairs to joint work to serve people with efforts made in the humanitarian and distribute the copies of Mushaf special needs and integrate them development work in Turkey and Syria. Basirah (Braille Quran) to the into their societies so that they can He also pointed out that Mushaf blind in Turkey. The signing of the exercise their role in life. Basirah opened a new window for the blind and will help them overcome many difficulties that they face in the education process. Mohammed Wahi, regional director A leading Media Company of Qatar Charity in Turkey, said the Mushaf Basirah has been translated into in Qatar is looking for: several languages including English, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay and Business Reporter some other languages, and has been dis- tributed in 12 countries since the launch → Should have at least 4 years experience. of the project in 2015. After the inaugu- →Bachelor’s degree in journalism, mass ration ceremony of the project, the communication or a related field. attendees went to the Kâni Karaca School →GCC and/or MENA experience would be an advantage. for the Blind in Ankara, where 70 copies →Bilingual (Arabic/English) preferred. of the Braille Quran have been distributed to the students. Job duties and responsibilities include: The implementation of the project will →Covering assignments and developing own ideas into be completed in Ankara and Istanbul from relevant news content. December 4 to 6. However, the distri- →Following prescribed editorial style and format. bution process in the schools of the →Attending business events and meetings as assigned. Diyanet Foundation located in the rest of the Turkish provinces and cities will be accomplished over the next two months. Online Content Editor The project is expected to benefit, at this stage, around 1,000 blind people in → Should have at least 2 years experience. Turkey. →Bachelor’s degree in mass communication or a related field. Mushaf Basirah consists of an index →Should be active on social media platforms. printed in Braille with an electronic pen →Bilingual (Arabic/English) preferred. that helps blind people read the Holy Quran easily. The product also enables Job duties and responsibilities include: the blind to know the meanings in the →Updating the website with latest news. Turkish language. It also has the option →Writing reports about events and happenings in Qatar to easily go to the intended verses and →Manage social media accounts chapters, in addition to supplications. The distribution of this Mushaf is very Qualified candidates are invited important in Turkey, as there are around 250,000 blind people in the country. to send their CVs at Qatar Charity, in collaboration with a [email protected] Malaysian company, has produced Mushaf Basirah for the blind to help them read the Quran easily. MONDAY 10 DECEMBER 2018 HOME 05 QU, Shanghai International Studies University sign MoU THE PENINSULA The purpose of this horizons for cooperation DOHA agreement is to between QU and the universities of the far east. Qatar University (QU) and promote cooperation SISU President, Dr. Li Shanghai International Studies between the two Yansong, talked about the University (SISU) sign a memo- universities, especially importance of this MoU, saying, randum of understanding in the academic and “Qatar University is a very strong (MoU) yesterday at Qatar academic institution, it’s playing University. research field, as a very important role in gulf QU President Dr. Hassan Al- well as to promote countries. So SISU, my university, Derham and SISU President Dr. exchange programs it’s also a very important uni- Li Yansong, were present at the versity, we focus on foreign lan- signing ceremony alongside a for both students and guages, teaching and literature, number of officials from the two faculty members. also disciplines like international academic institutions. studies, communications, jour- The purpose of this On the importance of the nalism, management and agreement is to promote coop- cooperation, Dr. Hassan Al- business. So I wish to broaden eration between the two univer- Derham, QU President said, “I The officials during the MoU signing ceremony. our area of cooperation with sities, especially in the academic am delighted today to sign this Qatar University, I am very con- and research field, as well as to important agreement with the prospects for cooperation programs.” the past years, and therefore the fident, because I have been to promote exchange programs for Shanghai International Studies between the two sides, especially Dr. Hassan noted that agreement is a great point of Qatar several times and I know both students and faculty University, which will with regard to the research Chinese universities have dem- contact to help exchange expe- we can do lots of things members. undoubtedly enhance the aspect and student exchange onstrated a clear superiority over riences, ideas and to open new together.”

National Day festivities to Qatar Foundation opens third ‘Art Atelier’ event begin at Katara tomorrow THE PENINSULA of local and international artists, allowing edition of Art Atelier,” said Eiman Al- Man- DOHA members of the community to learn more souri, Senior Supervisor of Event Logistics about various styles and techniques, while and Support, QF. THE PENINSULA festival programme for this very Qatar Foundation (QF) has officially serving as a platform for social engagement, “The event aims to highlight the role and DOHA special and important national opened its third ‘Art Atelier’ event at the discussion, and interaction. importance of art in connecting the local com- event. The festivities will QF Recreation Centre in Education City, Each artist is showcasing two pieces of munity, while providing an open and creative The Cultural Village Foundation include more than 45 events yesterday. artwork – specially designed in a workshop space for aspiring artists in Qatar. We also - Katara is all set for its over the nine days, including The event will be open to the public until prior to the exhibition – highlighting the hope that the exhibition will inspire visitors nine-day National Day festiv- fireworks, opera, musical December 20 from 9am to 9pm. region’s rich heritage and culture. to explore their own creative and artistic pur- ities which will kick off shows, parachuting, drone The exhibition brings together an array “We are delighted to be hosting the third suits,” said Al Mansouri. tomorrow. shows, cultural shows and other The festival this year at fun-filled activities. Katara will feature several The National Day activities special events and celebrations will take place at different Workshop on establishing Qatar National Cancer Information Center such as an opera titled “Citizens venues at Katara beach, amphi- and Expats – We Are One,” theatre and Katara esplanade which will be staged on from 4pm to 10pm. QNA Analysis Service (NCRAS). level of the discussions and the need to establish a national December 17 and December 19 Several concerts featuring DOHA During the workshop, they experts of the workshop. He con- cancer information center in the in two timings. prominent Qatari singers and discussed the information firmed that establishing the Ministry of Public Health to work The festivities of the other artistes will also take The Qatar National Cancer relation to cancer data and pre- national cancer information on linking the data of cancer National Day will witness the place at the amphitheatre Registry of the Ministry of sented the UK model system. center will be a strong driver for patients from various sources. inauguration of the high-tech during the festivities. Public Health organized the first In addition, it provided a understanding the disease in the When completed in 2022, the planetarium, the first of its kind Visitors will enjoy an training workshop on the exec- detailed explanation on the State of Qatar and a strong foun- center will provide a complete in Qatar, as part of the extraordinary show by para- utive plans to establish Qatar disease, with a focus on the dation for the national programs database available to decision festivities. chuters from the Qatari national cancer information way to obtain data and the best to fight cancer. He also highlighted makers and academic Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Special Forces on December center at the ministry, in coop- way to analyze it. the important role of the center in researchers to serve as an Sulaiti, General Manager of 17 and 19. Large turn out of eration with the UK Health Manager of Qatar National supporting scientific research. essential step towards under- Katara said that this year Katara visitors is expected in these Foundation and National Cancer Registry Amid Abu The National Cancer standing and combating this has prepared an exceptional events. Cancer Registration and Hmaidan praised the scientific Framework 2017-2022 included disease. 06 HOME MONDAY 10 DECEMBER 2018 HMC holds 7th annual mental health conference

THE PENINSULA The program for this population remain healthier for DOHA year’s conference longer,” said Al Raisi. The program for this year’s Hamad Medical Corporation featured the most conference featured the most (HMC) hosted the seventh annual extensive agenda to extensive agenda to date and Qatar International Mental date and included included a pre-conference day Health Conference during the a pre-conference with intensive workshop ses- weekend. As the main provider sions and two days of keynote of specialized mental healthcare day with intensive presentations, oral and poster in Qatar, HMC has been a strong workshop sessions and presentations. The first keynote supporter of the government’s presentation was delivered two days of keynote Physicians, nurses, and allied healthcare professionals attending the conference. ongoing efforts to highlight the during the opening ceremony importance of good mental presentations, oral and by the acclaimed Professor health and wellbeing as a poster presentations. Jayashri Kulkarni, Professor of expertise among healthcare expertise to the communities we system requirements in order to national priority and to improve Psychiatry and Director of the professionals. serve in Qatar. Our conference deliver improved health out- access to mental healthcare Monash Alfred Psychiatry “The Qatar National Mental is designed to provide learning comes to these groups. services in the country. “From a public health per- Research Centre in Australia. Health Strategy 2013-2018, one across our Mental Health Service Conference participants rep- Mahmoud Al Raisi, Chief of spective, we recognize the Professor Kulkarni elaborated of the first in the region, articu- and to improve awareness and resented a variety of organiza- Continuing Care at HMC was importance of encouraging open on the importance of making lated the vision for an integrated knowledge among health pro- tions from across the health among the attendees at the dialogue on a wide range of women’s mental health a global mental health system, which is fessionals working across our sector, both in Qatar and from opening ceremony for the con- mental health matters to help priority. underpinned by the Mental system,” said Tulley. around the region. Their ference and said HMC is com- raise public awareness and Iain Tulley, National Health Health Law, which is currently Tulley noted that Qatar’s attendance demonstrated the mitted to taking a key role in thereby reduce associated Strategy Lead for Mental Health being implemented. An inte- National Health Strategy 2018- collective commitment of major providing a platform for dialogue stigma. By encouraging early and Wellbeing for the State of grated mental health system 2022 includes seven priority private and public healthcare among stakeholders, particularly access to diagnosis and Qatar and CEO of HMC’s Mental which is evidence-based and populations and five system- institutions to promote shared around the future development treatment, we will be in a Health Service stated the impor- culturally aligned requires high wide priorities that reflect both learning and expertise that of integrated mental health stronger position to manage the tance of targeted educational quality, well-educated profes- the needs of specific population support an integrated mental services in Qatar. risk factors and help our activities to raise awareness and sionals who can bring and adapt groups in Qatar as well as health health service in Qatar. QA’s in-flight catering subsidiary wins 15 awards HBKU’s Translation and THE PENINSULA Interpreting Institute opens DOHA registration for Spring 2019 Chefs from Qatar Airways’ in-flight catering subsidiary, Qatar Aircraft Catering THE PENINSULA The new semester Company (QACC), won 15 DOHA awards, including Gold and of courses at TII’s Silver, at the Fourth Hospitality The Translation and Inter- Language Center will Qatar event held at the Doha preting Institute (TII), part of the introduce the wider Exhibition & Convention Centre College of Humanities and community to an on November 8. Social Sciences (CHSS) at Judged by a panel of 11 Hamad Bin Khalifa University immersive experience world-class culinary experts, 24 (HBKU) has opened registration that promotes the QACC chefs beat stiff compe- for its Spring 2019 language learning of other tition from more than 400 pro- courses offered to both children traditions and fessionals representing 52 and adults. hotels and restaurants across The new semester of cultures through Qatar at the annual event, courses at TII’s Language language. which was organised by Qatar Center will introduce the wider Chefs of QACC with awards. Culinary Professionals and community to an immersive Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA). experience that promotes the held every Saturday starting Showcasing their skills and Qatar Airways Group Chief lounges within our home and clock from its 69,000 square learning of other traditions and January 12 until March 23 and expertise in all areas of the Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: hub, Hamad International metre self-catering facility at cultures through language. will run for one hour and 50 culinary arts, the QACC team “We are thrilled to extend our Airport (HIA). They play a vital HIA. In addition the QACC Dr Nima Nazari, director of minutes. won Gold for their work in the congratulations to QACC team, role in ensuring that passengers team’s achievements in the the Language Center at TII, said, Adults can enroll for Arabic, ‘Master Showpiece’ category whose outstanding skills and can enjoy unrivalled standards Fourth Hospitality Qatar event, “Learning a new language Arabic Sign Language, Man- and Silver for the ‘Chocolate expertise have been duly rec- of service, along with the best the airline’s renowned dine- opens up windows of oppor- darin Chinese, French, German, Show Piece’ section, taking part ognised at this key event for the dining available in the sky.” on-demand in flight cuisine tunity, and, as evidenced by Italian, Portuguese, Russian, in a variety of competitive cat- hospitality industry in Qatar. Launched in 2002, QACC is was also named ‘Best Catering’ global career trends and pros- Turkish and Spanish language egories including live cooking Each day, the QACC team cur- the sole catering company in the annual AirlineRatings’ pects, it is hugely beneficial to courses, commencing January demonstrations, fruits and ice rently prepare an average of exclusively providing in-flight Airline Excellence Awards have multilingual skills. TII’s 13, 2019. Each course utilizes a carving, Qatari and interna- 150,000 meals, across 60 inter- catering for Qatar Airways, 2019, alongside Qatar Airways’ broad range of courses offer an blended learning approach, tional desserts, as well as the national cuisines for Qatar other international airlines, revolutionary Qsuite which opportunity for children and complementing classic event’s main gastronomical Airways flights, as well as other hub lounges, Emiri and VIP was named ‘Best Business adults to expand their language textbook tuition augmented by contest, the Salon Culinaire. international airlines and flights, operating around the Class’. repertoire in a multicultural audiovisual and multimedia setting, where qualified resources, as well as structured instructors incorporate a classroom discussions. Mitsubishi models recalled number of learning techniques Courses are open to eve- that promote creativity and ryone at all levels of proficiency. THE PENINSULA collaboration.” Based on an initial placement DOHA TII’s Language Center’s test to assess an applicant’s pro- spring courses for children and ficiency, students will be The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with teenagers aged five to 15 include assigned to a class best suited to Qatar Automobiles Company, dealer of Mitsubishi vehicles Arabic, Chinese, French, German, their level of command of the in Qatar, has announced the recall of Mitsubishi ASX, Eclipse Portuguese and Spanish, as well chosen language. and Outlander models of 2017-2018 over possibility of defects as exclusive courses that focus All courses will be held at in forward collision mitigation software and hydraulic control on Arabic reading. Students will the Penrose House (previously unit software. learn to understand and express LAS) building in Education City. The Ministry said recall campaign comes within the themselves in a language of their To enroll for one of TII’s lan- framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and choice through well-structured guage courses, visit http://tii.qa/ ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and lessons, which will incorporate lc and www.tii.qa/kc. Regis- repairs. It will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on main- a diverse range of activities such tration for both the adult and tenance and repair works and will communicate with cus- as songs, games, crafts, music, children’s courses closes on tomers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out. drama and art. Lesson will be January 9, 2019. Ooredoo extends Urban Point offer

THE PENINSULA DOHA subscription via the Ooredoo and would usually cost QR15 Customer Officer, said: “The App, in the “Offers” section. per month. new partnership between As part of the company’s They can then download the Talking about the offer, Ooredoo and Urban Point ongoing push to reward Urban Point App and register Manar Khalifa Al Muraikhi, will help Ooredoo customers customers for choosing their a new account to gain access Director of PR and Corporate save on average QR278/ services, Ooredoo is happy to to thousands of offers. Communications, Ooredoo month, thanks to the great announce the extension of its The best part is that all Qatar, said: “We’re always deals it offers to enjoy some Urban Point offer. Urban Point offers renew looking for ways to reward in of the best places around All new Shahry 200, every month, so users can use our customers for choosing Qatar. Our mission is to help Shahry 250, Qatarna 350, their favorite offers again and Ooredoo, and as well as our customers save more and 500, 600 and 850 sub- again while getting new Nojoom Loyalty Programme, live better.” scribers will have access to outlets and offers as well. and access to the world-class Ooredoo Hala customers the Urban Point app for free Urban Point was awarded Supernet network, Shahry can also enjoy the Urban and enjoy the amazing deals the Mobile App of the Year and Qatarna customers will Point benefits by finding throughout 2019. 2016 in Qatar, provides dis- now be able to save hundreds weekly deals from Urban Until December 31, 2019, counts to restaurants, cafes, with Urban Point.” Point in the “Offers” section Ooredoo customers can beauty salons, health clubs Sussanna Ingalls, Urban of the Ooredoo App every redeem a free Urban Point and fun activities in Qatar Point’s co-founder and Chief Thursday. MONDAY 10 DECEMBER 2018 HOME 07 New screening method for early diagnosis of dementia FAZEENA SALEEM users, families and health and social care The Ministry of Public a number of workshops and meetings THE PENINSULA staff and play a crucial or a very Health recently launched to support the development of the important role in the early identification QNDP. We have also ensured that PHCC The Primary Health care Corporation of patients with cognitive impairment the national dementia plan is represented at the national dementia (PHCC) plays a significant role in imple- or dementia. for Qatar, representing stakeholder group meetings and many menting the recently launched Qatar “We are investing in campaigns and a comprehensive other meetings,” said Dr Al Khuzaei. National Dementia Plan (QNDP) and educational material to raise awareness framework for the ongoing “PHCC is committed to get all its early diagnosis of the diseases. As part among the population and reduce the staff well trained to receive and deal of its commitment PHCC will soon stigma of dementia and these social development of care with elderly clients including those who introduce a screening method to detect trends will tend to bring patients to us for people living with are suspected to have dementia. We elderly with cognitive impairment or a bit earlier. When patients do present, dementia. believe that primary health care should early stages of dementia, said Dr Ameera we are able to offer a pathway of diag- be the foundation and the gatekeeper Al Khuzaei, Community Medicine nosis and care that is clear and can be to access health care services, including Consultant, Adult Health Service done in a reasonable timescale,” she told accessing services for people with cog- Manager, Service Development The Peninsula. The Ministry of Public Health nitive impairment and dementia,” she Department, PHCC. PHCC supports the early identifi- recently launched the national dementia added. PHCC will be working in part- cation of dementia by supporting the plan for Qatar, representing a compre- QNDP represents the first steps in nership with all stakeholders as part of currently on-going national dementia hensive framework for the ongoing achieving the 2022 national target of a Dr Ameera Al Khuzaei implementing the QNDP. It will include survey. The survey is currently taking development of care for people living “one-year increase in Healthy Life Years develop the national dementia care place in selected PHCC Health Centers impairment. Some of these patients have with dementia. for the over 65-year-old population” for pathway, develop national clinical where approximately 1000 patients been referred to the memory clinic at “PHCC has been fully engaged and the Healthy Ageing priority population guidelines, conduct dementia awareness have already been interviewed using a Hamad Medical Corporation for further involved in the development of the within the National Health Strategy and education campaigns for service clinical tool to assess for cognitive assessment. QNDP where some of us participated in 2018-2022. CMU-Q celebrates 10th anniversary of first graduating class THE PENINSULA CMU-Q offers Carnegie a question, it would DOHA academic programs in be ‘Did you ever think that you would have such an impact on The Carnegie Mellon University the fields of biological people on such a scale?’” Al in Qatar (CMU-Q) celebrated sciences, business Emadi said. “I am a Qatari the 10-year anniversary of its administration, woman who has benefited so first graduating class, marking computational much from the CMU expe- a decade of academic excel- rience. I wonder if he ever lence and significant contribu- biology, computer thought he would have an tions to the development of science and impact on such a student, such Qatar. information systems. a person, so far away from CMU-Q opened its doors in Pittsburgh.” 2004, with the first class grad- Fatima Al Mansoori, who is A celebratory water cannon salute being given to Qatar Airways flight at Moi International Airport. uating in 2008. The first class Alumna Nora Al Subai now a senior business analyst in the was comprised of 35 students, manages the SAP division at IT department of Qatar 16 of whom are Qatari. Qatar Petroleum, said, “CMU-Q Petroleum, said how CMU-Q Although today CMU-Q offers taught me to take on whatever is empowering Qataris to lead Qatar Airways launches five degree programs, in 2004 challenge that comes my way and excel. “Look at the com- students pursued degrees in and make the most of as many panies we’re all working at. We either business administration opportunities as I can,” she said. are working towards the devel- flights to Mombasa or computer science. “It’s so interesting to see how my opment of Qatar. We are “This is a class of pioneers,” classmates are rising and taking actively introducing change said Michael Trick, the dean of key roles across several indus- into our organizations. Some THE PENINSULA Foreign Affairs, Director, Middle Airways destination network CMU-Q. “When they began tries. I am certain that CMU-Q of us have even reached c-suite DOHA East Directorate, Amb. Jackline will be a major boost to the their classes in August 2004, graduates will only continue the positions, which is due in large Yonga, Kenya Tourism Board coastal economy especially in much of Education City was rise to leadership.” part to our education,” she said. Qatar Airways’ first non-stop Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Betty the area of tourism. This is a still in the planning phase. Her classmate, Eman Al With 11 graduating classes, flight from Doha to Mombasa, Radier, Kenya Tourism Feder- major milestone. Welcome to These students saw the vision. Emadi, is now the head of web the total number of CMU-Q Kenya landed yesterday at Moi ation Chairman, Mohammed Mombasa.” They completed their studies development at Qatar Olympic alumni is now nearly 800. International Airport, marking Hersi, Moi International Airport Qatar Airways will operate and have built successful Committee. She reflected on CMU-Q offers academic the airline’s second gateway in General Manager Marketing and its service to Mombasa with an careers, many in Qatar, paving the legacy that Andrew programs in the fields of bio- Kenya. Qatar Airways flight Business Development, Jimmy Airbus A320 aircraft, which fea- the way for the thriving campus Carnegie, philanthropist and logical sciences, business QR1333, operated by an Airbus Kibati and Moi International tures 12 Business Class seats and we have today.” founder of Carnegie Mellon administration, computational A320, departed Hamad Inter- Airport Manager, Peter Wafula. 120 seats in Economy Class. Pas- Since 2008, about half of University in Pittsburgh more biology, computer science and national Airport (HIA) yesterday Qatar Airways Group Chief sengers will be able to enjoy the the class has pursued graduate than a century ago, has had on information systems, which at 02:30 and arrived at Moi Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: airline’s superior entertainment studies, and two-thirds now the world. support Qatar’s long-term International Airport at 08:40, “Today’s inaugural flight to the system offering a wide variety live and work in Qatar. “If I could ask Andrew development and growth. where it was welcomed with a beautiful coastal city of of entertainment options. celebratory water cannon Mombasa marks further growth The award-winning airline salute. and strengthening bonds currently operates three daily On board the inaugural between the State of Qatar and flights between Doha and Qatar Airways flight to Kenya. We are thrilled to be the Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. Mombasa, Qatar Airways Chief first Middle East airline to offer With the addition of four weekly Flight Operations Officer, direct flights to Mombasa, our flights to Mombasa, Qatar Captain Jassim Al Haroon, was second gateway into Kenya. The Airways will be operating a total joined by the Kenyan Charge people of Mombasa will now be of 25 weekly flights between D’Affaires a.i. to the State of able to access Qatar Airways’ Doha and Kenya. Qatar, Washington Oloo. The extensive global network of In the following weeks, the VIP delegation was greeted more than 160 destinations award-winning airline will also upon arrival by the County Gov- around the world, while launch direct flights to ernment of Mombasa Deputy enjoying its award-winning Gothenburg, Sweden and Da Governor, Dr. William Kingi, service.” Nang, Vietnam. Qatar Airways’ County Government of Kenya Airports Authority inaugural flight to Gothenburg Mombasa, Executive for Trade, Managing Director, Johnny will touch down on 12 Tourism and Investment, Fawz Anderson, said: “The aviation December and will operate Ali, Kenya Civil Aviation sector in Kenya is shining five-times a week, while flights Authority, Director Aviation bright. Today’s inaugural flight to Da Nang will launch on Safety Security and Regulation, gives our customers more December 19 and will operate CMU-Q marked a decade of academic excellence and meaningful impact in Qatar. Capt. Tom Ogenche, Ministry of travel choices. The Qatar four-times weekly.

Abuse of over-the-counter medicines discussed at WCM-Q Grand Rounds

THE PENINSULA Dr Pawluck described and misuse of these agents.” intended, non-therapeutic use of a DOHA some commonly abused Dr Pawluck described some com- drug for the purpose of achieving a OTC medications, such as monly abused OTC medications, such desirable psychological or physio- Strategies for preventing abuse of certain classes of cough as certain classes of cough suppres- logical effect. He then discussed strat- over-the-counter medications were sants, antihistamine drugs and decon- egies for addressing the problem of explained at the latest installment of suppressants, antihistamine gestants that are abused to obtain OTC medication abuse, which include Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar’s drugs and decongestants effects such as feelings of euphoria, encouraging clinicians to talk to (WCM-Q) Grand Rounds series. that are abused to obtain stimulation or sedation. Harmful side- patients in detail about their use of OTC Dr Shane Pawluck, Assistant Pro- effects such as feelings of effects of taking more than the recom- medications, encouraging safe disposal fessor of Clinical Pharmacy and mended dose of one commonly abused of medications after the ailment has Practice at the College of Pharmacy, euphoria, stimulation or substance – dextromethorphan - been treated, better documentation of Qatar University, discussed which sedation. include hyperthermia (overheating), OTC use, and improving clinicians’ over-the-counter (OTC) medications excessive sweating, high blood knowledge of OTC abuse and of the have the greatest potential for abuse, pressure, elevated heart rate, visual available OTC abuse treatment/detox the harms associated with OTC med- the need for a prescription. One of the and auditory disturbances, loss of programs. ication abuse, and the ways healthcare issues here is that several different muscle control, fatigue, psychosis, sei- The lecture was accredited locally professionals can intervene to prevent research studies it has been proven that zures and even coma. by the Qatar Council for Healthcare Dr Shane Pawluck or address such abuse. the public perceive OTC medications He also said that drug misuse, Practitioners-Accreditation Speaking before an audience of as generally safer than prescription which is using a medication more fre- Department (QCHP-AD) and interna- students and fellow healthcare profes- towards deregulation and increased products, which is one of the reasons quently, in greater amounts or over a tionally by the Accreditation Council sionals, Dr Pawluck said, “Particularly access to more OTC products, as well we find ourselves in the situation longer time period than recommended, for Continuing Medical Education in the West there is a movement as higher strengths of drugs, without where we have some issues with abuse is distinct from abuse, which is (ACCME). 08 HOME MONDAY 10 DECEMBER 2018 MONDAY 10 DECEMBER 2018 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 09 Netanyahu tasks All of Israel within range of our missiles: Hezbollah

ANATOLIA Mossad head to BEIRUT / JERUSALEM Nowhere in Israel is beyond the reach of the missiles of Lebanon’s forge ties with Saudi Hezbollah, said the group’s deputy secretary-general yesterday. Naim Qassem’s remarks in an ANATOLIA According to Israeli TV interview with Iranian daily Al JERUSALEM Hadashot, the Israeli Vefagh were Hezbollah’s first reaction to Israeli claims that Hez- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin government began bollah has dug tunnels across the Netanyahu yesterday appointed a political process to border into Israel. Mossad head Yossi Cohen to normalise bilateral ties Earlier this month, the Israeli work to establish diplomatic between Tel Aviv and army launched a military operation ties between Israel and Saudi Riyadh in the runup to called Northern Shield meant to Arabia, local media reported. the general elections thwart the alleged offensive tunnels According to Israeli TV into Israeli territory. Hadashot, the Israeli gov- set for November 2019. Late on Saturday, Andrea ernment began a political Tenenti, the spokesman for the UN process to normalise bilateral Interim Forces in Lebanon ties between Tel Aviv and Gulf state, according to Netan- (UNIFIL), said that the Israeli army Riyadh in the runup to the yahu’s office. had informed him of another general elections set for Israeli Communication border tunnel. November 2019. Minister Ayoub Kara also In the newspaper interview, Local media reported that visited the United Arab Qassem said Israel cannot take the US was also involved into Emirates (UAE) to attend a con- military action against Lebanon A man holds a Hezbollah flag at Meis Al Jabal village in south Lebanon, yesterday. the process. ference held in Dubai. because since 2006 it has been A high-level Israeli gov- A similar visit was paid by deterred by the capabilities of ernment official, speaking on Israeli Culture Minister Miri the Islamic resistance in complicated the idea of Israel Israeli army operation against Strip border or the West Bank amid condition of anonymity, said Regev to Abu Dhabi, where Lebanon. The interior of Israel, starting a war on Lebanon,” he the tunnels “is in its beginning.” Operation Northern Shield on the that in light of the rising tension Israel attended the Judo Grand including Tel Aviv, is exposed to said. “We’ll continue to act until Lebanese-Israeli border. “We have with Iran, Tel Aviv made con- Competition in the capital. Hezbollah missiles, he said. Yesterday, embattled Israeli its completion,” he added in a no interest in a spark on the Pales- tacts with a number of Arab Israel’s Economy Minister “The rules of engagement and Prime Minister Benjamin statement. tinian front,” Israeli Yediot Aha- states, including Saudi Arabia. Eli Cohen has also been invited deterrence created by Hezbollah Netanyahu — facing new cor- Netanyahu also said he is not ronot newspaper quoted Netanyahu’s office has yet to attend an international high- in Lebanon have greatly ruption charges — said the interested in clashes on the Gaza Netanyahu as saying. to release an official statement tech conference in Bahrain, on the issue. according to Israeli media. In late October, Netanyahu Israel currently does not paid a surprise visit to Oman at have diplomatic relations with Israeli military the invitation of the ruler of the Bahrain, Oman, or the UAE. Yemen peace talks in Sweden probes shooting focus on prisoner swap deal of Palestinian Libya is shutting down El Sharara AP atmosphere is positive. And we toward a political settlement. AP RIMBO, SWEDEN are optimistic. The war has killed tens of JERUSALEM after field seized by tribesmen Speaking later at the venue, thousands and made Yemen the Yemen’s warring parties met a castle north of Stockholm, the world’s worst humanitarian The Israeli military yesterday REUTERS yesterday for the fourth day of head of the Houthi delegation crisis, with 22 of its 29 million said it has opened an inves- TRIPOLI/BENGHAZI UN-sponsored peace talks in said a committee was discussing people in need of aid, according tigation into the death of a Sweden to try to hammer out the swap and that the rebels to the UN The airport in rebel- 22-year-old Palestinian man Libya is shutting down production at its biggest oilfield after details of a prisoner exchange, were ready for the exchange, held capital, Sana’a, has been in the West Bank after a video tribesmen and state-paid security guards seized the El Sharara which could eventually include which would include rebel closed since August 2016 by order surfaced appearing to show facility, threatening oil workers, several field engineers and all prisoners held by both sides fighters he said are held at of the Saudi-led coalition, leaving him being shot in the back. protesters said yesterday. in the four-year civil war. undisclosed locations abroad. the rebel-held north of Yemen The security-camera If confirmed by state oil firm NOC, the shutdown at the 315,000 The parties focused on the After signing the agreement, heavily relying on the Red Sea video, obtained from a local barrel-per-day field would also force the closure of the El-Feel swap amid optimism on first bodies of the dead should be port of Hodeida, which is con- restaurant in the town of oilfield, located in the same remote and lawless southern desert. steps toward a political dialogue. identified. trolled by the Houthis, for delivery Tulkarem, shows Mohammed El Feel usually pumps around 70,000 bpd. Yemen’s conflict pits the Iran- “That will solve the problem of much-needed humanitarian Habali walking in an alleyway “El Sharara is closed,” one engineer said. A spokesman for the backed Shia rebels, known as of the missing,” said Mohamed aid and fuel supplies. holding a stick when he is tribesmen which call themselves the Fezzan Anger Movement, Houthis, against the interna- Abdelsalam. The United Nations At a security forum in Abu shot from behind and falls Mohamed Maighal, also said the field was shut. tionally recognized government has long led a push to resolve Dhabi, US Deputy Assistant Sec- down on his face. NOC confirmed only that guards had forced the closure of supported by a US-sponsored the conflict but past attempts retary for Arabian Gulf Affairs Several other young some pumps at El Sharara “which will result in on-site tanks filling Saudi-led coalition. at constructive talks have led Timothy Lenderking said the United males are standing nearby or within the next few hours and thus force a production shutdown,” “We are progressing toward nowhere and officials have States is supportive of the “good walking away in the same a statement said. implementation, how to swiftly sought to downplay expecta- spirit of cooperation” observed at direction - sometimes looking NOC could not be reached for further comment but said it group together the prisoners,” tions from the current talks, this stage in the talks, and hoped back - apparently to keep would issue another statement later. It warned of “catastrophic said Askar Zouail, from the gov- focusing on achieving a for concrete results to help reduce their distance from Israeli consequences”. ernment delegation. “The framework for future talks the pain inflicted on civilians. troops. No soldiers are seen in the video. Habali’s brother, Alaa, said Mohammed had suffered a mental disability and also was physically dis- Saudi rejects extraditions to Turkey over Khashoggi murder abled after breaking his pelvis in a car accident a few years ago. He said the stick his AFP Cooperation Council states. intelligence chief Ahmad Al have not been as forthcoming as to Istanbul to kill Khashoggi. brother carried was used to RIYADH Erdogan has repeatedly Assiri and former adviser to the we believe they should have Erdogan has said the order help him walk. called on Saudi Arabia to hand royal court Saud Al Qahtani, at the been,” said Jubeir, saying Riyadh to kill Khashoggi came from the He said Mohammed had Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister over suspects in the killing of the request of Istanbul’s chief prose- was presented with information highest levels of the Saudi gov- worked in a coffee shop and yesterday rejected demands to dissident journalist. cutor. Assiri often sat in during that had already been leaked to ernment, but has insisted it was was in the street after closing extradite suspects connected to Khashoggi, a Saudi con- Prince Mohammed’s closed-door the media. “We have asked our not King Salman. The Turkish the restaurant when he saw the murder of journalist Jamal tributor to the Washington Post, meetings with visiting foreign dig- friends in Turkey to provide us leader insisted last weekend soldiers in the area. The army Khashoggi as sought by Turkish was killed shortly after entering nitaries and Qahtani was a key with evidence that we can use in during a trip to South America said that soldiers responded President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. the kingdom’s consulate in counsellor to the crown prince. a court of law. We have not that Riyadh hand over the sus- to the stone throwers with “We do not extradite our Istanbul on October 2. Both were sacked after Riyadh received it in the manner that it pects, but said the kingdom was “riot dispersal means” and citizens,” Adel Al Jubeir told a A Turkish court on admitted Khashoggi was killed in should have been received.” not cooperating. Riyadh has live fire. It said military police news conference in Riyadh at Wednesday issued arrest war- its consulate. According to Turkey, a since detained 21 people over the are now investigating the the end of a summit of Gulf rants for former Saudi “The Turkish authorities 15-member Saudi team was sent murder. shooting. Nigerian VP candidate’s bank accounts frozen: Opposition

BLOOMBERG of failed attempts to destroy his anti-graft campaign as a pretext LAGOS reputation, has also continued to quash political opponents. to receive all manner of threats The main challenger to the Nigeria’s main opposition and blackmail, including threats 75-year-old former general’s People’s Democratic Party said to his life and those of his wife path to a second term is PDP the bank accounts of its vice and children,” the party said. presidential candidate Atiku presidential candidate had been A spokesman for Buhari, Abubakar, 72, who was vice frozen in an act of intimidation Femi Adesina, referred Bloomb- president from 1999 to 2007. by the government ahead of erg’s queries to the nation’s anti- Obi, a former governor of the February general elections. corruption agency, the Eco- southeastern state of Anambra, The accounts of Peter Obi, nomic and Financial Crimes was chosen as Abubakar’s his wife, family members and Commission. Its spokesman running mate in October. their businesses had been didn’t immediately respond to The PDP said in its blocked “by agencies” of Pres- a text message seeking statement that Buhari’s All Pro- Making both ends meet ident Muhammadu Buhari’s comment. gressives Congress was using administration, the PDP said in Buhari came to power in “smear campaigns” and “direct A man collecting cardboards pushes a trolley in the centre of Edirne in the northwest of Turkey, a statement. 2015 vowing to clamp down on attacks” on Abubakar and Obi yesterday. “Since his nomination, Peter endemic corrruption. Critics ahead of the vote, scheduled for Obi, apart from facing a series have accused him of using his February 16. 10 VIEWS MONDAY 10 DECEMBER 2018 Qatar succeeded in managing ESTABLISHED IN 1996 Gulf crisis, say experts CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI QNA trategic experts and analysts EDITOR-IN-CHIEF confirmed that the State of DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI Qatar has succeeded in man- [email protected] aging the current Gulf crisis Sand was able to overcome it , and undermined the efforts of the siege ACTING MANAGING EDITOR countries to weaken its sovereignty, MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED economy and social cohesion. [email protected] They pointed out that the State of Qatar became stronger in light of the current Gulf crisis, and provided a suc- DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR cessful model in how to manage crises MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI and turn the challenges into opportu- [email protected] nities , and adopt flexible strategies to address the consequences of the siege, especially at the political and eco- nomic levels, during the “Third Annual International Interdisciplinary Con- ference: Gulf Crisis, Repercussions and Future” by the Gulf Studies Center EDITORIAL (GSC) at Qatar Universitys (QU). countries in the separation of families inaugurated the Third Annual Interna- During a session on “Crisis Man- ,and the disruption of social ties. He tional Interdisciplinary Conference agement In The Era Of Global added that Qatar has taken effective and highlighted the importance of the Network. The Case Of Qatari measures to counter the negative conference to consolidate academic Qatar’s economic growth Blockade” Dr. Adriana Lukaszewicz propaganda campaigns organized by understanding of all political, eco- from Kozminski University, said that the siege countries against the image nomic and social aspects of the current he economy of Qatar is moving towards brighter after 18 months of siege Qatar appears of the state, especially in Western Gulf crisis, in order to develop mecha- future. Minister of Finance H E Ali Shareef Al Emadi to be more resilient to the repercus- countries, as Qatar succeeded in this, nisms that help to understand their Tsaid yesterday that Qatar’s general budget for 2019 sions of the crisis. There has been a whether in the media or through the origins, implications and prospects as will show an estimated surplus. This demonstrate the change in the nature of the threats actual actions by strengthening alli- a crisis that exceeded all expectations. strength of Qatar’s financial situation and shows that the associated with the crisis, specially ances with countries of the world, He added that the conference country will continue to grow and achieve a sustainable after Qatar has succeeded in turning including the United States, and major comes in conjunction with many development. challenges into opportunities by European and regional countries. regional and international develop- In a related development, S&P Global Ratings on Sat- improving all its economic sectors , He also pointed out that Qatar also ments including the Summit of the urday announced to revise its outlook on Qatar to ‘stable’ and building new regional and inter- won in its campaign against the GCC Supreme Council. He expressed from ‘negative’ on the strength of the country’s macroeco- national alliances . She explained that human rights violations that affected his regret that the council, in its nomic resilience. The premier ratings agency also affirmed success in Crisis Management is the Qatari citizens, because of the current capacity and available tools, is Qatar’s sovereign credit ratings at ‘AA-/A-1+’. directly related to the success of the measures of the countries of the unable to resolve the crisis. In its overview, S&P said Qatar has “effectively management in general, and it reflects blockade, and the position of the Director of the Gulf Studies Center managed” the ongoing blockade’s impact on diplomatic the overall success in the state man- Human Rights Council a strong victory Dr. Mahjoob Zweiri, said the con- ties and trade and transport links. agement . in the face of the besieged states. ference comes as part of the center’s “We expect economic growth to accelerate and Qatar’s response to the crisis and Dr. Wojciech Grabowski praised focus on interactive issues in the Gulf external accounts to remain in surplus from 2018-2021, its rapid the public cohesion along with the regions and is part of many events that except in the event of larger declines in oil prices,” S&P success in leadership during the crisis. He said documents the reactions of the Gulf noted in its report. overcoming there was a popular enlightenment crisis. He added that the center’s Despite the temporary blockade-related setbacks, it, finding campaign that showed the cohesion of vision is to develop and promote QU’s Qatar’s external balance sheet remains strong, with liquid alternatives society between the leadership and goal to develop academic researches external assets continuing to commercial people and showed the harmony in Qatar and the regions, through pro- offset the country’s stock of Director of the Gulf goods in between Qataris and residents and ducing academia that reflects the external debt by a sizeable Studies Center Dr. record time, made it more powerful to face new history of the GCC crisis which is a margin. Mahjoob Zweiri, creating new threats He touched on repercussions transitive crisis in its various “We estimate that the said the confer- alliances, and of the Gulf crisis on the structure of the dimensions. fiscal balance will be in a small seeking self- GCC saying, crisis broke the Gulf row The Conference brings together The Qatari surplus in 2018 at the central ence comes as part sufficiency in and changed the course of alliances scholars, policy makers and students banking sector government level. We expect of the center’s fo- agricultural for all States members of the council. from a wide-range of disciplines to enjoys high the financing needs created at cus on interactive and indus- The keynote speaker, Dr. Kristian engage in a two-day conference. The levels of strength the central government level trial goods is Coates said the one of the most conference has also invited Chairman will be met largely by further issues in the Gulf interesting, important repercussions of the crisis is of the Munich Security Conference and flexibility debt issuance rather than regions and is part Dr. the sharp Gulf division and the intro- (MSC) Wolfgang Ischinger who will be and continues drawing on assets,” the report of many events Lukaszewicz duction of new players in the Gulf giving a speech on the European Role to achieve high said. that documents added. scene. He added that the confusion of in Regional Security of the Gulf in the growth rates The data on the financial For his the US administration in dealing with afternoon of the first day of the and economic sectors during the reactions of part a spe- the crisis and its inability to resolve it conference. due to its asset the first six months of 2018 the Gulf crisis. cialist in doubled those repercussions. The conference will participate in quality and high clearly point to a strong political Qatar University (QU) Professor of an in-depth exploration of all political, profitability national economy, and prove, science Dr. Political Psychology Dr. Majid Al economic and social aspects of the that Qatar has long overcome Wojciech Grabowsk said that Qatar Ansari presented a paper titled “The GCC crisis to offer its participants and levels. the repercussions of the unjust has been able to face the crisis through inevitableness of GCC conflicts: An our students a holistic study of this blockade as the GDP has its dependence on collective man- analysis of intra gulf relations and ongoing siege. The study will take already increased by 5.9 agement , and adopted a strategy regional hegemony attempts”, where place through the following themes: percent in the first half of 2018 compared to the same through which it faced all the reper- he analyzed the relations between the Epistemology of the Gulf Crisis Cyber period in 2017. cussions, especially on the political Gulf states and attempts at regional and Information Security, Role of the Qatar has started several initiatives and measures to and economic levels, leaving only the hegemony. media and information technology develop the business and investment environment, to social repercussions done by the siege Dr. Hassan Rashid Al Derham had and Shift in political alliances. promote the economic growth and expand the role of the private sector. Qatar offers many opportunities for investment and business development through initiatives promoting the investment and business environment and establishing free and economic zones that offer many benefits to Will the real Theresa May stand up? investors. The Qatari banking sector enjoys high levels of strength THERESE RAPHAEL erendum vote for more control. product of sabotage from within: A and flexibility and continues to achieve high growth rates BLOOMBERG A less charitable reading is that government that never really wanted due to its asset quality and high profitability levels. May’s leadership has seen one blunder to leave the European Union didn’t so The capital adequacy ratio exceeds the requirements British Prime Minister Theresa May is after another, from the premature much negotiate with the bloc as con- of Basel III, while the ratio of non-performing debt con- doing something politicians almost triggering of the two-year negotiating spire with it to frustrate Brexit, soften tinued at low levels below 2 percent. never do: She is charging into a battle window to the failure to prepare it, or ensure it never happens. Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Devel- she will almost certainly lose. Par- properly for exiting without a deal. The historian David Starkey wrote opment Strategy 2018-2022 provide a comprehensive liament is widely expected to reject Former Bank of England Governor last weekend that this should be framework for the future directions of the State. The her Brexit deal on Dec. 11. That has led Mervyn King, writing for Bloomberg known as the Second Brexit after what proactive policies by the government authority will ensure to massive speculation about what Opinion last week, called her deal a he calls the First Brexit, Henry VIII’s that Qatar moves in the right direction. comes next. Does she have a plan to betrayal on a par with the break with the Roman Catholic survive and lead the aftermath, or, like appeasement of Hitler in the 1930s. church. Then, the king couldn’t get the the Spartan Leonidas at the Battle of Conservatives who subscribe to this pope to agree his divorce from Cath- Thermopylae, will she sacrifice herself argument may disagree over whether erine of Aragon so he could marry QUOTE OF THE DAY and her troops for a position she can’t May is stoic or stubborn, incompetent Anne Boleyn, so he found a way to hold? Many are advising her to pull the or outgunned, but put them together divorce Rome first. That break “set When I say if Brexit vote, but she has so far resisted. How long enough in a room and they would England on a new course that has deal does not pass the weeks ahead play out depends on probably be able to agree some way lasted to the present day and provides we would truly be in which of the two critiques of May from forward - most likely without her. They much of the emotional underpinning within her party wins out. Both sets of may hate parts of the deal, but they to the Second Brexit,” wrote Starkey. uncharted waters, Conservatives hold that the deal she tend to be pragmatists. It was a messy, drawn-out affair I hope people has brought home after two years of The other narrative is much and Starkey likens May to Henry’s understand this is negotiations is untenable. But there darker; its proponents judge that the ambitious administrator, Cardinal what I genuinely the agreement ends. deal is poisonous by design and Wolsey, whose heart really wasn’t in One narrative holds that a combi- intended to undermine Brexit itself. the divorce from Catherine. Starkey’s believe and fear could nation of missteps led to a Franken- This view began as a whisper, but has verdict is devastating: May, like happen. deal that must be put out of its misery. grown noticeably more strident. It’s Wolsey, is placing her own survival in There are two versions of this nar- the kind of allegation that could power above the “Great Matter” that is Theresa May rative. The more charitable one says become the seed of a populist backlash being decided. That, he writes, is the British Prime Minister May, faced with mission impossible, under the right circumstances. difference between “Tragedy and did her best to protect jobs and the There are different variations, but Farce - or between Brexit Achieved economy while delivering on the ref- this view holds that the deal is the and Brexit Ballsed-up.” MONDAY 10 DECEMBER 2018 OPINION 11 Gulf rift hits Opec with Qatar’s exit he rift between the Gulf Minister of State for Energy Affairs, H non-Opec oil producers, such as organization’s much-anticipated nations has hit the Organi- E Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi said on Russia, Kazakhstan and Mexico, are meeting on Dec. 6, raising some zation of Petroleum Exporting September 26. meeting in Vienna on Thursday, Dec. questions about the timing of its Countries (Opec) with Qatar’s After the blockade by Saudi-led 6 to discuss the global oil market. decision. Tdecision to leave the cartel after 57 countries in June 2017, Qatar had The group, dubbed as Opec+, In the wake of journalist Jamal years. invested $200 billion on infra- looked into ways to balance the Khashoggi’s murder, Doha could be The move could be a point-of-no- structure in order to open up new market, and decided to cut output by trying to put more pressure on OVUNC KUTLU return in the medium-term for Qatar, trade routes, and invested $50 billion at least 1 million bpd in order to raise Saudi Arabia by showing the cracks ANATOLIA given its strained relations with in its banking sector to keep it oil prices. in the cartel with its departure. Saudi-led countries in the Middle buoyant, according to global media Cracks within the cartel Qatar’s decision could also be a East. The country could have burned reports. The Qatar Investment Qatar leaving the organization is, result of Doha moving closer to the all its bridges leaving it isolated in the Authority, the country’s national however, a symbolic decision that US with the aim of establishing a Arab world in the long-run. Doha said wealth fund, is estimated to have makes the cracks within the cartel new alliance with the Trump the decision to leave Opec on Jan. 1 $330 billion in assets, investing both more visible. The Saudi-led organi- administration. stems from its long-term plan to focus domestically and internationally from zation had been the focus of much Although US President Donald more on natural gas production and the banking, service sectors to energy criticism when it decided in Trump first supported allegations investments. For the world’s liquefied and the sports industry. November 2014 not to cut production against Qatar as a “sponsor of ter- natural gas (LNG) champion for 12 The country has also been diversi- in order to support the historic decline rorism” in 2017, he later called H H consecutive years, the announcement fying its gas-dependent economy with in oil prices. the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad carried a more economic focus rather international brands such as Qatar When crude prices fell to their Al-Thani a “great friend” when the than a political one. Airways, the Al Jazeera television lowest level in 12 years by plum- two leaders came together in the Qatar has been the world’s biggest network, and through the purchase of meting below $30 a barrel in January White House in April 2018. LNG exporter every year since 2006, French football club Paris Saint- 2016, the kingdom received more US Secretary of State Mike having a 30 percent share in the Germain in 2011. frowns from Opec members whose Pompeo later urged Arab leaders to global LNG market, according to Small oil share in Opec economies are highly dependent on resolve the Gulf rift, since Wash- British Petroleum’s Statistical Review Qatar’s departure from Opec is revenues from oil sales and exports. ington wants the Arab world of World Energy published annually. unlikely to have much impact on the Saudi Arabia did not refrain from unified in order to isolate Iran in Natural gas accounts for more cartel’s production, given that it only swaying other Opec members against the region. Pompeo met with Qatari Having the third than 70 percent of Qatari government has a small output share in the Iran when US sanctions on the Deputy Prime Minister Khalid Al- largest gas reserves in revenues, around 60 percent of its organization. country were lifted and Tehran’s Attiyah in Washington on Nov. 14 to gross domestic product (GDP), and The country’s oil production was crude oil production and exports discuss the Trump administration’s the world, after Russia approximately 85 percent of its 609,000 barrels per day in October, began to increase. proposal to form an Arab security and Iran, Qatar plans earnings from exports, according to according to Opec’s Monthly Oil Qatar lost much of its influence in alliance in the Middle East. to increase its LNG government data. Market report in November. This con- Opec, after Saudi Arabia and three The two officials reaffirmed production capacity Its 2.4 million population, which stituted 1.8 percent of Opec’s total countries had taken a political stance their commitment to the strong consists of 11.6 percent Qatari and production in October, which stood at against Doha in June 2017. bilateral relationship between the per annum from 77 88.4 percent foreign workers, enjoyed 32.9 million barrels per day (bpd), the Arab politics at boiling point US and Qatar, and discussed million tons to 110 $63,500 GDP per capita in 2017 when report showed. Issues surrounding Qatar, the working toward a Middle East Stra- million tons, Minister total GDP was recorded at $167.6 As a comparison, the world’s small Gulf nation that has 11,58 square tegic Alliance to advance security of State for Energy billion, the World Bank data shows. biggest crude exporter Saudi Arabia kilometers, started one and a half and stability in the region, Having the third largest gas reached a record high level of 11.2 years ago. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, according to a White House Affairs, H E Saad bin reserves in the world, after Russia and million bpd of crude oil production Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates statement. The US wants the Arab Sherida Al Kaabi said Iran, Qatar plans to increase its LNG most recently. cut of all their diplomatic ties with countries to end their dispute with on September 26. production capacity per annum from Qatar’s decision, however, comes Qatar on June 5, 2017 and accused Qatar as soon as possible in order 77 million tons to 110 million tons, at a critical time when Opec and Doha of supporting terrorism, accusa- to form a unified front against Iran. tions Qatar strongly denied. However, Doha’s decision to leave In addition to imposing a blockade Opec could further delay that to the small peninsula nation, the indefinitely. group led by Saudi Arabia released a 13-point list of demands, which required Doha to cut its relations with Iran and shut down its Al Jazeera tele- vision network. Qatar later said the decision to end diplomatic ties was unjustified, and were based on false claims. D-RING ROAD By leaving the world’s biggest oil POST BOX: 3488 organization, Qatar has become the DOHA - QATAR first Arab nation to do so since its [email protected] foundation in 1960. Qatar had joined the organization one year after its establishment. It can be argued that EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE Qatar quitting the cartel will leave TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 Doha more segregated in Middle FAX: +974 4455 7758 Eastern politics, since Opec was a forum in which Arab politics could be MANAGING EDITOR TEL: discussed and member states could 4462 7505 garner support from each other. Relations with US DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR TEL: Qatar’s announcement to leave 4455 7769 Opec came three days before the LOCAL NEWS SECTION TEL: 4455 7743

BUSINESS NEWS SECTION f Friday’s last-minute deal by the million barrels in November and benefits are rather concentrated, TEL: 4462 7535 Opec-plus group sparks a big guided for 10.2 million barrels a day in whereas pump prices affect everyone rally in oil prices, then it and January, when the cuts are due to across the US They’re also concen- SPORT NEWS SECTION Saudi Arabia, especially, can begin. So rather than cutting 300,000 trated in states such as Texas, TEL: 4455 7745 Iprobably expect a few holiday tweets barrels a day, Saudi Arabia may be Oklahoma and North Dakota - not from a certain president. Judging from taking out three times that amount in places Trump would likely lose in ONLINE SECTION comments made by Khalid Al-Falih, the near term, more than Opec’s 2020 elections anyway. LIAM DENNING TEL: 4462 7501 the country’s energy minister, they entire pledge. Regardless, Saudi Arabia’s eco- BLOOMBERG [email protected] seem to expect as much. That sharp cutback looks designed nomic interests must ultimately trump any wariness about Trump. The to mitigate the seasonal slowdown in PUBLIC RELATIONS agreement actually benefits the country oil demand. While Opec’s forecasts TEL: 4455 7613 disproportionately in two ways. imply a pre-cut surplus next year of [email protected] Saudi Arabia sets almost 1.5 million barrels a day, the First, the lack of specific targets figure for the first quarter is almost 1.8 provides cover for the country to shift ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT million barrels a day. If Saudi Arabia production up and down depending TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 held that January level for the whole on demand signals, production from up a scrappy FAX: 4455 7870 quarter, and the rest of the Opec-plus other countries and, of course, tweets. [email protected] group fulfilled their obligations, then Second, Saudi Arabia is one of the New Year with Trump the overall cuts would almost exactly Opec-plus group’s “haves,” with the CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT match that projected surplus, wiping capacity to raise production, as TEL: 4455 7857 it out. opposed to have-nots such as Vene- [email protected] In reality, not everyone will nec- zuela. And this agreement, by shifting Opec says it will cut 800,000 essarily cut; Russia, in particular, will the baseline for cuts to October 2018 SUBSCRIPTION & barrels a day of production starting in take a gradual approach. Even so, from the previous one of October DISTRIBUTION January, while its 10 partner countries Saudi Arabia’s move could push oil 2016, rewards the “haves.” TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 have pledged to take out 400,000 a prices back toward the $70 or $80 In doing so, the new agreement is FAX: 44557819 Opec says it will cut day. Oil prices jumped, erasing the level where Trump’s twitter fingers a tacit acknowledgement of the [email protected] 800,000 barrels a day plunge that followed Thursday’s get itchy. Hence, perhaps, Al-Falih growing divide within Opec and of production starting inconclusive meeting. Even so, Brent went out of his way during Friday’s growing reliance on Moscow; espe- crude oil is still only at $63 a barrel. press conference to point out that, by cially so in light of the fact that a deal in January, while its That could change, however, if Saudi supporting oil prices, Opec’s actions only emerged on Friday, with the All thoughts and views 10 partner countries Arabia follows through on comments would have US producers “breathing assistance of Russian energy minister expressed in these columns have pledged to take made by Al-Falih at Friday’s press a sigh of relief,” encouraging them to Alexander Novak. are those of the writers, out 400,000 a day. Oil conference. set higher budgets for 2019 and, And guess what: We get to do it all While the group didn’t give spe- importantly, avoid layoffs. again in just four months’ time. This not of the newspaper. prices jumped, erasing cific quotas for each member, the Saudi Arabia may well be calcu- new agreement is penciled in for an the plunge that overall figure implies a cut of 3 lating Trump focuses on America’s oil initial six months . Opec-plus is All correspondence followed Thursday’s percent versus October production workers rather than drivers. The moving up its mid-year meeting to except for the three countries weakness there, and it’s a rather assess progress. That’s a sign of just regarding Views and inconclusive meeting. exempted (Iran, Libya and Vene- obvious one, is that the latter far out- how many moving pieces Saudi Opinion pages should be Even so, Brent crude zuela). That would mean Saudi Arabia number the former. Yes, investment Arabia and Co. are trying to balance send to editor-in-chief oil is still only at $63 a going from about 10.6 million barrels has multiplier effects spreading the here, ranging from global demand to office or mailed to the barrel. a day to 10.3 million. However, Al- gains of higher oil prices further than US production and the wildcards of Falih said the country produced 11.1 just the rigs and roughnecks. But those Iranian sanctions, [email protected] 12 ASIA MONDAY 10 DECEMBER 2018 Amarinder: Pakistan Army conspiracy in Kartarpur affair

IANS “The opening of the (Sri Nankana Sahib, Sri Panja CHANDIGARH Kartarpur corridor is Sahib, Dera Sahib and Kartarpur Sahib) had gone to Pakistan. Dubbing the whole affair initiated clearly a game plan “Even former Prime Min- by Pakistan on the Kartarpur of the ISI. A bigger isters Indira Gandhi and Dr Man- corridor as a “bigger conspiracy” conspiracy seems to mohan Singh had taken up the hatched by the Pakistan Army, have been hatched by issue of opening the Kartarpur Punjab Chief Minister Captain Corridor with Pakistan. I had Amarinder Singh said the hostile Pakistan Army against myself raised this issue with my neighbour is trying to revive mili- India. Pakistan is Pakistan Punjab counterpart tancy in Punjab but it will not be attempting to revive Parvez Elahi and with then Pres- allowed to succeed. militancy in Punjab ident Parvez Musharraf during Citing that Pakistan Army my previous tenure as Chief Min- chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and thus everyone ister,” Amarinder pointed out. had “broken the news of opening should be wary of all The Chief Minister said the Kartarpur Corridor to Navjot of its overtures, no Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Singh Sidhu even before Imran matter how grand Khan “is undoubtedly making Khan was sworn in as their Prime efforts to bring peace, tranquility A woman cries inside her damaged house which according to local media was damaged in a gun battle Minister”, Amarinder said the they appear to be,” and harmony with India”, but at between security forces and suspected militants in Mujgund on the outskirts of Srinagar, yesterday. whole affair smacked of a bigger said the Punjab CM. the same time he should also conspiracy. prevail upon the top brass of Paki- “The opening of the Kar- stani Army to ensure that killings Lashkar’s Pakistani commander, tarpur corridor is clearly a game person said here yesterday. of Indian soldiers at borders are plan of the ISI (Pakistan’s Inter- Dismissing the issue as stopped immediately. Services Intelligence). A bigger “nothing more than a credit Asked why he opted not to 2 Kashmiri militants die in J&K conspiracy seems to have been war”, Amarinder lambasted the go to Pakistan for the ground- hatched by Pakistan Army Akalis and the Bharatiya Janata breaking ceremony of the Kar- IANS north Kashmir’s Bandipore hours as militants kept on against India. Pakistan is Party (BJP) central leadership tarpur Sahib Corridor, Ama- SRINAGAR district. changing locations during the attempting to revive militancy “for indulging in unwarranted rinder said he declined the invite The third militant was iden- gunfight within the cordoned off in Punjab and thus everyone controversy over his (Chief Min- because he could not think of A Pakistani commander of the tified as Ali Bhai, who is a res- area, a police officer explained. should be wary of all of its over- ister’s) relations with Sidhu in a going there while Indian soldiers Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror ident of Pakistan. “All the mili- Four residential houses were also tures, no matter how grand they bid to divert public attention and civilians were being killed outfit and two of its Kashmiri tants belonged to the LeT mil- damaged during the operation. appear to be,” Amarinder told a from the core issue of Pakistan’s by the Pakistan Army. militants were killed by the itant outfit,” a police officer said. Civilian protesters clashed TV news channel. continued and deliberate per- On the issue of Navjot Sidhu’s Indian forces in an 18-hour- An Indian soldier, a Central with the security forces the “The Sidhu affair is being petration of terror activities in visit to Pakistan for the ground- long gun battle that ended Reserve Police Force (CRPF) moment the gun battle ended unnecessarily hyped and those Punjab with the ultimate aim of breaking ceremony, the Chief yesterday here in the outskirts trooper and three policemen on Sunday forcing authorities raising it have clearly failed to see destabilising the border state”. Minister said he had told Sidhu of Jammu and Kashmir capital, were injured late on Saturday, to suspend mobile Internet the ISI game plan, said Amarinder, Amarinder said in the that he had declined the invite police said. hours after the encounter broke services in Srinagar district. lashing out at the Akalis for interview that the demand for by writing a letter to the Pakistan The police identified the two out around evening in the Meanwhile, a Hizbul mili- branding the Punjab Minister as opening of the Kartarpur Sahib Minister for foreign affairs, and Kashmiri militants as Mudasir Mujgund area following a tip off tant’s close associate was stooge of the Pakistan Prime Min- corridor was pending since par- had also shared a copy of the Parray and Saquib Mushtaq, about militant presence. arrested in Jammu and Kash- ister,” the Chief Minister’s spokes- tition as several holy Sikh shrines same on the social media. both hailing from Hajin area of The operation stretched for mir’s Kishtwar district.

Russian Navy ships arrive in Kannur airport opens; political parties rush to claim credit IANS move forward. When Chandy opened,” said Chandy. finished the remaining work and was entrusted with the job of India for joint KANNUR assumed office again in 2011, a Faizal, a passenger on the opened the airport at least two overseeing the work of the trial operation at the airport took inaugural flight, hailing from years ago. Kannur Airport by Chandy, said exercise A political row has broken out place when an Indian Air Force Nadapuram, arrived with a “When Chandy conducted that the least he expected was a between rival political factions aircraft landed in 2016. banner that had Chandy’s pho- the trial operations using an IAF telephone call from the state IANS in Kerala to pitch the Kannur “It was only after we came to tograph. Expressing his protest, aircraft in 2016, E P Jayarajan government. NEW DELHI International Airport Ltd (KIAL) power in 2016 that the airport he said that it was unfortunate protested while raising demands “What’s most intriguing is the — that opened here yesterday — project was completed. Today is that the state government, while that the runway should be present Industries Minister Russian Federation Navy as their success story. the real inauguration and the inviting former Civil Aviation extended. Today, as Industries Jayarajan was always at the fore- (RuFN) ships Varyag, Admiral In his inaugural address, Chief airport has been commissioned,” Minister C M Ibrahim, who in Minister, Jayarajan is at the fore- front of all protests for anything Panteleyev and Boris Butoma Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the said Vijayan. Chandy told reporters 1996 gave the first clearance for front of the inauguration though and everything related to the on Sunday arrived at Visa- airport project was conceived in in Kottayam that he does not wish this airport, did not invite Chandy, not even an inch of the runway airport during 2011-16, when 90 khapatnam to participate in 1996 when E K Nayanar was the to be drawn into a controversy, as whose government finished 90 has been increased from what per cent of the work was com- INDRA NAVY, the bilateral Chief Minister, but nothing hap- he is happy that the airport has percent of the work and con- we had finished in 2016. This pleted. Today he is seen as the maritime exercise with Indian pened with the project when both been finally commissioned. ducted the first trial flight in 2016. government despite being in one who made this airport a Navy. A K Anthony and Oommen Chandy “The people of Kerala know Leader of Opposition office for over two and a half reality,” wrote Babu on his The 10th edition of the took over as Chief Minister in 2001 everything and I am not inter- Ramesh Chennithala told the years has not been able to con- Facebook page. exercise will be conducted and 2004, respectively. ested to be drawn into a contro- media in the state capital that the ceive a single project,” said Meanwhile, all 180 pas- from December 9-16. “It was when V S versy. I have not been invited (to Chandy government had finished Chennithala. sengers of the inaugural Air India The primary aim of the Achuthanandan assumed office the inauguration) but I am happy 90 percent of the work and this Expressing his dissent was K Express flight to Abu Dhabi exercise, which was initiated in 2006 that things started to that the airport has finally government should have Babu, former state minister who received a gift from KIAL. in 2003, is to increase inter- operability amongst the two navies, develop common understanding and proce- dures for maritime security Naidu posing as national operations, as per a press release. This edition of the level leader; assembly exercise would be held in two phases. results will backfire: TRS The Harbour Phase would be held at Visakhapatnam IANS by Naidu to bring opposition from December 9 to 12, which HYDERABAD parties together to take on “would encompass planning Prime Minister Narendra Modi conferences, professional Andhdra Pradesh Chief Minister and the BJP-led alliance in the interactions, cultural visits, N Chandrababu Naidu was 2019 Lok Sabha polls and if he sports fixtures and formal posing as a national-level leader could emerge as a pivot of calls between flag officers/ to hide his failures in the state opposition unity. senior officers of participating and the results of assembly polls “Because in Telanagana navies”. in Telangana will badly backfire results, you will see that this The Sea Phase from on him and the Congress for any alliance has been beaten. Do December 13-16 would be alliance at the Centre, says TRS you think it will be taken at the conducted in the Bay of leader K Kavitha. national level once it is beaten Bengal. Kavitha, an MP who is at the state level? All the effort “The thrust of exercises daughter of Telangana Chief Min- Naidu is making is to divert the at sea would be on anti-sub- ister K Chandrasekhar Rao, said attention of people from his marine warfare (ASW), air in an interview that Telangana own administration in Andhra defence drills, surface firings, Lighted up for the nuptial Rashtra Samithi will win the Pradesh,” she said. visit board search and assembly polls hands down and Naidu and leaders of seizure (VBSS) operations A view of the illuminated City Palace, one of the venues for the pre-wedding celebrations of Isha Ambani, it will then start working towards several other opposition parties and tactical procedures,” daughter of the Chairman of Reliance Industries Mukesh Ambani, in Udaipur, Rajasthan, yesterday. a national alternative which does are slated to meet in the added the press release. not have BJP or Congress. national capital on Monday to “Basically, Chandrababu decide the way forward to take Naidu is losing ground in Andhra on the BJP-led NDA. Pradesh so he wants to pose as Naidu, who was part of the a national level leader so that National Democratic Alliance, Karnataka legislature set for stormy winter session from today there might be some advantage had quit it earlier this year and in Andhra Pradesh. To make allied with its traditional rival IANS December, ostensibly to address the 3-day BJP government on including remunerative price for sure his failures in Andhra Congress in the Telangana polls. BELAGAVI issues concerning the region. May 19 for want of majority,” an sugarcane growers, farm loan Pradesh are not be highlighted, The CPI and the Telangana “This is the legislature’s official said. waiver, drought in 17 districts he is diverting people’s attention Jana Samithi (TJS), a new party The Karnataka legislature is set second session after the JD-S- Belagavi in the former across the state and drinking to the so-called national level floated by M. Kodandaram, who for a stormy 10-day winter Congress coalition government Bombay Province is 500km from water supply from Mahadayi alliance but it will backfire very was once Chief Minister K session from today at Belagavi was formed on May 23 following state capital Bengaluru. river to the four drought-prone badly both for him and Congress Chandrasekhar Rao’s friend in in the state’s northwest district, a hung verdict in the May 12 “Besides pending bills, the northern districts,” said the also,” Kavitha said. the Telangana movement, are where it meets every year in Assembly elections and fall of session will discuss major issues, official. She was asked about efforts also part of the alliance. MONDAY 10 DECEMBER 2018 ASIA 13 Corruption-free Pakistan vital for development: President

INTERNEWS Pakistan President Dr non-implementation of laws ISLAMABAD Arif Alvi said it was begot corruption and law- unfortunate that the lessness. He desired a more Pakistan President Dr Arif Alvi powerful NAB and urged the yesterday, while terming people had looted and institution to also excel in the corruption as the biggest imped- laundered billions of prosecution to enhance the con- iment in national development, dollars from Pakistan viction rate. The president said urged the anti-corruption insti- where the children were the corrupt people were not tutions to plug the financial looked well in our society and leakages to execute the dream begging in streets and hoped that the country would of a pro-people Naya Pakistan. the government was witness drastic changes if the Addressing a seminar on vying for funds to create institutions kept going after ‘Our Faith, Corruption Free a breathing space for corrupt elements. Pakistan’ held by National He said it was unfortunate Accountability Bureau (NAB) to national economy. that the people had looted and commemorate the International laundered billions of dollars Anti-Corruption Day, the pres- He viewed that no society from Pakistan where the ident said the agenda of leaving could claim to be corruption- children were begging in streets behind a country free from cor- free as it existed everywhere and the government was vying Pokhara lake trip ruption was of vital with varying levels. for funds to create a breathing A boat crosses Phewa Lake in the popular tourist destination of Pokhara, some of 200km west of importance. He said the absence of rule space for national economy. Kathmandu, Nepal, yesterday. The event was attended by of law cast negative impact on He was hopeful of the Chairman NAB, Justice (retd) society and said the impartiality, success of the idea of Naya Javed Iqbal, Prosecutor General competence and strategy were Pakistan where the poor would Accountability, Asghar Haider, a must for the institutions man- have no worry for the education Country Representative of dated to eliminate corruption. and healthcare of his family and United Nations Office on Drugs He said the carrying out everyone would enjoy equal and Crimes Cesar Guedes investigation on the basis of employment opportunity. Bangladesh opposition says hundreds besides a huge number of one’s assets was an Islamic as The president also dis- accountability officers from well as worldwide practice to tributed commendation certif- across the country. probe the white collar crimes. icates among the best per- of supporters held before election Recalling his ant-corruption The president who earlier forming NAB officers and efforts throughout his life, the inaugurated a commemorative mementos to the guest speakers president said it took long to postal stamp and fifty-rupee which followed the presentation AFP were still behind bars. BNP, which have seen their core create resonance of corruption coin inscribed with anti-cor- of memento to him by the DHAKA “They have filed hundreds leadership jailed on charges they among the masses. ruption messages, said the Chairman NAB. of ghost, or fictitious cases, say are fabricated. Bangladesh’s opposition party against our party workers and Zia, a two-time former yesterday said nearly 2,000 of leaders,” he said. prime minister and friend- its supporters have been Another party official said turned-foe to Hasina, was last Eight soldiers dead arrested on trumped-up charges at least 11 opposition candidates month ordered by a court to stay Maldives applies to in a crackdown aimed at had also been detained before behind bars for a decade for in Taliban attack derailing its campaign just official campaigning begins graft. rejoin Commonwealth weeks from a general election. today. “Six of them are still in Her supporters say the on checkpoint The Bangladesh Nationalist the jail,” said the official, who charges are politically motivated AFP Party, which is seeking to unseat declined to be named. to stymie Hasina’s chief political AP COLOMBO Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Police have said those threat. KABUL on December 30, said at least arrested had outstanding war- Zia’s son, a potential heir to The Maldives has applied to rejoin the Commonwealth, reversing 1,972 party officials and grass- rants or were wanted over the BNP throne, was sentenced An Afghan official said the a policy of isolation under autocratic leader Abdulla Yameen who roots campaigners had been alleged connections to ongoing in absentia to life behind bars Taliban have attacked an suffered a shock defeat in September. detained since the election was cases. while hundreds of other loyalists army checkpoint in the His successor, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, wrote to the 53-member announced a month ago. Ahmed denied this, saying have been arrested or jailed, western Farah province, bloc on Friday seeking readmission two years after Yameen pulled The arrests are yet another the crackdown was a political party officials say. killing at least eight Afghan the atoll nation out of it, the president’s office said. blow for a beleaguered oppo- “blueprint” by the ruling party Just a month from the polls, soldiers. Abdul Samad Salehi, Yameen withdrew the Maldives, an archipelago of 340,000 Sunni sition whose leader Khaleda Zia to intimidate its opponents. the BNP has not announced an a provincial council member, Muslims, from the Commonwealth after it mounted pressure on him has been jailed for corruption “The government wants to alternative candidate to run says the insurgents abducted to protect human rights and ensure the rule of law amid a ferocious and barred from running against hold a lopsided election. These against Hasina, whose rule has another 10 soldiers in the crackdown on dissent. Solih’s office said the new president’s admin- arch-rival Hasina, who is arrests are just to create fear been marred by allegations of attack late Saturday. istration believed in the values of the bloc, which consists mainly of seeking a third consecutive among the people, so that they rights abuses and intolerance for Provincial police former territories and colonies of the British empire. term. don’t go to vote,” he said. dissent. spokesman Mohibullah “The Maldives’ interest in re-joining the Commonwealth stems The opposition boycotted The opposition also accused Bangladesh has been led by Mohib says three insurgents from a deep conviction that the values and principles enshrined the 2014 election, saying it was police officials in Chittagong, a either Zia or Hasina since the were killed and four others in the Commonwealth Charter are more vital than ever,” the pres- rigged against Zia in favour of southern city, of campaigning 1990s and the two powerful were wounded. ident’s office said in a statement. Hasina and her ruling Awami on behalf of the Awami League. women have turned from close The Taliban, who control The 54-year-old took office last month after winning a land- League party. Police in the port city denied the allies to fierce enemies. nearly half the country, carry slide election victory despite Yameen waging a crackdown on his BNP spokesman Rizvi allegations. Hasina has refused to allow out daily attacks mainly tar- political rivals and jailing most of the opposition. The former British Ahmed said the majority of party The arrests further hinder a caretaker government to geting security forces. protectorate faced persistent international pressure during cadres rounded up since late an already battered alliance of oversee the country during the Yameen’s iron-fisted tenure. November in the police sweep opposition parties, led by the campaign period. Pakistan Railways to launch three Aid agency helps Rohingya tourist trains soon women to learn needlecraft INTERNEWS ISLAMABAD ANATOLIA training to forget her suffering. COX’S BAZAR Akhter said that she could only Pakistan Railways is planning survive with donations after to launch three tourist trains A Turkish-German aid losing her husband: “I was in soon with an aim to promote organization teaches needle- the middle of persecution with tourism in the country under craft to Rohingya women my two children and I had to the directives of Minister for who have been staying in flee.” Railways Sheikh Rashid camps in Cox’s Bazar city in “I am doing textile work to Ahmed. Bangladesh after fleeing look after my orphans. God “The tourist trains with violence in Myanmar. bless Turks who provided us steam engines will be operated Germany-based Turkish such opportunity,” she added. between Rawalpindi- Taxila, Avrupa Yetim-Der (Interna- Huseyin Ates, a represent- Peshawar-Attock Bridge, and tional Help Organization for ative of the Avrupa Yetim-Der Karachi-Keenjhar Lake” an Orphans) first opened a course said that they launched the official in the Ministry of on needlecraft and later course to help especially Railways said. He said launch donated sewing machines for women who lost their husbands of these trains would help 15 women who completed the and had to look after their Pakistan Railways to earn extra course. children on their own. revenue. To a question, he Soothing time One of the women who The Rohingya, described by said that different depart- participated in the course is the UN as the world’s most per- British volunteer Paul Barton and his daughter Emily Barton, 4, play piano for sick, abused, retired ments of federal and pro- Sayma Akhter, who lost her secuted people, have faced and rescued elephants in a sanctuary along Thailand-Myanmar border in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, vincial government had to husband and had to flee with heightened fears of attack since pay Rs2715.41 million to yesterday. Paul has been playing piano for elephants as a volunteer for almost 10 years. her two children, told Anadolu dozens were killed in com- Pakistan Railways on account Agency that she joined the munal violence in 2012. of freight and level crossing maintenance Charges, etc. Giving details, he said Pakistan Railways has total outstanding amount against President House opened for public in Islamabad the departments of federal government is Rs945.009 INTERNEWS Aiwan-i-Sadr, the building sits National Assembly and dismiss building, but never lived in it, houses Fatima Jinnah Women million and Rs1770.401 ISLAMABAD at the top of the hill on Consti- elected governments under choosing instead to stay in the University. million against the provincial tution Avenue, between Par- Article 58-2(b) of the Army House on Jhelum Road in Ghulam Ishaq Khan was the government departments. Citizens got to see the inside of liament House and Pakistan Sec- Constitution. Rawalpindi. first president to actually reside The federal departments the presidency in Islamabad in retariat’s cabinet block. Construction of the building Before the presidency was in the President House, followed including Defence has to pay person for the first time, after the The presidency was the began in 1970 and took 11 years build, presidents like Gen Ayub by Farooq Leghari, Mohammad Rs831.082m on account of building was opened to the centre of national politics until to complete, finally ending Khan, Gen Yahya Khan and Fazal Rafique Tarar, Asif Ali Zardari, freight and level crossing public. 2008, before which presidents during the tenure of Gen Ziaul Elahi Chaudhry lived in Prince Mamnoon Hussain and the maintenance charges, Formally known as were empowered to dissolve the Haq. Haq inaugurated the Palace, on The Mall, which now incumbent Dr Arif Alvi. 14 ASIA MONDAY 10 DECEMBER 2018 China summons US envoy over detention of Huawei executive

AP The move followed the summoning of BEIJING Canadian Ambassador John McCallum on Saturday over Meng’s detention and a similar China summoned the US ambas- protest warning of “grave consequences” sador to Beijing yesterday to protest the detention of an exec- if she is not released. utive of Chinese electronics giant Huawei in Canada at target of deepening U.S. security counterpart, Xi Jinping, agreed Washington’s behest and concerns over its ties to the over dinner to a 90-day cease- demanded Washington cancel Chinese government. The U.S. fire in a trade dispute that an order for her arrest. has pressured European coun- threatens to disrupt global com- The official Xinhua News tries and other allies to limit use merce. The US alleges that Agency said Vice Foreign Min- of its technology, warning they Huawei used a Hong Kong shell ister Le Yucheng “lodged solemn could be opening themselves up company to sell equipment in representations and strong pro- to surveillance and theft of Iran in violation of U.S. sanc- tests” with Ambassador Terry information. tions. It also says that Meng and Branstad against the detention Roland Paris, a former Huawei misled American banks of Huawei’s chief financial foreign policy adviser to about its business dealings in officer, Meng Wanzhou. Meng, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Iran. The surprise arrest raises who is reportedly suspected of Trudeau, said that Chinese doubts about whether the trade trying to evade US trade curbs pressure on Canada’s gov- truce will hold and whether the on Iran, was detained on ernment won’t work. world’s two biggest economies December 1 while changing “Perhaps because the can resolve the complicated Trip to construction site planes in Vancouver, Canada. Chinese state controls its judicial issues that divide them. Workers travels on a truck to a construction site in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. The Xinhua report quoted Le system, Beijing sometimes has Canadian prosecutor John as calling Meng’s detention difficulty understanding or Gibb-Carsley said in a court “extremely egregious” and believing that courts can be hearing Friday that a warrant had demanded the US vacate an independent in a rule-of-law been issued for Meng’s arrest in order for her arrest. It quoted Le country. There’s no point in New York on Aug. 22. He said as calling for the US to “imme- pressuring the Canadian gov- Meng, arrested en route to Mexico diately correct its wrong ernment. Judges will decide,” from Hong Kong, was aware of Philippines seeks China’s help actions” and said it would take Paris tweeted in response to the the investigation and had been further steps based on Wash- comments from Beijing. avoiding the United States for ington’s response. A Canadian prosecutor months, even though her teenage The move followed the sum- urged a Vancouver court to deny son goes to school in Boston. in countering fake cigarettes moning of Canadian Ambas- bail to Meng, whose case is Gibb-Carsley alleged that sador John McCallum on Sat- shaking up U.S.-China relations Huawei had done business in BLOOMBERG of Internal Revenue and of this year yielded unlicensed urday over Meng’s detention and spooking global financial Iran through a Hong Kong MANILA Customs to work with their machines from China along with and a similar protest warning of markets. Meng, also the company called Skycom. Meng, counterparts in China to stop counterfeit cigarettes and fake “grave consequences” if she is daughter of Huawei’s founder, he said, had misled U.S. banks The Philippines will seek China’s illegal cigarette-making stamps, the Finance Department not released. was detained at the request of into thinking that Huawei and help in halting the proliferation machines from making their said. LT Group Inc., whose Huawei is the biggest global the U.S. during a layover at the Skycom were separate when, in of counterfeit cigarettes, its way into the Philippines, tobacco business accounts for supplier of network gear for Vancouver airport on the same fact, “Skycom was Huawei.” Department of Finance said. according to the department’s about half of its profit, said last phone and internet companies day that President Donald Meng has contended that Finance Secretary Carlos statement. month that fake and smuggled and has been the Trump and his Chinese Huawei sold Skycom in 2009. Dominguez ordered the Bureaus A raid of several warehouses cigarettes affect sales.

Japan’s empress-in-waiting Body of missing paraglider found in ‘insecure’ but vows to serve remote Australia AFP happiness of the people so I will AFP TOKYO make an effort to that end,” said SYDNEY the crown princess. Japan’s Crown Princess Masako The Harvard- and Oxford- The body of a French yesterday pledged to do her best educated Masako left a promising paraglider who went missing despite feeling ‘insecure’ about career as a diplomat to marry into during a flight in remote becoming empress in mere the imperial family in 1993. She Australia was found yesterday months, in a candid statement gave birth to Princess Aiko in 2001 after an extensive aerial and released on her 55th birthday. but continued to face pressure to land search, police said. Emperor Akihito will step produce a son as only male heirs Pierre Naville, 67, took off down on April 30, 2019 — the can take the throne under Jap- from an airstrip near the first abdication in the Japanese anese law. remote New South Wales imperial family in more than two The pressure eased in 2006, town of Wilcannia, some 840 centuries. His eldest son and however, when her sister-in-law km northwest of Sydney, on Masako’s husband Naruhito will gave birth to Prince Hisahito, Saturday afternoon, along ascend to the throne the next now 12. She has made few public Japan’s Crown Princess Masako and her husband Crown Prince Naruhito at Togu Palace in Tokyo. with seven other paragliders. day. appearance since 2003 and has They all landed on a “Even though I feel insecure struggled with adjustment dis- illness ahead of the imperial suc- to improve my physical con- princess to continue treatment highway about 160 kilo- about how helpful I will be when order. In her birthday statement, cession. “I am delighted at the dition,” she said. But her doctors as she remains vulnerable to metres further south, except I think about the days ahead... I Masako revealed she was recu- fact that I can perform more warned in a separate statement fatigue, especially after a large for Naville, prompting emer- want to devote myself to the perating from a stress-induced duties than before as I have tried that it is important for the crown ceremony or successive duties. gency services to launch a search. His body was found in bushland near the landing site yesterday afternoon and authorities were working to Harassment in the sky: Hong Kong flight attendants fight back retrieve his body, New South Wales state police said.

AFP difficult to carry out overnight, flag carrier Cathay Pacific must HONG KONG it takes time, but that doesn’t wear eyeshadow, lipstick and Australia urges mean we shouldn’t do these nail polish in specifically Thailand to free Immaculate-looking flight things.” approved shades and check it at attendants who appear unruffled The airline did not respond regular intervals, according to refugee footballer by the demands of a life spent in to requests for comment. The an official handbook. the air are part of the slick image complaints from attendants like Male staff are also under REUTERS sold by carriers — but Hong Fung come as demands for scrutiny — banned from wearing MELBOURNE Kong-based workers are change grow worldwide. make-up but told they must increasingly hitting back against The US-based Association “maintain a clear complexion at Australia’s Foreign Minister sexual harassment. of Flight Attendants last year all times”. Cathay’s cabin crew Marise Payne has urged Thai Female cabin crew said of called on American airlines to representatives say they will push authorities to release a foot- how they had been harassed not “renounce the past objectifi- to make nail polish optional in baller who holds a refugee only by passengers but also by cation of flight attendants”. talks with the company next year. status in Australia and who colleagues. While they say car- Vietnamese budget carrier The airline announced in has been detained in Bangkok riers have made some steps in VietJet has sparked criticism for March it would introduce a since late November. Hong Kong-based flight attendant Venus Fung (left) and Cathay the right direction, they argue its marketing ploys. Owned by trouser option for female Hakeem AlAraibi, a Pacific Flight Attendants Union leader and a cabin manager Dora Lai. airlines still lag far behind in the Vietnam’s only female billionaire, attendants, ending a 70-year former member of Bahrain’s #MeToo era. the airline had to apologise for skirt rule. national soccer team who has Venus Fung, whose experi- completely blank — I had no idea training colleagues on how to sending models to join the coun- But Dora Lai, Cathay Pacific been critical of the country’s ences drove her to join and lead what to do or how to react,” said report sexual harassment and try’s under-23 football squad on Flight Attendants Union leader government, was arrested in the Cabin Attendants Union of Fung, who works for a European seek help, but said long-term a flight home in January after a and a cabin manager, said that Thailand on November 27 Hong Kong, says airlines must airline which she did not want cultural changes are needed. social media outcry. while the move was a step based on an Interpol notice teach workers on how to deal to identify for fear of “When a flight attendant Some airline staff in Hong towards gender equality, it would issued at Bahrain’s request. with harassment. Fung, 29, said recrimination. comes out it looks very fancy Kong said the perceived glamour do little to end sexual harassment AlAraibi was convicted of the issue was never raised in her The cabin manager who wit- with the uniform, heels and attracted many women to the job without a shift in public and staff vandalising a police station company training. The Hong nessed the incident did not makeup. There are fantasies — there are popular makeup awareness. Lai said many airline in Bahrain and sentenced to Kong-based attendant said she intervene, Fung added, instead around this industry and it’s hard tutorials on YouTube by flight advertisements deployed beau- 10 years in prison in absentia. had been physically picked up threatening to report her for to change public perception but attendants from Dubai-based tiful women to sell the industry’s He has denied wrongdoing. by a pilot when she was new to wearing a skirt that was “too it absolutely cannot be an excuse airline Emirates on how to “sex appeal”, rather than the prac- “Australia is concerned by the job more than two years ago. tight”. As a result Fung stopped for bad behaviour,” Fung said, achieve their look. tical skills of the job. “We are there the ongoing detention of Mr. “At that moment I was really wearing skirts at work for more calling for an awareness-raising But others say some of the to provide a service and to bring Hakeem Ali AlAraibi and calls angry, but I was mostly also pan- than a year, opting for trousers campaign. “Education is key to industry’s grooming standards our passengers safely from point for his immediate return to icking and afraid. My mind went instead. She has since been changing people’s attitudes. It’s are outdated. Staff at Hong Kong A to point B,” she said. Australia,” Payne said. MONDAY 10 DECEMBER 2018 EUROPE 15 May presses on with parliament Brexit vote

REUTERS Ahead of the vote, the to accept EU regulations indefi- LONDON nitely, or Northern Ireland EU’s top court will say treated differently from the rest Britain’s Brexit minister insisted today whether Britain of the United Kingdom. a crucial vote on Prime Minister can unilaterally halt its EU supporters say Britain Theresa May’s Brexit deal would exit from the EU, due would become little more than go ahead after a newspaper a rule-taker, offering the worst report yesterday that she to take place on March of all worlds. planned to delay it and make a 29, 2019. Several lawmakers, including last-minute dash to Brussels to the DUP’s leader in the British seek a better offer. parliament, Nigel Dodds, former Several pro-Brexit former simply go back and ask again, the Brexit minister Dominic Raab government ministers yesterday risk is that isn’t necessarily a one and former work and pensions piled pressure on May to go back way street, the French the minister Esther McVey, on to the European Union and rene- Spanish and others will turn Sunday called for May to go back gotiate a deal that has won little round, if we seek to reopen the to Brussels and seek to renego- support among lawmakers both negotiation, and ask for more,” tiate the deal. in her own Conservatives and he added. Former foreign secretary opposition parties. Barclay said Britain would Boris Johnson, a leading Brexit May’s deal looks set to be enter “uncharted waters” if it campaigner, said lawmakers on rejected by parliament loses the vote, but May could stay all sides were united against the tomorrow, a decision that would on as prime minister. backstop and losing the vote in throw plans for Britain’s exit There has been speculation parliament would give May a from the EU into turmoil and May might use an EU summit on mandate to ask the EU to remove leave her own political future December 13-14 to press for it from the deal. hanging in the balance. changes to the deal. “Nothing is over until it is Protesters hold up placards and Union flags as they attend a pro-Brexit demonstration promoted by The Sunday Times reported The strongest opposition over,” he told BBC TV. UKIP in central London yesterday, as the crucial vote on the Brexit deal in the House of Commons looms. May was expected to announce centres around the so-called “If the prime minister is able today that she was delaying the backstop, an insurance policy to go back to Brussels this week vote to head to Brussels to make designed to prevent a hard and say I’m afraid that the Irish accompanies the deal, the legally Britain and the chance of no risk the opposition Labour Party a final appeal to the EU to border between EU member backstop solution that you have binding text of the exit deal itself Brexit, or leaving the EU without getting into power. Labour could improve Britain’s exit deal. Ireland and British-ruled come up with is very unpopular... would be off limits to a deal. Ahead of the vote, the EU’s seek to take control of the “The vote is on Tuesday, that Northern Ireland. they will listen.” While EU dip- renegotiation. top court will say today whether country by calling a vote of no is what we are focused on,” Brexit supporters and May’s lomats have said they could con- In an interview in the Mail Britain can unilaterally halt its confidence in the government if Brexit Minister Stephen Barclay nominal allies in Northern Ire- sider helping May with “cos- yesterday, May told lawmakers exit from the EU, due to take May’s deal is voted down. May told BBC TV yesterday. land’s Democratic Unionist Party metic” changes to the non- the choice was her deal or the place on March 29, 2019. May also risks being ousted by her “The risk for those who say say it could leave Britain forced binding political agreement that risk of “grave uncertainty” for said rejecting her deal would also own lawmakers.

Railworkers France tells Trump to stop interfering in its politics to strike over AFP that have swept France since falsely claiming that French pro- differences — Macron is a speech. Le Drian, like other German pay row PARIS mid-November and sparked testers were chanting his name. 40-year-old centrist and Trump members of the government, rioting in Paris. The videos that have been a 72-year-old rightwinger — the stressed that Macron wanted a REUTERS The French government “Very sad day & night in used to support this claim were French and US leaders initially dialogue with the protesters and BERLIN yesterday urged Donald Trump Paris. Maybe it’s time to end the in fact filmed at a far-right enjoyed warm ties. would offer solutions when he not to interfere in French politics ridiculous and extremely protest in London earlier this But relations have soured in addresses the nation early next German railway workers will after the US president posted expensive Paris Agreement and year. Other French politicians recent months, not least over week. “I think his remarks will stage a four-hour nationwide tweets about the protests rocking return money back to the people have also responded angrily to Trump’s rejection of the climate be strong enough for the strike today morning that will the country and attacked the in the form of lower taxes?” he Trump’s latest tweets, including agreement and hard-fought Iran movement to halt, or at least for hit morning commuters, a Paris climate agreement. suggested. a lawmaker from Macron’s party nuclear deal. the hooligans to be put off,” the spokesman for the EVG union “We do not take domestic Trump had earlier posted: who dubbed the US leader Last month a fresh row blew foreign minister said. said yesterday, as it steps up American politics into account “The Paris Agreement isn’t “Donald the Senile”. up after Macron gave an He expressed concern over pressure in a pay dispute. and we want that to be recipro- working out so well for Paris. “DON’T INSULT MY interview calling for a “European remarks among some protesters The spokesman said the cated,” Foreign Minister Jean- Protests and riots all over France. COUNTRY DOTARD,” Joachim army” and arguing that Europe calling for an “insurrection” in strike would start at 0500 Yves Le Drian told LCI “People do not want to pay Son-Forget posted, employing needed to be more independent France. “As foreign minister I local time (0400 GMT) and television. large sums of money, much to an antiquated insult previously from the US in its defence policy. travel around the world and I affect local, regional and “I say this to Donald Trump third world countries (that are used against Trump by North Macron is further thought to know — you can witness it in long-distance passenger and and the French president says it questionably run), in order to Korean leader Kim Jong Un. have riled the US president certain countries — how fragile freight trains. With timetables too: leave our nation be.” Trump maybe protect the environment. Trump had weighed in on during commemorations democracy is,” Le Drian said. put out, the impact is likely to had on Saturday posted two Chanting ‘We Want Trump!’ Love the protests in previous tweets, marking the end of World War I “I hear people saying, ‘This continue through the day. tweets referring to the “yellow France.” Earlier this week Trump deploring the “large and violent when the French leader took aim is an insurrection’. That is not the The move comes after vest” anti-government protests retweeted one of several posts French protests”. Despite their at Trump-style nationalism in his republic I know.” wage talks with rail operator Deutsche Bahn broke down on Saturday. The union, which repre- sents most railway industry Paris cleans up as workers and professionals, had said on Saturday that warning strikes would be unavoidable, raising fears Macron prepares that Christmas travel could be disrupted. The EVG wants a 7.5 percent wage increase and response to protest has also made demands on working hours and holidays. Deutsche Bahn, also in talks REUTERS dealt a heavy blow to retailing, with the smaller train drivers’ PARIS the tourist industry and the union GDL, said it had offered manufacturing sector as road a 5.1 percent wage rise in two Workers in Paris swept up blocks disrupt supply chains. stages and a one-off payment broken glass and towed away On Saturday, the Eiffel of ¤500. Overall, the package burnt-out cars yesterday after Tower and other monuments is equivalent to a 7 percent the latest violent “yellow vest” and museums closed their rise, it said. The EVG protest while the government doors for security reasons, as spokesman declined to announced that President did top department stores on comment. Emmanuel Macron would what should have been a peak address the nation in the next shopping day. Car drivers gesture as “Yellow vests” protesters gather to protest against rising oil prices and living few days. The protest movement will costs at the highway’s toll of La Barque, yesterday, near Marseille, southern France. Cyprus police On Saturday, anti-gov- have “a severe impact” on the ernment protesters wrecked French economy, Finance Min- detain 40 havoc in the city for the fourth ister Bruno Le Maire said yes- windows were plastered with The government this week be bounced into changing weekend in a row, hurling mis- terday as he toured an graffiti. cancelled a planned rise in policy by “thugs”. Syrian migrants siles, torching cars and vandal- upmarket central Paris neigh- “You can understand the taxes on petrol and diesel in a “The President of the ising shops and restaurants. bourhood that had seen heavy yellow vests movement. But bid to defuse the situation but Republic will... make important Across the city, bank looting Saturday night. this is completely unac- the protests have morphed into announcements,” government AP branch offices, toy shops, opti- “We must expect a new ceptable. It has been three a broader anti-Macron spokesman Benjamin Griveaux NICOSIA cians and other retail outlets slowdown of economic growth weekends in a row now. Look rebellion. said on LCI television on had boarded up storefronts at year-end due to the “yellow around you, everything is “I don’t know if Macron’s Sunday. He gave no other Cyprus police say they have smashed by protesters, and vest” protests,” Le Maire said, broken, damaged. All the shops resignation is necessary, but he details about the timing, detained 40 Syrian migrants walls were covered in anti- adding that he would provide had to close and spend money must completely change course content or format of the after a boat dropped them off Macron slogans. more details in coming days. to shut everything up, and it and increase wages and lower speech. along the ethnically split “You won’t make it past Prior to the protests, econ- happens every week,” he said taxes,” said Bertrand Cruzatier “However, not all the island nation’s northwestern Christmas, Emmanuel,” read omists had been expecting . as he watched cleaners scrub problems of the ‘yellow vest’ coast. Police said authorities the graffiti on a boarded-up growth to pick up after a weak Named after the fluo- out anti-Macron grafitti at protesters will be solved by had initially located the boat shop near the Champs Elysees first half of the year as tax cuts rescent safety vests that French Place de la Republique. waving a magic wand,” he said. about 25km off the island’s boulevard. aimed at boosting purchasing motorists must carry, the In the centre of the square, Yellow vest protesters coast late Saturday. The Macron, elected in May power took effect. “yellow vest” protests erupted a banner hanging from the demand lower taxes, higher migrants, including two 2017, is facing mounting crit- Gregory Caray, owner of out of nowhere on November bronze statue of Marianne, minimum wages and better women and a child, set out icism for not speaking in public two furniture shops in the heart 17, when nearly 300,000 dem- symbol of the French republic, pension benefits. But, mindful from Mersin, Turkey. Police in more than a week as vio- of Paris, said he was relieved onstrators nationwide took to read: “Give back the money”. of France’s deficit and not said all 40 people have been lence worsened. to see that his shop had not the streets to denounce high Macron’s last major address wanting to flout EU rules, taken to a reception centre on The upheaval in the been vandalised, but the pro- living costs and Macron’s to the nation was on November Macron has scant wriggle room Nicosia’s outskirts for Christmas shopping season has tective wooden boards over its liberal economic reforms. 27, when he said he would not for more concessions. processing. 16 EUROPE MONDAY 10 DECEMBER 2018 UN climate talks at odds over IPCC science report

AP As diplomats wrapped Kuwait also called for the study KATOWICE up a week of technical to be “noted” but not talks, almost all 200 “welcomed.” Negotiators took time out countries present in While none of the four-oil yesterday to rest after the first exporting countries spelled it out, week of talks ended on a sour Katowice, Poland, their objection to the report note the previous night, when the had wanted to likely included its suggestion that United States sided with Russia, “welcome” the IPCC fossil-fuel use needs to be phased Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in - global warming - out by 2050. blocking endorsement of a Oil, gas and coal are major landmark study on global report, making it the sources of carbon dioxide, which warming. benchmark for future traps heat in the atmosphere. “I think it was a key action. The 2015 Paris agreement set moment,” said Alden Meyer of a target of keeping global the Union of Concerned Scien- warming well below 2 degrees tists. “The fact that a group of present in Katowice, Poland, had Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit), ideally four countries were trying to wanted to “welcome” the IPCC 1.5 C by the end of the century. diminish the value and impor- report, making it the benchmark “A 1.5 C and a 2 C worlds are tance of a scientific report they for future action. very different in terms of mean themselves, with all other coun- But the US and three other climate, extremes, sea level rise, Greenpeace environmental activists project words ‘Politicians talk, leaders act. Greenpeace’ on the tries, requested three years ago delegations objected. and climate-related risks,” said roof of the venue of the COP24 UN Climate Change Conference 2018, in Katowice, Poland, yesterday. in Paris is pretty remarkable.” “The United States was one of the report’s leading con- The Intergovernmental Panel willing to note the report and tributors, Valerie “The Saudis with their side- general and climate science in doubt on whether countries will on Climate Change’s (IPCC) express appreciation to the sci- Masson-Delmotte. kicks the Kuwaitis have long particular.” be able to reach consensus on special report on what would entists who developed it, but not The higher threshold increases been troublemakers in this in this “It’s really an embarrassment important issues by Friday, happen if average global tem- to welcome it, as that would the likelihood of “climate change process,” said Meyer, who has for the world’s leading scientific including the need to step up peratures rise by 1.5 Celsius, and denote endorsement of the hot spots challenging basic water, followed international climate superpower to be in this position national targets to curb carbon how to ensure they don’t go report,” the US State Department food, economic security and the negotiations for many years. of having to disbelieve a report emissions. higher, was widely regarded as said in a statement. “As we have risk of irreversible loss of wildlife,” Russia’s intentions were that was written by the world’s While many countries are a wake-up call for policy-makers made clear in the IPCC and other she said. unclear, he said, while the US scientific community including sending ministers or even when it was released in October. bodies, the United States has not Observers at the talks said position appeared to be driven a large number of pre-eminent national leaders to the talks, the As diplomats wrapped up a endorsed the findings of the the two Gulf countries’ objection by what he called President US scientists,” Meyer said US and Britain are among the week of technical talks on Sat- report.” to the IPCC report came as no Donald Trump’s “cavalier yesterday. countries that will be repre- urday, almost all 200 countries Russia, Saudi Arabia and surprise. attitude toward science in Saturday’s floor fight casts sented only by bureaucrats.

Thousands in Lithuania call Armenia holds for teachers’ general snap votes pay increase AFP dominated the National AFP YEREVAN Assembly until his calculated VILNIUS resignation triggered parlia- Armenians yesterday were ment’s dissolution last month. Thousands of protesters voting in parliamentary elec- “After the elections, we will marched through Lithuania’s tions triggered years ahead of be developing Armenian capital Vilnius yesterday schedule by reformist leader democracy and make an eco- demanding higher wages for Nikol Pashinyan, who is aiming nomic revolution happen,” teachers, piling pressure on to cement his political authority Pashinyan told journalists after the Baltic state’s government in the post-Soviet country. casting his ballot, pledging to ahead of a budget vote. The 43-year-old former “hold free, fair, and transparent The protesters, including journalist became prime minister elections.” teachers, urged the ruling in May after spearheading weeks At a polling station in Farmers and Greens Union of peaceful anti-government central Yerevan voters party to drop a recent tax cut rallies that ousted veteran leader expressed optimism about the in order to raise more money Serzh Sarkisian. political change promised by for schools. He has pledged to root out Pashinyan and venting their FROM LEFT: Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Employment, Economy, Consumer Affairs and Those on strike make up endemic corruption and anger at former corrupt equal chances Kris Peeters; Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel and Minister of Cooperation around 2.5% of the country’s address widespread poverty, officials. teachers, who have an average Development, Digital Agenda, Postal Services and Finance Alexander De Croo attending a press earning him supporters in the Pashinyan’s party is monthly salary of $1,063. conference in Brussels, yesterday. impoverished landlocked expected to get a majority in the “We want fewer children nation of about three million new legislature, allowing him in classes, we want one extra people. to push ahead with his cam- euro per hour and a fair pay Belgium lapses into minority However, Pashinyan’s paign to reshape the South Cau- system,” trade union leader reform drive was stalled for casus nation’s political land- Andrius Navickas said, calling months by opposition from scape and spark an “economic the demand “realistic”. “Let’s govt over UN migration pact row Sarkisian’s ruling party which revolution”. raise teachers above political intrigues.” AFP N-VA’s ministers after meeting risk of early elections. BRUSSELS with Michel at the Royal Palace, Interior minister and N-VA according to a statement. member Jan Jambon had con- Leading Russian Belgium’s Prime Minister Michel also presented the firmed earlier yesterday that he Charles Michel was left leading King with the list of replace- and the party’s other ministers human rights a minority administration ments for the departing N-VA would step down. yesterday after the Flemish ministers in the interior, finance, On Saturday night, N-VA activist dead nationalist party quit the ruling defence and migration leader Bart De Wever warned coalition over his support of a portfolios. Michel that the party would BLOOMBERG UN migration pact. The departure of the leave the coalition if the prime MOSCOW The New Flemish Alliance Flemish party means Michel minister flew to a UN conference (N-VA), the largest of the coali- lacks a parliamentary majority in Marrakesh to endorse the Lyudmila Alexeyeva, who tion’s four parties, had earlier five months ahead of legislative migration pact. headed the oldest Russian threatened to leave if Michel elections scheduled for late May. “If we no longer have a voice human-rights organisation backed the accord, which has “I regret that it has come to in this government... there is no and was a driving force become a cause celebre for this,” Michel said. point in continuing,” De Wever behind the civil-rights European anti-immigration He said that a “responsible said. movement in Soviet Union, parties. coalition” had been set up and However Michel stood firm, has died. She was 91. Belgium’s King Philippe called for “dialogue with par- saying he would endorse the Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan casts his ballot in early parliamentary She died on Saturday at a accepted the resignations of the liament” warning of a looming pact. election at a polling station in Yerevan, Armenia, yesterday Moscow hospital, according to a statement from the Human Rights Council under Russia’s President. Alexeyeva and other dissi- Italian police probing deadly stampede find pepper spray can dents founded the Moscow Helsinki Group in 1976 to AP about 1am on Saturday in a Five teens, all juveniles, and while the disco could safely hold “I’ve done 40 to 50 evenings monitor Soviet compliance ROME crowd awaiting a rapper’s per- a woman who had accompanied only 870 people, with the in that place, and, sincerely, with the 1975 Helsinki Final formance in the Lanterna her 11-year-old daughter to the capacity of the room of the there weren’t so many people. Act, an agreement that Italian police investigating a Azzurra (Blue Lantern) disco in concert, died in the crush of concert itself set at about 460. I’d estimate maybe 800 to 900 included guarantees of basic deadly club stampede said Corinaldo, a small town in the fleeing concertgoers who toppled Carrozza said a count of ticket people, but all the rooms were freedoms and was intended to yesterday they found a pepper Marche region of east-central over a railing atop a cement ramp stubs indicated that about 600 open,” Cecchini, who is the son improve relations between the spray can and were questioning Italy,” the Carabiniere paramil- outside an exit. The railing gave tickets were used for entry. It was of one of the disco’s managers, Communist bloc and the West. dozens of witnesses following itary police commander of way, sending young people tum- unclear if others might have said. “The brilliant idea was accounts by concertgoers that a Ancona province, Col Cristian bling over it and landing atop of gotten in without having tickets Several parents whose simply to hold the Soviet gov- teenage boy had sprayed an irri- Carrozza, said. each other in the area below the checked by club personnel. children had gone to the concert ernment to the promises it tating substance, triggering the He also declined to confirm ramp, about 1.5 metres below. One of the DJs, Marco Cec- on Saturday brought police cell- had signed and was blatantly mad rush by the crowd to flee. media reports that a 16-year-old On Saturday, prosecutors, chini, said he was sure that more phones to show videos of the violating,” the US National “It wasn’t known if the can boy had been identified as the Italian Premier and Interior Min- than just one room of the disco disco’s premises in case the Security Archive said in a found was the one whose spray sprayer and would be questioned ister told reporters that nearly was open, in addition to the one visuals could help in the inves- 2012 statement. apparently set off the stampede by juvenile court officials. 1,400 tickets had been sold, with the 460-person capacity. tigation, ANSA said. MONDAY 10 DECEMBER 2018 AMERICAS 17 Trump’s chief of staff to leave White House job

AP unimpeded access. Kelly’s han- WASHINGTON dling of domestic violence accu- sations against the former White President Donald Trump said A White House official House staff secretary also that chief of staff John Kelly will caused consternation, especially leave his job by year’s end amid said that Nick Ayers, among lower-level White House an expected West Wing reshuf- Vice-President Mike staffers, who believed Kelly had fling reflecting a focus on the Pence’s chief of staff, lied to them about when he 2020 re-election campaign and found out about the the challenge of governing with is Trump’s top choice allegations. Democrats reclaiming control to replace John Kelly, Lauding Kelly, House of the House. and the two have Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis, said Nick Ayers, Vice-President held discussions for the country was “better for his Mike Pence’s chief of staff, is duty at the White House.” He Trump’s top choice to replace months about the job. called Kelly “a force for order, US President Donald Trump with VADM Walter Carter Jr, Superintendent of the United States Naval Kelly, and the two have held dis- clarity and good sense.” Academy at the Army-Navy college football game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, yesterday. cussions for months about the competing power bases. Trump and Ayers were job, a White House official said. “John Kelly will be leaving working out terms under which An announcement was expected — I don’t know if I can say Ayers would fill the role and the in the coming days, the pres- retiring - but he’s a great guy,” time commitment he would Trump attends Army-Navy football game ident told reporters as he left the Trump said. make, the White House official White House for the Army-Navy “John Kelly will be leaving said. Trump wants his next chief AP and “Fear the Goat” — a ref- He sat on the Army side first football game in Philadelphia. at the end of the year. We’ll be of staff to agree to hold the job PHILADELPHIA erence to the Navy’s mascot. between Mark Esper, the sec- Kelly had been credited with announcing who will be taking through the 2020 election. Cheers rose up from the stands retary of the Army, and Army imposing order on a chaotic John’s place — it might be on an Ayers, who has young triplets, The commander in chief flew to when each landed. Genral Mark Milley, the current West Wing after his arrival in interim basis. I’ll be announcing had long planned to leave the Philadelphia for the 119th Trump and Defense Sec- chief of the Army and Trump’s June 2017 from his post as that over the next day or two, administration at the end of the meeting in the storied rivalry retary James Mattis stood silent nominee to succeed Marine Gen. homeland security secretary. but John will be leaving at the year, but he has agreed to serve between the service academies, during an invocation and a Joseph Dunford as chairman of But his iron first also alienated end of the year. ... I appreciate in an interim basis through the and officiated the coin toss at moment of silence for former the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Trump some longtime Trump allies, and his service very much.” spring of 2019. Lincoln Financial Field, home President George H W Bush, tweeted the nomination before he grew increasingly isolated, Kelly had early successes, The official spoke on the of the Super Bowl champion who died recently at age 94. he left the White House. with an increasingly diminished including ending an open-door condition of anonymity to Philadelphia Eagles. Navy called Trump and Mattis both received As the theme from “Rocky” role. Oval Office policy that had been discuss sensitive personnel “tails,” and that’s what it was loud cheers and applause from blared from speakers, Trump Known through the West compared to New York’s Grand matters. when President Donald Trump’s members of the two armed greeted soldiers and shook Wing as “the chief” or “the Central Station and instituting a Word of Kelly’s impending flipped coin landed on the turf. services. Military jets and heli- hands with Mike Thornton, a general,” the retired Marine more rigorous policy process to departure comes a day after Navy elected to kick off. copters flew overhead, and the retired US Navy Seal and Corps four-star general was try to prevent staffers from Trump named his picks for Before the game, parachute teams stormed the field to a recipient of the Medal of Honor. tapped by Trump via tweet in going directly to Trump. attorney general and ambassador jumpers floated onto the field - deafening roar. The first quarter was barely July 2017 from his perch atop the But those efforts also miffed to the United Nations, and two the Army ones displaying the Like previous commanders underway when Army scored Homeland Security Department the president and some of his senior aides shifted from the American and service flags and in chief, Trump was expected to the first touchdown of the game, to try to normalize a White most influential outside allies, White House to Trump’s the Navy ones waving banners switch sides at halftime in a prompting a thumb’s up and fist House riven by infighting and who had grown accustomed to campaign. that said “Forged by the Sea” show of impartiality. pumps from the president.

FBI agent shot FBI probed four Americans for Russian ties: Comey at New York REUTERS He did not identify the people Comey’s dismissal, the collusion between the Trump Americans “had some con- street gunfight WASHINGTON being investigated but said Trump Department of Justice named a campaign and Russia when nection to Mr Trump.” was not among them. special counsel to investigate agents briefed Trump as a can- The 235-page transcript also AP The FBI launched investigations “We opened investigations alleged Russian interference in didate in 2016 about foreign covers Comey’s responses to NEW YORK of four Americans in July 2016 on four Americans to see if there the 2016 election and whether intelligence threats. questions about FBI interactions into whether they helped was any connection between Trump’s campaign colluded with Comey said the probes into with a former British spy who An FBI agent was shot in the Russia’s alleged efforts to those four Americans and the Moscow. the four Americans began in late compiled a dossier of allegations shoulder in New York City interfere in the 2016 US presi- Russian interference effort,” Russia has denied any inter- July but that he was not sure of collusion between Trump’s during a street gunfight in a dential election, former FBI Comey said, according to a tran- ference. Trump denies there was when agents briefed Trump. campaign and Russia. seemingly placid residential Director James Comey said in script of the closed-door hearing any collusion and renewed his “If it was after July 29th, then Most of the hearing on Friday neighborhood, police said remarks released yesterday. held on Friday by the US House call to end the special counsel’s the answer would be, yes, we covered lawmaker questions yesterday. Comey also appeared to Judiciary Committee and the investigation. had some reason to suspect that about Republican-led investiga- The male agent was suggest the investigations were House Oversight Committee. In the hearing on Friday, there were Americans who might tions into former Secretary of struck while on duty at looking into ties between Russia Trump fired Comey in May Republican Congressman John have assisted the Russians,” State Hillary Clinton’s use of a 3:30pm in Brooklyn’s and US President Donald 2017 after taking office in Ratcliffe asked Comey whether Comey said, according to the private email server while she Canarsie section. Trump’s election campaign. January of that year. Shortly after the FBI had “any evidence” of transcript. He said the four was in office. FBI officials confirmed the shooting and said the agent was in stable condition at a New York hospital. Two possible suspects are Flight cancellations in in police custody, the FBI said. New York City officials Charlotte ahead of storm told WABC-TV that two plain- clothes FBI agents were BLOOMBERG plans without a fee. sitting in a car when shots CHARLOTTE More than 70 percent of all were fired at them from a flights in Charlotte have been vehicle driving by. The agents The brunt of Winter Storm scratched for yesterday when the returned fire. Diego hasn’t arrived in North region is expected to be digging The vehicle with bullet Carolina yet, but it’s already out from as much as a foot of holes reportedly was left at a wreaking havoc on travellers. snow. That’s more than many body shop, and at least one At Charlotte Douglas Inter- parts of the state get in a year. suspect drove to a nearby national Airport, nearly 1,300 “It’s a wide swath that will hospital in another vehicle. flights in and out of the city get hit,” said Alex Lamers, a No other details or motive have been canceled this meteorologist with the National were available late Saturday weekend, according to Flight Weather Service. “It will create about the violence near East Aware, an airline tracking hazardous weather 92nd Street and Avenue N in service. conditions.” a neighborhood of single- American Airlines Group Diego has made its way family homes with well- Inc, which uses Charlotte as a across the US this week, tended front gardens. hub, accounted for a third of bringing wintry precipitation to The agent, whose name that total. Overall, the carrier California and Texas, where was not released, was taken said it has scrapped more than Lubbock received more than 10 to Kings County Hospital in 1,100 flights across the country inches of snow. The heart of the Remembering Pearl Harbor attack Brooklyn and being treated because of the storm. storm was projected to move Local Pearl Harbor survivor Armando “Chick” Galella, 97, throws a wreath off of the USS Intrepid at for a non-life-threatening Both American and Delta to the Carolinas and Virginia. an event marking the 77th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, in New York City. Japanese injury, police said. Air Lines Inc. said customers The biggest snowfalls — pos- bombers attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 resulting in the deaths of 1,177 crew members A spokesman for the New impacted by the weather today sibly totaling more than 12 on the US Arizona. The attack prompted the US to declare war on Japan and shortly after Germany. York Police Department said and tomorrow can make a one- inches — are expected near the the FBI had taken over the time change to their travel Appalachian Mountains. investigation. Low turnout predicted as Venezuelans elect municipal councils

AFP were banned from participating. political opposition and unrecog- trolled by the opposition. A government victory seems The election takes place as CARACAS The elections come one nised by the European Union, the Pro-government candidates so certain that there have been Venezuela’s economy spirals out month before President Nicolas US and most of Latin America. “will capture the majority of the hardly any political paid cam- of control, with a dearth of Analysts were expecting a record Maduro begins his second term Maduro’s ruling socialists are municipal chambers with a his- paign ads. The campaign was household goods, food and med- low voter turnout in Venezuela’s (2019 to 2025) in office after hoping to strengthen their grip toric level of voter abstention,” waged “on WhatsApp, with icine, and an eye-popping 1.35 municipal council elections, a winning an election in May con- on the 335 municipal councils, predicted Felix Seijas, head of neighborhood meetings and million percent inflation rate, vote in which opposition parties sidered illegitimate by the one quarter of which are con- Delphos pollsters. corner leafleting”, Seijas said. according to the IMF. 18 AMERICAS MONDAY 10 DECEMBER 2018

Bus accident in Mexican leader Bolivia highlands leaves 17 dead

AP blasts Supreme LA PAZ

Two buses have crashed head-on on a highway in Court wages Bolivia’s highlands, leaving at least 17 people dead and 10 injured. AP President Andres Police said passengers MEXICO CITY were trapped in the wreckage Manuel Lopez of the buses, which collided The Mexican president is Obrador accused the yesterday in Bolivia’s Andes butting heads with the Supreme judges of looking Mountains near the town Court just one week into office after their own Achacachi. after judges suspended a law A police report said the that would cap public sector pocketbooks and of accident was caused by salaries, one of his key cam- failing to grasp the excessive velocity and did not paign promises. “new reality” that rule out that one bus had President Andres Manuel his administration invaded the lane of the other. Lopez Obrador accused the “Firefighters reached the judges of looking after their represents. scene to see what had hap- Peru’s President Martin Vizcarra votes during a referendum on judicial and political reforms in own pocketbooks and of failing pened. The people were Lima, yesterday. to grasp the “new reality” that than the president. Lopez Obra- trapped in the vehicles,” Col his administration dor’s Morena party has a Pablo Garcia, direct of transit represents. majority in both houses of in El Alto, said. The salary cuts are part of Congress. Peru votes on anti-graft referendum a rebalance in Mexican gov- The National Human Rights ernment that aims to raise Commission then asked the REUTERS A total of 24.3 million eli- “We are not saying that Two land rights wages for lower income court to review the law, saying LIMA gible Peruvians are set to vote these reforms will resolve the workers while chopping those it appeared to violate the on whether to approve a bill that problems. This is a preliminary activists shot of top officials. constitution. Peruvians began voting regulates the financing of step,” Vizcarra told journalists “They themselves decide Lopez Obrador slashed the yesterday in a referendum on a political parties, and the yesterday as he voted in the dead in Brazil that they are going to keep presidential salary by more raft of political and judicial overhaul of the National Council southern region of Moquegua. REUTERS receiving exaggerated, strat- than half when he took office reforms introduced by the new of Magistrates, a seven-member He has backed all the pro- SAO PAULO ospheric salaries — salaries of on December 1, to $5,300 a government of President Martin panel that selects and oversees posed reforms except for cre- up to $29,000 a month — those month. Vizcarra aimed at stamping out judges and prosecutors, fol- ation of a bicameral congress. Two men who were members who impart justice,” Lopez Mexico has the lowest corruption and cronyism in one lowing an influence-trafficking Vizcarra said that had been “dis- of Brazil’s landless activist Obrador complained to wages of any country in the of Latin America’s most prom- scandal in July. torted” by the current congress group MST were killed l in a reporters yesterday, before Organization for Economic ising economies. Election day began at most at the last minute, by removing rural area in the northeast repeating one of his favorite Cooperation and Development, The proposals were polling stations at 8am local legislative control from the state of Paraíba, according to mantras: “There can’t be a rich with a net income per capita of announced in August following time (1300 GMT) with the polls executive in favor of the new MST and local police. government with a poor $1,281 per month. a series of corruption scandals set to be open for eight hours. chambers of deputies and The killings happened on people.” The proposed salary cuts involving high-ranking officials The vote is mandatory in Peru, senators. a farm where activists of the The freeze throws into have caused great uncertainty and politicians, and were reluc- under penalty of a fine. The last bicameral congress left-wing MST group put up question the government’s 2019 for many public sector workers, tantly approved by a unicameral Vizcarra, who took office in was dissolved by then president a camp last year. MST said in budget plans, which are due on with those who can leaving congress dominated by the March after the resignation of Alberto Fujimori in 1992, when a statement that heavily December 15. The suspension posts for jobs in the private opposition. Pedro Pablo Kuczynski amid he accused parliament of armed men entered the camp is pending a definitive ruling by sector. The referendum asks Peru- accusations of corruption, has obstructing security and eco- late on Saturday and shot the the court. Lopez Obrador said yes- vians whether or not they agree been accused by the opposition nomic reforms. two men dead. The Mexican Congress terday that he expects the leg- with the creation of a second of politicizing the vote, resulting His detractors said he had Police at Alhandra munic- decreed in November that, with islative branch to have the final chamber in congress and a ban in a lack of enthusiasm among done so to frustrate corruption ipality confirmed the deaths, few exceptions, no public say on salaries, since they on the re-election of Peruvians weary of politicking investigations and consolidate but said it still lack details of employee should earn more approve the annual budget. lawmakers. and scandal. his power. what it called homicides. MONDAY 10 DECEMBER 2018 HOME 19 The members of Swedish community Swedish Chamber is focusing on several in Qatar are working in diverse sectors projects with the Qatar Free Zone Authority, including engineering, healthcare, aviation which will lead soon to a significant and contracting. SWEDEN Swedish investments in Qatar. Swedish expats connecting through cultural events

SIDI MOHAMED move here or have just arrived. It also THE PENINSULA cooperates with some of the local Qatari centers to spread the word From wintry climate in Sweden, to about local traditions, practices and bright sunny skies in Qatar, its a big manners. change for Swedish expatriates. But Jens Prahel, a pilot with Qatar these expatriates, seldom feel they are Airways commented that: “We are away from home. The Sweden Embassy gathering either in Christmas party or and Swedish Association of Qatar (SAQ) in many other events to celebrate our ensure that the expatriates here remain cultural events and also for sports closely connected by organising events. Such events keep us in touch cultural and traditional events. always,”. The members of Swedish com- About the life in Qatar, he said: munity in Qatar are working in diverse “Qatar is amazing country and is devel- sectors including engineering, oping very fast. I love Qatar specially healthcare, aviation and contracting. the weather, and I have been here more They eagerly wait for their cultural than six years.” events as it gives them opportunity to Replying to a question what he likes meet each other. One such event is in Qatar, Prahel said “ I like the multi- scheduled for December 13 when culture society of Qatar. People from member of the community will have a all over the world gather in one place, festive dinner together with theme of exchanging their experiences and Lucia and midwinter celebration. culture.” According to old Swedish folklore Mattias Nordfeld, President of the belief, during the cold and dark Swedish Commerce Chamber in Qatar December, the Swedes have a need to said that the Swedish Chamber is recall the sun and the light. They gather focusing on several projects with the in offices, schools, with family and Qatar Free Zone Authority, which will friends to enjoy Lucia songs, eating the lead soon to a significant Swedish Swedish community celebrating Midwinter celebrations at St Regis Hotel. The event was organised by the Swedish Embassy yellow saffron buns, symbolising the investments in Qatar. and attended by a lot of guests from government, academia, private sector and media. sun enjoyed with a strongly spiced hot “One of the most important areas drink to stay warm and to bring back of interest to Swedish investors is hope for brighter and warmer days to financial technology, which was a pri- residents alike. return. ority sector in bilateral relations “In fact, this has also led to stronger Chairman of the Swedish Associ- between Qatar and Sweden since the relations between Qatar and Sweden, ation of Qatar Ann Jangsell said, “We visit of H E Sheikh Abdulla bin Saoud more direct trade between Qatar and also try to arrange every spring a lovely Al Thani, Governor of Qatar Central Sweden. In the beginning of 2018, Dhow Trip together, where we enjoy Bank, to Sweden on October 2. Swedish export to Qatar was up 32 the beautiful ocean and weather About Qatar and Swedish relations percent and Qatar export to Sweden together,” she added. Ambassador Ewa Polano said that increased by 180 percent,” she noted. Recently the Swedish community Qatari resilience after June 2017 have She also said that the Swedes are held Midwinter Celebration at St Regis been truly impressive. We have seen very glad that Gothenburg, second hotel. The event was organised by the a stronger Qatar emerging, with biggest Sweden city is among 24 new Sweden embassy and attended by a lot diversified trade routes, more trading destinations opened by Qatar Airways. of guests from government, academia, partners than before, and through “The current ongoing Labor reform private sector, and media. Qatari skilled diplomacy and lead- in Qatar will undoubtedly lead to more The Swedish Association of Qatar ership maintaining peace, security Swedish companies entering the Members of Swedish community enjoying a Dhow trip. helps all the Swedes that are about to and stability for Qatari citizens and market,” she added.

Swedish expats participating in a sports event. Swedish community celebrating midnight winter celebration at St Regis Hotel.

Proud to be in Qatar ‘Qatar a land of opportunities’ SIDI MOHAMED THE PENINSULA AMNA PERVAIZ RAO countries. “It is a bilateral organisation, THE PENINSULA which aims to support the overall trade The Chairman of the Swedish Asso- and investment relations.” ciation of Qatar and Director of Swedish expatriate Mattias Nordfeldt, Between 2017-2018 Swedish Business Development at Ginger who is Chairman of Swedish Chamber exports to Qatar went up by 32 percent Camel, Ann Jangsell said that the of Commerce in Qatar, is making signif- and on the other hand Qatari exports Sweden community in Qatar holds a icant contribution in strengthening ties to Sweden went up by 180 percent. lot of events in Qatar in order to keep between Qatar and Sweden. Few Qatari innovations are very the members connected with each Nordfeldt started his journey as a strong in Sweden. “There is an appli- other. student and he is now Chairman of this cation developed by QCRI (Qatar Com- Although Ann Jangsell is just one organisation. Mattias finds Qatar a hub puting Research Institute) which is used year old in Qatar but she has of opportunities for graduating in nearly 60 hospitals in Sweden. Such accomplished a lot for the Swedish students. Qatari innovations are the fruits of the community in Qatar. She has Talking to The Peninsula, Mattias massive diversification efforts become Chairman of the Swedish Chairman of the Swedish Association said: “I started my journey as a student underway in Qatar, and show the Association of Qatar in a short span of Qatar and Director of Business at Georgetown University. I was offered success of Qatar Foundation” Nordfeldt of time. a lot of opportunities as a student, and added. Development at Ginger Camel, Ann Mattias Nordfeldt, Chairman of Swedish Regarding the activities that got to know this country well.” Talking about SAQ (Swedish Asso- Jangsell Chamber of Commerce in Qatar. PIC: Sweden community is doing in Nordfeldt was given a chance to QASSIM RAHMATULLAH / THE PENINSULA ciation Qatar), he said: “ This associ- Qatar, Jangsell said “We consider work with Embassy of Sweden right ation has 550 Swedish expats in Doha Qatar as our home and we are very Naprapatklinik, Doha Golf Club, after his graduation. “After graduating strengthen the bilateral relationship, together. This organisation hosts dif- proud to be here and it is great and ProSports and Intercontinental I got an opportunity to work with the both in business and political. The ferent activities to engage the com- a nice country. We are arranging a Hotel,” she said. Swedish Embassy in Qatar as its Com- concept of the Swedish Chamber of munity. They have an online platform lot of events such as desert trips Swedish community is very active mercial and Political Officer. I served Commerce grew from there. I wanted from which they keep everyone together to see and explore the beau- and its members meet once in a month the Embassy for more than two years to create something that is entirely in connected.” tiful Qatari scenery and for a traditional Swedish FIKA, which which gave me an avenue to interact the private sector with the support of The Swedish Chamber of Com- landscape.” means coffee and pastries together. with all levels of the private and public Qatar’s government and Embassy of merce promises a lot more business “Also we arrange a Golf Tour- Members meet up in various inter- sectors.” Sweden.” activities in coming few months. Qatar nament with golf lovers in our com- esting places and speak Swedish Telling about his nature of job, he The Swedish Chamber of Com- Airways will start the second trip to munity. This year it was held in the together and share their experiences said: “My work was largely focused on merce is a lifetime project for Mattias. Sweden from December 12 which will beginning of November, with with each other. They helpful each creating opportunities for the Swedish This project aims to elevate the boost the tourism sector and create ease support of sponsors such as, GAC, other with handy recommendations private sector in Qatar, and to further knowledge and interests from both for the families living in Qatar. Safegate, Ängelholms for any Swedish newcomers in Qatar. 20 MORNING BREAK MONDAY 10 DECEMBER 2018

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 04. 47 AM Kenyan clinches strongest man title SHOROOK 06. 08 AM

ZUHR 11. 26 AM MAGHRIB 04. 46 PM RAYNALD C RIVERA Speaking at the THE PENINSULA ASR 02. 25 PM ISHA 06. 16 PM conclusion of the event, Oketch, who Kenyan stalwart Christopher WEATHER TODAY Oketch’s star shone brightly weighs over 120kg, again as he claimed victory attributed his win to for the fourth time at an healthy meals and exciting sixth edition of Qatar’s Strongest Man (QSM) training, adding he organised by Aspire Zone had been physically Foundation (AZF) on Friday ready for about two at Aspire Park. months prior to the Oketch proved his mettle at a gruelling competition competition. which witnessed eight of the brawniest men in Qatar take supported me from my on five mammoth challenges family and fans to the to be crowned the country’s organisers at Aspire Zone strongest. Foundation. I would like to In what was considered mention that you can be the this year’s clash of the titans, hero if you follow a healthy The winners of Qatar’s Strongest Man 2018 with organisers and sponsors. BELOW: Kenyan the event which lasted for lifestyle and pursue your champion Christopher Oketch pulls a six-tonne truck during the contest. more than five hours saw goals. I look forward to par- 2,500 sports fans holding ticipate in next year’s com- their breath and cheering as petition,” said Oketch, upon the thrilling competition of celebrating his win for the strength and endurance pro- third consecutive year. gressed with the eight Abdullah Aman Al finalists one after the other Khater, Director of Events lifted a 180kg bar on a and Venues at AZF, stressed o o rotating platform, lifted the importance of QSM in 20 C 26 C 90kg and 110kg sand bags, AZF’s calendar of annual Minimum Maximum flipped a gigantic tyre, events as it had turned into walked while carrying 90kg a forum for strength and weight on each arm and endurance in the Moderate temperature daytime with some clouds, relatively cold by night. finally pulled a six-tonne community. truck. “QSM’s ever-increasing

HIGH TIDE 7:00 – 17:45 LOW TIDE 14:30 – 23:45 In the end, Oketch once popularity inspires everyone Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department again prevailed to be in the Foundation to take the declared champion cele- competition to the next level brating his victory on the every year. It has become a winning podium joined by forum for strength and Egyptian Mohammed endurance for sports enthu- Dweidar in second place and siasts in Qatar,” said Al compatriot Joseph Iroo Khater. Ekadeli finishing third. Every year, Aspire Zone Speaking at the con- Foundation (AZF) strives to clusion of the event, Oketch, make the event bigger and up of physiotherapists from experience undergoing main sponsor Sports Corner. who weighs over 120kg, better, with an exceptional Aspetar, the orthopaedic and similar challenges to those The sponsors also included attributed his win to healthy ambiance and higher sports medicine hospital in of the contenders as they Ooredoo, De Boer and meals and training, adding standards. Qatar, and medics from the took part in a number of Kidzania. he had been physically To ensure that compet- Qatar Red Crescent. competitions such as car- On the sidelines of the ready for about two months itors remain safe throughout Thousands of sports fans rying sandbags and tyre competition, entertainment prior to the competition. the intense competition, AZF watched the event, some of lifting. Winners received and food stalls were set-up “I thank all those who has allocated a team made whom were lucky enough to financial awards from the for families to enjoy.